bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of human B‐cell responses following ChAd63‐MVA MSP1 and AMA1 immunization and controlled malaria infection
Authors: Elias Sean C. , Choudhary Prateek , de Cassan Simone C. , Biswas Sumi , Collins Katharine A. , Halstead Fenella D. , Bliss Carly M. , Ewer Katie J. , Hodgson Susanne H. , Duncan Christopher J. A. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Draper Simon J. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAcquisition of non‐sterilizing natural immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been shown in low transmission areas following multiple exposures. However, conflicting data from endemic areas suggest that the parasite may interfere with the induction of effective B‐cell responses. To date, the impact of blood‐stage parasite exposure on antigen‐specific B cells has not been reported following controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Here we analysed human B‐cell responses in a series of Phase I/IIa clinical trials, which include CHMI, using candidate virus‐vectored vaccines encoding two blood‐stage antigens: merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) and apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Previously vaccinated volunteers show boosting of pre‐existing antigen‐specific memory B‐cell (mBC) responses following CHMI. In contrast, unvaccinated malaria‐naive control volunteers developed an mBC response against MSP1 but not AMA1. Serum IgG correlated with the mBC response after booster vaccination but this relationship was less well maintained following CHMI. A significant reduction in peripheral MSP1‐specific mBC was observed at the point of diagnosis of blood‐stage infection. This was coincident with a reduction in peripheral blood B‐cell subsets expressing CXCR3 and elevated serum levels of interferon‐γ and CXCL9, suggesting migration away from the periphery. These CHMI data confirm that mBC and antibody responses can be induced and boosted by blood‐stage parasite exposure, in support of epidemiological studies on low‐level parasite exposure.
The locomotive assignment problem: a survey on optimization models
Authors: Piu F. , Speranza M. G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe objective of the locomotive assignment problem (LAP) is to assign a fleet of locomotives to a set of trains while satisfying a rich set of operational and budget constraints and optimizing one or more crucial objectives. This paper presents a survey on optimization models for this class of scheduling problems. Depending on the context of application, the kind of model used to solve the LAP varies; accordingly, this influences the solution methodology and algorithms used. In this paper, we review and also suggest a classification of the various models.
Effect of Ion Substitution for Nd3+ Based on Structural Characteristic on the Microwave Dielectric Properties of NdNbO4 Ceramic System
Authors: Zhang Ping , Song Zhenkun , Wang Yue , Li Lingxia 
Published: December 2013

NdNbO4 ceramics with substituted Nd3+ were prepared by conventional mixed oxide route. The solid solubility limits of Sr, Ca, Mn, and Co in NdNbO4 were discussed. The generated second phases had a direct affect on the quality factors of NdNbO4 ceramic. The effects of ionic substitution on the microstructures and microwave dielectric properties based on structural characteristics of NdNbO4 ceramics were investigated systematically. The specimens presented single NdNbO4 phase that were used to explain the microwave dielectric properties of NdNbO4 based on the structural characteristics. From microscopy and phase analysis, it was determined the microwave dielectric properties were strongly dependent on structural characteristics. The dielectric constants were related to the relative density and ion polarizabilities, the temperature coefficients of the resonant frequency τƒ were effected by the octahedral structures, and the quality factors Q × ƒ was dependent on, and increased monotonically with, packing fraction.
Revised Healthy Lifestyle‐Diet Index and associations with obesity and iron deficiency in schoolchildren: The Healthy Growth Study
Authors: Manios Y. , Moschonis G. , Papandreou C. , Politidou E. , Naoumi A. , Peppas D. , Mavrogianni C. , Lionis C. , Chrousos G. P. ,   on behalf of the ‘Healthy Growth Study’ group
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Healthy Lifestyle‐Diet Index (HLD‐index), previously developed to assess the degree of adherence to dietary and lifestyle guidelines for primary schoolchildren, was revised according to updated recommendations. Τhe association of the revised HLD‐index (R‐HLD‐index) with obesity and iron deficiency (ID) was also examined.MethodsA representative sample of 2660 primary schoolchildren from Greece (9–13 years old) participating in the ‘Healthy Growth Study’ was examined. Twelve components related to dietary and lifestyle patterns were used to develop the R‐HLD‐index. Scores from 0 up to 4 were assigned to each one of these components, giving a total score ranging from 0 to 48. The associations between the R‐HLD‐index, obesity and ID were examined via logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe total score of the R‐HLD‐index calculated for each one of the study participants was found to range between 2 and 32 units, with higher scores being indicative of a healthier lifestyle and better diet quality. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in the R‐HLD‐index score by one unit was associated with 6% lower odds for obesity. However, no significant association was observed between the R‐HLD‐index score and ID.ConclusionsThe R‐HLD‐index may be a useful tool for public health policy makers and healthcare professionals when assessing diet quality and lifestyle patterns of primary schoolchildren. Identification of children with lower scores in the R‐HLD‐index and its individual components could guide tailored made interventions targeting specific children and behaviors.
The Future of Purchasing and Supply Management Research: About Relevance and Rigor
Authors: van Weele Arjan J. , van Raaij Erik M. 
Published: December 2013

The Journal of Supply Chain Management (JSCM) is a hallmark in the academic field of operations and supply chain management. During the past 50 years, it has contributed substantially to the recognition and adoption of purchasing and supply management (PSM) as an academic and strategic business domain. Having been invited by the JSCM editors to provide some ideas on the future directions of PSM research, the authors discuss what can be done to further increase both its relevance and rigor. Rigor and relevance in academic research are interconnected. To improve its relevance, the authors argue that future PSM research should better reflect the strategic priorities raised in the contemporary strategic management literature. Next, future PSM research should be much better embedded in a limited number of management theories. Here, stakeholder theory, network theory, the resource‐based view of the firm, dynamic capabilities theory, and the relational view could be considered as interesting candidates. Rigor is connected with robustness of academic research designs and projects. To foster its rigor, future PSM research should allow for an increase in the number of replication studies, longitudinal studies, and meta‐analytical studies. Future PSM research designs should reflect a careful distinction between informants and respondents and a careful sample selection. When discussing the results of quantitative studies, future PSM research should report on effect sizes and confidence intervals, rather than p‐values. Adoption of these ideas would have some important implications for both the academic PSM community and academic journal editors.
Deficiency of FK506‐binding protein (FKBP) 51 alters sleep architecture and recovery sleep responses to stress in mice
Authors: Albu Stefana , Romanowski Christoph P. N. , Letizia Curzi M. , Jakubcakova Vladimira , Flachskamm Cornelia , Gassen Nils C. , Hartmann Jakob , Schmidt Mathias V. , Schmidt Ulrike , Rein Theo , Holsboer Florian , Hausch Felix , Paez‐Pereda Marcelo , Kimura Mayumi 
Published: December 2013

SummaryFK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a co‐chaperone of the glucocorticoid receptor, functionally linked to its activity via an ultra‐short negative feedback loop. Thus, FKBP51 plays an important regulatory role in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis necessary for stress adaptation and recovery. Previous investigations illustrated that HPA functionality is influenced by polymorphisms in the gene encoding FKBP51, which are associated with both increased protein levels and depressive episodes. Because FKBP51 is a key molecule in stress responses, we hypothesized that its deletion impacts sleep. To study FKBP51‐involved changes in sleep, polysomnograms of FKBP51 knockout (KO) mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates were compared at baseline and in the recovery phase after 6‐h sleep deprivation (SD) and 1‐h restraint stress (RS). Using another set of animals, the 24‐h profiles of hippocampal free corticosterone levels were also determined. The most dominant effect of FKBP51 deletion appeared as increased nocturnal wake, where the bout length was significantly extended while non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and rapid eye movement sleep were rather suppressed. After both SD and RS, FKBP51KO mice exhibited less recovery or rebound sleep than WTs, although slow‐wave activity during NREMS was higher in KOs, particularly after SD. Sleep compositions of KOs were nearly opposite to sleep profiles observed in human depression. This might result from lower levels of free corticosterone in FKBP51KO mice, confirming reduced HPA reactivity. The results indicate that an FKBP51 deletion yields a pro‐resilience sleep phenotype. FKBP51 could therefore be a therapeutic target for stress‐induced mood and sleep disorders.
Age and gender differences in the relationship between hepatitis C infection and all stages of Chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li W.‐C. , Lee Y.‐Y. , Chen I.‐C. , Wang S.‐H. , Hsiao C.‐T. , Loke S.‐S. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health issue with heavy economic burden. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common cause of CKD, which can significantly impact the progression and mortality among patients with CKD. The prevalence of both illnesses is high in Taiwan. A multicentre and population‐based cross‐sectional study including 24 642 subjects was conducted to explore the association of HCV infection with the prevalence and severity of CKD. The measurements of metabolic parameters, eGFR and CKD stages were compared between subjects with HCV seropositivity and seronegativity. The analyses of association between HCV infection with CKD stages and evaluation of potential risk factors of CKD were performed by gender and age (≤ and >45 years). HCV‐seropositive subjects accounted for 6.9% and had a significantly older age. The prevalence of CKD increased in those with HCV seropositivity (16.5%). Significantly higher prevalence of CKD stages ≥3 in HCV‐seropositive subjects was noticed (7.8%). Age (>45 year), male gender, alcohol drinking, hypertension, creatinine and HCV infection were the significant factors associated with the presence of CKD. HCV seropositivity was an independent risk factor of developing CKD and associated with an increased risk of having CKD of all stages. The higher prevalence of earlier stage of CKD warrants longitudinal studies with frequent testing on renal function and sufficient duration to determine the changes of eGFR over time. Implementation of effective treatment intervention is also required for these subjects to prevent the progression of CKD to late stages.
Allelic polymorphism and inheritance of MdACS1 and MdACO1 genes in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Marić Slađana , Lukić Milan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe allelic polymorphism and inheritance of MdACS1 and MdACO1 genes were analysed in 28 apple cultivars, which were derived from reciprocal crosses of the following parental pairs: ‘Golden Delicious’ × ‘James Grieve’, ‘Golden Delicious’ × ‘Jonathan’, ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ × ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ × ‘Jonathan’. Polymorphisms were detected by PCR and the use of two restriction enzymes (BamH1 and RsaI). In addition, new primers were designed for the further discrimination of MdACO1 alleles. Two alleles of MdACS1 gene (MdACS1‐1 and MdACS1‐2) and three alleles of MdACO1 gene (a, b and c) were detected. Cloning and sequencing of MdACO1 alleles confirmed a high conservation and some differences within the coding regions and helped to reconcile between different numbering systems. Observed segregations confirmed that alleles a, b and c belonged to the MdACO1 gene. It is apparent that polymorphisms within the MdACS1 and MdACO1 genes could aid cultivar genotyping and identification and, furthermore, that the MdACS1‐2/2 genotype is correlated with a long apple storage life.
Trade Policy Flexibilities and Turkey: Tariffs, Anti‐dumping, Safeguards and WTO Dispute Settlement
Authors: Bown Chad P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe commitment to lower import tariffs and to maintain tariffs at low levels entails political‐economic trade‐offs. Empirical work examining the relationship between such commitments and the ‘flexibilities’ that policymakers exercise to get around them is still relatively nascent, especially for emerging economies. This paper provides a rich, empirically based assessment of ways that Turkey exercised trade policy flexibilities during the global economic crisis of 2008–11. First, and despite multilateral and customs union commitments that might limit changes to its applied tariffs, Turkey exercised flexibilities during 2008–11 by making changes to both its applied MFN and preferential tariffs that could affect nearly 9 per cent of its manufacturing imports. Second, Turkey's cumulative application of temporary trade barrier (TTB) policies – that is, anti‐dumping, safeguards and countervailing duties – is estimated to impact an additional 4–6 per cent of Turkey's manufacturing imports by 2011. Other surprising results include Turkey's lengthy extensions to the duration of previously imposed anti‐dumping and safeguards beyond expected removal dates, conversion of product coverage from one TTB policy to another, extensive coverage of upstream and downstream segments of important industries and potential deepening of discriminatory preferences already inherent in existing preferential trade agreements.
Intramuscular Delivery of Adenovirus Serotype 5 Vector Expressing Humanized Protective Antigen Induces Rapid Protection against Anthrax That May Bypass Intranasally Originated Preexisting Adenovirus Immunity
Authors: Wu Shipo , Zhang Zhe , Yu Rui , Zhang Jun , Liu Ying , Song Xiaohong , Yi Shaoqiong , Liu Ju , Chen Jianqin , Yin Ying , Xu Junjie , Hou Lihua , Chen Wei 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTDeveloping an effective anthrax vaccine that can induce a rapid and sustained immune response is a priority for the prevention of bioterrorism-associated anthrax infection. Here, we developed a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus serotype 5-based vaccine expressing the humanized protective antigen (Ad5-PAopt). A single intramuscular injection of Ad5-PAopt resulted in rapid and robust humoral and cellular immune responses in Fisher 344 rats. Animals intramuscularly inoculated with a single dose of 108infectious units of Ad5-PAopt achieved 100% protection from challenge with 10 times the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of anthrax lethal toxin 7 days after vaccination. Although preexisting intranasally induced immunity to Ad5 slightly weakened the humoral and cellular immune responses to Ad5-PAopt via intramuscular inoculation, 100% protection was achieved 15 days after vaccination in Fisher 344 rats. The protective efficacy conferred by intramuscular vaccination in the presence of preexisting intranasally induced immunity was significantly better than that of intranasal delivery of Ad5-PAopt and intramuscular injection with recombinant PA and aluminum adjuvant without preexisting immunity. As natural Ad5 infection often occurs via the mucosal route, the work here largely illuminates that intramuscular inoculation with Ad5-PAopt can overcome the negative effects of immunity induced by prior adenovirus infection and represents an efficient approach for protecting against emerging anthrax.
A PCR–High-Resolution Melt Assay for Rapid Differentiation of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus haemolyticus
Authors: Pickering Janessa , Binks Michael J. , Beissbarth Jemima , Hare Kim M. , Kirkham Lea-Ann S. , Smith-Vaughan Heidi 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

We have developed a PCR–high-resolution melt (PCR-HRM) assay to discriminate nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) colonies from
Haemophilus haemolyticus
. This method is rapid and robust, with 96% sensitivity and 92% specificity compared to the
hpd
#3 assay. PCR-HRM is ideal for high-throughput screening for NTHi surveillance and clinical trials.
Circulating Mycobacterium bovis Peptides and Host Response Proteins as Biomarkers for Unambiguous Detection of Subclinical Infection
Authors: Lamont Elise A. , Janagama Harish K. , Ribeiro-Lima Joao , Vulchanova Lucy , Seth Meetu , Yang My , Kurmi Kiran , Waters W. Ray , Thacker Tyler , Sreevatsan Srinand 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBovine tuberculosis remains one of the most damaging diseases to agriculture, and there is also a concern for human spillover. A critical need exists for rapid, thorough, and inexpensive diagnostic methods capable of detecting and differentiatingMycobacterium bovisinfection from other pathogenic and environmental mycobacteria at multiple surveillance levels. In a previous study, Seth et al. (PLoS One 4:e5478, 2009,doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005478) identified 32 host peptides that specifically increased in the blood serum ofM. bovis-infected animals). In the current study, 16M. bovisproteins were discovered in the blood serum proteomics data sets. A large-scale validation analysis was undertaken for selected host andM. bovisproteins using a cattle serum repository containingM. bovis(n= 128),Mycobacterium kansasii(n= 10), andMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(n= 10), cases exposed toM. bovis(n= 424), and negative controls (n= 38). Of the host biomarkers, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) showed the greatest sensitivity and specificity forM. bovisdetection. CirculatingM. bovisproteins, specifically polyketide synthetase 5, detectedM. bovis-infected cattle with little to no seroreactivity againstM. kansasii- andM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis-infected animals. These data indicate that host and pathogen serum proteins can serve as reliable biomarkers for trackingM. bovisinfection in animal populations.
Necessity for Reassessment of Patients with Serogroup 2 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Undetectable Serum HCV RNA
Authors: Moritou Yuki , Ikeda Fusao , Takeuchi Yasuto , Seki Hiroyuki , Nanba Shintaro , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
We encountered a patient positive for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) whose serum HCV RNA was undetectable with the Roche AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HCV assay (CAP/CTM) version 1 but showed a high viral load with the Abbott RealTime HCV assay (ART). Discrepancies in the detectability of serum HCV RNA were investigated among 891 consecutive patients who were positive for anti-HCV. Specific nucleotide variations causing the undetectability of HCV RNA were determined and confirmed by synthesizing RNA coding those variations. Serum samples with the discrepancies were also reassessed by CAP/CTM version 2. Among the 891 anti-HCV-positive patients, 4 patients had serum HCV RNA levels that were undetectable by CAP/CTM version 1 despite having levels of >5 log IU/ml that were detected by ART. All four patients had HCV genotype 2a and high titers of anti-HCV. Sequencing of the HCV 5′ noncoding regions revealed 2 common variations, A at nucleotide (nt) 145 and T at nt 151. Synthesized RNAs of the HCV 5′ noncoding region with standard (NCR145G151C) and variant nucleotides at nt 145 and nt 151 were quantified with CAP/CTM. RNAs of NCR145G151C and NCR145G151T were quantifiable with CAP/CTM version 1, while those of NCR145A151T and NCR145A151C went undetected. The substitution from G to A at nt 145 specifically conferred this undetectability, while this undetectability was reverted in synthesized HCV RNA with correction of this variation. Reassessment of these samples by CAP/CTM version 2 resulted in similar levels of HCV RNA being detected by ART. We conclude that HCV patients with undetectable HCV RNA by CAP/CTM version 1 should be reassessed for viral quantification.
Association of Inconclusive Sera for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection with Malaria and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Central Africa
Authors: Mbopi-Keou Francois-Xavier , Ndjoyi-Mbiguino Angélique , Talla Frédéric , Péré Hélène , Kebe Khady , Matta Mathieu , Sosso Maurice Aurelien , Bélec Laurent 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Among 464 sera from adults in Cameroon, 56 (12.1%) gave inconclusive HIV serology. All were negative for HIV-1 DNA; 44.6% (
n
= 25) were significantly associated with
Plasmodium
(42.8%) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (17.8%) infections. In Central Africa, sera giving inconclusive results for HIV are frequently associated with malaria, EBV infection, or both.
Interactions between Herpesvirus Entry Mediator (TNFRSF14) and Latency-Associated Transcript during Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Latency
Authors: Allen Sariah J. , Rhode-Kurnow Antje , Mott Kevin R. , Jiang Xianzhi , Carpenter Dale , Rodriguez-Barbosa J. Ignacio , Jones Clinton , Wechsler Steven L. , Ware Carl F. , Ghiasi Homayon 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTHerpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) is one of several cell surface proteins herpes simplex virus (HSV) uses for attachment/entry. HVEM regulates cellular immune responses and can also increase cell survival. Interestingly, latency-associated transcript (LAT), the only viral gene consistently expressed during neuronal latency, enhances latency and reactivation by promoting cell survival and by helping the virus evade the host immune response. However, the mechanisms of these LAT activities are not well understood. We show here for the first time that one mechanism by which LAT enhances latency and reactivation appears to be by upregulating HVEM expression. HSV-1 latency/reactivation was significantly reduced inHvem−/−mice, indicating that HVEM plays a significant role in HSV-1 latency/reactivation. Furthermore, LAT upregulated HVEM expression during latencyin vivoand also when expressedin vitroin the absence of other viral factors. This study suggests a mechanism whereby LAT upregulates HVEM expression potentially through binding of two LAT small noncoding RNAs to the HVEM promoter and that the increased HVEM then leads to downregulation of immune responses in the latent microenvironment and increased survival of latently infected cells. Thus, one of the mechanisms by which LAT enhances latency/reactivation appears to be through increasing expression of HVEM.
A Versatile RNA Vector for Delivery of Coding and Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Schmid Sonja , Zony Lum C. , tenOever Benjamin R. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

The discovery that RNA viruses, lacking any DNA intermediate, can be engineered to express both coding and noncoding RNAs suggests that this platform may have therapeutic value as a delivery vehicle. Here we illustrate that a self-replicating, noninfectious RNA, modeled on influenza virus, provides one such example of a versatile
in vivo
delivery system for silencing and/or expressing a desired RNA for therapeutic purposes.