bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
p38γ MAPK Is a Therapeutic Target for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Stimulation of Cancer Stem-Like Cell Expansion
Authors: Qi Xiaomei , Yin Ning , Ma Shao , Lepp Adrienne , Tang Jun , Jing Weiqing , Johnson Bryon , Dwinell Michael B. , Chitambar Christopher R. , Chen Guan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly progressive and lacks established therapeutic targets. p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (gene name: MAPK12) is overexpressed in TNBC but how overexpressed p38γ contributes to TNBC remains unknown. Here, we show that p38γ activation promotes TNBC development and progression by stimulating cancer stem-like cell (CSC) expansion and may serve as a novel therapeutic target. p38γ silencing in TNBC cells reduces mammosphere formation and decreases expression levels of CSC drivers including Nanog, Oct3/4, and Sox2. Moreover, p38γ MAPK-forced expression alone is sufficient to stimulate CSC expansion and to induce epithelial cell transformation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, p38γ depends on its activity to stimulate CSC expansion and breast cancer progression, indicating a therapeutic opportunity by application of its pharmacological inhibitor. Indeed, the non-toxic p38γ specific pharmacological inhibitor pirfenidone selectively inhibits TNBC growth in vitro and/or in vivo and significantly decreases the CSC population. Mechanistically, p38γ stimulates Nanog transcription through c-Jun/AP-1 via a multi-protein complex formation. These results together demonstrate that p38γ can drive TNBC development and progression and may be a novel therapeutic target for TNBC by stimulating CSC expansion. Inhibiting p38γ activity with pirfenidone may be a novel strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Stem Cells 2015;33:2738—2747
Dual‐Doppler measurements of a wind ramp event at an Oklahoma wind plant
Authors: Hirth Brian D. , Schroeder John L. , Irons Zack , Walter Kevin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAn observational case study of a wind ramp event at Enel Green Power North America's wind plant in Oklahoma is presented. Using coordinated measurements collected by the Texas Tech University Ka‐band radars, dual‐Doppler‐synthesized wind fields are merged with data from a meteorological tower and 32 operational turbines to document the evolution and impact of the wind ramp on turbine behavior and performance over a 1 h period. During the event, average power output for turbines within the dual‐Doppler analysis domain increases from 18.3% of capacity to 98.9% of capacity, emphasizing the abrupt impact wind ramp events can have on the electrical grid. The presented measurements and analyses highlight the insights remote sensing technologies can offer towards documenting transient wind ramps and assisting modeling efforts used to forecast such events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of DL‐3‐n‐butylphthalide in patients with vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease: A multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Jia Jianping , Wei Cuibai , Liang Junhua , Zhou Aihong , Zuo Xiumei , Song Haiqing , Wu Liyong , Chen Xiaochun , Chen Shengdi , Zhang Junjian , Wu Jiang , Wang Kai , Chu Lan , Peng Dantao , Lv Peiyuan , Guo Hongzhi , Niu Xiaoyuan , Chen Yingzhu , Dong Wanli , Han Xiujie , Fang Boyan , Peng Mao , Li Dan , Jia Qian , Huang Liyuan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionVascular cognitive impairment without dementia is very common among the aged and tends to progress to dementia, but there have been no proper large‐scale intervention trials dedicated to it. Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease (hereinafter, subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia) represents a relatively homogeneous disease process and is a suitable target for therapeutic trials investigating Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia. Preclinical trials showed that dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP) is effective for cognitive impairment of vascular origin.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, we enrolled patients aged 50–70 years who had a diagnosis of subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia at 15 academic medical centers in China. Inclusion criteria included a clinical dementia rating ≥0.5 on at least one domain and global score ≤0.5; a mini‐mental state examination score ≥20 (primary school) or ≥24 (junior school or above); and brain magnetic resonance imaging consistent with subcortical ischemic small vessel disease. Patients were randomly assigned to NBP 200 mg three times daily or matched placebo (1:1) for 24 weeks according to a computer‐generated randomization protocol. All patients and study personnel were masked to treatment assignment. Primary outcome measures were the changes in Alzheimer's disease assessment scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) and clinician's interview‐based impression of change plus caregiver input (CIBIC‐plus) after 24 weeks. All patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs). Outcome measures were analyzed for both the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population and the per protocol population.ResultsThis study enrolled 281 patients. NBP showed greater effects than placebo on ADAS‐cog (NBP change −2.46 vs. placebo −1.39; P = .03; ITT) and CIBIC‐plus (80 [57.1%] vs. 59 [42.1%] patients improved; P = .01; ITT). NBP‐related AE were uncommon and primarily consisted of mild gastrointestinal symptoms.DiscussionOver the 6‐month treatment period, NBP was effective for improving cognitive and global functioning in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment without dementia and exhibited good safety.
LOCAL PREMIUM OR LOCAL DISCOUNT: THE CASE OF PACKAGED FRESH TOMATOES IN HAWAII
Authors: XU XUN , KEAHIOLALO KRISTOPHER , LOKE MATTHEW K. , LEUNG PINGSUN 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article utilizes the 2011 Nielsen scanner data for the Honolulu fresh tomato market to explore the existence of price premium for local food. Hedonic analysis is conducted to delineate the price impact of the local attribute. Contrary to the widely perceived local price premium in the consumer preference literature, mixed results of price premiums and discounts are discovered for local tomato products. Additional investigation suggests that the prices of local tomatoes are likely influenced by seasonal output fluctuation. The limited market distribution capacity facing local producers may have contributed further to the retail discounting.
Common Diagnoses and Outcomes in Elderly Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department with Non-Specific Complaints
Authors: Quinn Kathleen , Herman Michael , Lin Daren , Supapol Wendy , Worster Andrew 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveElderly patients often present to the emergency department (ED) with non-specific complaints. Previous studies indicate that such patients are at greater risk for life-threatening illnesses than similarly aged patients with specific complaints. We evaluated the diagnoses and outcomes of elderly patients presenting with non-specific complaints.MethodsTwo trained data abstractors independently reviewed all records of patients over 70 years old presenting (to two academic EDs) with non-specific complaints, as defined by the Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS). Outcomes of interest were ED discharge diagnosis, hospital admission, length of stay, and ED revisit within 30 days.ResultsOf the 743 patients screened for the study, 265 were excluded because they had dizziness, vertigo, or a specific complaint recorded in the triage notes. 419 patients (87.7%) presented with weakness and 59 patients (12.3%) presented with general fatigue or unwellness. The most common diagnoses were urinary tract infection (UTI) (11.3%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (10.0%), and dehydration (5.6%). There were 11 hospital admissions with median length of stay of five days. Eighty-one (16.9%) patients revisited the ED within 30 days of discharge. Regression analysis indicated that arrival to the ED by ambulance was independently associated with hospital admission.ConclusionsOur results suggest that elderly patients presenting to the ED with non-specific complaints are not at high risk for life-threatening illnesses. The most common diagnoses are UTI, TIA, and dehydration. Most patients can be discharged safely, although a relatively high proportion revisit the ED within 30 days.
The Role of EMS in Regionalized Systems of Care
Authors: Drennan Ian R. , Verbeek P. Richard 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe parallel advancement of prehospital and in-hospital patient care has provided impetus for the development and implementation of regionalized systems of health care for patients suffering from acute, life-threatening injury and illness. Regardless of the patient’s clinical condition, regionalized systems of care revolve around the premise of providing the right care to the right patient at the right time. Current regionalization strategies have shown improvements in the time to patient treatment and in patient outcome, with the incorporation of emergency medical services (EMS) bypass as a key component of the system of care. This article discusses the emerging role of EMS as a critical component of regionalized systems essential to ensure effective and efficient use of resources to improve patient outcome. We also examine some of the benefits and barriers to implementation of regionalized systems of care and avenues for future research.
Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders in Asian Populations of British Columbia
Authors: Lee Joshua D. , Guimond Colleen , Yee Irene M. , Vilariño-Güell Carles , Wu Zhi-Ying , Traboulsee Anthony L. , Sadovnick A. Dessa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground: Global variation in the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally ascribed to differences in genetic and environmental risk factors. Here we investigate temporal trends in the incidence of MS and related disorders in British Columbia, Canada, from 1986 to 2010, focusing particularly on the Asian ethnic subpopulation.
Methods: A longitudinal database was screened to identify newly diagnosed cases of MS and related disorders, including neuromyelitis optica and clinically isolated syndromes. Age-standardized, sex-specific mean annual incidence was calculated for the Asian and non-Asian population of British Columbia for 5-year intervals from 1986 to 2010. Temporal changes and cohort differences in incidence rates and demographic characteristics were evaluated. Results: During this period, the incidence of MS and related disorders in the non-Asian population remained relatively unchanged, from 10.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.87-10.97) to 9.91 (95% CI: 9.46-10.39) per 100,000 (p=0.167). In contrast, incidence in the Asian population doubled during the same period. This increase was driven by a precipitous rise in the incidence of MS in females from 0.71 (95% CI: 0.01-1.50) to 2.08 (95% CI: 1.43-2.91) per 100,000 (p=0.004), including both Canadian-born and immigrant Asians. The incidence of neuromyelitis optica did not change significantly during this period. Conclusions: The incidence of MS may be increasing among females in the Asian ethnic population of British Columbia.
Building and Validating a Computerized Algorithm for Surveillance of Ventilator-Associated Events
Authors: Mann Tal , Ellsworth Joseph , Huda Najia , Neelakanta Anupama , Chevalier Thomas , Sims Kristin L. , Dhar Sorabh , Robinson Mary E. , Kaye Keith S. 
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVETo develop an automated method for ventilator-associated condition (VAC) surveillance and to compare its accuracy and efficiency with manual VAC surveillanceSETTINGThe intensive care units (ICUs) of 4 hospitalsMETHODSThis study was conducted at Detroit Medical Center, a tertiary care center in metropolitan Detroit. A total of 128 ICU beds in 4 acute care hospitals were included during the study period from August to October 2013. The automated VAC algorithm was implemented and utilized for 1 month by all study hospitals. Simultaneous manual VAC surveillance was conducted by 2 infection preventionists and 1 infection control fellow who were blinded to each another’s findings and to the automated VAC algorithm results. The VACs identified by the 2 surveillance processes were compared.RESULTSDuring the study period, 110 patients from all the included hospitals were mechanically ventilated and were evaluated for VAC for a total of 992 mechanical ventilation days. The automated VAC algorithm identified 39 VACs with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. In comparison, the combined efforts of the IPs and the infection control fellow detected 58.9% of VACs, with 59% sensitivity, 99% specificity, 91% PPV, and 92% NPV. Moreover, the automated VAC algorithm was extremely efficient, requiring only 1 minute to detect VACs over a 1-month period, compared to 60.7 minutes using manual surveillance.CONCLUSIONSThe automated VAC algorithm is efficient and accurate and is ready to be used routinely for VAC surveillance. Furthermore, its implementation can optimize the sensitivity and specificity of VAC identification.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):999–1003
Relationship building in empowering leadership processes: A test of mediation and moderation
Authors: Kwak Won Jun , Jackson Christine L 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe direct positive relationship between empowering leadership and subordinate empowerment is well established. However, leader–member exchange (LMX) research, which concerns a leader’s relationship-building with subordinates in a work unit, suggests that the direct leader empowering–subordinate empowerment association may be more complex than understood in the current literature. Accordingly, this study examined LMX theory-based mediation and moderation processes occurring between empowering leadership and subordinate empowerment. In a field study employing 132 administrative workers in 26 work groups, as expected, an individual subordinate’s perceived LMX mediated the positive effects of empowering leadership on the subordinate’s psychological empowerment. In addition, LMX differentiation cross-level moderated the linkage between empowering leadership and perceived LMX. Together, study findings suggest that subordinates’ perceived LMX in a dyadic relationship with a leader and in a work group needs to be carefully considered in empowering leadership processes.
Descriptive Evaluation of a Smoking Cessation Support Service for Chronic Disease Clients Within a Hospital Admissions Risk Program
Authors: Shields Pam , Bradley Robyn , Graco Marnie , Hutchinson A. 
Published: June 2015

Introduction: The Northern Alliance HARP smoking cessation program provides support to chronic disease participants who desired to quit smoking. This is an individualised program with pharmacotherapy and behavioural support, delivered by specialist clinicians.Aims: The aims of this descriptive evaluation were to explore factors that affect abstinence rates, record those rates, and describe the impact of anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation on quit rates at three months.Methods: Data was collected prospectively from clients enrolled in the service. Participants were assessed for abstinence at three months, six months and one year by carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring and self-reporting. Factors predictive of quitting were analysed using logistic regression; factors with a p value < 0.05 and 95% CI not containing one were considered statistically significant.Results: 103 clients were assessed and 86 were enrolled in the program. The odds of successful quitting at three months CO verified was higher amongst completers of the program compared to non-completers (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.03–21.57, p = 0.002). The probability of sustained quitting at one year was over 18 times higher in the group who completed the program (n = 16/21 completers and n = 1/4 non-completers) (OR 18.5, 95% CI, 2.32–147.34, p = 0.006). No other factors predicted quitting.The rate of quitting was 28.7% at three months, 19.5% at six months and 10.3% at one year, CO verified. Measures of anxiety and depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation did not influence either the quit rate or the likelihood of completing the course of treatment at three months.
Hyperactivity and impaired attention in Gamma aminobutyric acid transporter subtype 1 gene knockout mice
Authors: Chen Long , Yang Xiaobo , Zhou Xiaoyong , Wang Cuicui , Gong Xue , Chen Biqin , Chen Yinghui 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioural disorder. It is conceivable that Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission is implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD. This study investigated the effect of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) on the anxiety-like behaviours and cognitive function in knockout mice.MethodsIn all, 20 adult male mice were divided into two groups: wild-type (WT) group and GAT-1−/−group. The open field test, elevated O-maze (EZM) and Morris water maze were used to evaluate behavioural traits relevant to ADHD.ResultsCompared with WT mice, the GAT-1−/−mice travelled longer and displayed an enhanced kinematic velocity with the significant reduction of rest time in the open field test (p<0.05). The EZM showed that GAT-1−/−mice displayed a significant increase in total entries into the open sectors and the closed sectors compared with the WT mice. The WT mice showed shorter latencies after the training session (p<0.01), whereas the GAT-1−/−mice made no difference during probe test, the GAT-1−/−mice spent less time in the target quadrant (p<0.01).ConclusionOur results demonstrated that GAT-1−/−mice have phenotypes of hyperactivity, impaired sustained attention and learning deficiency, and the performance of GAT-1−/−mice is similar to ADHD symptoms. So, the study of the GAT-1−/−mice may provide new insights into the mechanisms and the discovery of novel therapeutics for the treatment of ADHD.
Population dynamics of Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae) across a temperate altitudinal gradient
Authors: Chaves L.F. , Imanishi N. , Hoshi T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the impacts of weather fluctuations, and environmental gradients, on the abundance of vectors is fundamental to grasp the dynamic nature of the entomological risk for disease transmission. The mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillet) is a common vector of filariasis. Nevertheless, its population dynamics have been relatively poorly studied. Here, we present results from a season long study where we studied spatio-temporal abundance patterns of Ar. subalbatus across the altitudinal gradient of Mt. Konpira in Nagasaki, Japan. Spatially, we found that abundance of adult Ar. subalbatus decreased with altitude and increased in areas where the ground was rich in leaf litter. Similarly, adult activity was observed only when relative humidity was over 65%. Temporally, we found that peaks in abundance followed large rainfall events. Nevertheless, this mosquito was under significant density dependence regulation. Our results suggest that Ar. subalbatus population peaks following large rainfall events could reflect the recruitment of individuals that were dormant as dry eggs. We did not find a clear signal of temperature on abundance changes of this mosquito, but only on its phenology. Since ground cover seemed more critical than temperature to its spatial distribution, we propose that this mosquito might have some degree of autonomy to changes in temperature.
Morphological identification and COI barcodes of adult flies help determine species identities of chironomid larvae (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: Failla A.J. , Vasquez A.A. , Hudson P. , Fujimoto M. , Ram J.L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEstablishing reliable methods for the identification of benthic chironomid communities is important due to their significant contribution to biomass, ecology and the aquatic food web. Immature larval specimens are more difficult to identify to species level by traditional morphological methods than their fully developed adult counterparts, and few keys are available to identify the larval species. In order to develop molecular criteria to identify species of chironomid larvae, larval and adult chironomids from Western Lake Erie were subjected to both molecular and morphological taxonomic analysis. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcode sequences of 33 adults that were identified to species level by morphological methods were grouped with COI sequences of 189 larvae in a neighbor-joining taxon-ID tree. Most of these larvae could be identified only to genus level by morphological taxonomy (only 22 of the 189 sequenced larvae could be identified to species level). The taxon-ID tree of larval sequences had 45 operational taxonomic units (OTUs, defined as clusters with >97% identity or individual sequences differing from nearest neighbors by >3%; supported by analysis of all larval pairwise differences), of which seven could be identified to species or ‘species group’ level by larval morphology. Reference sequences from the GenBank and BOLD databases assigned six larval OTUs with presumptive species level identifications and confirmed one previously assigned species level identification. Sequences from morphologically identified adults in the present study grouped with and further classified the identity of 13 larval OTUs. The use of morphological identification and subsequent DNA barcoding of adult chironomids proved to be beneficial in revealing possible species level identifications of larval specimens. Sequence data from this study also contribute to currently inadequate public databases relevant to the Great Lakes region, while the neighbor-joining analysis reported here describes the application and confirmation of a useful tool that can accelerate identification and bioassesment of chironomid communities.
Profiting from Sanctions: Economic Coercion and US Foreign Direct Investment in Third-Party States
Authors: Barry Colin M. , Kleinberg Katja B. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractScholarship on the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows has produced valuable insights into the role of host state characteristics and home-host relations. This study draws attention to another factor in investment decisions—the political and economic relations that home and host states maintain with third-party states. More narrowly, we focus on how investors respond to their home-state's imposition of economic sanctions against a trading partner. Greater economic integration has allowed states to use economic sanctions more frequently in recent decades. At the same time, economic sanctions are thought to have a distorting effect on global trade and financial flows as firms and governments adjust to new constraints. We argue that as firms at home in the sanctioning state respond to coercive measures against a trading partner by looking for alternative sources of profit, they will shift investments to states that can provide indirect access to the sanctioned economy. In particular, those states that are perceived as prospective sanctions-busters—major trading partners of the sanctions target or states with a history of sanctions-busting behavior—will benefit disproportionately from the misfortune of others. We test this conjecture using data on US economic sanctions and global flows of US FDI from 1966 to 2000. The findings reveal that investor decision making in part responds to political developments beyond the home-host dyad.