bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in basement membrane zone components of normal conjunctiva, conjunctiva in glaucoma and normal skin
Authors: Messmer Elisabeth M. , Valet Véronique M. , Kampik Anselm 
Published: August 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the distribution of basement membrane zone (BMZ) components in normal conjunctiva, conjunctiva of patients with glaucoma and normal skin.Methods:  Thirty‐five normal conjunctival biopsies and 16 conjunctival biopsies of patients with glaucoma under topical anti‐glaucomatous therapy were examined by immunohistochemistry. Antibodies were directed against laminin α chains, laminin subchains α1, α2, α3, β1, β3, γ1, γ2, γ3, kalinin, β4‐integrin, and collagens IV and VII. Results were compared to the antigen distribution at the BMZ in normal skin.Results:  The BMZ of skin stained positive for all antibodies tested. In contrast to skin, the BMZ of normal conjunctiva was negative for laminin subunits α2, β1, β3, γ2 and γ3 in most or all specimens. Positive findings at the conjunctival BMZ of patients with glaucoma were comparable to normal conjunctiva for laminin α, α1, β3, γ1, γ3, laminin 5, β4‐integrin, collagen IV and collagen VII. However, staining of the BMZ with antibodies to laminin β1 (p = 0.002) and γ2 (p = 0.017) was seen in a significantly higher rate in glaucoma compared to controls.Conclusion:  Characteristic differences exist in the antigenicity of the BMZ in normal skin, normal conjunctiva and conjunctiva from patients with glaucoma, especially for laminin subchains. These differences may explain the variable ocular involvement in diseases of the BMZ. Moreover, they may explain the susceptibility of patients with glaucoma to develop mucous membrane pemphigoid‐like disease. Alterations in conjunctival BMZ in glaucoma may be induced by long‐term topical anti‐glaucoma medications including various preservation agents.
Temporal study of Nosema spp. in a cold climate
Authors: Forsgren Eva , Fries Ingemar 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn a nationwide Swedish survey, 967 honey bee colonies from 521 beekeepers were sampled in the spring of 2007 and the samples assayed for Nosema spp. infections. Of the 319 positive samples, only 32 samples contained a proportion of N. ceranae DNA in mixed infections with both Nosema spp. above the cut‐off point chosen for comparisons of 1%. Only one pure N. ceranae infection was found, with the rest 284 infected samples assayed being pure N. apis infections. In 2009 and 2011, beekeepers or bee inspectors providing N. ceranae mixed positive bee samples in 2007 were again asked to submit samples (2009, n = 96; 2011, n = 83). No trend of an increased proportion of N. ceranae‐infected samples could be found. The proportion of N. ceranae DNA in samples with mixed infection did not increase between 2007 and 2011. It is concluded that N. apis is still the dominating Microsporidia infection in honey bees in Sweden and that there is no tendency for one species replacing the other.
Association between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor V66M and treatment responses to escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Chang Hun Soo , Lee Hwa‐Young , Ham Byung‐Joo , Park Yong Chon , Hahn Sang‐Woo , Jeong Yoo‐Jung , Kim Bohye , Lee Min‐Soo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntroductionBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a candidate molecule for influencing the clinical response to antidepressant treatment. Among polymorphisms on the BDNF gene, V66M (rs6265) has been reported to be associated with response to antidepressant treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between the V66M polymorphism and the response to escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsOne hundred and fifteen Korean patients were examined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I disorders, and took escitalopram at a daily dose of 5–40 mg. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the 21‐item Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM‐D) scale during 12 weeks of treatment. The genotypes were determined using NlaIII digestion.ResultsThe proportions of M allele carriers were higher in responders than those in non‐responders at 1–8 weeks (P = 0.00001–P = 0.025). The percentile decrease of HAM‐D scores was larger in M allele carriers than those in patients possessing VV genotype at 1–8 weeks (P = 0.0002–0.002). The proportion of M allele carriers was higher in remitters than in non‐remitters at 2–8 weeks (P = 0.003–P = 0.038). The comparison between VM heterozygotes and homozygotes (VV or MM) showed similar results.DiscussionThese results suggest that BDNF V66M affects the therapeutic action of escitalopram in MDD and that this polymorphism may be a genetic marker for therapeutic response to escitalopram treatment in patients with MDD.
Serological Survey in Dogs and Cats for Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Germany
Authors: Damiani A. M. , Kalthoff D. , Beer M. , Müller E. , Osterrieder N. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryA serological survey for the detection of antibodies to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was carried out in a population of dogs and cats in Germany. A total of 1150 sera collected in 2010 and 2011 were screened using an ELISA targeting anti‐nucleoprotein NP antibodies. Those initially screened positive samples were subsequently tested for antibodies to N1 neuraminidase followed by a virus neutralization test using A/Bayern/74/2009 strain. A prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09‐specific antibodies of 0.13% and 1.93% was estimated among dogs and cats, respectively. Evidence of exposure to other influenza A virus subtypes was also observed.
The Payback of Effective Innovation Programs: Empirical Evidence from Firms that Have Won Innovation Awards
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang Peter , Yu Jifeng , Xia Yusen 
Published: August 2012

Despite the widely held belief of the importance of innovation, the connection between innovation and firm performance is empirically inconclusive, partially owing to the limitations of existing innovation measures, which tend to ignore the effectiveness of innovation programs. In this study, we use the winning of innovation awards as a proxy for the effective execution of innovation. We conducted event‐study analyses based on data from more than 1000 publicly traded firms that won innovation awards between 1998 and 2003. Our statistical tests provide strong evidence that the performance of award‐winning firms is significantly higher as compared with several sets of control firms. Over an 8‐year period, starting from 4 years before to 3 years after the year of winning the first innovation award, the test sample's mean (median) change in return on assets is nearly 33% (24%) higher than that of a control sample. The evidence also suggests that effective innovation programs can increase firms' revenue, cost efficiency, and market valuation. Over the period, the control‐adjusted mean (median) change in sales, cost per dollar of sales, and Tobin's Q are 39.28% (20.71%), −5.52% (−3.80%), and 23.70% (3.16%), respectively. Panel data regression analysis provides additional insights on the performance impact of effective innovation programs. The results show that award winners are not only financially more successful but also enjoy an indirect benefit through better R&D execution, which increases firm profitability in both the short term and long term.
The Effect of Competition on R&D Portfolio Investments
Authors: Zschocke Mark S. , Mantin Benny , Jewkes Elizabeth M. 
Published: August 2012

Although project portfolio management has been an active research area over the past 50 years, budget allocation models that consider competition are sparse. Faced with the competition, firms contemplating budget allocation for their project portfolio cannot limit their attention to the returns from their projects' target markets, as is the case for monopoly firms, but must also anticipate the competitive effects on these returns. Assuming firms allocate their budgets between projects offering incremental innovation targeting a mature market and projects offering radical innovation targeting an emerging market, we show that while the monopoly firm bases its budget allocation decision solely on the marginal returns of the markets, competing firms—as they take into account their counterparts' investment decisions—need to also consider the projects' average returns from their respective markets. This drives competing firms into incrementalism: faced with competition, firms invest larger portions of their budgets into projects targeting mature markets. This effect is amplified as the number of competing firms increases and firms allocate an even greater share of their budget into projects targeting a mature market. We further demonstrate the effects that changes to firms' individual budgets, as well as to market characteristics, have on firms' budget allocation decision.
Impact and benefit of A2B-adenosine receptor agonists for the respiratory tract: mucociliary clearance, ciliary beat frequency, trachea muscle tonus and cytokine release
Authors: Walaschewski Robin , Begrow Frank , Verspohl Eugen J 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Adenosine is known to induce a bronchospasm in asthma- and COPD patients. The role of A2B receptors was investigated with respect to several parameters of the respiratory tract: tonus of smooth muscle, ciliary beat frequency as measured by high-speed video camera connected to a microscope (both in rats) and mucociliary clearance (MCC; transport of a fluorescent dye using a microdialysis procedure) in mice.

Key findings
NECA (5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) (a non-selective adenosine receptor agonist) was able to acutely induce a contraction, which was reversed to a relaxation after repeated dosing. This relaxation was completely abolished by PSB-1115, an A2B receptor antagonist. IL-13 (cytokine) was not involved mediating acute contractility effects. MCC was increased by BAY 60–6583 (A2B receptor agonist) and NECA (counteracted by the A2B receptor antagonist PSB-1115). Activation of A2B adenosine receptors by BAY 60–6583 induced an increase of the ciliary beat frequency, which could be reduced by administration of PSB-1115. Several cytokines were increased by NECA although only some are relevant because they are not blocked by A2B receptor antagonism.

Conclusions
The A2B receptors are involved in airway relaxation, MCC improvement and ciliary beat frequency. A2B receptor agonists may be of therapeutic value and should be developed.
Unusual but sound minds: Mental health indicators in spiritual individuals
Authors: Farias Miguel , Underwood Raphael , Claridge Gordon 
Published: August 2012

Previous research has linked certain types of modern spirituality, including New Age and Pagan, with either benign schizotypy or insecure attachment. While the first view emphasizes a positive aspect of spiritual believers’ mental health (benign schizotypy), the second view emphasizes a negative aspect, namely the unhealthy emotional compensation associated with an insecure attachment style. This study addresses these two conflicting views by comparing a sample of modern spiritual individuals (N = 114) with a contrast group of traditional religious believers (N = 86). Measures of schizotypy and attachment style were combined with mental health scales of anxiety and depression. We further assessed death anxiety to determine whether modern spiritual beliefs fulfilled a similar function as traditional religious beliefs in the reduction of existential threat. Our results support a psychological contiguity between traditional and modern spiritual believers and reinforce the need to de‐stigmatize spiritual ideas and experiences. Using hierarchical regression, we showed that unusual experiences and ideas are the major predictor of engagement in modern spiritual practices. Anxiety, depression variables, and insecure attachment were not significant predictors of spirituality or correlated with them; on the other hand, the results show that spiritual believers report high social support satisfaction and this variable predicts involvement in modern spirituality. Further, spiritual practices were negatively correlated with and negatively predicted by death anxiety scores. Overall, the results strengthen the association between modern spirituality, good mental health, and general well‐being.
Data Mining Nursing Care Plans of End‐of‐Life Patients: A Study to Improve Healthcare Decision Making
Authors: Almasalha Fadi , Xu Dianhui , Keenan Gail M. , Khokhar Ashfaq , Yao Yingwei , Chen Yu‐C. , Johnson Andy , Ansari R. , Wilkie Diana J. 
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE:  To reveal hidden patterns and knowledge present in nursing care information documented with standardized nursing terminologies on end‐of‐life (EOL) hospitalized patients.METHOD:  596 episodes of care that included pain as a problem on a patient's care plan were examined using statistical and data mining tools. The data were extracted from the Hands‐On Automated Nursing Data System database of nursing care plan episodes (n = 40,747) coded with NANDA‐I, Nursing Outcomes Classification, and Nursing Intervention Classification (NNN) terminologies. System episode data (episode = care plans updated at every hand‐off on a patient while staying on a hospital unit) had been previously gathered in eight units located in four different healthcare facilities (total episodes = 40,747; EOL episodes = 1,425) over 2 years and anonymized prior to this analyses.RESULTS:  Results show multiple discoveries, including EOL patients with hospital stays (<72 hr) are less likely (p < .005) to meet the pain relief goals compared with EOL patients with longer hospital stays.CONCLUSIONS:  The study demonstrates some major benefits of systematically integrating NNN into electronic health records.
Do all the patients with gastric parietal cell antibodies have pernicious anemia?
Authors: Sun A , Wang YP , Lin HP , Chia JS , Chiang CP 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveThis study evaluated whether all the patients with serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity had pernicious anemia (PA).Materials and MethodsThe blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, and vitamin B12 concentrations, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 124 GPCA‐positive patients were measured and compared with the corresponding data in 124 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. PA was defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as having an Hb concentration < 13 g dl−1 for men and < 12 g dl−1 for women, an MCV ≥ 100 fl, and a serum vitamin B12 level < 200 pg ml−1.ResultsWe found that 20, 25, and 20 GPCA‐positive patients had deficiencies of Hb (men < 13 g dl−1, women < 12 g dl−1), iron (<60 μg dl−1), and vitamin B12 (<200 pg ml−1), respectively. Moreover, 16 GPCA‐positive patients had abnormally high MCV (≥100 fl). GPCA‐positive patients had a significantly higher frequency of Hb, iron, or vitamin B12 deficiency and of abnormally high MCV (all P‐values < 0.001) than healthy controls. However, only 12.9% of 124 GPCA‐positive patients were diagnosed as having PA by the WHO definition.ConclusionOnly 12.9% of GPCA‐positive patients are discovered to have PA by the WHO definition.
Bacterial Pathogens Commandeer Rab GTPases to Establish Intracellular Niches
Authors: Stein Mary‐Pat , Müller Matthias P. , Wandinger‐Ness Angela 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntracellular bacterial pathogens deploy virulence factors termed effectors to inhibit degradation by host cells and to establish intracellular niches where growth and differentiation take place. Here, we describe mechanisms by which human bacterial pathogens (including Chlamydiae; Coxiella burnetii; Helicobacter pylori; Legionella pneumophila; Listeria monocytogenes; Mycobacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica) modulate endocytic and exocytic Rab GTPases in order to thrive in host cells. Host cell Rab GTPases are critical for intracellular transport following pathogen phagocytosis or endocytosis. At the molecular level bacterial effectors hijack Rab protein function to: evade degradation, direct transport to particular intracellular locations and monopolize host vesicles carrying molecules that are needed for a stable niche and/or bacterial growth and differentiation. Bacterial effectors may serve as specific receptors for Rab GTPases or as enzymes that post‐translationally modify Rab proteins or endosomal membrane lipids required for Rab function. Emerging data indicate that bacterial effector expression is temporally and spatially regulated and multiple virulence factors may act concertedly to usurp Rab GTPase function, alter signaling and ensure niche establishment and intracellular bacterial growth, making this field an exciting area for further study.
Inductive Effect on the Fuel Cell Cathode Impedance Spectrum at High Frequencies
Authors: Cruz-Manzo Samuel , Chen Rui , Rama Pratap 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The high frequency electrochemical impedance measurements with positive imaginary components in the impedance complex plot of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) are attributable to the inductance of the electrical cables of the measurement system. This study demonstrates that the inductive effect of the electrical cables deforms the high frequency region of the cathode impedance spectrum and as such leads to an erroneous interpretation of the electrochemical mechanisms in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL). This study is divided into a theoretical analysis and an experimental analysis. In the theoretical analysis a validated model that accounts for the impedance spectrum of the CCL as reported in the authors’ previous study is applied with experimental impedance data reported in the literature. The results show that the ionic resistance of the CCL electrolyte which skews the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) current distribution toward the membrane interface is masked in the cathode impedance spectrum by the inductive component. In the experimental analysis cathode experimental impedance spectra were obtained through a three-electrode configuration in the measurement system and with two different electrical cables connected between the electronic load and the PEFC. The results agree with the theoretical analysis and also show that the property of causality in the Kramers-Kronig mathematical relations for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements is violated by the external inductance of the measurement cables. Therefore the experimental data presenting inductance at high frequencies do not represent the physics and chemistry of the PEFC. The study demonstrates that a realistic understanding of factors governing EIS measurements can only be gained by applying fundamental modeling which accounts for underlying electrochemical phenomena and experimental observations in a complementary manner.
Intestinal Inflammation Targets Cancer-Inducing Activity of the Microbiota
Authors: Arthur Janelle C. , Perez-Chanona Ernesto , Mühlbauer Marcus , Tomkovich Sarah , Uronis Joshua M. , Fan Ting-Jia , Campbell Barry J. , Abujamel Turki , Dogan Belgin , Rogers Arlin B. , Rhodes Jonathan M. , Stintzi Alain , Simpson Kenneth W. , Hansen Jonathan J. , Keku Temitope O. , Fodor Anthony A. , Jobin Christian 
Published: August 2012

Of Microbes and CancerInflammation is a well-established driver of tumorigenesis. For example, patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Whether the gut microbiota also contributes to the development of CRC is less well understood.Arthuret al.(p.120, published online 16 August; see the Perspective bySchwabe and Wang) now show that the microbiota does indeed promote tumorigenesis in an inflammation-driven model of CRC in mice. Although germ-free mice were protected against developing cancer, colonization of mice withEscherichia coliwas sufficient to drive tumorigenesis.
COMMUTATORS IN THE JIANG–SU ALGEBRA
Authors: NG P. W. 
Published: August 2012

Let [Formula: see text] be the Jiang–Su algebra and let τ be its unique tracial state. We prove that for all [Formula: see text], the following statements are equivalent: (1) a is a finite sum of commutators. (2) a is a sum of five commutators. (3) τ(a) = 0.
Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluation of Results From Clinical Trial Using Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene to Treat Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Makino Hirofumi , Aoki Motokuni , Hashiya Naotaka , Yamasaki Keita , Azuma Junya , Sawa Yoshiki , Kaneda Yasufumi , Ogihara Toshio , Morishita Ryuichi 
Published: August 2012

Objective—
As angiogenic growth factors can stimulate the development of collateral arteries, a concept called therapeutic angiogenesis, we performed a phase I/IIa open-label clinical trial using intramuscular injection of naked plasmid DNA encoding hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We reported long-term evaluation of 2 years after HGF gene therapy in 22 patients with severe peripheral arterial disease.

Methods and Results—
Twenty-two patients with peripheral arterial disease or Buerger disease staged by Fontaine IIb (n=7), III (n=4), and IV (n=11) were treated with HGF plasmid, either 2 mg or 4 mg ×2. Increase in ankle-branchial pressure index >0.1 was observed in 11 of 14 patients (79 %) at 2 years after gene therapy and in 11 of the 17 patients (65%) at 2 months. Reduction in rest pain (>2 cm in visual analog scale) was observed in 9 of 9 patients (100%) at 2 years and in 8 of 13 (62%) patients at 2 months. At 2 years, 9 of 10 (90%) ischemic ulcers reduced by >25%, accompanied by a reduction in the size of ulcer. Severe complications and adverse effects caused by gene transfer were not detected in any patient throughout the period up to 2 years.

Conclusion—
Overall, the present study demonstrated long-term efficacy of HGF gene therapy up to 2 years. These findings may be cautiously interpreted to indicate that intramuscular injection of naked HGF plasmid is safe, feasible, and can achieve successful improvement of ischemic limbs as sole therapy.
Moderate to High Concentrations of High-Density Lipoprotein From Healthy Subjects Paradoxically Impair Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Related Angiogenesis by Activating Rho-Associated Kinase Pathways
Authors: Huang Chun-Yao , Lin Feng-Yen , Shih Chun-Ming , Au Heng-Kien , Chang Yu-Jia , Nakagami Hironori , Morishita Ryuichi , Chang Nen-Chung , Shyu Kou-Gi , Chen Jaw-Wen 
Published: August 2012

Objective—
Recent clinical evidence has failed to demonstrate the benefits of elevation of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), suggesting potential loss of protective effects of HDL at high concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the concentration-related effects of HDL on in vitro and in vivo functions of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and related angiogenesis.

Methods and Results—
Early and late outgrowth EPCs were generated from human circulating mononuclear cells. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein reduced viability of late outgrowth EPCs, which was reversed dose dependently by HDL. In the absence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, HDL at low concentrations (5–50 μg/mL, equal to 0.5–5 mg/dL in human) enhanced EPC tube formation by activating phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt/endothelial NO synthase pathways. Moderate to high concentrations (400–800 μg/mL) of HDL paradoxically enhanced EPC senescence and impaired tube formation by activating Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and inhibiting phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Rho-associated kinase inhibitors, either Y27632 or statins, prevented high HDL–induced EPC senescence and improved in vitro tube formation, as well as in vivo capacity of angiogenesis of EPCs.

Conclusion—
While protecting EPCs from the injury of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, moderate to high concentrations of HDL paradoxically impaired EPCs and related angiogenesis in the absence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein by activating Rho-associated kinase pathways, providing mechanistic evidence of potential hazard effects of HDL.