bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ganoderma formosanum polysaccharides attenuate Th2 inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Pi Chia-Chen , Wang Hui-Yi , Lu Chiu-Ying , Lu Frank Leigh , Chen Chun-Jen 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways mediated by Th2 immune responses and characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Fungi of the genus Ganoderma are basidiomycetes that have been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. We recently found that PS-F2, a polysaccharide fraction purified from the submerged culture broth of Ganoderma formosanum, stimulates the activation of dendritic cells and primes a T helper 1 (Th1)-polarized adaptive immune response. This study was designed to investigate whether the Th1 adjuvant properties of PS-F2 could suppress the development of allergic asthma in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized by repeated immunization with chicken ovalbumin (OVA) and alum, followed by intranasal challenge of OVA to induce acute asthma. PS-F2 administration during the course of OVA sensitization and challenge effectively prevented AHR development, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 production, bronchial inflammation, and Th2 cytokine production. Our data indicate that PS-F2 has a potential to be used for the prevention of allergic asthma.
Musical note analysis of solo violin recordings using recursive regularization
Authors: Lin Yi-Ju , Wang Tien-Ming , Chen Ta-Chun , Chen Yin-Lin , Chang Wei-Chen , Su Alvin WY 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Composers may not provide instructions for playing their works, especially for instrument solos, and therefore, different musicians may give very different interpretations of the same work. Such differences usually lead to time, amplitude, or frequency variations of musical notes in a phrase in the signal point of view. This paper proposes a frame-based recursive regularization method for time-dependent analysis of each note presenting in solo violin recordings. The system of equations evolves when a new frame is added and an old frame is dropped to track the varying characteristics of violin playing. This method is compared with a time-dependent non-negative matrix factorization method. The complete recordings of both BWV 1005 No. 3 played by Kuijken and 24 Caprices op. 1 no. 24 in A minor played by Paganini are used for the transcription experiment, where the proposed method performs strongly. The analysis results of a short passage extracted from BWV 1005 No. 3 performed by three famous violinists reveal numerous differences in the styles and performances of these violinists.
Role of cell–cell adhesion complexes in embryonic stem cell biology
Authors: Pieters Tim , van Roy Frans 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTPluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self-renew or differentiate into any cell type within an organism. Here, we focus on the roles of cadherins and catenins – their cytoplasmic scaffold proteins – in the fate, maintenance and differentiation of mammalian ESCs. E-cadherin is a master stem cell regulator that is required for both mouse ESC (mESC) maintenance and differentiation. E-cadherin interacts with key components of the naive stemness pathway and ablating it prevents stem cells from forming well-differentiated teratomas or contributing to chimeric animals. In addition, depleting E-cadherin converts naive mouse ESCs into primed epiblast-like stem cells (EpiSCs). In line with this, a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) occurs during reprogramming of somatic cells towards induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), leading to downregulation of N-cadherin and acquisition of high E-cadherin levels. β-catenin exerts a dual function; it acts in cadherin-based adhesion and in WNT signaling and, although WNT signaling is important for stemness, the adhesive function of β-catenin might be crucial for maintaining the naive state of stem cells. In addition, evidence is rising that other junctional proteins are also important in ESC biology. Thus, precisely regulated levels and activities of several junctional proteins, in particular E-cadherin, safeguard naive pluripotency and are a prerequisite for complete somatic cell reprogramming.
Narrative approaches to healthcare research
Authors: Gregory Sheila 
Published: June 2014

Background:The significance of the patient's story has evolved over the centuries and has varied according to the importance placed on the subjective experience of illness. Patients are no longer regarded as passive recipients of healthcare; they have become active participants, with personal stories to tell about the journeys they have travelled from sickness to health.Contents:Narrative methodologies play a valuable role in participatory health research. Listening to what patients choose to tell, rather than asking pre-determined research questions, involves a shift of power. A narrative approach offers a different way of exploring a patient's world and reflecting on our everyday practices. It respects the individuality of human experience, and calls for an individualized therapeutic response. Narratives can be analysed in different ways, with a focus on what has been told, or on why a story has been constructed in a certain way.Conclusions:Narrative methods are increasingly relevant in the current climate of public and patient involvement strategies. Patients' stories can produce vital evidence about how they perceive their therapeutic and rehabilitation needs. They also illuminate how patients regard our everyday practices, what could be done differently and how we can respond to the issues they raise.
Herbal medicine: An overview
Authors: Barnes Joanne 
Published: June 2014

Complementary (or ‘alternative’) remedies are becoming more and more popular. Recent market research estimated that, in the UK, the total market for complementary remedies was £72 million in 1996 (Anon, 1997). Sales of herbal remedies account for over one half of all retail sales of complementary remedies — in 1996, the herbal remedies market totalled £38 million. Joanne Barnes introduces one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine.
PN training for competent care
Authors: Grant Helma 
Published: June 2014

Practice nurses in the North West Anglia Health Authority (NWAHA) are taking part in an innovative scheme to improve their skills and provide a high standard of care to their patients. The scheme was launched in 1996 after a training needs analysis survey by Sue Thompson (1995) recommended that the development of a training practice pilot scheme should be incorporated in an induction programme for new practice nurses. The survey highlighted the different levels of competence and standards among practice nurses.
Quality of life and COPD
Authors: Madden Vicky 
Published: June 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is now the third most common cause of death in the European Union, after cancer and heart disease, and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide according to a World Health Organization report (1997). Although the exact figures for prevalence are difficult to determine because some patients with mild to moderate COPD may not be diagnosed, it is thought that in the UK around 11 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women aged 40–68 may have features associated with COPD.
Managing chronic skin disease
Authors: Watkins Jean , Goodwin Peter , Slade Denise 
Published: June 2014

Skin diseases form an enormous part of general practice work. It is estimated that between 10 and 33% of the population will be suffering from some skin problem at any one time and that skin diseases comprise about 10% of consultations with GPs (All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin, 1997). The GP is able to manage the majority of these problems but a proportion will be referred for specialist opinion at the hospital. Some of these will be for the purposes of diagnosis and advice regarding treatment, while others will be for the management of those with chronic problems or exacerbations of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin, 1997).
Clinical governance: the challenge at practice level
Authors: Feeney Julie 
Published: June 2014

The aim of this article is to look at the introduction of clinical governance in primary care and what this may mean to members of the primary health care team. There are many different definitions and ideas of clinical governance but these are often unclear and rather vague. The RCN's definition is clear, concise and emphasizes that effective patient care is at the centre of the whole ethos of clinical governance: Clinical governance is a framework or structure which helps all clinicians improve quality and safeguard standards of care continuously (RCN, 1998). Julie Feeney considers how the tenets of clinical governance will translate into practice
Pain symptoms and effects
Authors: McCleane Gary 
Published: June 2014

‘An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage’ (International Association for the Study of Pain, 1996); ‘the sensation of acute physical hurt or discomfort caused by injury, illness, etc.’; ‘emotional suffering or mental distress’ (Collins English Dictionary, 1991). Gary McCleane examines the physical processes that cause different types of pain
Noise from total hip replacements
Authors: Wyatt M. C. , Jesani S. , Frampton C. , Devane P. , Horne J. G. 
Published: June 2014

Objectives Our study aimed to examine not only the incidence but also the impact of noise from two types of total hip replacement articulations: ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-polyethylene. Methods We performed a case-controlled study comparing subjective and objective questionnaire scores of patients receiving a ceramic-on-ceramic or a ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip replacement by a single surgeon. Results There was a threefold higher incidence of noise from patients in the ceramic-on-ceramic group compared with the control group. The impact of this noise was significant for patients both subjectively and objectively. Conclusions This study reports a high patient impact of noise from ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements. This has led to a change in practice by the principal author. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:183–6.
Multiple embolizations of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations during pregnancy
Authors: Hill Alexandria J. , Martinello Caroline , Pacheco Luis D. , Vadhera Rakesh B. , Jain Sunil K. , Walser Eric 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in a pregnant patient are rare and can cause deleterious, life-threatening complications. We report a patient with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, with the subsequent diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, requiring multiple embolizations during pregnancy. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can carry a high risk of morbidity in the pregnant woman; however, they can be safely treated in pregnancy.
Acceptance Sampling Plans for Percentiles Assuming the Linear Failure Rate Distribution
Authors: Srinivasa Rao B. , Priya M. Ch. , Kantam R. R. L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this article , acceptance sampling plans are developed for the Linear Failure Rate Distribution percentiles when the life test is truncated at a pre-specified time. The minimum sample size necessary to ensure the specified life percentile is obtained under a given consumerś risk. The operating characteristic values of the sampling plans as well as the producerś risk are presented.
Aristodemos (Codex Parisinus Supplementum Graecum 607, fol. 83v–85r; 86v–87v): Ein neuer griechischer Atthidograph?
Authors: Schubert Charlotte 
Published: June 2014

Zusammenfassung
Ausgehend von POxy 27,2469 lassen sich für den im Codex Paris. Suppl. Graec. 607 enthaltenen Text des Aristodemos (FGrH 104 F 1) Parallelen, Kopien und Auszüge in der antiken Überlieferung erkennen: Nicht nur in den Scholien (zu Aristophanes, Hermogenes), sondern auch bei Plutarch und in der Überlieferung von Aristophanes’ Pax ist eine antike Tradition erhalten, die sich für den Aristodemos-Text auf das 4. Jh. v. Chr. zurückführen läßt. Die Umdeutung historischer Ereignisse des 5. Jh.s (Salamis, Pausanias’ Schicksal, der Ausbruch des Peloponnesischen Krieges) in eine reine, attische Sieghaftigkeit und die Strukturierung des Textes durch literarische Inschriften (Pausanias-Epigramm, Diskus-Inschrift der Spartaner), Sprüche und Zitate (Zitate aus Aristophanes’ Pax und Acharnern, Sprüche zu Themistokles und Perikles) ist so eng mit der Atthidographie verbunden, daß für das Original, aus dem der vorliegende Text zusammengefaßt wurde, sehr wahrscheinlich eine Atthis zu vermuten ist.
Tracking Control of an Underactuated Gantry Crane using an Optimal Feedback Controller
Authors: Bakhtiari-Nejad Firooz , Nazemizadeh Mostafa , Arjmand Hanieh 
Published: June 2014

Gantry cranes have attracted a great deal of interest in transportation and industrial applications. To increase the effectiveness of gantry cranes, the control of such systems is considered vital. This paper is concerned with tracking the control of an underactuated gantry crane using an optimal feedback controller. The optimal control strategy takes into account a performance index, including integrated time and absolute error criterion. To do this, nonlinear dynamic equations of the system are derived using Lagrange’s Principle. The minimum tracking error of the trolley and the minimum oscillation of the hoisting line are assumed as design parameters, and the best gains of the feedback controller are achieved. Finally, some tracking simulations are performed which demonstrate the capability of the simple proposed method in the optimal tracking control of a gantry crane.
Operons Are a Conserved Feature of Nematode Genomes
Authors: Pettitt Jonathan , Philippe Lucas , Sarkar Debjani , Johnston Christopher , Gothe Henrike Johanna , Massie Diane , Connolly Bernadette , Müller Berndt 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The organization of genes into operons, clusters of genes that are co-transcribed to produce polycistronic pre-mRNAs, is a trait found in a wide range of eukaryotic groups, including multiple animal phyla. Operons are present in the class Chromadorea, one of the two main nematode classes, but their distribution in the other class, the Enoplea, is not known. We have surveyed the genomes of Trichinella spiralis, Trichuris muris, and Romanomermis culicivorax and identified the first putative operons in members of the Enoplea. Consistent with the mechanism of polycistronic RNA resolution in other nematodes, the mRNAs produced by genes downstream of the first gene in the T. spiralis and T. muris operons are trans-spliced to spliced leader RNAs, and we are able to detect polycistronic RNAs derived from these operons. Importantly, a putative intercistronic region from one of these potential enoplean operons confers polycistronic processing activity when expressed as part of a chimeric operon in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that T. spiralis genes located in operons have an increased likelihood of having operonic C. elegans homologs. However, operon structure in terms of synteny and gene content is not tightly conserved between the two taxa, consistent with models of operon evolution. We have nevertheless identified putative operons conserved between Enoplea and Chromadorea. Our data suggest that operons and “spliced leader” (SL) trans-splicing predate the radiation of the nematode phylum, an inference which is supported by the phylogenetic profile of proteins known to be involved in nematode SL trans-splicing.
A Simple Regression-Based Method to Map Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Function-Valued Phenotypes
Authors: Kwak Il-Youp , Moore Candace R , Spalding Edgar P , Broman Karl W 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMost statistical methods for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping focus on a single phenotype. However, multiple phenotypes are commonly measured, and recent technological advances have greatly simplified the automated acquisition of numerous phenotypes, including function-valued phenotypes, such as growth measured over time. While methods exist for QTL mapping with function-valued phenotypes, they are generally computationally intensive and focus on single-QTL models. We propose two simple, fast methods that maintain high power and precision and are amenable to extensions with multiple-QTL models using a penalized likelihood approach. After identifying multiple QTL by these approaches, we can view the function-valued QTL effects to provide a deeper understanding of the underlying processes. Our methods have been implemented as a package for R, funqtl.
A Critical Component of Meiotic Drive in Neurospora Is Located Near a Chromosome Rearrangement
Authors: Harvey Austin M , Rehard David G , Groskreutz Katie M , Kuntz Danielle R , Sharp Kevin J , Shiu Patrick K T , Hammond Thomas M 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Neurospora fungi harbor a group of meiotic drive elements known as Spore killers (Sk). Spore killer-2 (Sk-2) and Spore killer-3 (Sk-3) are two Sk elements that map to a region of suppressed recombination. Although this recombination block is limited to crosses between Sk and Sk-sensitive (SkS) strains, its existence has hindered Sk characterization. Here we report the circumvention of this obstacle by combining a classical genetic screen with next-generation sequencing technology and three-point crossing assays. This approach has allowed us to identify a novel locus called rfk-1, mutation of which disrupts spore killing by Sk-2. We have mapped rfk-1 to a 45-kb region near the right border of the Sk-2 element, a location that also harbors an 11-kb insertion (Sk-2INS1) and part of a &gt;220-kb inversion (Sk-2INV1). These are the first two chromosome rearrangements to be formally identified in a Neurospora Sk element, providing evidence that they are at least partially responsible for Sk-based recombination suppression. Additionally, the proximity of these chromosome rearrangements to rfk-1 (a critical component of the spore-killing mechanism) suggests that they have played a key role in the evolution of meiotic drive in Neurospora.
The European Medicines Agency Review of Pertuzumab for the Treatment of Adult Patients With HER2-Positive Metastatic or Locally Recurrent Unresectable Breast Cancer: Summary of the Scientific Assessment of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use
Authors: Boix-Perales Hector , Borregaard Jeanett , Jensen Kristina Bech , Ersbøll Jens , Galluzzo Sara , Giuliani Rosa , Ciceroni Cinzia , Melchiorri Daniela , Salmonson Tomas , Bergh Jonas , Schellens Jan H. , Pignatti Francesco 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPertuzumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the extracellular dimerization domain (subdomain II) of HER2. Based on the positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on March 4, 2013, a marketing authorization valid throughout the European Union (EU) was issued for pertuzumab (Perjeta) for use in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent unresectable breast cancer who have not received previous anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for their metastatic disease. The demonstration of clinical benefit for pertuzumab was based on a single, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab plus trastuzumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus trastuzumab plus docetaxel in previously untreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. In the primary analysis, median progression-free survival was 18.5 months in the pertuzumab group compared with 12.4 months in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.75; p &lt; .0001). For the secondary endpoints, overall survival (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.52–0.84; p = .0008) and objective response rate (80.2% vs. 69.3%) were also favored in the pertuzumab group. Toxicity was similar between groups except for higher incidence of diarrhea, rash, mucosal inflammation, dry skin, and neutropenia for pertuzumab compared with placebo. This paper summarizes the scientific review of the application leading to approval in the EU. The detailed scientific assessment report and product information, including the summary of product characteristics, are available on the EMA website (http://www.ema.europa.eu).
6-Thioguanine: A Drug With Unrealized Potential for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Munshi Pashna N. , Lubin Martin , Bertino Joseph R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSixty years ago, 6-thioguanine (6-TG) was introduced into the clinic. We suggest its full potential in therapy may not have been reached. In this paper, we contrast 6-TG and the more widely used 6-mercaptopurine; discuss 6-TG metabolism, pharmacokinetics, dosage and schedule; and summarize many of the early studies that have shown infrequent but nevertheless positive results with 6-TG treatment of cancers. We also consider studies that suggest that combinations of 6-TG with other agents may enhance antitumor effects. Although not yet tested in man, 6-TG has recently been proposed to treat a wide variety of cancers with a high frequency of homozygous deletion of the gene for methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), often codeleted with the adjacent tumor suppressor CDKN2A (p16). Among the cancers with a high frequency of MTAP deficiency are leukemias, lymphomas, mesothelioma, melanoma, biliary tract cancer, glioblastoma, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and lung, pancreatic, and squamous cell carcinomas. The method involves pretreatment with the naturally occurring nucleoside methylthioadenosine (MTA), the substrate for the enzyme MTAP. MTA pretreatment protects normal host tissues, but not MTAP-deficient cancers, from 6-TG toxicity and permits administration of doses of 6-TG that are much higher than can now be safely administered. The combination of MTA/6-TG has produced substantial shrinkage or slowing of growth in two different xenograft human tumor models: lymphoblastic leukemia and metastatic prostate carcinoma with neuroendocrine features. Further development and a clinical trial of the proposed MTA/6-TG treatment of MTAP-deficient cancers seem warranted.
Industry Actors, Think Tanks, and Alcohol Policy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hawkins Benjamin , McCambridge Jim 
Published: June 2014

Corporate actors seek to influence alcohol policies through various means, including attempts to shape the evidential content of policy debates. In this case study, we examined how SABMiller engaged the think tank Demos to produce reports on binge drinking, which were heavily promoted among policymakers at crucial stages in the development of the UK government’s 2012 alcohol strategy. One key report coincided with other SABMiller-funded publications, advocating measures to enhance parenting as an alternative to minimum unit pricing. In this instance, the perceived independence of an influential think tank was used to promote industry interests in tactics similar to those of transnational tobacco corporations. This approach is in keeping with other alcohol industry efforts to marginalize the peer-reviewed literature.