bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with psoriasis by speckle tracking echocardiography: A Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Bülbül Şen Bilge , Ekiz Özlem , Rifaioğlu Emine Nur , Büyükkaya Eyüp , Karakaş Mehmet Fatih , Büyükkaya Şule , Bilen Perihan , Akçay Adnan Burak , Kurt Mustafa , Şen Nihat 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease and is reportedly associated with adverse cardiovascular risks. Left ventricular (LV) function has not been studied comprehensively in psoriasis.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to study LV mechanics in patients with psoriasis by speckle tracking echocardiography.MethodsThe study population consisted of 40 patients with psoriasis and 35 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Two‐dimensional echocardiography images were obtained from LV apical four‐chamber (4C), long axis (LAX), and two‐chamber (2C) views. Peak longitudinal strain and strain rate were obtained from 4C, LAX, and 2C views. Global strain and strain rate were calculated by averaging data for the three apical views.ResultsPatients with psoriasis had significantly lower mean ± standard deviation (SD) 4C (17.1 ± 1.7 vs. 19.2 ± 2.3; P < 0.01), LAX (16.6 ± 1.5 vs. 19.5 ± 2.3; P < 0.01), and 2C (16.5 ± 1.5 vs. 19.4 ± 2.2; P < 0.01) peak longitudinal strain values compared with the control group. Moreover, mean ± SD LV global strain (16.6 ± 1.5 vs. 19.9 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) and strain rate (1.39 ± 0.30 vs. 1.51 ± 0.20; P < 0.01) values were found to be significantly lower in the psoriasis group. In a multiple regression model, global strain was independently associated with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (β = 0.29, P = 0.04), duration of disease (β = 0.35, P < 0.01), ejection fraction (EF) (β = 0.38, P =0.01), and the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic annular velocity (E/E′ ratio) (β = 0.34, P =0.02). Also, in a multiple regression model, global strain rate was independently associated with duration of disease (β = 0.36, P < 0.01), EF (β = 0.32, P = 0.01), and E/E′ ratio (β = 0.35, P < 0.01).ConclusionsUsing 2‐D strain imaging, we have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis have lower LV functions.
Austerity, labour market segmentation and emigration: the case of Lithuania
Authors: Juska Arunas , Woolfson Charles 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe so‐called ‘Baltic model’ of austerity sometimes receives uncritical praise from advocates of tightened austerity. This model has achieved an almost uncontested vogue among international finance officials and European Union policy makers who portray it as a ‘socially costless’ template for other crisis economies. The article examines the impact of austerity on Baltic Lithuania, a peripheral newer EU member state, and suggests that the harsh austerity measures adopted by its government in order to restore fiscal balance have been far from socially costless. Austerity has accelerated fragmentation of the labour market into a differentially advantaged primary (largely public) sector, and an increasingly informalised secondary (low‐skill manufacturing and services) sector, stimulating extraordinarily high levels of emigration as the population, especially younger persons, depart from the country. We describe this here as the formation of a new austeriat.
Research Review: Use of EEG biomarkers in child psychiatry research – current state and future directions
Authors: Loo Sandra K. , Lenartowicz Agatha , Makeig Scott 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) and related measures have a long and productive history in child psychopathology research and are currently experiencing a renaissance in interest, particularly for use as putative biomarkers.Method and ScopeFirst, the recent history leading to the use of EEG measures as endophenotypes and biomarkers for disease and treatment response are reviewed. Two key controversies within the area of noninvasive human electrophysiology research are discussed, and problems that currently either function as barriers or provide gateways to progress. First, the differences between the main types of EEG measurements (event‐related potentials, quantitative EEG, and time–frequency measures) and how they can contribute collectively to better understanding of cortical dynamics underlying cognition and behavior are highlighted. Second, we focus on the ongoing shift in analytic focus to specific cortical sources and source networks whose dynamics are relevant to the clinical and experimental focus of the study, and the effective increase in source signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) that may be obtained in the process.ConclusionsUnderstanding of these issues informs any discussion of current trends in EEG research. We highlight possible ways to evolve our understanding of brain dynamics beyond the apparent contradictions in understanding and modeling EEG activity highlighted by these controversies. Finally, we summarize some promising future directions of EEG biomarker research in child psychopathology.
Long‐term safety and outcome of percutaneous transhepatic venous balloon angioplasty for Budd–Chiari syndrome
Authors: Ding Peng‐Xu , Zhang Shui‐Jun , Li Zhen , Fu Ming‐Ti , Hua Zhao‐Hui , Zhang Wen‐Guang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsThe restenosis following percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA) is high for Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients with hepatic venous obstruction (HVO). We aim to evaluate the safety and long‐term outcome of PTBA with a large balloon catheter in a large series of patients with HVO.MethodsBetween January 2005 and December 2013, 93 consecutive BCS patients with HVO were referred for PTBA and subsequently underwent color Doppler ultrasonography or angiography follow‐up. Data were retrospectively collected, and follow‐up observations were performed at 1‐, 2‐, 2‐ to 5‐, and 5‐ to 8‐years postoperatively.ResultsPercutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty was technically successful in all patients. Ninety‐one patients (97.85%) were treated with PTBA and two with PTBA and stent. Major procedure‐related complications occurred in six of the 93 patients (6.45%). The cumulative 1‐, 2‐, 2‐ to 5‐, and 5‐ to 8‐year primary patency rates were 97.5%, 92.9%, 90%, and 86.5%, respectively. Cumulative 1‐, 2‐, 2‐ to 5‐, and 5‐ to 8‐year secondary patency rates were 100%, 100%, 98.6%, and 97.3%, respectively. Mean and median primary patency rates were 51.50 ± 3.01 months and 55.0 ± 3.63 months, respectively. Cumulative 1‐, 2‐, 2‐ to 5‐, and 5‐ to 8‐year survival rates were 98.75%, 98.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Mean and median survival times were 53.10 ± 3.04 months and 55.0 ± 3.64 months, respectively.ConclusionPercutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty with a large balloon is a safe and effective treatment that could provide excellent rates of long‐term patency and survival for the majority of Chinese patients with BCS and HVO.
Structure and function of the mammalian middle ear. I: Large middle ears in small desert mammals
Authors: Mason Matthew J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMany species of small desert mammals are known to have expanded auditory bullae. The ears of gerbils and heteromyids have been well described, but much less is known about the middle ear anatomy of other desert mammals. In this study, the middle ears of three gerbils (Meriones, Desmodillus and Gerbillurus), two jerboas (Jaculus) and two sengis (elephant‐shrews: Macroscelides and Elephantulus) were examined and compared, using micro‐computed tomography and light microscopy. Middle ear cavity expansion has occurred in members of all three groups, apparently in association with an essentially ‘freely mobile’ ossicular morphology and the development of bony tubes for the middle ear arteries. Cavity expansion can occur in different ways, resulting in different subcavity patterns even between different species of gerbils. Having enlarged middle ear cavities aids low‐frequency audition, and several adaptive advantages of low‐frequency hearing to small desert mammals have been proposed. However, while Macroscelides was found here to have middle ear cavities so large that together they exceed brain volume, the bullae of Elephantulus are considerably smaller. Why middle ear cavities are enlarged in some desert species but not others remains unclear, but it may relate to microhabitat.
DOES AGGLOMERATION MATTER EVERYWHERE?: NEW FIRM LOCATION DECISIONS IN RURAL AND URBAN MARKETS*
Authors: Artz Georgeanne M. , Kim Younjun , Orazem Peter F. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTWe test whether commonly used measures of agglomeration economies encourage new firm entry in both urban and rural markets. Using new firm location decisions in Iowa and North Carolina, we find that measured agglomeration economies increase the probability of new firm entry in both urban and rural areas. Firms are more likely to locate in markets with an existing cluster of firms in the same industry, with greater concentrations of upstream suppliers or downstream customers, and with a larger proportion of college‐educated workers in the local labor supply. Firms are less likely to enter markets with no incumbent firms in the sector or where production is concentrated in relatively few sectors. The same factors encourage both stand‐alone start‐ups and establishments built by multiplant firms. Commuting decisions exhibit the same pattern as new firm entry with workers commuting from low to high agglomeration markets. Because agglomeration economies are important for rural firm entry also, policies encouraging new firm entry should focus on relatively few job centers rather than encouraging new firm entry in every small town.
HCV‐associated B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and new direct antiviral agents
Authors: Carrier Paul , Jaccard Arnaud , Jacques Jérémie , Tabouret Tessa , Debette‐Gratien Marilyne , Abraham Julie , Mesturoux Laura , Marquet Pierre , Alain Sophie , Sautereau Denis , Essig Marie , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis C virus‐related B‐cell proliferation is a model of virus‐driven autoimmune/neoplastic disorder leading to mixed cryoglobulinaemia and/or B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. These lymphomas are often marginal zone lymphomas or diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. Peginterferon/Ribavirin therapy has proved its crucial role in the cure of these non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, but data are lacking concerning new direct anti‐viral agents.MethodsWe report five cases of Hepatitis C virus‐associated B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma treated with direct anti‐viral agents: two marginal zone lymphomas received direct anti‐viral agents alone (one with a leukaemic phase only, one with splenic and deep lymph nodes localizations); one renal marginal zone lymphoma with renal insufficiency received direct anti‐viral agents and four rituximab infusions simultaneously; two diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas were treated with direct ant‐viral agents following chemotherapy.ResultsSustained virological response was obtained in all patients, and complete remission of NHL was noted 6 months after cessation of any treatment except for one patient with a persistent small leukaemic phase.ConclusionDirect anti‐viral agents might be proposed as a first‐line treatment in marginal zone lymphomas in the case of no life‐threatening complications with the precaution of a long‐term follow‐up. In the setting of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, well‐tolerated direct anti‐viral agents could potentially be introduced very early not only to prevent relapse of these lymphomas but also to limit the liver toxicity of chemotherapy and rituximab by preventing outbreaks of viral load. New observations and trials should support these assumptions.
Signatures of positive selection: from selective sweeps at individual loci to subtle allele frequency changes in polygenic adaptation
Authors: Stephan Wolfgang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn the past 15 years, numerous methods have been developed to detect selective sweeps underlying adaptations. These methods are based on relatively simple population genetic models, including one or two loci at which positive directional selection occurs, and one or two marker loci at which the impact of selection on linked neutral variation is quantified. Information about the phenotype under selection is not included in these models (except for fitness). In contrast, in the quantitative genetic models of adaptation, selection acts on one or more phenotypic traits, such that a genotype–phenotype map is required to bridge the gap to population genetics theory. Here I describe the range of population genetic models from selective sweeps in a panmictic population of constant size to evolutionary traffic when simultaneous sweeps at multiple loci interfere, and I also consider the case of polygenic selection characterized by subtle allele frequency shifts at many loci. Furthermore, I present an overview of the statistical tests that have been proposed based on these population genetics models to detect evidence for positive selection in the genome.
FliL associates with the stator to support torque generation of the sodium‐driven polar flagellar motor of Vibrio
Authors: Zhu Shiwei , Kumar Ananthanarayanan , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio 
Published: June 2015

SummaryFlagellar motors generate torque to rotate flagellar filaments and drive bacterial cells. Each motor is composed of a rotor and many stators. The stator is a force‐generating complex that converts ion flux into torque. Previous reports have suggested that the membrane protein FliL is located near the stator and is involved in torque generation. We investigated the role of FliL in the sodium‐driven polar flagellar motor of Vibrio alginolyticus. Our results revealed that FliL is a cytoplasmic membrane protein and is located at the base of flagellum. The deletion of fliL did not affect the cell morphology or flagellation but resulted in a significant decrease of swimming speed, especially at a higher load thus suggesting that FliL is important for torque generation at high load conditions. Furthermore, the polar localization of the stator was decreased in a ΔfliL mutant, but the sodium‐dependent assembly of the stator complex was still retained. The polar localization of FliL was lost in the absence of the stator complex, indicating that FliL interacts directly or indirectly with the stator. Our results suggest that FliL is localized along with the stator in order to support the motor functioning for swimming at high load conditions by maintaining the stator assembly.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Aspergillus‐specific bronchoalveolar lavage lateral‐flow assay in haematological malignancy patients
Authors: Prattes Juergen , Lackner Michaela , Eigl Susanne , Reischies Frederike , Raggam Reinhard B. , Koidl Christoph , Flick Holger , Wurm Robert , Palfner Michael , Wölfler Albert , Neumeister Peter , Thornton Christopher R. , Krause Robert , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryWe evaluated the performance of the Aspergillus‐specific lateral‐flow device (LFD) test for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with underlying haematological malignancies. Participating centres were the two Austrian University Hospitals of Graz and Innsbruck. LFD performance was evaluated with 95 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 72 patients collected prospectively in Graz, and with 24 BALF bio bank samples from 23 patients (21 samples with probable IPA) in Innsbruck. Invasive fungal infections were classified according to the revised European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria. Overall, 27 patients (30 samples) had probable IPA, 32 (43 samples) possible and 36 (46 samples) did not fulfil IPA criteria. The vast majority of patients – in particular those with probable IPA – received mould‐active treatment before bronchoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative‐predictive‐value for probable IPA diagnosis using the BALF‐LFD test were 71%, 76%, 35% and 94% for the Graz cohort. Sensitivity of the BALF‐LFD test for probable IPA was 57% in Innsbruck bio bank samples. Our results indicate that the BALF‐LFD‐test provides fast results with moderate sensitivities in patients with underlying haematological malignancies. Similar to other diagnostic tests and biomarkers sensitivity of the test may be influenced by ongoing systemic mould‐active treatment.
Myths and symbols in the political culture of Catalan nationalism (1880–1914)
Authors: Cattini Giovanni C. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHistoriography on the phenomenology of nationalisms has often pointed to the importance of myths and symbols in the construction of these political movements, underlining how the past is transfigured and/or particular historical episodes are recast for use in creating a given political discourse in the present. By adopting this viewpoint, the aim of this paper is to analyse the evolution of historiographical thinking on the use of myths and symbols in contemporary politics, giving particular attention to how they were brought to bear in the early days of the Catalan nationalist movement. This initial period, covering the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, is of special interest in the case of Catalan nationalism because it was a phase of politicisation marked – much as it was in other nationalist movements across Europe – by a nationalisation of history, a selection of foundation myths and historical milestones, and a crystallisation of the movement's symbols.
The end of ethnic nationalism? Changing conceptions of national identity and belonging among young South Koreans
Authors: Campbell Emma 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHistorically in South Korea, ideas of nation and nationalism have been based upon the ethnic and cultural homogeneity of all Korean people. More recently, there has been an evolution in South Korean nationalism that is based on strikingly different notions particularly among young people. This paper argues that a new South Korean nationalism is emerging and that it has, what I term, globalised cultural characteristics. These characteristics challenge the role of ethnicity in young people's conception of the South Korean nation and its component members. This paper details the evolution of South Korea's nationalism and explains its implications for Korean politics and society as well as its comparative significance for other national contexts. It also highlights some elements of this evolving nationalism that demonstrate less cosmopolitan characteristics, such as patriarchy and social class, in determining who can be ‘imagined’ as a member of this changing South Korean nation.
Asymmetric effects of oil price shocks in oil‐exporting countries: the role of institutions
Authors: Moshiri Saeed 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMany empirical studies on the oil price shock effects on the economies of oil‐exporting countries have assumed a linear relationship between the shocks and macroeconomic variables, offering no insights on the dynamics of different types of shocks. The literature also assumes a homogeneous response to oil price shocks by oil‐exporting countries. This paper investigates the non‐linear effects of oil price shock on macroeconomic performance in the context of two groups of oil‐exporting countries using aVARmodel with price shocks estimated by aGARCHmethod. The model consists of oil price shocks and economic growth as two major variables of interest as well as intermediate variables such as investment, exchange rate, and inflation rate. The sample includes nine major oil‐exporting countries, six developing and three developed countries, for the period 1970–2010. The results indicate that not all oil‐exporting countries are alike in responding to oil shocks. While oil shocks have asymmetric effects in oil‐exporting developing countries; lower oil prices lead to major revenue cuts and ensuing stagnation in the economy, but higher oil prices and accompanying higher revenues do not translate into sustained economic growth; they do not have significant effect on economic growth in oil‐exporting developed countries. The panel data estimation results also suggest that heterogeneous responses to oil price shocks in oil‐exporting countries can be explained by differences in their institutional quality, particularly government effectiveness.
Cyanobacteria and the Great Oxidation Event: evidence from genes and fossils
Authors: Schirrmeister Bettina E. , Gugger Muriel , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCyanobacteria are among the most ancient of evolutionary lineages, oxygenic photosynthesizers that may have originated before 3.0 Ga, as evidenced by free oxygen levels. Throughout the Precambrian, cyanobacteria were one of the most important drivers of biological innovations, strongly impacting early Earth's environments. At the end of the Archean Eon, they were responsible for the rapid oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere during an episode referred to as the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). However, little is known about the origin and diversity of early cyanobacterial taxa, due to: (1) the scarceness of Precambrian fossil deposits; (2) limited characteristics for the identification of taxa; and (3) the poor preservation of ancient microfossils. Previous studies based on 16S rRNA have suggested that the origin of multicellularity within cyanobacteria might have been associated with the GOE. However, single‐gene analyses have limitations, particularly for deep branches. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of cyanobacteria using genome scale data and re‐evaluated the Precambrian fossil record to get more precise calibrations for a relaxed clock analysis. For the phylogenomic reconstructions, we identified 756 conserved gene sequences in 65 cyanobacterial taxa, of which eight genomes have been sequenced in this study. Character state reconstructions based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference confirm previous findings, of an ancient multicellular cyanobacterial lineage ancestral to the majority of modern cyanobacteria. Relaxed clock analyses provide firm support for an origin of cyanobacteria in the Archean and a transition to multicellularity before the GOE. It is likely that multicellularity had a greater impact on cyanobacterial fitness and thus abundance, than previously assumed. Multicellularity, as a major evolutionary innovation, forming a novel unit for selection to act upon, may have served to overcome evolutionary constraints and enabled diversification of the variety of morphotypes seen in cyanobacteria today.
Large‐scale production of pharmaceutical proteins in plant cell culture—the protalix experience
Authors: Tekoah Yoram , Shulman Avidor , Kizhner Tali , Ruderfer Ilya , Fux Liat , Nataf Yakir , Bartfeld Daniel , Ariel Tami , Gingis–Velitski Svetlana , Hanania Uri , Shaaltiel Yoseph 
Published: June 2015

SummaryProtalix Biotherapeutics develops recombinant human proteins and produces them in plant cell culture. Taliglucerase alfa has been the first biotherapeutic expressed in plant cells to be approved by regulatory authorities around the world. Other therapeutic proteins are being developed and are currently at various stages of the pipeline. This review summarizes the major milestones reached by Protalix Biotherapeutics to enable the development of these biotherapeutics, including platform establishment, cell line selection, manufacturing process and good manufacturing practice principles to consider for the process. Examples of the various products currently being developed are also presented.