bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of patients with chronic cough using a clinical protocol: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ojoo Josephine C , Everett Caroline F , Mulrennan Siobhain A , Faruqi Shoaib , Kastelik Jack A , Morice Alyn H 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background and aims
Chronic cough is a common symptom the aetiology of which can be challenging to diagnose. Diagnostic protocols for chronic cough have required the use of specialist investigations which are not always easily available. We wanted to determine whether patients with chronic cough can be successfully managed using a clinical algorithm.

Methods
112 consecutive patients with chronic cough were prospectively recruited into this study. They were assessed by history, physical examination, chest radiograph, spirometry and reversibility to nebulised salbutamol. A clinical diagnosis was made and the patient had an 8-week trial of appropriate therapy. Further therapeutic trials were carried out depending on response to treatment and the possible differential diagnoses. Investigations were carried out in cases of failed clinical trials and to exclude specific pathology. The “clinical arm” comprised patients managed on the basis of clinical assessment and without any investigations. The “investigative arm” comprised those who needed further investigations.

Results
81 (72%) were managed in the clinical arm. Of these 74 (66%) were discharged following response to therapy. 31 (28%) patients were converted to the investigative arm after failure of diagnosis in the clinical protocol. The commonest causes of cough were gastroesophageal reflux, asthma and chronic rhinitis. 51 (45.5%) patients responded to therapy based on diagnosis at initial assessment while a further 23 (20.5%) patients responded to sequential clinical trials for the commonest causes of cough. Cough severity score improved by a mean of 3.6 points on a numeric response score (from 0–10, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
It is possible to manage a majority of chronic cough patients successfully using a protocol based on presenting symptoms and therapeutic trials for the common causes of cough.
Laboratory capacity for diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Africa: implications for the progressive control pathway
Authors: Namatovu Alice , Wekesa Sabenzia Nabalayo , Tjørnehøj Kirsten , Dhikusooka Moses Tefula , Muwanika Vincent B , Siegsmund Hans Redlef , Ayebazibwe Chrisostom 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Accurate diagnosis is pertinent to any disease control programme. If Eastern Africa is to work towards control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) using the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) as a tool, then the capacity of national reference laboratories (NRLs) mandated to diagnose FMD should match this task. This study assessed the laboratory capacity of 14 NRLs of the Eastern Africa Region Laboratory Network member countries using a semi-structured questionnaire and retrospective data from the World Reference Laboratory for FMD annual reports and Genbank® through National Centre for Biotechnology Information for the period 2006–2010.

Results
The questionnaire response rate was 13/14 (93%). Twelve out of the 13 countries/regions had experienced at least one outbreak in the relevant five year period. Only two countries (Ethiopia and Kenya) had laboratories at biosecurity level 3 and only three (Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan) had identified FMD virus serotypes for all reported outbreaks. Based on their own country/region assessment, 12/13 of these countries /regions were below stage 3 of the PCP-FMD. Quarantine (77%) and vaccination (54%) were the major FMD control strategies employed. The majority (12/13) of the NRLs used serological techniques to diagnose FMD, seven used antigen ELISA and three of these (25%) also used molecular techniques which were the tests most frequently requested from collaborating laboratories by the majority (69%) of the NRLs. Only 4/13 (31%) participated in proficiency testing for FMD. Four (31%) laboratories had no quality management systems (QMS) in place and where QMS existed it was still deficient, thus, none of the laboratories had achieved accreditation for FMD diagnosis.

Conclusions
This study indicates that FMD diagnostic capacity in Eastern Africa is still inadequate and largely depends on antigen and antibody ELISAs techniques undertaken by the NRLs. Hence, for the region to progress on the PCP-FMD, there is need to: implement regional control measures, improve the serological diagnostic test performance and laboratory capacity of the NRLs (including training of personnel as well as upgrading of equipment and methods, especially strengthening the molecular diagnostic capacity), and to establish a regional reference laboratory to enforce QMS and characterization of FMD virus containing samples.
pH induced reversible assembly of DNA wrapped carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wan Ying , Liu Gang , Zhu Xinhua , Su Yan 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Reversible assembly and disassembly of nanostructures has important function in controllable construction of nanodevices. There are several methods to achieve reversible assembly/disassembly, such as pH, temperature, DNA hybridization and so on. Among these methods, pH driven reversible assembly presents superiority due to its ease-of-use and no waste produced. Herein we report a novel design that use two single-stranded (ss) DNAs wrapped single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for the pH controlled assembly of SWCNTs without generation of waste.

Results
Both of the two DNAs with a same wrapping sequence of d(GT)20 and different free terminals showed a very high tendency to wrap around carbon nanotubes. The assembly was driven by the hybridization between the two free terminals of wrapped DNAs on the neighboring SWCNTs: i-motif (four-stranded C-quadruplex) and its complemental stranded G-quadruplex which would form tight tetraplexes and break the hybridization under slightly acidic conditions. Thus the assembly and disassembly are reversibly controlled by pH. And this assembly/disassembly process can be easily distinguished by naked eyes. Gel electrophoresis and Atomic Force Microscope are used to demonstrate the assembly and disassembly of SWCNTs at different pH.

Conclusions
A novel pH induced reversible assembly and disassembly of SWCNTs was realized which may have potential applications in the area of controlled assembly of nanostructures.
The signalling factor PI3K is a specific regulator of the clathrin-independent dynamin-dependent endocytosis of IL-2 receptors
Authors: Basquin Cyril , Malardé Valérie , Mellor Paul , Anderson Deborah H. , Meas-Yedid Vannary , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe , Dautry-Varsat Alice , Sauvonnet Nathalie 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Receptor-mediated endocytosis is an essential process used by eukaryotic cells to internalise many molecules. Several clathrin-independent endocytic routes exist, but the molecular mechanism of each pathway remains to be uncovered. The present study focuses on a clathrin-independent dynamin-dependent pathway used by interleukin 2 receptors (IL-2R), essential players of the immune response. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac1) and its targets, the p21-activated kinases (Pak), are specific regulators of this pathway, acting on cortactin and actin polymerization. The present study reveals a dual and specific role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in IL-2R endocytosis. Inhibition of the catalytic activity of PI3K strongly affects IL-2R endocytosis, in contrast to transferrin (Tf) uptake, a marker of the clathrin-mediated pathway. Moreover, Vav2, a GTPase exchange factor (GEF) induced upon PI3K activation, is specifically involved in IL-2R entry. The second action of PI3K is through its regulatory subunit, p85α, which binds to and recruits Rac1 during IL-2R internalisation. Indeed, the overexpression of a p85α mutant missing the Rac1 binding motif leads to the specific inhibition of IL-2R endocytosis. The inhibitory effect of this p85α mutant could be rescued by the overexpression of either Rac1 or the active form of Pak, indicating that p85α acts upstream of the Rac1-Pak cascade. Finally, biochemical and fluorescent microscopy techniques reveal an interaction between p85α, Rac1 and IL-2R that is enhanced by IL-2. In summary, our results indicate a key role of class I PI3K in IL-2R endocytosis that creates a link with IL-2 signalling.
COUP-TFII orchestrates venous and lymphatic endothelial identity by homo- or hetero-dimerisation with PROX1
Authors: Aranguren Xabier L. , Beerens Manu , Coppiello Giulia , Wiese Cornelia , Vandersmissen Ine , Lo Nigro Antonio , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Gessler Manfred , Luttun Aernout 
Published: January 2013

SummaryEndothelial cell (EC) identity is in part genetically predetermined. Transcription factor NR2F2 (also known as chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II, COUP-TFII) plays a key role in EC fate decision making; however, many of the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. In the present study, we demonstrate that NR2F2 differentially regulates gene expression of venous versus lymphatic ECs (LECs) and document a novel paradigm whereby NR2F2 homodimers induce a venous EC fate, while heterodimers with the LEC-specific transcription factor PROX1 instruct LEC lineage specification. NR2F2 homodimers inhibit arterial differentiation in venous ECs through direct binding to the promoter regions of the Notch target genes HEY1 and HEY2 (HEY1/2), whereas NR2F2/PROX1 heterodimers lack this inhibitory effect, resulting at least in part in non-canonical HEY1/2 expression in LECs. Furthermore, NR2F2/PROX1 heterodimers actively induce or are permissive for the expression of a major subset of LEC-specific genes. In addition to NR2F2/PROX1 heterodimerisation, the expression of HEY1 and some of these LEC-specific genes is dependent on PROX1 DNA binding. Thus, NR2F2 homodimers in venous ECs and NR2F2/PROX1 heterodimers in LECs differentially regulate EC subtype-specific genes and pathways, most prominently the Notch target genes HEY1/2. This novel mechanistic insight could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions for vascular-bed-specific disorders.
Using multifocal plane microscopy to reveal novel trafficking processes in the recycling pathway
Authors: Gan Zhuo , Ram Sripad , Ober Raimund J. , Ward E. Sally 
Published: January 2013

Summary
A major outstanding issue in cell biology is the lack of understanding of the contribution of tubulovesicular transport carriers (TCs) to intracellular trafficking pathways within 3D cellular environments. This is primarily due to the challenges associated with the use of microscopy techniques to track these highly motile, small compartments. In the present study we have used multifocal plane microscopy with localized photoactivation to overcome these limitations. Using this approach, we have characterized individual components constituting the recycling pathway of the receptor FcRn. Specifically, several different pathways followed by TCs that intersect with larger, relatively static sorting endosomes have been defined. These pathways include a novel ‘looping’ process in which TCs leave and return to the same sorting endosome. Significantly, TCs with different itineraries can be identified by associations with distinct complements of Rab GTPases, APPL1 and SNX4. These studies provide a framework for further analyses of the recycling pathway.
The Role of MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Clinical Development of Targeted Anti-MET Agents
Authors: Robinson Kyle W. , Sandler Alan B. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
A better understanding of the pathophysiology and evolution of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has identified a number of molecular targets and spurred development of novel targeted therapeutic agents. The MET receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are implicated in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in a broad spectrum of human cancers, including NSCLC. Amplification of MET has been reported in approximately 5%–22% of lung tumors with acquired resistance to small-molecule inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Resistance to EGFR inhibitors is likely mediated through downstream activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase /AKT pathway. Simultaneous treatment of resistant tumors with a MET inhibitor plus an EGFR inhibitor can abrogate activation of downstream effectors of cell growth, proliferation, and survival, thereby overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Development and preclinical testing of multiple agents targeting the HGF–MET pathway, including monoclonal antibodies targeting HGF or the MET receptor and small-molecule inhibitors of the MET tyrosine kinase, have confirmed the crucial role of this pathway in NSCLC. Several agents are now in phase III clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC. This review summarizes the role of MET in the pathophysiology of NSCLC and in acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors and provides an update on progress in the clinical development of inhibitors of MET for treatment of NSCLC.
A characterization of p-bases of rings of constants
Authors: Jędrzejewicz Piotr 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
We obtain two equivalent conditions for m polynomials in n variables to form a p-basis of a ring of constants of some polynomial K-derivation, where K is a unique factorization domain of characteristic p > 0. One of these conditions involves Jacobians while the other some properties of factors. In the case m = n this extends the known theorem of Nousiainen, and we obtain a new formulation of the Jacobian conjecture in positive characteristic.
Interpretations of cosmological spectral shifts
Authors: Østvang Dag 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
It is shown that for Robertson-Walker models with flat or closed space sections, all of the cosmological spectral shift can be attributed to the non-flat connection (and thus indirectly to space-time curvature). For Robertson-Walker models with hyperbolic space sections, it is shown that cosmological spectral shifts uniquely split up into “kinematic” and “gravitational” parts provided that distances are small. For large distances no such unique split-up exists in general. A number of common, but incorrect assertions found in the literature regarding interpretations of cosmological spectral shifts, is pointed out.
Integration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with grid connected residential photovoltaic energy systems
Authors: Nagarajan Adarsh , Shireen Wajiha 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This paper proposes an approach for integrating Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to an existing residential photovoltaic system, to control and optimize the power consumption of residential load. Control involves determining the source from which residential load will be catered, where as optimization of power flow reduces the stress on the grid. The system built to achieve the goal is a combination of the existing residential photovoltaic system, PHEV, Power Conditioning Unit (PCU), and a controller. The PCU involves two DC-DC Boost Converters and an inverter. This paper emphasizes on developing the controller logic and its implementation in order to accommodate the flexibility and benefits of the proposed integrated system. The proposed controller logic has been simulated using MATLAB SIMULINK and further implemented using Digital Signal Processor (DSP) microcontroller, TMS320F28035, from Texas Instruments
Constraining turbulent heat flux parameterization over a temperate maritime glacier in New Zealand
Authors: Conway J.P. , Cullen N.J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes are important components of the surface energy balance over glaciers in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, contributing over half the energy available for ablation during large melt events. To calculate these terms confidently in glacier mass-balance models it is essential to use appropriate parameterizations for surface roughness and atmospheric stability. Eddy covariance measurements at Brewster Glacier were obtained over an ice surface to help facilitate an assessment of the calculation of the turbulent heat fluxes. The roughness length for momentum was found to be 3.6 x 10−3m, while the roughness lengths for temperature and humidity were two orders of magnitude smaller, in agreement with surface renewal theory. A Monte Carlo approach was used to assess the uncertainty in turbulent heat fluxes calculated using the bulk aerodynamic method. It was found that input-data and roughness-length uncertainty could not explain underestimates of observed sensible heat fluxes during periods with low wind speed and large temperature gradients. During these periods a katabatic wind speed maximum alters the formulation of the turbulent exchange coefficient to that typically observed in a neutral atmosphere and this has implications for glacier mass-balance sensitivity.
L'entrepreneuriat vert : mécanismes de mise en œuvre et motivations en Tunisie (cas d'un pays émergent)
Authors: Ben Hadj Youssef Allala , Dziri Mariem 
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’éco-entrepreneuriat consiste à créer des entreprises en exploitant le filon écologique. Le discours écologique est arrivé en force ces dernières années, traduisant l’inquiétude de l’opinion publique quant au sort réservé à notre terre. Le monde des affaires et les impératifs environnementaux sont-ils conciliables ? Cette étude vise à comprendre les mécanismes motivationnels des entrepreneurs éco-innovants en Tunisie. Il est évident que leurs motivations ne sont pas dictées uniquement par un désir de protéger l’environnement. Cette recherche met en évidence d’autres finalités de natures interne et externe. Elle montre que les considérations écologiques trouvent un intérêt entrepreneurial important même dans les pays émergents. En effet, la motivation économique explique l’essentiel de l’entrepreneuriat vert en Tunisie. Elle présente deux aspects : saisir de nouvelles opportunités d’affaires ; réduire les coûts de production et les gaspillages d’énergie. La sensibilité croissante de l’opinion publique à l’écologie vient en deuxième position pour confirmer la prise de conscience planétaire des problématiques de l’écologie.
Calcolosi Reno-ureterale Nella Sindrome di V.A.C.T.E.R.L. Risoluzione Endourologica
Authors: Granelli Pietro , Campobasso Davide , Salsi Paolo , Cretì Giuseppe , Moretti Matteo , Cisternino Antonio , Frattini Antonio , Ferretti Stefania , Cortellini Pietro 
Published: January 2013

Background The endourological technique is a safe and effective approach in the treatment of large stones in the pediatric population with congenital malformations. Introduction The VACTERL association is a group of congenital malformations that include vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula with atresia, renal defects, and radial upper limb dysplasia. Renal anomalies are found in approximately 90% of patients. Materials and Methods We present a case of a 7-year-old girl with VACTERL association and cloacal malformations, undergoing multiple surgeries with subsequent Mitrofanoff continent appendico-vesicostomy. She presented at our attention for centimetric left ureteral and inferior pyelo-calyceal stones. She underwent flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy of both stones. A ureteral catheter and a nephrostomy tube have been left at the end of the procedure. Results The ureteral catheter was removed in the 2nd post-operative day, the tubes were removed after a nephrostogram in the 8th post-operative day. The patient is stone-free. No complications were observed in the post-operative time. Conclusions Endoscopy is the method of choice for the management of pediatric urolithiasis with complex renal calculi, due to its low incidence of major complications and a high stone-free rate.
Comment définir une éthique pour notre civilisation technologique ?
Authors: Bruneault Frédérick 
Published: January 2013

Y a-t-il une fondation rationnelle ultime à nos obligations morales qui puisse nous permettre de faire face aux exigences de notre situation technologique actuelle et des inquiétudes qu’elle fait surgir ? Ce texte a pour objectif de répondre affirmativement à cette question en examinant les travaux de deux auteurs qui partagent une lecture de l’aspect paradoxal de la réflexion éthique contemporaine, à savoir Karl-Otto Apel et Hans Jonas. Chacun de leur côté, ils se proposent de fonder rationnellement une éthique capable d’affronter l’ampleur des problèmes auxquels fait face la civilisation technologique, mais ils le font par des chemins passablement différents. Ma thèse est que ces deux voies sont nécessaires pour arriver à l’objectif d’une fondation rationnelle ultime de l’éthique, mais qu’elles ne peuvent y arriver qu’à la condition de travailler en complémentarité.
Le singulier dans l’idéalisme allemand
Authors: Vetö Miklos 
Published: January 2013

La philosophie occidentale, depuis ses origines helléniques jusqu’aux grands systèmes postcartésiens, n’a jamais su donner sa place au particulier, au singulier. L’intelligibilité du singulier ne pouvait être exposée en concept qu’à partir de la réhabilitation du temps et de l’image par la philosophie critique. Kant présente le singulier à travers le grand philosophème esthétique du Génie. Chez Hegel le singulier se trouve « déduit » dans la Philosophie du droit à travers la figure du Prince. Et le second Schelling rapatrie quasiment la notion en philosophie théologique avec la monstration de Dieu qui affirme sa personnalité dans l’abandon kénotique de son propre être en faveur de l’être du Monde.
Exploration of values and frames in social media texts related to the homeless hotspots debate
Authors: Koepfler Jes A. , Templeton T. Clay , Fleischmann Kenneth R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this study we conducted framing analysis and thematic analysis of social media texts to explore the qualitative relationships of salient values in frames that shaped the Homeless Hotspots debate. We identified three key frames and associated values in the debate: (1) the Entrepreneurship frame evoking Self‐Enhancement values, (2) the Dystopia frame de‐emphasizing the Self‐Enhancement values put forth by the Entrepreneurship frame, and (3) the Societal Failure frame that emphasized Self‐Transcendence values like universalism. We discuss the implications of these findings and use them to develop hypotheses for a follow‐up experiment investigating the relationship between personal values of readers of texts and the texts themselves, as well as an examination of the timeline of frames and how they are propagated via social media.
Social media and academic libraries: Current trends and future challenges
Authors: Collins Gary , Quan‐Haase Anabel 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAcademic libraries are increasingly using social media tools to promote services and highlight resources to patrons. This longitudinal study examines the social media adoption rates and practices in academic libraries in the province of Ontario over a fourteen month period beginning in April 2010. Findings indicate that while interest in social media technologies amongst librarians has plateaued, patrons of academic libraries are using these tools in increasing numbers. Outcomes suggest libraries should attempt in the future to create more original content in areas of patron interest as well as utilize their preferred platforms with greater regularity.
Anwendung neuer Vergütungsformen im Rahmen niederländischer DMP: Auswirkungen auf Prozessqualität und Kosten
Authors: Mohnen Sigrid M. , Baan Caroline A. , Struijs Jeroen N. 
Published: January 2013

Einleitung
Seit 2007 ist es in den Niederlanden möglich, um DMPs integriert zu vergüten. Integrierte Vergütung soll zu qualitativ besserer Versorgung sowie Aufgabenverteilgung und –delegation führen. Das „National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)“ erforschte die Auswirkung dieser Vergütungsreform auf Diabetes Versorgung hinsichtlich Qualitätsprozessindikatoren und Kosten. Die Forschungsergebnisse sind in diesem Artikel zusammengefasst.