bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cationic solid–lipid nanoparticles are as efficient as electroporation in DNA vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis in mice
Authors: Saljoughian N. , Zahedifard F. , Doroud D. , Doustdari F. , Vasei M. , Papadopoulou B. , Rafati S. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe use of an appropriate delivery system has recently emerged as a promising approach for the development of effective vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Here, we compare two vaccine delivery systems, namely electroporation and cationic solid–lipid nanoparticle (cSLN) formulation, to administer a DNA vaccine harbouring the L. donovani A2 antigen along with L. infantum cysteine proteinases [CPA and CPB without its unusual C‐terminal extension (CPB−CTE)] and evaluate their potential against L. infantum challenge. Prime‐boost administration of the pcDNA‐A2‐CPA‐CPB−CTE delivered by either electroporation or cSLN formulation protects BALB/c mice against L. infantum challenge and that protective immunity is associated with high levels of IFN‐γ and lower levels of IL‐10 production, leading to a strong Th1 immune response. At all time points, the ratio of IFN‐γ: IL‐10 induced upon restimulation with rA2‐rCPA‐rCPB and F/T antigens was significantly higher in vaccinated animals. Moreover, Th2‐efficient protection was elicited through a high humoral immune response. Nitric oxide production, parasite burden and histopathological analysis were also in concordance with other findings. Overall, these data indicate that similar to the electroporation delivery system, cSLNs as a nanoscale vehicle of Leishmania antigens could improve immune response, hence indicating the promise of these strategies against visceral leishmaniasis.
What determines growth potential and juvenile quality of farmed fish species?
Authors: Valente Luísa M.P. , Moutou Katerina A. , Conceição Luis E.C. , Engrola Sofia , Fernandes Jorge M.O. , Johnston Ian A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEnhanced production of high quality and healthy fry is a key target for a successful and competitive expansion of the aquaculture industry. Although large quantities of fish larvae are produced, survival rates are often low or highly variable and growth potential is in most cases not fully exploited, indicating significant gaps in our knowledge concerning optimal nutritional and culture conditions. Understanding the mechanisms that control early development and muscle growth are critical for the identification of time windows in development that introduce growth variation, and improve the viability and quality of juveniles. This literature review of the current state of knowledge aims to provide a framework for a better understanding of fish skeletal muscle ontogeny, and its impact on larval and juvenile quality as broadly defined. It focuses on fundamental biological knowledge relevant to larval phenotype and quality and, in particular, on the factors affecting the development of skeletal muscle. It also discusses the available methodologies to assess growth and larvae/juvenile quality, identifies gaps in knowledge and suggests future research directions. The focus is primarily on the major farmed non‐salmonid fish species in Europe that include gilthead sea bream, European sea bass, turbot, Atlantic cod, Senegalese sole and Atlantic halibut.
Risk of hospital admission or emergency room visit for pneumonia in patients using respiratory inhalers: A case‐crossover study
Authors: Lee Chang‐Hoon , Jang Eun Jin , Hyun Min Kyung , Lee Na Rae , Kim Kyungjoo , Yim Jae‐Joon 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe impact of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use on the development of pneumonia has been heavily debated. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between the use of inhalers, including ICS, and a hospital admission or an emergency room (ER) visit for pneumonia.MethodsA case‐crossover study was conducted based on the Korean national claims database. We identified users of respiratory inhalers admitted to the hospital or having visited the ER for pneumonia between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010. The case period was defined as 0–30 days before the event. Control periods of 30–60, 90–120, 180–210 and 360–390 days before the event were used.ResultsA total of 186 018 inhaler users were admitted to the hospital or visited the ER for pneumonia during the study period. With the period 30–60 days before the event as a control, the use of an ICS without a long‐acting β2 agonist (LABA) was associated with an increased risk of hospital admission or ER visit for pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64–1.83). In contrast, the use of an ICS and a LABA was associated with a decreased risk for pneumonia‐related hospital admission or ER visit (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.61–0.66).ConclusionsWe suggest that the use of ICS with LABA decreases the risk of hospital admission or ER visit for pneumonia, whereas the use of ICS alone may increase that risk.
Frequency of referral to and attendance at a pulmonary rehabilitation programme amongst patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Johnston Kylie , Young Mary , Grimmer Karen , Antic Ral , Frith Peter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in the management of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but implementation appears to be low. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of referral to, and attendance at, PR programmes in a sample of patients with COPD.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in South Australia, with a primary diagnosis of COPD between March and November 2011 was conducted. Data were collected from medical records and patient interview.ResultsFrom 235 admissions with preliminary coding as COPD, 88 patients had COPD as the primary reason for admission and were potentially eligible for rehabilitation. While 57% had been referred to rehabilitation during their disease course, only 18% had attended and completed at least half the programme. Seven patients had attended in the previous 2 years. Mean percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 42% at the time of referral. During the index admission, discussion of rehabilitation resulting in a referral occurred in 14 cases (16%). No demographic or disease characteristics were associated with referral/no referral; being reviewed by a COPD nurse coordinator during admission increased the likelihood of referral (odds ratio = 18.7, 95% confidence interval: 3.8–91.4).ConclusionsPR had been implemented in a small proportion of patients admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of COPD due to gaps in both referral to and subsequent attendance at a programme. Strategies to improve referral to and participation in PR are required.
Comparing finger and forehead sensors to measure oxygen saturation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wilson Stephanie , Cecins Nola , Jenkins Sue , Melang Michelle , Singh Bhajan , Hill Kylie 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveOxyhaemoglobin saturation of arterial blood is commonly measured using a finger sensor attached to a pulse oximeter (SpO2). We sought to compare SpO2 measured using finger and forehead sensors with oxyhaemoglobin saturation in arterialized capillary samples (ACS) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during exercise.MethodsDuring aerobic exercise, SpO2 was measured continuously by two pulse oximeters: one connected to a finger sensor and to a forehead sensor. Before and after the task, ACS were collected to provide a minimally invasive reference measure of oxyhaemoglobin saturation. Patients with COPD were eligible for inclusion if they desaturated when walking by >4% from resting levels to <90%. Current smokers and those prescribed supplemental oxygen were excluded.ResultsFourteen participants completed the study (forced expiratory volume in 1 s = 35 ± 10% predicted). Compared with ACS, SpO2 measured via the finger sensor was 2% lower (limit of agreement 3%), and SpO2 measured via the forehead sensor was 2% higher (limit of agreement 4%). Differences were not systematic. The change in oxygen saturation during exercise was similar among the finger sensor (−7; 95% confidence interval (CI): −4 to −10%), forehead sensor (−7; 95% CI: −3 to −10%) and ACS (−6; 95% CI: −3 to −9%).ConclusionsOxygen saturation measured using the forehead sensor was higher than that measured in ACS. Assuming that oxygen saturation in ACS is slightly less than arterial blood, forehead sensors may yield measures more concordant with arterial blood. Both sensors detected exercise‐induced desaturation.
High‐Performance Management Practices and Employee Outcomes in Denmark
Authors: Cristini Annalisa , Eriksson Tor , Pozzoli Dario 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHigh‐performance work practices are frequently considered to have positive effects on corporate performance, but what do they do for employees? After assessing the correlation between organizational innovation and firm performance, this article investigates whether high‐involvement work practices affect workers in terms of wages, wage inequality and workforce composition. The analysis is based on a survey directed at Danish firms matched with linked employer–employee data and also examines whether the relationship between high‐involvement work practices and employee outcomes is affected by the industrial relations context.
Effective Monetary Policy Conservatism: A Comparison of 13 OECD Countries
Authors: Berlemann Michael , Hielscher Kai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEmpirical studies of the influence of central bank independence and inflation have yet delivered quite inconclusive results. We argue this to be due to the failure to focus an actual central bank independence and to take the degree of conservatism of the government and the central bank into account. In this paper, we propose a new methodology of measuring the joint degree of central bank independence and conservatism from observed central bank behaviour. After applying the method to 13 OECD countries, we find our indicator to be negatively correlated with a legal index of central bank independence, but positively correlated with the turnover rate. As the latter exclusively focuses on factual central bank independence, the remaining difference might be attributed to conservatism.
Pareto‐improving pension reform through technological implementation
Authors: Roberts Mark A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe present a standard OLG model where a pension reform promotes the adoption of a new technology by lowering the interest rates that discount the future profit gains. This then leads to a rise in total factor productivity, which, for some parameter values, renders the reform Pareto‐improving. The analysis adds to the existing literature, concluding that a supply‐side response is necessary for any such improvement, and presents a rise in total factor productivity as another possible mechanism.
DIELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF NANO BARIUM TITANATE FILLED POLYMERIC COMPOSITES
Authors: PRATAP A. , JOSHI N. J. , RAKSHIT P. B. , GREWAL G. S. , SHRINET V. 
Published: May 2013

Rapid growth of electronic industry requires development of new materials that combine the high dielectric constant intrinsic to ferroelectric ceramic materials with easy processing characteristics of polymers. Ceramic-polymeric composites possess interesting properties for a variety of electronic applications including passive electronic devices. In fact, polymer-ceramic materials have drawn lot attention for use in microelectronic packaging, because they can give higher performance with lower cost, size and weight. In this work, attempts are made to prepare ceramic polymer composites followed by characterization of dielectric properties. The Barium Titanate ceramic powders are synthesized using the hydrothermal process. Crystal structure and crystallite size of particles are determined using X-ray diffraction. Silane treatment is carried out on Barium Titanate powder to increase its compatibility with polymer, followed with preparation of ceramic polymer composites. Epoxy and polyvinyledene fluoride (PVDF) polymers are used as matrices for preparation of the composites. The proportion of nanopowder is varied from 60 to 90 wt%. Dielectric properties such as volume resistivity, dielectric constant, dissipation factor are evaluated. Results indicate that the dielectric constant and dissipation factor vary between 18 -140 and 0.01 to 0.09, respectively as the relative ratio of polymer and silane modified Barium Titanate is varied. Specifically, at 90 wt% of 0.1 wt% silane modified Barium Titanate, the highest dielectric constant of 140 along with dissipation factor of 0.07 is obtained in the epoxy based system.
NEW GENERATION ENERGY EFFICIENT REFRACTORY APPLICATION IN SOAKING PITS OF BHILAI STEEL PLANT, SAIL
Authors: ROY INDRANIL , CHINTAIAH PERUMETLA , BHATTACHARYA AJOY KR. , GARAI SWAPAN KR. , RAY CHOUDHURY PANKAJ KR. , TIWARI LAKSMAN 
Published: May 2013

In Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), soaking pits are used for heating ingots for successive rolling into blooms. Pits are operated at a temperature of around 1350°C. Mixed gas (Mixture of Blast Furnace gas & Coke Oven gas) of calorific value around 2040 kcal/Nm3 is used as fuel. The walls of soaking pits were lined with traditional 38% Al 2 O 3 firebricks and top 500mm was cast with 70% Al 2 O 3 low cement castable (LCC). This type of lining results in frequent damages due to hitting by ingots while being lifted from pit by overhead cranes thus affecting the availability of pit. Life of pits was 2 to 2.5 years in BSP with 3-4 cold repairs and 3-4 hot repairs. Energy loss through the wall is also quite high in this type of lining. To triumph over the limitations of the conventional lining, a lining design was developed for the walls which consist of special 70% Al 2 O 3 LCC having high hot strength (HMOR) in combination with specially design flexible SS-304 anchors. Ceramic fiber blanket and insulation bricks were provided between castable and the metallic shell of the pit to minimize the heat loss. A heating schedule was developed and introduced based on available infrastructure at BSP for proper curing of modified LCC based lining. After introduction of modified lining, pit no. 14/2 is running for more than 2.5 years without any repair. To capitalize the success, two more pits i.e. 12/1 and 9/2 were converted to modified lining. These pits are also running satisfactorily for more than 1.5 years. The modification has resulted in higher availability with substantial increase in production. Shell temperature of the modified pits reduced to 90° – 140°C from 120° – 200°C of conventional pits. This shows reduction in heat loss through walls, resulting less fuel consumption and energy saving of about 18%.
SINGLE STEP SINTERED CALCIUM PHOSPHATE FIBERS FROM AVIAN EGG SHELL
Authors: DADHICH PRABHASH , DAS BODHISATWA , DHARA SANTANU 
Published: May 2013

Different forms of calcium-phosphate (Hydoxyapatite, α-TCP, β-TCP, CDHA) minerals are found to be major component of bone tissue. Development of calcium-phosphate (CaP) based fibrous microstructures is of significant research interest worldwide owing to its improved mechanical properties and higher interconnectivity. Here we represent a method for single step sintered wet-spun Fibers of calcium phosphate from avian egg shells for biomedical applications. Raw egg shell powder was mixed with chitosan solution and Phosphoric acid. The mixture is milled in a ball mill overnight and then filtered. The slurry was de-aired using 100 microliter 1-octanol per 100 ml of slurry as antifoaming and wet spun in coagulation bath. Fiber was dried overnight and sintered at different temperatures for microstructure and phase analysis. Both green and sintered Fibers were physico-chemical characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, TGA, DSC, FTIR, and stereo-zoom microscopy. The fibers obtained in this procedure are found to have highly porous interconnected structures which can provide good cell adhesion and therefore can be used for bioactive scaffold making.
Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in lung cancer screening Computed Tomography scans: independent contribution of emphysema, air trapping and bronchial wall thickening
Authors: Mets Onno M , Schmidt Michael , Buckens Constantinus F , Gondrie Martijn J , Isgum Ivana , Oudkerk Matthijs , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , de Koning Harry J , van der Aalst Carlijn M , Prokop Mathias , Lammers Jan-Willem J , Zanen Pieter , Hoesein Firdaus A Mohamed , Mali Willem PThM , van Ginneken Bram , van Rikxoort Eva M , de Jong Pim A 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Beyond lung cancer, screening CT contains additional information on other smoking related diseases (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Since pulmonary function testing is not regularly incorporated in lung cancer screening, imaging biomarkers for COPD are likely to provide important surrogate measures for disease evaluation. Therefore, this study aims to determine the independent diagnostic value of CT emphysema, CT air trapping and CT bronchial wall thickness for COPD in low-dose screening CT scans.

Methods
Prebronchodilator spirometry and volumetric inspiratory and expiratory chest CT were obtained on the same day in 1140 male lung cancer screening participants. Emphysema, air trapping and bronchial wall thickness were automatically quantified in the CT scans. Logistic regression analysis was performed to derivate a model to diagnose COPD. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping techniques.

Results
Each of the three CT biomarkers independently contributed diagnostic value for COPD, additional to age, body mass index, smoking history and smoking status. The diagnostic model that included all three CT biomarkers had a sensitivity and specificity of 73.2% and 88.%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive value were 80.2% and 84.2%, respectively. Of all participants, 82.8% was assigned the correct status. The C-statistic was 0.87, and the Net Reclassification Index compared to a model without any CT biomarkers was 44.4%. However, the added value of the expiratory CT data was limited, with an increase in Net Reclassification Index of 4.5% compared to a model with only inspiratory CT data.

Conclusion
Quantitatively assessed CT emphysema, air trapping and bronchial wall thickness each contain independent diagnostic information for COPD, and these imaging biomarkers might prove useful in the absence of lung function testing and may influence lung cancer screening strategy. Inspiratory CT biomarkers alone may be sufficient to identify patients with COPD in lung cancer screening setting.
Transcription analysis of the porcine alveolar macrophage response to porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Li Wentao , Liu Shuqing , Wang Yang , Deng Feng , Yan Weidong , Yang Kun , Chen Huanchun , He Qigai , Charreyre Catherine , Audoneet Jean-Christophe 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causal agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which has severely impacted the swine industry worldwide. PCV2 triggers a weak and atypical innate immune response, but the key genes and mechanisms by which the virus interferes with host innate immunity have not yet been elucidated. In this study, genes that control the response of primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), the main target of PCV2, were profiled in vitro.

Results
PAMs were successfully infected by PCV2-WH strain, as evidenced quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results. Infection-related differential gene expression was investigated using pig microarrays from the US Pig Genome Coordination Program and validated by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Microarray analysis at 24 and 48 hours post-infection (HPI) revealed 266 and 175 unique genes, respectively, that were differentially expressed (false discovery rate <0.05; fold-change >2). Only six genes were differentially expressed between 24 and 48 HPI. The up-regulated genes were principally related to immune response, cytokine activity, locomotion, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell growth arrest, and antigen procession and presentation. The down-regulated genes were mainly involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, proteasome degradation, signal transducer activity, and ribosomal proteins, which were representative of the reduced vital activity of PCV2-infected cells.

Conclusions
PCV2 infection of PAMs causes up-regulation of genes related to inflammation, indicating that PCV2 may induce systematic inflammation. PCV2 persistently induced cytokines, mainly through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1 and TLR9 pathways, which may promote high levels of cytokine secretion. PCV2 may prevent apoptosis in PAMs by up-regulating SERPINB9 expression, possibly to lengthen the duration of PCV2 replication-permissive conditions. The observed gene expression profile may provide insights into the underlying immunological response and pathological changes that occur in pigs following PCV2 infection.
Tomato breeding in the genomics era: insights from a SNP array
Authors: Víquez-Zamora Marcela , Vosman Ben , van de Geest Henri , Bovy Arnaud , Visser Richard GF , Finkers Richard , van Heusden Adriaan W 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The major bottle neck in genetic and linkage studies in tomato has been the lack of a sufficient number of molecular markers. This has radically changed with the application of next generation sequencing and high throughput genotyping. A set of 6000 SNPs was identified and 5528 of them were used to evaluate tomato germplasm at the level of species, varieties and segregating populations.

Results
From the 5528 SNPs, 1980 originated from 454-sequencing, 3495 from Illumina Solexa sequencing and 53 were additional known markers. Genotyping different tomato samples allowed the evaluation of the level of heterozygosity and introgressions among commercial varieties. Cherry tomatoes were especially different from round/beefs in chromosomes 4, 5 and 12. We were able to identify a set of 750 unique markers distinguishing S. lycopersicum ‘Moneymaker’ from all its distantly related wild relatives. Clustering and neighbour joining analysis among varieties and species showed expected grouping patterns, with S. pimpinellifolium as the most closely related to commercial tomatoesearlier results.

Conclusions
Our results show that a SNP search in only a few breeding lines already provides generally applicable markers in tomato and its wild relatives. It also shows that the Illumina bead array generated data are highly reproducible. Our SNPs can roughly be divided in two categories: SNPs of which both forms are present in the wild relatives and in domesticated tomatoes (originating from common ancestors) and SNPs unique for the domesticated tomato (originating from after the domestication event). The SNPs can be used for genotyping, identification of varieties, comparison of genetic and physical linkage maps and to confirm (phylogenetic) relations. In the SNPs used for the array there is hardly any overlap with the SolCAP array and it is strongly recommended to combine both SNP sets and to select a core collection of robust SNPs completely covering the entire tomato genome.