bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of IgG antibody against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus using ELISA with recombinant nucleoprotein antigens from genetically diverse strains
Authors: RANGUNWALA A. , SAMUDZI R. R. , BURT F. J. 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) has the propensity to cause nosocomial infections with a high fatality rate. Handling the virus requires biosafety level-4 facilities, limiting accessibility for many laboratories. Advances in molecular techniques have allowed preparation of safe recombinant antigens that have application in diagnosis and serosurveillance of CCHFV. The aim of this study was to determine genetic diversity in CCHFV based on all available complete sequence data for the S gene encoding CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP) and antibody cross-reactivity between the NP of a South African isolate and the NP of a Greek isolate (AP92), the most genetically diverse CCHFV strain. The nucleotide sequence diversity and amino-acid diversity between genotypes, within genotypes and the pairwise distances were calculated for a dataset of 45 CCHFV isolates retrieved from GenBank. The most diverse virus, AP92, isolated from a tick in Greece, displayed the highest amino-acid difference (8·7%) with SPU415/85, isolated from a human infection in South Africa. Recombinant NP encoded for by codon-optimized S genes of SPU415/85 and AP92 were expressed in a bacterial host system and used to develop an in-house ELISA to detect IgG antibody against CCHFV in South African patients who survived infection. A total of 14/14 sera reacted with the South African recombinant NP and 13/14 reacted with the Greek recombinant NP. The serological cross-reactivity of the two NP antigens suggests that recombinant antigens prepared from geographically distinct CCHFV will have diagnostic and epidemiological applications worldwide.
Norovirus genotypes implicated in two oyster-related illness outbreaks in Ireland
Authors: RAJKO-NENOW P. , KEAVENEY S. , FLANNERY J. , McINTYRE A. , DORÉ W. 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYWe investigated norovirus (NoV) concentrations and genotypes in oyster and faecal samples associated with two separate oyster-related outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Ireland. Quantitative analysis was performed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analysis was conducted to establish the NoV genotypes present. For both outbreaks, the NoV concentration in oysters was >1000 genome copies/g digestive tissue and multiple genotypes were identified. In faecal samples, GII.13 was the only genotype detected for outbreak 1, whereas multiple genotypes were detected in outbreak 2 following the application of cloning procedures. While various genotypes were identified in oyster samples, not all were successful in causing infection in consumers. In outbreak 2 NoV GII.1 was identified in all four faecal samples analysed and NoV GII concentrations in faecal samples were >108copies/g. This study demonstrates that a range of NoV genotypes can be present in highly contaminated oysters responsible for gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Separation Probabilities for Products of Permutations
Authors: BERNARDI OLIVIER , DU ROSENA R. X. , MORALES ALEJANDRO H. , STANLEY RICHARD P. 
Published: December 2013

We study the mixing properties of permutations obtained as a product of two uniformly random permutations of fixed cycle types. For instance, we give an exact formula for the probability that elements 1,2,. . .,kare in distinct cycles of the random permutation of {1,2,. . .,n} obtained as a product of two uniformly randomn-cycles.
Behavioural and emotional outcomes in school-aged children after surgery or transcatheter closure treatment for ventricular septal defect
Authors: Guan Guotao , Liu Haiyan , Wang Yulin , Han Bo , Jin Youpeng 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectionWe aimed to assess and compare the behavioural and emotional outcomes of school-aged children after surgery or transcatheter closure for ventricular septal defect and investigate the risk factors for developing abnormal behavioural problems with the condition.MethodsIn this study, we included 29 children, including 20 boys, with ventricular septal defect who underwent surgery and 35 children, including 21 boys, who underwent transcatheter closure (6–13 years old) and their age- and sex-matched best friends (n = 56) and their parents. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to obtain standardised parents’ reports of behavioural and emotional problems in children. The 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire was used to assess parents’ psychological distress. Pearson correlation and logistic regression were used to analyse risk factors for developing behaviour problems.ResultsBehavioural problems were greater for boys and girls undergoing surgery or transcatheter closure than controls. The behavioural problems were mainly depression, somatic complaints, and social withdrawal for boys and thought problems, depression, somatic complaints, and social withdrawal for girls. Depression and somatic complaints were greater for boys undergoing surgery than for boys undergoing transcatheter closure. Behavioural problems did not differ between treatment groups for girls. Risk factors for developing behavioural problems were age at the time of ventricular septal defect repair (p = 0.03; odds ratio = 2.35), skin scar (p = 0.04; odds ratio = 3.12), post-operative atrioventricular block (p = 0.03; odds ratio = 2.81), and maternal anxiety (p < 0.01; odds ratio = 4.5).ConclusionSchool-aged children who underwent repair of ventricular septal defect regardless of the type of treatment (surgery or transcatheter closure) exhibit internalising behavioural problems. Risk factors for developing problems are young age, scarring, post-operative atrioventricular block, and maternal anxiety. In particular, maternal anxiety is the most important risk factor.
Use of a Hooked Cutting Device Compared With Scissors for the Emergency Exposure of Critically Ill and Injured Patients
Authors: Tang Nelson , Levy Matthew J. , Harrow Jeffrey , Bingham Nina 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe initial assessment of critical patients includes prompt identification of life-threatening conditions. Any device or technique that can aid in this process may ultimately save lives. This study examined whether clothing could be removed faster with the use of a hooked cutting device as compared with the commonly-used heavy-duty, blunt-tipped, serrated scissors.MethodsThis study took place in an urban academic emergency department of a Level-1 trauma center. Human patient simulator mannequins were clothed in identical shirts and pants. The time required for clinical personnel to expose the patient using each device was measured. Each of the 50 participants was queried regarding their tactile comfort using each device.ResultsThe mean time for shirt removal using scissors was 83 seconds (SD = 55 seconds; 95% CI, 68-99). The mean time for shirt removal using the hook device was 28 seconds (SD = 21 seconds; 95% CI, 22-34). The mean time for pants removal using scissors was 69 seconds (SD = 40 seconds; 95% CI, 56-73). The mean time for pants removal using the hook device was 19 seconds (SD=15 seconds; 95% CI, 15-23).ConclusionsThe hooked device was 69% faster at removing clothing than traditionally-used scissors. Though simple in concept, these implications can be life saving, particularly in conditions of uncontrolled, life-threatening external hemorrhage.TangN, LevyM, HarrowJ, BinghamN. Use of a hooked cutting device compared with scissors for the emergency exposure of critically ill and injured patients. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-4.
Daytime sleepiness associated with lurasidone and quetiapine XR: results from a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Loebel Antony D. , Siu Cynthia O. , Cucchiaro Josephine B. , Pikalov Andrei A. , Harvey Philip D. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this analysis was to compare the effects of 2 atypical antipsychotic agents, lurasidone (80 mg/d or 160 mg/d) and quetiapine XR (600 mg/d), on daytime alertness, and to evaluate the effects of daytime sleepiness on treatment outcomes in patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia.MethodsPatients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for schizophrenia were randomized to 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with fixed doses of lurasidone 80 mg/d (n = 125), lurasidone 160 mg/d (n = 121), quetiapine XR 600 mg/d (n = 119), or placebo (n = 121), all dosed once daily in the evening, with food. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).ResultsDaytime sleepiness improved in the lurasidone and placebo-treated groups but worsened in the quetiapine XR treatment group when compared to placebo (p = 0.001) and to either dose of lurasidone (both p < 0.01). Sedation associated with quetiapine XR treatment mediated an improvement in agitation [assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale—Excitement (PANSS-EC) subscale] and a worsening in functional capacity [assessed by the University of California–San Diego (UCSD) Performance-Based Skills Assessment—Brief Version (UPSA-B) total score]; these mediating relationships were not observed for the lurasidone or placebo treatment groups.ConclusionIn this 6-week double-blind study, treatment with lurasidone 80 mg or 160 mg, administered once daily in the evening, was associated with a reduction in daytime sleepiness similar in magnitude to placebo, while quetiapine XR 600 mg/d was associated with a significant increase in daytime sleepiness, compared to both lurasidone dose groups and placebo. Daytime sleepiness was associated with improvement in agitation and worsening in functional capacity for quetiapine XR, but not lurasidone or placebo-treated patients.
Cognitive Rehabilitation of Memory for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Methodological Review and Model for Future Research
Authors: Hampstead Benjamin M. , Gillis M. Meredith , Stringer Anthony Y. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSeveral recent reviews have suggested that cognitive rehabilitation may hold promise in the treatment of memory deficits experienced by patients with mild cognitive impairment. In contrast to the previous reviews that mainly focused on outcome, the current review examines key methodological challenges that are critical for designing and interpreting research studies and translating results into clinical practice. Using methodological details from 36 studies, we first examine diagnostic variability and how the use of cutoffs may bias samples toward more severely impaired patients. Second, the strengths and limitations of several common rehabilitative techniques are discussed. Half of the reviewed studies used a multi-technique approach that precludes the causal attribution between any specific technique and subsequent improvement. Third, there is a clear need to examine the dose-response relationship since this information was strikingly absent from most studies. Fourth, outcome measures varied widely and frequently depended on neuropsychological tests with little theoretical justification or ecological relevance. Fifth, we discuss how the variability in each of these other four areas complicates efforts to examine training generalization. Overall, future studies should place greater emphasis on ecologically relevant treatment approaches and outcome measures and we propose a hierarchical model that may aid in this pursuit. (JINS, 2014,19, 1–17)
Rural household participation in markets for non-timber forest products in Zambia
Authors: Mulenga Brian P. , Richardson Robert B. , Tembo Gelson , Mapemba Lawrence 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNon-timber forest products (NTFPs) support livelihoods in rural communities through provision of food, fuel, materials, medicines and income from sales. We estimated the contribution of NTFPs to rural household income in Zambia, and used a two-stage tobit alternative model to identify the factors associated with participation in NTFP markets. NTFPs accounted for 35 per cent of household income for participating households, second only to trading. Human capital variables and the value of assets were found to be significant determinants of both participation in business activities related to NTFPs and the associated household income, and the poor were more dependent on NTFPs than wealthier households. The effect of average rainfall underscores the role that NTFPs play in providing a safety net during periods of low crop yields. Rural development policies should recognize the role played by NTFPs in rural livelihoods and the need to balance welfare improvement and sustainable forest management.
Improved Microchip Design and Application for In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Macromolecules
Authors: Dukes Madeline J , Thomas Rebecca , Damiano John , Klein Kate L , Balasubramaniam Sharavanan , Kayandan Sanem , Riffle Judy S , Davis Richey M , McDonald Sarah M , Kelly Deborah F 
Published: December 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the fundamental properties of macromolecules has enhanced the development of emerging technologies used to improve biomedical research. Currently, there is a critical need for innovative platforms that can illuminate the function of biomedical reagents in a native environment. To address this need, we have developed an in situ approach to visualize the dynamic behavior of biomedically relevant macromolecules at the nanoscale. Newly designed silicon nitride devices containing integrated “microwells” were used to enclose active macromolecular specimens in liquid for transmission electron microscopy imaging purposes.We were able to successfully examine novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast reagents, micelle suspensions, liposome carrier vehicles, and transcribing viral assemblies. With each specimen tested, the integrated microwells adequately maintained macromolecules in discrete local environments while enabling thin liquid layers to be produced.
THE MAHLER MEASURE OF TRINOMIALS OF HEIGHT 1
Authors: FLAMMANG V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe study the Mahler measure of the trinomials ${z}^{n} \pm {z}^{k} \pm 1$. We give two criteria to identify those whose Mahler measure is less than $1. 381\hspace{0.167em} 356\cdots = M(1+ {z}_{1} + {z}_{2} )$. We prove that these criteria are true for $n$ sufficiently large.
WTO-plus commitments and emerging implications for China's large civil aircraft manufacturing
Authors: HE JUAN 
Published: December 2013

AbstractChina's accession to the WTO in 2001 is widely accepted as a landmark event for the multilateral trade system and for the country. The large-scale WTO-plus commitments have nevertheless received unceasing criticism and discussion. This article is concerned with the resulting policy implications for the Chinese initiative to become a global producer of large civil aircraft at the next stage of development. A real-life case study is expected to provide robust evidence for inquiring whether China and emerging economies alike can smoothly advance up the global value chain while honouring their WTO obligations in good faith. The article confirms the widespread opinion that there are vast legal uncertainties ahead for China throughout this journey, and for that reason, a rigorous market-orientation effort is needed to strengthen its ability to compete in the commercial aviation sector.
Estimation of Disability Transition Probabilities in Australia I: Preliminary
Authors: Hariyanto Evan A. , Dickson David C.M. , Pitt David G.W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis is the first of two papers in which we estimate transition probabilities amongst levels of disability as defined in the Australian Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. In this paper we describe both the main tools of our estimation and the estimation of the numbers of individuals in different disability categories at annual intervals using survey data that are available at five year intervals. In Paper II we describe our estimation procedure, followed by its implementation, discussion of results and graduation of the estimated transition probabilities.
Estimation of Disability Transition Probabilities in Australia II: Implementation
Authors: Hariyanto Evan A. , Dickson David C. M. , Pitt David G. W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis is the second of two papers in which we estimate transition probabilities amongst levels of disability as defined in the Australian Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. In this paper we describe our estimation procedure, followed by its implementation, discussion of results and graduation of the estimated transition probabilities.
‘Organising the unpredictable’: the Nigeria–Biafra war and its impact on the ICRC
Authors: Desgrandchamps Marie-Luce 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article analyses how the events of the late 1960s – and in particular the Nigeria–Biafra War – marked a turning point in the history of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Nigeria-Biafra conflict required the ICRC to set up and coordinate a major relief operation during a civil war in a post-colonial context, posing several new challenges for the organisation. This article shows how the difficulties encountered during the conflict highlighted the need for the Geneva-based organisation to reform the management of its operations, personnel, and communications in order to become more effective and professional. Finally, the article takes the examination of this process within the ICRC as a starting point for a broader discussion of the changing face of the humanitarian sector in the late 1960s.
New technologies and new policies: the ICRC's evolving approach to working with separated families
Authors: Dubois Olivier , Marshall Katharine , McNamara Siobhan Sparkes 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe field of humanitarian action is far from static, and the ICRC has worked over the years to evolve and respond to changing needs and changing circumstances. The past several decades have seen a proliferation of humanitarian actors, protracted, complex conflicts, and the rapid rise of new technologies that have significantly impacted how humanitarian work is done. The ICRC has been continually challenged to adapt in this changing environment, and its core work of supporting separated families – through restoration of family links and through support to the families of the missing – provides insight into ways that it has met this challenge and areas in which it may still seek to improve.
Non-collinear interaction of photons with orbital angular momentum
Authors: Roger Thomas , Heitz Julius J. F. , Wright Ewan M. , Faccio Daniele 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe study the nonlinear interaction between two non-collinear light beams that carry orbital angular momentum (OAM). More specifically, two incident beams interact at an angle in a medium with a second order nonlinearity and thus generate a third, non-collinear beam at the second harmonic frequency that experiences a reduced conversion efficiency in comparison to that expected based on conventional phase-matching theory. This reduction scales with the input beam OAM and, differently from previous spiral bandwidth calculations, is due to a geometric effect whereby the input OAM is projected along the non-collinear interaction direction. The effect is relevant even at small interaction angles and is further complicated at large angles by a non-conservation of the total OAM in the nonlinear interaction. Experiments are performed under different conditions and are in excellent agreement with the theory. Our results have implications beyond the specific case studied here of second-harmonic generation, in particular for parametric down-conversion of photons or in general for phase-matched non-collinear interactions between beams with different OAM.
Quantum State Tomography via Linear Regression Estimation
Authors: Qi Bo , Hou Zhibo , Li Li , Dong Daoyi , Xiang Guoyong , Guo Guangcan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA simple yet efficient state reconstruction algorithm of linear regression estimation (LRE) is presented for quantum state tomography. In this method, quantum state reconstruction is converted into a parameter estimation problem of a linear regression model and the least-squares method is employed to estimate the unknown parameters. An asymptotic mean squared error (MSE) upper bound for all possible states to be estimated is given analytically, which depends explicitly upon the involved measurement bases. This analytical MSE upper bound can guide one to choose optimal measurement sets. The computational complexity of LRE is O(d4) where d is the dimension of the quantum state. Numerical examples show that LRE is much faster than maximum-likelihood estimation for quantum state tomography.
Hypoxia-inducible factors regulate human and rat cystathionine β-synthase gene expression
Authors: Takano Naoharu , Peng Ying-Jie , Kumar Ganesh K. , Luo Weibo , Hu Hongxia , Shimoda Larissa A. , Suematsu Makoto , Prabhakar Nanduri R. , Semenza Gregg L. 
Published: December 2013

Increased catalytic activity of CBS (cystathionine β-synthase) was recently shown to mediate vasodilation of the cerebral microcirculation, which is initiated within minutes of the onset of acute hypoxia. To test whether chronic hypoxia was a stimulus for increased CBS expression, U87-MG human glioblastoma and PC12 rat phaeochromocytoma cells were exposed to 1% or 20% O2 for 24–72 h. CBS mRNA and protein expression were increased in hypoxic cells. Hypoxic induction of CBS expression was abrogated in cells transfected with vector encoding shRNA targeting HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) 1α or 2α. Exposure of rats to hypobaric hypoxia (0.35 atm; 1 atm=101.325 kPa) for 3 days induced increased CBS mRNA, protein and catalytic activity in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, which was blocked by administration of the HIF inhibitor digoxin. HIF-binding sites, located 0.8 and 1.2 kb 5′ to the transcription start site of the human CBS and rat Cbs genes respectively, were identified by ChIP assays. A 49-bp human sequence, which encompassed an inverted repeat of the core HIF-binding site, functioned as a hypoxia-response element in luciferase reporter transcription assays. Thus HIFs mediate tissue-specific CBS expression, which may augment cerebral vasodilation as an adaptive response to chronic hypoxia.