bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-reactive protein level and microbial aetiology in patients hospitalised with acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Clark Tristan W. , Medina Marie-Jo , Batham Sally , Curran Martin D. , Parmar Surendra , Nicholson Karl G. 
Published: September 2014

Both viruses and bacteria are thought to cause exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the relative importance of each remains uncertain. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increase during exacerbations but the relationship with aetiology is not established. We aimed to explore the relationship between serum CRP and the rate of detection of viruses and bacteria.This was a prospectively recruited, observational study of patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Sputum and blood were collected for bacterial culture and urine tested for pneumococcal antigen. CRP levels were measured on sera. CRP and other factors associated with viral, bacterial or mixed detection were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis.264 patients with exacerbations of COPD were studied: 26% tested positive for respiratory viruses only, 13% had bacteria only, 12% had mixed viral/bacterial detection, and 49% had no pathogens detected. CRP level and temperature were strongly associated with viral detection rate (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) and mixed viral/bacterial detection rate (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively) on multivariate analysis. Bacterial detection rate was not associated with CRP level or body temperature.This study supports the role of viruses as important aetiological agents causing exacerbations of COPD.
Cyanide levels found in infected cystic fibrosis sputum inhibit airway ciliary function
Authors: Nair Chandrika , Shoemark Amelia , Chan Mario , Ollosson Sarah , Dixon Mellissa , Hogg Claire , Alton Eric W.F.W. , Davies Jane C. , Williams Huw D. 
Published: September 2014

We have previously reported cyanide at concentrations of up to 150 μM in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients infected withPseudomonas aeruginosaand a negative correlation with lung function. Our aim was to investigate possible mechanisms for this association, focusing on the effect of pathophysiologically relevant cyanide levels on human respiratory cell function.Ciliary beat frequency measurements were performed on nasal brushings and nasal air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures obtained from healthy volunteers and cystic fibrosis patients.Potassium cyanide decreased ciliary beat frequency in healthy nasal brushings (n = 6) after 60 min (150 μM: 47% fall, p<0.0012; 75 μM: 32% fall, p<0.0001). Samples from cystic fibrosis patients (n = 3) showed similar results (150 μM: 55% fall, p = 0.001). Ciliary beat frequency inhibition was not due to loss of cell viability and was reversible. The inhibitory mechanism was independent of ATP levels. KCN also significantly inhibited ciliary beat frequency in ALI cultures, albeit to a lesser extent. Ciliary beat frequency measurements on ALI cultures treated with culture supernatants fromP. aeruginosamutants defective in virulence factor production implicated cyanide as a key component inhibiting the ciliary beat frequency.If cyanide production similarly impairs mucocilliary clearancein vivo, it could explain the link with increased disease severity observed in cystic fibrosis patients with detectable cyanide in their airway.
Transcription factors and miRNAs that regulate fetal to adultCFTRexpression change are new targets for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Viart Victoria , Bergougnoux Anne , Bonini Jennifer , Varilh Jessica , Chiron Raphaël , Tabary Olivier , Molinari Nicolas , Claustres Mireille , Taulan-Cadars Magali 
Published: September 2014

TheCFTRgene displays a tightly regulated tissue-specific and temporal expression. Mutations in this gene cause cystic fibrosis (CF). In this study we wanted to identifytrans-regulatory elements responsible forCFTRdifferential expression in fetal and adult lung, and to determine the importance of inhibitory motifs in theCFTR-3′UTR with the aim of developing new tools for the correction of disease-causing mutations withinCFTR.We show that lung development-specific transcription factors (FOXA, C/EBP) and microRNAs (miR-101, miR-145, miR-384) regulate the switch from strong fetal to very lowCFTRexpression after birth. By using miRNome profiling and gene reporter assays, we found that miR-101 and miR-145 are specifically upregulated in adult lung and that miR-101 directly acts on its cognate site in theCFTR-3′UTR in combination with an overlapping AU-rich element. We then designed miRNA-binding blocker oligonucleotides (MBBOs) to prevent binding of several miRNAs to theCFTR-3′UTR and tested them in primary human nasal epithelial cells from healthy individuals and CF patients carrying the p.Phe508delCFTRmutation. These MBBOs rescued CFTR channel activity by increasing CFTR mRNA and protein levels.Our data offer new understanding of the control of theCFTRgene regulation and new putative correctors for cystic fibrosis.
A worldwide survey of chronic cough: a manifestation of enhanced somatosensory response
Authors: Morice Alyn H. , Jakes Adam D. , Faruqi Shoaib , Birring Surinder S. , McGarvey Lorcan , Canning Brendan , Smith Jaclyn A. , Parker Sean M. , Chung Kian Fan , Lai Kefang , Pavord Ian D. , van den Berg Jan , Song Woo-Jung , Millqvist Eva , Farrell Michael J. , Mazzone Stuart B. , Dicpinigaitis Peter ,   The Chronic Cough Registry
Published: September 2014

Reports from individual centres suggest a preponderance of females with chronic cough. Females also have heightened cough reflex sensitivity. Here we have reviewed the age and sex of unselected referrals to 11 cough clinics. To investigate the cause of any observed sex dimorphism, functional magnetic resonance imaging of putative cough centres was analysed in normal volunteers.The demographic profile of consecutive patients presenting with chronic cough was evaluated. Cough challenge with capsaicin was undertaken in normal volunteers to construct a concentration-response curve. Subsequent functional magnetic resonance imaging during repeated inhalation of sub-tussive concentrations of capsaicin observed areas of activation within the brain and differences in the sexes identified.Of the 10 032 patients presenting with chronic cough, two-thirds (6591) were female (mean age 55 years). The patient profile was largely uniform across centres. The most common age for presentation was 60–69 years. The maximum tolerable dose of inhaled capsaicin was lower in females; however, a significantly greater activation of the somatosensory cortex was observed.Patients presenting with chronic cough from diverse racial and geographic backgrounds have a strikingly homogeneous demographic profile, suggesting a distinct clinical entity. The preponderance of females may be explained by sex-related differences in the central processing of cough sensation.
Nonlinear contractive and nonlinear compatible type mappings in Menger probabilistic metric spaces
Authors: Tang Yong Kun , Chang Shih-sen , Wang Lin 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In this paper some new fixed point theorems for nonlinear contractive type and nonlinear compatible type mapping in complete Menger probabilistic metric spaces are proved.

MSC:54E40, 54E35, 54H25.
Validation of Four Reference Genes for Quantitative mRNA Expression Studies in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Injury
Authors: Walder Roxanne Y , Wattiez Anne-Sophie , White Stephanie R , de Prado Blanca Marquez , Hamity Marta V , Hammond Donna L 
Published: September 2014

Background: Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a technique frequently used to measure changes in mRNA expression. To ensure validity of experimental findings, it is important to normalize the qPCR data to reference genes that are stable and unaffected by the experimental treatment to correct for variability among samples. Unlike in some models of neuropathic pain, reference genes for models of inflammatory injury have not been validated. This study examined four candidate reference genes in an effort to identify and validate optimal genes for normalization of transcriptional changes occurring in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) following intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Results: The expression of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (Hprt1), beta-actin (Actb), mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (Mapk6), and beta-2-microglobulin (B2m) was quantified in the dorsal horn and RVM of rats four days or two weeks after intraplantar injection of CFA or saline. The range of expression levels among these four genes differed by as much as 16-fold within the dorsal horn and the RVM. All four of these reference genes were stably expressed in both tissues and did not differ between saline and CFA-treated animals. Analyses using the statistical algorithms in geNorm and NormFinder programs determined that Mapk6 was the most stable gene and recommended the combination of Mapk6 and Actb, or Mapk6 and Hprt1, in such experimental conditions. Conclusions: This study validated the four genes Hprt1, Actb, Mapk6 or B2m and showed that any one or combination of two of them are good reference genes for normalization of mRNA expression in qPCR experiments in the spinal cord and RVM in the CFA model of inflammatory injury.
Gastro-intestinal stromal tumor (GIST) complicating a colonic interposition: a novel case report
Authors: Badshah Maaz B , Riaz Haris , Korsten Mark A , Dhala Atiya , Park Yeun-Hee A , Abadi Maria , Badshah Mashood B 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare tumor comprising 0.1-0.3% of all gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Stomach followed by small intestine is the most common sites of involvement, implicated in 95% of the cases. We present a case of GIST complicating a colonic interposition. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of GIST complicating a colonic interposition.

Case presentation
A 47 year old African American male presented to the emergency department with intermittent, severe chest pain. Past medical history was significant for alkali (NaOH) ingestion during 1980 for which esophageal resection and a colonic pull-through was performed. A CXR revealed a widened mediastinum and CT scan chest revealed showed a large (11.4 × 8.3 × 12.1 cm) vascular mediastinal mass. At endoscopy, a large, ulcerated, cratered and friable mass was found at 29cm extending to 36cm at which point the lower anastomosis of the colonic pull through was present. Multiple endoscopic biopsies were obtained which showed that the tumor was immunoreactive with CD117, CD34 and DOG1 while markers of carcinoma, melanoma and lymphoma were negative. In light of the pathology report, the immunohistochemistry and the CT scans, the tumor was classified as a stage 4 GIST of colonic interposition.

Conclusions
GIST can complicate unusual locations such as colonic interposition and should be kept in the differential diagnosis of such unusual presentations.
The Ethnic Lyrics Fetcher tool
Authors: Ribeiro Rafael P , Almeida Murilo AP , Silla Jr Carlos N 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The task of automatic retrieval and extraction of lyrics from the web is of great importance to different Music Information Retrieval applications. However, despite its importance, very little research has been carried out for this task. For this reason, in this paper, we present the Ethnic Lyrics Fetcher (ELF), a tool for Music Information Researchers, which has a novel lyrics detection and extraction mechanism. We performed two experiments to evaluate ELF’s lyrics extraction mechanism and its performance as a lyrics fetcher tool. Our experimental results show that ELF performs better than the current state of the art, using website-specific lyrics fetchers or manually retrieving the lyrics from the web.
Tubman: Greatest insights will come through integration
Authors: Tubman Ken 
Published: September 2014

Ray Scippa, director of internal communications at ConocoPhillips, sat down with Ken Tubman, vice president of geosciences and reservoir engineering for ConocoPhillips, for the first installment in a TLE interview series with leading members of the geosciences community. Watch the debut video in the Technology Leaders Interview Series here [Figure: see text]
Constants of Communication. Quantity in Language System and Semantics of Change in Speech Structure
Authors: Шапошников  , Shaposhnikov Vladimir 
Published: September 2014

Alongside the category of multitude within the expression of definite quantity
presentation as a set of properties, defining the quantity of a phenomenon
there is the reflection of quantity change. The multitude in its change is
designated and the count as the object determination reflected. It is phenomenon
of the quantity increase and decrease. The numerical change takes
place in the reality and it occurrence objective definition; its singleness and
articulation are in language mind made. Some correlations between dynamic
spheres are formed up.
The basic idea of this system exists. Its intrinsic constituents are in the correlation
with its statement noted. The quantitative changing as the semantic
problem is in the working described. The logical scheme of quantitative
changing, its language structures, the semantic series quantitative changing
correlation, is noted. The quantitative expression means and modes
aggregate, their organization in the Russian language system is described
and analyzed. The changes in the expression means of quantity amount in
the contemporary Russian language, their cognitive motivation are fixed;
their information range and system role and the statement are revealed.
The Peculiarities of the Bilingual Learning Development in the USA Secondary School Education at the Present Stage
Authors: Зайцева  , Zaytseva N. 
Published: September 2014

The article deals with the current state of bilingual learning in the USA
middle school education. Its development in the new modern conditions
at different levels: state, local, school, community and others is elucidated.
The necessity of studying the cultural and linguistic characteristics of
national minorities in the school curriculum is shown. The author focuses
on the reach experience in the implementation of bilingual learning and
its further improvement in the United States, because modern American
school tries to care of the dignity of all students, regardless of their
ethnicity. The article says that at the present stage bilingual learning
received some support and began to develop at a new qualitative level.
Legislation Acts were updated, new academic standards that concerned
the improvement of bilingual learning in particular were introduced. The
author covers a number of decisions that have been made in favor of
effective teaching of the students belonging to linguistic minorities, particularly
Hispanics. The necessity of introduction of bilingual programs
which are directed to support bilingual learning in the USA and instead
of English-language approach to teaching students provide a bilingual
approach is shown in the article.
The Use of Internet Technologies in Teaching Professionally Focused English Language Communication
Authors: Гаврикова  , Gavrikova I. 
Published: September 2014

In today’s information society the Internet penetrates into all spheres of human
life and activity. It applies equally to all levels of education starting from
primary school to institutions of higher professional education. Thus the use
of Internet technologies makes the process of teaching professionally focused
English language communication more efficient. The article explores
the potential of «word clouds» as a teaching technique and their application
to developing basic language skills of university students studying a foreign
language for specific purposes by the example of professionally-oriented
authentic audiotexts. It also contains a brief review of some tools for creating
word clouds (Word Cloud Generators).
Interaction of the Social Worker with the Institute of Family
Authors: Романенко  , Romanenko Nadezhda 
Published: September 2014

The author of the article focuses attention on the important functions of social
work: development of social communication, prevention of interpersonal
tensions, conflicts and strengthening of family ties In recent decades, the
dramatic changes in socio-political and economic conditions of life of Russia’s
society, the a turn to market relations have produced a negative impact
on the development of the modern family. Along with the deepening of the
spiritual world of the modern individual, one can observe degradation of the
demographic situation, new challenges in educational process and a higher
than ever before percentage of children with deviant behavior. That entails
the necessity to prepare specialists with a well-developed communicative
competence which lets them interact with risk-group families. The article
provides a definition of the essence and contents of underprivileged family
and risk-group family in modern conditions of society: a category of families
which, owing to certain circumstances, is subject to negative external
influence from society and its criminal elements. The author underlines the
important role of the social worker in rendering assistance to such family.
A Perspective on the Proposal for European Public Sector Accounting Standards, in the Context of Accruals in UK Government Accounting
Authors: Jones Rowan , Caruana Josette 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper offers a UK perspective on the proposal to develop European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS). It offers the fundamentals of the UK government’s system of budgeting and accounting, which is the responsibility of the UK Treasury, being one part of its responsibilities for the UK’s fiscal and monetary policies. In the light of this, the EPSAS proposal remains a puzzle and a peripheral one at that. The paper ponders on the forces underlying the EPSAS proposal and notes that for the government practitioner in an EU member state, rules emanating from the EU would naturally have a macro-level focus. Consequently, any potential advantages of an accrual accounting system at micro-level may not be fully appreciated.
Scaly green flagellates from Spanish Atlantic coastal waters: molecular, ultrastructural and pigment analyses
Authors: Alonso-González Aitor , Orive Emma , David Helena , García-Etxebarria Koldo , Garrido José Luis , Laza-Martínez Aitor , Seoane Sergio 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Seven scale-bearing species of prasinophyceans (Chlorophyta) were studied in light and electron microscopy, pigment analysis, and molecular analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA. Unialgal cultures were obtained from samples collected in the Nervión River estuary, Gulf of Biscay, Spanish Atlantic coast. Five of the species belong to the genus Pyramimonas (Prasinophyceae, Pyramimonaceae) and one each to the genera Mamiella (Mamiellophyceae, Mamiellaceae) and Nephroselmis (Nephroselmidophyceae, Nephroselmidaceae). The morphological features of all the strains analyzed agreed closely with the phylogenetic analysis, which in the case of the genus Pyramimonas presented several clusters corresponding to the subgenera Vestigifera (Pyramimonas orientalis, Pyramimonas moestrupii), Punctatae (Pyramimonas robusta), Pyramimonas (Pyramimonas propulsa), and Trichocystis (Pyramimonas grossii). Even though the phylogenetic relationship among these subgenera remains unclear, the results suggested that the Punctatae should remain an independent clade at least until more sequences or genes are analyzed. According to their accessory pigment composition, three groups were distinguished after their pigment ratios were calculated: prasinoxanthin-containing (Mamiella gilva), loroxanthin ester-containing (P. grossii and P. moestrupii), and siphonaxanthin-containing strains (Nephroselmis pyriformis and remaining Pyramimonas species). A high intraspecific variability was found, which highlights the need of an in-depth analysis and multiple technique approach to ensure accurate identification of nanoplanktonic microalgae.
Target versus actual oxygenation index at initiation of inhaled nitric oxide in neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure: survey results from 128 patient cases
Authors: Golombek Sergio , Suttner Denise , Ehrlich Reuben , Potenziano Jim 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a well-established treatment for neonatal hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF). However, iNO therapy initiation criteria have not been standardized. This report describes a follow-up survey administered to neonatologists who had completed an Awareness, Trial, and Usage Survey. The objectives were to compare stated target oxygenation index (OI) versus actual OI at which iNO is initiated in respondents’ patients and identify factors associated with iNO initiation at other levels.Neonatologists provided iNO-treated HRF patient data. Target and actual OI at initiation were determined. Patient groups were stratified by actual OI deviation from target [<4; at (±3); above: 4–10, 11–20, >20; not measured]. Reasons for above-target OI were determined.Of 83 invited neonatologists, 26 (31%) participated, providing data for 128 patients; 85/128 patients (66%) had OI measured at initiation with neonatologist-stated mean target OI 18.8±5.8. Actual mean OI was 26.2±10.3. iNO was initiated ≤ target in 30/85 patients (35%); most [55/85 (65%)] had iNO initiated when OI was above target. Patients aged ≤1 day and those receiving a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiOAmong surveyed neonatologists who treat infants with HRF with pulmonary hypertension (PH), there is a disparity between stated target versus actual OI for iNO initiation, particularly among infants <1 day old and those receiving FiO
A “multi-hit” model of neonatal white matter injury: cumulative contributions of chronic placental inflammation, acute fetal inflammation and postnatal inflammatory events
Authors: Korzeniewski Steven J. , Romero Roberto , Cortez Josepf , Pappas Athina , Schwartz Alyse G. , Kim Chong Jai , Kim Jung-Sun , Kim Yeon Mee , Yoon Bo Hyun , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Hassan Sonia S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe sought to determine whether cumulative evidence of perinatal inflammation was associated with increased risk in a “multi-hit” model of neonatal white matter injury (WMI).This retrospective cohort study included very preterm (gestational ages at delivery <32 weeks) live-born singleton neonates delivered at Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Detroit, MI, from 2006 to 2011. Four pathologists blinded to clinical diagnoses and outcomes performed histological examinations according to standardized protocols. Neurosonography was obtained per routine clinical care. The primary indicator of WMI was ventriculomegaly (VE). Neonatal inflammation-initiating illnesses included bacteremia, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, other infections, and those requiring mechanical ventilation.A total of 425 live-born singleton neonates delivered before the 32Chronic placental inflammation, acute fetal inflammation, and neonatal inflammation-initiating illness seem to interact in contributing risk information and/or directly damaging the developing brain of newborns delivered very preterm.