bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies Targeting the Envelope of HIV-1
Authors: Mayr Luzia M. , Zolla-Pazner Susan 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Antibodies (Abs) are a critical component of the human immune response against viral infections. In HIV-infected patients, a robust Ab response against the virus develops within months of infection; however, due to numerous strategies, the virus usually escapes the biological effects of the various Abs. Here we provide an overview of the different viral evasion mechanisms, including glycosylation, high mutation rate, and conformational masking by the envelope glycoproteins of the virus. In response to virus infection and to its evolution within a host, “conventional Abs” are generated, and these can also be induced by immunization; generally, these Abs are limited in their neutralization breadth and potency. In contrast, “exceptional Abs” require extended exposure to virus to generate the required hypermutation in the immunoglobulin variable regions, and they occur only in rare HIV-infected individuals, but they display impressive breadth and potency. In this review, we describe the major regions of the HIV envelope spike that are targeted by conventional and exceptional Abs. These include the first, second, and third variable loops (V1, V2, and V3) located at the apex of the envelope trimer, the CD4 binding site, and the membrane-proximal external region of the gp41 ectodomain. Lastly, we discuss the challenging task of HIV immunogen design and approaches for choosing which immunogens might be used to elicit protective Abs.
Mobile DNA in the Pathogenic
Neisseria
Authors: Obergfell Kyle P. , Seifert H. Steven 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The genus
Neisseria
contains two pathogenic species of prominant public health concern:
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
and
Neisseria meningitidis
. These pathogens display a notable ability to undergo frequent programmed recombination events. The recombination-mediated pathways of transformation and pilin antigenic variation in the
Neisseria
are well-studied systems that are critical for pathogenesis. Here we will detail the conserved and unique aspects of transformation and antigenic variation in the
Neisseria
. Transformation will be followed from initial DNA binding through recombination into the genome with consideration to the factors necessary at each step. Additional focus is paid to the unique type IV secretion system that mediates donation of transforming DNA in the pathogenic
Neisseria
. The pilin antigenic variation system uses programmed recombinations to alter a major surface determinant, which allows immune avoidance and promotes infection. We discuss the
trans
- and
cis
- acting factors which facilitate pilin antigenic variation and present the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process.
DNA Recombination Strategies During Antigenic Variation in the African Trypanosome
Authors: McCulloch Richard , Morrison Liam J. , Hall James P.J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Survival of the African trypanosome in its mammalian hosts has led to the evolution of antigenic variation, a process for evasion of adaptive immunity that has independently evolved in many other viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens. The essential features of trypanosome antigenic variation have been understood for many years and comprise a dense, protective Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat, which can be changed by recombination-based and transcription-based processes that focus on telomeric
VSG
gene transcription sites. However, it is only recently that the scale of this process has been truly appreciated. Genome sequencing of
Trypanosoma brucei
has revealed a massive archive of >1000
VSG
genes, the huge majority of which are functionally impaired but are used to generate far greater numbers of VSG coats through segmental gene conversion. This chapter will discuss the implications of such VSG diversity for immune evasion by antigenic variation, and will consider how this expressed diversity can arise, drawing on a growing body of work that has begun to examine the proteins and sequences through which VSG switching is catalyzed. Most studies of trypanosome antigenic variation have focused on
T. brucei
, the causative agent of human sleeping sickness. Other work has begun to look at antigenic variation in animal-infective trypanosomes, and we will compare the findings that are emerging, as well as consider how antigenic variation relates to the dynamics of host–trypanosome interaction.
Site-specific DNA Inversion by Serine Recombinases
Authors: Johnson Reid C. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTReversible site-specific DNA inversion reactions are widely distributed in bacteria and their viruses. They control a range of biological reactions that most often involve alterations of molecules on the surface of cells or phage. These programmed DNA rearrangements usually occur at a low frequency, thereby preadapting a small subset of the population to a change in environmental conditions, or in the case of phages, an expanded host range. A dedicated recombinase, sometimes with the aid of additional regulatory or DNA architectural proteins, catalyzes the inversion of DNA. RecA or other components of the general recombination-repair machinery are not involved. This chapter discusses site-specific DNA inversion reactions mediated by the serine recombinase family of enzymes and focuses on the extensively studied serine DNA invertases that are stringently controlled by the Fis-bound enhancer regulatory system. The first section summarizes biological features and general properties of inversion reactions by the Fis/enhancer-dependent serine invertases and the recently described serine DNA invertases inBacteroides. Mechanistic studies of reactions catalyzed by the Hin and Gin invertases are then explored in more depth, particularly with regards to recent advances in our understanding of the function of the Fis/enhancer regulatory system. These include the steps leading to the formation of the active recombination complex (invertasome) containing the recombinase tetramer and Fis/enhancer element and the process of DNA strand exchange by rotation of synapsed subunit pairs within the invertasome. The role of DNA topological forces that function in concert with the Fis/enhancer controlling element in specifying the overwhelming bias for DNA inversion over deletion and intermolecular recombination is also discussed.
Surgical outcomes of the endoscopic transsphenoidal route to pituitary tumours in paediatric patients >10 years of age: 5 years of experience at a single institute
Authors: Zhan Rucai , Xu Guangming , Wiebe Timothy M , Li Xingang 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) for the management of pituitary adenomas in paediatric patients >10 years of age.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed to identify 56 paediatric patients between 10 and 18 years of age who underwent an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for the resection of a pituitary adenoma during the last 5 years. The age, sex, symptoms, tumour size, extent of tumour resection, clinical outcome and surgical complications of patients were reviewed.ResultsTotal resection was achieved in 49 (87.5%) cases, subtotal resection was achieved in 7 (12.5%) cases and no patient had a partial or insufficient resection. Of the 35 patients who experienced preoperative deterioration of vision, 33 (94.2%) achieved visual remission with rates of 34.2% and 60% for normalisation and improvement, respectively. Endocrinological normalisation was achieved in 13 (31.7%) of 41 patients who had preoperative hyperhormonal levels; hormone levels decreased in 25 (61.0%) patients, and 3 (7.3%) patients had no change in hormone level. Two (3.5%) patients incurred postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which was resolved after lumbar drainage. Four (7.1%) patients developed hypopituitarism, which required hormone therapy. Post-surgery, five (8.9%) patients incurred transient diabetes insipidus (DI), of which one (1.7%) patient developed persistent DI and was administered Minirin. Meningitis occurred in one (1.7%) patient who was cured by the administration of a third-generation antibiotic. There were no cases of intracranial haematoma, reoperation or death.ConclusionsEETA allows neurosurgeons to safely and effectively remove paediatric pituitary adenomas with low morbidity and mortality.
Runtime Resource Allocation for Software Pipelines
Authors: Jahn Janmartin , Pagani Santiago , Kobbe Sebastian , Chen Jian-Jia , Henkel Jörg 
Published: May 2015

Efficiently allocating the computational resources of many-core systems is one of the most prominent challenges, especially when resource requirements may vary unpredictably at runtime. This is even more challenging when facing unreliable cores—a scenario that becomes common as the number of cores increases and integration sizes shrink.
To address this challenge, this article presents an optimal method for the allocation of the resources to software-pipelined applications. Here we show how runtime observations of the resource requirements of tasks can be used to adapt resource allocations. Furthermore, we show how the optimum can be traded for a high degree of scalability by clustering applications in a distributed, hierarchical manner. To diminish the negative effects of unreliable cores, this article shows how self-organization can effectively restore the integrity of such a hierarchy when it is corrupted by a failing core. Experiments on Intel’s 48-core Single-Chip Cloud Computer and in a many-core simulator show that a significant improvement in system throughput can be achieved over the current state of the art.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Directed Medication Therapy Management in Improving Diabetes Outcomes in Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Skinner Jeannine S. , Poe Brett , Hopper Rebecca , Boyer Alaina , Wilkins Consuelo H. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare medication adherence rates and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) health outcomes in a sample of underserved patients with suboptimally controlled T2DM (A1C >7%) who had received pharmacist-directed medication therapy management (MTM) to those who had not received MTM. Methods A retrospective review of 100 patient records was conducted. For the MTM group, a pharmacist engaged patients in patient-centered services to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Non-MTM patients received usual care. Outcomes were A1C, medication adherence, blood pressure, lipids, and creatinine. Group comparisons on clinical outcomes were analyzed before and after matching MTM and non-MTM patients on demographic characteristics. Results Before matching, the MTM group had a higher rate of medication adherence than the non-MTM group. The A1C levels were lower in the MTM group compared to the non-MTM group. Similarly, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was lower in the MTM group compared to the non-MTM group. After matching, medication adherence rate remained higher in the MTM group than the non-MTM group. Similarly, A1C levels remained lower in the MTM group than the non-MTM group. Conclusions There is a paucity of research focused on behavioral interventions for improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Our results advance the existing literature by demonstrating a positive association between pharmacist-directed MTM, medication adherence, and glycemic control in a sample of underserved patients with suboptimally controlled T2DM. A prospective pharmacy intervention and examination of long-term effects of MTM on medication adherence and T2DM health outcomes in this population is warranted.
The canonical projection between the shift space of an IIFS and its attractor as a fixed point
Authors: Mihail Alexandru 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAn important class of fractal sets is given by the attractors of iterated function systems which are defined as the fixed points of the associated fractal operators. In the study of such an attractor, an important place is taken by the canonical projection between the shift space associated with the system and the attractor. In this paper, by using different fixed point theorems, we present the canonical projection as the fixed point of a certain operator defined on the space of continuous functions from the shift space on the metric space associated with the system.
Investigation of metabolites accumulation in medical plant Gentiana rigescens during different growing stage using LC-MS/MS and FT-IR
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Ji , Zhao Yan-Li , Wang Yuan-Zhong , Huang Heng-Yu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundGentiana rigescens, an important medicinal plant in China, has been widely cultivated in Yunnan province, China. Previous studies were focused on analysis and determination of the metabolites isolated from this species, the accumulation of these metabolites during growth period are not yet clear. In this study, samples for the experiments were obtained by tissue culture. FT-IR and LC-MS/MS method were performed to distinguish the variation on the major metabolites inG. rigescensduring growing stage when combined with chemometrics.ResultsMethodology validations were all within the required limits. The metabolites were visually different in tissue culture samples and mature plants. The diversity of metabolites increased proportionally with plant growth. The quantitative analysis showed the content of gentiopicroside was significantly vary during different growing stage. The highest content of gentiopicroside (122.93 ± 7.01 mg/g) was detected in leaf of regenerated plantlet, whereas its content in root significantly increased along with underground parts growth. Moreover, flavonoids mainly distributed in aerial parts showed potential competitive relationship during plant growth.ConclusionThe distribution and accumulation of metabolites are associated with different parts and plant growth, which provide potential evidences for the rational application and exploitation ofG. rigescens.
At new heights – endodermal lineages in development and disease
Authors: Ober Elke A. , Grapin-Botton Anne 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
The endoderm gives rise to diverse tissues and organs that are essential for the homeostasis and metabolism of the organism: the thymus, thyroid, lungs, liver and pancreas, and the functionally diverse domains of the digestive tract. Classically, the endoderm, the ‘innermost germ layer’, was in the shadow of the ectoderm and mesoderm. However, at a recent Keystone meeting it took center stage, revealing astonishing progress in dissecting the mechanisms underlying the development and malfunction of the endodermal organs. In vitro cultures of stem and progenitor cells have become widespread, with remarkable success in differentiating three-dimensional organoids, which – in a new turn for the field – can be used as disease models.
‘Transformer’: David Bowie’s rejection of 1960s counterculture fashion through his glam reinvention and stylings in the years 1969–1972
Authors: Mills Richard 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
David Bowie’s Glam transformation between 1969 and 1972 was a personal reinvention that saw his music move away from psychedelic folk and the show tunes of his first two albums to the staging of his alter ego Ziggy Stardust on the album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Music was only one ingredient in this transformation. In this period, Bowie’s image also changed radically. His 1969 stage persona of a bubble-perm haircut and hippie psychedelic shirts was replaced by the space-alien imagery of the character Ziggy Stardust: a sequinned onesie, platform-heeled boots, dyed red spiky hair, foundation, rouge and lipstick, which helped to shift Rock music in a theatrical direction. The years under consideration, 1969 to 1972, are important because Bowie’s metamorphosis from hippie love-child to alien, Glam rocker epitomize the cultural shift in popular music fashion from the 1960s to the 1970s. Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars along with Roxy Music’s eponymous first album are the death-knell for 1960s popular cultural fashion. The 1960s look of love-beads, kaftans, denim and long hair was replaced with a more self-consciously theatrical look in the 1970s: Bowie’s performativity in 1972 was a dressing-up in flamboyant costumes in stark contrast to the 1960s street fashion of dressing-down in faded denim and corduroy.
Elegance and retrospective sartorialism among young African males
Authors: Picarelli Enrica 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This article offers a set of preliminary and necessarily incomplete notes on the subculture of African dandies, who re-appropriate the styling trends of past generations of Afro-diasporic gentlemen to new aims. While dandyism has a long and respected tradition across many African states, it remains an under-investigated phenomenon, save for the bibliography of Congolese sapologie. Furthermore, this topic has found little to no space in the literature on black self-styling, in monographic studies on Afro-diasporic dandyism, and in the journalistic and artistic production on the ‘New Age’ ‘dappers’. I engage with this lack of scholarship and with the challenge of looking for the elements and stories that make African dandyism, indeed, African, rather than generally ‘black’, paying attention to the ways in which this aesthetic vocation weaves together a concern with memory and cultural pride, with professional ambitions and self-promotion.
Clinical Research in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Focus on Impact and Value
Authors: Hussain Maha , DiPaola Robert S. 
Published: May 2015

KEY POINTS Several therapies targeting the androgen receptor and other pathways have improved survival and quality of life for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Many costly therapeutic clinical trial efforts have failed to improve outcomes. Prostate cancer is a complex disease. Its biologic heterogeneity warrants that future clinical trials be carefully designed to achieve higher levels of clinical impact by attention to targeting more critical pathways; integrating improved diagnostics; well-designed and powered clinical trials using multi-targeted strategies; and optimized timing of therapy.
The Changing Landscape of Phase I Trials in Oncology
Authors: Wong Kit Man , Capasso Anna , Eckhardt S. Gail 
Published: May 2015

KEY POINTS Several aspects of phase I trials have evolved in the current era of molecular targeted agents to adapt to the changing nature of anticancer therapy and to increase the efficiency of drug development. Current phase I designs are increasingly integrating novel dose-escalation approaches and biomarker-driven selection of patients, as well as expanding study objectives to include the evaluation of efficacy and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics in addition to safety. Changes to the regulatory approval process have helped to expedite drug development, particularly for novel agents with a strong biologic rationale and proof of concept, validated predictive biomarker, and clear evidence of efficacy in early trials. As a result of the substantial changes in phase I trial goals and conduct, there is a parallel shift toward multi-institutional trials and central study management by clinical research organizations. The use of multi-institutional trials has a significant impact on the structure of phase I programs and the experience of investigators, particularly because of limited patient enrollment at each site.
In vitro permeation studies of phenolics from horse chestnut seed gels prepared with different polyacrylic acid polymer derivatives
Authors: Zelbienė Eglė , Draksiene Gailute , Savickas Arunas , Kopustinskiene Dalia , Masteikova Ruta , Bernatoniene Jurga 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polyacrylic acid polymers (Ultrez 10, Ultrez 20, Carbopol 980, and Carbopol 940) on the viscosity and the in vitro permeation of phenolic compounds from the gel prepared from natural horse chestnut seed extract. Experiments were performed in the presence and in the absence of peppermint oil (Mentha piperita). Our results showed that peppermint oil decreased the viscosity of the gels and permeation of phenolic compounds from all gel samples. Results show that the highest content of phenolic compounds (1.758 μg cm-2) permeated in vitro from gel based on Carbopol Ultrez 20 without peppermint oil added (p < 0.05 vs. other tested polymers).
An ordered probit analysis of monetary policy inertia
Authors: Bayar Omer 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe two leading explanations of the observed persistence in policy interest rate changes are monetary policy inertia and omitted serially correlated shocks. This paper addresses the persistence debate from the perspective of how to properly model policy rates. An ordered probit model is used to account for the discrete nature of interest rate adjustment, an aspect of policy absent in standard models. Ordered probit results show that the impact of inertia on interest rate setting is considerably smaller than indicated by standard models.
Testing the in vitro performance of hydroxyapatite coated magnesium (AZ91D) and titanium concerning cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Kleinhans Claudia , Vacun Gabriele , Surmenev Roman , Surmeneva Maria , Kluger Petra Juliane 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn the current study the in vitro outcome of a degradable magnesium alloy (AZ91D) and standard titanium modified by nanostructured-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) coatings concerning cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation was investigated by direct cell culture. The n-HA modification was prepared via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering deposition and proven by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction patterns revealing a homogenous surface coating. Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSCs) adhesion was examined after one and 14 days displaying an enhanced initial cell adhesion on the n-HA modified samples. The osteogenic lineage commitment of the cells was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) quantification. On day one n-HA coated AZ91D exhibited a comparable ALP expression to standard tissue culture polystyrene samples. However, after 14 days solely little DNA and ALP amounts were measurable on n-HA coated AZ91D due to the lack of adherent cells. Titanium displayed excellent cell adhesion properties and ALP was detectable after 14 days. An increased pH of the culture was measured for AZ91D as well as for n-HA coated AZ91D. We conclude that n-HA modification improves initial cell attachment on AZ91D within the first 24 h. However, the effect does not persist for 14 days in in vitro conditions.
Sources of PM10 Air Pollution in Rural Area in the Vicinity of a Highway In Žilina Selfgoverning Region, Slovakia
Authors: Jandačka Dušan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Particulate matter results as an aftermath of numerous distinctive processes in the atmosphere and they become a part of everyday life. Their harmful effect and impact on the ambient environment is determined predominantly by the presence of various chemical substances and elements. The chemical composition of these particles (organic and elemental carbon, mineral dust, sea aerosols, secondary particles, especially sulphates and nitrates, heavy metals and further elements) is mainly impacted on by their origin, whereas the primary source of the particulate matter is determined and specified by the profile of chemical elements and substances. Particulate Matter (PM) may originate in various natural resources or anthropogenic sources. Among the natural sources sea salt is to be counted on, dust of the earth crust, pollen and volcanic ashes. Anthropogenic sources do include, predominantly, burning fossil fuels in the fossil-fuel power plants, local heating of households, burning liquefied fossil fuels in the combustion engines of vehicles, noncombustion related emissions as a result of vehicular traffic, resuspension of the road-traffic-related dust.