bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered microbiota associated with abnormal humoral immune responses to commensal organisms in enthesitis-related arthritis
Authors: Stoll Matthew L , Kumar Ranjit , Morrow Casey D , Lefkowitz Elliot J , Cui Xiangqin , Genin Anna , Cron Randy Q , Elson Charles O 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Prior studies have established altered microbiota and immunologic reactivity to enteric commensal organisms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since intestinal inflammation is present in a subset of patients with both pediatric and adult spondyloarthritis (SpA), we hypothesized that SpA patients may also have altered microbiota and immune responsiveness to enteric organisms.

Methods
Stool and blood specimens were collected from children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and non-inflammatory controls. DNA purified from stool was subject to PCR amplification and sequencing of the variable IV region from the 16S rDNA gene. IgA and IgG Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) were performed on select species of bacteria in most subjects.

Results
Twenty-five children with ERA and 13 controls were included. The ERA patients had less Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (3.8% versus 10%, P = 0.008) and lachnospiraceae family (12 versus 7.0%, P = 0.020), a statistically significant increase in bifidobacterium (1.8% versus 0%, P = 0.032) and a non-statistically significant increase in Bacteroides (21% versus 11%, P = 0.150). Akkermansia muciniphila was abundant (>2%) in 7/27 ERA patients but none of the controls (P = 0.072.) Cluster analysis revealed two clusters of ERA patients: Cluster one (n = 8) was characterized by high levels of Bacteroides genus, while a second (n = 15) cluster had similar levels as the controls. Seven of 17 (41%) of the ERA subjects in Cluster 2 compared to 0/8 of the subjects in Cluster 1 had abundant Akkermansia muciniphila (P = 0.057). Serum IgA and IgG antibody levels against F. prausnitzii and B. fragilis were similar between patients and controls, whereas the two groups showed divergent responses when the fecal relative abundances of F. prausnitzii and Bacteroides were compared individually against IgA antibody levels recognizing F. prausnitzii and B. fragilis, respectively.

Conclusion
The abundance of F. prausnitzii in the stool among patients with ERA is reduced compared to controls, and Bacteroides and A. muciniphila are identified as associative agents in subsets of ERA patients. Differences in the humoral responses to these bacteria may contribute to disease.
The relationship of apolipoprotein B and very low density lipoprotein triglyceride with hyperuricemia and gout
Authors: Rasheed Humaira , Hsu Angela , Dalbeth Nicola , Stamp Lisa K , McCormick Sally , Merriman Tony R 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Gout results from an innate immune response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposited in joints. Increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) has been associated with gout. The apolipoprotein B (apo B), which is present on VLDL, regulates neutrophil response to MSU crystals and has been positively associated with gout. Furthermore, the gene (A1CF) encoding the complementation factor for the APOB mRNA-editing enzyme is associated with urate levels. However, the relationship of apo B and VLDL with gout and hyperuricaemia (HU) is still unclear. Therefore, we tested the association of VLDL and apo B with HU and with gout compared to HU.

Methods
New Zealand European (n = 90) and Māori and Pacific Island (Polynesian) (n = 90) male gout case and control sample sets were divided into normouricaemia (NU), asymptomatic HU and gout groups. Size exclusion chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was used to measure VLDL and apo B. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk of gout and HU per unit change in VLDL and apo B.

Results
Increased levels of VLDL triglycerides (Tg) were observed in the gout sample set compared to NU and HU in Europeans (P = 1.8 × 10-6 and 1 × 10-3, respectively), but only compared to NU in Polynesians (P = 0.023). This increase was driven by increased number of VLDL particles in the European participants and by the Tg-enrichment of existing VLDL particles in the Polynesian participants. Each mmol/L increase in VLDL Tg was significantly associated with gout in the presence of HU in Europeans, with a similar trend in Polynesians (OR = 7.61, P = 0.011 and 2.84, P = 0.069, respectively). Each μmol/L increase in total apo B trended towards decreased risk of HU (OR = 0.47; P = 0.062) and, conversely, with increased risk of gout compared to HU (OR = 5.60; P = 0.004).

Conclusions
Increased VLDL Tg is associated with the risk of gout compared to HU. A genetic approach should be taken to investigate the possibility for causality of VLDL in gout. Apolipoprotein B may have pleiotropic effects in determining HU and gout.
Constitutively altered frequencies of circulating follicullar helper T cell counterparts and their subsets in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Arroyo-Villa Irene , Bautista-Caro María-Belén , Balsa Alejandro , Aguado-Acín Pilar , Bonilla-Hernán María-Gema , Plasencia Chamaida , Villalba Alejandro , Nuño Laura , Puig-Kröger Amaya , Martín-Mola Emilio , Miranda-Carús María-Eugenia 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Circulating CD4 T cells expressing CXCR5, ICOS and/or PD-1 are counterparts of follicular helper T cells (Tfh). There are three subpopulations of circulating Tfh (cTfh): CXCR5 + CXCR3 + CCR6- (Tfh-Th1), CXCR5 + CXCR3-CCR6- (Tfh-Th2) and CXCR5 + CXCR3-CCR6+ (Tfh-Th17). Our objective was to study the B cell helping capacity of cTfh subsets, and examine their frequency in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, together with the frequency of circulating plasmablasts (CD19 + CD20-CD38high).

Methods
Peripheral blood was drawn from RA patients with active disease (RA-a, DAS28 >2.6) (n = 17), RA in remission (RA-r, DAS28 <2.6) (n = 17) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 34). cTfh and plasmablast frequencies were determined by flow cytometry. Cocultures of sorted CD4 + CXCR5+ T cell subpopulations were established with autologous CD19 + CD27- naïve B cells of HC, and concentrations of IgG, A and M were measured in supernatants.

Results
Isolated Tfh-Th2 and Tfh-Th17 but not Tfh-Th1 cells, induced naïve B cells to secrete IgG and IgA. The frequency of CXCR5+ cells gated for CD4+ T cells was not different among HC, RA-a and RA-r. In contrast, both RA-a and RA-r patients demonstrated an increased frequency of CD4 + CXCR5 + ICOS+ T cells and augmented (%Tfh-Th2 + %Tfh-Th17)/%Tfh-Th1 ratio as compared with HC. In addition, RA-a but not RA-r patients, showed an increased frequency of circulating plasmablasts.

Conclusion
Both RA-a and RA-r patients demonstrate an increased frequency of cTfh and overrepresentation of cTfh subsets bearing a B cell helper phenotype, suggesting that altered germinal center dynamics play a role in RA pathogenesis. In contrast, only RA-a patients show an increased proportion of circulating plasmablasts.
Relevance of indirect comparisons in the German early benefit assessment and in comparison to HTA processes in England, France and Scotland
Authors: Lebioda Andrea , Gasche David , Dippel Franz-Werner , Theobald Karlheinz , Plantör Stefan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Early benefit assessment in Germany under the legislative framework of AMNOG (Arzneimittelmarktneuordnungsgesetz) requires direct comparisons of the new drug with appropriate comparators determined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). In case no head-to-head studies are available for direct comparisons, the submission of indirect comparisons is permitted to assess the additional benefit of the new drug. However, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) states a clear preference for head-to-head trials and defines strict requirements for indirect comparisons to be considered in the benefit assessment. Similar requirements also exist in other countries with mandatory health technology assessments (HTA), like France, England and Scotland. Our evaluation shows that a comparison of the different HTA regarding indirect comparisons is difficult. Overall, external preconditions and methodological requirements are demanding and hardly to fulfill by pharmaceutical companies for implementation of indirect comparisons in early benefit assessment. The determination of the appropriate comparators, outcomes, patient subgroups and study choice are the main target within indirect comparisons for the future. To compare and assess submitted indirect comparisons it would be desirable that a transparent process was established, including the mandatory publication of HTA-reports within Europe and international guidelines, accepted by a large number of HTA-agencies.

JEL classification: I18.
Intellectual Representations in Students’ Activities
Authors: Кузич  , Kuzich Marina 
Published: December 2014

This article deals with the problem of intellectual representations.
The author questions how to teach modern students,
on which structure of intelligence to rely considering the development
of science and society in general. Cognitive and metacognitive
structures of students’ intelligence are considered as well.
Intellectual abilities are presented: learning, convergence and
creativity that expresscognitive and metacognitive structure of intelligence
of students. Mental experience, which reflects these intellectual
abilities, is considered.
Module 7. Pharmacological Management of Wound-related Pain
Authors: Vuolo Julie 
Published: November 2014

Overview This module concentrates on the drugs commonly used in the management of wound-related pain. The module contains an overview of wound-related pain and its pharmacological management, with self-assessments to consolidate your learning and help you achieve the stated learning outcomes. The module provides a detailed introduction to the topic. Further reading is recommended to gain a greater understanding of the complexity of wound-related pain on patients, and how its management can be a challenge for health professionals on a daily basis.
Module 18. Update on pharmacological options in the management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meetoo Danny 
Published: November 2014

Overview This module focuses on a selection of commonly prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The module contains an overview of the global incidence of diabetes, followed by an introduction to glucose homeostasis, pathophysiology, and clinical interventions in the management of patients with T2DM. The module provides a detailed introduction to the topic. Further reading is recommended to gain a greater understanding of the burden of T2DM in people diagnosed with this condition together with its impact on NHS resources.
Module 13. The Basics of Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Novak Barbara V 
Published: November 2014

Overview The purpose of this module is to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacokinetics. It is anticipated that by exploring some of the biophysical processes and pharmacological variables involved in the liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and their metabolites you will be able to make better decisions about drug treatments and patient-specific pharmacokinetics. This module provides a succinct introduction to the topic and offers a number of reflective activities and multiple-choice questions for self-assessment that will help you achieve the learning outcomes specified.
Module 14. Pharmacological Management of Heart Failure
Authors: Thomson Robert 
Published: November 2014

Overview This module is focussed on commonly used drugs in the management of heart failure. It contains a detailed introduction to, and an overview of, the pathophysiology of heart failure and the pharmacological management of this condition, with self-assessments to consolidate your learning and to help you achieve the stated learning outcomes. Further reading is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of heart failure.
Module 20. The role of nurse prescribers in the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Bradley Eleanor , Riley Cathy 
Published: November 2014

Overview The purpose of this module is to outline and discuss the opportunities for nurse prescribers working within multidisciplinary teams across a range of health services. There will be an introduction to the single competency framework for prescribing (National Prescribing Centre, 2012), accompanied by reflective activities to help you consider how to implement the framework into your prescribing practice. Multiple choice questions are provided for self-assessment to help you achieve the learning outcomes.
Characterizing the Carbon Footprint of Wood Pallet Logistics
Authors: Carrano Andres L. , Thorn Brian K. , Woltag Henry 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Pallets are one of the basic building blocks of supply chains. Pallets are the most common unit-load platform used across the world and allow for efficient and seamless handling, storage, and transportation of goods. Every year, 500 million new pallets are manufactured and become part of the large pool (roughly 2 billion) of pallets that are in circulation in the United States. Wood remains the most common pallet material, accounting for more than 90 percent of the inventory and applications worldwide. As companies strive to become more sustainable, a thorough understanding of the environmental impacts of every aspect of their logistics operations becomes critical. Among the many factors affecting the life cycle of wood pallets are the pallet structural design, logistics management approach, and service environment conditions. This work is the result of a comprehensive 2-year study on the operations and practices that take place during a wood pallet life cycle. In this article, a prescribed approach for estimating the carbon footprint, or greenhouse gas emissions, that arise across all phases of a pallet life cycle, is presented. In addition, the impact of contributing materials, processes, and activities in each phase is quantified. The findings presented in this article provide a foundation to guide strategies on pallet design and returnable container network and policy design.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape: How Wisconsin Loggers Persist in an Era of Parcelization
Authors: Conrad Joseph L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The average forest landowner in Wisconsin owns fewer than 30 acres, and in 2014, landowners with as few as 10 acres of forestland were eligible to enroll in a tax program that required periodic timber harvests. These factors point to a need for loggers capable of profitably harvesting small parcels of timber. A series of in-person interviews were conducted with representatives of 15 Wisconsin logging firms previously identified as successful at harvesting small parcels of timber. Ninety-two percent of mechanized loggers had harvested parcels of 10 acres and smaller within the past year. Eighty-five percent of mechanized loggers were willing to harvest parcels as small as 5 acres assuming that only a short move (<5 mi) was required between timber sales. The average direct moving cost for mechanized loggers was $406 per move, versus an estimated $778 when the costs of idle employees and equipment are included. Seventy-seven percent of the participants in this study purchased at least half of the timber that they harvested, and 85 percent performed services other than timber harvesting, such as establishing food plots, as a procurement tool. This study demonstrates that properly equipped Wisconsin loggers are profitably harvesting small parcels of timber; however, loggers and other timber buyers must recognize the additional costs associated with these harvests and adjust stumpage rates to compensate for these costs.
Production and characterization of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Bacillus sp. isolated from Cuban soil
Authors: Sánchez Kárel Hernández , Martínez Mora Marlene María , Ramírez Héctor Luis 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from an alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain, isolated from Cuban soil, was purified with Sephadex G-50 with a yield of 66.5%. The CGTase was stable over a very wide pH range, 6.0–10, at 25°C and was most active at pH 7.5. The enzyme exhibited an optimum temperature of 60°C and was stable to 50°C for at least 8 h. The T
50 value – defined as the temperature at which 50% of the initial activity was retained–was 63°C in this enzyme. The influence of substrate or product concentration on the initial rate of CD production was studied, and the kinetic parameters were determined. The analysis of kinetic parameters K
m and V
max was obtained by the action of CGTase on the starch of corn with respect to β-CD, and the values were 4.1 g/L and 5.2 μM β-CD/min ml, respectively. The purified CGTase from Bacillus sp. could be used for an efficient cyclodextrin (CD) production which is the significant yield of γ- CDs.
Flachheitsbasierte Trajektorienoptimierung entlang von Wegpunkten für ein lineares Ballbot-System
Authors: Diepold Klaus J. , Albers André , Guggemos Tobias 
Published: December 2014

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag wird ein flachheitsbasierter Trajektorienentwurf entlang von Wegpunkten für eine neue Variante eines mobilen Roboters (Ballbot) vorgestellt. Dazu wird der flache Ausgang des linearisierten Ballbot-Systems hergeleitet und interpretiert. Auf Basis eines abschnittsweisen polynomialen Trajektorienverlaufs wird ein Optimierungsproblem zur Minimierung der Transitionszeit derart formuliert, dass an den Wegpunkten stets ein stationärer Fahrzustand (Fahrt mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit bzw. ohne Beschleunigung) vorliegt. Dabei werden Zustands- und Eingangsbeschränkungen berücksichtigt. Durch eine günstige Initialisierung der Optimierungsparameter wird eine perfomante Initialtrajektorie erhalten und so eine Onlineplanung ermöglicht. Ein beispielhafter Trajektorienentwurf zeigt die Effektivität des Ansatzes.
Decentralised control of an electro-pneumatic adjustable impedance actuator
Authors: Misgeld Berno J. E. , Stille Joergen , Leonhardt Steffen 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We present a decentralised
controller design for the novel ElectroPneumatic Adjustable Impedance Actuator (EPAIA).
EPAIA is designed as a rotational, back-drivable actuator, applying a rotary
pneumatic element, used as a pneumatic spring in series to a brushless direct-current motor in the gear
train. The actuator control consists of two coupled loops. Following a squaring down procedure,
an impedance controller is presented for the torque loop using an ℋ2-optimal controller design
employing additional constraints on passivity. The stiffness between motor and
load is controlled by a PID-type controller including a decoupling pre-filter. Robust stability
is verified by structured singular value analysis and the decentralised
control strategy and the actuator are validated in simulations and on a test-bench.
Systematic Bailout Guarantees and Tacit Coordination
Authors: Bertsch Christoph , Calcagno Claudio , Le Quement Mark 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Both the academic literature and the policy debate on systematic bailout guarantees and Government subsidies have ignored an important effect: in industries where firms may go out of business due to idiosyncratic shocks, Governments may increase the likelihood of (tacit) coordination if they set up schemes that rescue failing firms. In a repeated-game setting, we show that a systematic bailout regime increases the expected profits from coordination and simultaneously raises the probability that competitors will remain in business and will thus be able to “punish” firms that deviate from coordinated behaviour. These effects make tacit coordination easier to sustain and have a detrimental impact on welfare. While the key insight holds across any industry, we study this question with an application to the banking sector, in light of the recent financial crisis and the extensive use of bailout schemes.
Feasibility of Financing a Basic Income
Authors: Arcarons Jordi , Raventos Pañella Daniel , Torrens Mèlich Lluís 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article describes the main results obtained from a microsimulation model designed by the authors in order to analyze the possibilities of financing a Basic Income (BI) in the territory of Catalonia on the basis of information provided by the IRPF (personal income tax) system. The BI proposal guarantees the material existence of the population and is not only desirable but also feasible.
A proposal for patient-tailored supervision of movement performance during end-effector-based robot-assisted rehabilitation of the upper extremities
Authors: Hennes Michael , Bollue Kai , Arenbeck Henry , Disselhorst-Klug Catherine 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMillions of people worldwide suffer from stroke each year. One way to assist patients cost-effectively during their rehabilitation process is using end-effector-based robot-assisted rehabilitation. Such systems allow patients to use their own movement strategies to perform a movement task, which encourages them to do self-motivated training but also allow compensation movements if they have problems executing the movement tasks. Therefore, a patient supervision system was developed on the basis of inertial measurement units and a patient-tailored movement interpretation system. Very light and small inertial measurement units were developed to record the patients’ movements during a teaching phase in which the desired movement is shown to the patient by a physiotherapist. During a following exercise phase, the patient is training the previously shown movement alone with the help of an end-effector-based robot-assisted rehabilitation system, and the patient’s movement is recorded again. The data from the teaching and exercise phases are compared with each other and evaluated by using fuzzy logic tailored to each patient. Experimental tests with one healthy subject and one stroke patient showed the capability of the system to supervise patient movements during the robot-assisted end-effector-based rehabilitation.
Reference interval for immature platelet fraction on Sysmex XN hematology analyzer: a comparison study with Sysmex XE-2100
Authors: Ko Young Jin , Hur Mina , Kim Hanah , Choi Sang Gyeu , Moon Hee-Won , Yun Yeo-Min 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRecently introduced hematology analyzer, the Sysmex XN modular system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), has newly adopted a florescent channel to detect platelets and immature platelet fraction (IPF). This study aimed to establish new reference intervals for %-IPF and absolute number of IPF (A-IPF) on Sysmex XN. Platelet counts, %-IPF, and A-IPF were also compared between Sysmex XN and XE-2100 systems (Sysmex).Except outliers, blood samples from 2104 healthy individuals and 140 umbilical cord blood were analyzed using both Sysmex XN and XE-2100. The results of two systems were compared using Bland-Altman plot. The reference intervals for %-IPF and A-IPF were defined using non-parametric percentile methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guideline (C28-A3).The platelet counts, %-IPF, and A-IPF showed non-parametric distributions. The mean difference between Sysmex XN and XE-2100 in healthy individuals revealed a positive bias in platelets (+8.0×10This large-scale study demonstrates a clear difference of platelet counts and IPF between Sysmex XN and XE-2100. The new reference intervals for IPF on Sysmex XN would provide fundamental data for clinical practice and future research.