bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outer membrane vesicles of Tannerella forsythia: biogenesis, composition, and virulence
Authors: Friedrich V. , Gruber C. , Nimeth I. , Pabinger S. , Sekot G. , Posch G. , Altmann F. , Messner P. , Andrukhov O. , Schäffer C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryTannerella forsythia is the only ‘red‐complex’ bacterium covered by an S‐layer, which has been shown to affect virulence. Here, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) enriched with putative glycoproteins are described as a new addition to the virulence repertoire of T. forsythia. Investigations of this bacterium are hampered by its fastidious growth requirements and the recently discovered mismatch of the available genome sequence (92A2 = ATCC BAA‐2717) and the widely used T. forsythia strain (ATCC 43037). T. forsythia was grown anaerobically in serum‐free medium and biogenesis of OMVs was analyzed by electron and atomic force microscopy. This revealed OMVs with a mean diameter of ~100 nm budding off from the outer membrane while retaining the S‐layer. An LC‐ESI‐TOF/TOF proteomic analysis of OMVs from three independent biological replicates identified 175 proteins. Of these, 14 exhibited a C‐terminal outer membrane translocation signal that directs them to the cell/vesicle surface, 61 and 53 were localized to the outer membrane and periplasm, respectively, 22 were predicted to be extracellular, and 39 to originate from the cytoplasm. Eighty proteins contained the Bacteroidales O‐glycosylation motif, 18 of which were confirmed as glycoproteins. Release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from the human monocytic cell line U937 and periodontal ligament fibroblasts upon stimulation with OMVs followed a concentration‐dependent increase that was more pronounced in the presence of soluble CD14 in conditioned media. The inflammatory response was significantly higher than that caused by whole T. forsythia cells. Our study represents the first characterization of T. forsythia OMVs, their proteomic composition and immunogenic potential.
Transglutaminase 2 expressed in mast cells recruited into skin or bone marrow induces the development of pediatric mastocytosis
Authors: Ahn Young Min , Hong Gwan Ui , Kim Sang Hoon , Lee Ho Jung , Baek Hey Sung , Kim Myung Nam , Park Kui Young , Ro Jai Youl 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundMastocytosis is characterized by a pathological increase in mast cells in organs such as skin and bone marrow. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expressed in mast cells contributes to allergic diseases, but its role in mastocytosis has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether TG2 contributes to pediatric mastocytosis.MethodsSerum, various skin tissues or bone marrow (BM) biopsy and aspirates were obtained from pediatric normal control or patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), mastocytoma, and urticaria pigmentosa (UP). Tryptase, individual cytokines, leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and TG2 activity in the serum were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, mast cell population by May–Grünwald–Giemsa, CD 117 by immunofluorescence, cell surface molecules by Western blot, and colocalization of c‐kit and TG2 or IL‐10‐expressing cells, CD25, and FOXP3 by immunohistochemistry.ResultsInfiltration of CD25+CD117+CD2‐ mast cells into BM and scalp/trunk/ear dermis; expression of FcεRI, tryptase, c‐kit, FOXP3, CCL2/CCR2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1; and colocalization of c‐kit and TG2 were enhanced in patient′s skin tissues or BM, particularly SM, but colocalization of c‐kit and IL‐10‐expressing cells was decreased vs. normal tissues. Amounts of LTC4 and inflammatory cytokines, expression of tryptase or TG2 activity were increased in patient's serum, BM aspirates, or ear/scalp skin tissues, respectively, vs. normal persons, but IL‐10 level was decreased.ConclusionThe data suggest that mast cells, recruited in the skin and BM by CCL2/CCR, may induce the development of pediatric mastocytosis through reducing IL‐10 due to upregulating TG2 activity via transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. Thus, TG2 may be used in diagnosis of pediatric mastocytosis, particularly SM.
Critical Illness Insurances: Challenges and Opportunities for Insurers
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Maegebier Alexander 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSince the first introduction of critical illness insurance in 1983 in South Africa, the product has successfully spread to some insurance markets, especially in Asian and Anglophone countries, but market penetration remains low in other countries. For this reason and because of the increasing relevance of dread diseases, the aim of this article is to provide a first comprehensive overview of challenges and opportunities associated with critical illness products for insurers. Toward this end, we first present the various product designs, as well as the developments that have taken place within the market before comparing this form of coverage to alternative insurance products in order to better assess the market potential. Based on these assessments, we thoroughly discuss the major challenges and opportunities within the market from the insurer's perspective.
Generalized Linear Mixed Models Based on Latent Markov Heterogeneity Structures
Authors: Farcomeni Alessio 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe describe a generalized linear mixed model in which all random effects may evolve over time. Random effects have a discrete support and follow a first‐order Markov chain. Constraints control the size of the parameter space and possibly yield blocks of time‐constant random effects. We illustrate with an application to the relationship between health education and depression in a panel of adolescents, where the random effects are highly dimensional and separately evolve over time.
Not Separate and Not Equal? Achievement and Attainment Equity in College Towns*
Authors: Maranto Robert , Dean Jeffery 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesA vast literature documents unequal outcomes in American public education (e.g., Duncan and Murname, 2011), but no prior research explores whether inequities are moderated in progressive communities such as college towns. We test whether college towns have more equal educational outcomes than similar communities that lack higher education institutions.MethodsWe conduct two tests. First, we employ cross‐sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression predicting high school graduation (attainment) rates in 8,841 school districts, including 184 college town districts, with data taken from the U.S. Department of Education's Common Core of Data. Since attainment is a blunt measure, we also use OLS regression to predict test score (achievement) results in Pennsylvania, a state with a large number of college town school districts.ResultsNationally, controlling for a range of characteristics, college towns have slightly but significantly lower attainment rates. Regarding achievement, low‐income students in Pennsylvania college towns are at a slight disadvantage in math achievement compared to low‐income students elsewhere.ConclusionsWe find some evidence that college towns have less equal educational outcomes and speculate as to causes, with the caveat that given the modest statistical impacts found, more research is needed.
Comparing sugarcane fields and forest fragments: the effect of disturbance on soil physical properties and nematode assemblages
Authors: Cardoso M. de O. , Pedrosa E. M. R. , Ferris H. , Rolim M. M. , Vicente T. F. da S. , David M. F. de L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractComparisons of agricultural and natural ecosystems reveal the magnitude of the effects of agricultural practices on the diversity and abundance of soil nematodes. Consequently, there is the need for testing ecological hypotheses, specifically with regard to nematode ecology, in natural and agricultural soils to seek strategies for biological control and environmental monitoring. We studied soil nematode assemblages and soil physical attributes of five soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm) from sugarcane plantations and forest remnants in the sugarcane zone of Pernambuco State, Brazil. Structure and composition of the nematode assemblage and soil properties differed between forest and sugarcane soils, even in the same locality. The soil bulk density and the abundance of all nematodes and the diversity of plant‐parasitic nematodes were greater whereas soil porosity, soil respiration and abundance of predator nematodes were smaller in sugarcane than in forest areas. We suggest that sugarcane management practices result in changes in the soil properties and concomitantly alter the composition and structure of the nematode assemblages. Co‐inertia analysis indicated that others environmental factors also might be affecting the nematofauna.
Dopamine receptor blockade improves pulmonary gas exchange but decreases exercise performance in healthy humans
Authors: Tedjasaputra Vincent , Bryan Tracey L. , van Diepen Sean , Moore Linn E. , Bouwsema Melissa M. , Welsh Robert C. , Petersen Stewart R. , Stickland Michael K. 
Published: May 2015

Key points
At rest, dopamine induces recruitment of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) and increases venous admixture (i.e. ).
Dopamine increases during exercise, and may be partly responsible for exercise‐induced IPAVA recruitment.
In this study, we antagonized dopamine receptors with metoclopramide, and observed improved pulmonary gas exchange but no difference in IPAVA recruitment during exercise.
Dopamine blockade decreased cardiac output at peak exercise, resulting in decreased exercise performance.
Increasing endogenous dopamine is important for the normal healthy response to exercise.
AbstractPulmonary gas exchange, as evaluated by the alveolar–arterial oxygen difference (A‐a), is impaired during intense exercise, and has been correlated with recruitment of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) as measured by agitated saline contrast echocardiography. Previous work has shown that dopamine (DA) recruits IPAVA and increases venous admixture () at rest. As circulating DA increases during exercise, we hypothesized that A‐a and IPAVA recruitment would be decreased with DA receptor blockade. Twelve healthy males (age: 25 ± 6 years, : 58.6 ± 6.5 ml kg−1 min−1) performed two incremental staged cycling exercise sessions after ingestion of either placebo or a DA receptor blocker (metoclopramide 20 mg). Arterial blood gas, cardiorespiratory and IPAVA recruitment (evaluated by agitated saline contrast echocardiography) data were obtained at rest and during exercise up to 85% of . On different days, participants also completed incremental exercise tests and exercise tolerance (time‐to‐exhaustion (TTE) at 85% of ) with or without dopamine blockade. Compared to placebo, DA blockade did not change O2 consumption, CO2 production, or respiratory exchange ratio at any intensity. At 85% , DA blockade decreased A‐a, increased arterial O2 saturation and minute ventilation, but did not reduce IPAVA recruitment, suggesting that positive saline contrast is unrelated to A‐a. Compared to placebo, DA blockade decreased maximal cardiac output, and TTE. Despite improving pulmonary gas exchange, blocking dopamine receptors appears to be detrimental to exercise performance. These findings suggest that endogenous dopamine is important to the normal cardiopulmonary response to exercise and is necessary for optimal high‐intensity exercise performance.
Inorganic nitrite improves components of the metabolic syndrome independent of weight change in a murine model of obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Singamsetty Srikanth , Watanabe Yoshio , Guo Lanping , Corey Catherine , Wang Yinna , Tejero Jesus , McVerry Bryan J. , Gladwin Mark T. , Shiva Sruti , O'Donnell Christopher P. 
Published: May 2015

Key points
Nitrite acts as an endocrine source of bioavailable nitric oxide that can improve metabolic function.
Exogenous administration of nitrite to genetically obese mice enhanced glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity independent of weight change.
Exogenous nitrite uncoupled mitochondrial respiration, decreased the generation of ATP, and increased phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle.
The weight‐independent improvements in metabolic function from exogenous nitrite were comparable to rosiglitazone, suggesting the potential for therapeutic efficacy of nitrite in obese, insulin‐resistant, or diabetic patients.
AbstractNitrite acts as an endocrine source of bioactive nitric oxide, impacting vascular reactivity, angiogenesis and cytoprotection. Nitrite has recently been shown to have a metabolic role although its effects and mechanisms of action in the obese insulin‐resistant state are unknown. We examined glucose tolerance and insulin secretion using the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp in obese male oblep mice administered nitrite (100 mg kg−1 day−1) or saline (control) for 7 days and compared responses to the known insulin‐sensitizing effects of rosiglitazone (6 mg kg−1 day−1). Under weight‐matched conditions, nitrite lowered blood pressure relative to saline and rosiglitazone, whereas only rosiglitazone was effective at reducing hepatic glucose output and basal blood glucose. Both nitrite and rosiglitazone produced improvements, relative to saline, in glucose tolerance (12,524 ± 602, 12,811 ± 692 vs.14,428 ± 335 mg (dl min)−1, respectively; P < 0.05) and insulin sensitivity (8.6 ± 0.7, 7.9 ± 0.3 vs. 6.6 ± 0.5 mg kg−1 min−1, respectively; P < 0.001), but there was no effect on insulin secretion. Nitrite exhibited an uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration and a decrease in ATP generation in muscle that was independent of mitochondrial biogenesis or activation of uncoupling proteins. There was no insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, but nitrite increased the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase. We conclude that nitrite improves two key components of the metabolic syndrome, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, independent of weight and with effectiveness comparable to rosiglitazone.
Mortality, admission rates and outpatient use among frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review
Authors: Moe Jessica , Kirkland Scott , Ospina Maria B , Campbell Sandy , Long Rebecca , Davidson Alan , Duke Patrick , Tamura Tomo , Trahan Lisa , Rowe Brian H 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThis systematic review examines whether frequent emergency department (ED) users experience higher mortality, hospital admissions and outpatient visits than non-frequent ED users.DesignWe published an a priori study protocol in PROSPERO. Our search strategy combined terms for ‘frequent users’ and ‘emergency department’. At least two independent reviewers screened, selected, assessed quality and extracted data. Third-party adjudication resolved conflicts. Results were synthesised based on median effect sizes.Data sourcesWe searched seven electronic databases with no limits and performed an extensive grey literature search.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included observational analytical studies that focused on adult patients, had a comparison group of non-frequent ED users and reported deaths, admissions and/or outpatient outcomes.ResultsThe search strategy identified 4004 citations; 374 were screened by full text and 31 cohort and cross-sectional studies were included. Authors used many different definitions to describe frequent users; the overall quality of the included studies was moderate. Across seven studies examining mortality, frequent users had a median 2.2-fold increased odds of mortality compared with non-frequent users. Twenty-eight studies assessing hospital admissions found a median increased odds of admissions per visit at 1.16 and of admissions per patient at 2.58. Ten studies reported outpatient visits with a median 2.65-fold increased risk of having at least one outpatient encounter post-ED visit.ConclusionsFrequent ED users appear to experience higher mortality, hospital admissions and outpatient visits compared with non-frequent users, and may benefit from targeted interventions. Standardised definitions to facilitate comparable research are urgently needed.Review registration number:PROSPERO (CRD42013005855).
Elevated Plasma Levels of MMP-12 Are Associated With Atherosclerotic Burden and Symptomatic Cardiovascular Disease in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Goncalves Isabel , Bengtsson Eva , Colhoun Helen M. , Shore Angela C. , Palombo Carlo , Natali Andrea , Edsfeldt Andreas , Dunér Pontus , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Björkbacka Harry , Östling Gerd , Aizawa Kunihiko , Casanova Francesco , Persson Margaretha , Gooding Kim , Strain David , Khan Faisel , Looker Helen C. , Adams Fiona , Belch Jill , Pinnoli Silvia , Venturi Elena , Kozakova Michaela , Gan Li-Ming , Schnecke Volker , Nilsson Jan 
Published: May 2015

Objective—
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix proteins and play important roles in development and tissue repair. They have also been shown to have both protective and pathogenic effects in atherosclerosis, and experimental studies have suggested that MMP-12 contributes to plaque growth and destabilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between circulating MMPs, atherosclerosis burden, and incidence of cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results—
Plasma levels of MMP-1, -3, -7, -10, and -12 were analyzed by the Proximity Extension Assay technology in 1500 subjects participating in the SUMMIT (surrogate markers for micro- and macrovascular hard end points for innovative diabetes tools) study, 384 incident coronary cases, and 409 matched controls in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study and in 205 carotid endarterectomy patients. Plasma MMP-7 and -12 were higher in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, increased with age and impaired renal function, and was independently associated with prevalent cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic burden (as assessed by carotid intima-media thickness and ankle-brachial pressure index), arterial stiffness, and plaque inflammation. Baseline MMP-7 and -12 levels were increased in Malmö Diet and Cancer subjects who had a coronary event during follow-up.

Conclusions—
The plasma level of MMP-7 and -12 are elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus, associated with more severe atherosclerosis and an increased incidence of coronary events. These observations provide clinical support to previous experimental studies, demonstrating a role for these MMPs in plaque development, and suggest that they are potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis burden and cardiovascular disease risk.
Methodological Factors in Determining Risk of Dementia After Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke
Authors: Pendlebury Sarah T. , Chen Ping-Jen , Welch Sarah J.V. , Cuthbertson Fiona C. , Wharton Rose M. , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M. 
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—
Cognitive outcomes in cohorts and trials are often based only on face-to-face clinic assessment. However, cognitive impairment is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, leading to substantial loss to clinic follow-up. In the absence of previous population-based data, we determined the effect of such attrition on measured risk of dementia after transient ischemic attack and stroke.

Methods—
Patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke prospectively recruited (2002–2007) into the Oxford Vascular (OXVASC) study had baseline clinical/cognitive assessment and follow-up to 2014. Dementia was diagnosed through face-to-face clinic interview, supplemented by home visits and telephone assessment in patients unable to attend clinic and by hand-searching of primary care records in uncontactable patients.

Results—

Of 1236 patients (mean age/SD, 75.2/12.1 years; 582 men), 527 (43%) died by 5-year follow-up. Follow-up assessment rates (study clinic, home visit, or telephone) of survivors were 947 in 1026 (92%), 857 in 958 (89%), 792 in 915 (87%), and 567 in 673 (84%) at 1, 6, 12 months and 5 years. Dementia developed in 260 patients, of whom 110 (42%; n=50 primary care records, n=49 home visit, and n=11 telephone follow-up) had not been available for face-to-face clinic follow-up at the time of diagnosis. The 5-year cumulative incidence of postevent dementia was 29% (26%–32%) overall but was only 17% (14% to 19%) in clinic assessed versus 45% (39%–51%) in nonclinic-assessed patients (
P
difference<0.001).

Conclusions—
Exclusion of patients unavailable for clinic follow-up reduces the measured risk of postevent dementia. Use of multiple follow-up methods, including home visits, telephone assessments, and consent, to access primary care records substantially increases ascertainment of longer-term dementia outcomes.
Association of Convection with the 5-Day Rossby–Haurwitz Wave
Authors: King Malcolm J. , Wheeler Matthew C. , Lane Todd P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The seasonality, regionality, and nature of the association between tropical convection and the 5-day wavenumber-1 Rossby–Haurwitz wave are examined. Spectral coherences between daily outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), a proxy for convection, and 850-hPa zonal wind over the period January 1979–February 2013 are compared for different seasons and for phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Increased coherence, indicating a stronger association, occurs in boreal spring and autumn, with slightly reduced coherence in boreal summer and significantly reduced coherence in boreal winter. The regionality of the association is examined using lagged-regression techniques. Significant local signals in tropical convection are found over West Africa, the tropical Andes, the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the Marshall Islands. The relative phasing between the 5-day wave wind and OLR signals is in quadrature in Africa and the Marshall Islands, in phase with easterlies over the Andes, and out of phase with easterlies over the eastern Pacific. Frequency spectra of precipitation averaged over the identified local regions reveal spectral peaks in the 4–6-day range. The phasing between the large-scale wind and local convection signals suggests that the 5-day wave is actively modulating the convection around the Americas.
On Some Peculiarities of Z-Transformations in Digital Filter Design
Authors: Sekey Andrew A. 
Published: May 2015

The paper attempts to elucidate some questions that frequently baffle students: (1) why do aliasing errors appear after standard z-transformation even with the input signal properly bandlimited? (2) is z = exp( sT) appropriate for determining the frequency response following bilinear z-transformation? (3) what are the consequences on impulse invariant filters of varying the sampling rate?
Two Examples in Minicomputer Design
Authors: Majithia J. C. , Banks W. , Jansen J. 
Published: May 2015

Two design aspects of minicomputer organization are treated from the viewpoint of a senior undergraduate course. The first is purely serial organization — while the second machine uses a parallel or unibus organization but has the same instructions as the serial machine. Both these designs have been implemented as student projects and have been used for some additional experiments involving peripherals and interfaces.