bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-intensity case management increases contact with primary care in recently released prisoners: a single-blinded, multisite, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kinner Stuart A , Alati Rosa , Longo Marie , Spittal Matthew J , Boyle Frances M , Williams Gail M , Lennox Nicholas G
Published: January 2016

Background

The world prison population is large and growing. Poor health outcomes after release from prison are common, but few programmes to improve health outcomes for ex-prisoners have been rigorously evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of individualised case management on contact with health services during the first 6 months post-release.

Methods

Single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial. Baseline assessment with N=1325 adult prisoners in Queensland, Australia, within 6 weeks of expected release; follow-up interviews 1, 3 and 6 months post-release. The intervention consisted of provision of a personalised booklet (‘Passport’) at the time of release, plus up to four brief telephone contacts in the first 4 weeks post-release.

Results

Of 1179 eligible participants, 1003 (85%) completed ≥1 follow-up interview. In intention-to-treat analyses, 53% of the intervention group and 41% of the control group reported contacting a general practitioner (GP) at 1 month post-release (difference=12%, 95% CI 5% to 19%). Similar effects were observed for GP contact at 3 months (difference=9%, 95% CI 2% to 16%) and 6 months (difference=8%, 95% CI 1% to 15%), and for mental health (MH) service contact at 6 months post release (difference=8%, 95% CI 3% to 14%).

Conclusions

Individualised case management in the month after release from prison increases usage of primary care and MH services in adult ex-prisoners for at least 6 months post-release. Given the poor health profile of ex-prisoners, there remains an urgent need to develop and rigorously evaluate interventions to increase health service contact in this profoundly marginalised population.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12608000232336.
How a universal health system reduces inequalities: lessons from England
Authors: Asaria Miqdad , Ali Shehzad , Doran Tim , Ferguson Brian , Fleetcroft Robert , Goddard Maria , Goldblatt Peter , Laudicella Mauro , Raine Rosalind , Cookson Richard
Published: January 2016

Background

Provision of universal coverage is essential for achieving equity in healthcare, but inequalities still exist in universal healthcare systems. Between 2004/2005 and 2011/2012, the National Health Service (NHS) in England, which has provided universal coverage since 1948, made sustained efforts to reduce health inequalities by strengthening primary care. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of trends in socioeconomic inequalities of primary care access, quality and outcomes during this period.

Methods

Whole-population small area longitudinal study based on 32 482 neighbourhoods of approximately 1500 people in England from 2004/2005 to 2011/2012. We measured slope indices of inequality in four indicators: (1) patients per family doctor, (2) primary care quality, (3) preventable emergency hospital admissions and (4) mortality from conditions considered amenable to healthcare.

Results

Between 2004/2005 and 2011/2012, there were larger absolute improvements on all indicators in more-deprived neighbourhoods. The modelled gap between the most-deprived and least-deprived neighbourhoods in England decreased by: 193 patients per family doctor (95% CI 173 to 213), 3.29 percentage points of primary care quality (3.13 to 3.45), 0.42 preventable hospitalisations per 1000 people (0.29 to 0.55) and 0.23 amenable deaths per 1000 people (0.15 to 0.31). By 2011/2012, inequalities in primary care supply and quality were almost eliminated, but socioeconomic inequality was still associated with 158 396 preventable hospitalisations and 37 983 deaths amenable to healthcare.

Conclusions

Between 2004/2005 and 2011/2012, the NHS succeeded in substantially reducing socioeconomic inequalities in primary care access and quality, but made only modest reductions in healthcare outcome inequalities.
Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in self-assessed health in 17 European countries between 1990 and 2010
Authors: Hu Yannan , van Lenthe Frank J , Borsboom Gerard J , Looman Caspar W N , Bopp Matthias , Burström Bo , Dzúrová Dagmar , Ekholm Ola , Klumbiene Jurate , Lahelma Eero , Leinsalu Mall , Regidor Enrique , Santana Paula , de Gelder Rianne , Mackenbach Johan P
Published: January 2016

Background

Between the 1990s and 2000s, relative inequalities in all-cause mortality increased, whereas absolute inequalities decreased in many European countries. Whether similar trends can be observed for inequalities in other health outcomes is unknown. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of trends in socioeconomic inequalities in self-assessed health (SAH) in Europe between 1990 and 2010.

Methods

Data were obtained from nationally representative surveys from 17 European countries for the various years between 1990 and 2010. The age-standardised prevalence of less-than-good SAH was analysed by education and occupation among men and women aged 30–79 years. Socioeconomic inequalities were measured by means of absolute rate differences and relative rate ratios. Meta-analysis with random-effects models was used to examine the trends of inequalities.

Results

We observed declining trends in the prevalence of less-than-good SAH in many countries, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. In all countries, less-than-good SAH was more prevalent in lower educational and manual groups. For all countries together, absolute inequalities in SAH were mostly constant, whereas relative inequalities increased. Almost no country consistently experienced a significant decline in either absolute or relative inequalities.

Conclusions

Trends in inequalities in SAH in Europe were generally less favourable than those found for inequalities in mortality, and there was generally no correspondence between the two when we compared the trends within countries. In order to develop policies or interventions that effectively reduce inequalities in SAH, a better understanding of the causes of these inequalities is needed.
Cognitive assessment of older adults at the acute care interface: the informant history
Authors: Dyer Adam H , Nabeel Shamis , Briggs Robert , O'Neill Desmond , Kennelly Sean P
Published: January 2016

Purpose of the study

An informant history is critical in the complete cognitive assessments of older adults, but has never been formally assessed.

Study design

A convenience sample of older adults aged ≥70 years were assessed using cognitive screeners for delirium (confusion assessment method-intensive care unit) and dementia (standardised Mini Mental State Examination and AD8) in a tertiary referral emergency department (ED).

Results

A total of 220/270 (81.5%) adults were included in the study (mean age 78.8±6.16; 49.1% male). Informant histories, obtained in almost two-thirds (61.1%, 66/108) of patients where desired, revealed a cognitive pattern suggestive of previously undiagnosed dementia in 39.4% (26/66). Most informants were relatives/friends (93.9%, 62/66) and were rated very good/excellent in contribution to care (96.9%, 64/66) and ability to provide useful information (93.9%, 62/66). The acute environment was also rated suitable to brief informant interviewing (mean duration <6 min) in terms of privacy (8.4±1.6/10) and accessibility (8.5±1.47/10). Following a review of the attending ED physician's notes, an informant history (either obtained/desired/refused) was only documented in 5.6% of cases.

Conclusions

The informant history represents a much underused tool in the cognitive assessment of older adults presenting to the ED. The main barrier to informant interviewing in the ED environment appears to be informant availability. Where available, the informant history is easy to extract and provides invaluable information to the assessing physician. The acute care environment is suitable to brief informant interviews using readily available frameworks (AD8). However, the informant history is rarely obtained in this context, and further emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula is warranted.
Vcx1-D1 (M383I), the Vcx1 mutant with a calcineurin-independent vacuolar Ca2+/H+exchanger activity, confers calcineurin-independent Mn2+tolerance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhao Yunying , Xu Huihui , Zhang Yan , Jiang Linghuo
Published: January 2016

The Vcx1-M1 mutant is known to confer calcineurin-dependent Mn2+tolerance in budding yeast. Here, we demonstrate that another Vcx1 mutant, Vcx1-D1 with calcineurin-independent vacuolar Ca2+/H+exchanger activity, confers calcineurin-independent Mn2+tolerance. Unlike Vcx1-M1, the Mn2+tolerance conferred by Vcx1-D1 is dependent on the presence of Pmr1 or Pmc1. The Pmr1-dependent Mn2+tolerance of Vcx1-D1 requires the presence of calcineurin but not the functioning of the Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathway. Similar to the wild-type Vcx1, C-terminally green fluorescent protein tagged Vcx1-D1 and Vcx1-M1 mutants localize to the endoplasmic reticulum instead of its normal vacuolar destination, but they remain functional in Ca2+sensitivity and Mn2+tolerance.
The expansion of brown rot disease throughout Bolivia: possible role of climate change
Authors: Castillo José Antonio , Plata Giovanna
Published: January 2016

Bacterial wilt is a devastating plant disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum species complex and affects different crops. Bacterial wilt infecting potato is also known as brown rot (BR) and is responsible for significant economic losses in potato production, especially in developing countries. In Bolivia, BR affects up to 75% of the potato crop in areas with high incidence and 100% of stored potatoes. The disease has disseminated since its introduction to the country in the mid-1980s mostly through contaminated seed tubers. To avoid this, local farmers multiply seed tubers in highlands because the strain infecting potatoes cannot survive near-freezing temperatures that are typical in the high mountains. Past disease surveys have shown an increase in seed tubers with latent infection in areas at altitudes lower than 3000 m a.s.l. Since global warming is increasing in the Andes Mountains, in this work, we explored the incidence of BR in areas at altitudes above 3000 m a.s.l. Results showed BR presence in the majority of these areas, suggesting a correlation between the increase in disease incidence and the increase in temperature and the number of irregular weather events resulting from climate change. However, it cannot be excluded that the increasing availability of latently infected seed tubers has boosted the spread of BR.
ANALYZING THE TFP PERFORMANCE OF CHINESE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: LI KUI-WAI
Published: January 2016

After nearly four decades of rapid growth, the China economy is faced with various challenges. The 2008 crisis would have served as the last straw as China experienced falls and volatilities in industrial output, export and foreign direct investment. The new policy focuses on expansion of domestic consumption and rebalancing. Given the unreliability of Chinese products, there is a need to rebuild product acceptability and market confidence. The structure of industrial enterprises, especially the small- and medium-sized enterprises, will play a crucial role in the next phase of development in the China economy. This paper uses the data on Chinese industrial enterprises to estimate the productivity performance of enterprises across regions and industries. The discussion is placed on the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the China economy and industries enterprises. By using a simple methodology and OLS regression analysis on the estimation of total factor productivity, the empirical results show that SMEs and non-SMEs do perform differently in different industries and across regions, but SMEs suffered more than non-SMEs since the 2008 crisis.
OPTIMAL TERM LENGTH FOR AN OVERCONFIDENT CENTRAL BANKER
Authors: FARVAQUE ETIENNE , MATSUEDA NORIMICHI
Published: January 2016

This paper discusses the implications of overconfidence when it affects a monetary policy maker. We consider two forms of overconfidence: the illusion of precision and the illusion of control. Incorporating them into a standard New Keynesian framework, we consider the optimal term length of a central banker and examine how it depends on the types and degrees of overconfidence. In particular, we show that the legal mandate should always be lengthened when these two types of biases increase by the same percentage magnitude.
Fubini instantons and gravity effects
Authors: Lee Bum-Hoon , Lee Wonwoo , Ro Daeho
Published: January 2016

We study Fubini instantons of a self-gravitating scalar field, which belongs to the tunneling without a barrier. The instantons describe the decay of a tachyonic vacuum to an arbitrary state. When the gravity is taken into account, there exist various types of unexpected solutions including oscillating bounce solutions. Based on the Fubini instanton solutions in curved space, the issue on the instability of a tachyonic vacuum is discussed with regard to cosmology.
Cosmology of spin-2 fields
Authors: Maia M. D.
Published: January 2016

The Cauchy-Kowalevski theorem is applied to the solutions of Einstein’s equations and to cosmology. Three fundamental requirements of the theorem: the use of analytic series; the existence of the boundary surfaces; and the setting of the independent initial data are revised, using methods of geometric analysis. It is found that during its relativistic phase the standard model of the universe is completely governed by Einstein’s gravitation, in which the source includes a massive spin-2 field, compatible with the observations of the dark sector of the universe. On the other hand, the exponential growth of the volume of the universe at the inflationary phase, is shown to be predominantly thermodynamical, as opposed to a relativistic process. These two phases are joined by the last inflationary surface endowed with a mirror symmetry, which eventually suggests a possible bouncing universe scenario.
Ground state of the universe in quantum cosmology
Authors: Gorobey Natalia , Lukyanenko Alexander
Published: January 2016

We find a physical state of a closed universe with the minimal excitation of the universe expansion energy in quantum gravity. It is an analog of the vacuum state of the ordinary quantum field theory in the Minkowsky space, but in our approach an energy of space of a closed universe together with the energy of its matter content are minimized. This ground state is chosen among an enlarged set of physical states, compared with the ordinary covariant quantum gravity. In our approach, physical states are determined by weak constraints: quantum mechanical averages of gravitational constraint operators equal zero. As a result, they appear to be non-static in such a modification of quantum gravity. Quantum dynamics of the universe is described by Schrödinger equation with a cosmic time determined by weak gravitational constraints. In order to obtain the observed megascopic universe with the inflation stage just after its quantum beginning, a lot of the energy in the form of the inflaton scalar field condensate is prescribed to the initial state. Parameters of the initial state for a homogeneous model of the universe are calculated.
Fiber-optic polarization interferometric sensor for precise electric field measurements
Authors: Petrov Viktor , Medvedev Andrey , Liokumovich Leonid , Miazin Anton
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we present a new design of the interferometer, intended for high-precision measurements of electric fields. We combined both arms of the interferometer in one segment of the fiber and the electric field sensor. The interferometer made using this scheme has a high resistance to mechanical and thermal fluctuations.
Applications of the modified Rydberg–Vinet equation-of-state to the lower mantle and core
Authors: Fang Zheng-Hua
Published: January 2016

A modified Rydberg–Vinet equation-of-state (mRV EOS) with an arbitrary nonzero-pressure reference point, as is derived strictly from the related Rydberg potential, has been applied to the mantle and the core. The tests and comparisons demonstrate that mRV EOS is superior to the reciprocal [Formula: see text]-primed equation [see F. D. Stacey and P. M. Davis, Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 142 (2004) 137] not only because of its higher fitting accuracy but also because it has fewer fitting parameters and is easier to use.
Precise measurement of ultrafast laser pulses using spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction
Authors: Tawfik Walid
Published: January 2016

In this work, I present a novel method for measuring the pulse duration of few-cycle pulses using spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER) with high accuracy. These few-cycle pulses were generated due to nonlinear self-phase modulation (SPM) in nonlinear medium (neon gas) using a one meter hollow-fiber. The observed reconstructed pulse intensity autocorrelation function was varied from 5.35[Formula: see text]fs to almost 13[Formula: see text]fs. Moreover, the applied method allows for direct controlling of the output pulse duration through variation of the pulse-width of input pulses at different pressure of neon gas. The observed results indicate that the SPM was enhanced for high neon pressure (2.5[Formula: see text]atm.) and short input pluses (32[Formula: see text]fs) without chirping. The obtained results may give an opportunity to monitor and control ultrafast transit interaction in femtosecond chemistry.
Nonstoichiometry in KTP and Nb: KTP crystals by high-temperature solutions method
Authors: Hao Xiaofei , Jin Chengguo
Published: January 2016

Nonstoichiometry could cause many point defects and limit the application of KTP crystal. Nonstoichiometry in KTP and Nb:KTP crystals by high-temperature solution method were studied by laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The formation of high potassium and Ti[Formula: see text] centers in KTP and Nb:KTP crystals was analyzed. The effect of niobium on nonstoichiometry in Nb:KTP crystal was discussed. The results showed that high potassium, low phosphate, and low oxygen existed in KTP and Nb:KTP crystal samples. Low phosphate and low oxygen in crystal samples resulted from phosphate volatilization, which could be inhibited by the increase of niobium content. Meanwhile, Ti[Formula: see text] centers in crystal samples were original and formed during crystal growth, and were generated with high potassium simultaneously.
Structural, growth and optical characterizations of an organic third-order nonlinear crystal: Guanidinium trichloroacetate
Authors: Dhavamurthy M. , Peramaiyan G. , Nizam Mohideen M. , Kalainathan S. , Mohan R.
Published: January 2016

Guanidinium trichloroacetate (GTCA), a novel organic single crystal was grown by a slow evaporation technique. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study revealed that the GTCA crystal belongs to tetragonal crystal system with the space group P41. From the linear optical studies, the lower cut-off wavelength of grown crystal was found at 257[Formula: see text]nm. The luminescent study showed that the GTCA crystal has high degree of luminescence. The single shot laser damage threshold of grown crystal is found to be 2.6[Formula: see text]GW/cm2. The nonlinear refractive index, absorption coefficient and third-order susceptibility were estimated by Z-scan technique. The two independent tensor coefficients [Formula: see text] of the dielectric permittivity were calculated.
Theoretical investigation of two-photon absorption properties and optical limiting behavior of two symmetrical fluorene derivatives
Authors: Ma Hong , Leng Jiancai , Liu Mei , Zhao Lina , Jiao Yang
Published: January 2016

Two-photon absorption and optical limiting of two fluorenyl-based derivatives, 9,9-dimethyl-2,7-bis((E)-4-nitrostyryl)-9H-fluorene and 9,9-dimethyl-2,7-bis((E)-4-((E)-4-nitrostyryl)styryl)-9H-fluorene, in gas phase and solvent with nanosecond laser pulse have been theoretically investigated by solving the coupled rate equations and the field intensity equation employing an iterative predictor–corrector finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The results show that both optical limiting properties and two-photon absorption cross-section strongly depend on the length of these molecules and the solvent. Moreover, the dynamical two-photon absorption behavior is affected by the thickness of samples and the pulse duration. These discoveries demonstrate that these fluorenyl-based derivatives possess highly promising characteristics and have potential applications for optical limiting devices.
Fabrication and characterization of n-ZnO nanorods/p-Si (100) heterojunction
Authors: Thi Kieu Loan Phan , Nguyen Lam Thanh , Dao Anh Tuan , Ke Nguyen Huu , Le Vu Tuan Hung
Published: January 2016

In this paper, ZnO nanorods were grown by wet chemical method on p-Si (100) substrate to form n-ZnO nanorods/p-Si (100) heterojunction. The optical, electrical, structural properties of n-ZnO nanorods/p-Si(100) heterojunction were analyzed by the photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The room temperature PL spectra reveal the good optical property of the heterojunction with strong UV peak at 385[Formula: see text]nm. The ZnO nanorods were vertically well-aligned on p-Si (100) and had an average height of about 1.6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The n-ZnO nanorods/p-Si (100) heterojunction also exhibits diode-like-rectifying-behavior.
Design and optimization of photonic crystal fiber with improved optical characteristics
Authors: Geerthana S. , Raja A. Sivanantha , Sundar D. Shanmuga
Published: January 2016

A highly birefringent photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with large nonlinearity, low dispersion and low confinement loss is designed by introducing a solid elliptical core structure with spiral lattice of circular air holes as a cladding. The dependence of different geometrical parameters, such as pitch size, diameter of air holes and arrangement of air holes are investigated. By optimizing the available parameters, the designed elliptical–spiral PCF offers high birefringence up to 0.005264, high nonlinearity up to 8683.59[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km[Formula: see text], low chromatic dispersion of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ps/nm/km, and low confinement loss of 0.00305[Formula: see text]dB/km within a wide wavelength range of 1000–2000[Formula: see text]nm.
Deformation band development as a function of intrinsic host-rock properties in Triassic Sherwood Sandstone
Authors: Griffiths Joshua , Faulkner Daniel R. , Edwards Alexander P. , Worden Richard H.
Published: January 2016

Deformation bands significantly alter the local petrophysical properties of sandstone reservoirs, although it is not known how the intrinsically variable characteristics of sandstones (e.g. grain size, sorting and mineralogy) influence the nature and distribution of deformation bands. To address this, cataclastic deformation bands within fine- and coarse-grained Triassic Sherwood Sandstone at Thurstaston, UK were analysed, for the first time, using a suite of petrographical techniques, outcrop studies, helium porosimetry and image analysis. Deformation bands are more abundant in the coarse-grained sandstone than in the underlying fine-grained sandstone. North- and south-dipping conjugate sets of cataclastic bands in the coarse-grained sandstone broadly increase in density (defined by number/m
2
) when approaching faults. Microstructural analysis revealed that primary grain size controls deformation band density. Deformation bands in both coarse and fine sandstones led to significantly reduced porosity, and so can represent barriers or baffles to lateral fluid flow. Microstructural data show preferential cataclasis of K-feldspar grains within the host rock and deformation band. The study is of direct relevance to the prediction of reservoir quality in several petroleum-bearing Lower Triassic reservoirs in the near offshore, as deformation band development occurred prior to Carboniferous source-rock maturation and petroleum migration.
Trace element composition of authigenic quartz in sandstones and its correlation with fluid–rock interaction during diagenesis
Authors: Götte Thomas
Published: January 2016

The properties of sandstones are strongly affected by formation of minerals in the pore space during diagenesis. In many sandstones, quartz overgrowths are the most important pore-filling cements and show a characteristic trace element composition. The most important impurities are Al, Li, H and Ge.

The Al concentration of quartz may reach up to several 1000 µmol mol
−1
and is assumed to reflect the composition of the porewater. Geochemical modelling of the activity ratio of Al and Si revealed a minimum at nearly neutral to slightly acid conditions. This minimum shifts to lower pH with increasing temperatures. Due to complexing, organic acids may strongly affect the Al solubility especially in acidic water at low temperatures. There is a linear correlation between Al and Li, indicating their incorporation in a combined [AlO
4
|Li] centre. Since Li only accounts for 10–30% of the Al concentration, the remaining Al needs to be balanced by H. The ratio of Li/H-compensated Al centres seems to depend on the Li activity and the pH in the aqueous solution. Germanium concentrations in quartz cements are slightly higher than the crustal average and they show a weak correlation with Al. The excess of Ge in authigenic quartz requires pre-enrichment, probably by formation of kaolinite. Possible applications of trace element analyses of authigenic quartz include discrimination of different sources that contribute to the supply of silica, enhanced understanding of inhomogeneities that are related to cementation and possible tracking of fluid migration.
Numerical assessment of the potential for future limnic eruptions at lakes Nyos and Monoun, Cameroon, based on regular monitoring data
Authors: Kozono Tomofumi , Kusakabe Minoru , Yoshida Yutaka , Ntchantcho Romaric , Ohba Takeshi , Tanyileke Gregory , Hell Joseph V.
Published: January 2016

We assessed the potential for limnic eruptions at lakes Nyos and Monoun, Cameroon on the basis of numerical modelling and CO
2
profiles obtained by regular monitoring of the lakes. The change through time of the profiles suggests one particular scenario for producing an eruption: a supply of CO
2
-undersaturated fluid from the lake bottom that induces upwards growth of the CO
2
-rich bottom layer, leading eventually to CO
2
saturation at mid-depths of the lake. By using a numerical model for the ascent of a plume of CO
2
bubbles, we found that under realistic conditions (e.g. a profile of CO
2
as deduced from the regular monitoring data), a bubble plume generated from the middle depths of the lake can reach the lake surface with a high flux of CO
2
, which corresponds to a limnic eruption. In addition, we developed a numerical model to investigate how changes in the CO
2
concentration at the lake bottom affect the dynamics of a two-phase flow in the controlled degassing pipe, using the recently observed CO
2
profiles. This model enables us to estimate the CO
2
concentrations at the lake bottom from the heights of fountains that are observable at the lake surface.
Organization and Regulation of Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis
Authors: Ott Martin , Amunts Alexey , Brown Alan
Published: January 2016

Mitochondria are essential organelles of endosymbiotic origin that are responsible for oxidative phosphorylation within eukaryotic cells. Independent evolution between species has generated mitochondrial genomes that are extremely diverse, with the composition of the vestigial genome determining their translational requirements. Typically, translation within mitochondria is restricted to a few key subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes that are synthesized by dedicated ribosomes (mitoribosomes). The dramatically rearranged mitochondrial genomes, the limited set of transcripts, and the need for the synthesized proteins to coassemble with nuclear-encoded subunits have had substantial consequences for the translation machinery. Recent high-resolution cryo–electron microscopy has revealed the effect of coevolution on the mitoribosome with the mitochondrial genome. In this review, we place the new structural information in the context of the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial translation and focus on the novel ways protein synthesis is organized and regulated in mitochondria.
Effects of dietary phosphate on glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Abuduli Maerjianghan , Ohminami Hirokazu , Otani Tamaki , Kubo Hitoshi , Ueda Haruka , Kawai Yoshichika , Masuda Masashi , Yamanaka-Okumura Hisami , Sakaue Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hironori , Takeda Eiji , Taketani Yutaka
Published: January 2016

Recent epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that excess intake of phosphate (Pi) is a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease and its cardiovascular complications. However, little is known about the impact of dietary high Piintake on the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary Pion glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy rats. Male 8-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and given experimental diets containing varying amounts of Pi, i.e., 0.2 [low Pi(LP)], 0.6 [control Pi(CP)], and 1.2% [high Pi(HP)]. After 4 wk, the HP group showed lower visceral fat accumulation compared with other groups, accompanied by a low respiratory exchange ratio (V̇co2/V̇o2) without alteration of locomotive activity. The HP group had lower levels of plasma insulin and nonesterified fatty acids. In addition, the HP group also showed suppressed expression of hepatic lipogenic genes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, whereas there was no difference in hepatic fat oxidation among the groups. On the other hand, uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression were significantly increased in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the HP group. Our data demonstrated that a high-Pidiet can negatively regulate lipid synthesis in the liver and increase mRNA expression related to lipid oxidation and UCP1 in BAT, thereby preventing visceral fat accumulation. Thus, dietary Piis a novel metabolic regulator.
Riboflavin uptake transporter Slc52a2 (RFVT2) is upregulated in the mouse mammary gland during lactation
Authors: Wu Alex Man Lai , Dedina Liana , Dalvi Pooja , Yang Mingdong , Leon-Cheon John , Earl Brian , Harper Patricia A. , Ito Shinya
Published: January 2016

While it is well recognized that riboflavin accumulates in breast milk as an essential vitamin for neonates, transport mechanisms for its milk excretion are not well characterized. The multidrug efflux transporter ABCG2 in the apical membrane of milk-producing mammary epithelial cells (MECs) is involved with riboflavin excretion. However, it is not clear whether MECs possess other riboflavin transport systems, which may facilitate its basolateral uptake into MECs. We report here that transcripts encoding the second ( SLC52A2) and third ( SLC52A3) member of the recently discovered family of SLC52A riboflavin uptake transporters are expressed in milk fat globules from human breast milk. Furthermore, Slc52a2 and Slc52a3 mRNA are upregulated in the mouse mammary gland during lactation. Importantly, the induction of Slc52a2, which was the major Slc52a riboflavin transporter in the lactating mammary gland, was also observed at the protein level. Subcellular localization studies showed that green fluorescent protein-tagged mouse SLC52A2 mainly localized to the cell membrane, with no preferential distribution to the apical or basolateral membrane in polarized kidney MDCK cells. These results strongly implicate a potential role for SLC52A2 in riboflavin uptake by milk-producing MECs, a critical step in the transfer of riboflavin into breast milk.
Receptive field properties of neurons in the macaque anterior intraparietal area
Authors: Romero Maria C. , Janssen Peter
Published: January 2016

Visual object information is necessary for grasping. In primates, the anterior intraparietal area (AIP) plays an essential role in visually guided grasping. Neurons in AIP encode features of objects, but no study has systematically investigated the receptive field (RF) of AIP neurons. We mapped the RF of posterior AIP (pAIP) neurons in the central visual field, using images of objects and small line fragments that evoked robust responses, together with less effective stimuli. The RF sizes we measured varied between 3°2 and 90°2, with the highest response either at the fixation point or at parafoveal positions. A large fraction of pAIP neurons showed nonuniform RFs, with multiple local maxima in both ipsilateral and contralateral hemifields. Moreover, the RF profile could depend strongly on the stimulus used to map the RF. Highly similar results were obtained with the smallest stimulus that evoked reliable responses (line fragments measuring 1–2°). The nonuniformity and dependence of the RF profile on the stimulus in pAIP were comparable to previous observations in the anterior part of the lateral intraparietal area (aLIP), but the average RF of pAIP neurons was located at the fovea whereas the average RF of aLIP neurons was located parafoveally. Thus nonuniformity and stimulus dependence of the RF may represent general RF properties of neurons in the dorsal visual stream involved in object analysis, which contrast markedly with those of neurons in the ventral visual stream.
Properties of Commutativity of Dual Toeplitz Operators on the Orthogonal Complement of Pluriharmonic Dirichlet Space over the Ball
Authors: Hu Yinyin , Lu Yufeng , Yu Tao
Published: January 2016

We completely characterize the pluriharmonic symbols for (semi)commuting dual Toeplitz operators on the orthogonal complement of the pluriharmonic Dirichlet space in Sobolev space of the unit ball. We show that, forfandgpluriharmonic functions,SfSg=SgSfon(Dh)⊥if and only iffandgsatisfy one of the following conditions:(1)bothfandgare holomorphic;(2)bothf¯andg¯are holomorphic;(3)there are constantsαandβ, both not being zero, such thatαf+βgis constant.
Neutrophil-Mediated Regulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity: The Role of Myeloperoxidase
Authors: Odobasic Dragana , Kitching A. Richard , Holdsworth Stephen R.
Published: January 2016

Neutrophils are no longer seen as leukocytes with a sole function of being the essential first responders in the removal of pathogens at sites of infection. Being armed with numerous pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, these phagocytes can also contribute to the development of various autoimmune diseases and can positively or negatively regulate the generation of adaptive immune responses. In this review, we will discuss how myeloperoxidase, the most abundant neutrophil granule protein, plays a key role in the various functions of neutrophils in innate and adaptive immunity.
High-Temperature Performance and Multiscale Damage Mechanisms of Hollow Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Guo Liping , Zhang Wenxiao , Sun Wei , Chen Bo , Liu Yafan
Published: January 2016

Spalling resistance properties and their damage mechanisms under high temperatures are studied in hollow cellulose fiber-reinforced concrete (CFRC) used in tunnel structures. Measurements of mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of CFRC held under high temperatures (300, 600, 800, and 1050°C) for periods of 2.5, 4, and 5.5 h were carried out. The damage mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction phase analysis. The results demonstrate that cellulose fiber can reduce the performance loss of concrete at high temperatures; the effect of holding time on the performance is more noticeable below 600°C. After exposure to high temperatures, the performance of ordinary concrete deteriorates faster and spalls at 700–800°C; in contrast, cellulose fiber melts at a higher temperature, leaving a series of channels in the matrix that facilitate the release of the steam pressure inside the CFRC. Hollow cellulose fibers can thereby slow the damage caused by internal stress and improve the spalling resistance of concrete under high temperatures.
The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cinnamon on the Metabolome ofPlasmodium falciparumUsing1HNMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Parvazi Shirin , Sadeghi Sedigheh , Azadi Mehri , Mohammadi Maryam , Arjmand Mohammad , Vahabi Farideh , Sadeghzadeh Somye , Zamani Zahra
Published: January 2016

Malaria is responsible for estimated 584,000 deaths in 2013. Researchers are working on new drugs and medicinal herbs due to drug resistance that is a major problem facing them; the search is on for new medicinal herbs. Cinnamon is the bark of a tree with reported antiparasitic effects. Metabonomics is the simultaneous study of all the metabolites in biological fluids, cells, and tissues detected by high throughput technology. It was decided to determine the mechanism of the effect of aqueous extract of cinnamon on the metabolome ofPlasmodium falciparum in vitrousing1HNMR spectroscopy. Prepared aqueous extract of cinnamon was added to a culture ofPlasmodium falciparum3D7 and its 50% inhibitory concentration determined, and, after collection, their metabolites were extracted and1HNMR spectroscopy by NOESY method was done. The spectra were analyzed by chemometric methods. The differentiating metabolites were identified using Human Metabolome Database and the metabolic cycles identified by Metaboanalyst. 50% inhibitory concentration of cinnamon onPlasmodium falciparumwas 1.25 mg/mL withp<0.001. The metabolites were identified as succinic acid, glutathione, L-aspartic acid, beta-alanine, and 2-methylbutyryl glycine. The main metabolic cycles detected were alanine and aspartame and glutamate pathway and pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis and lysine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism, which are all important as drug targets.
Treatment of Wastewater from a Dairy Industry Using Rice Husk as Adsorbent: Treatment Efficiency, Isotherm, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics Modelling
Authors: Pathak Uttarini , Das Papita , Banerjee Prasanta , Datta Siddhartha
Published: January 2016

Effluent from milk processing unit contains soluble organics, suspended solids, and trace organics releasing gases, causing taste and odor, and imparting colour and turbidity produced as a result of high consumption of water from the manufacturing process, utilities and service section, chemicals, and residues of technological additives used in individual operations which makes it crucial matter to be treated for preserving the aesthetics of the environment. In this experimental study after determination of the initial parameters of the raw wastewater it was subjected to batch adsorption study using rice husk. The effects of contact time, initial wastewater concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage, solution temperature and the adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. The phenomenon of adsorption was favoured at a lower temperature and lower pH in this case. Maximum removal as high as 92.5% could be achieved using an adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L, pH of 2, and temperature of 30°C. The adsorption kinetics and the isotherm studies showed that the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm were the best choices to describe the adsorption behavior. The thermodynamic parameters suggested that not only was the adsorption by rice husk spontaneous and exothermic in nature but also the negative entropy change indicated enthalpy driven process.
A Neighborhood-Impact Based Community Detection Algorithm via Discrete PSO
Authors: Zhou Dongqing , Wang Xing
Published: January 2016

The paper addresses particle swarm optimization (PSO) into community detection problem, and an algorithm based on new label strategy is proposed. In contrast with other label propagation strategies, the main contribution of this paper is to design the definition of the impact of node and take it into use. Special initialization and update approaches based on it are designed in order to make full use of it. Experiments on synthetic and real-life networks show the effectiveness of proposed strategy. Furthermore, this strategy is extended to signed networks, and the corresponding objective function which is called modularity density is modified to be used in signed networks. Experiments on real-life networks also demonstrate that it is an efficacious way to solve community detection problem.
Facial Nerve Schwannoma of Parotid Gland: Difficulties in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Damar Murat , Dinç Aykut Erdem , Şevik Eliçora Sultan , Bişkin Sultan , Erten Gül , Biz Serdar
Published: January 2016

Facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) are encapsulated benign tumors arising from Schwann cells of seventh cranial nerve. Most of the facial nerve schwannomas are localized in intratemporal region; only 9% of cases involve a portion of the extratemporal segment. Preoperative diagnosis is often unclear; diagnosis is often made intraoperatively. Management of intraparotid FNS is troublesome because of the facial nerve paralysis. In this report we presented a case of intraparotid schwannoma in a 55-year-old male patient complaining of a painless mass without peripheral facial nerve palsy in left parotid gland. Clinical features, preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis, and difficulties during management are discussed with the review of the literature.
The Role of the IL-20 Subfamily in Glaucoma
Authors: Wirtz Mary K. , Keller Kate E.
Published: January 2016

Glaucoma is a common disease that leads to loss of peripheral vision and, if left untreated, ultimately to blindness. While the exact cause(s) of glaucoma is still unknown, two leading risk factors are age and elevated intraocular pressure. Several studies suggest a possible link between glaucoma and inflammation in humans and animal models. In particular, our lab recently identified a T104M mutation in IL-20 receptor-B (IL-20RB) in primary open angle glaucoma patients from a large pedigree. Several of the interleukin- (IL-) 20 family of cytokines and receptors are expressed in ocular tissues including the trabecular meshwork, optic nerve head, and retinal ganglion cells. The DBA/2J mouse develops high intraocular pressures with age and has characteristic optic nerve defects that make it a useful glaucoma model. IL-24 expression is significantly upregulated in the retina of these mice, while IL-20RA expression in the optic nerve is downregulated following pressure-induced damage. The identification of a mutation in theIL-20RBgene in a glaucoma pedigree and changes in expression levels of IL-20 family members in the DBA/2J mouse suggest that disruption of normal IL-20 signaling in the eye may contribute to degenerative processes associated with glaucoma.
Analytical Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Pier and Cast-in-Steel-Shell Pile Connection Behavior considering Steel-Concrete Interface
Authors: Moon Jiho , Lehman Dawn E. , Roeder Charles W. , Lee Hak-Eun , Lee Tae-Hyung
Published: January 2016

The seismic design of bridges may require a large-diameter deep pile foundation such as a cast-in-steel-shell (CISS) pile where a reinforced concrete (RC) member is cast in a steel casing. In practice, the steel casing is not considered in the structural design and the pile is assumed to be an RC member. It is partially attributed to the difficulties in evaluation of composite action of a CISS pile. However, by considering benefits provided by composite action of the infilled concrete and the steel casing, both the cost and size of CISS pile can be reduced. In this study, the structural behavior of the RC pier and the CISS pile connection is simulated by using an advanced 3D finite element (FE) method, where the interface between the steel and concrete is also modeled. Firstly, the FE model is verified. Then, the parametric study is conducted. The analysis results suggest that the embedment length and the friction coefficient between the steel casing and the infilled concrete affect the structural behavior of the RC pier. Finally, the minimum embedment length with reference to the AASHTO design guideline is suggested considering the composite action of the CISS pile.
The Role of Current Techniques and Concepts in Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Houschyar K. S. , Momeni A. , Pyles M. N. , Cha J. Y. , Maan Z. N. , Duscher D. , Jew O. S. , Siemers F. , Schoonhoven J. van
Published: January 2016

Patients with peripheral nerve injuries, especially severe injury, often face poor nerve regeneration and incomplete functional recovery, even after surgical nerve repair. This review summarizes treatment options of peripheral nerve injuries with current techniques and concepts and reviews developments in research and clinical application of these therapies.
An Ectopic ACTH Secreting Metastatic Parotid Tumour
Authors: Dacruz Thomas , Kalhan Atul , Rashid Majid , Obuobie Kofi
Published: January 2016

A 60-year old woman presented with features of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) secondary to an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting metastatic parotid tumour 3 years after excision of the original tumour. She subsequently developed fatal intestinal perforation and unfortunately died despite best possible medical measures. Ectopic ACTH secretion accounts for 5–10% of all patients presenting with ACTH dependent hypercortisolism; small cell carcinoma of lung (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumours (NET) account for the majority of such cases. Although there are 4 previous case reports of ectopic ACTH secreting salivary tumours in literature, to our knowledge this is the first published case report in which the CS developed after 3 years of what was deemed as a successful surgical excision of primary salivary tumour. Our patient initially had nonspecific symptoms which may have contributed to a delay in diagnosis. Perforation of sigmoid colon is a recognised though underdiagnosed complication associated with steroid therapy and hypercortisolism. This case demonstrates the challenges faced in diagnosis as well as management of patients with CS apart from the practical difficulties faced while trying to identify source of ectopic ACTH.