bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment mechanism in the MRC preschool autism communication trial: implications for study design and parent‐focussed therapy for children
Authors: Pickles Andrew , Harris Victoria , Green Jonathan , Aldred Catherine , McConachie Helen , Slonims Vicky , Le Couteur Ann , Hudry Kristelle , Charman Tony ,   the PACT Consortium
Published: July 2014

Background

The PACT randomised‐controlled trial evaluated a parent‐mediated communication‐focused treatment for children with autism, intended to reduce symptom severity as measured by a modified Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐Generic (ADOS‐G) algorithm score. The therapy targeted parental behaviour, with no direct interaction between therapist and child. While nonsignificant group differences were found on ADOS‐G score, significant group differences were found for both parent and child intermediate outcomes. This study aimed to better understand the mechanism by which the PACT treatment influenced changes in child behaviour though the targeted parent behaviour.

Methods

Mediation analysis was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of treatment via parent behaviour on child behaviour and via child behaviour on ADOS‐G score. Alternative mediation was explored to study whether the treatment effect acted as hypothesised or via another plausible pathway. Mediation models typically assume no unobserved confounding between mediator and outcome and no measurement error in the mediator. We show how to better exploit the information often available within a trial to begin to address these issues, examining scope for instrumental variable and measurement error models.

Results

Estimates of mediation changed substantially when account was taken of the confounder effects of the baseline value of the mediator and of measurement error. Our best estimates that accounted for both suggested that the treatment effect on the ADOS‐G score was very substantially mediated by parent synchrony and child initiations.

Conclusions

The results highlighted the value of repeated measurement of mediators during trials. The theoretical model underlying the PACT treatment was supported. However, the substantial fall‐off in treatment effect highlighted both the need for additional data and for additional target behaviours for therapy.
An exploration of the practice of restricting a child's movement in hospital: a factorial survey
Authors: Brenner Maria , Drennan Jonathan , Treacy Margaret Pearl , Fealy Gerard M
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives

To identify the reported predictors of the practice of restricting a child for a clinical procedure in hospital.

Background

Previous work in this area is dominated by discussion papers and suggestions for addressing the issue of restriction. This is the first study to explore reported predictors of this practice with a view to implementing change based on research findings.

Design

A factorial survey was developed, which incorporated the use of vignettes with various scenarios. The factorial design enabled exploration of the interaction of multiple factors on the practice of restriction.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐six nurses caring for children were each sent 10 vignettes and asked to rate their likelihood to restrict a child based on the vignettes. A total of 105 nurses responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 63%. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify reported predictors of restriction.

Results

Nurses were more likely to restrict a child if they had prior instruction on safe holding, if there was no play therapist available, if the nurse was a registered general nurse with no other registration qualification, if the child required cannulation or if the child was less than five years of age.

Conclusion

This study identified predictors of restriction from the perspective of practicing nurses; the evidence needs to be used in developing clinical guidelines and in multidisciplinary education.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need to move from any presumption of restriction towards more critical consideration of the individual requirements of the child. There is a need to increase the numbers of nurses receiving specialist training on the care of a child in hospital. The importance of a well‐resourced play therapy service is supported, and there is a need for multidisciplinary work to explore alternatives to restriction.
RAPSTROM™ First‐in‐Man Study Long‐Term Results of a Biodegradable Polymer Sustained‐Release Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent in De Novo Coronary Stenoses
Authors: KUMAR PRATHAP , PILLAI RAMAKRISHNA , SREEDHARAN MADHU , DAVIDSON DEEPAK , MANJUNATH C.N. , FISCHER LOUIE , BALAKRISHNAN K.P. , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , SHEIBAN IMAD
Published: July 2014

Background

Durable polymers used for first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) potentially contribute to persistent inflammation and late DES thrombosis. We report the first real‐life human experience with the rapamycin‐eluting biodegradable polymer‐coated Rapstrom stent.

Methods

All consecutive patients with single de novo native coronary stenosis (<30 mm and between 2.5 and 4.0 mm) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year (cardiac death, myocardial infarction [Q and non‐Q], or ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization) were the primary end‐point.

Results

A total of 123 patients were enrolled. The stent was implanted without complications in all patients, and no MACE were recorded at 30 days. At 12‐month follow‐up 9 patients (7.3%) experienced a MACE and 4 (3.2%) required a target lesion revascularization, while 1 (1%) stent thrombosis was recorded. A planned angiographic follow‐up (FU) was performed in 73 patients (59%) at 9.4 ± 2.6 months following the index procedure. In‐stent late loss was 0.16 ± 0.09 mm, and in‐segment late loss was 0.18 ± 0.8 mm.

Conclusion

The Rapstrom biodegradable polymer rapamycin‐eluting stent appeared safe and efficacious in this first real‐life human experience, due to a low late lumen loss. Larger randomized studies are required to confirm these preliminary results. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:373–380)
The Impact of Insurance Instability on Health Service Utilization: Does Non‐metropolitan Residence Make a Difference?
Authors: Fields Bronwyn E. , Bell Janice F. , Moyce Sally , Bigbee Jeri L.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Discontinuous and no health insurance are major barriers to health care utilization. This paper examines if nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan residence is associated with differences in health care utilization in the face of insurance instability.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of adults aged 18‐64 years was conducted using the 2006‐2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data set (N = 61,039). Negative binomial regression was used to model measures of health service utilization (emergency room [ER] visits, inpatient discharges, office‐based visits, dental care visits, prescriptions filled, home health visits) as functions of insurance continuity, adjusted for sociodemographic and health‐related covariates. Models were stratified by metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan residence.

Findings

Health insurance continuity was significantly associated with several measures of health service utilization, including more ER visits for individuals with gaps in health insurance (IRR [incident risk ratio] = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16‐1.42) and fewer inpatient discharges for individuals without insurance (IRR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.43‐0.57) when compared with individuals with continuous insurance. Individuals who were discontinuously insured or uninsured had significantly fewer office‐based visits. They also had significantly fewer dental visits, prescription fills, and home health visits; moreover, the magnitudes of these associations were generally significantly greater for residents of nonmetropolitan areas.

Conclusions

Insurance instability is associated with higher use of emergency services and reduced use of nonhospital health care services. Residents of nonmetropolitan areas with unstable or no insurance coverage may be at particular risk for reduced access and use of some health services relative to their counterparts living in metropolitan areas.
Polymorphisms in oxidative stress pathway genes and risk of diabetic nephropathy in South Indian type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Narne Parimala , Ponnaluri Kamakshi Chaithri , Siraj Mohammed , Ishaq Mohammed
Published: July 2014

Aim

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is polygenic, with a vast array of genes contributing to disease susceptibility. Accordingly, we explored the association between DN and six polymorphisms in oxidative stress related genes, namely eNOS, p22phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase, PARP‐1 and XRCC1 in South Indian T2DM subjects.

Methods

The study included 155 T2DM subjects with DN and 162 T2DM patients with no evidence of DN. The selected polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and Taqman allele discrimination assay.

Results

No significant difference was observed in the genotype and allele distribution of eNOS −786T>C, intron 4a4b, p22phox 242C>T and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms between T2DM groups with and without DN. Contrastingly, there appeared to be a significant association of eNOS 894G>T and PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms with DN wherein, the presence of 894T allele was associated with an enhanced risk for DN [P = 0.005; OR = 1.78 (1.17–2.7)], while the 762Ala allele seemed to confer significant protection against DN [P = 0.02; OR = 0.59 (0.37–0.92)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant and independent association of eNOS 894G>T, PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms and hypertension with DN in T2DM individuals.

Conclusions

eNOS 894G>T and PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms appeared to associate significantly with DN, with the former contributing to an enhanced risk and the latter to a reduced susceptibility to DN in South Indian T2DM individuals.
Induced Lactation by Adoptive Mothers: A Case Study
Authors: Saari Zilal , Mohd Yusof Farahwahida
Published: July 2014

Induced lactation is a method of stimulating breast milk, carried out by non-pregnant women. It is an alternative for women who are unable to have children naturally but wish to experience motherhood by adopting. In Islamic laws, breastfeeding by a woman of another person’s child will turn their relationship into that of a mother and her own child. The permissibility in Islamic law of breastfeeding another person’s child has been taken as an alternative way for adoptive Muslim mothers to “mahram”ise (a male/female who is forbidden permanently, forever) (or familiarize) the relationship with that adopted child. The objective of this study is to explore the experience of adoptive mothers who have breastfed their adopted children through the method of induced lactation. This study focuses on the technical aspects, on how an adoptive mother stimulates the production of breast milk despite not having gone through the process of pregnancy. This study uses the qualitative study method. This study interviewed 12 respondents comprising of Muslim females who had successfully nursed their adopted children before the age of two and fulfilled the requirement to nurse the child until he is fully satisfied for five sessions. The semi structured interview technique was carried out over a 6 months period between the years 2012 to 2013. Data analysis discovered that two methods of induced lactation were performed, i.e., hormone simulation and breast stimulation. This study also found two devices used in the process of breast stimulation, which are Supplemental Feeding Device and Breast pump. In summary, the process of induced lactation to nurse an adopted child can be a success with the right method, technique and equipment.
Islamic Sex Education (ISE) Conceptual Model of Cognitive Theories–The Findings
Authors: Mohamed Noor Nurtihah , Zulkifli Abdul Nasir , Yusoff Mohd Fitri , Siraj Fadzilah
Published: July 2014

This study proposes a conceptual model of Islamic Sex Education (ISE) and an ISE courseware based on the model; named Al-Adab, in conveying rightful sex education information to the parents, particularly Muslims. By the end of the study two evaluations were conducted namely; learning evaluation and reaction evaluation to investigate the effectiveness of the prototype as well as the constructed model with 41 respondents, which are parents. Employing the pre and post test, learning evaluation that includes 15 similar questions about ISE was given before and after the respondents used the courseware prototype. Meanwhile, the reaction evaluation was given after the respondents used the courseware prototype in assessing the overall effectiveness of the prototype. After analyzing the data, we found that the correct answers of the learning evaluation were increased after the respondents used the prototype; and overall they agreed the effectiveness of the prototype in increasing their knowledge.
Performance Analysis of Memristor Models for RRAM Cell Array Design using SILVACO EDA
Authors: Haron Nor Zaidi , Arshad Norsuhaidah , Salehuddin Fauziyah
Published: July 2014

Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) is gaining attention as one of the prominent contenders to replace the conventional memory technologies such as SRAM, DRAM and Flash. This emerging memory uses scaled CMOS devices (22 nm or less) to form the peripheral circuits such as decoder and sense amplifier; while a non-CMOS device known as memristor is used to form the cell array. Although potentially becoming the main future memory, RRAM is anticipated to be impacted by the high manufacturing defect density that in turn might lead to quality and reliability problems. This paper presents the initial work towards producing a high quality and reliable RRAM devices. A design and simulation of three memristor SPICE models published in prominent literatures were performed using Silvaco EDA simulation tool. The aim is to identify the optimal model to be used in our RRAM design, which is based on 22 nm CMOS technology. Performance analysis shows that the model proposed by D. Biolek is suitable to be used in our RRAM design.
Comparing Characteristics of Oil Palm Biochar Using Conventional and Microwave Heating
Authors: Abas Fatimatul Zaharah , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: July 2014

Microwave heating technique is one of the most attractive alternative applications in the thermal conversion process. In addition, microwave pyrolysis is one of the thermochemical technologies using microwave irradiation heating in order to obtain biofuels and materials from biomass. Microwave pyrolysis not only overcomes the disadvantages of conventional pyrolysis methods such as slow heating, but also improves the quality of final pyrolysis products. Recently, the biomass from oil palm wastes (empty fruit bunch, oil palm shell and oil palm fiber) has been gaining more attention in order to produce the biochar. In addition, biochar is important for sequestering carbon and as an effectively additive to improve soil fertility, aid sustainable production, reduce contamination of water streams. This paper focused on the comparison of biochar characteristics produced from oil palm biomass via microwave heating and conventional heating. Analysis on the characteristics of the biochar includes its physical properties, proximate and elemental analysis, the Brunauer- Emmet- Teller (BET) surface area and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Development of Wideband Power Amplifier for RF / Microwave Front-End Subsystem
Authors: Zakaria Z. , Fadzil M. F. M. , Othman A. R. , Salleh A. , Isa A. A. M. , Haron N. Z.
Published: July 2014

This paper reviews the Wideband Power Amplifier (PA) that has been developed since 1990. Several journals had been discussed in this paper covers few topics such as Characterization of Power Amplifiers, Power Amplifier Architecture and Linearization Technique. Advantages and disadvantages of the technique used had been highlighted as well as the summary of those cases been compiled in the table form for comparison purposes. Power Amplifier is one of the important parts in transmitter. However, when involve transistor as an active device, it is important to ensure that the signals are stabilized and transmitted at higher efficiency. This leads to the proposal of a new design of Wideband Power Amplifier based on the concept of the multiplexer.
Optimisation of Process Parameters for Lower Leakage Current in 22 nm n-type MOSFET Device using Taguchi Method
Authors: A. H. Afifah Maheran, , P. S. Menon, , Ahmad I. , Shaari S.
Published: July 2014

In this article, Taguchi orthogonal array method was used to optimize the process parameters during the design of a 22 nm n-type Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) in order to decrease the leakage current (ILEAK) of the device. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as the dielectric layer to replace the traditional silicon dioxide SiO2 and tungsten silicide (WSix) was used as a metal gate to replace polysilicon. The device’s fabrication and electrical characterization were executed using ATHENA and ATLAS modules from Silvaco International. Taguchi’s Power of Three Series L9 orthogonal array was used to optimize the device process parameters and to finally predict the best process parameter combination to obtain the minimum leakage current (ILEAK) using Smaller-the-Better (STB) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The optimization resulted in the attainment of the lowest ILEAK mean value of 0.25759 nA/µm which is in accordance to the predicted value given in the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) 2011.
Numerical Analysis on the CO-NO Formation Production near Burner Throat in Swirling Flow Combustion System
Authors: Ashrul Ishak Mohamad Shaiful , Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri
Published: July 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to study the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) prediction on CO-NO formation production inside the combustor close to burner throat while varying the swirl angle of the radial swirler. Air swirler adds sufficient swirling to the inlet flow to generate central recirculation region (CRZ) which is necessary for flame stability and fuel air mixing enhancement. Therefore, designing an appropriate air swirler is a challenge to produce stable, efficient and low emission combustion with low pressure losses. A liquid fuel burner system with different radial air swirler with 280 mm inside diameter combustor of 1000 mm length has been investigated. Analysis were carried out using four different radial air swirlers having 30°, 40°, 50° and 60° vane angles. The flow behavior was investigated numerically using CFD solver Ansys Fluent. This study has provided characteristic insight into the formation and production of CO and pollutant NO inside the combustion chamber. Results show that the swirling action is augmented with the increase in the swirl angle, which leads to increase in the center core reverse flow, therefore reducing the CO and pollutant NO formation. The outcome of this work will help in finding out the optimum swirling angle which will lead to less emission.
Life and Death and Quality Control
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: July 2014

Unmitigated endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes cell death through activation of a death receptor.
When the Moment Is Right, Will You Be Ninjurin?
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: July 2014

Inhibition of the cell adhesion protein Ninjurin 1 restores erectile function in diabetic mice.
Bacillaene and Sporulation Protect Bacillus subtilis from Predation by Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Müller Susanne , Strack Sarah N. , Hoefler B. Christopher , Straight Paul D. , Kearns Daniel B. , Kirby John R.
Published: July 2014

Myxococcus xanthus
and
Bacillus subtilis
are common soil-dwelling bacteria that produce a wide range of secondary metabolites and sporulate under nutrient-limiting conditions. Both organisms affect the composition and dynamics of microbial communities in the soil. However,
M. xanthus
is known to be a predator, while
B. subtilis
is not. A screen of various prey led to the finding that
M. xanthus
is capable of consuming laboratory strains of
B. subtilis
, while the ancestral strain, NCIB3610, was resistant to predation. Based in part on recent characterization of several strains of
B. subtilis
, we were able to determine that the
pks
gene cluster, which is required for production of bacillaene, is the major factor allowing
B. subtilis
NCIB3610 cells to resist predation by
M. xanthus
. Furthermore, purified bacillaene was added exogenously to domesticated strains, resulting in resistance to predation. Lastly, we found that
M. xanthus
is incapable of consuming
B. subtilis
spores even from laboratory strains, indicating the evolutionary fitness of sporulation as a survival strategy. Together, the results suggest that bacillaene inhibits
M. xanthus
predation, allowing sufficient time for development of
B. subtilis
spores.
Quality Control of Plasma Membrane Proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nedd4-Like Ubiquitin Ligase Rsp5p under Environmental Stress Conditions
Authors: Shiga Takeki , Yoshida Nobuyuki , Shimizu Yuko , Suzuki Etsuko , Sasaki Toshiya , Watanabe Daisuke , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

In
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, when a rich nitrogen source such as ammonium is added to the culture medium, the general amino acid permease Gap1p is ubiquitinated by the yeast Nedd4-like ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p, followed by its endocytosis to the vacuole. The arrestin-like Bul1/2p adaptors for Rsp5p specifically mediate this process. In this study, to investigate the downregulation of Gap1p in response to environmental stresses, we determined the intracellular trafficking of Gap1p under various stress conditions. An increase in the extracellular ethanol concentration induced ubiquitination and trafficking of Gap1p from the plasma membrane to the vacuole in wild-type cells, whereas Gap1p remained stable on the plasma membrane under the same conditions in
rsp5
A401E
and Δ
end3
cells. A
14
C-labeled citrulline uptake assay using a nonubiquitinated form of Gap1p (Gap1p
K9R/K16R
) revealed that ethanol stress caused a dramatic decrease of Gap1p activity. These results suggest that Gap1p is inactivated and ubiquitinated by Rsp5p for endocytosis when
S. cerevisiae
cells are exposed to a high concentration of ethanol. It is noteworthy that this endocytosis occurs in a Bul1/2p-independent manner, whereas ammonium-triggered downregulation of Gap1p was almost completely inhibited in Δ
bul1/2
cells. We also found that other environmental stresses, such as high temperature, H
2
O
2
, and LiCl, also promoted endocytosis of Gap1p. Similar intracellular trafficking caused by ethanol occurred in other plasma membrane proteins (Agp1p, Tat2p, and Gnp1p). Our findings suggest that stress-induced quality control is a common process requiring Rsp5p for plasma membrane proteins in yeast.
In Vivo
Expression of Streptococcus pyogenes Immunogenic Proteins during Tibial Foreign Body Infection
Authors: Freiberg Jeffrey A. , McIver Kevin S. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: July 2014

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important human pathogen that causes a number of diseases with a wide range of severities. While all known strains of GAS are still sensitive to penicillin, there have been reports of antibiotic treatment failure in as many as 20% to 40% of cases. Biofilm formation has been implicated as a possible cause for these failures. A biofilm is a microbially derived, sessile community where cells grow attached to a surface or as a bacterial conglomerate and surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix. While the ability of group A streptococcus to form biofilms in the laboratory has been shown, there is a lack of understanding of the role of GAS biofilms during an infection. We hypothesized that during infections, GAS exhibits a biofilm phenotype, complete with unique protein expression. To test this hypothesis, a rabbit model of GAS osteomyelitis was developed. A rabbit was inoculated with GAS using an infected indwelling device. Following the infection, blood and tissue samples were collected. Histological samples of the infected tibia were prepared, and the formation of a biofilm
in vivo
was visualized using peptide nucleic acid fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (PNA-FISH) and confocal microscopy. In addition, Western blotting with convalescent rabbit serum detected cell wall proteins expressed
in vitro
under biofilm and planktonic growth conditions. Immunogenic proteins were then identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). These identities, along with the
in vivo
results, support the hypothesis that GAS forms biofilms during an infection. This unique phenotype should be taken into consideration when designing a vaccine or any other treatment for group A streptococcus infections.
The RimL Transacetylase Provides Resistance to Translation Inhibitor Microcin C
Authors: Kazakov Teymur , Kuznedelov Konstantin , Semenova Ekaterina , Mukhamedyarov Damir , Datsenko Kirill A. , Metlitskaya Anastasija , Vondenhoff Gaston H. , Tikhonov Anton , Agarwal Vinayak , Nair Satish , Van Aerschot Arthur , Severinov Konstantin
Published: July 2014

Peptide-nucleotide antibiotic microcin C (McC) is produced by some
Escherichia coli
strains. Inside a sensitive cell, McC is processed, releasing a nonhydrolyzable analog of aspartyl-adenylate, which inhibits aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The product of
mccE
, a gene from the plasmid-borne McC biosynthetic cluster, acetylates processed McC, converting it into a nontoxic compound. MccE is homologous to chromosomally encoded acetyltransferases RimI, RimJ, and RimL, which acetylate, correspondingly, the N termini of ribosomal proteins S18, S5, and L12. Here, we show that
E. coli
RimL, but not other Rim acetyltransferases, provides a basal level of resistance to McC and various toxic nonhydrolyzable aminoacyl adenylates. RimL acts by acetylating processed McC, which along with ribosomal protein L12 should be considered a natural RimL substrate. When overproduced, RimL also makes cells resistant to albomycin, an antibiotic that upon intracellular processing gives rise to a seryl-thioribosyl pyrimidine that targets seryl-tRNA synthetase. We further show that
E. coli
YhhY, a protein related to Rim acetyltransferases but without a known function, is also able to detoxify several nonhydrolyzable aminoacyl adenylates but not processed McC. We propose that RimL and YhhY protect bacteria from various toxic aminoacyl nucleotides, either exogenous or those generated inside the cell during normal metabolism.
Identification of a Unique Radical
S
-Adenosylmethionine Methylase Likely Involved in Methanopterin Biosynthesis in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
Authors: Allen Kylie D. , Xu Huimin , White Robert H.
Published: July 2014

Methanopterin (MPT) and its analogs are coenzymes required for methanogenesis and methylotrophy in specialized microorganisms. The methyl groups at C-7 and C-9 of the pterin ring distinguish MPT from all other pterin-containing natural products. However, the enzyme(s) responsible for the addition of these methyl groups has yet to be identified. Here we demonstrate that a putative radical
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine (SAM) enzyme superfamily member encoded by the MJ0619 gene in the methanogen
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
is likely this missing methylase. When MJ0619 was heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
, various methylated pterins were detected, consistent with MJ0619 catalyzing methylation at C-7 and C-9 of 7,8-dihydro-6-hydroxymethylpterin, a common intermediate in both folate and MPT biosynthesis. Site-directed mutagenesis of Cys77 present in the first of two canonical radical SAM CX
3
CX
2
C motifs present in MJ0619 did not inhibit C-7 methylation, while mutation of Cys102, found in the other radical SAM amino acid motif, resulted in the loss of C-7 methylation, suggesting that the first motif could be involved in C-9 methylation, while the second motif is required for C-7 methylation. Further experiments demonstrated that the C-7 methyl group is not derived from methionine and that methylation does not require cobalamin. When
E. coli
cells expressing MJ0619 were grown with deuterium-labeled acetate as the sole carbon source, the resulting methyl group on the pterin was predominantly labeled with three deuteriums. Based on these results, we propose that this archaeal radical SAM methylase employs a previously uncharacterized mechanism for methylation, using methylenetetrahydrofolate as a methyl group donor.
Endogenous Synthesis of 2-Aminoacrylate Contributes to Cysteine Sensitivity in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ernst Dustin C. , Lambrecht Jennifer A. , Schomer Rebecca A. , Downs Diana M.
Published: July 2014

RidA, the archetype member of the widely conserved RidA/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins, prevents reactive enamine/imine intermediates from accumulating in
Salmonella enterica
by catalyzing their hydrolysis to stable keto acid products. In the absence of RidA, endogenous 2-aminoacrylate persists in the cellular environment long enough to damage a growing list of essential metabolic enzymes. Prior studies have focused on the dehydration of serine by the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent serine/threonine dehydratases, IlvA and TdcB, as sources of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate. The current study describes an additional source of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate derived from cysteine. The results of
in vivo
analysis show that the cysteine sensitivity of a
ridA
strain is contingent upon CdsH, the predominant cysteine desulfhydrase in
S. enterica
. The impact of cysteine on 2-aminoacrylate accumulation is shown to be unaffected by the presence of serine/threonine dehydratases, revealing another mechanism of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate production. Experiments
in vitro
suggest that 2-aminoacrylate is released from CdsH following cysteine desulfhydration, resulting in an unbound aminoacrylate substrate for RidA. This work expands our understanding of the role played by RidA in preventing enamine stress resulting from multiple normal metabolic processes.
Faults in Linux 2.6
Authors: Palix Nicolas , Thomas Gaēl , Saha Suman , Calvès Christophe , Muller Gilles , Lawall Julia
Published: July 2014

In August 2011, Linux entered its third decade. Ten years before, Chou et al. published a study of faults found by applying a static analyzer to Linux versions 1.0 through 2.4.1. A major result of their work was that the drivers directory contained up to 7 times more of certain kinds of faults than other directories. This result inspired numerous efforts on improving the reliability of driver code. Today, Linux is used in a wider range of environments, provides a wider range of services, and has adopted a new development and release model. What has been the impact of these changes on code quality?

To answer this question, we have transported Chou et al.’s experiments to all versions of Linux 2.6; released between 2003 and 2011. We find that Linux has more than doubled in size during this period, but the number of faults per line of code has been decreasing. Moreover, the fault rate of drivers is now below that of other directories, such as arch. These results can guide further development and research efforts for the decade to come. To allow updating these results as Linux evolves, we define our experimental protocol and make our checkers available.
TaintDroid
Authors: Enck William , Gilbert Peter , Han Seungyeop , Tendulkar Vasant , Chun Byung-Gon , Cox Landon P. , Jung Jaeyeon , McDaniel Patrick , Sheth Anmol N.
Published: July 2014

Today’s smartphone operating systems frequently fail to provide users with visibility into how third-party applications collect and share their private data. We address these shortcomings with TaintDroid, an efficient, system-wide dynamic taint tracking and analysis system capable of simultaneously tracking multiple sources of sensitive data. TaintDroid enables realtime analysis by leveraging Android’s virtualized execution environment. TaintDroid incurs only 32% performance overhead on a CPU-bound microbenchmark and imposes negligible overhead on interactive third-party applications. Using TaintDroid to monitor the behavior of 30 popular third-party Android applications, in our 2010 study we found 20 applications potentially misused users’ private information; so did a similar fraction of the tested applications in our 2012 study. Monitoring the flow of privacy-sensitive data with TaintDroid provides valuable input for smartphone users and security service firms seeking to identify misbehaving applications.
Language support for lightweight transactions
Authors: Harris Tim , Fraser Keir
Published: July 2014

Concurrent programming is notoriously difficult. Current abstractions are intricate and make it hard to design computer systems that are reliable and scalable. We argue that these problems can be addressed by moving to a declarative style of concurrency control in which programmers directly indicate the safety properties that they require.

In our scheme the programmer demarks sections of code which execute within lightweight software-based transactions that commit atomically and exactly once. These transactions can update shared data, instantiate objects, invoke library features and so on. They can also block, waiting for arbitrary boolean conditions to become true. Transactions which do not access the same shared memory locations can commit concurrently. Furthermore, in general, no performance penalty is incurred for memory accesses outside transactions.

We present a detailed design of this proposal along with an implementation and evaluation. We argue that the resulting system (i ) is easier for mainstream programmers to use, (ii ) prevents lock-based priority-inversion and deadlock problems and (iii ) can offer performance advantages.
Cooling of High-Energy Hadron Beams
Authors: Blaskiewicz Michael
Published: July 2014

In this article, I discuss existing and planned techniques for cooling high-energy hadron beams, provide practical formulae for estimating cooling rates, and address difficulties and challenges.
Occurrence of Malabar Snakehead, Channa diplogramma (Perciformes: Channidae) from River Valapattanam, Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: Sajeevan Sajan , Varkey Anna Mercy T. , Sukumaran Mithun
Published: July 2014

We report the occurrence of Channa diplogramma in the Valapattanam River in March 2013 and this study adds to the species record of C. diplogramma in terms of diversity and range distribution in the River Valapattanam and South India.
Effect of Concurrent ZnO Addition and AlF3Reduction on the Elastic Properties of Tellurite Based Glass System
Authors: Sidek Haji Abdul Aziz , El-Mallawany Raouf , Hariharan Krishnaswamy , Rosmawati Shaharuddin
Published: July 2014

New ternary zinc oxyfluorotellurite (ZOFT) with the composition(ZnO)x-(AlF3)y-(TeO2)z, where5≤x<35;5≤y≤25;60≤z≤70, has been successfully prepared by the conventional rapid melt quenching technique. Density, molar volume, and glass transition temperature have been assessed for each ZOFT glass sample. The longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in each glass sample were measured using a MBS8020 ultrasonic data acquisition system at 5 MHz frequency and room temperature. The longitudinal modulus (L), shear modulus (G), Young’s modulus (E), bulk modulus (K), and Poisson’s ratio (σ) are assessed from both velocity data and their respective density. The compositional dependence of the ultrasonic velocities and related parameters are discussed to understand the rigidity and compactness of the glass system studied.
A Third Order Accurate Cellwise Relaxation Implicit Discontinuous Galerkin Scheme for Unstructured Hybrid Meshes
Authors: Asada Hiroyuki , Ogino Yousuke , Yasue Kanako , Sawada Keisuke
Published: July 2014

A third order accurate cellwise relaxation implicit Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme for RANS simulations using unstructured hybrid meshes is presented. A scalar parabolic equation is first examined to clarify what is really important in construction of implicit matrix to keep its diagonal dominance for the third and fourth order cellwise relaxation implicit DG schemes. In addition, discussions are given to approximated construction of implicit matrix for reducing computational cost. Then, the third order accurate cellwise relaxation implicit DG scheme for RANS simulations is successfully developed utilizing the expertise learned in the study of solving the parabolic equation. Superior spatial accuracy of the third order accurate cellwise relaxation implicit DG scheme for RANS simulations, while retaining reasonable convergence properties, is demonstrated for typical aerospace applications.
Continuous-Time Mean-Variance Portfolio Selection under the CEV Process
Authors: Ma Hui-qiang
Published: July 2014

We consider a continuous-time mean-variance portfolio selection model when stock price follows the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) process. The aim of this paper is to derive an optimal portfolio strategy and the efficient frontier. The mean-variance portfolio selection problem is formulated as a linearly constrained convex program problem. By employing the Lagrange multiplier method and stochastic optimal control theory, we obtain the optimal portfolio strategy and mean-variance efficient frontier analytically. The results show that the mean-variance efficient frontier is still a parabola in the mean-variance plane, and the optimal strategies depend not only on the total wealth but also on the stock price. Moreover, some numerical examples are given to analyze the sensitivity of the efficient frontier with respect to the elasticity parameter and to illustrate the results presented in this paper. The numerical results show that the price of risk decreases as the elasticity coefficient increases.
Response to Initial Therapy of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Predicts the Long-Term Outcome Better than Classical Risk Stratification Systems
Authors: Cano-Palomares Albert , Castells Ignasi , Capel Ismael , Bella Maria Rosa , Barcons Santi , Serrano Angel , Guirao Xavier , Rigla Mercedes
Published: July 2014

Objective. Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually has an indolent course, some cases show a poor prognosis; therefore, risk stratification is required. The objective of this study is to compare the predictive ability of classical risk stratification systems proposed by the European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) with the system proposed by Tuttle et al. in 2010, based on the response to initial therapy (RIT).Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 176 cases of DTC with a median follow-up period of 7.0 years. Each patient was stratified using ETA, ATA, and RIT systems. Negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were determined. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated in order to compare the predictive ability.Results. RIT showed a NPV of 97.7%, better than NPV of ETA and ATA systems (93.9% and 94.9%, resp.). ETA and ATA systems showed poor PPV (40.3% and 41%, resp.), while RIT showed a PPV of 70.8%. The area under ROC curve was 0.7535 for ETA, 0.7876 for ATA, and 0.9112 for RIT, showing statistical significant differencesP<0.05.Conclusions. RIT predicts the long-term outcome of DTC better than ETA/ATA systems, becoming a useful system to adapt management strategies.
Incidental Phaeochromocytoma on Staging PET-CT in a Patient with a Sigmoid Tumour and Situs Inversalis Totalis
Authors: Boland M. R. , Lowery A. J. , Walsh S. , Beddy D. , Prichard R. S. , O’Shea D. , Skehan S. J. , McDermott E. W.
Published: July 2014

An adrenal “incidentaloma” is defined as an unexpected finding on radiological imaging performed for unrelated indications. Improvements in radiological technology have seen a dramatic increase in this phenomenon. We report the unique case of a 60-year-old female presenting with a 6-month history of abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, and rectal bleeding. Her past medical history included situs inversus totalis and a patent ductus arteriosus. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated tumour in her sigmoid colon. Staging PET-CT confirmed a sigmoid tumour and also identified a large heterogenous enhancing FDG-avid right adrenal mass. Biochemical testing/MIBG imaging confirmed a right adrenal phaeochromocytoma. Hypertension was controlled and excision was performed via a transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy, in the left lateral decubitus position. Uniquely, liver retraction was not required due to its position in the left hypochondrium. Histology confirmed a benign 46 mm phaeochromocytoma. Subsequent uncomplicated sigmoid colectomy/right salpingo-oophorectomy for a locally advanced colonic tumour was performed with adjuvant chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of accurately identifying functioning adrenal tumours before elective surgery as undiagnosed phaeochromocytomas carry significant intraoperative morbidity/mortality. Right adrenalectomy was made easier in this patient by the liver’s unique position. Uncomplicated colorectal resection was made possible by combined preoperative functional/anatomical imaging.
Gambling Disorder during Dopamine Replacement Treatment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pirritano Domenico , Plastino Massimiliano , Bosco Domenico , Gallelli Luca , Siniscalchi Antonio , De Sarro Giovambattista
Published: July 2014

Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterized by “the failure to resist gambling impulses despite severe personal, family or occupational consequences”. In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), GD replaces the DSM-IV diagnosis of Pathological Gambling (PG). GD estimated prevalence ranges between 0.4% and 3.4% within the adult population and it seems to be more common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this population, GD recently has become more widely recognized as a possible complication of dopamine agonist (DA) therapy. This association has aroused great interest for the dramatic impact GD has on patients’ quality of life. Management of PG in patients with PD could be demanding. It is based on patient and caregiver education, modification of dopamine replacement therapy, and in some cases psychoactive drug administration. In this review article, the authors provide an overview of GD pathogenesis during DA therapy as well as a summary of available treatment options.
Generalized Bilinear Differential Operators, Binary Bell Polynomials, and Exact Periodic Wave Solution of Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli Equation
Authors: Dong Huanhe , Zhang Yanfeng , Zhang Yongfeng , Yin Baoshu
Published: July 2014

We introduce how to obtain the bilinear form and the exact periodic wave solutions of a class of (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear integrable differential equations directly and quickly with the help of the generalizedDp-operators, binary Bell polynomials, and a general Riemann theta function in terms of the Hirota method. As applications, we solve the periodic wave solution of BLMP equation and it can be reduced to soliton solution via asymptotic analysis when the value ofpis 5.
An HMM‐Like Dynamic Time Warping Scheme for Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Ding Ing-Jr , Hsu Yen-Ming
Published: July 2014

In the past, the kernel of automatic speech recognition (ASR) is dynamic time warping (DTW), which is feature‐based template matching and belongs to the category technique of dynamic programming (DP). Although DTW is an early developed ASR technique, DTW has been popular in lots of applications. DTW is playing an important role for the known Kinect‐based gesture recognition application now. This paper proposed an intelligent speech recognition system using an improved DTW approach for multimedia and home automation services. The improved DTW presented in this work, called HMM‐like DTW, is essentially a hidden Markov model‐ (HMM‐) like method where the concept of the typical HMM statistical model is brought into the design of DTW. The developed HMM‐like DTW method, transforming feature‐based DTW recognition into model‐based DTW recognition, will be able to behave as the HMM recognition technique and therefore proposed HMM‐like DTW with the HMM‐like recognition model will have the capability to further perform model adaptation (also known as speaker adaptation). A series of experimental results in home automation‐based multimedia access service environments demonstrated the superiority and effectiveness of the developed smart speech recognition system by HMM‐like DTW.
The Interreligious Dialogue in De docta ignorantia of Nicholas of Cusa
Authors: Costigliolo Marica
Published: July 2014

This article explains the method followed by Nicolaus Cusanus (Nicholas of Cusa, 1401–1464) to develop the theme of difference in relation to identity, and the way in which, following this perspective, Cusanus first comes to formulate a discourse of interreligious dialogue. We can interpret the theory on conjecturality expounded by Cusanus in De docta ignorantia as a system of thought that proves essential to understand the irenic model of De pace fidei, because it is in virtue of this metaphysical assumption that he affirms that absolute truth cannot be reached and infinity is incomprehensible to all. By developing the theme of concordantia differentiarum (concordance of differences), Cusanus elaborates in De docta ignorantia the theme of the coincidentia oppositorum (coincidence of opposites). In exploring this connection, I shall consider his work for the purpose of underlining the relevance of the themes of identity and difference to the focus on interreligious dialogue.
Tertullian on “Barnabas’ Letter to the Hebrews” in De pudicitia 20.1-5
Authors: de Boer E.A.
Published: July 2014

In De pudicitia Tertullian, quoting from Hebrews 6, refers to the Barnabae titulus ad Hebraeos. This piece of primary evidence on the authorship of the Letter to the Hebrews has not received the attention it deserves. Consideration of this piece of evidence serves to clarify our understanding of the development of the diverging ascriptions, and moreover reveals some possible reasons for this divergence. The Barnabas tradition can be followed until the end of the fourth century in Spain and France. Comparison of De paenitentia and De pudicitia shows that Hebrews features only late in Tertullian’s work. His growing conviction that a second repentance after baptism cannot be terminated by acceptance in the Church was strengthened by his appeal to Hebrews 6. Finally, Tertullian’s exposition of two chapters from Leviticus on purity illustrate his reading of Hebrew as the Letter by Joseph Barnabas, a Levite.
Onomastic Statistics and the Christianization of Egypt: A Response to Depauw and Clarysse
Authors: Frankfurter David
Published: July 2014

In showing a more gradual spread of Christianity over the fourth century, Depauw and Clarysse’s revised statistical approach has some merits over Bagnall’s earlier conclusions from onomastic evidence. However, given the complex, even ambiguous Christianity evident in late antique Egyptian sources, all attempts to track “conversion” on the basis of naming beg the questions: (a) what constitutes “being Christian” and (b) what do new naming practices actually represent in the overall assimilation of Christian traditions.