bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three light-inducible heat shock genes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Authors: von Gromoff E D , Treier U , Beck C F
Published: October 2015

Genomic clones representing three Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genes homologous to the Drosophila hsp70 heat shock gene were isolated. The mRNAs of genes hsp68, hsp70, and hsp80 could be translated in vitro into proteins of Mr 68,000, 70,000, and 80,000, respectively. Transcription of these genes increased dramatically upon heat shock, and the corresponding mRNAs rapidly accumulated, reaching a peak at around 30 min after a shift to the elevated temperature. Light also induced the accumulation of the mRNAs encoded by these heat shock genes. A shift of dark-grown cells to light resulted in a drastic increase in mRNA levels, which reached a maximum at around 1 h after the shift. Thus, in Chlamydomonas, expression of hsp70-homologous heat shock genes appears to be regulated by thermal stress and light.
Early pre-B-cell transformation induced by the v-fms oncogene in long-term mouse bone marrow cultures.
Authors: Borzillo G V , Sherr C J
Published: October 2015

Murine long-term bone marrow cultures that support B-lymphoid-cell development were infected with a helper-free retrovirus containing the v-fms oncogene. Infection of B-lymphoid cultures resulted in the rapid clonal outgrowth of early pre-B cells, which grew to high cell densities on stromal cell feeder layers, expressed v-fms-coded glycoproteins, and underwent immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements. Late-passage cultures gave rise to factor-independent variants that proliferated in the absence of feeder layers, developed resistance to hydrocortisone, and became tumorigenic in syngeneic mice. The v-fms oncogene therefore recapitulates known effects of the v-abl and bcr-abl oncogenes on B-lineage cells. The ability of v-fms to induce transformation of early pre-B cells in vitro underscores the capacity of oncogenic mutants of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor to function outside the mononuclear phagocyte lineage.
Regulation of STA1 gene expression by MAT during the life cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Authors: Dranginis A M
Published: October 2015

STA1 encodes a secreted glucoamylase of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus. Glucoamylase secretion is controlled by the mating type locus MAT; a and alpha haploid yeast cells secrete high levels of the enzyme, but a/alpha diploid cells produce undetectable amounts. It has been suggested that STA1 is regulated by MATa2 (I. Yamashita, Y. Takano, and S. Fukui, J. Bacteriol. 164:769-773, 1985), which is a MAT transcript of previously unknown function. In contrast, this work shows that deletion of the entire MATa2 gene had no effect on STA1 regulation but that deletion of MATa1 sequences completely abolished mating-type control. In all cases, glucoamylase activity levels reflected STA1 mRNA levels. It appears that STA1 is a haploid-specific gene that is regulated by MATa1 and a product of the MAT alpha locus and that this regulation occurs at the level of RNA accumulation. STA1 expression was also shown to be glucose repressible. STA1 mRNA was induced in diploids during sporulation along with SGA, a closely linked gene that encodes an intracellular sporulation-specific glucoamylase of S. cerevisiae. A diploid strain with a MATa1 deletion showed normal induction of STA1 in sporulation medium, but SGA expression was abolished. Therefore, these two homologous and closely linked glucoamylase genes are induced by different mechanisms during sporulation. STA1 induction may be a response to the starvation conditions necessary for sporulation, while SGA induction is governed by the pathway by which MAT regulates sporulation. The strain containing a complete deletion of MATa2 grew, mated, and sporulated normally.
Conservation of function and regulation within the Cdc28/cdc2 protein kinase family: characterization of the human Cdc2Hs protein kinase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Authors: Wittenberg C , Reed S I
Published: October 2015

Whereas the Cdc28 protein kinase of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays an essential role in cell cycle progression during the G1 interval, a function in the progression from the G2 interval into M phase has been inferred for its homologs, including the Cdc2Hs protein kinase of humans. To better understand these apparently disparate roles, we constructed a yeast strain in which the resident CDC28 gene was replaced by its human homolog, CDC2Hs. This transgenic yeast strain was able to perform the G1 functions attributed to the Cdc28 protein kinase, including the ability to grow and divide normally, to respond to environmental signals that induce G1 arrest, and to regulate the Cdc2Hs protein kinase appropriately in response to these signals.
The mouse thymidylate synthase promoter: essential elements are in close proximity to the transcriptional initiation sites.
Authors: Deng T , Li Y , Jolliff K , Johnson L F
Published: October 2015

The promoter region of the mouse thymidylate synthase gene was analyzed by deletion and site-directed mutagenesis. Elimination of an upstream Sp1 element reduced expression threefold, whereas elimination of an adenovirus upstream stimulatory factor element had little effect. All of the upstream elements that are essential for promoter activity are located within 22 nucleotides of the first transcriptional initiation site.
The CUP2 gene product, regulator of yeast metallothionein expression, is a copper-activated DNA-binding protein.
Authors: Buchman C , Skroch P , Welch J , Fogel S , Karin M
Published: October 2015

CUP2 is a regulatory gene controlling expression of CUP1, which encodes the Cu-binding yeast metallothionein. CUP2, which is identical to the ACE1 gene, encodes a Cu-regulated DNA-binding protein. The CUP2 protein contains a cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain dependent on Cu+ and Ag+ ions which bind the cysteine residues and direct the refolding of the metal-free apoprotein. CUP2 mutant alleles from Cu-sensitive yeast strains have point mutations affecting the DNA-binding activity. These results establish CUP2 as the primary sensor of intracellular Cu+ in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, functioning as a Cu+-regulated transcriptional activator.
Integration of an aberrant retrotransposon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Authors: Wilke C M , Liebman S W
Published: October 2015

We describe an atypical composite Ty1 element that apparently resulted from the concurrent integration of two complete elements. A portion of the central region of one of these elements was inverted between two long terminal repeats. Inversions of this type have been detected among unintegrated retroviral circles. It now appears that such intermediates can be incorporated into the genome.
Transcription factor Sp1 binds to and activates a human hsp70 gene promoter.
Authors: Morgan W D
Published: October 2015

I investigated the binding of purified transcription factor Sp1 from HeLa cells to the human hsp70 promoter by DNase I footprinting. Three binding sites were detected within the upstream promoter region, including one located 46 base pairs upstream of the transcription start, between the TATA box and the proximal CCAAT box element. In vitro transcription demonstrated that the proximal site is capable of responding to Sp1-dependent stimulation. These results suggest that Sp1 might contribute to constitutive expression in vivo and might also be involved in the various regulatory responses that affect this gene.
Calcium phosphate-mediated transfection alters metallothionein gene expression in response to Cd2+ and Zn2+.
Authors: Foster R , Olsson P E , Gedamu L
Published: October 2015

The level of expression of a transfected metallothionein (MT)-IGcat fusion gene in response to cadmium differed from that of the endogenous MT-IG gene. Atomic absorption analysis indicated that the total cellular content of cadmium and zinc increased upon calcium phosphate-mediated transfection. Thus, changes in the influx/efflux of metals may regulate the level of MT gene expression.
The Emergence of 2-Oxoglutarate as a Master Regulator Metabolite
Authors: Huergo Luciano F. , Dixon Ray
Published: October 2015

The metabolite 2-oxoglutarate (also known as α-ketoglutarate, 2-ketoglutaric acid, or oxoglutaric acid) lies at the intersection between the carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways. This compound is a key intermediate of one of the most fundamental biochemical pathways in carbon metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In addition, 2-oxoglutarate also acts as the major carbon skeleton for nitrogen-assimilatory reactions. Experimental data support the conclusion that intracellular levels of 2-oxoglutarate fluctuate according to nitrogen and carbon availability. This review summarizes how nature has capitalized on the ability of 2-oxoglutarate to reflect cellular nutritional status through evolution of a variety of 2-oxoglutarate-sensing regulatory proteins. The number of metabolic pathways known to be regulated by 2-oxoglutarate levels has increased significantly in recent years. The signaling properties of 2-oxoglutarate are highlighted by the fact that this metabolite regulates the synthesis of the well-established master signaling molecule, cyclic AMP (cAMP), in
Escherichia coli
.
Laparoscopic treatment of a large uterine cystic adenomyosis in a young patient
Authors: Koukoura Ourania , Kapsalaki Eftychia , Daponte Alexandros , Pistofidis George
Published: October 2015

We describe a rare case of a young woman with a large cystic adenomyotic lesion that was treated laparoscopically. The patient presented with severe dysmenorrhoea refractory to common analgaesics. She was initially diagnosed with right-sided ovarian endometrioma. MRI revealed a cystic lesion of 4 cm attached to the right uterine wall. Under laparoscopic vision, the uterine lesion was identified on the right portion of the uterine fundus close to the round ligament. Monopolar diathermy was used to dissect the lesion. When the incision reached the cystic cavity, dark-brown content flowed from the cyst. After resection was complete, the surgical wound was closed with two-layer interrupted sutures. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged the following day. Since patients with cystic adenomyosis are young, a minimally invasive procedure such as laparoscopic excision is considered optimal. The exact topography of the lesion is crucial in determining the site of the incision.
Budesonide-related adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Arntzenius Alexander , Galen Louise van
Published: October 2015

Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency is a potential harmful side effect of treatment with corticosteroids. It manifests itself when an insufficient cortisol response to biological stress leads to an Addisonian crisis: a life-threatening situation. We describe a case of a patient who developed an Addisonian crisis after inappropriate discontinuation of budesonide (a topical steroid used in Crohn's disease) treatment. Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency due to budesonide use has been rarely reported. Prescribers should be aware of the resulting risk for an Addisonian crisis.
Process evaluation of the impact and acceptability of a polypill for prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wood Frances , Salam Abdul , Singh Kavita , Day Sophie , Jan Stephen , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Rodgers Anthony , Patel Anushka , Thom Simon , Ward Helen
Published: October 2015

Importance

The Use of a Multidrug Pill In Reducing cardiovascular Events (UMPIRE) trial has shown improved adherence with the use of a polypill strategy when compared with usual medications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. To advance from efficacy to impact, we need a better understanding of why and how such a strategy might be deployed in complex health systems.

Objective

To understand, from the perspective of UMPIRE trial participants and professionals, how and why a polypill strategy improves adherence compared with usual care, why improvement is greater in some subgroups, and to explore the acceptability of a polypill strategy among trial participants and healthcare professionals.

Design, setting and participants

A preplanned process evaluation, based on qualitative interviews, was conducted with a subsample of 102 trial participants and 41 healthcare professionals at the end of the UMPIRE trial in India and Europe.

Results

Most patients contrasted the simplicity of the polypill with usual medications that they found complex and, for many in India, expensive. Patients with low baseline adherence struggled most with complex medication lists, and those without established disease described less motivation to adhere when compared with people who had already been diagnosed with CVD; people in the latter group had already undertaken self-directed measures to adhere to CVD preventive medicines prior to entering the trial. Taking medication was one of many adaptations described by patients; these included dietary changes, stopping smoking and maintaining exercise. Most patients liked the polypill strategy, although some participants and health professionals were concerned that it would provide less tailored therapy for individual needs.

Conclusions

Adherence to treatment lists with multiple medications is complex and influenced by several factors. Simplifying medication by using a once-daily polypill is one approach to CVD prevention that may enhance adherence. Prescribers should also consider the wide variety of adjustments that individuals need to make to cope with daily medication.
Providing immediate neonatal care and resuscitation at birth beside the mother: clinicians’ views, a qualitative study
Authors: Yoxall Charles W , Ayers Susan , Sawyer Alexandra , Bertullies Sophia , Thomas Margaret , D Weeks Andrew , Duley Lelia
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess clinicians’ views and experiences of providing immediate neonatal care at birth beside the mother, and of using a mobile trolley designed to facilitate this bedside care.

Design

Qualitative interview study with semistructured interviews.

Results

The results were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

A large UK maternity unit.

Participants

Clinicians (n=20) from a range of disciplines who were present when the trolley was used to provide neonatal care at birth at the bedside. Five clinicians provided/observed advanced resuscitation by the bedside.

Results

Five themes were identified: (1) Parents’ involvement, which included ‘Contact and involvement’, ‘Positive emotions for parents’ and ‘Staff communication’; (2) Reservations about neonatal care at birth beside the mother, which included ‘Impact on clinicians’ and ‘Impact on parents’; (3) Practical challenges in providing neonatal care at the bedside, which included ‘Cord length’ and ‘Caesarean section’; (4) Comparison of the trolley with usual resuscitation equipment and (5) Training and integration of bedside care into clinical routine, which included ‘Teething problems’ and ‘Training’.

Conclusions

Overall, most clinicians were positive about providing immediate neonatal care at the maternal bedside, particularly in terms of the clinicians’ perceptions of the parents’ experience. Clinicians also perceived that their close proximity to parents improved communication. However, there was some concern about performing more intensive interventions in front of parents. Providing immediate neonatal care and resuscitation at the bedside requires staff training and support.
Clinical value of lncRNA MALAT1 as a prognostic marker in human cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Xiaoling , Xu Guoxiong
Published: October 2015

Background

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is found to be overexpressed and associated with clinicopathological features in patients with cancer.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical value of MALAT1 as a prognostic marker in human cancers by a comprehensive meta-analysis of published studies.

Data sources

The data on the prognostic impact of MALAT1 in cancer were collected from 11 September 2003 to 10 July 2015.

Setting and participants

Fourteen eligible studies with a total of 1373 patients conducted in 3 countries (9 in China, 3 in Japan and 2 in Germany) were matched to our inclusion criteria.

Outcome measures

Pooled HRs with 95% CIs were calculated to estimate the strength of the link between MALAT1 and clinical prognoses. The combined HRs heterogeneity was tested using a χ2-based Cochran Q test and Higgins I2statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot with Egger's bias indicator test.

Results

A significant association between MALAT1 overexpression and poor overall survival (OS) (HR=1.95; 95% CI 1.57 to 2.41) was observed. Residence region (Germany and China), cancer type (respiratory, digestive or other system disease), sample size and paper quality did not alter the predictive value of MALAT1 on OS in investigated cancers. MALAT1 expression was an independent prognostic marker for OS in patients with cancer using univariate and multivariate analyses. Subgroup analysis showed that the elevated MALAT1 appeared to be a powerful prognostic marker for patients with respiratory, digestive and other system cancers. A similar effect was also seen in different regions. Furthermore, the overexpression of MALAT1 was associated with disease-free, recurrence-free and progression-free survivals.

Conclusions

MALAT1 may potentially be used as a new prognostic marker to predict poorer survival of patients with cancer. More clinical studies on the different types of human cancer not yet investigated need to be conducted.
Retrospective analysis of the quality of reports by author-suggested and non-author-suggested reviewers in journals operating on open or single-blind peer review models
Authors: Kowalczuk Maria K , Dudbridge Frank , Nanda Shreeya , Harriman Stephanie L , Patel Jigisha , Moylan Elizabeth C
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess whether reports from reviewers recommended by authors show a bias in quality and recommendation for editorial decision, compared with reviewers suggested by other parties, and whether reviewer reports for journals operating on open or single-blind peer review models differ with regard to report quality and reviewer recommendations.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the quality of reviewer reports using an established Review Quality Instrument, and analysis of reviewer recommendations and author satisfaction surveys.

Setting

BioMed Central biology and medical journals.BMC Infectious DiseasesandBMC Microbiologyare similar in size, rejection rates, impact factors and editorial processes, but the former uses open peer review while the latter uses single-blind peer review. TheJournal of Inflammationhas operated under both peer review models.

Sample

Two hundred reviewer reports submitted toBMC Infectious Diseases, 200 reviewer reports submitted toBMC Microbiologyand 400 reviewer reports submitted to theJournal of Inflammation.

Results

For each journal, author-suggested reviewers provided reports of comparable quality to non-author-suggested reviewers, but were significantly more likely to recommend acceptance, irrespective of the peer review model (p<0.0001 forBMC Infectious Diseases, BMC Microbiologyand theJournal of Inflammation). ForBMC Infectious Diseases, the overall quality of reviewer reports measured by the Review Quality Instrument was 5% higher than forBMC Microbiology(p=0.042). For theJournal of Inflammation, the quality of reports was the same irrespective of the peer review model used.

Conclusions

Reviewers suggested by authors provide reports of comparable quality to non-author-suggested reviewers, but are significantly more likely to recommend acceptance. Open peer review reports forBMC Infectious Diseaseswere of higher quality than single-blind reports forBMC Microbiology.There was no difference in quality of peer review in theJournal of Inflammationunder open peer review compared with single blind.
Improving referrals to the Liaison service at the Royal United Hospital in Bath
Authors: Gomes-Pinto Alister , Kuzminskyte Ruta , Wooding Katie , Asplin Katherine , Ewins Liz
Published: October 2015

Psychiatry liaison services provide the interface between mental and physical health in the acute medical hospital, however there can be logistical and operational difficulties to overcome.

This quality improvement project aimed to improve the timeliness of referrals to a liaison service from an acute hospital through simple interventions of a newsletter, email to staff, and a pilot including attending post-take ward rounds on the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) of the hospital. This resulted in a faster referral process to liaison as well as improved staff satisfaction with the liaison service, both of which will have a positive benefit on the clinical management of patients and the patients experience in hospital.

There was a significant improvement in overall staff satisfaction with the referral pathway, appropriateness of referrals and working hours of the Mental Health Liaison Team - increasing from 14% at baseline to 100% at the end of the study. Referral outcomes also showed a considerable improvement, with the percentage of junior doctors successfully able to locate the referral form increasing from 60% at baseline to 100%.
Applying quality improvement into systems-based learning to improve diabetes outcomes in primary care
Authors: Moreo Kathleen , Sapir Tamar , Greene Laurence
Published: October 2015

In the U.S., where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, many patients with this disease are treated by primary care physicians in community based systems, including accountable care organisations (ACOs). To address gaps in the quality of diabetes care, national quality measures have been established, including patient centered measures adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its Shared Savings Program for ACOs.

From a patient centered perspective, high quality diabetes care depends on effective communication between clinicians and patients, along with patient education and counselling about medications and lifestyle. We designed and implemented a quality improvement (QI) program for 30 primary care physicians treating patients with type 2 diabetes in three structurally similar but geographically diverse ACOs. Retrospective chart audits were conducted before (n = 300) and after (n = 300) each physician participated in accredited continuing medical education (CME) courses that focused on QI strategies. Randomly selected charts were audited to measurably assess essential interventions for improved outcomes in type 2 diabetes including the physicians’ documentation of patient counselling and assessment of side effects, and patients’ medication adherence status and changes in hemoglobin A1C (A1C) and body mass index (BMI). Paced educational interventions included a private performance improvement Internet live course conducted for each physician, small group Internet live courses involving peer discussion, and a set of enduring materials, which were also multi accredited for all clinicians in the physician’s practice. Continual improvement cycles were guided by analysis of the baseline chart audits, quantitative survey data, and qualitative feedback offered by participants. To extend the benefit of the education, the enduring materials were offered to the interprofessional team of clinicians throughout the U.S. who did not participate in the QI program. For brevity, this article presents outcomes of the 30 primary care physicians.

Baseline to post education improvements were observed for percentages of charts with documented assessment of medication side effects (+11%) and counselling about medication risks/benefits (+28%), medication adherence (+13%), and lifestyle modifications (+8%). Improvements were also observed for documented adherence to diabetes medications (+24%) and first-to-last-visit changes in A1C (-0.16%) and BMI (-2.1). The findings indicate a positive influence of QI education on primary care physicians’ performance of patient centered quality measures and patient outcomes.
Lifestyle factors and experience of respiratory alarm symptoms in the general population
Authors: Sele Lisa Maria Falk , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Elnegaard Sandra , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: October 2015

Background

The first step in the diagnosis of lung cancer is for individuals in the general population to recognise respiratory alarm symptoms (RAS). Knowledge is sparse about RAS and factors associated with experiencing RAS in the general population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RAS in the general population, and to analyse possible associations between lifestyle factors and experiencing RAS.

Methods

A web-based survey comprising 100 000 individuals randomly selected from the Danish Civil Registration System. Items regarding experience of RAS (prolonged coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and prolonged hoarseness) and self-reported lifestyle factors (smoking status, alcohol intake and body mass index) were included in the analysis.

Results

A total of 49 706 individuals completed the questionnaire. 16 per cent reported at least one RAS. Prolonged coughing (8.4%) and shortness of breath (8%) were most prevalent, while coughing up blood was least prevalent (0.1%). More men than women reported RAS (p<0.001). Odds of reporting RAS increased with age (Ptrend<0.001). In men and women, former and current smoking was associated with reporting at least one RAS (former smoking: ORmen=1.42, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.56; ORwomen=1.25, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.36; current smoking: ORmen=2.58, 95% CI 2.35 to 2.83; ORwomen=2.45, 95% CI 2.25 to 2.68). Individuals who were underweight or obese were significantly more likely to report at least one RAS. Odds of reporting at least one RAS increased with increasing alcohol intake for both genders (Ptrend<0.001).

Conclusions

RAS are common in the general population. Men experience more symptoms than women, and prevalence increases with age. Being a former or current smoker and being underweight or obese are positively associated with experiencing RAS. The likelihood of experiencing RAS increases with increasing alcohol intake. Future research should investigate healthcare seeking for RAS among individuals with different lifestyles.
Urethrocystoscopy of the urinary system in dogs and cats
Authors: Lhermette Philip
Published: October 2015

Conditions of the lower urinary tract are common in dogs and cats and are frequently investigated using various imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and radiography. While not obviating the need for these techniques, urethrocystoscopy provides the clinician with a unique view of the lower urinary tract due to well‐illuminated, magnified, high‐quality images that can show small lesions that are not visible by other means. The images are also more easily interpreted than grainy ultrasound images and radiographs. This article discusses the equipment required and the technique for performing successful urethrocystoscopies in dogs and cats, together with some of the common conditions found and endoscopic treatments available.
Flexible working in veterinary practice
Authors: Pittaway Elly
Published: October 2015

Defined most simply as ‘a way of working that suits an employee's needs’, flexible working can take many forms. These most commonly involve reduced hours of work, differing times of work or remote working. In this article, Elly Pittaway outlines the benefits of flexible working, as well as describing how different types of flexible working are used in her practice.
A marketing strategy for practice growth
Authors: Green Paul
Published: October 2015

Many independent veterinary practices have no formal marketing strategy, relying instead on a random series of marketing tactics, but corporate consolidation within the sector is putting pressure on such independents. Paul Green outlines a simple marketing strategy that he suggests can ultimately increase net profitability, making independent businesses more robust.
Anal sac disease in dogs
Authors: Rutherford Lynda , Lee Karla
Published: October 2015

Anal sac disease (ASD) can be divided into two main categories: inflammation and neoplasia. It is relatively common in dogs, with the inflammatory form having a reported prevalence of 12.5 per cent. Cases of ASD present with signs of perineal pruritus such as licking, scooting and tail base discomfort, as well as dyschezia and tenesmus. This article discusses the most common anal sac conditions seen in veterinary practice, and describes how they can be managed, both medically and surgically.
Assessing abundance of populations with limited data: Lessons learned from data-poor fisheries stock assessment
Authors: Chrysafi Anna , Kuparinen Anna
Published: October 2015

Estimation of population abundances in the absence of good observational data are notoriously difficult, yet urgently needed for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In the field of fisheries research, management regulations have long demanded population abundance estimates even if data available are sparse, leading to the development of a range of fish stock assessment methods designed for data-poor populations. Here, we present methods developed within the context of fisheries research that can be applied to conduct population abundance estimations when facing data-limitations. We begin the review from the less data-demanding approaches and continue with more data-intensive ones. We discuss the advantages and caveats of these approaches, the challenges and management implications associated with data-poor stock assessments, and we propose the implementation of the Bayesian hierarchical framework as the most promising avenue for future development and improvement of the current practices.
Using molecular dynamics simulations and finite element method to study the mechanical properties of nanotube reinforced polyethylene and polyketone
Authors: Rouhi S. , Alizadeh Y. , Ansari R. , Aryayi M.
Published: October 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the mechanical behavior of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced composites. Polyethylene and polyketone are selected as the polymer matrices. The effects of nanotube atomic structure and diameter on the mechanical properties of polymer matrix nanocomposites are investigated. It is shown that although adding nanotube to the polymer matrix raises the longitudinal elastic modulus significantly, the transverse tensile and shear moduli do not experience important change. As the previous finite element models could not be used for polymer matrices with the atom types other than carbon, molecular dynamics simulations are used to propose a finite element model which can be used for any polymer matrices. It is shown that this model can predict Young’s modulus with an acceptable accuracy.
A quantum proxy group signature scheme based on an entangled five-qubit state
Authors: Wang Meiling , Ma Wenping , Wang Lili , Yin Xunru
Published: October 2015

A quantum proxy group signature (QPGS) scheme based on controlled teleportation is presented, by using the entangled five-qubit quantum state functions as quantum channel. The scheme uses the physical characteristics of quantum mechanics to implement delegation, signature and verification. The security of the scheme is guaranteed by the entanglement correlations of the entangled five-qubit state, the secret keys based on the quantum key distribution (QKD) and the one-time pad algorithm, all of which have been proven to be unconditionally secure and the signature anonymity.
Synthesis and characterization of microinductor made of NiCuZn nanoferrite
Authors: Kumar Sontosh , Madhuri W. , Kalainathan S.
Published: October 2015

The objective of mechanical stress sensor is to measure the applied pressure or provide control standard to the process. In order to accomplish this, most of the stress sensors convert mechanical stress into electronic signal. Ferrites are the best known magnetic semiconductors. This paper brings out the variation in inductance of the micro-inductor made from [Formula: see text] on application of mechanical stress. [Formula: see text] ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized by sol–gel autocombustion technique. The ferrite powder thus obtained is double sintered at 450[Formula: see text]C and 870[Formula: see text]C in a microwave furnace. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the ferrite confirms spinal structure. The frequency spectrum of dielectric constant is done in the range of 100 to 5 MHz frequency. The variation of inductance [Formula: see text]% with applied compressive stress on the micro-inductor made from the ferrite is measured in the range of 0–8 MPa.
CONSTRUCTION OF RECURRENT FRACTAL INTERPOLATION SURFACES WITH FUNCTION SCALING FACTORS AND ESTIMATION OF BOX-COUNTING DIMENSION ON RECTANGULAR GRIDS
Authors: YUN CHOL-HUI , CHOI HUI-CHOL , O HYONG-CHOL
Published: October 2015

We consider a construction of recurrent fractal interpolation surfaces (RFISs) with function vertical scaling factors and estimation of their box-counting dimension. A RFIS is an attractor of a recurrent iterated function system (RIFS) which is a graph of bivariate interpolation function. For any given dataset on rectangular grids, we construct general RIFSs with function vertical scaling factors and prove the existence of bivariate functions whose graph are attractors of the above-constructed RIFSs. Finally, we estimate lower and upper bounds for the box-counting dimension of the constructed RFISs.
MULTISCALE AND FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF SILICON CONTENT TIME SERIES OBSERVED IN BLAST FURNACE HOT METAL USING HURST EXPONENT CHAIN
Authors: LUO SHIHUA , GUO FAN , LAI DEJIAN , YAN FANG , TANG FEILAI
Published: October 2015

Hurst exponent is an important measure of nonlinearity of dynamical time series. In this paper, using rescaled-range ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]) analysis, multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) methods, the multiscale Hurst exponent (MHE) and the multiscale generalized Hurst exponent (MGHE) of coarse-grained silicon content ([Si]) time series in blast furnace (BF) hot metal were calculated. First, we collected these [Si] time series from No. 1 BF of Nanchang Iron and Steel Co. and No. 10 BF of Xinyu Iron and Steel Co. in Jiangxi Province, China. Then, we analyzed and compared the estimated Hurst exponents and the generalized Hurst exponent of these observed time series with some simulated time series. Our results show that the observed time series from these BFs have negative correlation with the Hurst exponent less than 0.5, the generalized Hurst exponent [Formula: see text] is a nonlinear function of [Formula: see text], and such negative correlation and local various structure persist in their moving averages of the observed time series up to lag 5 or 10.
TWO LAYERS OF SECURITY FOR COLOR VIDEO BY MATRIX AFFINE CIPHER WITH TWO-DIMENSIONAL DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: MISHRA D. C. , SHARMA R. K. , DAWAR MAYANK , HANMANDLU M.
Published: October 2015

In this cryptosystem, we have presented a novel technique for security of video data by using matrix affine cipher (MAC) combined with two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-DWT). Existing schemes for security of video data provides only one layer of security, but the presented technique provides two layers of security for video data. In this cryptosystem, keys and arrangement of MAC parameters are imperative for decryption process. In this cryptosystem, if the attacker knows about all the exact keys, but has no information about the specific arrangement of MAC parameters, then the information of original video cannot be recovered from the encrypted video. Experimental results on standard examples support to the robustness and appropriateness of the presented cryptosystem of video encryption and decryption. The statistical analysis of the experimental results based on standard examples critically examine the behavior of the proposed technique. Comparison between existing schemes for security of video with the presented cryptosystem is also provided for the robustness of the proposed cryptosystem.
SURFACE CHEMICAL AND COLOR CHARACTERIZATION OF JUVENILETECTONA GRANDISWOOD SUBJECTED TO STEAM-DRYING TREATMENTS
Authors: BERROCAL ALEXANDER , MOYA RÓGER , RODRIGUEZ-SOLIS MARÍA , STARBIRD RICARDO , MUÑOZ FREDDY
Published: October 2015

The color of Tectona grandis wood is an attribute that favors its commercialization, however, wood color from fast-growth plantation trees is clear and lacks uniformity. The aim of this work is to characterize steamed teak wood by means of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and [Formula: see text] color systems. Two moisture conditions (green and 50%) and two grain patterns (flat and quarter) of boards were analyzed through the application of different steaming times (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18[Formula: see text]h). The FTIR results showed that the bands at 1158, 1231, 1373 and 1419[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] did not show any change with steaming, whereas the bands at 1053, 1108, 1453, 1506, 1536, 1558, 1595, 1652, 1683, 1700 and 1733[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] presented a decrease in the intensity with the steaming time. The band at 1318[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] was the only one that increased. Lightness ([Formula: see text]) was the most affected parameter, followed by yellowness ([Formula: see text]), while redness ([Formula: see text]) showed the smallest change. Surface color change ([Formula: see text]) presented the lowest value between 3[Formula: see text]h and 6[Formula: see text]h of steam-drying in the boards with flat grain, whereas for boards with quarter grain, the smallest [Formula: see text] value was obtained after 18[Formula: see text]h of steaming.
Halogen and solvent effects on the conformational, vibrational and electronic properties of 1,4-diformylpiperazine: A combined experimental and DFT study
Authors: Parlak Cemal , Tursun Mahir , Chidan Kumar Chandraju Sadolalu , Bilge Duygu , Kazanci Nadide , Rhyman Lydia , Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: October 2015

The molecular structure and properties of 1,4-diformylpiperazine (1,4-dfp, C6H[Formula: see text]N2O2) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). The Becke-3-Lee–Yang–Parr (B3LYP) functional was used with the 6-31[Formula: see text]G(d,p) basis set. Total energy distribution (TED) analysis of normal modes was performed to identify characteristic frequencies by the scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. Halogeno-analogs of 1,4-dfp were studied to understand the halogen effect. Computations were focused on five conformational isomers of the compounds in the gas phase and in solutions. The computed and experimental frequencies of the C[Formula: see text]O stretching vibration of 1,4-dfp were correlated with the empirical solvent parameters such as the Kirkwood–Bauer–Magat (KBM) equation, the solvent acceptor number (AN), Swain parameters and linear solvation energy relationships (LSER). The electronic properties of the compounds were also examined. The findings from the present work may be useful to understand systems involving the halogens and conformational changes analogous to the compounds investigated.
RADICALITY OF INNOVATION: PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERS
Authors: SERGEEVA NATALAYA
Published: October 2015

Evaluations of “radicality” of innovations are mostly related to final products and services, however, examination of innovative ideas earlier on has an important implications for future innovations. Organisational members make decisions on whether or not to propose innovative ideas to the agenda. These decisions are often based on their personal judgements and perceptions. In this paper, a categorisation of innovative ideas by low, medium and high degree of radicality is proposed. The objective is to, on one hand, demonstrate the correctness of the categorisation proposed and, on the other hand, retrieve insights on how the level of radicality of products is conceived by practitioners. The results of a quasi-experimental investigation report that radicality of innovation relates to a degree of change in products. Based on perceptions of practitioners, with an increase in degree of radicality of innovative ideas, the value for rewards enhances.
Regular subsemigroups of the semigroups of transformations preserving a fence
Authors: Tanyawong Rossarin , Srithus Ratana , Chinram Ronnason
Published: October 2015

It is well-known that the transformation semigroup [Formula: see text] is regular, but their subsemigroups need not be. A fence is an ordered set that the order forms a path with alternating orientation. Consider [Formula: see text] as the base set of a fence [Formula: see text]. Two subsemigroups of [Formula: see text] are studied. Namely, the semigroup [Formula: see text] of all order-decreasing self-mappings of [Formula: see text] and the semigroup [Formula: see text] of all order-preserving self-mappings of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain that [Formula: see text] is a coregular subsemigroup of [Formula: see text]. A characterization of regular subsemigroups [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is given, that is, [Formula: see text] is regular if and only if [Formula: see text]. Finally, we discuss the regularity of elements in [Formula: see text].
On the Social Cost of Water-Related Disasters
Authors: Johansson Per-Olov , Kriström Bengt
Published: October 2015

This paper is devoted to some important welfare economic issues related to natural disasters, in particular those connected with floods and storms. Our analysis of the social cost of a natural disaster is different from (most) existing analyses, in that we focus sharply on the welfare effects of a disaster. We derive a simple dynamic general equilibrium cost–benefit rule, which captures loss in production of private and public goods, as well as the value of (statistical) lives lost; it also clarifies the role played by changes in stocks and flows, respectively. Standard analysis of losses typically only includes damages to market-priced stocks and flows, thus our model paints a different picture of social cost. This difference is particularly striking for disaster that results in many deaths, but has relatively low (reported) costs. We take our model to the data by using EM-DAT, one of the several prominent databases in this literature, focusing on water-related disasters in the US.
ReWiFlow
Authors: Shirali-Shahreza Sajad , Ganjali Yashar
Published: October 2015

The ability to manage individual flows is a major benefit of Software-Defined Networking. The overheads of this fine-grained control, e.g. initial flow setup delay, can overcome the benefits, for example when we have many time-sensitive short flows. Coarse-grained control of groups of flows, on the other hand, can be very complex: each packet may match multiple rules, which requires conflict resolution. In this paper, we present ReWiFlow, a restricted class of OpenFlow wildcard rules (the fundamental way to control groups of flows in OpenFlow), which allows managing groups of flows with flexibility and without loss of performance. We demonstrate how ReWiFlow can be used to implement applications such as dynamic proactive routing. We also present a generalization of ReWiFlow, called Multi-ReWiFlow, and show how it can be used to efficiently represent access control rules collected from Stanford's backbone network.
On Technology Transfer
Authors: Varghese George
Published: October 2015

I agree with the editors of this series that technology transfer from academia occurs in a variety of ways with different tradeoffs. I describe, to the best of my recollection, some of my experiences with ideas that originated or were described in academic papers, from Deficit Round Robin to Conga.
Increased urothelial paracellular transport promotes cystitis
Authors: Montalbetti Nicolas , Rued Anna C. , Clayton Dennis R. , Ruiz Wily G. , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Prakasam H. Sandeep , Eaton Amity F. , Kullmann F. Aura , Apodaca Gerard , Carattino Marcelo D.
Published: October 2015

Changes in the urothelial barrier are observed in patients with cystitis, but whether this leads to inflammation or occurs in response to it is currently unknown. To determine whether urothelial barrier dysfunction is sufficient to promote cystitis, we employed in situ adenoviral transduction to selectively overexpress the pore-forming tight junction-associated protein claudin-2 (CLDN-2). As expected, the expression of CLDN-2 in the umbrella cells increased the permeability of the paracellular route toward ions, but not to large organic molecules. In vivo studies of bladder function revealed higher intravesical basal pressures, reduced compliance, and increased voiding frequency in rats transduced with CLDN-2 vs. controls transduced with green fluorescent protein. While the integrity of the urothelial barrier was preserved in the rats transduced with CLDN-2, we found that the expression of this protein in the umbrella cells initiated an inflammatory process in the urinary bladder characterized by edema and the presence of a lymphocytic infiltrate. Taken together, these results are consistent with the notion that urothelial barrier dysfunction may be sufficient to trigger bladder inflammation and to alter bladder function.
Determination of Polyphenols, Capsaicinoids, and Vitamin C in New Hybrids of Chili Peppers
Authors: Nagy Zsuzsa , Daood Hussein , Ambrózy Zsuzsanna , Helyes Lajos
Published: October 2015

Six hybrids were subjected to chromatographic analyses by HPLC for the determination of phytochemicals such as capsaicinoid, polyphenol, and vitamin C. The dynamics of ripening of 4 of the hybrids were also characterised. Seven capsaicinoids could be separated and determined; the major compounds were nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin, while homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin derivatives were detected as minor constituents. Capsaicin content ranged between 95.5 ± 4.15 and 1610.2 ± 91.46 μg/g FW, and the highest value was found in Bandai (C. frutescens) at the green ripening stage. The major capsaicinoids had a decreasing tendency in Bandai and Chili 3735 hybrids, while no change was observed in Beibeihong and Lolo during ripening. Nine polyphenol compounds were detected including 8 flavonoids and a nonflavonoid compound in the pods of all hybrids. The major components were naringenin-diglucoside, catechin, and vanillic acid-derivative and luteolin-glucoside. Naringenin-diglucoside ranged from 93.5 ± 4.26 to 368.8 ± 30.77 μg/g FW. Except vanillic acid-derivative, dominant polyphenols increased or remained unchanged during ripening. As for vitamin C, its content tended to increase with the advance in ripening in all hybrids included in this study. The highest value of 3689.4 ± 39.50 μg/g FW was recorded in Fire Flame hybrid.
Catatonia in Older Adult Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: White Megan , Maxwell Edward , Milteer Warren E. , de Leon Jose
Published: October 2015

Catatonia has been described in children with intellectual disabilities (IDs). These are the first three published cases of catatonia in adults older than 50 years of age with IDs. They were followed using the KANNER scale and, in one case, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) monitoring. Case 1 is a 67-year-old Caucasian who probably had been having intermittent episodes of undiagnosed catatonia withdrawal for many years. His episodes of agitation and withdrawal behavior responded to lorazepam up to 8 mg/day. Case 2 is a 63-year-old Caucasian male who had probably had undiagnosed catatonic episodes since age 25. An agitation episode that rated 88 on Part 2 of the KANNER scale ended within minutes after he received 1 mg of intramuscular lorazepam. He had no symptom relapses for 4 years after getting stable oral lorazepam doses (3–8.5 mg/day). Case 3 is a 55-year-old African-American male with severe ID and bradycardia (with a pacemaker). He had been “institutionalized” since age 22 and his undiagnosed catatonic episodes appeared to have been intermittently present for at least the last ten years. As he became tolerant and experienced symptom relapse, oral lorazepam was slowly increased (1.5–18 mg/day). Electroconvulsive therapy was ruled out due to his pacemaker.