bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRÍTICA DE LA RAZÓN PURA DE LA LEY: SOBRE LA SECULARIZACIÓN BÍBLICA EN LA NARRATIVA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS
Authors: Gómez Pinto Luis Ricardo
Published: December 2015

De acuerdo a las tesis de Costas Douzinas, los conceptos de ley y derechos humanos resultan ser categorías contradictorias. La ley, en la modernidad, trata de justificar un proyecto de violencia para evitar la ira divina. Los derechos humanos, por su parte, parecen asentarse en una interpretación del mensaje de compasión y caridad del evangelio. La primera es una interpretación ideológica de los textos bíblicos; la segunda, una interpretación más asentada en los cuestionamientos de la antropología filosófica por el ser, la razón del ser y la búsqueda de la verdad. Este artículo propone, a la luz de los interrogantes de Costas Douzinas y René Girard, entre otros, una lectura que sugiere una respuesta que puede resultar riesgosa a esta contradicción. El riesgo consiste en que la manera de ver la ley como expresión del moderno Estado de derecho
entra en crisis. Los procesos de expresión de la violencia moderna advertirán esto. El protagonista detrás del telón que se revela en el escenario del derecho no es la ley, sino la víctima del sacrificio. Esto amenazará la sostenibilidad del derecho como un sistema científico cerrado y coherente.
LA PROTECCIÓN PENAL DE LAS UNIONES DE HECHO EN LATINOAMÉRICA
Authors: Santacruz López Raúl , Blanco Rodríguez Jinyola
Published: December 2015

El reconocimiento de las uniones de hecho —heterosexuales y homosexuales—, como formas alternativas de familia establecidas mediante vínculos naturales, constituye una irrefutable realidad para la sociedad latinoamericana actual. Los efectos jurídicos de este hecho son incuestionables, como también lo es la consecuencia de haber generado la necesidad de protegerlas en materia penal. Para el estudio de este fenómeno, se realizó una investigación normativa internacional, desarrollada bajo la estrategia cualitativa de análisis de contenido de los documentos pertinentes, que finalmente produjo este artículo como uno de sus resultados. Como se demostrará más adelante, la protección de estas uniones convivenciales es generalizada, aunque es claro que en los países a los que se limitó este trabajo no rige el mismo nivel de amparo y que en algunos no se las protege, principalmente porque la misma legislación penal vigente se erige en una barrera infranqueable para ello. En consecuencia, se requieren cambios radicales en esta materia y políticas públicas que garanticen el ejercicio de los derechos de esta forma de familias y de sus integrantes.
LA TRANSICIÓN POLÍTICA ESPAÑOLA COMO EXPRESIÓN DE LA ACCIÓN DE UN PODER CONSTITUYENTE EVOLUTIVO
Authors: García-López Eloy
Published: December 2015

Se trata de analizar la transición política española teniendo como referente lo sucedido en Portugal en 1974, donde se produjo una revolución seguida de un proceso constituyente clásico. En España, en 1975, una serie de factores internos y externos determinó que se impusiera un modelo de continuidad social y de cambio en lo político, de ruptura con el pasado, que supone también la introducción de una determinada idea de modernidad que está en la base de la realidad social y, en alguna medida, de la actual situación política española.
LA ARQUITECTURA CONCEPTUAL DEL PRINCIPIO DE SEPARACIÓN DE PODERES
Authors: Bonilla-Maldonado Daniel Eduardo
Published: December 2015

El artículo describe y analiza la estructura conceptual del principio de separación de poderes. En consecuencia, describe y analiza las premisas de las que parte, los conceptos básicos que construye, el tipo de sujeto particular que crea y las nociones de tiempo y espacio que compone. El artículo se divide en cuatro partes. En la primera parte, se presentan los componentes centrales de la interpretación dominante hoy en día del principio de separación de poderes. En la segunda parte del artículo, se explora la noción de sujeto que construye el principio de separación de poderes. Este construye un sujeto colectivo, el Estado, que se antropomorfiza y se presenta como un victimario y un sujeto individual, un individuo abstracto que se articula como una víctima del sujeto colectivo. En la tercera parte del escrito, se estudia la noción de tiempo que construye el principio de separación de poderes. El concepto de tiempo tiene dos dimensiones. La primera es la noción circular e infinita del tiempo en que
opera el principio. La segunda es la noción de tiempo que se entrecruza con la idea de cambio social que está imbricada en el principio de separación de poderes. En la cuarta y última sección del artículo, examino el concepto de espacio que construye el principio de separación de poderes. La geografía conceptual que elabora el principio tiene múltiples niveles. El principal es el del Estado-Nación. No obstante, el espacio del principio tiene también una dimensión interna y una externa a esta forma de pensar la organización de una comunidad política.
LAS CLÁUSULAS ABUSIVAS EN LOS CONTRATOS DE CRÉDITO HIPOTECARIO. UNA MIRADA COMPARATIVA ENTRE ESPAÑA Y COLOMBIA
Authors: Bernal-Fandiño Mariana , Pico-Zúñiga Fernando Andrés
Published: December 2015

Este artículo pretende realizar un estudio sobre las cláusulas abusivas en los contratos de crédito hipotecario bajo una mirada comparativa entre la evolución que ha tenido la materia durante la reciente crisis inmobiliaria en España y la situación jurídica en Colombia, que atravesó una crisis similar a finales de los años noventa y hoy cuenta con el amparo primordial del Estatuto del Consumidor, el régimen de protección del consumidor financiero, entre otros. Se analizan mecanismos interpretativos del activismo judicial y hasta cierto punto externos al Derecho Privado —supranacionales y constitucionales— que han generado a su vez cambios legislativos en ambos países. 
GENERAL CONTEXT OF CARRIER OBLIGATIONS IN CONTRACTS OF CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA — REFERENCE TO SPANISH AND COLOMBIAN LAW
Authors: Jiménez-Valderrama Fernando
Published: December 2015

La regulación de los contratos de transporte marítimo de mercancías ha evolucionado desde un sistema de absoluta libertad hacia una limitación
de la libertad de las partes contractuales. La legislación en España y Colombia ha seguido esta evolución con una perspectiva internacional (Reglas de la Haya – Visby, Reglas de Hamburgo y las recientes Reglas de Rotterdam). En España, la Ley de Navegación Marítima de 2014 y algunas normas del Código de Comercio colombiano muestran esta tendencia. Bajo la legislación actual en España y en Colombia, todas las formas contractuales de transporte marítimo se han construido sobre el resultado de transporte, como la más importante prestación en estos
tipos de contratos, aun en los esquemas fletamentarios (como en el caso de la legislación española).
Passive Heat Transfer in Solid-State Lighting: Relaxing the Boussinesq Approximation Analytically in the Vertical Channel
Authors: Dreeben Thomas D.
Published: December 2015

Analytical relations between the heat flux, temperature rise, thermal boundary layer thickness, and characteristic velocity have been derived for the two-dimensional vertical channel, without use of the Boussinesq approximation. Results have been put into the context of well-established scaling behavior in the literature. In addition, useful implications of the analytical results have been described, including a criterion to determine the suitability of a heat-sink configuration to a particular application.
Mobility Analysis of Limited-Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Mechanisms in the Framework of Geometric Algebra
Authors: Li Qinchuan , Chai Xinxue , Xiang Ji'nan
Published: December 2015

Mobility is a basic property of a mechanism. The aim of mobility analysis is to determine the number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF) and the motion pattern of a mechanism. The existing methods for mobility analysis have some drawbacks when being applied to limited-DOF parallel mechanisms (PMs). Particularly, it is difficult to obtain a symbolic or closed-form expression of mobility and its geometric interpretations are not always straightforward. This paper presents a general method for mobility analysis of limited-DOF PMs in the framework of geometric algebra. The motion space and constraint space of each limb are expressed using geometric algebra. Then the mobility of the PM can be calculated based on the orthogonal complement relationship between the motion space and the constraint space. The detailed mobility analyses of a 3-RPS PM and a 3-RPC PM are presented. It is shown that this method can obtain a symbolic expression of mobility with straightforward geometric interpretations and is applicable to limited-DOF PMs with or without redundant constraints. Without solving complicated symbolic linear equations, this method also has computational advantages.
An Ontology and Integration Framework for Smart Communities
Authors: Kinkar Shishir , Hennessy Mark , Ray Steven
Published: December 2015

This paper describes our work concerning the definition of a neutral, abstract ontology, and framework that supports the vision and diverse contexts of a smart community. This framework is composed of a general, core ontology that supports what many are calling the Internet of Things (IoT), a scalable number of extension ontologies to describe various application perspectives, and a mapping methodology to relate external data and/or schemas to our ontology. Finally, we show why this ontology is scalable and generic enough to support a wide range of smart devices, systems, and people.
Design Heuristics in Innovative Products
Authors: Yilmaz Seda , Seifert Colleen , Daly Shanna R. , Gonzalez Richard
Published: December 2015

Current design theory lacks a systematic method to identify what designers know that helps them to create innovative products. In the early stages of idea generation, designers may find novel ideas come readily to mind, or may become fixated on their own or existing products. This may limit the ability to consider more and more varied candidate concepts that may potentially lead to innovation. To aid in idea generation, we sought to identify “design heuristics,” or “rules of thumb,” evident in award-winning designs. In this paper, we demonstrate a content analysis method for discovering heuristics in the designs of innovative products. Our method depends on comparison to a baseline of existing products so that the innovative change can be readily identified. Through an analysis of key features and functional elements in the designs of over 400 award-winning products, 40 heuristic principles were extracted. These design heuristics are outlined according to their perceived role in changing an existing product concept into a novel design, and examples of other products using the heuristics are provided. To demonstrate the ease of use of these design heuristics, we examined outcomes from a classroom study and found that concepts created using design heuristics were rated as more creative and varied. The analysis of changes from existing to innovative products can provide evidence of useful heuristic principles to apply in creating new designs.
Development on Rubber Bearings for Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor: Part 1 — Examination Plan
Authors: Yamamoto Tomohiko , Kawasaki Nobuchika , Fukasawa Tsuyoshi , Okamura Shigeki , Somaki Takahiro , Samejima Yusuke , Masaki Nobuo
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the past preliminary examination results and the new characteristic examination plans of the thick laminated rubber bearing for the application to Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR).

The preliminary examination focusing on mechanical characteristics such as shear modulus with a 1/8-scale model (ϕ= 200 mm) and creep characteristics with a 1/13-scale model (ϕ= 120 mm) were carried out [1]. With the basic mechanical characteristic examination, the basic design formulas were temporarily confirmed. Furthermore, to establish the creep prediction formula, the creep characteristic examination has been carried out and the creep amount during the plant life has been approximately predicted.

To obtain the mechanical properties of thick laminated rubber bearing with the scale-effect, the basic mechanical characteristic examination, including the ultimate behavior test, with the 1/2-scale model (ϕ= 800 mm) will be planned to confirm design margin with clarifying the ultimate limit curve under the bi-axial loading such as shear strain and the normal stress. Moreover, the deterioration promoted examination will be planned. The object of this examination is intended to grasp the degree of aging that may be caused by environmental effects during the plant life. By the accelerated deterioration examination results, the influence by aging on the mechanical characteristic and ultimate behavior of the laminated rubber bearing could be evaluated.
Development on Rubber Bearings for Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor: Part 2 — Fundamental Characteristics of Half-Scale Rubber Bearings Based on Static Test
Authors: Fukasawa Tsuyoshi , Okamura Shigeki , Yamamoto Tomohiko , Kawasaki Nobuchika , Somaki Takahiro , Sakurai Yu , Masaki Nobuo
Published: December 2015

This paper described the results of the static loading tests using a half-scale thick rubber bearing to investigate the fundamental characteristics such as horizontal and vertical restoring force of a rubber bearing applied to a Sodium-cooled-Fast-Reactor (SFR). Since the SFR has thin-walled component structures, a seismic isolation system is employed to mitigate the seismic force. A rubber bearing with thick rubber layers is used for the seismic isolation system applied to the SFR, it was developed aiming for isolation of not only horizontal response acceleration, but also vertical response acceleration. The thick rubber bearing of 1600 mm in diameter full-scale was designed to provide about a 10000 kN rated load with a horizontal natural period of 3.4 s and a vertical one of 0.125 s. Moreover, a linear strain limit of the thick rubber bearing was designed to accept a horizontal displacement of 700 mm or more in order to ensure a double safety margin for response displacements against a design basis ground motion. The static loading tests were performed using a half-scale thick rubber bearing with a diameter of 800 mm to investigate the horizontal/vertical stiffness, damping ratio, a linear strain limit in horizontal direction and a tensile yield stress in the vertical direction. The fundamental characteristic of rubber bearings employed to the SFR and the validity of a design formula became clear through the static loading tests.
Periodic Material Based Seismic Isolation for Small Modular Reactors
Authors: Yan Y. , Witarto W. , Wang S. J. , Mo Y. L. , Chang K. C. , Tang Y. , Ruis M.
Published: December 2015

The concept of periodic materials, based on the theory of solid-state physics, is applied to earthquake engineering. The periodic material is a material that possesses distinct characteristics that prevent waves with certain frequencies from being transmitted through it; therefore, this material can be used in structural foundations to block unwanted seismic waves with certain frequencies. In this paper, small modular reactor with one dimensional and three dimensional periodic foundations were studied. The theoretical band gaps of one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) periodic foundations were obtained using transfer matrix methods and finite element method, respectively. The dynamic response of the small modular reactor supported by a periodic foundation to that of conventional concrete foundation was compared. It is showed that the periodic foundations are an effective way to reduce the seismic response of small modular reactors (SMR) under seismic excitations.
Seismic Fragility Assessment of Steel Liquid Storage Tanks
Authors: Bakalis Konstantinos , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Fragiadakis Michalis
Published: December 2015

A seismic fragility assessment procedure is developed for atmospheric steel liquid storage tanks. Appropriate system and component-level damage states are defined by identifying the failure modes that may occur during a strong ground motion. Special attention is paid to the elephant’s foot buckling failure mode, where the estimation of the associated capacity and demand requires thorough consideration within a probabilistic framework. A novel damage state is introduced to existing procedures with respect to the uncontrollable loss of containment scenario. Fragility curves are estimated by introducing both aleatory and epistemic sources of uncertainty, thus providing a comprehensive methodology for the seismic risk assessment of liquid storage tanks. The importance of dynamic buckling is acknowledged and the issue of non-sequential damage states is finally revealed.
Basic Study on Dynamic Reliability of Machinery and Piping System Supported by Elasto-Plastic Supports With Gaps
Authors: Shintani Atsuhiko , Tsujita Keishi , Ito Tomohiro , Nakagawa Chihiro
Published: December 2015

In this study, the vibrational behavior of piping systems supported by elasto-plastic dampers with gap supports was considered. First, an analytical model of L-type piping systems subjected to white noise was derived, including the nonlinear characteristics of the elasto-plastic dampers and gap supports. After the stress, energy absorption, and other parameters were calculated for many inputs, the dynamic reliability was calculated based on random theory. Optimization of the support locations was investigated. Finally, the effects of a gap support on the dynamic reliability were investigated.
Study on Laminated Type Base Isolation Device Using Urethane Erastomer for Practical Application
Authors: Ishihana Kenta , Furuya Osamu , Goda Kengo , Omata Shohei
Published: December 2015

Base isolation system will be aggressively applied to not only architectural and civil structures but also various structures, because the effectiveness on seismic safety had been demonstrated again in the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In this study, the research and development of laminated type base isolation device using urethane elastomer has been carried out to upgrade a seismic safety for various structures. The fundamental characteristics have been investigated from several loading test by using various experimental devices, and the design formula for the stiffness and equivalent damping coefficient is formulated as an approximate expression of mechanical characteristics until now. Moreover, the experimental examination for aged deterioration in the urethane material has been continuously carried out.

This paper summarizes the mechanical characteristics based on the loading test up to 500% shear strain using experimental specimen with 100×100 mm cross-sectional shape, base isolation effect from time response analysis using nonlinear element model of urethane elastomer and the accelerated aging test for verifying the aging of practical use.
Performance Criteria for Liquid Storage Tanks and Piping Systems Subjected to Seismic Loading
Authors: Vathi Maria , Karamanos Spyros A. , Kapogiannis Ioannis A. , Spiliopoulos Konstantinos V.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, performance criteria for the seismic design of industrial liquid storage tanks and piping systems are proposed, aimed at defining a performance-based design framework towards reliable development of fragility curves and assessment of seismic risk. Considering “loss of containment” as the ultimate damage state, the proposed performance limits are quantified in terms of local quantities obtained from a simple and efficient earthquake analysis. Liquid storage tanks and the corresponding principal failure modes (elephant’s foot buckling, roof damage, base plate failure, anchorage failure and nozzle damage) are examined first. Subsequently, performance limits for piping systems are presented in terms of local strain at specific piping components (elbows, Tees and nozzles), against ultimate strain capacity (tensile and compressive) and low-cycle fatigue.

Modeling issues for liquid storage tanks and piping systems are also discussed, for an efficient analysis that provides reliable estimates of local strain demand. These models are compared successfully with available experimental data. Using those reliable numerical models, the proposed performance limits are applied in two case studies: (a) a liquid storage tank and (b) a piping system, both located in areas of high seismicity.
Recent Revisions of SRP 3.7 and 3.8
Authors: Lebbi Ikbal , Moslemian Javad
Published: December 2015

During U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reviews of Design Certifications (DC) and Combined License (COL) applications, the NRC staff identified several technical issues related to seismic analysis and structural design of the containment and other seismic Category I structures and foundations. These technical issues resulted in a need of improved technical guidance to facilitate reviews of future DC and COL applications.

NUREG-0800, “Standard Review Plan (SRP)”, Sections 3.7 and 3.8 provide guidance related to the review of seismic analysis and structural design. NUREG-0800 SRP Sections 3.7 and 3.8 have been revised recently in an effort to enhance NRC staff guidance for the review of future DC and COL applications. SRP Sections 3.7 and 3.8 have not been revised since 2007. Recent revisions of these Sections have been completed in 2013, except for SRP 3.7.1, only a “DRAFT” revision was completed in 2013.

The objective of this paper is to briefly describe the important technical issues that presented technical challenges to the applicants during the NRC staff review process of DC and COL applications, and the proposed enhancements to the specific Sections of SRP 3.7 and 3.8. The paper presents complete details of the recent revisions of NUREG-0800 SRP Sections 3.7.1, 3.7.2, 3.7.3, 3.8.1, 3.8.3, 3.8.4, and 3.8.5.
The microRNA miR-485 targets host and influenza virus transcripts to regulate antiviral immunity and restrict viral replication
Authors: Ingle Harshad , Kumar Sushil , Raut Ashwin Ashok , Mishra Anamika , Kulkarni Diwakar Dattatraya , Kameyama Takeshi , Takaoka Akinori , Akira Shizuo , Kumar Himanshu
Published: December 2015

A single miRNA exhibits both an inhibitory effect on the antiviral response and an antiviral effect on viral replication.
Inhibit casein kinase 2 to lose weight
Authors: Prabakaran Sudhakaran
Published: December 2015

Casein kinase 2 limits the conversion of white adipocytes into beige adipocytes.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Rifampin in Pregnant Women with Tuberculosis and HIV Coinfection in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Denti Paolo , Martinson Neil , Cohn Silvia , Mashabela Fildah , Hoffmann Jennifer , Msandiwa Reginah , Castel Sandra , Wiesner Lubbe , Chaisson Richard E. , McIlleron Helen , Dooley Kelly E.
Published: December 2015

Effective treatment of tuberculosis during pregnancy is essential for preventing maternal and fetal mortality, but little is known about the effects of pregnancy on the disposition of antituberculosis drugs. We explored the effects of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of rifampin, the key sterilizing drug in tuberculosis treatment, in Tshepiso, a prospective cohort study involving pregnant HIV-infected women with or without tuberculosis in Soweto, South Africa. Participants receiving standard first-line tuberculosis treatment underwent sparse sampling for rifampin at 37 weeks' gestation or delivery and then postpartum. Cord blood was collected when possible. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to investigate the effects of pregnancy on rifampin pharmacokinetics. Among the 48 participants, median age and weight were 28 years and 67 kg, respectively. A one-compartment model with first-order elimination, transit compartment absorption, and allometric scaling described the data well. Pregnancy reduced rifampin clearance by 14%. The median (interquartile range) model-estimated rifampin area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h (AUC
0–24
) during pregnancy or intrapartum was 40.8 h · mg/liter (27.1 to 54.2 h · mg/liter) compared to 37.4 h · mg/liter (26.8 to 50.3 h · mg/liter) postpartum. The maximum concentrations were similar during pregnancy and postpartum. Rifampin was detectable in 36% (8/22) of cord blood samples, and 88% (42/48) of the women had successful treatment outcomes. There was one case of perinatal tuberculosis. In conclusion, rifampin clearance is modestly reduced during the last trimester of pregnancy. Exposures are only slightly increased, so dose adjustment during pregnancy is not needed. Rifampin was detected in cord blood samples when delivery occurred soon after dosing. The consequences of exposure to this potent inducer of metabolizing enzymes among HIV-exposed infants are unclear.
Inhibition of Efavirenz Metabolism by Sertraline and Nortriptyline and Their Effect on Efavirenz Plasma Concentrations
Authors: Melis Virginia , Usach Iris , Gandía Patricia , Peris José-Esteban
Published: December 2015

Between 22 and 45% of HIV-positive subjects are likely to report symptoms of depression. Considering this background, a potential pharmacokinetic interaction between the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz (EFV) and two antidepressants, sertraline (SRT) and nortriptyline (NT), was studied. Rats were administered EFV alone or together with the antidepressants, and changes in the plasma levels and pharmacokinetic parameters of EFV were analyzed. Additional
in vitro
experiments with rat and human hepatic microsomes were carried out to evaluate the inhibitory effect of SRT and NT on EFV metabolism by determining the formation rate of the major EFV metabolite (8-OH-EFV).
In vivo
studies showed similar increases in the plasma levels of EFV when it was coadministered with SRT or NT. However, the studies using rat hepatic microsomes showed a more potent inhibitory effect of NT than of SRT on the metabolism of EFV, with values for the 50% inhibition constant (IC
50
) and inhibitory constant (

K
i

) for NT about 9-fold lower than those for SRT. An equation was deduced that explains the similar
in vivo
effects of SRT and NT in spite of the different
in vitro
performance data. Using human hepatic microsomes, the strongest inhibitory effect was observed with SRT. In summary, pharmacokinetic interactions between EFV, SRT, and NT, associated with the inhibition of hepatic metabolism of EFV, have been detected in rats. Both antidepressants also inhibit EFV metabolism in human hepatic microsomes, but additional
in vivo
studies in humans are required to evaluate the clinical implication of this interaction.
Low-Dose Intestinal Trichuris muris Infection Alters the Lung Immune Microenvironment and Can Suppress Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Chenery Alistair L. , Antignano Frann , Burrows Kyle , Scheer Sebastian , Perona-Wright Georgia , Zaph Colby
Published: December 2015

Immunological cross talk between mucosal tissues such as the intestine and the lung is poorly defined during homeostasis and disease. Here, we show that a low-dose infection with the intestinally restricted helminth parasite
Trichuris muris
results in the production of Th1 cell-dependent gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and myeloid cell-derived interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the lung without causing overt airway pathology. This cross-mucosal immune response in the lung inhibits the development of papain-induced allergic airway inflammation, an innate cell-mediated type 2 airway inflammatory disease. Thus, we identify convergent and nonredundant roles of adaptive and innate immunity in mediating cross-mucosal suppression of type 2 airway inflammation during low-dose helminth-induced intestinal inflammation. These results provide further insight in identifying novel intersecting immune pathways elicited by gut-to-lung mucosal cross talk.
Yersinia Type III Secretion System Master Regulator LcrF
Authors: Schwiesow Leah , Lam Hanh , Dersch Petra , Auerbuch Victoria
Published: December 2015

Many Gram-negative pathogens express a type III secretion (T3SS) system to enable growth and survival within a host. The three human-pathogenic
Yersinia
species,
Y. pestis
,
Y. pseudotuberculosis
, and
Y. enterocolitica
, encode the Ysc T3SS, whose expression is controlled by an AraC-like master regulator called LcrF. In this review, we discuss LcrF structure and function as well as the environmental cues and pathways known to regulate LcrF expression. Similarities and differences in binding motifs and modes of action between LcrF and the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
homolog ExsA are summarized. In addition, we present a new bioinformatics analysis that identifies putative LcrF binding sites within
Yersinia
target gene promoters.
NqrM (DUF539) Protein Is Required for Maturation of Bacterial Na
+
-Translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase
Authors: Kostyrko Vitaly A. , Bertsova Yulia V. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Baykov Alexander A. , Bogachev Alexander V.
Published: December 2015

Na
+
-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na
+
-NQR) catalyzes electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone in the bacterial respiratory chain, coupled with Na
+
translocation across the membrane. Na
+
-NQR maturation involves covalent attachment of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) residues, catalyzed by flavin transferase encoded by the
nqr
-associated
apbE
gene. Analysis of complete bacterial genomes has revealed another putative gene (
duf539
, here renamed
nqrM
) that usually follows the
apbE
gene and is present only in Na
+
-NQR-containing bacteria. Expression of the
Vibrio harveyi
nqr
operon alone or with the associated
apbE
gene in
Escherichia coli
, which lacks its own Na
+
-NQR, resulted in an enzyme incapable of Na
+
-dependent NADH or reduced nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide (dNADH) oxidation. However, fully functional Na
+
-NQR was restored when these genes were coexpressed with the
V. harveyi
nqrM
gene. Furthermore,
nqrM
lesions in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
V. harveyi
prevented production of functional Na
+
-NQR, which could be recovered by an
nqrM
-containing plasmid. The Na
+
-NQR complex isolated from the
nqrM
-deficient strain of
V. harveyi
lacks several subunits, indicating that
nqrM
is necessary for Na
+
-NQR assembly. The protein product of the
nqrM
gene, NqrM, contains a single putative transmembrane α-helix and four conserved Cys residues. Mutating one of these residues (Cys33 in
V. harveyi
NqrM) to Ser completely prevented Na
+
-NQR maturation, whereas mutating any other Cys residue only decreased the yield of the mature protein. These findings identify NqrM as the second specific maturation factor of Na
+
-NQR in proteobacteria, which is presumably involved in the delivery of Fe to form the (Cys)
4
[Fe] center between subunits NqrD and NqrE.

IMPORTANCE
Na
+
-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase complex (Na
+
-NQR) is a unique primary Na
+
pump believed to enhance the vitality of many bacteria, including important pathogens such as
Vibrio cholerae
,
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
,
Haemophilus influenzae
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
,
Pasteurella multocida
,
Porphyromonas gingivalis
,
Enterobacter aerogenes
, and
Yersinia pestis
. Production of Na
+
-NQR in bacteria requires Na
+
-NQR-specific maturation factors. We earlier identified one such factor (ApbE) that covalently attaches flavin residues to Na
+
-NQR. Here we identify the other protein factor, designated NqrM, and show that NqrM and ApbE suffice to produce functional Na
+
-NQR from the
Vibrio harveyi
nqr
operon. NqrM may be involved in Fe delivery to a unique Cys
4
[Fe] center during Na
+
-NQR assembly. Besides highlighting Na
+
-NQR biogenesis, these findings suggest a novel drug target to combat Na
+
-NQR-containing bacteria.
Obstruction of the external auditory meatus secondary to a giant pyogenic granuloma
Authors: Rehman Sooda , Loizou Peter , Singh Pranay Kumar
Published: December 2015

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign lesion of the skin and mucosa commonly known to occur in the head and neck region. The current literature has not yet identified its occurrence within the conchal bowl, a condition that leads to obstruction of the external auditory meatus. We present the case of a 28-year-old man who presented with a history of 3–4 weeks of a rapidly enlarging pedunculated lesion within the conchal bowl of the right ear and conductive hearing loss. Initial management included excision under local anaesthesia. The histological report concluded that it was a pyogenic granuloma. Later, reoccurrence was treated with a more definitive excision under general anaesthesia. During follow-up, the operative site was seen to have healed by secondary intention without reoccurrence. Although a pyogenic granuloma within the conchal bowl is benign, early therapeutic excision is important for histological diagnosis as much as to relieve consequential secondary obstruction and conductive hearing loss.
Epidemiology, quality and reporting characteristics of meta-analyses of observational studies published in Chinese journals
Authors: Zhang Zhe-wen , Cheng Juan , Liu Zhuan , Ma Ji-chun , Li Jin-long , Wang Jing , Yang Ke-hu
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiological and reporting characteristics as well as the methodological quality of meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies published in Chinese journals.

Methods

5 Chinese databases were searched for MAs of observational studies published from January 1978 to May 2014. Data were extracted into Excel spreadsheets, and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklists were used to assess reporting characteristics and methodological quality, respectively.

Results

A total of 607 MAs were included. Only 52.2% of the MAs assessed the quality of the included primary studies, and the retrieval information was not comprehensive in more than half (85.8%) of the MAs. In addition, 50 (8.2%) MAs did not search any Chinese databases, while 126 (20.8%) studies did not search any English databases. Approximately 41.2% of the MAs did not describe the statistical methods in sufficient details, and most (95.5%) MAs did not report on conflicts of interest. However, compared with the before publication of the MOOSE Checklist, the quality of reporting improved significantly for 20 subitems after publication of the MOOSE Checklist, and 7 items of the included MAs demonstrated significant improvement after publication of the AMSTAR Checklist (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Although many MAs of observational studies have been published in Chinese journals, the reporting quality is questionable. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase the use of reporting guidelines and methodological tools in China; we recommend that Chinese journals adopt the MOOSE and AMSTAR criteria.
Do shorter delays to care and mental health system renewal translate into better occupational outcome after mental disorder diagnosis in a cohort of Canadian military personnel who returned from an Afghanistan deployment?
Authors: Boulos David , Zamorski Mark A
Published: December 2015

Objective

Mental disorders in military personnel result in high rates of attrition. Military organisations have strengthened their mental health systems and attempted to overcome barriers to care in order to see better outcomes. This study investigated the roles of mental health services renewal and delay to care in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel diagnosed with mental disorders.

Design

Administrative data were used to identify a retrospective cohort of 30 513 CAF personnel who deployed in support of the mission in Afghanistan. Study participants included 508 individuals with a mental disorder diagnosis identified from CAF medical records of a weighted, stratified random sample of 2014 individuals selected from the study cohort. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the association of diagnosis era and delay to care with the outcome, after controlling for a broad range of potential confounders (eg, disorder severity, comorbidity). Taylor series linearisation methods and sample design weights were applied in generating descriptive and regression analysis statistics.

Primary outcome

The outcome was release from military service for medical reasons, assessed using administrative data for the 508 individuals with a mental disorder diagnosis.

Results

17.5% (95% CI 16.0% to 19.0%) of the cohort had a mental disorder diagnosis after an Afghanistan-related deployment, of which 21.3% (95% CI 17.2% to 25.5%) had a medical release over a median follow-up of 3.5 years. Medical release risk was elevated for individuals diagnosed before 30 April 2008 relative to those with recent diagnoses (adjusted HR (aHR)=1.77 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.11)) and for individuals with a long delay to care (>21 months after return) relative to those with intermediate delays (8–21 months, aHR 2.47=(95% CI 1.28 to 4.76)).

Conclusions

Mental health services renewal in the CAF was associated with a better occupational outcome for those diagnosed with mental disorders. Longer delays to care were associated with a less favourable outcome.
Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA): a study protocol for a nationwide, multilevel analysis of relationships between hospital quality management systems and patient factors
Authors: Taylor Natalie , Clay-Williams Robyn , Hogden Emily , Pye Victoria , Li Zhicheng , Groene Oliver , Suñol Rosa , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Despite the growing body of research on quality and safety in healthcare, there is little evidence of the association between the way hospitals are organised for quality and patient factors, limiting our understanding of how to effect large-scale change. The ‘Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia’ (DUQuA) study aims to measure and examine relationships between (1) organisation and department-level quality management systems (QMS), clinician leadership and culture, and (2) clinical treatment processes, clinical outcomes and patient-reported perceptions of care within Australian hospitals.

Methods and analysis

The DUQuA project is a national, multilevel, cross-sectional study with data collection at organisation (hospital), department, professional and patient levels. Sample size calculations indicate a minimum of 43 hospitals are required to adequately power the study. To allow for rejection and attrition, 70 hospitals across all Australian jurisdictions that meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate. Participants will consist of hospital quality management professionals; clinicians; and patients with stroke, acute myocardial infarction and hip fracture. Organisation and department-level QMS, clinician leadership and culture, patient perceptions of safety, clinical treatment processes, and patient outcomes will be assessed using validated, evidence-based or consensus-based measurement tools. Data analysis will consist of simple correlations, linear and logistic regression and multilevel modelling. Multilevel modelling methods will enable identification of the amount of variation in outcomes attributed to the hospital and department levels, and the factors contributing to this variation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained. Results will be disseminated to individual hospitals in de-identified national and international benchmarking reports with data-driven recommendations. This ground-breaking national study has the potential to influence decision-making on the implementation of quality and safety systems and processes in Australian and international hospitals.
The relationships between rugby players’ tackle training attitudes and behaviour and their match tackle attitudes and behaviour
Authors: Hendricks Sharief , den Hollander Steve , Tam Nicholas , Brown James , Lambert Michael
Published: December 2015

Background

The tackle event in rugby is a technical and physical contest between opposing players. A player's ability to tolerate and contest during a tackle is a prerequisite for safe participation and success in rugby. Little is known about the relationship between tackle training and tackling in matches in rugby union. Therefore, we investigated the relationships between players’ training attitudes and behaviour and their match attitudes and behaviour for tackling in rugby union.

Method

A questionnaire was designed to assess attitude (importance) and behaviours (frequency and quantity) among junior (under 19) players on a 5-point Likert Scale. Questionnaires were handed out to 220 players (10 schools) at a tournament and 75% (9 schools, n=164) were returned for analysis. Associations between training attitudes and behaviours were tested using the χ2test, Cramer's V and τ-b.

Results

The more time spent on emphasising proper technique to prevent injuries in training, the more important players rated ‘own safety’ (τ-b=0.21, moderate, z=3.1, p<0.01), ‘going for the ball only’ (τ-b=0.27, moderate, z=4.6, p<0.001) and ‘staying on feet’ (τ-b=0.23, moderate, z=3.6, p<0.001) in match play. The more time spent on emphasising proper technique to improve performance in training, the more important players rated actions ‘going for ball only’ (τ-b=0.23, moderate, z=3.7, p<0.001) and ‘preventing the ball carrier from retaining position’ (τ-b=0.20, moderate, z=3.1, p<0.01) in match play.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report on the relationships between players’ training attitudes and behaviour and their match attitudes and behaviours for tackling in rugby union. The importance of tackle training to prevent injury, and the amount of time spent on technique to prevent injuries, was associated with behaviours that reduce the risk of injury in matches.
A review of key national reports to describe the development of paramedic education in England (1966–2014)
Authors: Brooks Ingrid Ann , Cooke Matthew , Spencer Caroline , Archer Frank
Published: December 2015

Introduction

In the year 1966, important advances in mobile coronary care and trauma care in the UK and USA influenced globally the development of modern prehospital emergency services and paramedic education. In that year, to meet the evolving role of prehospital care in the UK, the ‘Millar Report’ specified a new syllabus for ambulance personnel in England. As the 50th anniversary of this report approaches, this paper reviews key national UK reports to describe the development of paramedic education in England over this period.

Methods

A hand search of documents available and a Google search identified documents in the public domain. MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Thematic analysis was used to identify descriptive themes.

Results

Of the 83 reports and 431 articles screened, 33 documents met our inclusion criteria. We identified four historical periods in English paramedic education: development of paramedic education (1966–1996); paramedic role changes influencing education (1997–2004); paramedic education level changes and the emergency care practitioner (2005–2008); and paramedic education for the future (2010–2014). Our discussion of four descriptive themes: government authority and policy, influence of health professions, quality assurance and development of the paramedic profession includes comparisons with paramedic education in the USA and Australia.

Conclusions

Political reform agendas and initiatives and advances in clinical medicine largely shaped paramedic roles and education in England. The degree to which the paramedic profession initiated education development is difficult to determine from the literature. Overall, a nationally coherent standard for paramedic education in England needed five decades to develop and mature.
Childhood household dysfunction, school performance and psychiatric care utilisation in young adults: a register study of 96 399 individuals in Stockholm County
Authors: Björkenstam Emma , Dalman Christina , Vinnerljung Bo , Weitoft Gunilla Ringbäck , Walder Deborah J , Burström Bo
Published: December 2015

Background

Exposure to childhood household dysfunction increases the risk of psychiatric morbidity. Although school performance also has been linked with psychiatric morbidity, limited research has considered school performance as a mediating factor. To address this gap in the literature, the current register study examined whether school performance mediates the association between childhood household dysfunction (experienced between birth and age 14 years) and psychiatric care utilisation in young adulthood.

Methods

We used a Swedish cohort of 96 399 individuals born during 1987–1991. Indicators of childhood household dysfunction were familial death, parental substance abuse and psychiatric morbidity, parental somatic disease, parental criminality, parental separation/single-parent household, public assistance recipiency and residential instability. Final school grades from the 9th year of compulsory school were used to create five categories. Estimates of risk of psychiatric care utilisation (measured as inpatient, outpatient and primary care) after the age of 18 years were calculated as HRs with 95% CIs. Mediation was tested with the bootstrap approach.

Results

Cumulative exposure to childhood household dysfunction was positively associated with psychiatric care utilisation. Specifically, individuals exposed to three or more indicators with incomplete school grades had the highest risk (HR=3.7 (95% CI 3.3 to 4.1) after adjusting for demographics), compared to individuals exposed to no indicators with highest grades. School performance was found to mediate the relationship.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that future efforts to prevent or mitigate the negative effects of childhood household dysfunction on psychiatric morbidity may benefit from integration of strategies that improve school performance among vulnerable youth.
Fit-for-work or fit-for-unemployment? Does the reassessment of disability benefit claimants using a tougher work capability assessment help people into work?
Authors: Barr B , Taylor-Robinson D , Stuckler D , Loopstra R , Reeves A , Wickham S , Whitehead M
Published: December 2015

Background

Many governments have introduced tougher eligibility assessments for out-of-work disability benefits, to reduce rising benefit caseloads. The UK government initiated a programme in 2010 to reassess all existing disability benefit claimants using a new functional checklist. We investigated whether this policy led to more people out-of-work with long-standing health problems entering employment.

Method

We use longitudinal data from the Labour Force Survey linked to data indicating the proportion of the population experiencing a reassessment in each of 149 upper tier local authorities in England between 2010 and 2013. Regression models were used to investigate whether the proportion of the population undergoing reassessment in each area was independently associated with the chances that people out-of-work with a long-standing health problem entered employment and transitions between inactivity and unemployment. We analysed whether any effects differed between people whose main health problem was mental rather than physical.

Results

There was no significant association between the reassessment process and the chances that people out-of-work with a long-standing illness entered employment. The process was significantly associated with an increase in the chances that people with mental illnesses moved from inactivity into unemployment (HR=1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.45).

Conclusions

The reassessment policy appears to have shifted people with mental health problems from inactivity into unemployment, but there was no evidence that it had increased their chances of employment. There is an urgent need for services that can support the increasing number of people with mental health problems on unemployment benefits.