bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, sequencing, and overexpression in Escherichia coli of the alpha-D-glucose-1-phosphate cytidylyltransferase gene isolated from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Thorson J S , Kelly T M , Liu H W
Published: November 2016

A clone of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis DNA carrying the ascA gene was constructed, and the corresponding protein was successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli. A protocol consisting of DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography was developed and led to a nearly homogeneous purification of the ascA product. Initial characterization showed that the ascA-encoded protein is actually the alpha-D-glucose-1-phosphate cytidylyltransferase which catalyzes the first step of the biosynthesis of CDP-ascarylose (CDP-3,6-dideoxy-L-arabino-hexose), converting alpha-D-glucose-1-phosphate to CDP-D-glucose. In contrast to early studies suggesting that this enzyme was a monomeric protein of 111 kDa, the purified cytidylyltransferase from Y. pseudotuberculosis was found to consist of four identical subunits, each with a molecular mass of 29 kDa. This assignment is supported by the fact that the ascA gene, as a part of the ascarylose biosynthetic cluster, exhibits high sequence homology with other nucleotidylyltransferases, and its product shows high cytidylyltransferase activity. Subsequent amino acid comparison with other known nucleotidylyltransferases has allowed a definition of the important active-site residues within this essential catalyst. These comparisons have also afforded the inclusion of the cytidylyltransferase into the mechanistic convergence displayed by this fundamental class of enzyme.
Cloning, characterization, and nucleotide sequence analysis of the argH gene from Campylobacter jejuni TGH9011 encoding argininosuccinate lyase
Authors: Hani E K , Chan V L
Published: November 2016

The complete structural gene for argininosuccinate lyase (argH) from Campylobacter jejuni TGH9011 has been cloned into Escherichia coli by complementation of an E. coli argH auxotrophic mutant. The gene has been subcloned for sequencing on a 4.1-kb DNA segment and localized by the complementing activity of deletion mutants. The complete DNA sequence of the C. jejuni argH gene was determined. The transcription start point for argH mRNA was determined by primer extension analysis and found to be within the coding sequence of the upstream gene, identified as the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene (ppc). The argininosuccinate lyase and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase reading frames overlap by one base, the second example of this phenomenon in C. jejuni chromosomal genes. The enzyme has a deduced subunit molecular weight of 51,831. Recombinant plasmids containing the argH gene generate a 56-kDa protein and a 43-kDa protein in E. coli maxicells. An alternate translation initiation producing a polypeptide with a deduced molecular mass of 42 kDa may account for the smaller protein observed in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The C. jejuni argH gene shows nucleotide homology to both yeast and human argininosuccinate lyase genes, and conserved amino acid domains are evident between the corresponding proteins.
Molecular cloning of chromosome I DNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: analysis of the genes in the FUN38-MAK16-SPO7 region
Authors: Barton A B , Kaback D B
Published: November 2016

Transcribed regions on a 42-kb segment of chromosome I from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were mapped. Polyadenylated transcripts corresponding to eight previously characterized genes (MAK16, LTE1, CCR4, FUN30, FUN31, TPD3, DEP1, and CYS3) and eight new genes were identified. All transcripts were present at one to four copies per cell except for one which was significantly less abundant. This region has been sequenced, and the sizes, locations, and orientations of the transcripts were in nearly perfect agreement with the open reading frames. Disruptions in eight genes identified solely on the basis of a transcribed region, FUN38, FUN25, FUN26, FUN28, FUN30, FUN31, FUN33, and FUN34, indicated that all were nonessential for growth on rich medium at 30 degrees C. Disruption of FUN30, a gene closely related to RAD16 and RAD54, surprisingly resulted in increased resistance to UV irradiation. No additional phenotypes, other than slow growth, were observed for all other mutants. The distribution of essential genes on chromosome I is discussed.
Independent phylogenetic origins of methanotrophic and chemoautotrophic bacterial endosymbioses in marine bivalves
Authors: Distel D L , Cavanaugh C M
Published: November 2016

The discovery of bacterium-bivalve symbioses capable of utilizing methane as a carbon and energy source indicates that the endosymbionts of hydrothermal vent and cold seep bivalves are not restricted to sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophic bacteria but also include methanotrophic bacteria. The phylogenetic origin of methanotrophic endosymbionts and their relationship to known symbiotic and free-living bacteria, however, have remained unexplored. In situ localization and phylogenetic analysis of a symbiont 16S rRNA gene cloned from the gills of a recently described deep-sea mussel species demonstrate that this symbiont represents a new taxon which is closely related to free-living, cultivable Type I methanotrophic bacteria. This symbiont is distinct from known chemoautotrophic symbionts. Thus, despite compelling similarities between the symbioses, chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic symbionts of marine bivalves have independent phylogenetic origins.
FixL of Rhizobium meliloti enhances the transcriptional activity of a mutant FixJD54N protein by phosphorylation of an alternate residue
Authors: Reyrat J M , David M , Batut J , Boistard P
Published: November 2016

In Rhizobium meliloti, transcription of nitrogen fixation genes is induced in oxygen-depleted conditions under the control of the two-component regulatory system FixLJ. FixJ is a transcriptional activator whose activity is dramatically enhanced by phosphorylation, whereas FixL is a hemoprotein kinase that controls the level of phosphorylated FixJ in response to oxygen availability. We have found that a mutant FixJ protein, FixJD54N, in which the presumed site of phosphorylation (aspartate 54) was changed to an asparagine, is strongly affected for phosphorylation by FixL and is not detectably phosphorylated from the low-molecular-weight phosphate donor, acetyl-phosphate. Unexpectedly, FixL strongly enhances the transcriptional activity of the FixJD54N protein both in vivo and in vitro. We present evidence that FixJD54N transcriptional activity is enhanced by phosphorylation of an alternate residue in a reaction that requires FixL and ATP and is not affected by oxygen. We also demonstrate the key role of Asp-54 of FixJ in oxygen signal transduction.
Gene expression in single cells of Bacillus subtilis: evidence that a threshold mechanism controls the initiation of sporulation
Authors: Chung J D , Stephanopoulos G , Ireton K , Grossman A D
Published: November 2016

Early during endospore formation in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, two distinct cell types are formed. The initiation of this developmental pathway requires several physiological conditions (e.g., nutrient deprivation) and is controlled by the Spo0A transcription factor. We have found that in a culture of sporulating cells, there are two subpopulations, one that has initiated the developmental program and activated the expression of early developmental genes and one in which early developmental gene expression remains uninduced. We measured the expression of developmental (spo) genes in single cells of B. subtilis by using spo-lacZ fusions. Cells containing a spo-lacZ fusion were stained with a dye that fluoresces upon hydrolysis by beta-galactosidase, and the fluorescence in individual cells was measured with a flow cytometer. For Spo+ cells, we found that the proportion of the population expressing early developmental genes correlates well with the fraction of the population that eventually produces spores. In addition, mutations that cause a decrease in the amount of activated (phosphorylated) Spo0A transcription factor cause a decrease in the size of the subpopulation expressing early developmental genes that are directly activated by Spo0A approximately P. Again, the size of the subpopulation correlates well with the fraction of cells that produce spores. These results indicate that a threshold level of activated Spo0A (Spo0A approximately P) or of a component of the phosphorylation pathway must accumulate to induce sporulation gene expression and that most of the cells that are able to induce the expression of early genes that are directly activated by Spo0A approximately P go on to produce mature spores.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alp suppression of Lon: dependence on the slpA gene
Authors: Trempy J E , Kirby J E , Gottesman S
Published: November 2016

We have previously found that plasmids carrying the Escherichia coli alp gene (now to be called alpA) suppress two phenotypes of a delta lon protease mutant, overproduction of capsular polysaccharide and sensitivity to UV light. Suppression of these lon phenotypes is most likely explained by the increased degradation of the Lon substrates responsible for these phenotypes. We have called this suppressing protease activity Alp protease. The Alp protease activity is detected in cells after introduction of plasmids carrying the alpA gene, which encodes an open reading frame of 70 amino acids. Insertions which abolish Alp activity interrupt this open reading frame. We have used Tn10 and lambda placMu mutagenesis to identify a chromosomal locus, slpA, that is required for alpA+ suppression of delta lon. This locus maps at 57 min, close to the chromosomal location of alpA. The expression of beta-galactosidase from a lac transcriptional fusion to slpA is increased six- to eightfold when the alpA+ gene is present on a multicopy plasmid. Therefore, AlpA acts as a transcriptional regulator of the slpA gene(s); activation of slpA transcription is necessary to suppress the phenotypes of a delta lon mutation. In an accompanying paper (J. E. Kirby, J. E. Trempy, and S. Gottesman, J. Bacteriol. 176:2068-2081, 1994), we show that neither AlpA nor SlpA is a component of the protease itself but that they are part of a regulatory cascade which leads to expression of the Alp protease.
Development of a gene cloning system for Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. yingchengensis, a producer of three useful antifungal compounds, by elimination of three barriers to DNA transfer
Authors: Qin Z , Peng K , Zhou X , Liang R , Zhou Q , Chen H , Hopwood D A , Kieser T , Deng Z
Published: November 2016

Streptomyces hygroscopicus 10-22 could not be transformed with any of the commonly used Streptomyces plasmid vectors and was resistant to plaque formation by the Streptomyces phages phi C31 and R4. Repeated selection resulted in the isolation of derivatives of S. hygroscopicus 10-22 that could be transformed with pIJ101- and pJV1-derived cloning vectors and of restriction-deficient derivatives that could accept DNA propagated in Streptomyces lividans 66. These new strains, which include three that still produce the original antibiotics, can be used as hosts for gene cloning. Insertion of nonreplicating vectors by homologous recombination and transposition of Tn4560 were demonstrated in S. hygroscopicus 10-22.
Inducible amber suppressor for Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Grundy F J , Henkin T M
Published: November 2016

An amber suppressor variant of Bacillus subtilis tyrosyl-tRNA was constructed and placed under control of the isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible Pspac promoter. Addition of IPTG resulted in a 50-fold increase in the expression of an rpsD-lacZ fusion containing a UAG amber codon. This system permitted isolation of a conditional lethal mutant which required IPTG for growth.
Functional recA, lexA, umuD, umuC, polA, and polB genes are not required for the Escherichia coli UVM response
Authors: Palejwala V A , Wang G E , Murphy H S , Humayun M Z
Published: November 2016

The Escherichia coli UVM response is a recently described phenomenon in which pretreatment of cells with DNA-damaging agents such as UV or alkylating agents significantly enhances mutation fixation at a model mutagenic lesion (3,N4-ethenocytosine; epsilon C) borne on a transfected M13 single-stranded DNA genome. Since UVM is observed in delta recA cells in which SOS induction should not occur, UVM may represent a novel, SOS-independent, inducible response. Here, we have addressed two specific hypothetical mechanisms for UVM: (i) UVM results from a recA-independent pathway for the induction of SOS genes thought to play a role in induced mutagenesis, and (ii) UVM results from a polymerase switch in which M13 replication in treated cells is carried out by DNA polymerase I (or DNA polymerase II) instead of DNA polymerase III. To address these hypotheses, E. coli cells with known defects in recA, lexA, umuDC, polA, or polB were treated with UV or 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine before transfection of M13 single-stranded DNA bearing a site-specific ethenocytosine lesion. Survival of the transfected DNA was measured as transfection efficiency, and mutagenesis at the epsilon C residue was analyzed by a quantitative multiplex DNA sequencing technology. Our results show that UVM is observable in delta recA cells, in lexA3 (noninducible SOS repressor) cells, in LexA-overproducing cells, and in delta umuDC cells. Furthermore, our data show that UVM induction occurs in the absence of detectable induction of dinD, an SOS gene. These results make it unlikely that UVM results from a recA-independent alternative induction pathway for SOS gene.
Transcription of the archaeal trkA homolog in Methanosarcina mazei S-6
Authors: Conway de Macario E , Macario A J
Published: November 2016

Transcription of the archaeal trkA gene homolog in Methanosarcina mazei S-6 was studied at the optimal growth temperature of 37 degrees C and after heat shock at 45 degrees C. Northern (RNA) blotting results (transcript size) and data from primer extension experiments to map the transcription initiation site indicate that trkA is cotranscribed with another gene. The latter, orf11, encodes a protein of 94 amino acids (10,611 Da) and is located upstream of trkA, with which it overlaps: the translation stop codon of orf11, TGA, shares the bases T and G with the translation start codon of trkA, ATG. These genes' transcription was decreased by heat shock to the point of making the transcript undetectable by Northern or dot blotting procedures. orf11 and trkA differ in codon usage patterns, and the proteins coded by them, i.e., Orf11 and TrkA, are dissimilar in amino acid sequence and composition.
Gene replacement through homologous recombination in Mycobacterium intracellulare
Authors: Marklund B I , Speert D P , Stokes R W
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium intracellulare is a slow-growing pathogenic mycobacterium closely related to Mycobacterium avium. In contrast to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG, M. intracellulare has received little attention as a model species for studies of mycobacterial molecular biology and genetics. This study shows that M. intracellulare 1403 (ATCC 35761) can be transformed by electroporation with high frequencies (up to 10(6) transformants per microgram of DNA), using plasmids pYT937 and pMH94 as replicative and integrative vectors, respectively. We also describe an experimental system that we used to study DNA recombination in M. intracellulare. First, an integrative plasmid was introduced into M. intracellulare 1403. A nonreplicative, nonintegrative plasmid having homology with the integrated plasmid was then introduced, and the resultant recombinants were analyzed to distinguish between events of homologous and illegitimate recombination. No illegitimate recombination occurred; in all recombinants, a single crossover between homologous regions of the two plasmids was noted. During subsequent growth of a recombinant clone, a spontaneous deletion occurred that resulted in a gene replacement on the chromosome of M. intracellulare 1403. The ability to construct site-specific mutations in M. intracellulare will provide novel insights into the biology of slow-growing mycobacteria.
Hybrid proteins of the transglycosylase and the transpeptidase domains of PBP1B and PBP3 of Escherichia coli
Authors: Zijderveld C A , Waisfisz Q , Aarsman M E , Nanninga N
Published: November 2016

The construction of hybrid proteins of PBP1B and PBP3 has been described. One hybrid protein (PBP1B/3) contained the transglycosylase domain of PBP1B and the transpeptidase domain of PBP3. In the other hybrid protein, the putative transglycosylase domain of PBP3 was coupled to the transpeptidase domain of PBP1B (PBP3/1B). The hybrid proteins were localized in the cell envelope in a similar way as the wild-type PBP1B. In vitro isolates of the strains containing the hybrid proteins had a transglycosylase activity intermediate between that of wild-type PBP1B-producing strain and that of a PBP1B overproducer. Analysis with specific antibiotics against PBP1A/1B and PBP3 and mutant analysis in strains containing PBP3/1B revealed no detectable effects in vivo compared with wild-type strains. The same was shown for PBP1B/3 when the experiments were performed in a recA background. The data indicate that the hybrid proteins cannot replace native penicillin-binding proteins. This finding suggests that functional high-molecular-weight penicillin-binding protein specificity is at least in part determined by the unique combination of the two functional domains.
Instability of Rickettsia prowazekii RNA polymerase-promoter complexes
Authors: Aniskovitch L P , Winkler H H
Published: November 2016

The Rickettsia prowazekii sigma factor was overexpressed, purified, and used to reconstitute RNA polymerase holoenzyme species. R. prowazekii RNA polymerase-promoter complexes were unstable and remained dissociable and heparin sensitive under conditions in which the corresponding Escherichia coli complexes were not. The R. prowazekii core played the major role in determining heparin sensitivity.
Phospholipids of Lactobacillus spp
Authors: Drucker D B , Megson G , Harty D W , Riba I , Gaskell S J
Published: November 2016

Lactobacillus phospholipid molecular species were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Prominent anions were consistent with presence of the phosphatidylglycerols PG(37:2), PG(36:2), PG(35:1), PG(34:1), and PG(33:1). Diglycosyldiacylglycerol molecular species were also observed, although nitrogen-containing phospholipids were absent. An anion of m/z 759 was derived from an apparently novel type of lipid.
Are sociodemographic characteristics associated with spatial variation in the incidence of OHCA and bystander CPR rates? A population-based observational study in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Straney Lahn D , Bray Janet E , Beck Ben , Bernard Stephen , Lijovic Marijana , Smith Karen
Published: November 2016

Background

Rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been shown to vary considerably in Victoria. We examined the extent to which this variation could be explained by the sociodemographic and population health characteristics of the region.

Methods

Using the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry, we extracted OHCA cases occurring between 2011 and 2013. We restricted the calculation of bystander CPR rates to those arrests that were witnessed by a bystander. To estimate the level of variation between Victorian local government areas (LGAs), we used a two-stage modelling approach using random-effects modelling.

Results

Between 2011 and 2013, there were 15 830 adult OHCA in Victoria. Incidence rates varied across the state between 41.9 to 104.0 cases/100 000 population. The proportion of the population over 65, socioeconomic status, smoking prevalence and education level were significant predictors of incidence in the multivariable model, explaining 93.9% of the variation in incidence among LGAs. Estimates of bystander CPR rates for bystander witnessed arrests varied from 62.7% to 73.2%. Only population density was a significant predictor of rates in a multivariable model, explaining 73% of the variation in the odds of receiving bystander CPR among LGAs.

Conclusions

Our results show that the regional characteristics which underlie the variation seen in rates of bystander CPR may be region specific and may require study in smaller areas. However, characteristics associated with high incidence and low bystander CPR rates can be identified and will help to target regions and inform local interventions to increase bystander CPR rates.
Home and Online Management and Evaluation of Blood Pressure (HOME BP) digital intervention for self-management of uncontrolled, essential hypertension: a protocol for the randomised controlled HOME BP trial
Authors: Band Rebecca , Morton Katherine , Stuart Beth , Raftery James , Bradbury Katherine , Yao Guiqing Lily , Zhu Shihua , Little Paul , Yardley Lucy , McManus Richard J
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Self-management of hypertension, including self-monitoring and antihypertensive medication titration, lowers blood pressure (BP) at 1 year compared to usual care. The aim of the current trial is to assess the effectiveness of the Home and Online Management and Evaluation of Blood Pressure (HOME BP) intervention for the self-management of hypertension in primary care.

Methods and analysis

The HOME BP trial will be a randomised controlled trial comparing BP self-management—consisting of the HOME BP online digital intervention with self-monitoring, lifestyle advice and antihypertensive drug titration—with usual care for people with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Eligible patients will be recruited from primary care and randomised to usual care or to self-management using HOME BP. The primary outcome will be the difference in mean systolic BP (mm Hg) at 12-month follow-up between the intervention and control groups adjusting for baseline BP and covariates. Secondary outcomes (also adjusted for baseline and covariates where appropriate) will be differences in mean BP at 6 months and diastolic BP at 12 months; patient enablement; quality of life, and economic analyses including all key resources associated with the intervention and related services, adopting a broad societal perspective to include NHS, social care and patient costs, considered within trial and modelled with a lifetime horizon. Medication beliefs, adherence and changes; self-efficacy; perceived side effects and lifestyle changes will be measured for process analyses. Qualitative analyses will explore patient and healthcare professional experiences of HOME BP to gain insights into the factors affecting acceptability, feasibility and adherence.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received NHS ethical approval (REC reference 15/SC/0082). The findings from HOME BP will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences and workshops. If successful, HOME BP will be directly applicable to UK primary care management of hypertension.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13790648; pre-results.
Parental responses to child experiences of trauma following presentation at emergency departments: a qualitative study
Authors: Williamson Victoria , Creswell Cathy , Butler Ian , Christie Hope , Halligan Sarah L
Published: November 2016

Objective

Parents are often children's main source of support following fear-inducing traumatic events, yet little is known about how parents provide that support. The aim of this study was to examine parents' experiences of supporting their child following child trauma exposure and presentation at an emergency department (ED).

Design

Semistructured qualitative interviews analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

The setting for this study was two National Health Service EDs in England.

Participants

20 parents whose child experienced a traumatic event and attended an ED between August 2014 and October 2015.

Results

Parents were sensitive to their child's distress and offered reassurance and support for their child to resume normal activities. However, parental beliefs often inhibited children's reinstatement of pretrauma routines. Support often focused on preventing future illness or injury, reflective of parents' concerns for their child's physical well-being. In a minority of parents, appraisals of problematic care from EDs contributed to parents' anxiety and perceptions of their child as vulnerable post-trauma. Forgetting the trauma and avoidance of discussion were encouraged as coping strategies to prevent further distress. Parents highlighted their need for further guidance and support regarding their child's physical and emotional recovery.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the experiences of and challenges faced by parents in supporting their child following trauma exposure. Perceptions of their child's physical vulnerability and treatment influenced parents' responses and the supportive strategies employed. These findings may enable clinicians to generate meaningful advice for parents following child attendance at EDs post-trauma.
Study protocol for a framework analysis using video review to identify latent safety threats: trauma resuscitation using in situ simulation team training (TRUST)
Authors: Fan Mark , Petrosoniak Andrew , Pinkney Sonia , Hicks Christopher , White Kari , Almeida Ana Paula Siquiera Silva , Campbell Douglas , McGowan Melissa , Gray Alice , Trbovich Patricia
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Errors in trauma resuscitation are common and have been attributed to breakdowns in the coordination of system elements (eg, tools/technology, physical environment and layout, individual skills/knowledge, team interaction). These breakdowns are triggered by unique circumstances and may go unrecognised by trauma team members or hospital administrators; they can be described as latent safety threats (LSTs). Retrospective approaches to identifying LSTs (ie, after they occur) are likely to be incomplete and prone to bias. To date, prospective studies have not used video review as the primary mechanism to identify any and all LSTs in trauma resuscitation.

Methods and analysis

A series of 12 unannounced in situ simulations (ISS) will be conducted to prospectively identify LSTs at a level 1 Canadian trauma centre (over 800 dedicated trauma team activations annually). 4 scenarios have already been designed as part of this protocol based on 5 recurring themes found in the hospital's mortality and morbidity process. The actual trauma team will be activated to participate in the study. Each simulation will be audio/video recorded from 4 different camera angles and transcribed to conduct a framework analysis. Video reviewers will code the videos deductively based on a priori themes of LSTs identified from the literature, and/or inductively based on the events occurring in the simulation. LSTs will be prioritised to target interventions in future work.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional research ethics approval has been acquired (SMH REB #15-046). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. Findings will also be presented to key institutional stakeholders to inform mitigation strategies for improved patient safety.
Photoaging smartphone app promoting poster campaign to reduce smoking prevalence in secondary schools: the Smokerface Randomized Trial: design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Brinker Titus J , Holzapfel Julia , Baudson Tanja G , Sies Katharina , Jakob Lena , Baumert Hannah Maria , Heckl Marlene , Cirac Ana , Suhre Janina L , Mathes Verena , Fries Fabian N , Spielmann Hannah , Rigotti Nancy , Seeger Werner , Herth Felix , Groneberg David A , Raupach Tobias , Gall Henning , Bauer Claudia , Marek Pat , Batra Anil , Harrison Chase H , Taha Lava , Owczarek Andreas , Hofmann Felix J , Thomas Roger , Mons Ute , Kreuter Michael
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death globally. Most smokers smoke their first cigarette in early adolescence. We took advantage of the widespread availability of mobile phones and adolescents’ interest in appearance to develop a free photoaging app which is promoted via a poster campaign in secondary schools. This study aims to evaluate its effectiveness regarding smoking prevalence and students’ attitudes towards smoking.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled trial is conducted with 9851 students of both genders with an average age of 12 years in grades 6 and 7 of 126 secondary schools in Germany. At present, cigarette smoking prevalence in our sample is 4.7%, with 4.6% of the students currently using e-cigarettes (1.6% use both). The prospective experimental study design includes measurements at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 months postintervention via a questionnaire plus a random cotinine saliva sample at 24 months postintervention. The study groups consist of randomised schools receiving the Smokerface poster campaign and control schools with comparable baseline data (no intervention). The primary end point is the difference of change in smoking prevalence in the intervention group versus the difference in the control group at 24 months follow-up. Longitudinal changes in smoking-related attitudes, the number of new smokers and quitters and the change in the number of never-smokers will be compared between the two groups as secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the University of Gießen and the ministries of cultural affairs, both in Germany. Results will be disseminated at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, on our websites and throughout the multinational Education Against Tobacco network.

Trial registration number

NCT02544360, Pre-results.
Improving asthma care in a pediatric resident clinic
Authors: Lee Julia , Gogo Albina , Tancredi Daniel , Fernandez y Garcia Erik , Shaikh Ulfat
Published: November 2016

There is variation in pediatric asthma management in the outpatient setting. Adherence to national asthma guidelines provides a systematic standardized approach to asthma management. There is a gap between usual and guideline-consistent asthma care in resident clinics. Practice improvement modules aimed at improving resident physician adherence to asthma care guidelines have not been consistently utilized and have not yet been studied.

Our aim was to increase guideline consistent care in our pediatric resident clinic in a twelve-month period via increasing performance on the following measures to 75%: spirometry testing; influenza immunization recommendation; level of control assessed through the use of a standardized questionnaire; appropriate medications per national guideline; and use of written asthma action plans.

A summarized pediatric-specific version of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3 (NHLBI EPR-3) guidelines was made readily available to increase provider education. Electronic health record (EHR) enhancements included adding templates to create standardized asthma action plan, asthma control test and a pediatric asthma controller medication order-set. We also addressed the education of patients by simplifying patient instructions. We monitored our progress through the use of an online practice improvement module.

We found statistically significant increases in use of a standardized instrument to determine level of control (20% to 81%); recommendation of influenza immunization (56% to 97%); use of national medication treatment guidelines (28% to 98%); distribution of asthma action plans (29% to 65%); and provision of asthma self-management education (35% to 74%).

Standardizing the implementation of national guidelines for pediatric asthma through the use of a practice improvement module and electronic health records improved adherence to guidelines. The module allowed us to identify goals for improvement, collect and analyze our group performance data over time, assess the impact of each change, and redesign our process. Improving adherence to national pediatric asthma care guidelines is especially important in settings such as resident teaching clinics which provide care to underserved populations at higher risk for complications related to asthma.
The utility of a blood culture database to identify patients suitable for outpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment
Authors: Melzer Mark , Macpherson Liana , Welch Catherine
Published: November 2016

Background

The clinical and cost-effectiveness of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services are well described. We used a blood culture database as a novel approach to case finding and determined its utility in identifying inpatients suitable for OPAT.

Methods

From December 2012 to November 2013, consecutive adult inpatients with bacteraemia, and those recruited to OPAT, were prospectively studied. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the association between bacteraemic patient characteristics and OPAT recruitment.

Results

There were 470 bacteraemic and 134 OPAT patients. The blood culture database identified 22 (16.4%; CI 10.5 to 23.6) additional patients suitable for OPAT, 4.7% (95% CI 3.0% to 7.0%) of the total bacteraemic cohort. 20 (90.9%) of these patients had community-acquired bacteraemia. Bacteraemic patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), 11/157 (7.0%; 95% CI 3.5% to 12.2%) were most commonly recruited to OPAT and Escherichia coli was the most common blood culture isolate. In the E. coli bacteraemic subgroup, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers were significantly higher in the OPAT group, compared with the non-OPAT group, 9/11 (81.8%) vs 17/192 (8.9%), p<0.001. Among OPAT patients, there were no deaths within 30 days and no significant difference in relapse rates between bacteraemic and non-bacteraemic patients, 1/22 (4.6%) vs 5/112 (4.5%). In logistic regression analysis, there were no patient characteristics in the bacteraemic cohort that predicted recruitment to OPAT. In a subgroup analysis of patients with Gram-negative bacteraemia, ESBL production was strongly associated with OPAT recruitment, OR 5.85 (95% CI 1.94 to 17.58), p=0.002.

Conclusions

A blood culture database proved a useful adjuvant to a clinical referral system, particularly for patients with community onset, multidrug resistant UTIs caused by ESBL producing E. coli. All bacteraemic patients recruited to OPAT received treatment safely and had good clinical outcomes.
Analysis of complete, incomplete and total fusion data of 9Be +169Tm, 187Re, 209Bi reactions
Authors: Kharab Rajesh , Chahal Rajiv , Kumar Rajiv
Published: November 2016

We have analyzed the incomplete fusion (ICF), complete fusion (CF) and total fusion (TF) excitation functions for reactions induced by [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] targets at near barrier energies using Wong’s formula in conjunction with the energy dependent Woods–Saxon potential. A phenomenological selection function is proposed to separate out the contribution of ICF and CF cross-sections in TF cross-section. The variation of relative contribution of ICF and CF in TF with respect to incident beam energy is very well reproduced through this approach.
Some solutions for one of the cosmological constant problems
Authors: Nojiri Shin’ichi
Published: November 2016

We propose several covariant models which may solve one of the problems in the cosmological constant. One of the models can be regarded as an extension of sequestering model. Other models could be regarded as extensions of the covariant formulation of the unimodular gravity. The contributions to the vacuum energy from the quantum corrections from the matters are absorbed into a redefinition of a scalar field and the quantum corrections become irrelevant to the dynamics. In a class of the extended unimodular gravity models, we also consider models which are regarded as topological field theories. The models can be extended and not only the vacuum energy but also any quantum corrections to the gravitational action could become irrelevant for the dynamics. We find, however, that the BRS symmetry in the topological field theories is broken spontaneously and therefore, the models might not be consistent.
Parametric Analysis and Direct Displacement-Based Design Method of Self-Centering Energy-Dissipative Steel-Braced Frames
Authors: Xie Qin , Zhou Zhen , Li Canjun , Meng Shaoping
Published: November 2016

The self-centering energy-dissipative (SCED) brace is a novel bracing element that can substantially reduce the residual deformation and enhance the reparability of structures. In this paper, nonlinear dynamic analyses have been conducted on a 4- and a 12-story steel-braced frame with SCED braces to study the effect of four important design parameters on the seismic performance of the SCED frames and recommendations are given for selection of the parameters. The parameters considered include the response modification coefficient [Formula: see text], the stiffness ratio of the brace [Formula: see text], the strength ratio of the brace [Formula: see text], and the fuse activation story drift [Formula: see text]. The relationship between the residual story drift and the peak story drift of the SCED frames is obtained based on these statistics. Finally, based on the equivalent linearization theory, a direct displacement-based design method applicable to the SCED frames, regarding both the peak story drift and residual story drift as the design objectives, is proposed.
A New Method for Base-Slab Analysis of a Dock Settling Basin
Authors: Giglou Abolfazl Nazari , Olgün Celal Güney , Eskişar Tuğba
Published: November 2016

This paper suggests a new method of computing interior forces and deformations of the base-slab of a dock settling basin. The base element is considered as a finite beam under the action of bending supported by subgrade soil. The deformation of the subgrade is determined through the Fuss–Winkler model. The basic parameter (i.e., coefficient of subgrade reaction) of this model is a nonlinear parabolic equation along the length of the beam. The solution of this model leads to an ordinary differential equation that can be solved by using boundary conditions and Picard limit of a sequence method. After the solution of the equation, the deformations and interior forces are computed at any arbitrary cross section of the beam and the results of this study are compared with the other methods offered in the literature and compatible outcomes are achieved.
Regional Divide and National Identity in Taiwan: Evidences from the 2012 Presidential Election
Authors: TSAI CHIA-HUNG
Published: November 2016

It is widely believed that identity with Taiwanese or Chinese is the major cleavage in Taiwan. People who hold Taiwanese identity tend to vote for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and those who identify themselves as both Chinese and Taiwanese are likely to vote for the Kuomintang. As the proportion of Taiwanese identifiers increases, the geographical difference seems to persist. Whether national identity is associated with regional line and why they are correlated is a pressing question. This paper uses the 2012 presidential election survey data to explore the extent to which regional divide accounts for national identity. Using generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM), this research finds minor regional divide in terms of ethnicity concentration and economic structure. However, ethnic background is influential on national identity while retrospective evaluation and democratic value are significant predictors. This mixed result suggests that people in Taiwan have united national identity should geographical difference remain or even decrease, and that we should remain watchful about the influence of democratic value and economic concern.
Contextuality Scenarios Arising from Networks of Stochastic Processes
Authors: Iglesias Rodrigo , Tohmé Fernando , Auday Marcelo
Published: November 2016

An empirical model is a generalization of a probability space. It consists of a simplicial complex of subsets of a class 𝒳 of random variables such that each simplex has an associated probability distribution. The ensuing marginalizations are coherent, in the sense that the distribution on a face of a simplex coincides with the marginal of the distribution over the entire simplex. An empirical model is called contextual if its distributions cannot be obtained by marginalizing a joint distribution over 𝒳. Contextual empirical models arise naturally in quantum theory, giving rise to some of its counter -intuitive statistical consequences. In this paper, we present a different and classical source of contextual empirical models: the interaction among many stochastic processes. We attach an empirical model to the ensuing network in which each node represents an open stochastic process with input and output random variables. The statistical behaviour of the network in the long run makes the empirical model generically contextual and even strongly contextual.
Wigner-Araki-Yanase Theorem in General Theory of Quantum Measurement
Authors: Łuczak Andrzej
Published: November 2016

A general form of the Wigner-Araki-Yanase theorem is proved in the framework of quantum measurement theory based on the notion of instrument.
Wnt5a Increases Properties of Lung Cancer Stem Cells and Resistance to Cisplatin through Activation of Wnt5a/PKC Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Jiali , Zhang Kangjian , Wu Jing , Shi Juan , Xue Jing , Li Jing , Chen Juan , Zhu Yongzhao , Wei Jun , He Jinxi , Liu Xiaoming
Published: November 2016

The development of chemoresistance to cisplatin regimens causes a poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. The role of noncanonical Wnt signaling in the regulation of properties of lung cancer stem cells and chemoresistance was interrogated, by accessing capacities of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity as well as the apoptosis in A549 cell lines and cisplatin‐resistant A549 cells treated with Wnt5a conditional medium or protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X. Results showed that the noncanonical Wnt signaling ligand, Wnt5a, could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and cisplatin‐resistant A549/DDP cells and increase the fraction of ALDH‐positive cell in A549/DDP cells. An exposure of cells to Wnt5a led to a significant reduction of A549/DDP cell apoptosis but not A549 cells. An addition of GF109203X could both strikingly increase the baseline apoptosis and resensitize the Wnt5a‐inhibited cell apoptosis. Interestingly, an inhibition of Wnt/PKC signaling pathway could reduce properties of lung cancer stem cells, promote cell apoptosis, and resensitize cisplatin‐resistant cells to cisplatin via a caspase/AIF‐dependent pathway. These data thus suggested that the Wnt5a could promote lung cancer cell mobility and cisplatin‐resistance through a Wnt/PKC signaling pathway and a blockage of this signaling may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients with resistance to chemotherapies.
Attitude to the Menopause and Sex amongst Middle-Aged Women in a Family Medicine Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Folasade Adenike , Daramola Olufunmilola Olutosin
Published: November 2016

Background. Menopause is the expected end of reproductive life. Having a positive attitude towards it has been shown to result in a positive experience, while a negative attitude is associated with negative experiences and symptoms. Traditionally, women often abstain from sex after menopause. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and perceptions about the menopause and sex in perimenopausal women attending a general outpatient clinic. Methods. Women over 40 years were recruited from the Family Medicine Department of University College Hospital, excluding those who were menopausal. Data analyses were done with chi-square test (p<0.05). Results. Most (302; 86.4%) of the 352 surveyed participants were aware of the menopause. Only 36.1% anticipated associated symptoms. About half (55.7%) were indifferent to menopause onset, while 23% had a positive attitude and 21.4% had a negative attitude, respectively. Younger women were less likely to have a positive attitude to the menopause (p=0.04). There were negative cultural beliefs towards sex. Sexual activity was low and declined with age (p<0.001). Many women would like treatment to improve their sexual activity. Conclusion. Most participants had a favourable disposition towards the menopause, though sexual relationships suffer. Counselling and treatment should be offered.
Endobronchial Carcinoid and Concurrent Carcinoid Syndrome in an Adolescent Female
Authors: Cogen Jonathan D. , Swanson Jonathan , Ong Thida
Published: November 2016

Endobronchial carcinoid tumors are the most common intrabronchial tumors in children and adolescents. Common signs and symptoms include persistent cough and wheezing not responsive to bronchodilators, hemoptysis, and recurrent fever. Diagnosis is frequently made by imaging and direct visualization with flexible bronchoscopy; surgery remains the gold standard treatment, and lung-sparing resections should be performed whenever possible. Though carcinoid syndrome—characterized by flushing, palpitations, wheezing, shortness of breath, and diarrhea—has been found in association with adult bronchial carcinoid tumors, to our knowledge only one previous study has reported the presence of carcinoid syndrome in a pediatric patient with an endobronchial carcinoid. Here, we report a case of a 14-year-old girl with chronic cough found to have an endobronchial carcinoid tumor and signs and symptoms consistent with carcinoid syndrome.
Floquet Theory for Discontinuously Supported Waveguides
Authors: Sorzia A.
Published: November 2016

We apply Floquet theory of periodic coefficient second-order ODEs to an elastic waveguide. The waveguide is modeled as a uniform elastic string periodically supported by a discontinuous Winkler elastic foundation and, as a result, a Hill equation is found. The fundamental solutions, the stability regions, and the dispersion curves are determined and then plotted. An asymptotic approximation to the dispersion curve is also given. It is further shown that the end points of the band gap structure correspond to periodic and semiperiodic solutions of the Hill equation.
Congenital Unilateral Agenesis of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Teymoortash Afshin , Hoch Stephan
Published: November 2016

Congenital unilateral agenesis of the parotid gland is a rare condition with only few cases reported in the literature. A review of 21 cases in the available literature is presented in this article. We report on a further case of a 34-year-old woman with agenesis of the left parotid gland and lipoma of the right cheek. Clinicopathological characteristics of described cases in the literature were discussed.
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis withLeptotrichia goodfellowiiin a Patient with a Valvular Allograft: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Matias Wilfredo R. , Bourque Daniel L. , Niwano Tomoko , Onderdonk Andrew B. , Katz Joel T.
Published: November 2016

Leptotrichiaspecies are normal constituents of the oral cavity and the genitourinary tract microbiota that are known to provoke disease in immunocompromised patients and rarely in immunocompetent individuals. Following the description ofLeptotrichia goodfellowiisp. nov., two cases of endocarditis by this species have been reported. Here, we report a case ofLeptotrichia goodfellowiiendocarditis in an immunocompetent patient with a valvular allograft. The isolation and identification ofLeptotrichiacan be challenging, and it is likely that infection with this pathogen is significantly underdiagnosed. A definitive identification, as in this case, most often requires 16S rRNA gene sequencing, highlighting the increasingly important role of this diagnostic modality among immunocompetent patients with undetermined anaerobic bacteremia.