bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTABLISHMENT OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR MALAYSIAN WATER UTILITIES WITH THE PRESENCE OF UNDESIRABLE OUTPUT
Authors: Kamarudin Norbaizura , Ismail Wan Rosmanira
Published: April 2016

In maintaining the efficiency of water supply services, it is crucial to monitor the performance of water utilities in a country. One of widely used tools to evaluate the performance of water supply services is Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). However, prior DEA-related approaches for water sector performance have ignored the internal structure of water supply service operations; i.e. the water treatment process and water distribution process. Another neglected aspect is the presence of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) to be considered as an undesirable output in the water distribution process. This is in line with the goal to reduce the NRW level in water supply systems. Hence, this paper proposed a two-stage Network DEA with the presence of undesirable output to evaluate the performance of Malaysian water utilities. This proposed method advances the existing DEA-based approach on water utility performance measurement, where not only the potential reduced level of NRW can be determined, but, a new performance benchmarking indicator regarding the concept of efficiency and effectiveness of the water supply industry in Malaysia can be established from the same model.
OPEN INNOVATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE TOWARDS INFORMATICS REPORTING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Mat Yusof Marlita , Ismail Zuraini , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah , Zainal Abidin Wardah , Samy Ganthan Narayana
Published: April 2016

In the realm of technology development, open innovation paradigm and social media have both acquired massive attention in extensive researches since past several years. Social media, as the key medium has abundant to offer to support open innovation, thus successful innovation is the key to business rapid growth. This research provides a systematic literature review to identify, classify and summarize the factors of open innovation and social media use towards informatics reporting. Informatics reporting through this dynamic channel have been realized by many organizations nowadays, nonetheless greater number still confine with the traditional reports and are not ready to have linkage with social media platforms. Social media has been absolutely recognized as a powerful communication resource to engage stakeholders in virtual community. Hence, the result from the review suggests that there were six factors impacted open innovation and social media use towards informatics reporting, with transparency being the dominant factor. Eventually, these findings may ease the process of developing a model for open innovation paradigm implementing online platforms in organizations informatics reporting. All in all, this research shall assist organizations to plan and strategize the implementation of open innovation in social media platform for the advantage of their succeeding triumph.
CLIMATE AND FESTIVAL EFFECTS ON PENANG ROAD ACCIDENTS
Authors: Md Junus Noor Wahida , Ismail Mohd Tahir , Arsad Zainudin
Published: April 2016

Road accidents have become the fifth main cause of death in Malaysia in 2008 as reported by the Department of Statistics. The causes and trends should be investigated to prevent reoccurrence in the future. The purpose of this study is to identify the pattern of occurrence of road accidents and subsequently investigate the climate and festival effects on road accidents in Penang based on structural time series analysis. Structural time series analysis offers the possibility of discovering the stochastic behaviour of road accidents. The climate, festival, and intervention effects were incorporated in investigating their influences on the occurrence of road accidents. The study found that road accidents in Penang can be represented by a stochastic level with a fixed seasonal and were influenced by the climate and the intervention effects. The study should be enhanced by applying the model to another state with other relevant variables, such as economic factor and school holiday effect.
A THREE COMPETING SPECIES MODEL FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT: CASE STUDY ON TAMAN TIMUR OXIDATION POND, JOHOR BAHRU
Authors: S. A. Hamzah Amir , Murid Ali H. M. , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , A. Aziz Zainal , Ramli Hasniza , Rahman Hazzarita , Hamdon Norazelah
Published: April 2016

Oxidation pond techniques have practically proved to be effective for wastewater treatment process (WWTP) because of their low construction and operating cost. Cumbersome sampling is required to monitor the dynamics of the WWTP which also involves enormous costly work. Deterministic model accommodating the correlation between the amount of phototrophic bacteria in a product called mPHO (bioproduct used to improve water quality) and pollutant (bacteria E.coli and Coliform) existing in oxidation pond is developed to facilitate the analysis of this process. This study presents ordinary differential equation model for an oxidation pond to investigate the effect of mPHO on the degradation of pollutant. The model consists of a system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) with coupled reaction equations for the pollutant and phototrophic bacteria. The parameters of the model is estimated using the real data collected from an aerobic oxidation pond located in Taman Timor, Johor, Malaysia to illustrate a real life application of this model. The simulation results provide a better understanding of the ecological system in the oxidation pond.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Eve Angelia
Published: April 2016

Applied Finance and Accounting (AFA) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from August 30, 2014, to January 30, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.     Abdelaziz HAKIMI Adam Zaremba Anastasia, Kopaneli Aneta Karina Bernat Feng Jui Hsu Florin Peci Gheorghe Morosan Haitham Nobanee Hong Bo Kesseven Padachi Lee Kian Tek Luca Sensini Luo Yongli Marco Muscettola Mohamed Jalloh Nikolay Patonov Noriaki Okamoto Odumeso-Jimoh M I John Peibiao Zhao Rui FERNANDES Shahram Fattahi Vineet Chouhan Wei-Bin ZHANG Yao Zheng Yu Peng Lin           Angelia Eve Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and Accounting Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA E-mail: afa@redfame.com URL: http://afa.redfame.com
Using 2-Opt based evolution strategy for travelling salesman problem
Authors: Karagul Kenan , Aydemir Erdal , Tokat Sezai
Published: April 2016

Harmony search algorithm that matches the (µ+1) evolution strategy, is a heuristic method simulated by the process of music improvisation. In this paper, a harmony search algorithm is directly used for the travelling salesman problem. Instead of conventional selection operators such as roulette wheel, the transformation of real number values of harmony search algorithm to order index of vertex representation and improvement of solutions are obtained by using the 2-Opt local search algorithm. Then, the obtained algorithm is tested on two different parameter groups of TSPLIB. The proposed method is compared with classical 2-Opt which randomly started at each step and best known solutions of test instances from TSPLIB. It is seen that the proposed algorithm offers valuable solutions.
Modelling effects on grid cells of sensory input during self‐motion
Authors: Raudies Florian , Hinman James R. , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: April 2016

The neural coding of spatial location for memory function may involve grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex, but the mechanism of generating the spatial responses of grid cells remains unclear. This review describes some current theories and experimental data concerning the role of sensory input in generating the regular spatial firing patterns of grid cells, and changes in grid cell firing fields with movement of environmental barriers. As described here, the influence of visual features on spatial firing could involve either computations of self‐motion based on optic flow, or computations of absolute position based on the angle and distance of static visual cues. Due to anatomical selectivity of retinotopic processing, the sensory features on the walls of an environment may have a stronger effect on ventral grid cells that have wider spaced firing fields, whereas the sensory features on the ground plane may influence the firing of dorsal grid cells with narrower spacing between firing fields. These sensory influences could contribute to the potential functional role of grid cells in guiding goal‐directed navigation.

image
Nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2, Nrf2) mediates exercise‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis and the anti‐oxidant response in mice
Authors: Merry Troy L. , Ristow Michael
Published: April 2016

Key points

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) regulate exercise‐induced nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NFE2L2) expression in skeletal muscle.

NFE2L2 is required for acute exercise‐induced increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis genes, such as nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF‐1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A, and anti‐oxidant genes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2 and catalase.

Following exercise training mice with impaired NFE2L2 expression have reduced exercise performance, energy expenditure, mitochondrial volume and anti‐oxidant activity.

In muscle cells, ROS and NO can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis via a NFE2L2/NRF‐1‐dependent pathway.

Regular exercise induces adaptations to skeletal muscle, which can include mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced anti‐oxidant reserves. These adaptations and others are at least partly responsible for the improved health of physically active individuals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) are produced during exercise and may mediate the adaptive response to exercise in skeletal muscle. However, the mechanisms through which they act are unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine the role of the redox‐sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2) in acute exercise‐ and training‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis and the anti‐oxidant response. We report that ROS and NO regulate acute exercise‐induced expression of NFE2L2 in mouse skeletal muscle and muscle cells, and that deficiency in NFE2L2 prevents normal acute treadmill exercise‐induced increases in mRNA of the mitochondrial biogenesis markers, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF‐1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), and the anti‐oxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2, as well as catalase, in mouse gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, after 5 weeks of treadmill exercise training, mice deficient in NFE2L2 had reduced exercise capacity and whole body energy expenditure, as well as skeletal muscle mitochondrial mass and SOD activity, compared to wild‐type littermates. In C2C12 myoblasts, acute treatment with exogenous H2O2(ROS)‐ and diethylenetriamine/NO adduct (NO donor) induced increases in mtTFA, which was prevented by small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA knockdown of either NFE2L2 or NRF‐1. Our results suggest that, during exercise, ROS and NO can act via NFE2L2 to functionally regulate skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and anti‐oxidant defence gene expression.
Jacobi Spectral Galerkin and Iterated Methods for Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equation
Authors: Yang Yin , Chen Yanping
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a Jacobi spectral Galerkin method is developed for nonlinear Volterra integral equations (VIEs) of the second kind. The spectral rate of convergence for the proposed method is established in the L∞-norm and the weighted L2-norm. Global superconvergence properties are discussed by iterated Galerkin methods. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Implementation Details of a Generalized-α Differential-Algebraic Equation Lie Group Method
Authors: Arnold Martin , Hante Stefan
Published: April 2016

Configuration spaces with Lie group structure display kinematical nonlinearities of mechanical systems. In Lie group time integration, this nonlinear structure is also considered at the time-discrete level using nonlinear updates of the configuration variables. For practical implementation purposes, these update formulae have to be adapted to each specific Lie group setting that may be characterized from the algorithmic viewpoint by group operation, exponential map, tilde, and tangent operator. In this paper, we discuss these practical aspects for the time integration of a geometrically exact Cosserat rod model with rotational degrees-of-freedom being represented by unit quaternions. Shearing and longitudinal extension of the Cosserat rod may be neglected using suitable constraints that result in a differential-algebraic equation (DAE) formulation of the beam structure. The specific structure of unconstrained systems and constrained systems is exploited by tailored algorithms for the corrector iteration of the generalized-α Lie group integrator.
Study on the High-Speed Rubbing Wear Behavior Between Ti6Al4V Blade and Nickel–Graphite Abradable Seal Coating
Authors: Xue Weihai , Gao Siyang , Duan Deli , Wang Lu , Liu Yang , Li Shu
Published: April 2016

The wear behavior of Ti6Al4V blade rubbed against nickel–graphite (Ni–G) abradable seal coating was studied with a high-speed rub test rig. According to the test results acquired at different incursion per passes and linear speeds, blade wear increased with the increment of linear speed at a fixed incursion per pass. With incursion per pass increasing, blade wear increased when linear speed was fixed at 30 m/s, while decreased at 90 and 150 m/s. Referring to the macromorphology observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses of the wear scars, rubbing at 30 m/s, microcutting and microploughing with coating adhesion was the main blade wear mechanism while spalling accompanied by densification was the main coating wear mechanism. Rubbing at 90 and 150 m/s, plastic deformation was the main blade wear mechanism while transfer mixed layer that resulted from blade transferred was identified as the main coating wear mechanism. Quantitative analysis of coating densification and microhardness detection of the transfer mixed layer indicated that high coating densification made great contribution to low blade wear at 30 m/s and aggravated blade wear at high linear speed was due to the high frictional heat and the resultant high-hardness transfer mixed layer. It could therefore be concluded that high linear speed guarantees enough frictional heat output while low incursion per pass is responsible for the accumulation of frictional heat.
Dynamics Behavior of a Guided Spline Spinning Disk, Subjected to Conservative In-Plane Edge Loads, Analytical and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Mohammadpanah Ahmad , Hutton Stanley G.
Published: April 2016

The governing linear equations of transverse motion of a spinning disk with a splined inner radius and constrained from lateral motion by guide pads are derived. The disk is driven by a matching spline arbor that offers no restraint to the disk in the lateral direction. Rigid body translational and tilting degrees-of-freedom are included in the analysis of total motion of the spinning disk. The disk is subjected to lateral constraints and loads. Also considered are applied conservative in-plane edge loads at the outer and inner boundaries. The numerical solution of these equations is used to investigate the effect of the loads and constraints on the natural frequencies, critical speeds, and stability of a spinning disk. The sensitivity of eigenvalues of spline spinning disk to the in-plane edge loads is analyzed by taking the derivative of the spinning disk's eigenvalues with respect to the loads. An expression for the energy induced in the spinning disk by the in-plane loads, and their interaction at the inner radius, is derived by computation of the rate of work done by the lateral component of the edge loads. Experimental idling and cutting tests for a guided spline saw are conducted at the critical speed, super critical speeds, and at the flutter instability speed. The cutting results at different speeds are compared to show that the idling results of a guided spline disk can be used to predict stable operation speeds of the system during cutting.
Output-Only Identification of Nonlinear Systems Via Volterra Series
Authors: Scussel Oscar , da Silva Samuel
Published: April 2016

The operational modal analysis methods based on output-only measurements are well-known and applied in linear systems. However, they are not so well developed for nonlinear systems. Thus, this paper proposes an approach for nonlinear system identification using output-only data. In the conventional Volterra series, the outputs of the system are computed by multiple convolutions between the excitation force and the Volterra kernels. However, in this paper at least two time series measured in different placements are used to compute the multiple convolutions and the excitation signals are not required. The novel kernels identified can be used to characterize nonlinear behavior through a model using only output data. A numerical example based on a Duffing oscillator with two degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) and experimental vibration data from a buckled beam with hardening nonlinearities are used to illustrate the proposed method. The prediction results using output-only data are similar to the conventional Volterra kernels based on input and output data.
A study of Helmholtz resonators to stabilize thermoacoustically driven pressure oscillations
Authors: Zalluhoglu Umut , Olgac Nejat
Published: April 2016

This paper studies passive control of thermoacoustic instabilities from an unconventional mathematical perspective. These instabilities are notoriously known to result from the complex dynamic exchange between the unsteady heat release and the acoustic waves within a finite volume such as a combustor. One possible passive control strategy is to utilize Helmholtz resonators. Under certain simplifications, the ensemble combustion dynamics including the resonators reduces to a linear-time invariant–multiple time-delayed system (LTI–MTDS). As the main contribution of the paper, an exact analytical procedure is proposed to determine the placement of the resonators to avoid instabilities. A unique mathematical paradigm, called the cluster treatment of characteristic roots, is used to accomplish this task. It declares exactly the necessary and sufficient stability conditions for an LTI–MTDS in the space of the system parameters. This concept paper is written with the mindset that this analytical tool can invite yet unexplored design capabilities for similar noise control applications where acoustic dampers are used.
Prior Exercise Does Not Reduce Postprandial Lipemia Following a Mixed Glucose Meal When Compared with a Mixed Fructose Meal
Authors: Rowe James R. , Biggerstaff Kyle D. , Ben-Ezra Vic , Nichols David L. , DiMarco Nancy
Published: April 2016

This study examined the effect of prior exercise on postprandial lipemia (PPL) concentration following a mixed meal (MM) made with either glucose or fructose. Sedentary women completed four trials in random order: 1) Rest-Fructose: RF, 2) Rest-Glucose: RG, 3) Exercise-Fructose: EF, 4) Exercise-Glucose: EG. Exercise expended 500 kcal while walking at 70%VO2max. Rest was 60 min of sitting. The morning after each trial, a fasting (12 hr) blood sample was collected followed by consumption of the MM. The MM was blended with whole milk and ice cream plus a glucose or fructose powder. Glucose and fructose powder accounted for 30% of the total kcal within the MM. Blood was collected periodically for 6 hr post-MM and analyzed for PPL. Magnitude of PPL over the 6 hr postmeal was quantified using the triglyceride incremental area under the curve (TG AUCI). Significant differences (p < .05) between trials were determined using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. There was no significant difference in the TG AUCI between the four trials (p > .05). A significant trial by time interaction for TG concentration was reported (p < .05). Despite lack of change in the AUCI with prior exercise, the lower TG concentration at multiple time points in the EG trial does indicate that prior exercise has some desirable effect on PPL. This study suggests that replacing fructose with glucose sugars and incorporating exercise may minimize PPL following a mixed meal but exercise will need to elicit greater energy expenditure.
Physical Activity Among Older Adults With Visual Impairment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Griffin Meridith , Smith Brett , Howe P. David , Phoenix Cassandra
Published: April 2016

In this paper we present a scoping review of literature on aging, visual impairment, and physical activity. Our objectives are to: (a) explore the available literature on aging, physical activity, and sight loss; (b) describe how participation in physical activity by older adults with visual impairment is understood by researchers; and, (c) identify benefits, barriers, and facilitators of physical activity participation as reported by older adults with age-related sight loss. Over 2,000 sources were reviewed, with 30 studies meeting eligibility criteria. Findings were organized into four thematic categories, namely: (a) participation rates; (b) health inequalities; (c) barriers to physical activity participation; and, (d) benefits of physical activity participation. Through this scoping review process, extant knowledge was synthesized and gaps in the literature were critically assessed. To address these gaps, several avenues for future research are outlined and described, alongside a consideration of the implications of the scoping review findings for both policy and practice.
An Evaluation of Sport Management Student Preparedness: Recommendations for Adapting Curriculum to Meet Industry Needs
Authors: DeLuca Jaime R. , Braunstein-Minkove Jessica
Published: April 2016

Experiential learning has become a driving force of universities around the world, and is a crucial part of many sport management programs. This is particularly true given the competitive nature of the field and the rapid changes the industry continuously faces. This work seeks to reexamine the sport management curricula to ensure a progression and evolution toward a superior level of student preparedness for their internship experiences. Through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods, our major findings recommend a focus on academic, experiential, and professional development. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed along with limitations and directions for further investigation.
Pharmacological reversal of a pain phenotype in iPSC-derived sensory neurons and patients with inherited erythromelalgia
Authors: Cao Lishuang , McDonnell Aoibhinn , Nitzsche Anja , Alexandrou Aristos , Saintot Pierre-Philippe , Loucif Alexandre J.C. , Brown Adam R. , Young Gareth , Mis Malgorzata , Randall Andrew , Waxman Stephen G. , Stanley Philip , Kirby Simon , Tarabar Sanela , Gutteridge Alex , Butt Richard , McKernan Ruth M. , Whiting Paul , Ali Zahid , Bilsland James , Stevens Edward B.
Published: April 2016

A selective Nav1.7 sodium channel blocker reduced hyperexcitability of iPSC-derived sensory neurons and alleviated pain in a subpopulation of patients with an inherited pain disorder.
A research roadmap for next-generation sequencing informatics
Authors: Altman Russ B. , Prabhu Snehit , Sidow Arend , Zook Justin M. , Goldfeder Rachel , Litwack David , Ashley Euan , Asimenos George , Bustamante Carlos D. , Donigan Katherine , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Johansen Elaine , Khuri Natalia , Lee Eunice , Liang Xueying Sharon , Salit Marc , Serang Omar , Tezak Zivana , Wall Dennis P. , Mansfield Elizabeth , Kass-Hout Taha
Published: April 2016

Progress in nine research areas will help generate the knowledge required to advance next-generation sequencing diagnostics to the clinic.
Evaluation of Antihemagglutinin and Antineuraminidase Antibodies as Correlates of Protection in an Influenza A/H1N1 Virus Healthy Human Challenge Model
Authors: Memoli Matthew J. , Shaw Pamela A. , Han Alison , Czajkowski Lindsay , Reed Susan , Athota Rani , Bristol Tyler , Fargis Sarah , Risos Kyle , Powers John H. , Davey Richard T. , Taubenberger Jeffery K.
Published: April 2016

Despite long-term investment, influenza continues to be a significant worldwide problem. The cornerstone of protection remains vaccination, and approved vaccines seek to elicit a hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer of ≥1:40 as the primary correlate of protection. However, recent poor vaccine performance raises questions regarding the protection afforded and whether other correlates of protection should be targeted. A healthy volunteer challenge study was performed with a wild-type 2009 A(H1N1)pdm influenza A challenge virus at the NIH Clinical Center to evaluate two groups of participants with HAI titers of ≥1:40 and <1:40. The primary objective was to determine whether participants with HAI titers of ≥1:40 were less likely to develop mild to moderate influenza disease (MMID) after intranasal inoculation. HAI titers of ≥1:40 were protective against MMID but did not reduce the incidence of symptoms alone. Although the baseline HAI titer correlated with some reduction in disease severity measures, overall, the baseline NAI titer correlated more significantly with all disease severity metrics and had a stronger independent effect on outcome. This study demonstrates the importance of examining other immunological correlates of protection rather than solely HAI titers. This challenge study confirms the importance of NAI titer as a correlate and for the first time establishes that it can be an independent predictor of reduction of all aspects of influenza disease. This suggests that NAI titer may play a more significant role than previously thought and that neuraminidase immunity should be considered when studying susceptibility after vaccination and as a critical target in future influenza vaccine platforms.

IMPORTANCE
This study represents the first time the current gold standard for evaluating influenza vaccines as set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, a “protective” hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer of ≥1:40, has been evaluated in a well-controlled healthy volunteer challenge study since the cutoff was established. We used our established wild-type influenza A healthy volunteer human challenge model to evaluate how well this antibody titer predicts a reduction in influenza virus-induced disease. We demonstrate that although higher HAI titer is predictive of some protection, there is stronger evidence to suggest that neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) titer is more predictive of protection and reduced disease. This is the first time NAI titer has been clearly identified in a controlled trial of this type to be an independent predictor of a reduction in all aspects of influenza.
Evaluation of a Fully Automated Research Prototype for the Immediate Identification of Microorganisms from Positive Blood Cultures under Clinical Conditions
Authors: Hyman Jay M. , Walsh John D. , Ronsick Christopher , Wilson Mark , Hazen Kevin C. , Borzhemskaya Larisa , Link John , Clay Bradford , Ullery Michael , Sanchez-Illan Mirta , Rothenberg Steven , Robinson Ron , van Belkum Alex , Dunne W. Michael
Published: April 2016

A clinical laboratory evaluation of an intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (IFS)-based identification system paired to a BacT/Alert Virtuo microbial detection system (bioMérieux, Inc., Durham, NC) was performed to assess the potential for fully automated identification of positive blood cultures. The prototype IFS system incorporates a novel method combining a simple microbial purification procedure with rapid
in situ
identification via spectroscopy. Results were available within 15 min of a bottle signaling positive and required no manual intervention. Among cultures positive for organisms contained within the database and producing acceptable spectra, 75 of 88 (85.2%) and 79 of 88 (89.8%) were correctly identified to the species and genus level, respectively. These results are similar to the performance of existing rapid methods.

IMPORTANCE
A fully automated research platform was developed to identify microbial growth from positive blood cultures in <15 min. Because of the automated format, results can be generated during all shifts, with or without staffing, which in turn could promote more timely administration of target antimicrobial therapy.
Genome-Wide Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Analysis Shows that WhiB Is a Transcription Factor That Cocontrols Its Regulon with WhiA To Initiate Developmental Cell Division in
Streptomyces
Authors: Bush Matthew J. , Chandra Govind , Bibb Maureen J. , Findlay Kim C. , Buttner Mark J.
Published: April 2016

WhiB is the founding member of a family of proteins (the
W
hi
B
-
l
ike [Wbl] family) that carry a [4Fe-4S] iron-sulfur cluster and play key roles in diverse aspects of the biology of actinomycetes, including pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and the control of development. In
Streptomyces
, WhiB is essential for the process of developmentally controlled cell division that leads to sporulation. The biochemical function of Wbl proteins has been controversial; here, we set out to determine unambiguously if WhiB functions as a transcription factor using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) in
Streptomyces venezuelae
. In the first demonstration of
in vivo
genome-wide Wbl binding, we showed that WhiB regulates the expression of key genes required for sporulation by binding upstream of ~240 transcription units. Strikingly, the WhiB regulon is identical to the previously characterized WhiA regulon, providing an explanation for the identical phenotypes of
whiA
and
whiB
mutants. Using ChIP-seq, we demonstrated that
in vivo
DNA binding by WhiA depends on WhiB and vice versa, showing that WhiA and WhiB function cooperatively to control expression of a common set of WhiAB target genes. Finally, we show that mutation of the cysteine residues that coordinate the [4Fe-4S] cluster in WhiB prevents DNA binding by both WhiB and WhiA
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the central importance of
W
hi
B
-
l
ike (Wbl) proteins in actinomycete biology, a conclusive demonstration of their biochemical function has been elusive, and they have been difficult to study, particularly
in vitro
, largely because they carry an oxygen-sensitive [4Fe-4S] cluster. Here we used genome-wide ChIP-seq to investigate the function of
Streptomyces
WhiB, the founding member of the Wbl family. The advantage of this approach is that the oxygen sensitivity of the [4Fe-4S] cluster becomes irrelevant once the protein has been cross-linked to DNA
in vivo
. Our data provide the most compelling
in vivo
evidence to date that WhiB, and, by extension, probably all Wbl proteins, function as transcription factors. Further, we show that WhiB does not act independently but rather coregulates its regulon of sporulation genes with a partner transcription factor, WhiA.
Prehospital emergency services screening and referral to reduce falls in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Zozula Alexander , Carpenter Christopher R , Lipsey Kim , Stark Susan
Published: April 2016

Background

Falls represent an increasing source of geriatric morbidity and mortality. Prehospital emergency services may be uniquely suited to screen and refer subsets of high-risk older adults to fall prevention programmes. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of such screening and referral programmes.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and OTseeker for English-language peer-reviewed randomised trials, non-randomised trials and cohort studies evaluating prehospital fall risk screening and referral programmes for community-dwelling adults ≥60 years of age. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Primary outcomes included the risk and rate of falling. Secondary outcomes included successful follow-up to address fall risks and adverse events.

Results

From 6187 unique records, 6 studies were included. Screening varied from using semistructured risk assessments to recording chief complaints. All studies were at high risk of bias. One unblinded trial of a multifactorial fall prevention programme demonstrated a 14.3% (95% CI 6.1% to 22.5%) absolute reduction in annual fall risk and a relative fall incidence of 0.45 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.58). The probability of successful follow-up varied from 9.8% to 81.0%. No studies demonstrated any attributable adverse events.

Conclusions

No high-quality evidence demonstrates that prehospital services reduce falls in community-dwelling older adults. Screening by prehospital personnel using semistructured risk assessments appears feasible, but it is unclear whether this is superior to referral based on fall-related chief complaints.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO 2012:CRD42012002782.
BET 2: Usefulness of epinephrine in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Evans Megan E , Chassee Todd
Published: April 2016

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether prehospital adrenaline affects long-term morbidity or mortality after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Fifty-five papers were found using the reported search. Of these, three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that while epinephrine used as an adjunctive treatment during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may improve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital, it does not improve survival to discharge or neurological outcome.
Unified universe history through phantom extended Chaplygin gas
Authors: Pourhassan B.
Published: April 2016

The universe evolution from inflation to late-time acceleration is investigated in a unified way, using a two-component fluid constituted from extended Chaplygin gas alongside a phantom scalar field. We extract solutions for the various cosmological eras, focusing on the behavior of the scale factor, the various density parameters and the equation-of-state parameter. Furthermore, we extract and discuss bouncing solutions. Finally, we examine the perturbations of the model, ensuring their stability and extracting the predictions for the tensor-to-scalar ratio.
Linking adults and immatures of South African marine fishes
Authors: Steinke Dirk , Connell Allan D. , Hebert Paul D.N.
Published: April 2016

The early life-history stages of fishes are poorly known, impeding acquisition of the identifications needed to monitor larval recruitment and year-class strength. A comprehensive database of COI sequences, linked to authoritatively identified voucher specimens, promises to change this situation, representing a significant advance for fisheries science. Barcode records were obtained from 2526 early larvae and pelagic eggs of fishes collected on the inshore shelf within 5 km of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, about 50 km south of Durban, South Africa. Barcodes were also obtained from 3215 adults, representing 946 South African fish species. Using the COI reference library on BOLD based on adults, 89% of the immature fishes could be identified to a species level; they represented 450 species. Most of the uncertain sequences could be assigned to a genus, family, or order; only 92 specimens (4%) were unassigned. Accumulation curves based on inference of phylogenetic diversity indicate near-completeness of the collecting effort. The entire set of adult and larval fishes included 1006 species, representing 43% of all fish species known from South African waters. However, this total included 189 species not previously recorded from this region. The fact that almost 90% of the immatures gained a species identification demonstrates the power and completeness of the DNA barcode reference library for fishes generated during the 10 years of FishBOL.
Effect of the energy spectrum and angular momentum of pre-scission neutrons on the prediction of fission fragment angular anisotropy by the models
Authors: Soheyli Saeed , Khanlari Marzieh Varasteh
Published: April 2016

Effects of the various neutron emission energy spectra, as well as the influence of the angular momentum of pre-scission neutrons on theoretical predictions of fission fragment angular anisotropies for several heavy-ion induced fission systems are considered. Although theoretical calculations of angular anisotropy are very sensitive to neutron emission correction, the effects of the different values of kinetic energy of emitted neutrons derived from the various neutron emission energy spectra before reaching to the saddle point on the prediction of fission fragment angular distribution by the model are not significant and can be neglected, since these effects on angular anisotropies of fission fragments for a wide range of fissility parameters and excitation energies of compound nuclei are not more than 10%. Furthermore, the theoretical prediction of fission fragment angular anisotropy is not sensitive to the angular momentum of emitted neutrons.
A Path Integral Monte Carlo Study of Anderson Localization in Cold Gases in the Presence of Disorder
Authors: Datta S.
Published: April 2016

We revisit the problem of Anderson localization in a trapped Bose–Einstein condensate in 1D and 3D in a disordered potential, applying Quantum Monte Carlo technique because the disorder cannot be treated accurately in a perturbative way as even a small amount of disorder can produce dramatic changes in the physical properties of the system under investigation. Till date no unambiguous evidence of localization has been observed for matter waves in 3D. Matter waves made up of cold atoms are good candidates for such investigations. Simulations are performed for Rb gas in continuous space using canonical ensemble in the case of random and quasi-periodic potentials. To realize random and quasiperiodic potentials numerically we use speckle and bichromatic potentials, respectively. Owing to the high degree of control over the system parameters we specifically study the interplay of disorder and interaction in the system. A dilute Bose gas placed in a random environment falls into a fragmented localized state and the ergodicity (the repetitiveness of the wave function) is lost. An arbitrary Interaction can slowly overcome the effect of disorder and restore the ergodicity again. We observe that as the interaction strength increases, the wave functions become more and more delocalized. Since vanishing of Lyapunov exponent is only a necessary but not a sufficient condition for delocalization for probing the localization we calculate the mean square displacements as an alternative measure of localization. The path integral Monte Carlo technique in this paper numerically establishes the existing predictions of the scaling theory so far and paves a clear path for the further investigation of scaling theory to calculate more complicated properties like ‘critical exponents’ etc. in disordered quantum gases.
Geodynamics of Late Carboniferous–Early Permian forearc in north Chile (28°30′–29°30′S)
Authors: Creixell C. , Oliveros V. , Vásquez P. , Navarro J. , Vallejos D. , Valin X. , Godoy E. , N. Ducea M.
Published: April 2016

A large section of the Late Palaeozoic forearc is exposed along the coastal ranges of north–central Chile (28°–29°30′S). This is characterized by three lithotectonic units: (1) the Punta de Choros Metamorphic Complex (basal accretion series), composed mostly of micaschists and metabasites; (2) the Chañaral Epimetamorphic Complex (frontal accretion series), formed by metaturbidites and metasediments; (3) the Llano del Chocolate Beds (forearc basin deposits), composed of a sedimentary sequence of clastic sedimentary rocks with minor limestones and acidic volcanic rocks. Within the basal accretion series, two distinctive blocks of garnet-bearing schists with amphibolite-facies metamorphism have been preserved, recording early stages of the subduction system. The stratigraphic record and the U–Pb dating of igneous (291–318 Ma) and detrital zircons (maximal deposition ages between 273 and 292 Ma) in the forearc basin deposits, coupled with
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages for metamorphic rocks (319–280 Ma), indicate that forearc sedimentation was broadly contemporaneous with metamorphism and exhumation of the basal accretion series. The radiometric dating on garnet-bearing rocks indicates that the onset of the subduction system took place in the Mississippian, at a high thermal gradient. These conditions were responsible for generation of limited volumes of acidic melt, now recognized as acidic domes and tuffs within the forearc basin stratigraphy.

Supplementary material:
Tables of sedimentary facies, U-Pb geochronological analyses and Ar-Ar geochronological data are available at:
http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2868307
.
The Modification Effect of Influenza Vaccine on Prognostic Indicators for Cardiovascular Events after Acute Coronary Syndrome: Observations from an Influenza Vaccination Trial
Authors: Sribhutorn Apirak , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Chaikledkaew Usa , Eakanunkul Suntara , Sukonthasarn Apichard
Published: April 2016

Introduction. The prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients has been improved with several treatments such as antithrombotics, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) as well as coronary revascularization. Influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce adverse outcomes in ACS, but no information exists regarding the interaction of other treatments.Methods. This study included 439 ACS patients from Phrommintikul et al. A single dose of inactivated influenza vaccine was given by intramuscular injection in the vaccination group. The cardiovascular outcomes were described as major cardiovascular events (MACEs) which included mortality, hospitalization due to ACS, and hospitalization due to heart failure (HF). The stratified and multivariable Cox’s regression analysis was performed.Results. The stratified Cox’s analysis by influenza vaccination for each cardiovascular outcome and discrimination of hazard ratios showed that beta-blockers had an interaction with influenza vaccination. Moreover, the multivariable hazard ratios disclosed that influenza vaccine is associated with a significant reduction of hospitalization due to HF in patients who received beta-blockers (HR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.004–0.71,P=0.027), after being adjusted for prognostic indicators (sex, dyslipidemia, serum creatinine, and left ventricular ejection fraction).Conclusions. The influenza vaccine was shown to significantly modify the effect of beta-blockers in ACS patients and to reduce the hospitalization due to HF. However, further study of a larger population and benefits to HF patients should be investigated.
15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2Induces Apoptosis and Upregulates SOCS3 in Human Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Trindade-da-Silva Carlos Antônio , Reis Carolina Fernandes , Vecchi Lara , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Sperandio Marcelo , Matias Colombo Bruna França , Alves Patrícia Terra , Ward Laura Sterian , Ueira-Vieira Carlos , Goulart Luiz Ricardo
Published: April 2016

The cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2) is a natural ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and a potential mediator of apoptosis in cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of 15d-PGJ2in human thyroid papillary carcinoma cells (TPC-1) using different doses of 15d-PGJ2(0.6 to 20 μM) to determine IC50(9.3 μM) via the MTT assay. The supernatant culture medium of the TPC-1 cells that was treated either with 15d-PGJ2or with vehicle (control) for 24 hours was assessed for IL-6 secretion via CBA assay. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression of IL-6, SOCS1, SOCS3, and STAT3. TPC-1 cells treated with 15d-PGJ2decreased the secretion and expression of IL-6 and STAT3, while it increased SOCS1 and SOCS3. Overall, we demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2downregulated IL-6 signaling pathway and led TPC-1 cells into apoptosis. In conclusion, 15d-PGJ2shows the potential to become a new therapeutic approach for thyroid tumors.
The Minimal Length and the Shannon Entropic Uncertainty Relation
Authors: Pedram Pouria
Published: April 2016

In the framework of the generalized uncertainty principle, the position and momentum operators obey the modified commutation relationX,P=iħ1+βP2, whereβis the deformation parameter. Since the validity of the uncertainty relation for the Shannon entropies proposed by Beckner, Bialynicki-Birula, and Mycielski (BBM) depends on both the algebra and the used representation, we show that using the formally self-adjoint representation, that is,X=xandP=tan⁡βp/β, where[x,p]=iħ, the BBM inequality is still valid in the formSx+Sp≥1+ln⁡πas well as in ordinary quantum mechanics. We explicitly indicate this result for the harmonic oscillator in the presence of the minimal length.
Inhibitory Effects of Angelica Polysaccharide on Activation of Mast Cells
Authors: Mao Wei-An , Sun Yuan-Yuan , Mao Jing-Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Jian , Zhou Jie , Rahman Khalid , Ye Ying
Published: April 2016

This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Angelica polysaccharide (AP) on activation of mast cells and its possible molecular mechanism. In our study, we determined the proinflammatory cytokines and allergic mediators in anti‐DNP IgE stimulated RBL‐2H3 cells and found that AP (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) significantly decreased the release of histamine, β‐hexosaminidase, leukotrienes C4 (LTC4), IL‐1, IL‐4, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and human monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL2) (p < 0.05). In addition, Ca2+ entry was inhibited by treatment with AP. AP also downregulated the protein expressions of p‐Fyn, p‐Akt, p‐P38, IL‐4, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB p65 in both Fyn gene upregulated and normal RBL‐2H3 cells (p < 0.05). Collectively, our results showed that AP could inhibit the activation of mast cells via suppressing the releases of proinflammatory cytokines allergic mediators, Gab2/PI3‐K/Akt and Fyn/Syk pathways.
A Fomitopsis pinicola Jeseng Formulation Has an Antiobesity Effect and Protects against Hepatic Steatosis in Mice with High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Jung Hoe-Yune , Ji Yosep , Kim Na-Ri , Kim Do-Young , Kim Kyong-Tai , Choi Bo-Hwa
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the antiobesity effect of an extract of the Fomitopsis pinicola Jeseng‐containing formulation (FAVA), which is a combination of four natural components: Fomitopsis pinicola Jeseng; Acanthopanax senticosus; Viscum album coloratum; and Allium tuberosum. High‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) fed male C57BL/6J mice were treated with FAVA (200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to monitor the antiobesity effect and amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weights were reduced in FAVA‐treated mice, and a histological examination showed an amelioration of fatty liver in FAVA‐treated mice without decreasing food consumption. Additionally, FAVA reduced serum lipid profiles, leptin, and insulin levels compared with the HFD control group. The FAVA extract suppressed lipogenic mRNA expression levels from WAT concomitantly with the cholesterol biosynthesis level in the liver. These results demonstrate the inhibitory effects of FAVA on obesity and NAFLD in the diet‐induced obese (DIO) mouse model. Therefore, FAVA may be an effective therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and fatty liver caused by a high‐fat diet.