bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizers Is Mediated by a Novel Efflux Pump Encoded by emrE
Authors: Kovacevic Jovana , Ziegler Jennifer , Wałecka-Zacharska Ewa , Reimer Aleisha , Kitts David D. , Gilmour Matthew W.
Published: November 2015

A novel genomic island (LGI1) was discovered in
Listeria monocytogenes
isolates responsible for the deadliest listeriosis outbreak in Canada, in 2008. To investigate the functional role of LGI1, the outbreak strain 08-5578 was exposed to food chain-relevant stresses, and the expression of 16 LGI1 genes was measured. LGI1 genes with putative efflux (
L. monocytogenes
emrE
[

emrE
Lm

]), regulatory (
lmo1851
), and adhesion (
sel1
) functions were deleted, and the mutants were exposed to acid (HCl), cold (4°C), salt (10 to 20% NaCl), and quaternary ammonium-based sanitizers (QACs). Deletion of
lmo1851
had no effect on the
L. monocytogenes
stress response, and deletion of
sel1
did not influence Caco-2 and HeLa cell adherence/invasion, whereas deletion of
emrE
resulted in increased susceptibility to QACs (
P
< 0.05) but had no effect on the MICs of gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, tetracycline, acriflavine, and triclosan. In the presence of the QAC benzalkonium chloride (BAC; 5 μg/ml), 14/16 LGI1 genes were induced, and
lmo1861
(putative repressor gene) was constitutively expressed at 4°C, 37°C, and 52°C and in the presence of UV exposure (0 to 30 min). Following 1 h of exposure to BAC (10 μg/ml), upregulation of
emrE
(49.6-fold),
lmo1851
(2.3-fold),
lmo1861
(82.4-fold), and
sigB
(4.1-fold) occurred. Reserpine visibly suppressed the growth of the Δ

emrE
Lm

strain, indicating that QAC tolerance is due at least partially to efflux activity. These data suggest that a minimal function of LGI1 is to increase the tolerance of
L. monocytogenes
to QACs via

emrE
Lm

. Since QACs are commonly used in the food industry, there is a concern that
L. monocytogenes
strains possessing
emrE
will have an increased ability to survive this stress and thus to persist in food processing environments.
Memory for gist and detail information in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yu Rwei-Ling , Tan Chun-Hsiang , Wu Yih-Ru , Wu Ruey-Meei , Chiu Ming-Jang , Hua Mau-Sun
Published: November 2015

Objective

Memory formation is proposed to be a dual process that involves the simultaneous memorisation of both detailed information (item-specific memory) and gist information (gist memory). Memory deficits have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, few studies have explicitly addressed the nature of these deficits. To obtain a detailed understanding of memory dysfunction in patients with PD, it is of crucial importance to establish whether item-specific memory and gist memory performance are impaired. The aim of this study is to explore whether gist memory and item-specific memory performance are still intact in patients with PD, as well as to determine which psychological mechanisms are responsible for memory formation.

Setting

Two hospitals in northern Taiwan.

Participants

Thirty-nine patients with PD and 28 normal controls were recruited. Each participant received a gist-based recognition test following the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm, as well as neuropsychological tests and measures of clinical characteristics.

Results

Gist memory was impaired in patients with advanced-stage disease (Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage: III) (F2,64=3.58, p=0.033), whereas item-specific memory was preserved throughout all disease stages. Correlation analysis showed that item-specific memory was related to executive functions in normal controls and early-stage patients with PD (H&Y stage: I–II); however, item-specific memory was related to episodic memory, rather than to executive functions, in advanced-stage patients with PD. Moreover, gist memory was related to episodic memory, but only in early-stage patients with PD.

Conclusions

We discovered that impaired gist memory is found in advanced-stage, but not in early-stage, patients with PD. Our findings suggest that the techniques used to take advantage of the relatively preserved gist memory in early-stage patients with PD, as well as the preserved item-specific memory in patients with PD of all stages, could be useful for memory rehabilitation programmes.
What methods are used to apply positive deviance within healthcare organisations? A systematic review
Authors: Baxter Ruth , Taylor Natalie , Kellar Ian , Lawton Rebecca
Published: November 2015

Background

The positive deviance approach focuses on those who demonstrate exceptional performance, despite facing the same constraints as others. ‘Positive deviants’ are identified and hypotheses about how they succeed are generated. These hypotheses are tested and then disseminated within the wider community. The positive deviance approach is being increasingly applied within healthcare organisations, although limited guidance exists and different methods, of varying quality, are used. This paper systematically reviews healthcare applications of the positive deviance approach to explore how positive deviance is defined, the quality of existing applications and the methods used within them, including the extent to which staff and patients are involved.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles, published prior to September 2014, reporting empirical research on the use of the positive deviance approach within healthcare, were identified from seven electronic databases. A previously defined four-stage process for positive deviance in healthcare was used as the basis for data extraction. Quality assessments were conducted using a validated tool, and a narrative synthesis approach was followed.

Results

37 of 818 articles met the inclusion criteria. The positive deviance approach was most frequently applied within North America, in secondary care, and to address healthcare-associated infections. Research predominantly identified positive deviants and generated hypotheses about how they succeeded. The approach and processes followed were poorly defined. Research quality was low, articles lacked detail and comparison groups were rarely included. Applications of positive deviance typically lacked staff and/or patient involvement, and the methods used often required extensive resources.

Conclusion

Further research is required to develop high quality yet practical methods which involve staff and patients in all stages of the positive deviance approach. The efficacy and efficiency of positive deviance must be assessed and compared with other quality improvement approaches.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42014009365.
A behaviourally anchored rating scale for evaluating the use of the WHO surgical safety checklist: development and initial evaluation of the WHOBARS
Authors: Devcich Daniel A , Weller Jennifer , Mitchell Simon J , McLaughlin Scott , Barker Lauren , Rudolph Jenny W , Raemer Daniel B , Zammert Martin , Singer Sara J , Torrie Jane , Frampton Chris MA , Merry Alan F
Published: November 2015

Background

Realising the full potential of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) to reduce perioperative harm requires the constructive engagement of all operating room (OR) team members during its administration. To facilitate research on SSC implementation, a valid and reliable instrument is needed for measuring OR team behaviours during its administration. We developed a behaviourally anchored rating scale (BARS) for this purpose.

Methods

We used a modified Delphi process, involving 16 subject matter experts, to compile a BARS with behavioural domains applicable to all three phases of the SSC. We evaluated the instrument in 80 adult OR cases and 30 simulated cases using two medical student raters and seven expert raters, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess inter-rater reliability. Internal consistency and instrument discrimination were explored. Sample size estimates for potential study designs using the instrument were calculated.

Results

The Delphi process resulted in a BARS instrument (the WHOBARS) with five behavioural domains. Intraclass correlation coefficients calculated from the OR cases exceeded 0.80 for 80% of the instrument's domains across the SSC phases. The WHOBARS showed high internal consistency across the three phases of the SSC and ability to discriminate among surgical cases in both clinical and simulated settings. Fewer than 20 cases per group would be required to show a difference of 1 point between groups in studies of the SSC, where α=0.05 and β=0.8.

Conclusion

We have developed a generic instrument for comprehensively rating the administration of the SSC and informing initiatives to realise its full potential. We have provided data supporting its capacity for discrimination, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. Further psychometric evaluation is warranted.
A rare and unusual hyperkeratotic disorder
Authors: Ahmad Amna , Chaudhry Iskander H , Robson Alistair
Published: November 2015

Clinical question

A 78-year-old female presented with a pruritic rash on her legs for many years. A biopsy was taken from the right leg. Review the high-quality, interactive digital Aperio slide athttp://virtualacp.com/JCP_Case/index.phpand consider your diagnosis.

What is your diagnosis?

Atrophic lichen planus

Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans

Lichenoid drug reaction

Lichenoid keratosis

Porokeratosis
The palaeo-bathymetry of base Aptian salt deposition on the northern Angolan rifted margin: constraints from flexural back-stripping and reverse post-break-up thermal subsidence modelling
Authors: Cowie L. , Angelo R. M. , Kusznir N. J. , Manatschal G. , Horn B.
Published: November 2015

The bathymetric datum with respect to global sea level for Aptian salt deposition in the South Atlantic is hotly debated. Some models propose that the salt was deposited in an isolated ocean basin in which local sea level was between 2 and 3 km below the global level. In this study, we use reverse post-break-up subsidence modelling to determine the palaeo-bathymetry of base Aptian salt deposition on the Angolan rifted continental margin. The reverse post-break-up subsidence modelling consists of the sequential flexural isostatic back-stripping of the post-break-up sedimentary sequences, decompaction of remaining sedimentary units and reverse modelling of post-break-up lithosphere thermal subsidence. The reverse modelling of post-break-up lithosphere thermal subsidence is carried out in 2D and requires knowledge of the continental lithosphere stretching factor (β), which is determined from gravity anomaly inversion. The analysis has been applied to the ION-GXT CS1-2400 deep long-offset seismic reflection profile, and two seismic cross-sections (P3 and P7+11) from offshore northern Angola. Reverse post-break-up subsidence modelling restores the proximal autochthonous base salt to between 0.2 and 0.6 km below global sea level at the time of break-up. In contrast, the predicted water-loaded bathymetries of the more distal base salt restored to break-up time are much greater between 2 and 3 km. The predicted bathymetries of the first unequivocal oceanic crust at break-up are approximately 2.5 km, as expected for newly formed oceanic crust of ‘normal’ thickness. Several interpretations of these results are possible. Our preferred interpretation is that all Aptian salt on the northern Angola rifted continental margin was deposited between 0.2 and 0.6 km beneath global sea level, and that the proximal salt subsided by post-rift (post-tectonic) thermal subsidence alone; while the distal salt formed during late syn-rift, when the underlying crust was actively thinning, resulting in additional tectonic subsidence (followed by post-rift thermal subsidence). An alternative interpretation is that the distal salt is para-autochthonous and moved downslope into much deeper water during and just after break-up. We do not believe that a deep isolated ocean basin, with a local sea level 2–3 km beneath that of the global sea level, as has been proposed, is required to explain the Aptian salt deposition on the northern Angolan rifted continental margin.
Instrumental magnitude constraints for the 11 July 1889, Chilik earthquake
Authors: Krüger Frank , Kulikova Galina , Landgraf Angela
Published: November 2015

A series of large-magnitude earthquakes above 6.9 occurred in the northern Tien-Shan between 1885 and 1911. The Chilik earthquake of 11 July 1889, has been listed with a magnitude of 8.3, based on sparse macroseismic intensities, constrained by reported damage. Despite the existence of several juvenile fault scarps in the epicentral region, that are possibly associated with the 1889 earthquake, no through-going surface rupture having the dimensions expected for a magnitude 8.3 earthquake has been located – a puzzling dilemma. Could the magnitude have been overestimated? This would have major implications not only for the understanding of the earthquake series, but also for regional hazard estimates. Fortunately, a fragmentary record from an early Rebeur–Paschwitz seismometer exists for the Chilik event, recorded in Wilhelmshaven (Germany). To constrain the magnitude, we compare the late coda waves of this record with those of recent events from Central Asia, recorded on modern instruments in Germany and filtered with Rebeur–Paschwitz instrument characteristics. Additional constraints come from disturbances of historic magnetograms that exist from the Chilik and the 1911 Chon-Kemin earthquakes. Scaling of these historic records confirm a magnitude of about 8 for the 1889 Chilik earthquake, pointing towards a lower crustal contribution to the fault area.
Diagenetic pathways linked to labile Mg-clays in lacustrine carbonate reservoirs: a model for the origin of secondary porosity in the Cretaceous pre-salt Barra Velha Formation, offshore Brazil
Authors: Tosca Nicholas J. , Wright V. Paul
Published: November 2015

The lacustrine carbonate reservoirs of the South Atlantic host significant accumulations of chemically reactive and Al-free Mg-silicate minerals (e.g. stevensite, kerolite and talc). Petrographic data from units such as the Cretaceous Barra Velha Formation in the Santos Basin suggest that Mg-silicate minerals strongly influenced, and perhaps created, much of the observed secondary porosity. The diagenetic interactions between reactive Mg-silicate minerals and carbonate sediments are, however, poorly known. Here we develop a conceptual model for the origin of secondary porosity in the Barra Velha Formation guided by considerations of the chemistry that triggers Mg-silicate crystallization, as well as the geochemical and mineralogical factors that act as prerequisites for rapid Mg-silicate dissolution during early and late diagenesis. We conclude that sub-littoral zones of volcanically influenced rift lakes would have acted as the locus for widespread Mg-silicate accumulation and preservation. Organic-rich profundal sediments, however, would be especially prone to Mg-silicate dissolution and secondary porosity development. Here, organic matter diagenesis (especially methanogenesis) plays a major role in modifying the dissolved inorganic carbon budget and the pH of sediment porewaters, which preferentially destabilizes and then dissolves Mg-silicates. Together, the sedimentological, stratigraphic and geochemical predictions of the model explain many enigmatic features of the Barra Velha Formation, providing a novel framework for understanding how Mg-silicate–carbonate interactions might generate secondary porosity more broadly in other lacustrine carbonate reservoirs across the South Atlantic.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling contributes to cardiac inflammation, dysfunction, and remodeling following myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Fuyang , Xia Yunlong , Yan Wenjuan , Zhang Haoqiang , Zhou Fen , Zhao Shihao , Wang Wei , Zhu Di , Xin Chao , Lee Yan , Zhang Ling , He Yuan , Gao Erhe , Tao Ling
Published: November 2015

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) mediates multiple pathophysiological effects in the cardiovascular system. However, the role of S1P signaling in pathological cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial. In this study, we found that cardiac S1P greatly increased post-MI, accompanied with a significant upregulation of cardiac sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) and S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) expression. In MI-operated mice, inhibition of S1P production by using PF543 (the SphK1 inhibitor) ameliorated cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Conversely, interruption of S1P degradation by inhibiting S1P lyase augmented cardiac S1P accumulation and exacerbated cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. In the cardiomyocyte, S1P directly activated proinflammatory responses via a S1PR1-dependent manner. Furthermore, activation of SphK1/S1P/S1PR1 signaling attributed to β1-adrenergic receptor stimulation-induced proinflammatory responses in the cardiomyocyte. Administration of FTY720, a functional S1PR1 antagonist, obviously blocked cardiac SphK1/S1P/S1PR1 signaling, ameliorated chronic cardiac inflammation, and then improved cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in vivo post-MI. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that cardiac SphK1/S1P/S1PR1 signaling plays an important role in the regulation of proinflammatory responses in the cardiomyocyte and targeting cardiac S1P signaling is a novel therapeutic strategy to improve post-MI cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
MicroRNA-155 regulates host immune response to postviral bacterial pneumonia via IL-23/IL-17 pathway
Authors: Podsiad Amy , Standiford Theodore J. , Ballinger Megan N. , Eakin Richard , Park Pauline , Kunkel Steven L. , Moore Bethany B. , Bhan Urvashi
Published: November 2015

Postinfluenza bacterial pneumonia is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. miR-155 has recently emerged as a crucial regulator of innate immunity and inflammatory responses and is induced in macrophages during infection. We hypothesized upregulation of miR-155 inhibits IL-17 and increases susceptibility to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Mice were challenged with 100 plaque-forming units H1N1 intranasally and were infected with 107colony-forming units of MRSA intratracheally at day 5 postviral challenge. Lungs were harvested 24 h later, and expression of miR-155, IL-17, and IL-23 was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Induction of miR-155 was 3.6-fold higher in dual-infected lungs compared with single infection. miR-155−/−mice were protected with significantly lower (4-fold) bacterial burden and no differences in viral load, associated with robust induction of IL-23 and IL-17 (2.2- and 4.8-fold, respectively) postsequential challenge with virus and bacteria, compared with WT mice. Treatment with miR-155 antagomir improved lung bacterial clearance by 4.2-fold compared with control antagomir postsequential infection with virus and bacteria. Moreover, lung macrophages collected from patients with postviral bacterial pneumonia also had upregulation of miR-155 expression compared with healthy controls, consistent with observations in our murine model. This is the first demonstration that cellular miRNAs regulate postinfluenza immune response to subsequent bacterial challenge by suppressing the IL-17 pathway in the lung. Our findings suggest that antagonizing certain microRNA might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy against secondary bacterial infection.
Assessment of Disease Activity in Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease: Comparison between Endoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Enterography Using MRIA and Modified MRIA Score
Authors: Scardapane Arnaldo , Ambrosi Annalisa , Salinaro Emanuela , Mancini Maria Elisabetta , Principi Mariabeatrice , Di Leo Alfredo , Lorusso Filomenamila , Stabile Ianora Amato Antonio , Angelelli Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

Objectives. To retrospectively compare the results of the MRIA (magnetic resonance index of activity) with a modified MRIA (mMRIA), which was calculated excluding from MRIA formula the data of relative contrast enhancement (RCE).Materials and Methods. MR-E and corresponding endoscopic records of 100 patients were reviewed. MRIA, mMRIA, and SES endoscopic index were calculated for all the patients. Namely, MRIA was calculated as follows: (1.5 × wall thickening + 0.02 × RCE + 5 × intramural edema + 10 × ulcers), while mMRIA was calculated with the modified formula (1.5 × wall thickening + 5 × intramural edema + 10 × ulcers).Results. Mean MRIA and mMRIA values were 19.3 and 17.68, respectivelyp<0.0001. A significant correlationp<0.0001was observed between MRIA and mMRIA scores and between both MR indexes and SESp<0.0001.Conclusions. mMRIA was comparable to MRIA in the evaluation of disease activity in Crohn’s disease.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Antidepressant-Like Effect of Genistein and Its Combination with Amitriptyline: An Acute and Chronic Study
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Jia Jia Tay , Yee Woon Lim , Kumar Chellappan Dinesh , Candasamy Mayuren , Dua Kamal
Published: November 2015

The present study was designed to evaluate the acute and chronic antidepressant effect of genistein in combination with amitriptyline in mice. Animals were divided into six groups (n=6) for treatment with water, genistein, or amitriptyline, either alone or in combination for ten days. Animals were subjected to locomotor activity testing; tail suspension test (TST); and forced swim test (FST) and immobility time was recorded on day one and day ten. Acute treatment of all treatment groups did not significantly reduce the immobility time (p>0.05). Chronic treatment of combination of genistein (10 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time as compared to control group (p<0.001) and was comparable to amitriptyline alone (10 mg/kg). However, no changes in anti-immobility activity in combination of subeffective doses of genistein (5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) were observed. Genistein at its standard dose (10 mg/kg) rendered synergistic effects in combination with subeffective dose of amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) and additive effects in combination with therapeutic dose of amitriptyline (10 mg/kg).
The Activation of Nrf2 and Its Downstream Regulated Genes Mediates the Antioxidative Activities of Xueshuan Xinmaining Tablet in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xiong Lingxin , Xie Jingshu , Song Chenxue , Liu Jinping , Zheng Jingtong , Liu Chuangui , Zhang Xiaotian , Li Pingya , Wang Fang
Published: November 2015

Epidemiological studies have verified the critical role that antioxidative stress plays in protecting vascular endothelial cells. The aims of the present study were to investigate the antioxidative activities and differential regulation of nuclear erythroid-related factor 2- (Nrf2-) mediated gene expression by Xueshuan Xinmaining Tablet (XXT), a traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of treating cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidative activities of XXT were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), a PCR array, and western blotting. Our results indicated that XXT exhibited potent antioxidative activities by suppressing the levels of hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We were also conscious of strong Nrf2-mediated antioxidant induction. XXT enhanced the expressions of Keap1, Nrf2, and Nrf2-mediated genes, such as glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in HUVECs. In summary, XXT strongly activated Nrf2 and its downstream regulated genes, which may contribute to the antioxidative and vascular endothelial cell protective activities of XXT.
Numerical Simulation Characteristics of Logging Response in Water Injection Well by Reproducing Kernel Method
Authors: Du Ming-Jing , Wang Yu-Lan , Chaolu Temuer
Published: November 2015

Reproducing kernel Hilbert space method (RKHSM) is an effective method. This paper, for the first time, uses the traditional RKHSM for solving the temperature field in two phase flows of multilayer water injection well. According to 2D oil-water temperature field mathematical model of two phase flows in cylindrical coordinates, selecting the properly initial and boundary conditions, by the process of Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization, the analytical solution was given by reproducing kernel functions in a series expansion form, and the approximate solution was expressed byn-term summation. The satisfied numerical results were carried out by Mathematica 7.0, showing that the larger the difference between injected water temperature and initial borehole temperature or water injection conditions, the more obvious the indication of water accepting zones. The numerical examples evidence the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method of the two phase flows in engineering.
Analysis for the Sorption Kinetics of Ag Nanoparticles on Natural Clinoptilolite
Authors: Ruíz-Baltazar Alvaro , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Tellez-Vasquez Oswald , Esparza Rodrigo , Rosas Gerardo , Pérez Ramiro
Published: November 2015

The kinetic adsorption behavior of silver nanoparticles deposited on a natural zeolite from Oaxaca is presented. Theoretical models as Lagergren first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion were employed and compared with experimental data obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique. Correlation factorsR2of the order of 0.99 were observed. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy revealed that the silver nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on the zeolite. Additionally, chemical characterization of the material was carried out through a dilution process with lithium metaborate. An average value of 9.3 in the Si/Al ratio was observed and related to the kinetic adsorption behavior of the zeolite.
Efficient Aerial Data Collection with UAV in Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Ma Fei , Yan Junhui , De Debraj , Das Sajal K.
Published: November 2015

Data collection from deployed sensor networks can be with static sink, ground-based mobile sink, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based mobile aerial data collector. Considering the large-scale sensor networks and peculiarity of the deployed environments, aerial data collection based on controllable UAV has more advantages. In this paper, we have designed a basic framework for aerial data collection, which includes the following five components: deployment of networks, nodes positioning, anchor points searching, fast path planning for UAV, and data collection from network. We have identified the key challenges in each of them and have proposed efficient solutions. This includes proposal of a Fast Path Planning with Rules (FPPWR) algorithm based on grid division, to increase the efficiency of path planning, while guaranteeing the length of the path to be relatively short. We have designed and implemented a simulation platform for aerial data collection from sensor networks and have validated performance efficiency of the proposed framework based on the following parameters: time consumption of the aerial data collection, flight path distance, and volume of collected data.
MapReduce Based Parallel Neural Networks in Enabling Large Scale Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Jie , Huang Yuan , Xu Lixiong , Li Siguang , Qi Man
Published: November 2015

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely used in pattern recognition and classification applications. However, ANNs are notably slow in computation especially when the size of data is large. Nowadays, big data has received a momentum from both industry and academia. To fulfill the potentials of ANNs for big data applications, the computation process must be speeded up. For this purpose, this paper parallelizes neural networks based on MapReduce, which has become a major computing model to facilitate data intensive applications. Three data intensive scenarios are considered in the parallelization process in terms of the volume of classification data, the size of the training data, and the number of neurons in the neural network. The performance of the parallelized neural networks is evaluated in an experimental MapReduce computer cluster from the aspects of accuracy in classification and efficiency in computation.
The Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on Supercoiled DNA Relaxation Catalyzed by Type I Topoisomerases
Authors: Lv Bei , Dai Yunjia , Liu Ju , Zhuge Qiang , Li Dawei
Published: November 2015

The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on supercoiled plasmid DNA relaxation catalyzed by two typical type I topoisomerases were investigated in our studies. It is shown that DMSO in a low concentration (less than 20%, v/v) can induce a dose-related enhancement of the relaxation efficiency ofEscherichia colitopoisomerase I (type IA). Conversely, obvious inhibitory effect on the activity ofcalf thymustopoisomerase I (type IB) was observed when the same concentration of DMSO is used. In addition, our studies demonstrate that 20% DMSO has an ability to reduce the inhibitory effect on EcTopo I, which was induced by double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides while the same effect cannot be found in the case of CtTopo I. Moreover, our AFM examinations suggested that DMSO can change the conformation of negatively supercoiled plasmid by creating some locally loose regions in DNA molecules. Combining all the lines of evidence, we proposed that DMSO enhanced EcTopo I relaxation activity by (1) increasing the single-stranded DNA regions for the activities of EcTopo I in the early and middle stages of the reaction and (2) preventing the formation of double-stranded DNA-enzyme complex in the later stage, which can elevate the effective concentration of the topoisomerase in the reaction solution.
Distinct Functions of Endophilin Isoforms in Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis
Authors: Zhang Jifeng , Tan Minghui , Yin Yichen , Ren Bingyu , Jiang Nannan , Guo Guoqing , Chen Yuan
Published: November 2015

Endophilin isoforms perform distinct characteristics in their interactions with N-type Ca2+channels and dynamin. However, precise functional differences for the endophilin isoforms on synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis remain unknown. By coupling RNA interference and electrophysiological recording techniques in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, we investigated the functional differences of three isoforms of endophilin in SV endocytosis. The results showed that the amplitude of normalized evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in endophilin1 knockdown neurons decreased significantly for both single train and multiple train stimulations. Similar results were found using endophilin2 knockdown neurons, whereas endophilin3 siRNA exhibited no change compared with control neurons. Endophilin1 and endophilin2 affected SV endocytosis, but the effect of endophilin1 and endophilin2 double knockdown was not different from that of either knockdown alone. This result suggested that endophilin1 and endophilin2 functioned together but not independently during SV endocytosis. Taken together, our results indicate that SV endocytosis is sustained by endophilin1 and endophilin2 isoforms, but not by endophilin3, in primary cultured hippocampal neurons.
Effects of Shared Electronic Health Record Systems on Drug-Drug Interaction and Duplication Warning Detection
Authors: Rinner Christoph , Grossmann Wilfried , Sauter Simone Katja , Wolzt Michael , Gall Walter
Published: November 2015

Shared electronic health records (EHRs) systems can offer a complete medication overview of the prescriptions of different health care providers. We use health claims data of more than 1 million Austrians in 2006 and 2007 with 27 million prescriptions to estimate the effect of shared EHR systems on drug-drug interaction (DDI) and duplication warnings detection and prevention. The Austria Codex and the ATC/DDD information were used as a knowledge base to detect possible DDIs. DDIs are categorized as severe, moderate, and minor interactions. In comparison to the current situation where only DDIs between drugs issued by a single health care provider can be checked, the number of warnings increases significantly if all drugs of a patient are checked: severe DDI warnings would be detected for 20% more persons, and the number of severe DDI warnings and duplication warnings would increase by 17%. We show that not only do shared EHR systems help to detect more patients with warnings but DDIs are also detected more frequently. Patient safety can be increased using shared EHR systems.
Determinants and Regression Equations for the Calculation ofzScores of Left Ventricular Tissue Doppler Longitudinal Indexes in a Healthy Italian Pediatric Population
Authors: Fibbi Veronica , Ballo Piercarlo , Favilli Silvia , Spaziani Gaia , Calabri Giovanni B. , Pollini Iva , Zuppiroli Alfredo , Chiappa Enrico
Published: November 2015

Aim.We investigated the predictors of tissue Doppler left ventricular (LV) longitudinal indexes in a healthy Italian pediatric population and established normative data and regression equations for the calculation ofzscores.Methods and Results.A total of 369 healthy subjects aged 1–17 years (age of 6.4 ± 1.1 years, 49.1% female) underwent echocardiography. LV peak longitudinal velocity at systole (s'), early diastole (e'), and late diastole (a') was determined by tissue Doppler. The ratio of peak early diastolic LV filling velocity toe'was calculated. Age was the only independent determinant ofs'(β=0.491,p<0.0001) and the strongest determinant ofe'(β=0.334,p<0.0001) andE/e'(β=-0.369,p<0.0001). Heart rate was the main determinant ofa'(β=0.265,p<0.0001). Male gender showed no effects except for a weak association with laterals', suggesting no need of gender-specific reference ranges. Age-specific reference ranges, regression equations, and scatterplots for the calculation ofzscores were determined for each index.Conclusion.In a pediatric Italian population, age was the strongest determinant of LV longitudinal dynamics. The availability of age-specific normality data for the calculation ofzscores may allow for correctly detecting LV dysfunction in pediatric pathological populations.
Effects of Zeaxanthin on Growth and Invasion of Human Uveal Melanoma in Nude Mouse Model
Authors: Xu Xiaoliang L. , Hu Dan-Ning , Iacob Codrin , Jordan Adrienne , Gandhi Sandipkumar , Gierhart Dennis L. , Rosen Richard
Published: November 2015

Uveal melanoma cells were inoculated into the choroid of nude mice and treated with or without intraocular injection of zeaxanthin. After 21 days, mice were sacrificed and the eyes enucleated. Histopathological analysis was performed in hematoxylin and eosin stained frozen sections. Melanoma developed rapidly in the control group (without treatment of zeaxanthin). Tumor-bearing eye mass and tumor mass in the control group were significantly greater than those in zeaxanthin treated group. Melanoma in the controlled eyes occupied a large part of the eye, was epithelioid in morphology, and was with numerous mitotic figures. Scleral perforation and extraocular extension were observed in half of the eyes. Melanomas in zeaxanthin treated eyes were significantly smaller with many necrosis and apoptosis areas and no extraocular extension could be found. Quantitative image analysis revealed that the tumor size was reduced by 56% in eyes treated with low dosages of zeaxanthin and 92% in eyes treatment with high dosages of zeaxanthin, as compared to the controls. This study demonstrated that zeaxanthin significantly inhibits the growth and invasion of human uveal melanoma in nude mice, suggesting that zeaxanthin may be a promising agent to be explored for the prevention and treatment of uveal melanoma.
The Role of Aggregates of Therapeutic Protein Products in Immunogenicity: An Evaluation by Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Yin Liusong , Chen Xiaoying , Tiwari Abhinav , Vicini Paolo , Hickling Timothy P.
Published: November 2015

Therapeutic protein products (TPP) have been widely used to treat a variety of human diseases, including cancer, hemophilia, and autoimmune diseases. However, TPP can induce unwanted immune responses that can impact both drug efficacy and patient safety. The presence of aggregates is of particular concern as they have been implicated in inducing both T cell-independent and T cell-dependent immune responses. We used mathematical modeling to evaluate several mechanisms through which aggregates of TPP could contribute to the development of immunogenicity. Modeling interactions between aggregates and B cell receptors demonstrated that aggregates are unlikely to induce T cell-independent immune responses by cross-linking B cell receptors because the amount of signal transducing complex that can form under physiologically relevant conditions is limited. We systematically evaluate the role of aggregates in inducing T cell-dependent immune responses using a recently developed multiscale mechanistic mathematical model. Our analysis indicates that aggregates could contribute to T cell-dependent immune response by inducing high affinity epitopes which may not be present in the nonaggregated TPP and/or by enhancing danger signals to break tolerance. In summary, our computational analysis is suggestive of novel insights into the mechanisms underlying aggregate-induced immunogenicity, which could be used to develop mitigation strategies.
Parameter Determination of Milling Process Using a Novel Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhai Zhibo , Li Shujuan , Liu Yong
Published: November 2015

Cutting parameter optimization dramatically affects the production time, cost, profit rate, and the quality of the final products, in milling operations. Aiming to select the optimum machining parameters in multitool milling operations such as corner milling, face milling, pocket milling, and slot milling, this paper presents a novel version of TLBO, TLBO with dynamic assignment learning strategy (DATLBO), in which all the learners are divided into three categories based on their results in “Learner Phase”: good learners, moderate learners, and poor ones. Good learners are self-motivated and try to learn by themselves; each moderate learner uses a probabilistic approach to select one of good learners to learn; each poor learner also uses a probabilistic approach to select several moderate learners to learn. The CEC2005 contest benchmark problems are first used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the DATLBO algorithm is applied to a multitool milling process based on maximum profit rate criterion with five practical technological constraints. The unit time, unit cost, and profit rate from the Handbook (HB), Feasible Direction (FD) method, Genetic Algorithm (GA) method, five other TLBO variants, and DATLBO are compared, illustrating that the proposed approach is more effective than HB, FD, GA, and five other TLBO variants.
Feature Extraction of Faulty Rolling Element Bearing under Variable Rotational Speed and Gear Interferences Conditions
Authors: Zhao Dezun , Li Jianyong , Cheng Weidong
Published: November 2015

In the field of rolling element bearing fault diagnosis, variable rotational speed and gear noise are main obstacles. Even though some effective algorithms have been proposed to solve the problems, their process is complicated and they may not work well without auxiliary equipment. So we proposed a method of faulty bearing feature extraction based on Instantaneous Dominant Meshing Multiply (IDMM) and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). The new method mainly consists of three parts. Firstly, IDMM is extracted from time-frequency representation of original signal by peak searching algorithm, which can be used to substitute the bearing rotational frequency. Secondly, resampled signal is obtained by an IDMM-based resampling algorithm; then it is decomposed into a number of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) based on the EMD algorithm. Calculate kurtosis values of IMFs and an appropriate IMF with biggest kurtosis value is selected. Thirdly, the selected IMF is analyzed with envelope demodulation method which can describe the fault type of bearing. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated by both simulated and experimental mixed signals which contain bearing and gear vibration signal.
Impact of Two CommercialIn VivoTransport Methods on Physiological Condition of the Japanese Oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Jiménez-Ruiz Edgar Iván , Márquez-Ríos Enrique , Cárdenas-López José Luis , Montoya-Camacho Nathaly , Castillo-Yáñez Francisco Javier , Duarte-Figueroa María Elena , Ruiz-Cruz Saul , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Ocaño-Higuera Víctor Manuel
Published: November 2015

The effect of two commercialin vivotransport methods (cardboard boxes and ixtle sacks) on the physiological condition of Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was evaluated. Total carbohydrates, glycogen, adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and related products, adenylate energy charge (AEC), and pH of transported oysters in simulated conditions were determined. The results showed that the ATP initial concentration was low from the beginning of the experiment, and AEC decreased in both transport methods. With respect to the total carbohydrates and glycogen, the samples maintained in cardboard box and ixtle sack decreased during transport, respectively. Similarly, significant changes in pH were observed for both methods. Our results showed that physiologically the bestin vivotransporting method for Japanese oyster is in cardboard boxes.
EPR Spectroscopy of Different Sol Concentration Synthesized Nanocrystalline-ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Arora Manju , Zargar Rayees A. , Khan S. D.
Published: November 2015

Nanocrystalline zinc oxide (nc-ZnO) thin films were grown on p-type silicon substrate through spin coating by sol-gel process using different sol concentrations (10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, and 25 wt.%). These films were characterized by high resolution nondestructive X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) attachment, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques to understand variations in structural, morphological, and oxygen vacancy with respect to sol concentration. The film surface morphology changes from nanowall to nanorods on increasing sol concentration. EPR spectra revealed the systematic variation from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic nature in these nc-ZnO films. The broad EPR resonance signal arising from the strong dipolar-dipolar interactions among impurity defects present in nc-ZnO film deposited from 10 wt.% sol has been observed and a single strong narrow resonance signal pertaining to oxygen vacancies is obtained in 25 wt.% sol derived nc-ZnO film. The concentrations of impurity defects and oxygen vacancies are evaluated from EPR spectra, necessary for efficient optoelectronic devices development.
Safety Profile and Effects of Pulsed Methylprednisolone on Vital Signs in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Yong Kai-Ling , Chng Chiaw Ling , Htoon Hla Myint , Lim Lee Hooi , Seah Lay Leng
Published: November 2015

Objective. To analyze changes in vital signs (heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) during and after intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and any other adverse effects.Methods. Retrospective review of charts of patients who received IVMP as treatment regime for thyroid eye disease. All subjects had vital signs charted during and after infusions.Results. This study included 38 subjects and a total of 242 infusions administered. IVMP resulted in a small but significant percentage drop in mean SBP at 30 min (p<0.001) and 60 min (p=0.03) but no difference at 90 min. There was also small but significant percentage drop in mean DBP and HR (DBP:p<0.001for 30 min,p=0.001for 60 min, andp=0.02for 90 min and HR:p<0.001for 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min). There were no cumulative effects on change of blood pressure or HR. There were 6 episodes of bradycardia (2.5%) and 12 episodes of moderate to severe hypertension (5%). No significant cardiovascular or hepatic toxicity was found.Conclusion. IVMP is relatively safe and efficacious. IVMP demonstrated mild and noncumulative effects on vital signs. Severe hypertension may occur in susceptible individuals such as those with underlying hypertension and uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction, whereas bradycardia may be more likely in those on beta-blockers.
Effect of Unequal Lot Sizes, Variable Setup Cost, and Carbon Emission Cost in a Supply Chain Model
Authors: Sarkar Biswajit , Saren Sharmila , Sinha Debjani , Hur Sun
Published: November 2015

Due to heavy transportation for single-setup multidelivery (SSMD) policy in supply chain management, this model assumes carbon emission cost to obtain a realistic behavior for world environment. The transportation for buyer and vendor is considered along with setup cost reduction by using an investment function. It is assumed that the shipment lot size of each delivery is unequal and variable. The buyer inspects all received products and returns defective items to vendor for reworking process. Because of this policy, end customers will only obtain nondefective items. The analytical optimization is considered to obtain the optimum solution of the model. The main goal of this paper is to reduce the total cost by considering carbon emission during the transportation. A numerical example, graphical representation, and sensitivity analysis are given to illustrate the model.
Haemodynamic Effects of Lung Recruitment Manoeuvres
Authors: Lovas András , Szakmány Tamás
Published: November 2015

Atelectasis caused by lung injury leads to increased intrapulmonary shunt, venous admixture, and hypoxaemia. Lung recruitment manoeuvres aim to quickly reverse this scenario by applying increased airway pressures for a short period of time which meant to open the collapsed alveoli. Although the procedure can improve oxygenation, but due to the heart-lung and right and left ventricle interactions elevated intrathoracic pressures can inflict serious effects on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview on the pathophysiological background of the heart-lung interactions and the best way to monitor these changes during lung recruitment.
Emergency Department Visits and Injury Hospitalizations for Female and Male Victims and Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Kothari Catherine L. , Rohs Thomas , Davidson Scott , Kothari Rashmi U. , Klein Carrie , Koestner Amy , DeBoer Mican , Cox Rita , Kutzko Kim
Published: November 2015

Introduction. The potential for hospital-based interventions for male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as adult perpetrators of both genders has been largely unexplored despite early evidence of acute-care utilization that may be as high as female victims. The current investigation compared the emergency department (ED) and injury-related-hospitalization rates of IPV-involved individuals against standardized national norms, assessing differences by gender and victim/perpetrator-status. Methods. This cross-sectional study collected one-year ED and in-patient visit data from hospital records for individuals listed as victim or perpetrator in an IPV criminal charging request in a Midwestern county (N=2,937). Expected rates were calculated based upon age-adjusted national norms. Results. The IPV-involved population generated ED rates 4.1 times higher than expected and injury-related-hospitalization rates that were 4.0 times higher than expected. Bi-directionally-violent individuals (both victim and perpetrator in IPV charges) consistently had the highest utilization rates (ED 8.4 RR, injury-hospitalization 22.5 RR). Victims, primarily female, had higher ED-visits than perpetrators, primarily male (victims = 4.6 RR, perpetrator = 3.1 RR). Perpetrators, though, had higher injury hospitalizations (victims = 0.8RR, perpetrators = 5.5 RR). Conclusions. Substantial opportunities exist within acute-care medical settings to intervene with IPV-involved women, men, victims, and perpetrators, although the magnitude of the opportunity varied by setting, gender and victim/perpetrator-status.