bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of O
2
in the Growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 on Glucose and Succinate
Authors: Wheatley Rachel M. , Ramachandran Vinoy K. , Geddes Barney A. , Perry Benjamin J. , Yost Chris K. , Poole Philip S.
Published: October 2016

Insertion sequencing (INSeq) analysis of
Rhizobium leguminosarum
bv. viciae 3841 (Rlv3841) grown on glucose or succinate at both 21% and 1% O
2
was used to understand how O
2
concentration alters metabolism. Two transcriptional regulators were required for growth on glucose (pRL120207 [
eryD
] and RL0547 [
phoB
]), five were required on succinate (pRL100388, RL1641, RL1642, RL3427, and RL4524 [
ecfL
]), and three were required on 1% O
2
(pRL110072, RL0545 [
phoU
], and RL4042). A novel toxin-antitoxin system was identified that could be important for generation of new plasmidless rhizobial strains. Rlv3841 appears to use the methylglyoxal pathway alongside the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for optimal growth on glucose. Surprisingly, the ED pathway was required for growth on succinate, suggesting that sugars made by gluconeogenesis must undergo recycling. Altered amino acid metabolism was specifically needed for growth on glucose, including RL2082 (
gatB
) and pRL120419 (
opaA
, encoding omega-amino acid:pyruvate transaminase). Growth on succinate specifically required enzymes of nucleobase synthesis, including ribose-phosphate pyrophosphokinase (RL3468 [
prs
]) and a cytosine deaminase (pRL90208 [
codA
]). Succinate growth was particularly dependent on cell surface factors, including the PrsD-PrsE type I secretion system and UDP-galactose production. Only RL2393 (
glnB
, encoding nitrogen regulatory protein PII) was specifically essential for growth on succinate at 1% O
2
, conditions similar to those experienced by N
2
-fixing bacteroids. Glutamate synthesis is constitutively activated in
glnB
mutants, suggesting that consumption of 2-ketoglutarate may increase flux through the TCA cycle, leading to excess reductant that cannot be reoxidized at 1% O
2
and cell death.

IMPORTANCE
Rhizobium leguminosarum
, a soil bacterium that forms N
2
-fixing symbioses with several agriculturally important leguminous plants (including pea, vetch, and lentil), has been widely utilized as a model to study
Rhizobium
-legume symbioses. Insertion sequencing (INSeq) has been used to identify factors needed for its growth on different carbon sources and O
2
levels. Identification of these factors is fundamental to a better understanding of the cell physiology and core metabolism of this bacterium, which adapts to a variety of different carbon sources and O
2
tensions during growth in soil and N
2
fixation in symbiosis with legumes.
pqiABC
and
yebST
, Putative
mce
Operons of Escherichia coli, Encode Transport Pathways and Contribute to Membrane Integrity
Authors: Nakayama Takayuki , Zhang-Akiyama Qiu-Mei
Published: October 2016

The membranes of single-cell organisms are crucial as the first line of defense. The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is an asymmetric bilayer in which lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and phospholipids are localized in the outer and inner leaflet, respectively. This asymmetry is important for membrane integrity. In
Escherichia coli
, the Mla transport pathway maintains this asymmetry by removing phospholipids from the outer leaflet. The MlaD component of this system is a mammalian cell entry (MCE) domain protein, and
E. coli
has two other MCE domain proteins of unknown function (PqiB and YebT). Here, we show that these two proteins are components of novel transport pathways that contribute to membrane integrity. The
pqiAB
operon is regulated by SoxS and RpoS. The
yebST
operon contains
pqiAB
homologues. Here, we found a third member of the
pqi
operon,
ymbA
(
pqiC
). A PqiB-PqiC complex bridges the inner and the outer membrane, and in other bacteria,
pqiBC
genes are located in operons together with transporter proteins. We show here that simultaneous deletion of
pqiABC
and
yebST
operons in an Δ
mla
background rendered cells more sensitive to SDS-EDTA, and the SDS-EDTA sensitivity of
mla
mutants was rescued by additional copies of
pqiABC
. We also found that the
yebST
operon was induced by a defect in LPS molecules. In conclusion, PqiABC and YebST are novel transport pathways related to the Mla transport pathway and important for membrane integrity.

IMPORTANCE
Membranes of bacteria are crucial for stress resistance. The composition of the
E. coli
outer membrane is asymmetric, with asymmetry maintained by the Mla ABC transport pathway. We propose that the stress-inducible
pqiABC
operon and homologous
yebST
operon, both of previously unknown function, encode transport pathway proteins related to the Mla transport pathway. Deletion of these operons rendered cells more sensitive to membrane stress, and additional copies of
pqiABC
suppressed the SDS-EDTA sensitivity of
mla
mutant strains. We found that
yebS′-′lacZ
fusion was activated in mutant strains with defective LPS molecules.
Traumatic gallbladder rupture: a patient with multiple risk factors
Authors: Philipoff Adam Carl , Lumsdaine William , Weber Dieter G
Published: October 2016

Isolated gallbladder rupture following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is rare; gall bladder rupture is seen in <1% of blunt abdominal trauma. This case report describes a significant mechanism of blunt force injury resulting in an isolated gallbladder rupture. Risk factors for traumatic gallbladder rupture are reviewed and the authors propose that a stiff, cirrhotic liver may exacerbate shear forces in the gallbladder fossa and represents an important risk factor for blunt gallbladder injury. Cholecystectomy remains the definitive management for gallbladder trauma. Almost all gallbladder injuries following blunt trauma are associated with other significant intra-abdominal injuries and in the setting of acute trauma, the authors recommend an open procedure to facilitate a detailed exploration of the peritoneal cavity to exclude associated injuries.
INTEGRATING SPORT & EXERCISE MEDICINE IN TO A ‘LATE EFFECTS CLINIC’ FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS: DEVELOPING CARE PATHWAYS TO IMPROVE SERVICE PROVISION
Authors: Evans G , Gleeson H , Gregory K
Published: October 2016

Aims

To establish current physical activity (PA) behaviours in childhood cancer survivors attending a tertiary hospital “late effects” clinic.

To highlight their perceived barriers to increasing physical activity levels.

To identify their preferred interventions to support physical activity participation.

To establish whether medical teams are providing physical activity advice as perceived by the patient.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered through a tertiary hospital ‘Late Effects Clinic’ for childhood cancer survivors. Questions were devised after review of previous publications relating to PA measurement and interventions.1

Results

32 responses; 17 males and 15 females between 17–45 years (median: 28 years). 56% of respondents stated becoming more physically active was a priority for them. 26% failed to meet government guidelines for PA.2 41% cited barriers to PA were ‘competing priorities’ (work, study or family/friends); 29.3% cited ‘physical barriers’ (pain, concerns about injury or medication side-effects); 19% cited ‘social barriers’ (pressure from family/friends, don't feel confident, lack of encouragement) and 10.3% cited ‘other factors’ (financial or lack of facilities/equipment).

59% stated a preference to exercise ‘on their own’ rather than through ‘group’ exercise programs which is reflected in the responses given for preferred resources to help increase PA levels; paper 33%, interactive DVD 30%, mobile phone app/online website/online website with video each 11%, podcast 4%.2

Conclusions

PA is a high priority for this population and barriers broadly reflect those cited by other populations.3 Technological resources as aids to help improve PA levels need to be considered by clinicians as an important tool and should become a fundamental component of the patient pathway. Greater collaboration between SEM and other medical specialties could help identify and address the needs of specific patient groups in increasing PA levels.
THE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE TRAINING ON BLOOD GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES IN ORDER TO COMPARE AND DIFFERENTIATE FROM A PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED “MOLECULAR SIGNATURE” OF RHUEPO DOPING
Authors: Shurlock J , Wang G , Pitsiladis Y
Published: October 2016

Aims

Current testing methods for the abuse of recombinant human erythropoietin for performance enhancement are inadequate. Recently ‘omics’ technologies have been used, successfully, to demonstrate a ‘molecular signature’ of rHuEPO administration. The same technologies can be applied in altitude-trained individuals in an attempt to differentiate rHuEPO administration and altitude training at a gene expression level. This approach has the potential to improve current doping detection methods, such as the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). The aim of this project was to assess the effects of altitude training on blood gene expression profiles in order to compare and differentiate from a previously identified “molecular signature” of rHuEpo doping.

Methods

20 endurance trained individuals participated in the study. 12 individuals (5 Female, 7 Male) trained at ∼2320 m altitude (Sierra Nevada, Spain) for 17 days and 8 individuals (3 Female, 5 Male) trained at sea-level (London, England). Blood samples were taken for haematological and gene expression analysis at baseline, during, and post-48hr, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks-post altitude exposure. Gene expression was analysed using Affymetrix QuantiGene Plex Assay, focussing on a subset of 50 target genes.

Results

28 of the target genes were identified as significant by the overall F-test (FDR adjusted P value <0.05). Two trends towards significantly differential expression were identified. 20 genes were found to be trending towards under expression 1-week after altitude exposure (FDR>0.06). 13 genes were found to be trending towards over expression during altitude exposure (FDR>0.07). There were no significant changes in the measured haematological parameters.

Conclusions

This study gives an insight into the gene expression signature of altitude exposure in endurance-trained athletes. Altitude exposure cannot currently be confidently differentiated from rHuEPO doping, using gene expression profiles alone. These findings add to the evidence supporting the use of “Omics” technologies, alongside current anti-doping strategies.
Cohort profile: the Hlabisa pregnancy cohort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Chetty Terusha , Thorne Claire , Tanser Frank , Bärnighausen Till , Coutsoudis Anna
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The Hlabisa pregnancy cohort was established to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guideline revisions. The objectives of the Hlabisa pregnancy cohort are to: (1) provide cohort-level information on maternal health up to 6 weeks postpartum in a high HIV prevalence setting; and to (2) evaluate aspects of PMTCT care that have policy relevance.

Participants

The pregnancy cohort is located in primary health clinics in the Hlabisa subdistrict of rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Baseline data collection between 2010 and 2014 has been completed with the enrolment of 25 608 pregnancies; age ranged from 15–49 years. Pregnant women were assessed during routine antenatal visits: first visit, follow-up 1 week later, 32 weeks (HIV test), infant delivery and 6 weeks postpartum. Demographic, pregnancy, clinical, laboratory and HIV data were collected through Department of Health interviews, laboratory tests and routine data linkage. Treatment data for HIV-infected pregnant women were linked to the Africa Centre Hlabisa HIV Treatment and Care Programme for detailed antiretroviral therapy (ART) history and laboratory tests.

Findings to date

The proportion of women initiated on ART post-2013 were higher (n=437; 100%) than pre-2013 (n=768; 84.2%). The proportion of women in care at 6 weeks (73.8%) was also higher post-2013 relative to earlier years (58.5%). The majority of HIV-infected pregnant women were either on lifelong ART or ART prophylaxis; pre-2013, ∼ 9.6% of women were not on any ART. Pregnancy viral load monitoring was inadequate.

Future plans

This cohort will be used to: (1) determine HIV acquisition risk during pregnancy and postpartum; (2) determine the effect of HIV and ART on birth outcomes; (3) examine the effect of pregnancy on virological response to ART; and (4) characterise the effect of sequential pregnancies on access to clinical care, response to prolonged ART and birth outcomes.
Economic evaluation of a shortened standardised treatment regimen of antituberculosis drugs for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (STREAM): study protocol
Authors: Gama Elvis , Madan Jason , Langley Ivor , Girma Mamo , Evans Denise , Rosen Sydney , Squire S Bertel
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a serious financial challenge to health systems and patients. The current treatment for patients with MDR-TB takes up to 24 months to complete. Evidence for a shorter regimen which differs from the standard WHO recommended MDR-TB regimen and typically lasts between 9 and 12 months has been reported from Bangladesh. This evaluation aims to assess the economic impact of a shortened regimen on patients and health systems. This evaluation is innovative as it combines patient and health system costs, as well as operational modelling in assessing the impact.

Methods and analysis

An economic evaluation nested in a clinical trial with 2 arms will be performed at 4 facilities. The primary outcome measure is incremental cost to the health system of the study regimen compared with the control regimen. Secondary outcome measures are mean incremental costs incurred by patients by treatment outcome; patient costs by category (direct medical costs, transport, food and accommodation costs, and cost of guardians/accompanying persons and lost time); health systems cost by category and drugs; and costs related to serious adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been evaluated and approved by the Ethics Advisory Group of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease; South African Medical Research Ethics Committee; Wits Health Consortium Protocol Review Committee; University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee; University of Kwazulu-Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee; St Peter TB Specialized Hospital Ethical Review Committee; AHRI-ALERT Ethical Review Committee, and all participants will provide written informed consent. The results of the economic evaluation will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN78372190.
Deciphering assumptions about stepped wedge designs: the case of Ebola vaccine research
Authors: Doussau Adélaïde , Grady Christine
Published: October 2016

Ethical concerns about randomising persons to a no-treatment arm in the context of Ebola epidemic led to consideration of alternative designs. The stepped wedge (SW) design, in which participants or clusters are randomised to receive an intervention at different time points, gained popularity. Common arguments in favour of using this design are (1) when an intervention is likely to do more good than harm, (2) all participants should receive the experimental intervention at some time point during the study and (3) the design might be preferable for practical reasons. We examine these assumptions when considering Ebola vaccine research. First, based on the claim that a stepped wedge design is indicated when it is likely that the intervention will do more good than harm, we reviewed published and ongoing SW trials to explore previous use of this design to test experimental drugs or vaccines, and found that SW design has never been used for trials of experimental drugs or vaccines. Given that Ebola vaccines were all experimental with no prior efficacy data, the use of a stepped wedge design would have been unprecedented. Second, we show that it is rarely true that all participants receive the intervention in SW studies, but rather, depending on certain design features, all clusters receive the intervention. Third, we explore whether the SW design is appealing for feasibility reasons and point out that there is significant complexity. In the setting of the Ebola epidemic, spatiotemporal variation may have posed problematic challenges to a stepped wedge design for vaccine research. Finally, we propose a set of points to consider for scientific reviewers and ethics committees regarding proposals for SW designs.
Effects of blood-flow restriction on biomarkers of myogenesis in response to resistance exercise
Authors: Layne Andrew S. , Larkin-Kaiser Kelly , MacNeil R. Gavin , Dirain Marvin , Sandesara Bhanuprasad , Manini Todd M. , Buford Thomas W.
Published: October 2016

We investigated the acute myogenic response to resistance exercise with and without blood-flow restriction (BFR). Six men and women (age, 22 ± 1 years) performed unilateral knee extensions at 40% of 1-repetition maximum with or without (CNTRL) BFR applied via pressure cuff inflated to 220 mm Hg. Muscle biopsies were collected at 4 h and 24 h postexercise. Addition of BFR increased myoD and c-Met messenger RNA expression relative to CNTRL. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor protein was significantly higher following CNTRL.
Framework to assess Newmark-type simplified methods for evaluation of earthquake-induced deformation of embankments
Authors: Kan Mojtaba E. , Taiebat Hossein A. , Taiebat Mahdi
Published: October 2016

The simplified procedures for evaluation of the earthquake-induced displacement in earth and rockfill dams are widely used in practice. These methods are simple, inexpensive, and substantially less time consuming as compared to the complicated stress–deformation approaches. They are especially recommended to be used as a screening tool, to identify embankments with marginal factor of safety, assuming that these methods always give conservative estimates of settlements. However, recent studies show that application of these methods may not be conservative in some cases, especially when the tuning ratio of a dam is within a certain range. In this paper, the fundamental theory behind the simplified methods is critically reviewed. A case in which the results of the simplified methods are reportedly nonconservative is investigated in detail and possible reasons are discussed. The reliability of the simplified methods is examined here based on the existing thresholds proposed in the literature and accounting for the embankment geometry and type, and for the seismic activity characterization, and a practical framework is proposed accordingly. The effectiveness of this framework is evaluated in the study of seismic behaviour of a rockfill dam where all simplified procedures failed to predict the order of deformation experienced by the dam under a recent earthquake event.
Single quark entropy and the Polyakov loop
Authors: Weber Johannes Heinrich
Published: October 2016

We study Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) with 2 + 1 flavors with almost physical quark masses using the highly improved staggered quark action (HISQ). We calculate the Polyakov loop in a wide temperature range, obtain the free energy and the entropy of a single static quark and discuss the QCD crossover region in detail. We show that the entropy has a peak close to the chiral crossover and consider the consequences for the deconfinement aspects of the crossover phenomena. We study the renormalized Polyakov loop susceptibilities and place them into the context of the crossover. We also obtain a quantitative result for the onset of weak-coupling behavior at high temperatures.
Charge transfer modeling in monolayer circular graphene quantum dots–ZnO nanowires system for application in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Tamandani Shahryar , Darvish Ghafar
Published: October 2016

We investigate electron transport between circular graphene quantum dots (CGQDs) and ZnO nanowires (ZnO NWs). This structure can be used as donor and acceptor in hybrid solar cells. We consider circular quantum dots (QDs) and use analytical calculation in order to estimate wavefunctions of GQD and ZnO NWs. After calculating the wavefunctions overlap, we use Marcus relation in order to calculate electron transfer rate. Also, we calculate this transfer rate for CdSe QDs–ZnO NWs system. Results from analytical calculation show that the transfer rate is limited to 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text]. This result is in agreement with experimental results which are reported earlier. Such systems could be suitable for solar cells.
Development of viscometric methods for studying the interaction of various porphyrins with DNA. Part II: Meso-tetra-(3N-hydroxyethylpyridyl) porphyrin and its Ni-, Cu-, Co- and Zn- containing derivatives
Authors: Barkhudaryan Vigen G. , Ananyan Gayane V.
Published: October 2016

The influence of porphyrin molecules configuration on their ability to affect on DNA structure were investigated for water-soluble cationic meso-tetra-(3N-hydroxyethylpyridyl) porphyrin (H2THOEtPyP3) and its metal complexes with Cu, Ni, Co, Zn using viscometry and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. A comparative analysis was performed with the results of previously conducted similar studies of meso-tetra-(4N-hydroxyethylpyridyl) porphyrin (H2THOEtPyP4). Viscosity measurements show that the change in position of peripheral radicals on pyridylic ring has absolutely no effect on the laws of interaction of investigated porphyrins with DNA in case of outside binders such as CoTHOEPyP3 and ZnTHOEPyP3. In the presence of planar porphyrins, such as CuTHOEPyP3 and NiTHOEPyP3 the laws of structural changes of DNA are the same as in the case of H2THOEtPyP3, with some differences. Comparison of different locations of peripheral radicals on pyridylic rings leads to the conclusion that H2THOEtPyP3 and its metal complexes bind to DNA preferably more than H2THOEtPyP4 and its metal complexes. This fact may be explained only suggesting that porphyrins with hydroxyethyl groups at 3N-position are favorably located relative to the DNA helix axis than at 4N-position.
Catching metallic nitride endohedral fullerenes in organic and aqueous media
Authors: Strauss Volker , Radhakrishnan Shankara Gayathri , Malig Jenny , Jux Norbert , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: October 2016

Two bis-tetraphenylporphyrin tweezers-like conjugates bearing different linkers have been characterized by means of electrochemical and photophysical methods. The thrust of this work was the complexation of these bis-porphyrins with C[Formula: see text] and metallic nitride endohedral fullerenes (MNEF) like Sc3N@C[Formula: see text] in organic and in aqueus media — studied by a combination of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies. In the context of charge separation evidence for the formation of the 1a[Formula: see text]-Sc3N@C[Formula: see text] and 1c[Formula: see text]-Sc3N@C[Formula: see text] charge separated states in organic and aqueous media, respectively, came from transient absorption spectroscopy. Multi-wavelength analyses afforded charge separated state lifetimes of around 400 ps.
Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of trans-dihydroxy platinum(IV) porphyrins
Authors: Ning Yingying , Yu Yi , Liu Yi-Wei , Zhang Jing , Sun Hao-Ling , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: October 2016

Synthesis of two trans-dihydroxy platinum(IV) porphyrins (TPP, tetraphenylporphyrin and F[Formula: see text]TPP, tetrakispentafluorophenylporphyrin) by dimethyl dioxirane (DMD) oxidation of their Pt[Formula: see text] porphyrin precursors have been described. The oxidation state of Pt cation in such complexes was assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and shown to be [Formula: see text]4. More importantly, proton was found to promote the formation and stabilization of the trans-dihydroxy platinum(IV) porphyrins, as revealed by UV-vis spectroscopic results and single crystal structures. In addition, these trans-dihydroxy Pt[Formula: see text] porphyrins were much easier to be reduced than their Pt(II) counterparts and capable to transfer oxygen atom to triphenylphosphine and thioanisol, which is important for further application of Pt(IV) complexes in catalytic reactions.
Flying-seed-like mesogens 6: Synthesis and mesomorphism of phthalocyanine derivatives substituted by pentafluorosulfanylphenoxy group
Authors: Watarai Ayumi , Ohta Kazuchika , Yasutake Mikio
Published: October 2016

We have synthesized two novel phthalocyanines, (m-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7b) and (p-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7c), in order to investigate their flying-seed-like mesomorphism. Their phase transition behavior and the mesophase structure have been established by using a polarizing optical microscope, a differential scanning calorimeter, and a temperature-dependent small angle X-ray diffractometer. Very interestingly, the derivative (m-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7b) substituted a SF5group at [Formula: see text]-position showed a Col[Formula: see text](P21/a) ([Formula: see text] p2gg) mesophase from rt to 315.0[Formula: see text]C, whereas the derivative (p-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7c) substituted a SF5group at [Formula: see text]-position showed a crystalline (K) phase from rt to the decomposition temperature at ca. 336[Formula: see text]C without showing mesomorphism. Thus, the novel phthalocyanine derivative (m-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7b) substituted a strong electron withdrawing SF5group at [Formula: see text]-position shows only one columnar mesophase in a very wide temperature region from rt to 315.0[Formula: see text]C. Furthermore, the Q-band wavelengths (672.2 and 672.1 nm) of the present (m-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7b) and (p-SF[Formula: see text]PhO)[Formula: see text]PcCu (7c) are shorter than that (680.3 nm) of the previous [(m-C[Formula: see text])PhO][Formula: see text]PcCu (5c) derivative. It can be attributed to strong electron withdrawing nature of the SF5group on the phenoxy group.
Grid-Based Hybrid Network Deployment Approach for Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Farman Haleem , Javed Huma , Ahmad Jamil , Jan Bilal , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: October 2016

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) empower applications for critical decision-making through collaborative computing, communications, and distributed sensing. However, they face several challenges due to their peculiar use in a wide variety of applications. One of the inherent challenges with any battery operated sensor is the efficient consumption of energy and its effect on network lifetime. In this paper, we introduce a novel grid-based hybrid network deployment (GHND) framework which ensures energy efficiency and load balancing in wireless sensor networks. This research is particularly focused on the merge and split technique to achieve even distribution of sensor nodes across the grid. Low density neighboring zones are merged together whereas high density zones are strategically split to achieve optimum balance. Extensive simulations reveal that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art techniques in terms of load balancing, network lifetime, and total energy consumption.
Smooth Adaptive Internal Model Control Based on U Model for Nonlinear Systems with Dynamic Uncertainties
Authors: Zhao Li , Wang Jing , Zhang Weicun
Published: October 2016

An improved smooth adaptive internal model control based on U model control method is presented to simplify modeling structure and parameter identification for a class of uncertain dynamic systems with unknown model parameters and bounded external disturbances. Differing from traditional adaptive methods, the proposed controller can simplify the identification of time-varying parameters in presence of bounded external disturbances. Combining the small gain theorem and the virtual equivalent system theory, learning rate of smooth adaptive internal model controller has been analyzed and the closed-loop virtual equivalent system based on discrete U model has been constructed as well. The convergence of this virtual equivalent system is proved, which further shows the convergence of the complex closed-loop discrete U model system. Finally, simulation and experimental results on a typical nonlinear dynamic system verified the feasibility of the proposed algorithm. The proposed method is shown to have lighter identification burden and higher control accuracy than the traditional adaptive controller.
Chronic Pain in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study Examining Patient Characteristics and Reasons for Presentations
Authors: Poulin Patricia A. , Nelli Jennifer , Tremblay Steven , Small Rebecca , Caluyong Myka B. , Freeman Jeffrey , Romanow Heather , Stokes Yehudis , Carpino Tia , Carson Amanda , Shergill Yaadwinder , Stiell Ian G. , Taljaard Monica , Nathan Howard , Smyth Catherine E.
Published: October 2016

Background. Chronic pain (CP) accounts for 10–16% of emergency department (ED) visits, contributing to ED overcrowding and leading to adverse events.Objectives. To describe patients with CP attending the ED and identify factors contributing to their visit.Methods. We used a mixed-method design combining interviews and questionnaires addressing pain, psychological distress, signs of opioid misuse, and disability. Participants were adults who attended the EDs of a large academic tertiary care center for their CP problem.Results. Fifty-eight patients (66% women; mean age 46.5, SD = 16.9) completed the study. The most frequently cited reason (60%) for ED visits was inability to cope with pain. Mental health problems were common, including depression (61%) and anxiety (45%). Participants had questions about the etiology of their pain, concerns about severe pain-related impairment, and problems with medication renewals or efficacy and sometimes felt invalidated in the ED. Although most participants had a primary care physician, the ED was seen as the only or best option when pain became unmanageable.Conclusions. Patients with CP visiting the ED often present with complex difficulties that cannot be addressed in the ED. Better access to interdisciplinary pain treatment is needed to reduce the burden of CP on the ED.
Effective and Fast Near Duplicate Detection via Signature-Based Compression Metrics
Authors: Zhang Xi , Yao Yuntao , Ji Yingsheng , Fang Binxing
Published: October 2016

Detecting near duplicates on the web is challenging due to its volume and variety. Most of the previous studies require the setting of input parameters, making it difficult for them to achieve robustness across various scenarios without careful tuning. Recently, a universal and parameter-free similarity metric, the normalized compression distance or NCD, has been employed effectively in diverse applications. Nevertheless, there are problems preventing NCD from being applied to medium-to-large datasets as it lacks efficiency and tends to get skewed by large object size. To make this parameter-free method feasible on a large corpus of web documents, we propose a new method called SigNCD which measures NCD based on lightweight signatures instead of full documents, leading to improved efficiency and stability. We derive various lower bounds of NCD and propose pruning policies to further reduce computational complexity. We evaluate SigNCD on both English and Chinese datasets and show an increase inF1score compared with the original NCD method and a significant reduction in runtime. Comparisons with other competitive methods also demonstrate the superiority of our method. Moreover, no parameter tuning is required in SigNCD, except a similarity threshold.
Some Nonlinear Stochastic Cauchy Problems with Generalized Stochastic Processes
Authors: Dévoué Victor
Published: October 2016

We study some nonlinear stochastic Cauchy problems in the framework of the (C,E,P)-algebras. We adapt the definitions to this framework. By means of suitable regularizations, we define associated generalized problems. We use our previous results about the wave equation in canonical form to obtain generalized solutions. We compare the generalized solutions with the classical ones when they exist.
Plasma Levels of Pentosidine, Carboxymethyl-Lysine, Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products, and Metabolic Syndrome: The Metformin Effect
Authors: Haddad Mohamed , Knani Ines , Bouzidi Hsan , Berriche Olfa , Hammami Mohamed , Kerkeni Mohsen
Published: October 2016

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered one of the most important public health problems. Several and controversial studies showed that the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor in the development of metabolic syndrome and therapeutic pathways is still unsolved. We have investigated whether plasma pentosidine, carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) levels were increased in patients with MetS and the effect of metformin in plasma levels of pentosidine, CML, and sRAGE. 80 control subjects and 86 patients were included in this study. Pentosidine, CML, and sRAGE were measured in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma pentosidine, CML, and sRAGE levels were significantly increased in patients compared to control subjects (P<0.001,P<0.001, andP=0.014, resp.). Plasma levels of pentosidine were significantly decreased in patients who received metformin compared to untreated patients (P=0.01). However, there was no significant difference between patients treated with metformin and untreated patients in plasma CML levels. Plasma levels of sRAGE were significantly increased in patients who received metformin and ACE inhibitors (P<0.001andP=0.002, resp.). However, in a multiple stepwise regression analysis, pentosidine, sRAGE, and drugs treatments were not independently associated. Patients with metabolic syndrome showed increased levels of AGEs such as pentosidine and CML. Metformin treatment showed a decreased level of pentosidine but not of CML. Therapeutic pathways of AGEs development should be taken into account and further experimental andin vitrostudies merit for advanced research.
Unusual Presentation of Duplex Kidneys: Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Başdaş Cemile , Çelebi Süleyman , Özaydın Seyithan , Karaaslan Birgül , Alim Elmas Reyhan , Güvenç Ünal , Sander Serdar
Published: October 2016

Aim. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is rarely associated with a duplex collecting system. We review this unusual anomaly in terms of presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical management.Method. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with a duplex system with UPJO.Result. Sixteen patients (6 girls, 10 boys) with 18 moieties were treated surgically and four patients were treated conservatively. The median age at surgery was two years (range, 2 months to 7 years). The lower pole and upper moiety were affected in 12 and two kidneys, respectively, and both were affected in two patients. The anomaly was right-sided in 12 moieties and left-sided in six. The duplication was incomplete in seven patients and complete in nine. The mean renal pelvis diameter at the time of surgery was 25.6 (range 11–48 mm) mm by USG. The mean renal function of the involved moiety was 28.3% before surgery. Management included pyelopyelostomy or ureteropyelostomy in six moieties, dismembered pyeloplasty in eight moieties, heminephrectomy in four cases, and simultaneous upper heminephrectomy and lower pole ureteropyelostomy in one patient.Conclusion. There is no standard approach for these patients and treatment should be individualized according to physical presentation, detailed anatomy, and severity of obstruction.
Interleukin-22 Might Act as a Double-Edged Sword in Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Gong Fangchen , Wu Jin , Zhou Ping , Zhang Mengyao , Liu Jingning , Liu Ying , Lu Xiang , Liu Zhengxia
Published: October 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. The role of Th17 and its related cytokines in T2DM and CAD is unclear. Here we investigated the serum levels of five Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-22, MIP-3α, IL-9, and IL-27) in T2DM, CAD, and T2DM-CAD comorbidity patients. IL-22 was found to be elevated in all three conditions. Elevated serum IL-22 was independently associated with the incidence of T2DM and CAD. Conversely, IL-22 was found to protect endothelial cells from glucose- and lysophosphatidylcholine- (LPC-) induced injury, and IL-22R1 expression on endothelial cells was increased upon treatment with high glucose and LPC. Blocking of IL-22R1 with IL-22R1 antibody diminished the protective role of IL-22. Our results suggest that IL-22 functions as a double-edged sword in T2DM and CAD and that IL-22 may be used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as T2DM and CAD.
Representations of Generalized Inverses and Drazin Inverse of Partitioned Matrix with Banachiewicz-Schur Forms
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Jin Hongwei , Višnjić Jelena
Published: October 2016

Representations of 1,2,3-inverses, 1,2,4-inverses, and Drazin inverse of a partitioned matrix M=ABCD related to the generalized Schur complement are studied. First, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions under which 1,2,3-inverses, 1,2,4-inverses, and group inverse of a 2×2 block matrix can be represented in the Banachiewicz-Schur forms. Some results from the paper of Cvetković-Ilić, 2009, are generalized. Also, we expressed the quotient property and the first Sylvester identity in terms of the generalized Schur complement.
High Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Variability Is Correlated with the Occurrence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in the First Decade following a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A New Biomarker from Old Measurement
Authors: Yeh Chi-Hsiao , Yu Hsiu-Chin , Huang Tzu-Yen , Huang Pin-Fu , Wang Yao-Chang , Chen Tzu-Ping , Yin Shun-Ying
Published: October 2016

Background. To assess whether the visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 10 years after diagnosis. Methods. The electronic medical records of 825 patients, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during 2000–2002 and regularly followed for 10 years, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 53,284 clinic visit records, including analysis of BP, BMI, serum glycohemoglobin, and lipid profile, were analyzed. Results. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their visit-to-visit variability in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP, resp.). The high-risk group included patients with high SBP and DBP visit-to-visit variability; this group had a 1.679-fold (95% CI: 1.141–2.472, P=0.009) increased risk of PAD compared with patients in the low-risk group. Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that the age at which the patients were diagnosed with T2DM, smoking status, and mean creatinine level was significantly associated with increased risk of PAD with a hazard ration of 1.064 (95% CI: 1.043–1.084, P<0.001), 1.803 (95% CI: 1.160–2.804, P=0.009), and 1.208 (95% CI: 1.042–1.401, P=0.012), respectively. Conclusions. High SBP and DBP visit-to-visit variability is correlated with PAD in the first decade following a diagnosis of T2DM.
Nucleolin Targeting Impairs the Progression of Pancreatic Cancer and Promotes the Normalization of Tumor Vasculature
Authors: Gilles Maud-Emmanuelle , Maione Federica , Cossutta Mélissande , Carpentier Gilles , Caruana Laure , Di Maria Silvia , Houppe Claire , Destouches Damien , Shchors Ksenya , Prochasson Christopher , Mongelard Fabien , Lamba Simona , Bardelli Alberto , Bouvet Philippe , Couvelard Anne , Courty José , Giraudo Enrico , Cascone Ilaria
Published: October 2016

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive tumor, mostly resistant to the standard treatments. Nucleolin is overexpressed in cancers and its inhibition impairs tumor growth. Herein, we showed that nucleolin was overexpressed in human specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and that the overall survival significantly increased in patients with low levels of nucleolin. The nucleolin antagonist N6L strongly impaired the growth of primary tumors and liver metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of PDAC (mPDAC). Similar antitumor effect of N6L has been observed in a highly angiogenic mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor RIP-Tag2. N6L significantly inhibited both human and mouse pancreatic cell proliferation and invasion. Notably, the analysis of tumor vasculature revealed a strong increase of pericyte coverage and vessel perfusion both in mPDAC and RIP-Tag2 tumors, in parallel to an inhibition of tumor hypoxia. Nucleolin inhibition directly affected endothelial cell (EC) activation and changed a proangiogenic signature. Among the vascular activators, nucleolin inhibition significantly decreased angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) secretion and expression in ECs, in the tumor and in the plasma of mPDAC mice. As a consequence of the observed N6L-induced tumor vessel normalization, pre-treatment with N6L efficiently improved chemotherapeutic drug delivery and increased the antitumor properties of gemcitabine in PDAC mice. In conclusion, nucleolin inhibition is a new anti-pancreatic cancer therapeutic strategy that dually blocks tumor progression and normalizes tumor vasculature, improving the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, we unveiled Ang-2 as a potential target and suitable response biomarker for N6L treatment in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7181–93. ©2016 AACR.
Paracrine Mechanisms of Intravenous Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Stem Cells in Chronic Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bhasin Ashu , Srivastava M.V. Padma , Mohanty Sujata , Vivekanandhan Sivasubramaniam , Sharma Sakshi , Kumaran Senthil , Bhatia Rohit
Published: October 2016

Background: The emerging role of stem cell technology and transplantation has helped scientists to study their potential role in neural repair and regeneration. The fate of stem cells is determined by their niche, consisting of surrounding cells and the secreted trophic growth factors. This interim report evaluates the safety, feasibility and efficacy (if any) of bone marrow-derived mononuclear stem cells (BM-MNC) in chronic ischemic stroke by studying the release of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF). Methods: Twenty stroke patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls were recruited with the following inclusion criteria: 3 months to 1.5 years from the index event, Medical Research Council (MRC) grade of hand muscles of at least 2, Brunnstrom stage 2-5, conscious, and comprehendible. They were randomized to one group receiving autologous BM-MNC (mean 60-70 million) and to another group receiving saline infusion (placebo). All patients were administered a neuromotor rehabilitation regime for 8 weeks. Clinical assessments [Fugl Meyer scale (FM), modified Barthel index (mBI), MRC grade, Ashworth tone scale] were carried out and serum VEGF and BDNF levels were assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks. Results: No serious adverse events were observed during the study. There was no statistically significant clinical improvement between the groups (FM: 95% CI 15.2-5.35, p = 0.25; mBI: 95% CI 14.3-4.5, p = 0.31). VEGF and BDNF expression was found to be greater in group 1 compared to group 2 (VEGF: 442.1 vs. 400.3 pg/ml, p = 0.67; BDNF: 21.3 vs. 19.5 ng/ml) without any statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Autologous mononuclear stem cell infusion is safe and tolerable by chronic ischemic stroke patients. The released growth factors (VEGF and BDNF) in the microenvironment could be due to the paracrine hypothesis of stem cell niche and neurorehabilitation regime.
Febrile Neutropenia with Thrombocytopenia after Infliximab Induction in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Gomez Gustavo , Umar Shifa , Bilal Mohammad , Strahotin Cristina , Clarke Kofi
Published: October 2016

A 34-year-old female with left-sided ulcerative colitis (UC) developed severe febrile neutropenia/thrombocytopenia soon after infliximab induction therapy. There was no other plausible cause of the cell line abnormalities other than an accurate temporal association with infliximab administration. Supportive care, broad-spectrum antibiotic, and single dose of filgrastim was given on day 5 of admission due to persistently low absolute neutrophil count and fevers. The cell lines recovered, fever resolved and the patient made a complete clinical recovery. Clinicians should be aware of this potential life-threatening inflixmab side effect previously unreported in adults with UC.
Trichotillomania in Celiac Disease
Authors: Al Lihabi Abeer Ayad
Published: October 2016

Trichotillomania is an underreported and underdiagnosed condition associated with significant impairments in social and functional relationships. The connection between celiac disease and trichotillomania is not yet established clearly. Only a few cases of trichotillomania have been reported to date. Here, we report the case of a 22-year-old Saudi female, who presented with celiac disease and trichotillomania to the psychiatry clinic. This is the first report of its kind in Saudi Arabia. By reporting this case, I highlight the importance of psychiatric and comprehensive approaches in patients with celiac disease.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Case of Atypical Radiographic Findings
Authors: Karimi Shawhin , Bharill Parth
Published: October 2016

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare pancreatic disorder that can present as a manifestation of a broader systemic inflammatory disease known as immunoglobulin G4-related systemic disease (IGG4-RSD). AIP is divided into two subtypes based on clinical, radiological, and histological findings. The disease can be mistaken for pancreatic cancer because of overlapping clinical and radiological findings, but early recognition can help avoid unnecessary surgery. We present a case of a 65-year-old female with suspected acute gallstone pancreatitis found to have AIP based on serology, radiological findings, and response to steroids.
Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome during Infliximab Therapy in a Patient with Crohn Disease
Authors: Schoehl Johanna , Mechie Nicolae-Catalin , Schwoerer Harald , Moerer Onnen , Quintel Michael , Buck Cordula , Ellenrieder Volker , Neesse Albrecht , Amanzada Ahmad
Published: October 2016

The occurrence of a noninfectious interstitial lung disease is a rare but life-threatening side effect of infliximab, an antitumor necrosis factor alpha antibody. The following case report of a patient with Crohn disease shows an extremely dramatic progression to a severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.