bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance Analyses of Japanese Hepatitis C‐Infected Patients Receiving Sofosbuvir or Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Containing Regimens in Phase 3 Studies
Authors: Mizokami M. , Dvory‐Sobol H. , Izumi N. , Nishiguchi S. , Doehle B. , Svarovskaia E. S. , De‐Oertel S. , Knox S. , Brainard D. M. , Miller M. D. , Mo H. , Sakamoto N. , Takehara T. , Omata M.
Published: May 2016

High rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) has been achieved in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT)1 and GT2 infection treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ±ribavirin (RBV) and SOF+RBV, respectively. We evaluated the effect of baseline HCV NS5A and NS5B resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) on treatment outcome and characterized variants at virologic failure.

Baseline deep sequencing for NS5A and NS5B genes was performed for all GT1 patients. Deep sequencing of NS5A (GT1 only) and NS5B (GT1 and GT2) was performed for patients who failed treatment or discontinued early with detectable HCV RNA (i.e., >25 IU/mL). In patients with HCV GT1 infection, 22.3% (GT1a: 2/11; GT1b: 74/330) had ≥1 baseline NS5A RAV. The most frequent NS5A RAVs in GT1b were Y93H (17.9%, 59/330) and L31M (2.4%, 8/330). Despite the presence of NS5A RAVs at baseline, 100% and 97% of patients achieved SVR12, compared with 100% and 99% for those with no NS5A RAVs with LDV/SOF and LDV/SOF+RBV, respectively. All patients with NS5B RAVs at baseline achieved SVR12. Of the 153 patients with GT2 infection (GT2a 60.1%, GT2b 39.9%), 3.3% (5/153) experienced viral relapse. No S282T or other NS5B RAVs were detected at baseline or relapse; no change in susceptibility to SOF or RBV was observed at relapse. In conclusion, LDV/SOF and SOF+RBV demonstrate a high barrier to resistance in Japanese patients with HCV GT1 and GT2 infection. The presence of baseline NS5A RAVs did not impact treatment outcome in GT1 Japanese patients treated with LDV/SOF for 12 weeks.
Rethinking policy perspectives on childhood stunting: time to formulate a structural and multifactorial strategy
Authors: Subramanian S V , Mejía‐Guevara Iván , Krishna Aditi
Published: May 2016

Stunting and chronic undernutrition among children in South Asia remain a major unresolved global health issue. There are compelling intrinsic and moral reasons to ensure that children attain their optimal growth potential facilitated via promotion of healthy living conditions. Investments in efforts to ensure that children's growth is not faltered also have substantial instrumental benefits in terms of cognitive and economic development. Using the case of India, we critique three prevailing approaches to reducing undernutrition among children: an over‐reliance on macroeconomic growth as a potent policy instrument, a disproportionate focus on interpreting undernutrition as a demand‐side problem and an over‐reliance on unintegrated single‐factorial (one at a time) approaches to policy and research. Using existing evidence, we develop a case for support‐led policy approach with a focus on integrated and structural factors to addressing the problem of undernutrition among children in India.

Key messages

Eliminating child undernutrition is important from an intrinsic perspective and offers considerable instrumental benefits to individual and society.

Evidence suggests that an exclusive reliance on a growth‐mediated strategy to eliminate stunting needs to be reconsidered, suggesting the need for a substantial support‐led strategy.

Interpreting and addressing undernutrition as a demand‐side problem with proximal single‐factorial interventions is futile.

There is an urgent need to develop interventions that address the broader structural and upstream causes of child undernutrition.
Determinants of stunting and poor linear growth in children under 2 years of age in India: an in‐depth analysis of Maharashtra's comprehensive nutrition survey
Authors: Aguayo Víctor M. , Nair Rajilakshmi , Badgaiyan Nina , Krishna Vandana
Published: May 2016

We use a representative sample of 2561 children 0–23 months old to identify the factors most significantly associated with child stunting in the state of Maharashtra, India. We find that 22.7% of children were stunted, with one‐third (7.4%) of the stunted children severely stunted. Multivariate regression analyses indicate that children born with low birthweight had a 2.5‐fold higher odds of being stunted [odds ratio (OR) 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96–3.27]; children 6–23 months old who were not fed a minimum number of times/day had a 63% higher odds of being stunted (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.24–2.14); and lower consumption of eggs was associated with a two‐fold increased odds of stunting in children 6–23 months old (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.19–3.61); children whose mother's height was < 145 cm, had two‐fold higher odds of being stunted (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.46–2.81); lastly, children of households without access to improved sanitation had 88% higher odds of being severely stunted (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.17–3.02). Attained linear growth (height‐for‐age z‐score) was significantly lower in children from households without access to improved sanitation, children of mothers without access to electronic media, without decision making power regarding food or whose height was < 145 cm, children born with a low birthweight and children 6–23 months old who were not fed dairy products, fruits and vegetables. In Maharashtra children's birthweight and feeding practices, women's nutrition and status and household sanitation and poverty are the most significant predictors of stunting and poor linear growth in children under 2 years.

Key messages

One in five (22.7%) of children 0–23 months old in the state of Maharashtra were stunted, and one‐third (7.4%) of the stunted children were severely stunted.

Birthweight, child feeding, women's nutrition and household sanitation were the most significant predictors of stunting and poor linear growth in children under 2 years.

Children born to mothers whose height was below 145 cm, had two‐fold higher odds of being stunted; children born with a low birthweight had a 2.5‐fold higher odds of being stunted.

Low feeding frequency and low consumption of eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables were associated with stunting and poor linear growth in children 6–23 months old.

Children of households without access to improved sanitation had 88% higher odds of being severely stunted.
The function of the PduJ microcompartment shell protein is determined by the genomic position of its encoding gene
Authors: Chowdhury Chiranjit , Chun Sunny , Sawaya Michael R. , Yeates Todd O. , Bobik Thomas A
Published: May 2016

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are complex organelles that consist of metabolic enzymes encapsulated within a protein shell. In this study, we investigate the function of the PduJ MCP shell protein. PduJ is 80% identical in amino acid sequence to PduA and both are major shell proteins of the 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐PD) utilization (Pdu) MCP of Salmonella. Prior studies showed that PduA mediates the transport of 1,2‐PD (the substrate) into the Pdu MCP. Surprisingly, however, results presented here establish that PduJ has no role 1,2‐PD transport. The crystal structure revealed that PduJ was nearly identical to that of PduA and, hence, offered no explanation for their differential functions. Interestingly, however, when a pduJ gene was placed at the pduA chromosomal locus, the PduJ protein acquired a new function, the ability to mediate 1,2‐PD transport into the Pdu MCP. To our knowledge, these are the first studies to show that that gene location can determine the function of a MCP shell protein. We propose that gene location dictates protein‐protein interactions essential to the function of the MCP shell.
A Crisis of Ends: University Education as Formative Reading
Authors: Lorkovic Edvard
Published: May 2016

Beginning with Mark C. Taylor's Crisis on Campus, and its critique of the structure and delivery of contemporary higher education, this essay argues that if there is a crisis in education, it is not technical, not reducible to the delivery of education. If there is a crisis, it lies in the contemporary world's misunderstanding of the goals or ends of the university. Borrowing Antonin's Sertillanges’ account of reading from the Intellectual Life, the essay concludes by suggesting that the goal of university education is formation of the mind, not mastery, edification, of entertainment.
François Pourfour du Petit (1664–1741): pioneer in ocular biometry
Authors: Charman W Neil
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To outline the important contributions of the French physician Petit to the development of ocular biometry.

Content

After a brief review of Petit's life and his studies in neurology, anatomy, and cataract surgery, the methodology and results of his work in measuring many of the biometric parameters of the human eye are discussed. Among other techniques, he made use of frozen sections of eyes to explore their dimensions and employed an immersion technique to avoid the effect of corneal refraction on the appearance of the iris. His pioneering biometric results have been largely confirmed by modern studies. Those on the changes in the crystalline lens with age are particularly striking and suggest that these ocular aging effects have changed little over the last 300 years. Although largely forgotten today, his biometric work exercised a considerable influence on his more immediate successors, including Porterfield and Thomas Young.

François Pourfour du Petit deserves to be remembered as an important contributor to our understanding of the structure and dimensions of the human eye.
Soil quality indicators to assess functionality of restored soils in degraded semiarid ecosystems
Authors: Muñoz‐Rojas Miriam , Erickson Todd E. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Merritt David J.
Published: May 2016

A thorough knowledge of soil functionality is critical to successful restoration of disturbed ecosystems, and its evaluation involves the assessment of soil properties and processes as a component of a healthy ecosystem. Here, we propose a set of soil quality indicators to assess the soil status in restored soils (topsoil and waste material) and test new methods that are easy to apply, interpret, and cost‐effective for the analysis of soil biological indicators in restored ecosystems. We show that in addition to organic carbon and C:N ratio, biological indicators (microbial diversity and activity in particular) are the most sensitive indicators to detect differences among reconstructed soils and analogue undisturbed soils in semiarid areas. The use of the 1‐day CO2 test is proven to be an alternative cost‐ and time‐effective method to measure microbial activity and assess soil functionality of restored soils. Our results show a positive effect of vegetation on reconstructed soils and a recovery of soil functionality in waste material to levels similar to topsoil once vegetation is established. However, soil functionality in both restored waste materials and topsoils is still far from that in undisturbed native soils. We conclude that soil functionality is critical in the restoration process, particularly in semiarid areas, and the methods used here could be effectively applied in a broad range of restoration projects in arid and semiarid environments.
Measurements of Laminar Flame Speeds of Gas-to-Liquid-Diesel Fuel Blends
Authors: Samim Samahat , Sadeq Abdellatif M. , Ahmed Samer F.
Published: May 2016

This work investigates the laminar flame speed, SN, of gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel and its 50–50% by volume blends with conventional diesel, in a cylindrical bomb capable of measuring SN at different initial temperatures and equivalence ratios at ambient pressure. SN was measured by analysing the pressure signals after combustion detected by a pressure transducer mounted on the bomb. Direct visualization has also been conducted to observe the ignition and flame propagation. It was found that pure GTL fuel has the highest SN near stoichiometric conditions, which is about 88.3 cm/s. However, at lean and rich mixtures, SN of GTL is slightly lower than that of the conventional diesel. The blended fuel has the lowest SN at lean and rich mixture conditions comparing with those of GTL and diesel fuels. Studying the effect of increasing the initial temperature on SN revealed that SN of the three tested fuels increases with the increase in the initial temperature almost linearly. However, the blended fuel has the lowest SN at the highest temperature, about 89.7 cm/s at 250 °C.
Stacking Fault Energy Maps of Fe–Mn–Al–C–Si Steels: Effect of Temperature, Grain Size, and Variations in Compositions
Authors: Zambrano O. A.
Published: May 2016

A subregular solution thermodynamic model was employed to calculate the stacking fault energy (SFE) in Fe–Mn–Al–C–Si steels with contents of carbon 0.2–1.6 wt.%, manganese 1–35 wt.%, aluminum 1–10 wt.%, and silicon 0.5–4 wt.%. Based on these calculations, temperature-dependent and composition-dependent diagrams were developed in the mentioned composition range. Also, the effect of the austenite grain size (from 1 to 300 μm) on SFEs was analyzed. Furthermore, some results of SFE obtained with this model were compared with the experimental results reported in the literature. In summary, the present model introduces new changes that shows a better correlation with the experimental results and also allows to expand the ranges of temperatures, compositions, grain sizes, and also the SFE maps available in the literature to support the design of Fe–Mn–Al–C–Si steels as a function of the SFE.
A Mechanics Model for Sensors Imperfectly Bonded to the Skin for
Determination of the Young's Moduli of Epidermis and Dermis
Authors: Yuan J. H. , Shi Y. , Pharr M. , Feng X. , Rogers John A. , Huang Yonggang
Published: May 2016

A mechanics model is developed for the encapsulated piezoelectric thin-film actuators/sensors system imperfectly bonded to the human skin to simultaneously determine the Young's moduli of the epidermis and dermis as well as the thickness of epidermis.
Topology Generation for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Architecture Design
Authors: Bayrak Alparslan Emrah , Ren Yi , Papalambros Panos Y.
Published: May 2016

Existing hybrid powertrain architectures, i.e., the connections from engine and motors to the vehicle output shaft, are designed for particular vehicle applications, e.g., passenger cars or city buses, to achieve good fuel economy. For effective electrification of new applications (e.g., heavy-duty trucks or racing cars), new architectures may need to be identified to accommodate the particular vehicle specifications and drive cycles. The exploration of feasible architectures is combinatorial in nature and is conventionally based on human intuition. We propose a mathematically rigorous algorithm to enumerate all feasible powertrain architectures, therefore enabling automated optimal powertrain design. The proposed method is general enough to account for single and multimode architectures as well as different number of planetary gears (PGs) and powertrain components. We demonstrate through case studies that our method can generate the complete sets of feasible designs, including the ones available in the market and in patents.
Social work disaster emergency response within a hospital setting
Authors: Maher Penny , Maidment Jane
Published: May 2016

This article outlines the social work contribution to a series of post-disaster emergency response interventions occurring in the Canterbury region between 2007 and 2012. While the earthquakes of September 4th 2010 and February 22nd 2011 provide the major focus for discussing the tasks and processes involved in emergency response interventions, an earlier critical incident involving a large number of youth prompted the development of the emergency response protocols. These protocols are discussed in light of the social work response to the Canterbury earthquakes. The challenges encountered through working in a rapidly changing physical and professional context are outlined including a discussion about the application of diverse forms of debriefing. New learning for social work practice derived out of engagement with emergency response work is summarised.
Interprofessional supervision in social work and psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Howard Fiona M. , Beddoe Liz , Mowjood Aqeela
Published: May 2016

The requirement of professional supervision within the health, justice and social service sector in New Zealand has increased greatly since the advent of the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (HCPA 2003). As supervision is seen as a key vehicle for continuing development of professional skills, the demand for trained and competent supervisors has increased, with the resultant gap between demand and provision. One solution to this is for practitioners to seek supervision from a suitably matched professional outside the discipline. The limited literature on the practice of interprofessional supervision (IPS), suggests both advantages and limitations. This article presents the results of a survey (N=243) of social workers and psychologists practising IPS in Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey examined the rationale for seeking IPS, attention to function, and the perceived advantages and limitations for the supervisor and supervisee alike. Respondents receiving IPS reported a variety of reasons for seeking it including, but not most importantly, the lack of availability of same-profession supervisor. Respondents believed the advantages included the usefulness of different approaches/perspectives and an increase in knowledge and creative thinking. Disadvantages included that aspects of the supervisee role were not able to be adequately addressed and a lack of shared theories orlanguage.The practice more adequately provided for the formative and restorative functions than normative despite some having IPS as their only form of supervision. Recommendations therefore include ensuring the purpose of IPS is well clarified at the outset; that it is not a standalone practice forless experienced practitioners; that professional guidelines are appropriately flexible to provide for the varied and justifiable rationales and that programmes for appropriate preparation for IPS be developed. Further research is needed, however, to further clarify the specific agenda forseeking IPS including those for whom it is not a preferred or satisfactory approach.
Editorial – Celebrating 50 years of professional social work
Authors: Nash Mary
Published: May 2016

Editorial for issue 26(4).
The social work voice: How could unions strengthen practice?
Authors: Ross Amy
Published: May 2016

Social workers have many different demands placed upon them daily. From a necessity to consistently engage in professional development and reflection through to the requirement to challenge social injustice and strive for social change, much is made of our ethical respon- sibilities and practice standards. This is as it should be due to the complex and demanding nature of our work. Yet far less is said about how social workers can effectively meet these strong commitments and who can support us to do so. The question of who ‘advocates for the advocates’ remains side-lined in the continuing development of our profession. This article examines unionism and how it may provide the support and advocacy needed to progress some of the long-standing issues faced by the social work community, as well as some of the key obstacles to this. In addition, an overview of the Social Workers Action Network (SWAN) within the Public Service Association (PSA) is provided to examine how these conceptual dilemmas are being dealt with in practice.
Social policy, social work and fatongia: Implications of the Tongan concept of obligation
Authors: Tofuaipangai Siosiua , Camilleri Peter
Published: May 2016

The dominance of Western social work discourse is slowly being challenged as voices from indigenous cultures are expressed. This paper examines the Moanan-Tongan concept of fatongia and considers how it might contribute to a re-examination of the English language concept of obligation in order to develop a more socially progressive perspective on social policy and social work. In countries with a neoliberal welfare state the concept of obligation has become a vexed issue between citizenry and the state. The neoliberal requirement to demonstrate certain behaviours in order to gain access to benefits has challenged the consensus of social rights that imbued traditional notions of state welfare. We argue that rights and obligations have became separated as the Western welfare state discourse has shifted from a rights agenda to an agenda of obligation. Fatongia is about obligation that is entered into freely: it involves the giving of a gift that is enjoyed and reinforces mutual obligations. It is reciprocal and symmetrical and leads to stronger sense of community. By comparison, obligation in Western discourse is asymmetrical, coercive, compulsory and oppressive. For social work practice, the concept of fatongia offers a new direction in which rights are broadened into duties, and responsibilities into gifts. The duality of obligation and rights under fatongia implies a web of relationships between people, families and communities. This offers social work practitioners a constructive and progressive narrative for relationship-based work with clients/service users, and a celebration of rights through doing duty.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: May 2016

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA).

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the national catalog of Acoustical Standards, and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Rewritable artificial magnetic charge ice
Authors: Wang Yong-Lei , Xiao Zhi-Li , Snezhko Alexey , Xu Jing , Ocola Leonidas E. , Divan Ralu , Pearson John E. , Crabtree George W. , Kwok Wai-Kwong
Published: May 2016

From a bar to a charge, magnetically

Artificial spin ices are arrays of nanoscale bar magnets that can mimic the behavior of naturally occurring “frustrated” magnetic materials. Usually the arrays take the form of a square lattice with the bar magnets perpendicular to its sides. Wang
et al.
“broke up” each bar into a positive and negative magnetic charge. Working backward from an array of these charges, they designed a structure that has bar magnets oriented not only perpendicularly to the sides of the square lattice but also diagonally. Compared to the traditional one, this structure was much more controllable by global and local magnetic fields.

Science
, this issue p.
962
The radical mechanism of biological methane synthesis by methyl-coenzyme M reductase
Authors: Wongnate Thanyaporn , Sliwa Dariusz , Ginovska Bojana , Smith Dayle , Wolf Matthew W. , Lehnert Nicolai , Raugei Simone , Ragsdale Stephen W.
Published: May 2016

A radical route to making methane

Microorganisms are the main drivers of Earth's methane cycle. The enzyme ultimately responsible for biological methane production has an ambiguous mechanism because it involves difficult-to-isolate reaction intermediates. Wongnate
et al.
used stopped-flow and rapid freeze-quench experiments to trap a methyl radical in the active site of methyl-coenzyme M reductase (see the Perspective by Lawton and Rosenzweig). Spectroscopy demonstrated that cofactor F430 contained Ni(II), consistent with computational results. The final step of methanogenesis thus proceeds through Ni(II)-thiolate and methyl radical intermediates rather than an organometallic methyl-Ni(III) mechanism.

Science
, this issue p.
953
;, see also p.
892
Accelerated actin filament polymerization from microtubule plus ends
Authors: Henty-Ridilla Jessica L. , Rankova Aneliya , Eskin Julian A. , Kenny Katelyn , Goode Bruce L.
Published: May 2016

Making the fast faster still

Coordination between actin and microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics is critical during cell migration, phagocytosis, cytokinesis, and embryogenesis. However, the basis for cross-regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics is unclear. Henty-Ridilla
et al.
found that a component of the microtubule cytoskeleton accelerates actin filament elongation and protects the growing actin filament end (see the Perspective by Rottner). Thus, growing microtubules appear to be able to directly control the actin assembly machinery and actin filament dynamics.

Science
, this issue p.
1004
; see also p.
894
Pore chemistry and size control in hybrid porous materials for acetylene capture from ethylene
Authors: Cui Xili , Chen Kaijie , Xing Huabin , Yang Qiwei , Krishna Rajamani , Bao Zongbi , Wu Hui , Zhou Wei , Dong Xinglong , Han Yu , Li Bin , Ren Qilong , Zaworotko Michael J. , Chen Banglin
Published: May 2016

Separating one organic from another

Separating closely related organic molecules is a challenge (see the Perspective by Lin).The separation of acetylene from ethylene is needed in high-purity polymer production. Cui et al. developed a copper-based metal-organic framework with hexafluorosilicate and organic linkers designed to have a high affinity for acetylene. These materials, which capture four acetylene molecules in each pore, successfully separated acetylene from mixtures with ethylene. Propane and propylene are both important feedstock chemicals. Their physical and chemical similarity, however, requires energy-intense processes to separate them. Cadiau et al. designed a fluorinated porous metal-organic framework material that selectively adsorbed propylene, with the complete exclusion of propane.

Science
, this issue pp.
141
and
137
; see also p.
121
Meta-principles for developing smart, sustainable, and healthy cities
Authors: Ramaswami Anu , Russell Armistead G. , Culligan Patricia J. , Sharma Karnamadakala Rahul , Kumar Emani
Published: May 2016

Policy directives in several nations are focusing on the development of smart cities, linking innovations in the data sciences with the goal of advancing human well-being and sustainability on a highly urbanized planet. To achieve this goal, smart initiatives must move beyond city-level data to a higher-order understanding of cities as transboundary, multisectoral, multiscalar, social-ecological-infrastructural systems with diverse actors, priorities, and solutions. We identify five key dimensions of cities and present eight principles to focus attention on the systems-level decisions that society faces to transition toward a smart, sustainable, and healthy urban future.
Complete Genome Sequences of Eight Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Asian American and European Variant Isolates from Cervical Biopsies and Lesions in Indian Women
Authors: Mandal Paramita , Bhattacharjee Bornali , Sen Shrinka , Bhattacharya Amrapali , Roy Chowdhury Rahul , Mondal Nidhu Ranjan , Sengupta Sharmila
Published: May 2016

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), a member of the
Papillomaviridae
family, is the primary etiological agent of cervical cancer. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of four HPV16 Asian American variants and four European variants, isolated from cervical biopsies and scrapings in India.
The Draft Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa Strain CCI-25 Encompasses High Potential for Secondary Metabolite Production
Authors: Aleti Gajender , Antonielli Livio , Corretto Erika , Nikolić Branislav , Sessitsch Angela , Brader Günter
Published: May 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Paenibacillus polymyxa
strain CCI-25, which displays strong antifungal and antibacterial activities
in vitro
. The genome encompasses nonribosomal peptide synthetases predicted to encode a tridecaptin, polymyxin, fusaricidin, an iturin-like synthetase, a lantibiotic similar to paenicidin A, as well as a type 1 polyketide synthase.
Genome Sequence of
Enterococcus pernyi
, a Pathogenic Bacterium for the Chinese Oak Silkworm,
Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Sun Ying , Li Xisheng , Wang Guobao , Wang Yong , Jiang Yiren , Liu Yanqun , Yu Zhiguo , Qin Li
Published: May 2016

We report the draft genome assembly of
Enterococcus pernyi
. The genome sequence is 3.09 Mb in length with a G+C content of 38.35%. It covers 3,153 genes with an average length of 854 bp, and contains 65 tRNAs, 13 small RNAs, and 18 rRNAs. Moreover, it contains 9 genomic islands with an average length of 14,058 bp and 3 prophages with an average length of 37,430 bp.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in a case of anomalous single coronary artery
Authors: Surhonne Prakash Sadashivappa , Bogle Srikanth Reddy Mallareddy , Bhairappa Shivakumar , Gupta Anshul Kumar
Published: May 2016

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery is an uncommon entity with a reported incidence of 0.26%. The anomalous origin is usually from the left sinus of Valsalva. Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a rare occurrence. Symptomatic patients with associated significant coronary artery disease (CAD) may be treated with routine interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. We report a case of single coronary artery with severe proximal LAD stenosis. The RCA had its origin from the mid LAD. Coronary intervention was successfully carried out on the severe stenosis at the proximal LAD artery. These cases are rare. We discuss accurate diagnosis and appropriate management in such cases.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide down-regulates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Xian-Wei , Li Xiao-Hui , Du Jie , Li Dai , Li Yuan-Jian , Hu Chang-Ping
Published: May 2016

We have found that eIF3a plays an important role in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and up-regulation of eIF3a induced by TGF-β1 is mediated via the ERK1/2 pathway. Whether ERK1/2 – eIF3a signal pathway is involved in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-mediated pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg) in rats. Primary pulmonary fibroblasts were cultured to investigate the proliferation by BrdU incorporation method and flow cytometry. Sensory CGRP depletion by capsaicin exacerbated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, as shown by a significant disturbed alveolar structure, marked thickening of the interalveolar septa and dense interstitial infiltration by inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, accompanied with increased expression of TGF-β1, eIF3a, phosphorylated ERK1/2, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Exogenous application of CGRP significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation and differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts concomitantly with decreased expression of eIF3a, phosphorylated ERK1/2, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. These effects of CGRP were abolished in the presence of CGRP8-37. These results suggest that endogenous CGRP is related to the development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin, and the inhibitory effect of CGRP on proliferation of lung fibroblasts involves the ERK1/2 – eIF3a signaling pathway.
The functional morphology and role of cardiac telocytes in myocardium regeneration
Authors: Varga Ivan , Danisovic Lubos , Kyselovic Jan , Gazova Andrea , Musil Peter , Miko Michal , Polak Stefan
Published: May 2016

Key morphological discoveries in recent years have included the discovery of new cell populations inside the heart called cardiac telocytes. These newly described cells of the connective tissue have extremely long cytoplasmic processes through which they form functionally connected three-dimensional networks that connect cells of the immune system, nerve fibers, cardiac stem cells, and cardiac muscle cells. Based on their functions, telocytes are also referred to as “connecting cells” or “nurse cells” for cardiac progenitor stem cells. In this critical review, we provide a summary of the latest research on cardiac telocytes localized in all layers of the heart — from the historical background of their discovery, through ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and functional characterizations, to the application of this knowledge to the fields of cardiology, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine.
Annihilation of the scalar pair into a photon in a de Sitter universe
Authors: Băloi Mihaela-Andreea
Published: May 2016

The annihilation of massive scalar particles in one photon in de Sitter expanding universe is studied, using perturbative QED. The amplitude and probability corresponding to this process is computed using the exact solutions of the Klein–Gordon and Maxwell equations on de Sitter geometry. Our results show that the expression of the total probability of photon emission is a function dependent on the ratio mass/expansion factor. We perform a graphical study of the total probability in terms of the parameter mass/expansion factor, showing that this effect is significant only in strong gravitational fields. We also obtain that the total probability for this process vanishes in the Minkowski limit.
Thermal and photoinduced electron-transfer catalysis of high-valent metal-oxo porphyrins in oxidation of substrates
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Nam Wonwoo
Published: May 2016

In this manuscript, we have overviewed thermal and photoinduced electron transfer catalysis of high-valent metal-oxo porphyrins in oxidation of various substrates. The high-valent iron-oxo porphyrin in cytochrome P450 (P450) is produced by photoinduced electron transfer from electron donors, such as triethanolamine (TEOA), to the excited state of a photosensitizer such as eosin Y, followed by the reduction of the heme domain of P450 by the resulting radical anion of the photosensitizer and the subsequent reaction of the reduced heme with dioxygen (O[Formula: see text]. Various substrates were oxidized by O2 in this visible light-driven electron-transfer catalytic reaction with several P450s from bacteria and humans. A manganese(V)-oxo corrorazine was produced by photoinduced electron transfer from the excited state of manganese(III) corrorazine to O2, followed by hydrogen abstraction from toluene derivatives, catalyzing the oxidation of toluene derivatives with O2 in the presence of an acid via photoinduced electron transfer catalysis. High-valent manganese-oxo porphyrins are also produced by photoinduced electron transfer from the excited state of [Ru(bpy)3][Formula: see text] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) to electron acceptors, followed by electron transfer oxidation of manganese(III) porphyrins with [Ru(bpy)3][Formula: see text], catalyzing oxidation of various substrates with O2. Finally photoinduced electron-transfer catalysis of cobalt porphyrins is discussed for the photocatalytic water oxidation with persulfate.
Night workers with circadian misalignment are susceptible to alcohol-induced intestinal hyperpermeability with social drinking
Authors: Swanson Garth R. , Gorenz Annika , Shaikh Maliha , Desai Vishal , Kaminsky Thomas , Van Den Berg Jolice , Murphy Terrence , Raeisi Shohreh , Fogg Louis , Vitaterna Martha Hotz , Forsyth Christopher , Turek Fred , Burgess Helen J. , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: May 2016

Alcohol-induced intestinal hyperpermeability (AIHP) is a known risk factor for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), but only 20–30% of heavy alcoholics develop AIHP and ALD. The hypothesis of this study is that circadian misalignment would promote AIHP. We studied two groups of healthy subjects on a stable work schedule for 3 mo [day workers (DW) and night workers (NW)]. Subjects underwent two circadian phase assessments with sugar challenge to access intestinal permeability between which they drank 0.5 g/kg alcohol daily for 7 days. Sleep architecture by actigraphy did not differ at baseline or after alcohol between either group. After alcohol, the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) in the DW group did not change significantly, but in the NW group there was a significant 2-h phase delay. Both the NW and DW groups had no change in small bowel permeability with alcohol, but only in the NW group was there an increase in colonic and whole gut permeability. A lower area under the curve of melatonin inversely correlated with increased colonic permeability. Alcohol also altered peripheral clock gene amplitude of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CLOCK, BMAL, PER1, CRY1, and CRY2 in both groups, and inflammatory markers lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, LPS, and IL-6 had an elevated mesor at baseline in NW vs. DW and became arrhythmic with alcohol consumption. Together, our data suggest that central circadian misalignment is a previously unappreciated risk factor for AIHP and that night workers may be at increased risk for developing liver injury with alcohol consumption.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Parachute Finite Mass Inflation
Authors: Gao Xinglong , Zhang Qingbin , Tang Qiangang
Published: May 2016

Parachute inflation is coupled with sophisticated fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and flight mechanic behaviors in a finite mass situation. During opening, the canopy often experiences the largest deformation and loading. To predict the opening phase of a parachute, a computational FSI model for the inflation of a parachute, with slots on its canopy fabric, is developed using the arbitrary Lagrangian-Euler coupling penalty method. In a finite mass situation, the fluid around the parachute typically has an unsteady flow; therefore, a more complex opening phase and FSI dynamics of a parachute are investigated. Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations for uncompressible flow are solved using an explicit central difference method. The three-dimensional visualization of canopy deformation as well as the evolution of dropping velocity and overload is obtained and compared with the experimental results. This technique could be further applied in the airdrop test of a parachute for true prediction of the inflation characteristics.
Influencing Factors on the Overestimation of Self-Reported Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Schaller Andrea , Rudolf Kevin , Dejonghe Lea , Grieben Christopher , Froboese Ingo
Published: May 2016

Introduction.The aim of the present study was to determine the closeness of agreement between a self-reported and an objective measure of physical activity in low back pain patients and healthy controls. Beyond, influencing factors on overestimation were identified.Methods.27 low back pain patients and 53 healthy controls wore an accelerometer (objective measure) for seven consecutive days and answered a questionnaire on physical activity (self-report) over the same period of time. Differences between self-reported and objective data were tested by Wilcoxon test. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted for describing the closeness of agreement. Linear regression models were calculated to identify the influence of age, sex, and body mass index on the overestimation by self-report.Results.Participants overestimated self-reported moderate activity in average by 42 min/day (p=0.003) and vigorous activity by 39 min/day (p<0.001). Self-reported sedentary time was underestimated by 122 min/day (p<0.001). No individual-related variables influenced the overestimation of physical activity. Low back pain patients were more likely to underestimate sedentary time compared to healthy controls.Discussion.In rehabilitation and health promotion, the application-oriented measurement of physical activity remains a challenge. The present results contradict other studies that had identified an influence of age, sex, and body mass index on the overestimation of physical activity.
Dissolution of (1-3),(1-4)-β-Glucans in Pressurized Hot Water: Quantitative Assessment of the Degradation and the Effective Extraction
Authors: Benito-Román Óscar , Martín-Cortés Alexandra , Cocero María José , Alonso Esther
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this work was to study the behavior of (1-3)(1-4)-β-D-glucan in pressurized hot water. For this purpose, solid β-glucan (450 kDa) was put in water and heated at different temperatures (120, 150, and 170°C) for different times (5 to 360 minutes). At 120°C it was found that the highest soluble β-glucan concentration was measured after 60 minutes; at 150 and 170°C optimal times were 45 and 20 minutes, respectively. The maximum amount of β-glucan dissolved in each of the optimal conditions was 1.5, 2.2, and 2.0 g/L, respectively. Under those conditions an important reduction was observed in the molecular weight: at 120°C and 60 min it was 63 kDa; at 150°C and 45 min it was reduced down to 8 kDa; and at 170°C and 20 min it was only 7 kDa. Besides this reduction in the MW some hydrolysis products, such as glucose and HMF, were observed. These results revealed the convenience of using PHW to dissolve β-glucans since the operation times, compared to the conventional process (55°C, 3 h), were reduced despite the fact that the MW was significantly reduced once the β-glucan was dissolved; therefore, PHW can be used to extract β-glucans from barley under controlled conditions in order to prevent severe degradation.
Selective Trunk with Multiserver Reservation
Authors: Maddah Bacel , El-Taha Muhammad
Published: May 2016

We consider a queueing model that is primarily applicable to traffic control in communication networks that use the Selective Trunk Reservation technique. Specifically, consider two traffic streams competing for service at ann-server queueing system. Jobs from theprotectedstream, stream 1, are blocked only if allnservers are busy. Jobs from thebest effortstream, stream 2, are blocked ifn-r,  r≥1, servers are busy. Blocked jobs are diverted to a secondary group ofc-nservers with, possibly, a different service rate. We extend the literature that studied this system for the special case ofr=1and present an explicit computational scheme to calculate the joint probabilities of the number of primary and secondary busy servers and related performance measures. We also argue that the model can be useful for bed allocation in a hospital.
Vitamin A Inhibits Development of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis and Colon Cancer in a Mouse Model
Authors: Okayasu Isao , Hana Kiyomi , Nemoto Noriko , Yoshida Tsutomu , Saegusa Makoto , Yokota-Nakatsuma Aya , Song Si-Young , Iwata Makoto
Published: May 2016

Vitamin A is essential to mucosal immunity and cell differentiation. The fact that lack of it might involve chronic inflammation and increased risk of cancer has been reported. Little is known about the mechanism of vitamin A deficiency in the development of colitis and its influence on development of colorectal cancer. To determine the influence of vitamin A deficiency on colitis and colorectal cancer development, an experimental study using a colitis mouse model was performed. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis was induced in vitamin A-deficient and vitamin A-supplemented mice. Further, colorectal carcinoma was induced by a combination of azoxymethane preinjection and DSS colitis. Results were compared between the two groups mainly by immunohistochemical analysis. Colitis was more severe and recovery from colitis was slower in vitamin A-deficient mice than in vitamin A-supplemented mice. Compared with vitamin A-supplemented mice, vitamin A-deficient mice had decreases in colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts and the ratio of mucosal IgA+/IgG+cells, increases in CD11c+dendritic cells, and a higher rate of development of colorectal carcinoma with colitis following azoxymethane. Vitamin A lipid droplets in subepithelial myofibroblasts were decreased in vitamin A-deficient mice, suggesting alterations in colonic crypt niche function. Thus, vitamin A inhibited colitis and the development of colorectal cancer.
Attractor and Boundedness of Switched Stochastic Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks
Authors: Huang Chuangxia , Cao Jie , Wang Peng
Published: May 2016

We address the problem of stochastic attractor and boundedness of a class of switched Cohen-Grossberg neural networks (CGNN) with discrete and infinitely distributed delays. With the help of stochastic analysis technology, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, linear matrix inequalities technique (LMI), and the average dwell time approach (ADT), some novel sufficient conditions regarding the issues of mean-square uniformly ultimate boundedness, the existence of a stochastic attractor, and the mean-square exponential stability for the switched Cohen-Grossberg neural networks are established. Finally, illustrative examples and their simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Nonlinear and Robust Control Strategy Based on Chemotherapy to Minimize the HIV Concentration in Blood Plasma
Authors: Aguilar-López Ricardo , Gómez-Acata Rigel Valentín , Lara-Cisneros Gerardo , Femat Ricardo
Published: May 2016

A nonlinear PI-type control strategy is designed in order to minimize the HIV concentration in blood plasma, via medical drug injection, under the framework of bounded uncertain input disturbances. For control design it is considered a simplified mathematical model of the virus infection as a benchmark. The model is based on mass balances of healthy cells, infected cells, and the virus concentrations. The proposed controller contains a nonlinear feedback PI structure of bounded functions of the regulation error. The closed-loop stability of the system is analyzed via Lyapunov technique, in which robustness against system disturbances is demonstrated. Numerical experiments show a satisfactory performance of the proposed methodology as a HIV therapy, in which the virion particles and the infected CD4+T cells are minimized and, as an interesting result, the drug dosage can be suspended, thus avoiding drug resistance from the virus. Finally, the proposed controller is compared to a standard sliding-mode and hyperbolic tangent controllers showing better performance.
Paediatric Tuberculosis at a Referral Hospital in Istanbul: Analysis of 250 Cases
Authors: Turel Ozden , Kazanci Selcen , Gonen Ismail , Aydogmus Cigdem , Karaoglan Emel , Siraneci Rengin
Published: May 2016

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a growing public health problem globally. TB in children is often diagnosed clinically.Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review of children with TB from November 2004 through December 2010 to determine the appropriateness of using contact history and diagnostic testing.Results. A total of 250 children with TB were identified. One hundred and sixty-two children had only pulmonary disease while 39 had features of both extrapulmonary and pulmonary TB. Mean age was 7.8 years. Thirty-six patients had known contacts. The index case/cases were first-degree relatives in 75%. Sixteen patients who were symptomless were yielded by contact investigation of newly identified TB cases. Tuberculin skin test positivity was 53.3%. Acid-fast bacilli smear positivity was 13.1%, and culture positivity was 18.7%. Twenty-six patients had histopathology of nonrespiratory specimens (lymph nodes and other tissues) showing granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis consistent with TB.Conclusions. Presence of contact history directed us to search for TB in children with nonspecific symptoms even if physical examinations were normal. Some children who were close contacts to TB cases were identified to have TB before development of symptoms.