bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing and characterizing transient and steady‐state tests of the peripheral chemoreflex in humans
Authors: Pfoh Jamie R. , Tymko Michael M. , Abrosimova Maria , Boulet Lindsey M. , Foster Glen E. , Bain Anthony R. , Ainslie Philip N. , Steinback Craig D. , Bruce Christina D. , Day Trevor A.
Published: December 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We aimed to characterize the cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular responses to transient and steady‐state tests of the peripheral chemoreflex and to compare the hypoxic ventilatory responses (HVRs) between these tests.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses to transient tests were small in magnitude and short in duration. The steady‐state isocapnic hypoxia test elicited a larger HVR than the transient 100% N2 test, but the response magnitudes were correlated within individuals. The transient test of the HVR elicits fewer systemic effects than steady‐state techniques and may have greater experimental utility than previously appreciated.

Carotid chemoreceptors detect changes in arterial and , eliciting a peripheral chemoreflex (PCR). Steady‐state (SS) hypoxia tests using dynamic end‐tidal forcing (DEF) have been used to assess the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) but may be confounded by concomitant systemic effects. Transient tests of the PCR have also been developed but are not widely used, nor have the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses been characterized. We characterized the cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular responses to transient tests of the PCR and compared the HVR between transient and SS‐DEF tests. We hypothesized that the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses to the transient tests would be minimal and that the respiratory responses elicited from the transient and SS‐DEF tests would be different in magnitude and not well correlated within individuals. Participants underwent five consecutive trials of two transient tests [three‐breath 100% N2 (TT‐N2) and a single‐breath 13% CO2, in air] and two 10 min SS‐DEF tests [isocapnic (SS‐ISO) and poikilocapnic (SS‐POI) hypoxia]. In response to the transient tests, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and the middle and posterior cerebral artery blood velocity increased (all P < 0.01), but responses were small (all <10%) and transient. Although the TT‐N2 and SS‐POI tests elicited similar HVR magnitudes, they were not well correlated within individuals (r = 0.064, P = 0.79). The TT‐N2 test elicited a smaller HVR than the SS‐ISO test, but they were correlated within individuals (r = 0.57, P = 0.008). Given that the transient tests exploit the temporal domain of the peripheral chemoreceptors and have minimal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular confounders, we suggest that they may have broader utility than previously appreciated.
La destrucción de los mitos nacionales en Arturo Cancela
Authors: Rodríguez Pérsico Adriana
Published: December 2015

Durante las décadas de 1920 y 1930, en Argentina, una serie de escritores y periodistas –Arturo Cancela, entre ellos– ejercitan, en medios de gran tirada la crítica política que apunta al gobierno radical llegado al poder en 1916. Mezclando costumbrismo y humor y usando formas breves o fragmentarias, muestran un país entre la ruina de las instituciones. Al mismo tiempo, realizan una operación de desmitificación de los grandes relatos nacionales de comienzos de siglo XX, momento de celebración del Centenario de la Revolución de Mayo.

 

 
José María Arguedas y la música novoandina. Su legado cultural en el siglo XXI
Authors: Zevallos Aguilar Ulises Juan
Published: December 2015

En este artículo se estudia la concepción del escritor peruano José María Arguedas como un héroe cultural peruano. Luego de describir las características de héroe cultural, enfoca su análisis en la producción musical del grupo de fusión rock y huayno Uchpa. Los músicos de este grupo se consideran herederos de Arguedas. Citan su testamento artístico político enunciado de manera sintética en el discurso “No soy un aculturado” (1969) para legitimar su práctica artística y continuar la misión que fue interrumpida por la muerte del autor de Los ríos profundos. Arguedas sostenía la existencia de un individuo quechua moderno que no necesitaba renunciar a su cultura para ser cosmopolita.

 
La Literatura en tiempos del Whatsapp (Notas para un uso nacional del debate)
Authors: Berg Edgardo H.
Published: December 2015

Se trata  de pensar a través de dos textos narrativos breves y actuales, a saber “Casa con diez pinos” (2005) de Fabián Casas  y “Una visita al cementerio” (2013) de Sergio Chejfec, el estado actual de la literatura argentina a partir de los debates dominantes y los modos asimilar o desplazar las tradiciones culturales (su disolución), generando de este modo una disputa por la noción de contemporaneidad. 
Géneros y formación ingenieril: de la universidad a la industria
Authors: Stagnaro Daniela , Natale Lucía
Published: December 2015

A partir del último tercio del siglo XX, ha crecido el interés por las producciones discursivas de la formación académica. El objetivo de este artículo de investigación es presentar el repertorio y la distribución de los géneros demandados durante el ciclo específico de una carrera de Ingeniería Industrial en una universidad argentina. Los análisis de frecuencias y de distribución muestran una tendencia a la incorporación gradual de tareas del contexto industrial. Se evidencia una preponderancia del saber práctico y un interés por la inmersión temprana del estudiante en el ámbito técnico-profesional. Asimismo, se identifican aspectos cuya revisión podría contribuir al mejoramiento de las prácticas de enseñanza. 
Lectura y escritura en la universidad: contribución para reconstruir una historia
Authors: Salazar-Sierra Adriana , Sevilla-Rengifo Olga , González-Pinzón Blanca , Mendoza-Arciniegas Carlos Enrique , Echeverri-Guzmán Alberto , Quecán-Castellanos Daniel , Pardo-Rodríguez Luis Ernesto , Angulo-Abaunza María Floralba , Silva-García Juan Manuel , Lozano-Ramírez Mariano
Published: December 2015

Este artículo de investigación presenta los resultados del análisis general de 34 experiencias en lectura y escritura en educación superior en Colombia, realizado a partir de un estudio exploratorio, entre 2008 y 2010, en el marco de la Red de Lectura y Escritura en Educación Superior (REDLEES). Este estudio surge como una necesidad de hacer balance y reconstruir la historia sobre las motivaciones iniciales que movieron a varias universidades colombianas a crear diferentes asignaturas y programas para fortalecer procesos de lectura y escritura de los estudiantes. Como resultado, se confirman la tendencia a diseñar asignaturas con carácter remedial, los esfuerzos individuales y no institucionales y la concepción de la lectura y la escritura como habilidades. 
Metodología de la investigación: operaciones para develar representaciones sociales
Authors: Mireles-Vargas Olivia
Published: December 2015

Este artículo de reflexión derivado de investigación presenta una descripción y un análisis sobre el proceso metodológico que se utilizó para develar la representación social de excelencia en cuatro posgrados de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Se expone de manera detallada el trabajo artesanal del investigador que incluye desde la tarea de la problematización, hasta la forma de presentar los hallazgos, pasando por la necesaria elección de los instrumentos de acopio y los mecanismos para la sistematización de la información. La reflexión final resalta la importancia de revisar la metodología en su parte más dinámica y no solo como una descripción anticipada o un catálogo de recursos disponibles. 
Espacio en dE- Formación: El Museo de Arte de la Universidad Nacional antes y durante la dirección de Marta Combariza; tensiones vinculadas a la formación de públicos para el arte y la respuesta a un contexto universitario.
Authors: Bernal Cortes Ana Maria
Published: December 2015

Este artículo da cuenta de la manera en que el Museo de Arte de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Bogotá desde su precedente, el Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá, configuró una vocación ligada a la formación de públicos y de las generaciones más jóvenes; esto vinculado a la misión de la Universidad y entendiendo el museo como espacio formativo, investigativo, académico y de proyección social Universitaria. Esta reflexión es el punto de partida para revisar algunos aspectos de la gestión de la maestra Marta Combariza y la manera como se configuró un tipo de gestión museológica, no convencional, en la que primaba una relación significativa entre el Museo, los estudiantes y la comunidad universitaria.
El debate público sobre la minería en Colombia: el rol de los expertos en controversias socioambientales
Authors: Aguilar Torres Edisson
Published: December 2015

En este ensayo me interesa explorar el hecho de que ciertos grupos de expertos se hayan convertido en actores influyentes en el debate sobre la minería en Colombia. Para tal fin, me concentraré en una subcontroversia que se enmarca en ese gran debate: la publicación del libro Minería en Colombia: fundamentos para superar el modelo extractivista de 2013. Al analizarla, intentaré mostrar que, en lo que concierne a la minería, las experticias (geología, ingeniería, economía, derecho, sociología e incluso los saberes populares) hacen parte integral del debate y, más allá, que en realidad ningún asunto público está separado de la producción y el uso del conocimiento.
La disputa sobre el aborto en México: Discursos contrastados de personificación, derechos, la familia y el Estado
Authors: Maier Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo explora las posturas enfrentadas sobre el aborto en México, mediante el análisis de contenido de textos y pronunciamientos publicados recientemente y emitidos actores colectivos nacionales y sus aliados o institutos internacionales. A partir del estudio de las diferencias de significación del aborto en los discursos en pugna en México hoy en día, solo se pretende identificar las lógicas discursivas diferenciales que los sustentan, sino también situar esta disputa en el contexto de la era actual de transición entre dos modelos estructurales tecnológicos capitalistas: la modernidad industrial y el postindustrialismo, y de tal manera argumentar que el aborto es emblemático de una contienda contemporánea mayor por la propia naturaleza del Estado y su relación con la religión. En este sentido, el enfrentamiento sobre el aborto es también una disputa por el proyecto societario.
Prácticas comunicativas, creatividad y nuevos desafíos
Authors: Valencia Juan Carlos , Magallanes Claudia
Published: December 2015

Este artículo propone un nuevo énfasis en el trabajo investigativo y pedagógico de la disciplina latinoamericana de la Comunicación en el estudio de las prácticas comunicativas y su estrecha relación con la alteridad y el cambio social. Las prácticas comunicativas incluyen las dinámicas alrededor de los medios y sus mediaciones y van más allá, para incluir acciones y expresiones cotidianas de extraordinaria riqueza y diversidad, asociadas a redes culturales y sentidos complejos. Dichas prácticas comunicativas ilustran, expanden y profundizan los incesantes esfuerzos de creación, transformación, recuperación y
conservación de sentidos, redes y lazos, más allá de lo instrumental, que propenden por cambios profundos y por la construcción de alternativas a un orden social latinoamericano injusto, destructor, colonial y excluyente. El estudio de las prácticas comunicativas en clave de cambio social, especialmente desde Latinoamérica, abre ventanas hacia otras formas de conocimiento y acción alternativas a la modernidad, como la comunalidad o el buen vivir.
EL DESARROLLO DEL DEBIDO PROCESO EN LAS ACTUACIONES ADMINISTRATIVAS PARA LA FORMACIÓN DE CONTRATOS ESTATALES
Authors: Chaves-Villada Jaime Eduardo
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo de reflexión tiene como objetivo analizar el derecho fundamental del debido proceso consagrado en el artículo 29 de la Constitución Política de Colombia de 1991, en las actuaciones administrativas que orientan la formación del contrato estatal. El documento realiza una reflexión sobre la aplicación de los elementos del derecho al debido proceso identificados por la jurisprudencia y la doctrina en las actuaciones administrativas y, en especial, las desarrolladas en la formación del contrato estatal. En la segunda parte del artículo, se desarrollará un estudio específico de la aplicación del debido proceso en las actuaciones administrativas, concretamente en los procedimientos expedidos por el gobierno nacional para el desarrollo de esas actuaciones administrativas, en el que se analizarán esas disposiciones frente a los elementos del debido proceso administrativo.
CORRUPCIÓN PRIVADA: UN ESTUDIO DE LA AUSENCIA DE REGLAS DE DERECHO PRIVADO, DESDE EL CASO INTERBOLSA
Authors: Tito-Añamuro John Alberto
Published: December 2015

Este trabajo estudia los actos de corrupción de Interbolsa y otras empresas, partiendo de la hipótesis de que para la neutralización de ilícitos, no solo es necesario el ángulo punitivo del derecho penal, sino además el de prevención y regulación de normas de derecho privado, en razón de que, desde un escenario prepunitivo, es posible tener un mayor control de los deberes de lealtad y confianza empresariales, necesarios para disipar el alto grado de fraude financiero y corrupción corporativa.
Axial Power and Coolant-Temperature Profiles for a Non-Re-Entrant Pressure-Tube Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor Fuel Channel
Authors: Kovaltchouk Vitali , Nichita Eleodor , Saltanov Eugene
Published: December 2015

The axial power and coolant-temperature distributions in a fuel channel of the Generation IV pressure-tube super-critical water-cooled reactor (PT-SCWR) are found using coupled neutronics-thermal-hydraulics calculations. The simulations are performed for a channel loaded with a fresh, 78-element Th-Pu fuel assembly. Neutronics calculations are performed using the DONJON diffusion code using two-group homogenized cross sections produced using the lattice code DRAGON. The axial coolant temperature profile corresponding to a certain axial linear heat generation rate is found using a code developed in-house at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). The effect of coolant density, coolant temperature, and fuel temperature variation along the channel is accounted for by generating macroscopic cross sections at several axial positions. Fixed-point iterations are performed between neutronics and thermal-hydraulics calculations. Neutronics calculations include the generation of two-group macroscopic cross sections at several axial positions, taking into account local parameters such as coolant temperature and density and average fuel temperature. The coolant flow rate is adjusted so that the outlet temperature of the coolant corresponds to the SCWR technical specifications. The converged axial power distribution is found to be asymmetric, resembling a cosine shape skewed toward the inlet (reactor top).
Seismic Fragility Evaluation of Interface Pipes in Seismically Isolated NPPs by Using Scale Model Test
Authors: Hahm Daegi , Kim Min-Kyu , Choi In-Kil , Jeon Bub Gyu , Choi Hyoung Suk , Kim Nam Sik
Published: December 2015

Seismic isolation system can be an effective alternative to protect the NPPs (Nuclear Power Plants) against to the strong seismic events. Therefore, some research activities to adopt the seismic isolation concept to the design of the next generation NPPs have been progressed for last few years in Korea. Nuclear structures, secondary systems and components must remain undamaged during and after the SSE (Safe Shutdown Earthquake) event. The seismic events will cause the high seismic response in the stiff structural systems and extremely high demands of deformation on the safety-related secondary systems like piping components. If seismic isolation devices are installed in nuclear power plant for seismic stability, safety against seismic load of power plant may be improved. But in some equipment, seismic risk may increase because displacement may become greater than before installation of seismic isolation device. Therefore, it is necessary to select the equipment in which seismic risk increases due to increase in displacement by the installation of seismic isolation device, and perform a research on seismic performance evaluation of equipment. In this study, one of the typical Korean NPPs assuming the application of seismic isolation devices, and one of the interface piping systems which introduced this NPP was used for seismic analysis. The numerical models include representations of seismic isolation devices. In order to validation of numerical piping system model and defining failure mode & limit states, quasi-static loading tests were conducted on the scale-modeled piping components before the analysis procedures. The fragility analysis was performed by using results of inelastic seismic response analysis. Inelastic seismic response analysis was carried out by using shell finite element model of piping system considering internal pressure. The implicit method was used for the direct integration time history analysis. Generally, PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration) was used for seismic intensity of fragility curve. However, in the case of the displacement sensitive system, lateral displacement could be an useful alternative measure for estimation of probability of failure. Thus in this paper, fragility curves were plotted based on maximum relative displacement.
Delay Estimation for Reliability Interpretation of Real-Time Hybrid Simulation Involving Viscous Dampers Towards Seismic Hazard Mitigation
Authors: Richardson Samuel , Chen Cheng , Valdovinos Jose , Pong Wenshen , Chen Kai
Published: December 2015

Laboratory experiments play a critical role in earthquake engineering research for seismic safety evaluation of civil engineering structures. Servo-hydraulic actuators play a vital role to maintain the compatibility on boundaries between the analytical and experimental substructures in a real-time hybrid simulation. Previous study has indicated that actuator delay could significantly affect the accuracy of real-time hybrid simulation involving viscous dampers. Identifying the amount of actuator delay therefore is critical for reliability assessment of experimental results to properly interpret the performance of viscous dampers for seismic hazard mitigation. In this study a frequency domain based approach is applied for real-time hybrid simulation of viscous dampers with the presence of actuator delay. Computational simulations are conducted to assess the accuracy of the approach for estimating the delay when the substructures develop nonlinear behavior for reliability interpretation of real-time hybrid simulation.
Buckling Restrained Brace With Inspection Windows
Authors: Tsai C. S. , Liu Yi , Liu B. Q.
Published: December 2015

The buckling restrained brace (BRB) has been worldwide recognized as an energy absorber to protect structures from earthquake damage. However, the traditional BRB is a fully close design, it is therefore impossible to detect the condition of the steel core during manufacturing and after earthquakes. This paper proposed a buckling restrained brace with inspection windows that allow inspecting the condition of the internal components of the BRB. Experimental study in selecting the sizes and locations of the inspection windows without affecting the functionality of the BRB has been carried out to search for an economically feasible BRB that is convenient for manufacturing and installation and meets testing protocols. Test results of the proposed BRBs under cyclic loadings showed that the mechanical behavior of the BRB with inspection windows on the buckling-restraining unit consisting of the constraining and lateral support elements was stable and that damage always occurred at the energy dissipation segments after low cycle fatigue tests. These test results indicate that the inspection windows opened on the proposed BRB have little influence on the strength of the device and that the proposed device can be considered as a stable energy dissipation device.
Seismic Resistance Capacity on Pipe Braced Supporting Frame of Spherical Tank
Authors: Ohno Takashi , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Oyamada Kenji
Published: December 2015

A significant fire and explosion accident on spherical storage tanks for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at Chiba prefecture in Japan were occurred due to the strong ground motion of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The braces made of steel pipe for supporting columns of a spherical tank, which was filled with water for purging air at that time, were broken by the strong seismic inertia force. Then, buckling of columns was occurred by the aftershock. To clarify the failure mechanism of the pipe braces of its supporting frame of a spherical tank, the elastic and elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) was performed. From FEA results, the failure mechanism of the pipe brace was revealed as follows; (1) high stress was generated in the intersection of long and short braces due to the structural discontinuities, (2) the generated high stress was a trigger of the failure initiation of the damage of the supporting frame, (3) the breakage of the intersection of the long and short braces of the supporting frame was caused overturn of the spherical tank at the aftershock of predominant earthquake. In this paper, the fracture mechanism of the spherical storage tank was clarified for prevention of the same type accidents, and the effective reinforcement method of pipe braces of spherical tanks was proposed for securing safety.
Earthquake Protection of Liquid Storage Tanks by Sliding Isolation Bearings
Authors: Uckan Eren , Akbas Bulent , Paolacci Fabrizio , Shen Jashue , Abalı Emre
Published: December 2015

Liquid storage tanks are critical components of industrial facilities since damage to such structures may cause spreading of hazardous material and environmental pollution. Tanks exhibit mainly two different seismic behaviors one of which is the long period movements due to sloshing of the liquid and the other is the impulsive vibrations generated as a result of the fluid structure interaction phenomena at higher frequencies. The overall base shear is the combination of these two loads. The seismic base isolation aims to control the impulsive load as it has appreciable amount of contribution to the base shear values. Among various types, the curved surface sliding bearings (FPS) are commonly used in liquid tanks since provide isolation periods which is independent of the tank weight (liquid height).

In this paper a parametric analysis has been performed to investigate the efficiency of FPS bearings. The numerical model is based on the Haroun and Housner’s simplified lumped parameter model in which the sloshing and fluid-tank interactions are modeled by convective and impulsive masses, respectively. The effectiveness of the isolation system was investigated under a series of ground motions, isolation periods and tank aspect (slenderness) ratios. Results indicated that depending on the characteristics of the ground motion, the response of the isolated tank can be reduced in appreciable amounts as compared to the conventionally constructed one. On the other hand, some detrimental effects were also observed in lower isolation periods (Tb=2s) particularly in medium slender tanks under near fault ground motions. This undesirable situation was avoided by using higher isolation periods (Tb =3s) without much affecting the bearing displacements.
Excitation Tests on Elbow Pipe Specimens to Investigate Failure Behavior Under Excessive Seismic Loads
Authors: Nakamura Izumi , Kasahara Naoto
Published: December 2015

After the accident at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requires to consider the design extension conditions (DEC) for the safety management of nuclear power plants (NPPs). In considering DEC, it is necessary to clarify the possible failure modes of the structures and their mechanism under the extreme loadings. Because piping systems are one of the representative components of NPP, and there is a possibility to failure at seismic events, the authors conducted an experimental investigation on failure modes and their mechanisms of piping systems under excessive seismic loads.

The experiments are categorized into the fundamental plate tests and pipe component tests. In this paper, the results of the pipe component tests would be described. In the pipe component tests, the authors used piping specimens constituted with one steel elbow and a weight. Though the input acceleration level was much over the allowable level to prevent collapse failure by the seismic design, the failure mode obtained by the excitation tests were mainly the fatigue failure. The reduction of the dominant frequency and the increase of the hysteresis damping were clearly observed in the high-level input acceleration due to the plastic deformation, and they affected the specimens’ vibration response greatly.
Determination of Support Minimum Rigid Stiffness for Piping Analysis
Authors: Huang Jennifer , Adams Timothy M.
Published: December 2015

Pipe supports are represented as spring constants in piping analysis, and therefore a formal procedure is required to determine the spring constant values. Two current approaches are to enforce deflection criteria to ensure support rigidity or calculate the support stiffness values directly. However, the former approach results in overly conservative support designs and the latter approach becomes an iterative process of designing the supports and observing the response of the piping system. To avoid the issues presented by these methods, an alternative approach is presented which involves increasing values of support stiffness until change in natural frequency of the system diminishes. This method can help establish a lower bound (minimum rigid) stiffness above which there will be no significant change in the seismic response of the piping system. Using this approach only requires the support designs to have stiffness values at or above the minimum value without being concerned with detailed stiffness calculations or using deflection limits. This paper presents the methods and results of an expansive study to establish minimum rigid stiffness values for piping analysis.
Converting mucus-making cells into mucus-clearing cells
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2015

Blocking JAG1-mediated activation of NOTCH signaling converts secretory club cells into ciliary cells in the airway.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Chronic Hepatitis B and C and Liver Cancer Reveals MicroRNA-Mediated Control of Cholesterol Synthesis Programs
Authors: Selitsky Sara R. , Dinh Timothy A. , Toth Cynthia L. , Kurtz C. Lisa , Honda Masao , Struck Benjamin R. , Kaneko Shuichi , Vickers Kasey C. , Lemon Stanley M. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: December 2015

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized by cholesterol imbalance and dyslipidemia; however, the key regulatory drivers of these phenotypes are incompletely understood. Using gene expression microarrays and high-throughput sequencing of small RNAs, we performed integrative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression in nonmalignant and matched cancer tissue samples from human subjects with CHB or CHC and HCC. We also carried out follow-up functional studies of specific miRNAs in a cell-based system. These studies led to four major findings. First, pathways affecting cholesterol homeostasis were among the most significantly overrepresented among genes dysregulated in chronic viral hepatitis and especially in tumor tissue. Second, for each disease state, specific miRNA signatures that included miRNAs not previously associated with chronic viral hepatitis, such as miR-1307 in CHC, were identified. Notably, a few miRNAs, including miR-27 and miR-224, were components of the miRNA signatures of all four disease states: CHB, CHC, CHB-associated HCC, and CHC-associated HCC. Third, using a statistical simulation method (miRHub) applied to the gene expression data, we identified candidate master miRNA regulators of pathways controlling cholesterol homeostasis in chronic viral hepatitis and HCC, including miR-21, miR-27, and miR-33. Last, we validated in human hepatoma cells that both miR-21 and miR-27 significantly repress cholesterol synthesis and that miR-27 does so in part through regulation of the gene that codes for the rate-limiting enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (
HMGCR
).

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are phylogenetically unrelated hepatotropic viruses that persistently infect hundreds of millions of people world-wide, often leading to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and associated HCC often lead to cholesterol imbalance and dyslipidemia. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of lipid pathways in these disease states are incompletely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical modulators of lipid homeostasis. Here we use a blend of genomic, molecular, and biochemical strategies to identify key miRNAs that drive the lipid phenotypes of chronic viral hepatitis and HCC. These findings provide a panoramic view of the miRNA landscape in chronic viral hepatitis, which could contribute to the development of novel and more-effective miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
IS
26
-Mediated Precise Excision of the IS
26
-
aphA1a
Translocatable Unit
Authors: Harmer Christopher J. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: December 2015

We recently showed that, in the absence of RecA-dependent homologous recombination, the Tnp26 transposase catalyzes cointegrate formation via a conservative reaction between two preexisting IS
26
, and this is strongly preferred over replicative transposition to a new site. Here, the reverse reaction was investigated by assaying for precise excision of the central region together with a single IS
26
from a compound transposon bounded by IS
26
. In a
recA
mutant strain, Tn
4352
, a kanamycin resistance transposon carrying the
aphA1a
gene, was stable. However, loss of kanamycin resistance due to precise excision of the translocatable unit (TU) from the closely related Tn
4352
B, leaving behind the second IS
26
, occurred at high frequency. Excision occurred when Tn
4352
B was in either a high- or low-copy-number plasmid. The excised circular segment, known as a TU, was detected by PCR. Excision required the IS
26
transposase Tnp26. However, the Tnp26 of only one IS
26
in Tn
4352
B was required, specifically the IS
26
downstream of the
aphA1a
gene, and the excised TU included the active IS
26
. The frequency of Tn
4352
B TU loss was influenced by the context of the transposon, but the critical determinant of high-frequency excision was the presence of three G residues in Tn
4352
B replacing a single G in Tn
4352.
These G residues are located immediately adjacent to the two G residues at the left end of the IS
26
that is upstream of the
aphA1a
gene. Transcription of
tnp26
was not affected by the additional G residues, which appear to enhance Tnp26 cleavage at this end.

IMPORTANCE
Resistance to antibiotics limits treatment options. In Gram-negative bacteria, IS
26
plays a major role in the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. IS
257
(IS
431
) and IS
1216
, which belong to the same insertion sequence (IS) family, mobilize resistance genes in staphylococci and enterococci, respectively. Many different resistance genes are found in compound transposons bounded by IS
26
, and multiply and extensively antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria often include regions containing several antibiotic resistance genes and multiple copies of IS
26
. We recently showed that in addition to replicative transposition, IS
26
can use a conservative movement mechanism in which an incoming IS
26
targets a preexisting one, and this reaction can create these regions. This mechanism differs from that of all the ISs examined in detail thus far. Here, we have continued to extend understanding of the reactions carried out by IS
26
by examining whether the reverse precise excision reaction is also catalyzed by the IS
26
transposase.
Evaluation of actigraphy-measured sleep patterns among children with disabilities and associations with caregivers’ educational attainment: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Velez Juan Carlos , Barbosa Clarita , Pepper Micah , Gelaye Bizu , Redline Susan , Williams Michelle A
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To use wrist-actrigrphy to collect objective measures of sleep and to characterise actigraphy-measured sleep patterns among children with disabilities. We also assessed the extent to which, if at all, caregivers’ education is associated with children's sleep disturbances.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A rehabilitation centre in the Patagonia region, Chile.

Methods

This study was conducted among 125 children aged 6–12 years with disabilities (boys: 55.2%) and their primary caregivers in Chile. Children wore ActiSleep monitors for 7 days. A general linear model was fitted to generate least-square means and SEs of sleep efficiency (proportion of the sleep period spent asleep) across caregivers’ education levels adjusting for children's age, sex, disability type, caregiver–child relationship and caregivers’ age. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate ORs and 95% CIs of longer sleep latency (≥30 min) and longer wake after sleep onset (WASO) (≥90 min) (a measure of sleep fragmentation) in relation to caregivers’ educational attainment.

Results

Median sleep latency was 27.3 min, WASO 88.1 min and sleep duration 8.0 h. Mean sleep efficiency was 80.0%. Caregivers’ education was positively and significantly associated with children's sleep efficiency (p trend<0.001). Adjusted mean sleep efficiency was 75.7% (SE=1.4) among children of caregivers high school education. Compared to children whose caregivers had >high school, children of caregivers with <high school had higher odds of longer sleep latency (OR=3.27; 95% CI 1.12 to 9.61) and longer WASO (OR=5.95; 95% CI 1.91 to 18.53). Associations were consistent across disability types.

Conclusions

Children with disabilities experience difficulties initiating sleep (prolonged sleep latency) and maintaining sleep (long WASO, low sleep efficiency). Among children with disabilities, lower level of caregivers’ education is associated with more sleep disturbances.
Impact of primary care nursing workforce characteristics on the control of high-blood pressure: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Parro-Moreno Ana , Serrano-Gallardo Pilar , Díaz-Holgado Antonio , Aréjula-Torres Jose L , Abraira Victor , Santiago-Pérez Isolina M , Morales-Asencio Jose M
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the impact of Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing workforce characteristics and of the clinical practice environment (CPE) perceived by nurses on the control of high-blood pressure (HBP).

Design

Cross-sectional analytical study.

Setting

Administrative and clinical registries of hypertensive patients from PHC information systems and questionnaire from PHC nurses.

Participants

76 797 hypertensive patients in two health zones within the Community of Madrid, North-West Zone (NWZ) with a higher socioeconomic situation and South-West Zone (SWZ) with a lower socioeconomic situation, and 442 reference nurses. Segmented analyses by area were made due to their different socioeconomic characteristics. Primary outcome measure: Poor HBP control (adequate figures below the value 140/90 mm Hg) associated with the characteristics of the nursing workforce and self-perceived CPE.

Results

The prevalence of poor HBP control, estimated by an empty multilevel model, was 33.5% (95% CI 31.5% to 35.6%). In the multilevel multivariate regression models, the perception of a more favourable CPE was associated with a reduction in poor control in NWZ men and SWZ women (OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99)); the economic immigration conditions increased poor control in NWZ women (OR=1.53 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.89)) and in SWZ, both men (OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.51)) and women (OR=1.39 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.76)). In all four models, increasing the annual number of patient consultations was associated with a reduction in poor control (NWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI0.98 to 0.99); NWZ men: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ men: OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99).

Conclusions

A CPE, perceived by PHC nurses as more favourable, and more patient–nurse consultations, contribute to better HBP control. Economic immigration condition is a risk factor for poor HBP control. Health policies oriented towards promoting positive environments for nursing practice are needed.
Considerations and recommendations for conducting qualitative research interviews with palliative and end-of-life care patients in the home setting: a consensus paper
Authors: Sivell Stephanie , Prout Hayley , Hopewell-Kelly Noreen , Baillie Jessica , Byrne Anthony , Edwards Michelle , Harrop Emily , Noble Simon , Sampson Catherine , Nelson Annmarie
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To present and discuss the views of researchers at an academic palliative care research centre on research encounters with terminally ill patients in the home setting and to generate a list of recommendations for qualitative researchers working in palliative and end-of-life care.

Methods

Eight researchers took part in a consensus meeting to discuss their experiences of undertaking qualitative interviews. The researchers were of varying backgrounds and all reported having experience in interviewing terminally ill patients, and all but one had experience of interviewing patients in their home environment.

Results

The main areas discussed by researchers included: whether participation in end-of-life research unintentionally becomes a therapeutic experience or an ethical concern; power relationships between terminally ill patients and researchers; researcher reflexivity and reciprocity; researchers’ training needs. Qualitative methods can complement the home environment; however, it can raise ethical and practical challenges, which can be more acute in the case of research undertaken with palliative and patients at the end-of-life.

Conclusions

The ethical and practical challenges researchers face in this context has the potential to place both participant and researcher at risk for their physical and psychological well-being. We present a set of recommendations for researchers to consider prior to embarking on qualitative research in this context and advocate researchers in this field carefully consider the issues presented on a study-by-study basis.
Octreotide in malignant chylothorax: a case report
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Singh Taranjit
Published: December 2015

The treatment of malignancy-associated chylous pleural effusion and ascites, especially in the palliative setting, represents a major therapeutic challenge. Our patient, a case of metastatic lung cancer, was suffering from high-output, non-resolving, malignancy-related chylothorax. We found that subcutaneous octreotide in combination with fasting and total parenteral nutrition, followed later by institution of low-fat diet, resulted in its resolution. We suggest that it is a reasonable approach associated with minimal morbidity in what is otherwise a challenging clinical condition.
How important are determinants of obesity measured at the individual level for explaining geographic variation in body mass index distributions? Observational evidence from Canada using Quantile Regression and Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition
Authors: Dutton Daniel J , McLaren Lindsay
Published: December 2015

Background

Obesity prevalence varies between geographic regions in Canada. The reasons for this variation are unclear but most likely implicate both individual-level and population-level factors. The objective of this study was to examine whether equalising correlates of body mass index (BMI) across these geographic regions could be reasonably expected to reduce differences in BMI distributions between regions.

Methods

Using data from three cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2001, 2003 and 2007 for males and females, we modelled between-region BMI cross-sectionally using quantile regression and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition of the quantile regression results.

Results

We show that while individual-level variables (ie, age, income, education, physical activity level, fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking status, drinking status, family doctor status, rural status, employment in the past 12 months and marital status) may be Caucasian important correlates of BMIwithingeographic regions, those variables are not capable of explaining variation in BMIbetweenregions.

Discussion

Equalisation of common correlates of BMI between regions cannot be reasonably expected to reduce differences in the BMI distributions between regions.
Who has a repeat abortion? Identifying women at risk of repeated terminations of pregnancy: analysis of routinely collected health care data
Authors: McCall Stephen J , Flett Gillian , Okpo Emmanuel , Bhattacharya Sohinee
Published: December 2015

Background

Repeat termination of pregnancy highlights the issues of unplanned pregnancies and effective post-termination contraceptive practices.

Objective

To examine the risk factors at the time of a first termination that are associated with subsequent repeat termination.

Design

Registry-based study.

Setting

Grampian region of Scotland, UK.

Methods

A retrospective study using data from the Termination of Pregnancy Database, NHS Grampian for the period 1997–2013. Associations between repeat termination and women's sociodemographic characteristics and contraceptive use were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

This study showed that 23.4% of women who had an initial termination (n=13 621) underwent a repeat termination. Women who had repeat terminations were more likely to be aged under 20 years at their initial termination with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 5.59 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.17–7.49], to belong to the most deprived social quintile [AOR 1.23 (95% CI 1.05–1.43)], and to be more likely to have had two or more previous livebirths [AOR 1.51 (95% CI 1.12–2.02)] or miscarriages [AOR 1.40 (95% CI 1.02–1.92)]. The likelihood of having a repeat termination was increased in women who had a contraceptive implant as post-termination contraception [AOR 1.78 (95% CI 1.50–2.11)] compared to women who left with none or unknown methods following the first termination. In those who had repeat terminations, women who had an implant or Depo-Provera®were at increased odds of repeat termination in the 2–5 years interval compared to the 0–2 years after their initial termination.

Conclusions

Teenage pregnancy, social deprivation, two or more previous livebirths or miscarriages at the time of the initial termination were identified as risk factors for repeat terminations. Post-termination contraception with implants and Depo-Provera® were associated with repeat termination 2–5 years after the first termination.
Day to day variability in fat oxidation and the effect after only 1 day of change in diet composition
Authors: Støa Eva Maria , Nyhus Lill-Katrin , Børresen Sandra Claveau , Nygaard Caroline , Hovet Åse Marie , Bratland-Sanda Solfrid , Helgerud Jan , Støren Øyvind
Published: December 2015

Indirect calorimetry is a common and noninvasive method to estimate rate of fat oxidation (FatOx) during exercise, and test–retest reliability should be considered when interpreting results. Diet also has an impact on FatOx. The aim of the present study was to investigate day to day variations in FatOx during moderate exercise given the same diet and 2 different isoenergetic diets. Nine healthy, moderately-trained females participated in the study. They performed 1 maximal oxygen uptake test and 4 FatOx tests. Habitual diets were recorded and repeated to assess day to day variability in FatOx. FatOx was also measured after 1 day of fat-rich (26.8% carbohydrates (CHO), 23.2% protein, 47.1% fat) and 1 day of CHO-rich diet (62.6% CHO, 20.1% protein, 12.4% fat). The reliability test revealed no differences in FatOx, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, or blood glucose between the 2 habitual diet days. FatOx decreased after the CHO-rich diet compared with the habitual day 2 (from 0.42 ± 0.15 to 0.29 ± 0.13 g·min−1, p < 0.05). No difference was found in FatOx between fat-rich diet and the 2 habitual diet days. FatOx was 31% lower (from 0.42 ± 0.14 to 0.29 ± 0.13 g·min−1, p < 0.01) after the CHO-rich diet compared with the fat-rich diet. Using RER data to measure FatOx is a reliable method as long as the diet is strictly controlled. However, even a 1-day change in macronutrient composition will likely affect the FatOx results.
Regional effects of alternative climate change and management scenarios on timber production, economic profitability, and carbon stocks in Norway spruce forests in Finland
Authors: Zubizarreta-Gerendiain A. , Garcia-Gonzalo J. , Strandman H. , Jylhä K. , Peltola H.
Published: December 2015

We studied regional effects of alternative climate change and management scenarios on timber production, its economic profitability (net present value (NPV), with 2% interest rate), and carbon stocks over a 90 year simulation period in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forests located in southern, central, and northern Finland. We also compared the results of optimised management plans (maximizing incomes) and fixed management scenarios. Business as usual (BAU) management recommendations were used as the basis for alternative management scenarios. The forest ecosystem model SIMA together with a forest optimisation tool was employed. To consider the uncertainties related to climate change, we applied two climate change scenarios (SRES B1 and SRES A2) in addition to the current climate. Results showed that timber production, NPV, and carbon stocks of forests would reduce in southern Finland, opposite to northern Finland, especially under the strong climate change scenario (SRES A2) compared with the current climate. In central Finland, climate change would have little effect. The use of optimised management plans also resulted in higher timber yield, NPV, and carbon stock of forests compared with the use of a single management scenario, regardless of forest region and climate scenario applied. In the future, we may need to modify the current BAU management recommendations to properly adapt to the changing climatic conditions.
Quantum Discord in Photon-Added Glauber Coherent States of GHZ-Type
Authors: Daoud M. , Kaydi W. , El Hadfi H.
Published: December 2015

We investigate the influence of photon excitations on quantum correlations in tripartite Glauber coherent states of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger type (GHZ-type). The pairwise correlations are measured by means of the entropy-based quantum discord. We also analyze the monogamy property of quantum discord in this class of tripartite states in terms of the strength of Glauber coherent states and the photon excitation order.