bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs in HIV-Infected Children with Tuberculosis Treated with Intermittent Regimens in India
Authors: Ramachandran Geetha , Kumar A. K. Hemanth , Bhavani P. K. , Kannan T. , Kumar S. Ramesh , Gangadevi N. Poorana , Banurekha V. V. , Sekar L. , Ravichandran N. , Mathevan G. , Sanjeeva G. N. , Dayal Rajeshwar , Swaminathan Soumya
Published: December 2014

The objective of this report was to study the pharmacokinetics of rifampin (RMP), isoniazid (INH), and pyrazinamide (PZA) in HIV-infected children with tuberculosis (TB) treated with a thrice-weekly anti-TB regimen in the government program in India. Seventy-seven HIV-infected children with TB aged 1 to 15 years from six hospitals in India were recruited. During the intensive phase of TB treatment with directly observed administration of the drugs, a complete pharmacokinetic study was performed. Drug concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. A multivariable regression analysis was done to explore the factors impacting drug levels and treatment outcomes. The proportions of children with subnormal peak concentrations (
C
max
) of RMP, INH, and PZA were 97%, 28%, and 33%, respectively. Children less than 5 years old had a lower median
C
max
and lower exposure (area under the time-concentration curve from 0 to 8 h [AUC
0–8
]) of INH (
C
max
, 2.5 versus 5.1 μg/ml, respectively [
P
= 0.016]; AUC
0–8
, 11.1 versus 22.0 μg/ml · h, respectively [
P
= 0.047[) and PZA (
C
max
, 34.1 versus 42.3 μg/ml, respectively [
P
= 0.055]; AUC
0–8
, 177.9 versus 221.7 μg/ml · h, respectively [
P
= 0.05]) than those more than 5 years old. In children with unfavorable versus favorable outcomes, the median
C
max
of RMP (1.0 versus 2.8 μg/ml, respectively;
P
= 0.002) and PZA (31.9 versus 44.4 μg/ml, respectively;
P
= 0.045) were significantly lower. Among all factors studied, the PZA
C
max
influenced TB treatment outcome (
P
= 0.011; adjusted odds ratio, 1.094; 95% confidence interval, 1.021 to 1.173). A high proportion of children with HIV and TB had a subnormal RMP
C
max
. The PZA
C
max
significantly influenced treatment outcome. These findings have important clinical implications and emphasize that drug doses in HIV-infected children with TB have to be optimized.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of the IncN Plasmid Encoding IMP-6 and CTX-M-2 from Emerging Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Japan
Authors: Kayama Shizuo , Shigemoto Norifumi , Kuwahara Ryuichi , Oshima Kenshiro , Hirakawa Hideki , Hisatsune Junzo , Jové Thomas , Nishio Hisaaki , Yamasaki Katsutoshi , Wada Yasunao , Ueshimo Takeshi , Miura Tetsuya , Sueda Taijiro , Onodera Makoto , Yokozaki Michiya , Hattori Masahira , Ohge Hiroki , Sugai Motoyuki
Published: December 2014

We have determined the DNA sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
multidrug resistance plasmid pKPI-6, which is a self-transmissible IncN-type plasmid. pKPI-6 harboring
bla
IMP-6
and
bla
CTX-M-2
confers a stealth-type carbapenem resistance phenotype on members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
that is not detectable with imipenem. pKPI-6 is already epidemic in Japan, favoring the dissemination of IMP-6 and CTX-M-2 in members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
.
The Tyrosine Kinase BceF and the Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase BceD of Burkholderia contaminans Are Required for Efficient Invasion and Epithelial Disruption of a Cystic Fibrosis Lung Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Ferreira Ana S. , Silva Inês N. , Fernandes Fábio , Pilkington Ruth , Callaghan Máire , McClean Siobhán , Moreira Leonilde M.
Published: December 2014

Bacterial tyrosine kinases and their cognate protein tyrosine phosphatases are best known for regulating the biosynthesis of polysaccharides. Moreover, their roles in the stress response, DNA metabolism, cell division, and virulence have also been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity and potential mechanisms of virulence dependent on the tyrosine kinase BceF and phosphotyrosine phosphatase BceD of the cystic fibrosis opportunistic pathogen
Burkholderia contaminans
IST408. The insertion mutants
bceD
::Tp and
bceF
::Tp showed similar attenuation of adhesion and invasion of the cystic fibrosis lung epithelial cell line CFBE41o- compared to the parental strain
B. contaminans
IST408. In the absence of
bceD
or
bceF
genes,
B. contaminans
also showed a reduction in the ability to translocate across polarized epithelial cell monolayers, demonstrated by a higher transepithelial electrical resistance, reduced flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin, and higher levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 present in monolayers exposed to these bacterial mutants. Furthermore,
bceD
::Tp and
bceF
::Tp mutants induced lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 release than the parental strain. In conclusion, although the mechanisms of pathogenicity dependent on BceD and BceF are not understood, these proteins contribute to the virulence of
Burkholderia
by enhancement of cell attachment and invasion, disruption of epithelial integrity, and modulation of the proinflammatory response.
Expression Analysis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgZR Two-Component Regulatory System
Authors: Pritchett Christopher L. , Little Alexander S. , Okkotsu Yuta , Frisk Anders , Cody William L. , Covey Christopher R. , Schurr Michael J.
Published: December 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence components are subject to complex regulatory control primarily through two-component regulatory systems that allow for sensing and responding to environmental stimuli. In this study, the expression and regulation of the
P. aeruginosa
AlgZR two-component regulatory system were examined. Primer extension and S1 nuclease protection assays were used to identify two transcriptional initiation sites for
algR
within the
algZ
coding region, and two additional start sites were identified upstream of the
algZ
coding region. The two
algR
transcriptional start sites, RT1 and RT2, are directly regulated by AlgU, consistent with previous reports of increased
algR
expression in mucoid backgrounds, and RpoS additionally plays a role in
algR
transcription. The expression of the first
algZ
promoter, ZT1, is entirely dependent upon Vfr for expression, whereas Vfr, RpoS, or AlgU does not regulate the second
algZ
promoter, ZT2. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and transcriptional fusion analyses show that
algZR
expression is Vfr dependent. The
algZ
and
algR
genes also are cotranscribed in both nonmucoid and mucoid backgrounds. Furthermore,
algZR
was found to be cotranscribed with
hemCD
by RT-PCR. RT-qPCR confirmed that
hemC
transcription in the PAO1 Δ
algZ
mutant was 40% of the level of the wild-type strain. Taken together, these results indicate that
algZR
transcription involves multiple factors at multiple start sites that control individual gene expression as well as coexpression of this two-component system with heme biosynthetic genes.
Role of the Streptococcus mutans CRISPR-Cas Systems in Immunity and Cell Physiology
Authors: Serbanescu M. A. , Cordova M. , Krastel K. , Flick R. , Beloglazova N. , Latos A. , Yakunin A. F. , Senadheera D. B. , Cvitkovitch D. G.
Published: December 2014

CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive microbial immunity against invading viruses and plasmids. The cariogenic bacterium
Streptococcus mutans
UA159 has two CRISPR-Cas systems: CRISPR1 (type II-A) and CRISPR2 (type I-C) with several spacers from both CRISPR cassettes matching sequences of phage M102 or genomic sequences of other
S. mutans
. The deletion of the
cas
genes of CRISPR1 (ΔC1S), CRISPR2 (ΔC2E), or both CRISPR1+2 (ΔC1SC2E) or the removal of spacers 2 and 3 (ΔCR1SP13E) in
S. mutans
UA159 did not affect phage sensitivity when challenged with virulent phage M102. Using plasmid transformation experiments, we demonstrated that the CRISPR1-Cas system inhibits transformation of
S. mutans
by the plasmids matching the spacers 2 and 3. Functional analysis of the
cas
deletion mutants revealed that in addition to a role in plasmid targeting, both CRISPR systems also contribute to the regulation of bacterial physiology in
S. mutans
. Compared to wild-type cells, the ΔC1S strain displayed diminished growth under cell membrane and oxidative stress, enhanced growth under low pH, and had reduced survival under heat shock and DNA-damaging conditions, whereas the ΔC2E strain exhibited increased sensitivity to heat shock. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the two-component signal transduction system VicR/K differentially modulates expression of
cas
genes within CRISPR-Cas systems, suggesting that VicR/K might coordinate the expression of two CRISPR-Cas systems. Collectively, we provide
in vivo
evidence that the type II-A CRISPR-Cas system of
S. mutans
may be targeted to manipulate its stress response and to influence the host to control the uptake and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
Two Novel Membrane Proteins, TcpD and TcpE, Are Essential for Conjugative Transfer of pCW3 in Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Wisniewski Jessica A. , Teng Wee L. , Bannam Trudi L. , Rood Julian I.
Published: December 2014

The anaerobic pathogen
Clostridium perfringens
encodes either toxin genes or antibiotic resistance determinants on a unique family of conjugative plasmids that have a novel conjugation region, the
tcp
locus. Studies of the paradigm conjugative plasmid from
C. perfringens
, the 47-kb tetracycline resistance plasmid pCW3, have identified several
tcp
-encoded proteins that are involved in conjugative transfer and form part of the transfer apparatus. In this study, the role of the conserved hypothetical proteins TcpD, TcpE, and TcpJ was examined. Mutation and complementation analyses showed that TcpD and TcpE were essential for the conjugative transfer of pCW3, whereas TcpJ was not required. To analyze the TcpD and TcpE proteins in
C. perfringens
, functional hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged derivatives were constructed. Western blots showed that TcpD and TcpE localized to the cell envelope fraction independently of the presence of other pCW3-encoded proteins. Finally, examination of the subcellular localization of TcpD and TcpE by immunofluorescence showed that these proteins were concentrated at both poles of
C. perfringens
donor cells, where they are postulated to form essential components of the multiprotein complex that comprises the transfer apparatus.
Developing An Acupuncture Protocol for Treating Phantom Limb Pain: A Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Trevelyan Esmé G , Turner Warren A , Robinson Nicola
Published: December 2014

Background

Little is known about how a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach could be used to treat phantom limb pain (PLP). There is currently no standard acupuncture protocol in the literature to treat this syndrome.

Objectives

To achieve consensus among a group of acupuncture practitioners on the pathology and recommended treatment of PLP and devise an acupuncture protocol for the treatment of this condition.

Methods

A classical Delphi approach was used using two parallel online Delphi studies. One study focused on participants with past experience of treating PLP (TPLP, n=7) and the other on practitioners with no past experience (NTPLP, n=16). Two hypothetical case studies were provided and participants were asked for responses on how they would treat these patients. Three rounds were included. Participants were also invited to rate and comment on the finalised protocol. Round 1 data were analysed using content analysis. In subsequent rounds an a priori criterion for defining consensus was set at ≤1.75 IQR. A group median of 5–6 was considered to mean ‘agree’.

Results

19 participants completed all Delphi rounds (12 NTPLP, 7 TPLP). 108 NTPLP and 76 TPLP statements were generated and circulated in round 2; 53% of the NTPLP statements and 62% of the TPLP statements met consensus in round 2 and 45% of the NTPLP statements and 44% of the TPLP statements met consensus in round 3. Participants all agreed with the final protocol developed.

Conclusions

The protocol developed does not claim to be best practice but provides a preliminary consensus from practitioners practising acupuncture for the treatment of PLP.
Fast-food consumption and body mass index in children and adolescents: an international cross-sectional study
Authors: Braithwaite Irene , Stewart Alistair W , Hancox Robert J , Beasley Richard , Murphy Rinki , Mitchell Edwin A ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate whether reported fast-food consumption over the previous year is associated with higher childhood or adolescent body mass index (BMI).

Design

Secondary analysis from a multicentre, multicountry cross-sectional study (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) Phase Three).

Subjects and methods

Parents/guardians of children aged 6–7 completed questionnaires which included questions about their children's asthma and allergies, fast-food consumption, height and weight. Adolescents aged 13–14 completed the same questionnaire. The questionnaire asked “In the past 12 months, how often on average did you (your child) eat fast-food/burgers?” The responses were infrequent (never/only occasionally), frequent (once/twice a week) or very frequent (three or more times per week). A general linear mixed model was used to determine the association between BMI and fast-food consumption, adjusting for Gross National Income per capita by country, measurement type (whether heights/weights were reported or measured), age and sex.

Results

72 900 children (17 countries) and 199 135 adolescents (36 countries) provided data. Frequent and very frequent fast-food consumption was reported in 23% and 4% of children, and 39% and 13% of adolescents, respectively. Children in the frequent and very frequent groups had a BMI that was 0.15 and 0.22 kg/m2higher than those in the infrequent group (p<0.001). Male adolescents in the frequent and very frequent groups had a BMI that was 0.14 and 0.28 kg/m2lower than those in the infrequent group (p<0.001). Female adolescents in the frequent and very frequent groups had a BMI that was 0.19 kg/m2lower than those in the infrequent group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Reported fast-food consumption is high in childhood and increases in adolescence. Compared with infrequent fast-food consumption, frequent and very frequent consumption is associated with a higher BMI in children. Owing to residual confounding, reverse causation and likely misreporting, the reverse association observed in adolescents should be interpreted with caution.
Prescriber barriers and enablers to minimising potentially inappropriate medications in adults: a systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Anderson Kristen , Stowasser Danielle , Freeman Christopher , Scott Ian
Published: December 2014

Objective

To synthesise qualitative studies that explore prescribers’ perceived barriers and enablers to minimising potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) chronically prescribed in adults.

Design

A qualitative systematic review was undertaken by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL and INFORMIT from inception to March 2014, combined with an extensive manual search of reference lists and related citations. A quality checklist was used to assess the transparency of the reporting of included studies and the potential for bias. Thematic synthesis identified common subthemes and descriptive themes across studies from which an analytical construct was developed. Study characteristics were examined to explain differences in findings.

Setting

All healthcare settings.

Participants

Medical and non-medical prescribers of medicines to adults.

Outcomes

Prescribers’ perspectives on factors which shape their behaviour towards continuing or discontinuing PIMs in adults.

Results

21 studies were included; most explored primary care physicians’ perspectives on managing older, community-based adults. Barriers and enablers to minimising PIMs emerged within four analytical themes: problem awareness; inertia secondary to lower perceived value proposition for ceasing versus continuing PIMs; self-efficacy in regard to personal ability to alter prescribing; and feasibility of altering prescribing in routine care environments given external constraints. The first three themes are intrinsic to the prescriber (eg, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviour) and the fourth is extrinsic (eg, patient, work setting, health system and cultural factors). The PIMs examined and practice setting influenced the themes reported.

Conclusions

A multitude of highly interdependent factors shape prescribers’ behaviour towards continuing or discontinuing PIMs. A full understanding of prescriber barriers and enablers to changing prescribing behaviour is critical to the development of targeted interventions aimed at deprescribing PIMs and reducing the risk of iatrogenic harm.
Does high intelligence improve prognosis? The association of intelligence with recurrence and mortality among Swedish men with coronary heart disease
Authors: Sörberg Wallin Alma , Falkstedt Daniel , Allebeck Peter , Melin Bo , Janszky Imre , Hemmingsson Tomas
Published: December 2014

Background

Lower intelligence early in life is associated with increased risks for coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. Intelligence level might affect compliance to treatment but its prognostic importance in patients with CHD is unknown.

Methods

A cohort of 1923 Swedish men with a measure of intelligence from mandatory military conscription in 1969–1970 at age 18–20, who were diagnosed with CHD 1991–2007, were followed to the end of 2008. Primary outcome: recurrent CHD event. Secondary outcome: case fatality from the first event, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. National registers provided information on CHD events, comorbidity, mortality and socioeconomic factors.

Results

The fully adjusted HRs for recurrent CHD for medium and low intelligence, compared with high intelligence, were 0.98, (95% CIs 0.83 to 1.16) and 1.09 (0.89 to 1.34), respectively. The risks were increased for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality with lower intelligence, but were attenuated in the fully adjusted models (fully adjusted HRs for cardiovascular mortality 1.92 (0.94 to 3.94) and 1.98 (0.89 to 4.37), respectively; for all-cause mortality 1.63 (1.00 to 2.65) and 1.62 (0.94 to 2.78), respectively). There was no increased risk for case-fatality at the first event (fully adjusted ORs 1.06 (0.73 to 1.55) and 0.97 (0.62 to 1.50), respectively).

Conclusions

Although we found lower intelligence to be associated with increased mortality in middle-aged men with CHD, there was no evidence for its possible effect on recurrence in CHD.
Hemodynamic–morphological discriminant models for intracranial aneurysm rupture remain stable with increasing sample size
Authors: Xiang Jianping , Yu Jihnhee , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Meng Hui
Published: December 2014

Background

We previously established three logistic regression models for discriminating intracranial aneurysm rupture status based on morphological and hemodynamic analysis of 119 aneurysms. In this study, we tested if these models would remain stable with increasing sample size, and investigated sample sizes required for various confidence levels (CIs).

Methods

We augmented our previous dataset of 119 aneurysms into a new dataset of 204 samples by collecting an additional 85 consecutive aneurysms, on which we performed flow simulation and calculated morphological and hemodynamic parameters, as done previously. We performed univariate significance tests on these parameters, and multivariate logistic regression on significant parameters. The new regression models were compared against the original models. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was applied to compare the performance of regression models. Furthermore, we performed regression analysis based on bootstrapping resampling statistical simulations to explore how many aneurysm cases were required to generate stable models.

Results

Univariate tests of the 204 aneurysms generated an identical list of significant morphological and hemodynamic parameters as previously (from the analysis of 119 cases). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis produced three parsimonious predictive models that were almost identical to the previous ones, with model coefficients that had narrower CIs than the original ones. Bootstrapping showed that 10%, 5%, 2%, and 1% convergence levels of CI required 120, 200, 500, and 900 aneurysms, respectively.

Conclusions

Our original hemodynamic–morphological rupture prediction models are stable and improve with increasing sample size. Results from resampling statistical simulations provide guidance for designing future large multi-population studies.
Calibrated fair measure of particle physics publications: indices to quantify an individual’s scientific research output
Authors: Tawfik A.
Published: December 2014

Do existing ways of measuring scientific quality reflect the disadvantages of not being part of giant collaborations? How could possible discrimination be avoided? We propose indices defined for each discipline (subfield) and which count the plausible contributions added up by collaborators, while maintaining the spirit of interdependency. Based on the growing debate about defining potential biases and detecting unethical behavior, a standardized method to measure contributions of the astronomical number of co-authors is introduced.
CD38 and airway hyper-responsiveness: studies on human airway smooth muscle cells and mouse models
Authors: Guedes Alonso G.P. , Deshpande Deepak A. , Dileepan Mythili , Walseth Timothy F. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Subramanian Subbaya , Kannan Mathur S.
Published: December 2014

Asthma is an inflammatory disease in which altered calcium regulation, contractility, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation contribute to airway hyper-responsiveness and airway wall remodeling. The enzymatic activity of CD38, a cell-surface protein expressed in human ASM cells, generates calcium mobilizing second messenger molecules such as cyclic ADP-ribose. CD38 expression in human ASM cells is augmented by cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) that requires the activation of MAP kinases and the transcription factors, NF-κB and AP-1, and is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-140-3p and miR-708 by binding to 3′ Untranslated Region of CD38 as well as by modulating the activation of signaling mechanisms involved in its regulation. Mice deficient in Cd38 exhibit reduced airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine relative to the response in wild-type mice. Intranasal challenge of Cd38-deficient mice with TNF-α or IL-13, or the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata, causes significantly attenuated methacholine responsiveness compared with wild-type mice, with comparable airway inflammation. Reciprocal bone marrow transfer studies revealed partial restoration of airway hyper-responsiveness to inhaled methacholine in the Cd38-deficient mice. These studies provide evidence for CD38 involvement in the development of airway hyper-responsiveness; a hallmark feature of asthma. Future studies aimed at drug discovery and delivery targeting CD38 expression and (or) activity are warranted.
The lowest hidden charmed tetraquark state from QCD sum rules
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text] type scalar tetraquark state [Formula: see text] in detail with the QCD sum rules by calculating the contributions of the vacuum condensates up to dimension 10 in the operator product expansion, and obtain the value [Formula: see text], which is the lowest mass for the hidden charmed tetraquark states from the QCD sum rules. Furthermore, we calculate the hadronic coupling constants GZcηcπand GZcDDwith the three-point QCD sum rules, then study the strong decays Zc→ηcπ, DD, and observe that the total width ΓZc≈21 MeV . The present predictions can be confronted with the experimental data in the future at the BESIII, LHCb and Belle-II.
Using Sequences of Words for Non-Disjoint Grouping of Documents
Authors: Ben N'Cir Chiheb-Eddine , Essoussi Nadia
Published: December 2014

Grouping documents based on their textual content is an important application of clustering referred to as text clustering. This paper deals with two issues in text clustering which are the detection of non-disjoint groups and the representation of textual data. In fact, a text document can discuss several topics and then, it must belong to several groups. The learning algorithm must be able to produce non-disjoint clusters and assigns documents to several clusters. Given that text documents are considered as unstructured data, the application of a learning algorithm requires to prepare a set of documents for numerical analysis by using the vector space model (VSM). This representation of text avoids correlation between terms and does not give importance to the order of words in the text. Therefore, we present in this paper an unsupervised learning method, based on the word sequence kernel, where the correlation between adjacent words in text and the possibility of document to belong to more than one cluster are not ignored. In addition, to facilitate the use of this method in text-analytic practice, we present the "DocCO" software which is publicly available. Experiments performed on several text collections show that the proposed method outperforms existing overlapping methods using VSM representation in terms of clustering accuracy.
Extended letterplace correspondence for nongraded noncommutative ideals and related algorithms
Authors: La Scala Roberto
Published: December 2014

Let K〈xi〉 be the free associative algebra generated by a finite or a countable number of variables xi. The notion of "letterplace correspondence" introduced in [R. La Scala and V. Levandovskyy, Letterplace ideals and non-commutative Gröbner bases, J. Symbolic Comput. 44(10) (2009) 1374–1393; R. La Scala and V. Levandovskyy, Skew polynomial rings, Gröbner bases and the letterplace embedding of the free associative algebra, J. Symbolic Comput. 48 (2013) 110–131] for the graded (two-sided) ideals of K〈xi〉 is extended in this paper also to the nongraded case. This amounts to the possibility of modelizing nongraded noncommutative presented algebras by means of a class of graded commutative algebras that are invariant under the action of the monoid ℕ of natural numbers. For such purpose we develop the notion of saturation for the graded ideals of K〈xi,t〉, where t is an extra variable and for their letterplace analogues in the commutative polynomial algebra K[xij, tj], where j ranges in ℕ. In particular, one obtains an alternative algorithm for computing inhomogeneous noncommutative Gröbner bases using just homogeneous commutative polynomials. The feasibility of the proposed methods is shown by an experimental implementation developed in the computer algebra system Maple and by using standard routines for the Buchberger algorithm contained in Singular.
The number of framings of a knot in a 3-manifold
Authors: Cahn Patricia , Chernov Vladimir , Sadykov Rustam
Published: December 2014

In view of the self-linking invariant, the number |K| of framed knots in S3 with given underlying knot K is infinite. In fact, the second author previously defined affine self-linking invariants and used them to show that |K| is infinite for every knot in an orientable manifold unless the manifold contains a connected sum factor of S1 × S2; the knot K need not be zero-homologous and the manifold is not required to be compact. We show that when M is orientable, the number |K| is infinite unless K intersects a nonseparating sphere at exactly one point, in which case |K| = 2; the existence of a nonseparating sphere implies that M contains a connected sum factor of S1 × S2. For knots in nonorientable manifolds we show that if |K| is finite, then K is disorienting, or there is an orientation-preserving isotopy of the knot to itself which changes the orientation of its normal bundle, or it intersects some embedded S2 or ℝP2 at exactly one point, or it intersects some embedded S2 at exactly two points in such a way that a closed curve consisting of an arc in K between the intersection points and an arc in S2 is disorienting.
Game Theoretic Modeling of Horizontal Supply Chain Coopetition among Growers
Authors: Arthanari Tiru , Carfì David , Musolino Francesco
Published: December 2014

Horizontal supply chains is the term used when suppliers competing at a particular level of the chain form a coalition to benefit from their cooperation rather than the usual competitive strategies used by them to become part of the supply chain. Such horizontal cooperation among competitors is studied by Wood, using qualitative research methodology, based on case studies done in New Zealand. The term "coopetition" is used in the literature to describe such a cooperative behavior among competitors. In this paper we examine the coopetition phenomenon from a game theoretic perspective and give a model that brings out the equilibria that will lead to optimal participation among the coalition partners. The model considers a set of growers who can choose to form a coopetitive alliance to market their production in some external regions, while competing within the internal regions. By means of a general analytical framework of competition, we show the strategies that could provide solutions, in a coopetitive perspective, for the growers. These solutions offer a win–win outcome for the growers, letting them share the pie fairly within a growth path of games. We determine the proportion of resources they'll use and how the gain will be shared.
Study on a Photonic Crystal Hydrogel Material for Chemical Sensing
Authors: Xu Jia-Yu , Yan Chun-Xiao , Hu Xiao-Chun , Liu Chao , Tang Hua-Min , Zhou Chao-Hua , Xue Fei
Published: December 2014

There is intense interest in the applications of photonic crystal hydrogel materials for the detection of glucose, metal ions, organophosphates and so on. In this paper, monodisperse polystyrene spheres with diameters between 100 ~ 440 nm were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Highly charged polystyrene spheres readily self-assembled into crystalline colloidal array because of electrostatic interactions. Photonic crystal hydrogel materials were formed by polymerization of acrylamide hydrogel around the crystalline colloidal arrays of polystyrene spheres. After chemical modification of hydrogel backbone with carboxyl groups, our photonic crystals hydrogel materials are demonstrated to be excellent in response to pH and ionic strength changes.
2-Allylhexafluoroisopropanol Treated Photonic Crystal Material for DMMP Detection
Authors: Hu Xiao-Chun , Yan Chun-Xiao , Tang Hua-Min , Yang Yang , Ma Lan , Zhou Chao-Hua , Xu Jia-Yu
Published: December 2014

Some photonic crystal materials are developed as chemical detection materials. Varies of sensitive chemical group can be used for varies of chemical detection. In this paper, Polystyrene particles in 240 nm size were prepared firstly. The polystyrene particles were self-assembled into crystalline colloidal arrays. A kind of fluoride-bearing chemical, 2-Allylhexafluoroisopropanol, were induced to the Polystyrene crystalline colloidal arrays. Then the diffraction properties were test. After treated by 2-Allylhexafluoroisopropanol, the Polystyrene crystalline colloidal arrays get a change of diffraction in both the wavelength and the intensity. When exposed to saturated vapor of DMMP.
A model study of the morphogenesis ofD. melanogastermechanoreceptors: The central regulatory circuit
Authors: Golubyatnikov Vladimir P. , Bukharina Tatyana A. , Furman Dagmara P.
Published: December 2014

Macrochaetes (large bristles) are sensor organs of the Drosophila peripheral nervous system with a function of mechanoreceptors. An adult mechanoreceptor comprises four specialized cells: shaft (trichogen), socket (tormogen), neuron, and glial cell (thecogen). All these cells originate from a single cell, the so-called sensor organ precursor (SOP) cell. Separation of the SOP cell from the encompassing cells of the imaginal disc initiates a multistage process of sensory organ development. A characteristic feature of the SOP cell is the highest amount of the proneural proteins AS-C as compared with the encompassing ectodermal cells. The accumulation of proneural proteins and maintenance of their amount in the SOP cell at a necessary level is provided by the gene network with the achaete–scute gene complex (AS-C) as its key component. The activity of this complex is controlled by the central regulatory circuit (CRC). The CRC comprises the genes hairy, senseless (sens), charlatan (chn), scratch (scrt), daughterless (da), extramacrochaete (emc), and groucho (gro), coding for the transcription factors involved in the system of direct links and feedbacks and implementation of activation–repression relationships between the CRC components. The gene phyllopod (phyl), involved in degradation of the AS-C proteins, is also associated with the CRC functioning. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for the CRC functioning as a regulator of the amount of proneural AS-C proteins in the SOP cell taking into account their degradation. The modeling has demonstrated that a change in the amount of proneural proteins in the SOP cell is stepwise rather than strictly monotonic. This prediction can be tested experimentally.
High-capacity imaging and rotationally insensitive object identification with correlated orbital angular momentum states
Authors: Fitzpatrick Casey A. , Simon David S. , Sergienko Alexander V.
Published: December 2014

Using no conventional measurements in position space, information extraction rates exceeding one bit per photon are achieved by employing high-dimensional correlated orbital angular momentum (OAM) states for object recognition. The correlations are shown to be insensitive to axial rotation of the target object: The information structure of an object's joint OAM coincidence spectrum is unchanged even when the object undergoes random rotations between each measurement. Additionally, OAM correlations alone are shown to be sufficient for full image reconstruction of complex, off-axis objects, and novel object symmetries are observed in the phases of OAM-object interaction transition amplitudes. Variations in mutual information rates, due to off-axis translation in the beam field, are studied, and it is shown that object symmetry signatures and information rates are independent of environmental factors sufficiently far from the beam center. The results motivate dynamic scanning applications in contexts where symmetry and small numbers of noninvasive measurements are desired.
Reconstruction of symmetric Dirac–Maxwell equations using nonassociative algebra
Authors: Kalauni Pushpa , Barata J. C. A.
Published: December 2014

In the presence of sources, the usual Maxwell equations are neither symmetric nor invariant with respect to the duality transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Dirac proposed the existence of magnetic monopoles for symmetrizing the Maxwell equations. In the present work, we obtain the fully symmetric Dirac–Maxwell's equations (i.e. with electric and magnetic charges and currents) as a single equation by using 4 × 4 matrix presentation of fields and derivative operators. This matrix representation has been derived with the help of the algebraic properties of quaternions and octonions. Such description gives a compact representation of electric and magnetic counterparts of the field in a single equation.
Evolution of Genuine Multipartite Entanglement of Specific and Random States Under non-Markovian Noise
Authors: Ali Mazhar
Published: December 2014

We study the dynamics of genuine multipartite entanglement under non-Markovian noise. Using a computable entanglement monotone for multipartite systems, we investigate a system of three qubits each of which is individually exposed to classical Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise. We found that the W state mixed with the maximally mixed state is the most fragile state, whereas a similar mixture of GHZ state exhibits robust behaviour. We compare dynamics of these states with dynamics of similar mixtures of random states and weighted graph states. We also discuss the limiting cases.
An investigation of non-Newtonian fluid flow due to metachronal beating of cilia in a tube
Authors: Siddiqui A. M. , Farooq A. A. , Rana M. A.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to explain theoretically the role of ciliary motion on the transport of epididymal fluid through the ductus efferentes of the male reproductive track. For this purpose, a mathematical model has been developed for the flow of a non-Newtonian fluid in an axisymmetric tube due to metachronal wave of cilia motion for the more realistic consequences. Carreau viscous fluid model is considered to see the rheological effects on the pumping characteristics of the flow. Regular perturbation method has been employed to obtain the analytical expressions for the stream function, the velocity field and a relation between the pressure difference and the volume flow rate. It is found that the volume flow rate is influenced significantly by Weissenberg number We and the cilia length parameter ε. The computational results are presented graphically to see the effects of various physical parameters. Finally, the analysis is applied and compared with the observed value of the flow rate of spermatic fluid in the ductus efferentes of the male reproductive track. The volume flow rate is reported closed to the estimated value 6 × 10-3 ml/h in the human ductus efferentes when We = 0.5 and ε is near by 0.25.
Time delays in proliferation process for solid avascular tumor under the action of external inhibitors
Authors: Xu Shihe , Bai Meng
Published: December 2014

In this paper a delayed mathematical model for tumor growth under the action of external inhibitors is studied. The delay represents the time taken for cells to undergo mitosis. External inhibitor means that an inhibitor is either developed from the immune system of the body or administered by medical treatment to distinguish with that secreted by tumor itself. Non-negativity of solutions is studied. Local and global stabilities of the stationary solutions are proved for some parameter values. The analysis of the effect of inhibitor's parameters on tumor's growth is presented. The results show that dynamical behavior of solutions of this model is similar to that of solutions for corresponding nondelayed model for some parameter values.
Association between Latitude and Breast Cancer Incidence in Mainland Australian Women
Authors: Bilinski Kellie , Byth Karen , Boyages John
Published: December 2014

Aim. To investigate whether breast cancer incidence increases with increasing latitude in mainland Australian women. Methods. A cross-sectional study of female breast cancer and cutaneous melanoma incidence 2002–2006 by 5-year age group and local government area. Latitude, Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA), and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD) were assigned to local government areas. Latitude was grouped into bands (≤27°S; >27–30°S; >30–33°S; >33–36°S, and >36°S), and IRSD was divided into quintiles and ARIA into four categories. Breast cancer rates were age standardized using the direct method. The joint effects of latitude, age, IRSD, and ARIA on incidence of breast cancer and cutaneous melanoma were assessed using multiple logistic regressions. Results. At latitudes south of 30°S, rates of breast cancer were over double that north of 27°S (76.4 versus 160.2–176.5). Age-adjusted odds ratios of breast cancer were increased in all latitudes south of 30°S compared with north of 27°S within each IRSD and ARIA category (all P<0.001). After adjusting for age, IRSD, and ARIA, the odds ratio of breast cancer south of 30°S was 1.92 (95% CI 1.84–2.09; P<0.001), whereas cutaneous melanoma was 0.65 (95% CI 0.61–0.68; P<0.001) times north of 30°S. Discussion. Increasing latitude is positively associated with breast cancer and negatively associated with cutaneous melanoma incidence. These findings support suggestions that increased risk of breast cancer might be explained by lower ultraviolet radiation-induced vitamin D synthesis.
Knight’s Tours on Rectangular Chessboards Using External Squares
Authors: Bullington Grady , Eroh Linda , Winters Steven J. , Johns Garry L.
Published: December 2014

The classic puzzle of finding a closed knight’s tour on a chessboard consists of moving a knight from square to square in such a way that it lands on every square once and returns to its starting point. The 8 × 8 chessboard can easily be extended to rectangular boards, and in 1991, A. Schwenk characterized all rectangular boards that have a closed knight’s tour. More recently, Demaio and Hippchen investigated the impossible boards and determined the fewest number of squares that must be removed from a rectangular board so that the remaining board has a closed knight’s tour. In this paper we define an extended closed knight’s tour for a rectangular chessboard as a closed knight’s tour that includes all squares of the board and possibly additional squares beyond the boundaries of the board and answer the following question: how many squares must be added to a rectangular chessboard so that the new board has a closed knight’s tour?
Endoscopic Management of Diverticular Bleeding
Authors: Rustagi Tarun , McCarty Thomas R.
Published: December 2014

Diverticular hemorrhage is the most common reason for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) with substantial cost of hospitalization and a median length of hospital stay of 3 days. Bleeding usually is self-limited in 70–80% of cases but early rebleeding is not an uncommon problem that can be reduced with proper endoscopic therapies. Colonoscopy is recommended as first-line diagnostic and therapeutic approach. In the vast majority of patients diverticular hemorrhage can be readily managed by interventional endotherapy including injection, heat cautery, clip placement, and ligation to achieve endoscopic hemostasis. This review will serve to highlight the various interventions available to endoscopists with specific emphasis on superior modalities in the endoscopic management of diverticular bleeding.
Interobserver Reliability of Four Diagnostic Methods Using Traditional Korean Medicine for Stroke Patients
Authors: Lee Ju Ah , Ko Mi Mi , Kang Byoung-Kab , Alraek Terje , Birch Stephen , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: December 2014

Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consistency of pattern identification (PI), a set of diagnostic indicators used by traditional Korean medicine (TKM) clinicians. Methods. A total of 168 stroke patients who were admitted into oriental medical university hospitals from June 2012 through January 2013 were included in the study. Using the PI indicators, each patient was independently diagnosed by two experts from the same department. Interobserver consistency was assessed by simple percentage agreement as well as by kappa and AC1 statistics. Results. Interobserver agreement on the PI indicators (for all patients) was generally high: pulse diagnosis signs (AC1 = 0.66–0.89); inspection signs (AC1 = 0.66–0.95); listening/smelling signs (AC1 = 0.67–0.88); and inquiry signs (AC1 = 0.62–0.94). Conclusion. In four examinations, there was moderate agreement between the clinicians on the PI indicators. To improve clinician consistency (e.g., in the diagnostic criteria used), it is necessary to analyze the reasons for inconsistency and to improve clinician training.
Biodiversity of Three Backwaters in the South West Coast of India
Authors: Leena Grace Beslin
Published: December 2014

For the conservation of biodiversity, it is not sufficient to preserve the living organisms or their gametes alone, because keeping fishes in aquaria or their gametes in freezers cannot conserve the full range of biodiversity which is due to the loss of the ecological complexity in their original habitats. For promoting richer biodiversity in the future, more complexity in biological communities is essential in their natural environments. In order to prevent depletion of biodiversity due to environmental alterations or other ways, it is necessary to understand how the diversity of life particularly at the species level is maintained and it is equally necessary to know how the terminal extinction of species takes place under natural conditions. Moreover, a database on fishery resources of the concerned environment is essential to make decision about specific programmes on conservation of fish germplasm resources. Hence, the present study aims to quantify the fish and shellfish resources of the selected backwaters such as Kadinamkulam, Veli, and Poonthura to know the real stocks present in such environments.
Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Reconstruction Using a Y-Tube-Conduit Reduces Aberrant Synkinetic Movements of the Orbicularis Oculi and Vibrissal Muscles in Rats
Authors: Kaya Yasemin , Ozsoy Umut , Turhan Murat , Angelov Doychin N. , Sarikcioglu Levent
Published: December 2014

The facial nerve is the most frequently damaged nerve in head and neck trauma. Patients undergoing facial nerve reconstruction often complain about disturbing abnormal synkinetic movements of the facial muscles (mass movements, synkinesis) which are thought to result from misguided collateral branching of regenerating motor axons and reinnervation of inappropriate muscles. Here, we examined whether use of an aorta Y-tube conduit during reconstructive surgery after facial nerve injury reduces synkinesis of orbicularis oris (blink reflex) and vibrissal (whisking) musculature. The abdominal aorta plus its bifurcation was harvested (N = 12) for Y-tube conduits. Animal groups comprised intact animals (Group 1), those receiving hypoglossal-facial nerve end-to-end coaptation alone (HFA; Group 2), and those receiving hypoglossal-facial nerve reconstruction using a Y-tube (HFA-Y-tube, Group 3). Videotape motion analysis at 4 months showed that HFA-Y-tube group showed a reduced synkinesis of eyelid and whisker movements compared to HFA alone.
Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Foot: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tenjarla Sharang , Sheils Lucy Ashley , Kwiatkowski Theresa M. , Chawla Sheema
Published: December 2014

Primary Angiosarcoma of the skin of the foot is very rare. Angiosarcoma is typically treated with resection and wide-field postoperative radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have also been used. Regardless of the treatment, the risk of local and distant relapse remains high for this disease. We present a case of an elderly patient who developed cutaneous angiosarcoma of the foot. It posed as a diagnostic dilemma at presentation. Chronic lymphedema was a possible predisposing factor. Given his age, preexisting renal dysfunction, refusal of surgery, and preference not to receive chemotherapy, the patient was ultimately treated with definitive radiotherapy. We present this case because of its rare site, unique presentation and delay in diagnosis of the condition, and attainment of an excellent response to radiation at the time of follow-up. We also review the current literature on this topic.