bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Umbrales, remediaciones y cultura material en la poesía venezolana contemporánea
Authors: Gomes Miguel
Published: September 2016

La llegada del siglo XXI ha coincidido con profundas transformaciones del campo de producción cultural venezolano, aceleradas desde 2001 por el anuncio presidencial de una “revolución cultural”, cuyas pugnas simbólicas han acompañado el progresivo enrarecimiento de la vida nacional. No solo el campo cultural se fracciona en dos círculos ―el oficial y el opositor―, sino que en ciertos autores se observa una radical experimentación con nuevos lenguajes y tecnologías en los que se expresa un proyecto de intervención social. El presente trabajo contextualiza y describe algunas variables de esa experimentación en la lírica.
LA COLUSIÓN COMO UNA PRÁCTICA RESTRICTIVA DE LA COMPETENCIA QUE AFECTA GRAVEMENTE LOS PROCESOS DE SELECCIÓN DE CONTRATISTAS
Authors: Galvis-Quintero Deisy
Published: September 2016

El presente artículo constituye un acercamiento al tema de los acuerdos colusorios desde la perspectiva del derecho de la competencia, da una mirada a la interrelación entre la libre competencia y la contratación estatal, y destaca precisamente cómo el terreno público es el escenario en el que los acuerdos colusorios exhiben sus efectos más nocivos y por ende, cómo las normas de competencia pueden constituir una herramienta eficaz para la lucha contra este flagelo, todo ello en el marco de un adecuado equilibrio entre los principios de libre concurrencia y selección objetiva. La metodología empleada en esta investigación ha partido de un exhaustivo análisis de las principales resoluciones sobre la violación del artículo 9 del Decreto 2153 de 1992 expedidas por la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio, y de algunos pronunciamientos sobre colusión, contratación estatal, acuerdos restrictivos de la competencia, libre competencia y derecho administrativo sancionador expedidos tanto por la jurisprudencia constitucional como por la administrativa, con especial mención de las normas legales aplicables a estas materias. Así mismo, se ha realizado un barrido general respecto de la doctrina nacional e internacional sobre estas materias, y de algunos de los estudios de organismos nacionales e internacionales sobre colusión, manipulación de licitaciones, transparencia y corrupción.
EFECTOS DEL TRATADO DE LIBRE COMERCIO ENTRE COLOMBIA Y ESTADOS UNIDOS EN TORNO AL CONTRATO DE FRANQUICIA INTERNACIONAL
Authors: Arenilla Shirley Llain , Insignares Cera Silvana
Published: September 2016

El contrato de franquicia internacional es quizás el contrato de colaboración empresarial más importante en el desarrollo actual de los negocios, pues les permite al franquiciante llevar su modelo de negocio a otros países sin una alta inversión y al franquiciado, realizar una inversión en un negocio, cuya probabilidad de éxito tiene respaldo en la propiedad intelectual licenciada por el franquiciante. Sin embargo, su regulación tanto en el derecho interno como en el derecho del comercio internacional ha sido escasa. Con la entrada en vigencia del Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) entre Colombia y Estados Unidos, el 15 de mayo de 2012, se espera un aumento en las oportunidades de negocios y que, en este contexto, el contrato de franquicia se convierta en uno de los instrumentos jurídicos más usuales en las relaciones comerciales internacionales para materializar estas oportunidades. Así, ante la falta de regulación vinculante del contrato de franquicia se hace imprescindible analizar las implicaciones jurídicas que tendrán las reglas fijadas por el TLC entre Colombia y Estados Unidos en este tipo de contrato.
LAS MEDIDAS CAUTELARES ANTICIPATORIAS E INNOMINADAS EN EL PROCESO ARBITRAL EN COLOMBIA
Authors: Reyes-Sinisterra Cindy Charlotte
Published: September 2016

Con la adopción del Estatuto Nacional de Arbitraje Nacional e Internacional, Colombia dio un gran paso en materia de arbitraje. Los aportes de la Ley 1563 de 2012 son novedosos frente a lo que había antes en el país, en especial en materia de medidas cautelares de diferentes tipos, es decir, nominadas e innominadas. Sin embargo, es necesario hacer referencia a que la solicitud, el decreto y la práctica de estas medidas se pueden dar en dos momentos: antes y después de ser notificado el demandado en un proceso arbitral. Sin embargo, la Ley 1563 de 2012 presenta un vacío en cuanto a la adopción de las denominadas medidas cautelares anticipadas, por lo que, de acuerdo a lo que se puede conocer como las implicaciones del Código General del Proceso en el proceso arbitral en Colombia, esta investigación se desarrolla con base en el arbitraje internacional, para que en el país, se regule esta figura y así garantizar que en el proceso arbitral se tutelen de forma efectiva los derechos reconocidos por la ley sustancial, tal como se concibe en el Código General del Proceso y en la Constitución Política de Colombia. Esta investigación hace referencia a figuras como los árbitros de urgencia, el proceso prearbitral y la teoría del apoyo judicial a los árbitros como un catálogo abierto de posibilidades que se presentarán frente a expertos en el tema que adopten la mejor opción para que el arbitraje nacional se adecúe a la implementación de las medidas cautelares anticipatorias (nominadas e innominadas) en el proceso arbitral en Colombia.
Optimizing External Focus of Attention Instructions: The Role of Attainability
Authors: Coker Cheryl
Published: September 2016

This study examined the effect of individually tailoring an external focus reference point in line with ability on standing long jump (SLJ) performance. Twenty-one female Division III hockey players (ages 18–23 years) performed two SLJs under 4 attentional focus conditions: (a) no focus provided (control), (b) focused on rapid knee extension (internal); (c) focused on jumping as close as possible to a cone placed at 3 m (external far), and (d) focused on jumping as far as possible past a cone placed, unbeknownst to them, at the maximum distance achieved on their last SLJ test, recorded during team testing at an earlier date (attainable). Findings were consistent with the literataure in that instructions that induced an external versus internal focus of attention resulted in significantly longer jumping distances. In addition, horizontal displacement was significantly longer when participants adopted an external focus of attention toward an attainable distance goal versus all other conditions. Results suggest that for goal-oriented movements that require maximum effort, individualizing the distance of an external focus of attention according to capability enhances its effect.
Genome Sequences of Three Spore-Forming Bacteria Isolated from the Feces of Organically Raised Chickens
Authors: Kennedy Victoria , Van Laar Tricia A. , Aleru Omoshola , Thomas Michael , Ganci Michelle , Rawat Mamta
Published: September 2016

Antibiotic feed supplements have been implicated in the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria. An alternative to antibiotics is probiotics. Here, we report the genome sequences of two
Bacillus
and one
Solibacillus
species, all spore-forming, Gram-positive bacteria, isolated from the feces organically raised chicken feces, with potential to serve as probiotics.
Genome Sequence of Porphyrobacter dokdonensis DSW-74
T
, Isolated from Seawater off Dokdo in the East Sea (Sea of Korea)
Authors: Song Ju Yeon , Hong Juhye , Kwak Min-Jung , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: September 2016

Porphyrobacter dokdonensis
strain DSW-74, isolated from seawater off of Dokdo, Republic of Korea, is a member of the family
Erythrobacteraceae
. In this study, the genome sequence of DSW-74 was determined using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform and assembled into 11 contigs. Its genome is approximately 3.0 Mb with a G+C content of 64.8%, in which 2,875 protein-coding sequences and 47 RNA genes were predicted.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Methylosinus
sp. Strain 3S-1, an Isolate from Rice Root in a Low-Nitrogen Paddy Field
Authors: Bao Zhihua , Shinoda Ryo , Minamisawa Kiwamu
Published: September 2016

N
2
-fixing methanotrophs play an important role in the methane-nitrogen cycle in rice paddies. We report here the draft genome sequence of
Methylosinus
sp. strain 3S-1 isolated from rice root in a paddy field without N fertilizer input.
Protective altruistic phlebotomy: hereditary haemochromatosis presenting as hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic 83-year-old man
Authors: Ooka Kohtaro , Onyiuke Ifeyinwa , Zhang Xuchen , Taddei Tamar Hamosh
Published: September 2016

Hereditary haemochromatosis is a multisystem disorder of iron metabolism. Hepatic manifestations include hepatomegaly, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is almost always preceded by cirrhosis. We present a case of an 83-year-old man without history of liver disease or iron overload who presented with abdominal pain. Workup revealed mildly elevated transaminases, ferritin of 3996 and a solitary liver tumour. Biopsy was consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma in a background of haemosiderosis without cirrhosis. He was diagnosed with hereditary haemochromatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. He underwent a partial hepatectomy and was started on routine phlebotomy and surveillance imaging. He has improved and has not had signs of recurrence or new complications of haemochromatosis. We suggest a possible reason for his unique and late presentation.
Chair-based fidgeting and energy expenditure
Authors: Koepp Gabriel A , Moore Graham K , Levine James A
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Sedentariness is associated with chronic health conditions, impaired cognitive function and obesity. Work contributes significantly to sedentariness because many work tasks necessitate sitting. Few sustained solutions exist to reverse workplace sedentariness. Here, we evaluated a chair and an under-table device that were designed to promote fidgeting while seated. Our hypothesis was that an under-table leg-fidget bar and/or a fidget-promoting chair significantly increased energy expenditure. We compared these devices with chair-based exercise and walking.

Materials and methods

We measured energy expenditure and heart rate in 16 people while they sat and worked using a standard chair, an under-desk device that encourages leg fidgeting and a fidget-promoting chair. We compared outcomes with chair-based exercise and walking.

Results

Energy expenditure increased significantly while using either an under-table leg-fidget bar or a fidget-promoting chair, when compared to the standard office chair (standard chair, 76±31 kcal/hour; leg-fidget bar, 98±42 kcal/hour (p<0.001); fidget chair, 89±40 kcal/hour (p=0.03)). However, heart rate did not increase significantly in either case. Bouts of exercise performed while seated provided energetic and heart rate equivalency to walking at 2 mph.

Conclusions

Chairs and devices that promote fidgeting can increase energy expenditure by ∼20–30% but not increase heart rate. Dynamic sitting may be among a lexicon of options to help people move more while at work.
Stent retrieval thrombectomy in acute stoke is facilitated by the concurrent use of intracranial aspiration catheters
Authors: Jindal Gaurav , Serulle Yafell , Miller Timothy , Le Elizabeth , Wozniak Marcella , Phipps Michael , Iyoha Moronke , Gupta Vikash , Shivashankar Ravi , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: September 2016

Background

New device technology has changed the techniques used for revascularization of emergent large vessel occlusion in acute stroke. We report technical results using stent retrievers (SRs) for thrombectomy alone versus SRs used in conjunction with a new group of devices, intracranial aspiration catheters (IACs). Our aim is to demonstrate differences in procedural time and thrombectomy attempts between these two groups.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was performed of a prospectively maintained database of 97 patients treated at a single institution for anterior circulation stroke with SRs. Patients were divided into two groups, a combination group defined as the SR/IAC group and the SR alone group defined as the SR group.

Results

Patients in the SR/IAC group had a mean age of 66 years vs 59 years in the SR group (p=0.008). Mean presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores in the SR/IAC and control groups were 18.7 and 18.2, respectively (p=0.50). Recanalization rates (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b or 3) in the SR/IAC and SR groups were 85% (58/68) and 90% (26/29), respectively (p=0.41). Mean time from groin arteriotomy to recanalization was 50±3.6 min (range 19–136) in the SR/IAC group (n=59) and 61±6.6 min (range 28–140) in the SR group (n=27) (p=0.049). The total number of thrombectomy attempts in the SR/IAC and SR groups were 1.9±0.1 (range 1–4) and 2.5±0.6 (range 1–6), respectively (p=0.009). Post-procedural subarachnoid hemorrhage was seen in 15% (10/68) and 10% (3/29) of cases in the SR/IAC and SR groups, respectively (p=0.41).

Conclusion

When using SRs for intracranial stroke thrombectomy, the concurrent use of IACs is associated with a decrease in procedural time and thrombectomy attempts compared with use of SRs alone.
TNF and IL-18 cytokines may regulate liver fat storage under homeostasis conditions
Authors: Lana Jaqueline Pereira , Martins Laís Bhering , Oliveira Marina Chaves de , Menezes-Garcia Zélia , Yamada Letícia Tamie Pavia , Vieira Leda Quercia , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Ferreira Adaliene Versiani Matos
Published: September 2016

The inflammation induced by obesogenic diets is associated with deposition of fat in the liver. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies may impact in body fat storage and in liver lipid dynamics. It is important to study specific inflammatory mediators in this context, since their role on hepatic damage is not fully clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the role of interleukin (IL)-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor in liver dysfunction induced by diet. Male C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), IL-18, and TNF receptor 1 knockout mice (IL-18−/−and TNFR1−/−) were divided according to the experimental diets: chow diet or a high-refined carbohydrate-containing diet. Alanine aminotransferase was quantified by colorimetric analysis. Total fat content in the liver was determined by Folch methods. Levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-13 in liver samples were measured by ELISA assay. IL-18 and TNFR knockout mice fed with chow diet showed higher liver triglycerides deposition than WT mice fed with the same diet (WT: 131.9 ± 24.5; IL-18−/−: 239.4 ± 38.12*; TNF−/−: 179.6 ± 50.45*; *P < 0.01). Furthermore, these animals also showed a worse liver histopathological score and lower levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-13 in the liver. Interestingly, treatment with a high-carbohydrate diet did not exacerbate liver damage in IL-18−/−and TNFR1−/−mice. Our data suggest that IL-18 and TNF may be involved on hepatic homeostasis mainly in a context of a healthy diet.
Experimental and numerical investigations into hydraulic behaviour of coir fibre drain
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Trung , Indraratna Buddhima
Published: September 2016

Over many decades, natural fibre bundles have been widely used for drainage and filtration applications because of their favourable hydraulic conductivity and abundance in Asian countries. In recent times, natural (biodegradable) coir and jute drains, which are environmentally friendly, have been considered in lieu of conventional geosynthetic wick drains for soft clay consolidation in Australian coastal regions. However, there is a lack of a computational framework to predict the hydraulic behaviour of fibre drains on the basis of micromechanical (fabric) characteristics. Employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) to model the hydraulic behaviour of fibrous materials has shown promise in an earlier 2016 study by Nguyen and Indraratna, which considered an idealized parallel arrangement of fibres for simplicity. This paper aims to broaden the application of the coupled CFD–DEM technique to real fibres (coconut coir) considering both nontwisted and twisted fibre bundles that have more complex porous structure. The hydraulic conductivity determined from the numerical approach is validated with the experimental results, and also compared with the analytical prediction based on the conventional Kozeny–Carmen (KC) approach. The current study shows that the CFD–DEM technique can capture well the fluid flow characteristics of a nonuniform fibrous structure, including dense twisted coir bundles.
Separating oil from water: suspension-feeding goldfish ingest liquid vegetable oil
Authors: Edwards Kristin M. , Rice Gary W. , Sanderson S. Laurie
Published: September 2016

We show that goldfish (Carassius auratus) voluntarily ingest liquid canola oil at the surface of the water and can swallow significant quantities of oil. The ability of fish to separate floating oil from water has not been tested previously, and the mechanisms used to retain oil in the form of suspended droplets, globules, or a surface film are unknown. Chromatograms of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) prepared from gut samples confirmed that goldfish were able to obtain a substantial proportion of their daily lipid intake from canola oil at the surface of laboratory aquaria. Quantification of goldfish suspension-feeding, processing, and spitting behavior suggested that upper jaw protrusion with a closed mouth during processing was important for the handling of different food types, including oil. Crossflow filtration and the generation of vortices could be involved in oil retention by goldfish, as these processes are used industrially to separate oil from water. These results have implications for the uptake of hydrophobic pollutants and dietary lipids at the surface by suspension-feeding fishes.
A Hybrid Delay Design-for-Testability for Nonseparable RTL Controller-Data Path Circuits
Authors: Shaheen Ateeq-Ur-Rehman , Hussin Fawnizu Azmadi , Hamid Nor Hisham
Published: September 2016

Path delay testing has become crucial nowadays due to the advancement in process technology. Only enhanced scan (ES) among the scan approaches provides a solution to test the path delay fault (PDF) with large area overhead and the long test application time. This paper proposes a hybrid DFT method for nonseparable controller-data path RTL circuits. A snooping system is introduced which reduces the test application time. It performs the PDF testing between the controller and data path, and for the not-Clear control lines in the data path. The proposed method shared primary inputs and outputs to overcome the extra pin. However, the area overhead for the proposed approach is slightly large for the circuit with a small bit-width data path, which reduced drastically by the increase in the bit-width. The proposed approach supports the at-speed testing and is based on the PDF model. The experimental results showed that the proposed approach reduces the area overhead and drastically reduces the test application time in comparison with the enhanced scan (ES) and hierarchical two-pattern testability (HTPT) approach. Moreover, the technique can achieve a fault coverage identical to that achieved by the ES technique.
Left orders in Garside groups
Authors: Chouraqui Fabienne
Published: September 2016

We consider the structure group of a non-degenerate symmetric (non-trivial) set-theoretical solution of the quantum Yang–Baxter equation. This is a Bieberbach group and also a Garside group. We show this group is not bi-orderable, that is it does not admit a total order which is invariant under left and right multiplications. Regarding the existence of a left invariant total ordering, there is a great diversity. There exist structure groups with a recurrent left order and with space of left orders homeomorphic to the Cantor set, while there exist others that are even not unique product groups.
Black hole fusion made easy
Authors: Emparan Roberto , Martínez Marina
Published: September 2016

The fusion of two black holes — a signature phenomenon of General Relativity — is usually regarded as a process so complex that nothing short of a supercomputer simulation can accurately capture it. In this essay, we explain how the event horizon of the merger can be found in an exact analytic way in the limit where one of the black holes is much smaller than the other. Remarkably, the ideas and techniques involved are elementary: the equivalence principle, null geodesics in the Schwarzschild solution, and the notion of event horizon itself. With these, one can identify features such as the line of caustics at which light rays enter the horizon, and find indications of universal critical behavior when the two black holes touch.
A Watermark Algorithm of Content Authentication for Network Transmission Image Correcting Errors in Terms of Pixels
Authors: SUN YIXIAO , ZHAN RENJUN , YANG YONG , WU QIANG
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a watermark algorithm for image content authentication. It can correct errors in terms of pixels for image which transmits via media network and be tampered by noise or others hackers. There are two characteristics: first, aiming at defects of poor safety transferring on networks and the complicated calculation which are exiting in image encryption algorithm based on chaotic sequences, a new image chaotic encryption algorithm based on sampling without replacement is put forward. Second, the application of combination mapping technique supplies a gap which is exiting in image content authentication watermark. Using the authentication, digital image can be corrected in terms of pixels, and with the minimum embedded capacity and the maximum SNR. The image is divided into blocks by 8 × 8, image content authentication and correcting errors is done on blocks. In the scheme, chaotic encryption not only ensures the safety on network transferring, but also advances correcting rate which can make sure the usage of images transferring on network, at the same time it guarantees the validity of network transmission image.
Influence of Film Thickness and Annealing Temperature on Optical Properties of Nanostructured-TiO2 Thin Films Prepared by Sol–Gel Spin Coating Technique
Authors: Darwish A. A. A. , Abu-Samaha F. S. , Mohamed Z. , El-Nahass M. M.
Published: September 2016

TiO2 powder was found to be polycrystalline with rutile system. TiO2 films were deposited on quartz substrates by a sol–gel spin coating technique. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope results have confirmed that the TiO2 films have nanostructure nature. It is found the crystallite size increased with annealing temperature. The optical constants of nanostructured TiO2 films were found to be independent of film thickness in the range from 100[Formula: see text]nm to 500[Formula: see text]nm. It is found that the optical constants and the dielectric constant of the thin films were all affected by annealing temperature. The existing allowed optical transitions in the as-deposited and annealed films were found to be direct and indirect transitions. Finally, the bandgaps of the as-deposited film were found to decrease with the annealing temperature.
A Green Protocol for Synthesis of MAl2O4, [M=Cu and Co] Spinels Under Microwave Irradiation Method
Authors: Yuvasravana R. , George P. P.
Published: September 2016

Nanosized metal aluminates MAl2O4, [[Formula: see text] and Co] are synthesized from their nitrates solution by using pomegranate peel extract as fuel in microwave combustion. MAl2O4 [[Formula: see text] and Co] nanoparticles are grown in microwave assisted synthesis followed by annealing at 700[Formula: see text]C. The nanoparticles have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-VIS spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PXRD analysis has confirmed their spinel composition. The green protocol and microwave combustion route for spinel synthesis are rapid, simple, without any hazardous chemicals as reducing or stabilizing agents and economical.
Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities, as assessed by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging
Authors: Aldrich Melissa B. , Gross Deborah , Morrow John Rodney , Fife Caroline E. , Rasmussen John C.
Published: September 2016

Previous studies have shown cost effectiveness and quality-of-life benefit of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) for lymphedema (LE). Insurers, such as the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS), however, desire visual proof that PCT moves lymph. Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) was used to visualize lymphatic anatomy and function in four subjects with primary and cancer treatment-related LE of the lower extremities before, during, and after PCT. Optically transparent and windowed PCT garments allowed visualization of lymph movement during single, 1[Formula: see text]h PCT treatment sessions. Visualization revealed significant extravascular and lymphatic vascular movement of intradermally injected dye in all subjects. In one subject with sufficient patent lymphatic vessels to allow quantification of lymph pumping velocities and frequencies, these values were significantly increased during and after PCT as compared to pre-treatment values. Lymphatic contractile activity in patent lymphatic vessels occurred in concert with the sequential cycling of PCT. Direct visualization revealed increased lymphatic function, during and after PCT therapy, in all LE-affected extremities. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of PCT pressure and sequences on lymph uptake and movement.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted adsorbents and NO adsorption property
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Han , Wang Tianhao
Published: September 2016

Two groups of molecularly imprinted NO adsorbents were prepared by molecularly self-assembly procedures, in which methanoic acid, acetic acid, ethanedioic acid were used as templates; acrylic acid (AA) and acryl amide (AAM) were used as functional monomers, respectively. The pore size distribution and the special surface area of the adsorbents varied with different functional monomers and templates regularly. NO adsorption capacities all decreased with the increasingly molecular diameter of templates, and when the template was the same, the adsorbents in group 1 had better NO adsorption capacities than those in group 2 due to the stronger hydrogen bond interaction between the functional monomer and NO molecule. The adsorption stability was also tested and both of MIPa1 in group 1 and MIPb1 in group 2 could maintain steady adsorption capacity during 50 times of adsorption–desorption cycle.
Micromechanics and dislocation theory in anisotropic elasticity
Authors: Lazar Markus
Published: September 2016

In this work, dislocation master-equations valid for anisotropic materials are derived in terms of kernel functions using the framework of micromechanics. The second derivative of the anisotropic Green tensor is calculated in the sense of generalized functions and decomposed into a sum of a [Formula: see text]-term plus a Dirac [Formula: see text]-term. The first term is the so-called “Barnett-term” and the latter is important for the definition of the Green tensor as fundamental solution of the Navier equation. In addition, all dislocation master-equations are specified for Somigliana dislocations with application to 3D crack modeling. Also the interior Eshelby tensor for a spherical inclusion in an anisotropic material is derived as line integral over the unit circle.
Space-Constrained Interval Selection
Authors: Emek Yuval , Halldórsson Magnús M. , Rosén Adi
Published: September 2016

We study streaming algorithms for the interval selection problem: finding a maximum cardinality subset of disjoint intervals on the line. A deterministic 2-approximation streaming algorithm for this problem is developed, together with an algorithm for the special case of proper intervals, achieving improved approximation ratio of 3/2. We complement these upper bounds by proving that they are essentially the best possible in the streaming setting: It is shown that an approximation ratio of 2 − ϵ (or 3/2 − ϵ for proper intervals) cannot be achieved unless the space is linear in the input size. In passing, we also answer an open question of Adler and Azar (J. Scheduling 2003) regarding the space complexity of constant-competitive randomized preemptive online algorithms for the same problem.
Deletion Without Rebalancing in Binary Search Trees
Authors: Sen Siddhartha , Tarjan Robert E. , Kim David Hong Kyun
Published: September 2016

We address the vexing issue of deletions in balanced trees. Rebalancing after a deletion is generally more complicated than rebalancing after an insertion. Textbooks neglect deletion rebalancing, and many B-tree--based database systems do not do it. We describe a relaxation of AVL trees in which rebalancing is done after insertions but not after deletions, yet worst-case access time remains logarithmic in the number of insertions. For any application of balanced trees in which the number of updates is polynomial in the tree size, our structure offers performance competitive with that of classical balanced trees. With the addition of periodic rebuilding, the performance of our structure is theoretically superior to that of many, if not all, classic balanced tree structures. Our structure needs lg lg
m
+ 1 bits of balance information per node, where
m
is the number of insertions and lg is the base-two logarithm, or lg lg
n
+ O(1) with periodic rebuilding, where
n
is the number of nodes. An insertion takes up to two rotations and O(1) amortized time, not counting the time to find the insertion position. This is the same as in standard AVL trees. Using an analysis that relies on an exponential potential function, we show that rebalancing steps occur with a frequency that is exponentially small in the height of the affected node. Our techniques apply to other types of balanced trees, notably B-trees, as we show in a companion article, and particularly red-black trees, which can be viewed as a special case of B-trees.
Bacterial nutrient foraging in a mouse model of enteral nutrient deprivation: insight into the gut origin of sepsis
Authors: Ralls Matthew W. , Demehri Farokh R. , Feng Yongjia , Raskind Sasha , Ruan Chunhai , Schintlmeister Arno , Loy Alexander , Hanson Buck , Berry David , Burant Charles F. , Teitelbaum Daniel H.
Published: September 2016

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) leads to a shift in small intestinal microbiota with a characteristic dominance of Proteobacteria. This study examined how metabolomic changes within the small bowel support an altered microbial community in enterally deprived mice. C57BL/6 mice were given TPN or enteral chow. Metabolomic analysis of jejunal contents was performed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). In some experiments, leucine in TPN was partly substituted with [13C]leucine. Additionally, jejunal contents from TPN-dependent and enterally fed mice were gavaged into germ-free mice to reveal whether the TPN phenotype was transferrable. Small bowel contents of TPN mice maintained an amino acid composition similar to that of the TPN solution. Mass spectrometry analysis of small bowel contents of TPN-dependent mice showed increased concentration of 13C compared with fed mice receiving saline enriched with [13C]leucine. [13C]leucine added to the serosal side of Ussing chambers showed rapid permeation across TPN-dependent jejunum, suggesting increased transmucosal passage. Single-cell analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-NanoSIMS demonstrated uptake of [13C]leucine by TPN-associated bacteria, with preferential uptake by Enterobacteriaceae. Gavage of small bowel effluent from TPN mice into germ-free, fed mice resulted in a trend toward the proinflammatory TPN phenotype with loss of epithelial barrier function. TPN dependence leads to increased permeation of TPN-derived nutrients into the small intestinal lumen, where they are predominately utilized by Enterobacteriaceae. The altered metabolomic composition of the intestinal lumen during TPN promotes dysbiosis.
Upregulation of L-type calcium channels in colonic inhibitory motoneurons of P/Q-type calcium channel-deficient mice
Authors: Rodriguez-Tapia Eileen , Perez-Medina Alberto , Bian Xiaochun , Galligan James J.
Published: September 2016

Enteric inhibitory motoneurons use nitric oxide and a purine neurotransmitter to relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Enteric P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contribute to excitatory neuromuscular transmission; their contribution to inhibitory transmission is less clear. We used the colon from tottering mice ( tg/tg, loss of function mutation in the α1A pore-forming subunit of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels) to test the hypothesis that P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contribute to inhibitory neuromuscular transmission and colonic propulsive motility. Fecal pellet output in vivo and the colonic migrating motor complex (ex vivo) were measured. Neurogenic circular muscle relaxations and inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were also measured ex vivo. Colonic propulsive motility in vivo and ex vivo was impaired in tg/tg mice. IJPs were either unchanged or somewhat larger in tissues from tg/tg compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Nifedipine (L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist) inhibited IJPs by 35 and 14% in tissues from tg/tg and WT mice, respectively. The contribution of N- and R-type channels to neuromuscular transmission was larger in tissues from tg/tg compared with WT mice. The resting membrane potential of circular muscle cells was similar in tissues from tg/tg and WT mice. Neurogenic relaxations of circular muscle from tg/tg and WT mice were similar. These results demonstrate that a functional deficit in P/Q-type channels does not alter propulsive colonic motility. Myenteric neuron L-type Ca2+ channel function increases to compensate for loss of functional P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. This compensation maintains inhibitory neuromuscular transmission and normal colonic motility.
Resveratrol protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac dysfunction by enhancing SERCA2a activity through promoting the phospholamban oligomerization
Authors: Bai Tao , Hu Xinyue , Zheng Yang , Wang Shudong , Kong Jian , Cai Lu
Published: September 2016

The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main culprit responsible for cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. This study examined whether resveratrol could protect against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction by improving the sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity. Echocardiographic parameters, cardiomyocyte contractile and Ca2+ transient properties, markers for cardiac inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress, SERCA2a activity, and the ratios of phospholamban (PLB) monomer to oligomer were measured. Cardiac function was decreased >50% after LPS challenge (6 mg/kg for 6 h), which was improved by resveratrol. There was neither difference in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and troponin I levels nor in infiltration of CD45+ cells in cardiac tissue between resveratrol-treated and untreated groups. In cardiomyocytes, LPS significantly decreased contractile amplitude, elongated relengthening time, diminished Ca2+ transient, reduced SERCA2a activity, and increased superoxide generation. These pathological alterations were attenuated by resveratrol treatment. Immunoblot analysis showed that LPS-treated mice had increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and the monomer form of PLB, along with decreases in the levels of SERCA2a, the oligomer form of PLB and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2). Resveratrol treatment upregulated SERCA2a, the oligomer form of PLB, and Nrf-2 expression and function, and downregulated MDA, 4-HNE, and the monomer form of PLB. Our data suggest that the activity of SERCA2a in endotoxemia is inhibited, possibly due to increases in the monomer form of PLB. Resveratrol protects the heart from LPS-induced injuries at least in part through promoting the oligomerization of PLB that leads to enhanced SERCA2a activity.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis identifies genes differentially expressed in human epicardial progenitors and hiPSC-derived cardiac progenitors
Authors: Synnergren Jane , Drowley Lauren , Plowright Alleyn T. , Brolén Gabriella , Goumans Marie-José , Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C. , Sartipy Peter , Wang Qing-Dong
Published: September 2016

Regenerative therapies hold great potential to change the treatment paradigm for cardiac diseases. Human cardiac progenitor cells can be used for drug discovery in this area and also provide a renewable source of cardiomyocytes. However, a better understanding of their characteristics is critical for interpreting data obtained from drug screening using these cells. In the present study, we performed global transcriptional analysis of two important sources of cardiac progenitors, i.e., patient epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) and cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, we also compared the gene expression profiles of these cells when they were cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We identified 3,289 mRNAs that were differentially expressed between EPDCs and CPCs. Gene ontology annotation and pathway enrichment analyses further revealed possible unique functions of these two cell populations. Notably, the impact of hypoxia vs normoxia on gene expression was modest and only a few genes (e.g., AK4, ALDOC, BNIP3P1, PGK1, and SLC2A1) were upregulated in EPDCs and CPCs after the cells were exposed to low oxygen for 24 h. Finally, we also performed a focused analysis of the gene expression patterns of a predefined set of 92 paracrine factors. We identified 30 of these genes as differentially expressed, and 29 were expressed at higher levels in EPDCs compared with CPCs. Taken together, the results of the present study advance our understanding of the transcriptional programs in EPDCs and CPCs and highlights important differences and similarities between these cell populations.
Association of Ovarian Tumor β2-Adrenergic Receptor Status with Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors and Survival
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Tworoger Shelley S. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Rice Megan S. , Sood Anil K. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Poole Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2016

Background: The β2-adrenergic signaling pathway mediates the effects of chronic stress on ovarian cancer progression in mouse models. The relevance of this pathway to human ovarian cancer remains unknown.

Methods: We assessed tumor expression of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) using tissue microarrays in 237 ovarian cancer cases from the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS/NHSII). Competing risks Cox regression was used to evaluate whether associations of reproductive, hormonal, and psychosocial factors with ovarian cancer risk differed by ADRB2. We also examined the association between tumor ADRB2 expression and ovarian cancer survival.

Results: Forty-five (19%) cases were positive for ADRB2 staining. High levels of anxiety symptoms were positively associated with ADRB2-positive tumors (HR, 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–5.84) but not with ADRB2-negative tumors (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.81–1.66; Pheterogeneity = 0.07). We observed similar results for depression. No associations were observed for job strain, caregiving stress, or widowhood for either positive or negative ADRB2 status. Lifetime ovulatory years were more strongly associated with ADRB2-positive tumors (HR per 5 years, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.15–2.21) compared with ADRB2-negative tumors (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96–1.27; Pheterogeneity = 0.04). Significant heterogeneity by ADRB2 was also observed for parity (Pheterogeneity = 0.01), oral contraceptive use (Pheterogeneity = 0.03), and age at menopause (Pheterogeneity = 0.04). Tumor expression of ADRB2 was not associated with ovarian cancer mortality (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.69–1.59).

Conclusions: Several stress- and ovulation-related factors were differentially associated with ovarian tumors responsive to β2-adrenergic signaling.

Impact: Replication in larger studies is warranted to confirm the role of β2-adrenergic signaling in ovarian cancer etiology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(12); 1587–94. ©2016 AACR.
Prognostic Utility of a Self-Reported Depression Questionnaire versus Clinician-Based Assessment on Renal Outcomes
Authors: Jain Nishank , Carmody Thomas , Minhajuddin Abu T. , Toups Marisa , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Rush Augustus John , Hedayati S. Susan
Published: September 2016

Background: The prognostic utility of self-administered depression scales in chronic kidney disease (CKD) independent of a clinician-based major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis is neither clearly established nor are the optimal cutoff scores for predicting outcomes. The overlap between symptoms of depression and chronic disease raises the question of whether a cutoff score on a depression scale can be substituted for a time-consuming diagnostic interview to prognosticate risk. Methods: The 16-item Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomatology-Self Report scale (QIDS-SR16) was administered to 266 consecutive outpatients with non-dialysis CKD, followed prospectively for 12 months for an apriori composite outcome of death or dialysis or hospitalization. Association of QIDS-SR16 best cutoff score, determined by receiver/responder operating characteristics curves, with outcomes was investigated using survival analysis. The effect modification of an interview-based clinician MDD diagnosis on this association was ascertained. Results: There were 126 composite events. A QIDS-SR16 cutoff ≥8 had the best prognostic accuracy, hazards ratio (HR) = 1.77, 95% CI 1.24-2.53, p = 0.002. This cutoff remained significantly associated with outcomes even after controlling for comorbidities, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin and serum albumin, adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.80, 95% CI 1.23-2.62, p = 0.002, and performed similarly to a clinician-based MDD diagnosis (aHR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.14-2.68). Adjustment for MDD conferred the association of QIDS-SR16 with outcomes no longer significant. Conclusions: QIDS-SR16 cutoff ≥8 adds to the prognostic information available to practicing nephrologists during routine clinic visits from comorbidities and laboratory data. This cutoff score performs similar to a clinician diagnosis of MDD and provides a feasible and time-saving alternative to an interview-based MDD diagnosis for determining prognosis in CKD patients.
Practical Index of Urinary Incontinence Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Case-Series Study of the 24-Hour Pad Test Immediately after Catheter Removal
Authors: Fujisaki Akiko , Goto Aya , Endo Fumiyasu , Muraishi Osamu , Hattori Kazunori , Yasumura Seiji
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Epidemiological data regarding complications after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are scarce in Japan. We examined the associations of the 24-hour pad test results immediately after HoLEP with continence acquisition at 3 months postoperatively. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based case-series study, we reviewed medical charts of 341 patients without catheterization and 150 patients with catheterization at the time of surgery. The 24-hour pad test was conducted immediately after catheter removal to measure the leakage weight. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: leakage weight = 0 g (negative) and >0 g (positive). Urinary incontinence (UI) at 3 months postoperatively was self-reported by patients. Results: Significant relationships were observed between pad test positivity and UI at 3 months postoperatively and between the pad test weight and the timing of continence acquisition in patients with and without catheterization. In multivariate analyses, the pad test positivity was associated significantly with the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and enucleated tissue weight in patients without perioperative catheterization and with age in patients with catheterization. Conclusions: The 24-hour pad test immediately after catheter removal could indicate the need for early and active intervention to prevent continuous postoperative UI. Patients' symptoms and clinical items predictive of test positivity should be carefully assessed.
P2Y
12
Receptor Antagonists and Morphine
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios , Deftereos Spyridon , Kolokathis Fotios , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Lekakis John , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2016

P2Y
12
receptor antagonists, concurrently administered with aspirin in what has come to be commonly called dual antiplatelet therapy, are a mainstay of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes. Morphine, on the contrary, is a commonly used drug in the acute phase of acute coronary syndromes to relieve pain—with the added potential benefit of attenuating acutely raised sympathetic tone. In current guidelines, though, morphine is recommended with decreasing strength of recommendation. One reason is that it raises concern regarding the potentially significant interaction with antiplatelet agents, leading to impaired inhibition of platelet activation. In any case, it is still considered a mandatory part of the inventory of available medications in prehospital acute myocardial infarction management. The goal of the present review is to present published evidence on morphine and its potential interactions with P2Y
12
receptor antagonists, as well as on the central issue of whether such interactions may underlie clinically significant effects on patient outcomes.
Necrotic Cell Sensor Clec4e Promotes a Proatherogenic Macrophage Phenotype Through Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Clément Marc , Basatemur Gemma , Masters Leanne , Baker Lauren , Bruneval Patrick , Iwawaki Takao , Kneilling Manfred , Yamasaki Sho , Goodall Jane , Mallat Ziad
Published: September 2016

Background:

Atherosclerotic lesion expansion is characterized by the development of a lipid-rich necrotic core known to be associated with the occurrence of complications. Abnormal lipid handling, inflammation, and alteration of cell survival or proliferation contribute to necrotic core formation, but the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not properly understood. C-type lectin receptor 4e (Clec4e) recognizes the cord factor of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
but also senses molecular patterns released by necrotic cells and drives inflammation.

Methods:

We hypothesized that activation of Clec4e signaling by necrosis is causally involved in atherogenesis. We addressed the impact of Clec4e activation on macrophage functions in vitro and on the development of atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient (
Ldlr

−/−

) mice in vivo.

Results:

We show that Clec4e is expressed within human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions and is activated by necrotic lesion extracts. Clec4e signaling in macrophages inhibits cholesterol efflux and induces a Syk-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress response, leading to the induction of proinflammatory mediators and growth factors.
Chop
and
Ire1a
deficiencies significantly limit Clec4e-dependent effects, whereas
Atf3
deficiency aggravates Clec4e-mediated inflammation and alteration of cholesterol efflux. Repopulation of
Ldlr

−/−

mice with
Clec4e

−/−

bone marrow reduces lipid accumulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and macrophage inflammation and proliferation within the developing arterial lesions and significantly limits atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

Our results identify a nonredundant role for Clec4e in coordinating major biological pathways involved in atherosclerosis and suggest that it may play similar roles in other chronic inflammatory diseases.