bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Toolkit for Performing FEMA P-695 Evaluations
Authors: Hardyniec Andrew , Charney Finley
Published: September 2015

The FEMA P-695 Methodology offers a procedure for evaluating the collapse performance of seismic force resisting systems. The Methodology is necessarily complex and analysis-intensive. To manage collapse evaluation data and expedite nonlinear dynamic analyses, a Toolkit was created that streamlines the process using seven graphical user interface modules. The modules step the user through the FEMA P-695 process, culminating in a summary table of the evaluation results. The Toolkit is beneficial for engineers with varying levels of familiarity with the FEMA P-695 process. For those familiar with the process, the Toolkit provides a simple procedure for organizing performance group data and evaluation results while reducing the risk of errors. It also acts as an educational tool for stepping new users through the intricacies of the process. The Toolkit is demonstrated using an example performance group of special reinforced masonry shear wall buildings.
Effect of Renal Dysfunction on Toxicity in Three Decades of Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program–Sponsored Single-Agent Phase I Studies
Authors: Beumer Jan H. , Ding Fei , Tawbi Hussein , Lin Yan , Viluh Diana , Chatterjee Indrani , Rinker Matthew , Chow Selina L. , Ivy S. Percy
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Alterations in renal clearance of anticancer drugs can affect the occurrence of toxicities related to drug exposure. The National Cancer Institute and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) use different criteria to classify renal dysfunction. We examined those discrepancies and their potential association with the incidence of toxicities in patients enrolled onto Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program–sponsored single-agent phase I studies over three decades (1979 to 2010).

Methods

Data to estimate creatinine clearance according to the Cockcroft-Gault and Jelliffe formulas were available from 10,236 patients, and data to estimate creatinine clearance according to the six- and four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas were available from a subset (n = 4,084). Patients were classified according to National Cancer Institute and FDA criteria, and the rates of clinically relevant toxicities were evaluated within groups and compared among groups.

Results

Cockcroft-Gault estimated renal function improved over time, which may be attributed to an increase in weight of patients in the same time frame. Approximately 36% of patients enrolled onto phase I trials had mild renal dysfunction by FDA criteria. Relative to normal function, mild renal dysfunction was associated with a statistically significant but small increase in grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic toxicity and any relevant toxicities.

Conclusion

Patients with mild renal dysfunction by FDA criteria have routinely been enrolled onto phase I studies of antineoplastics without clinically meaningful increase in the risk of toxicity. In future oncology renal dysfunction trials based on the FDA classification, the FDA mild group may only need to be activated when the moderate and normal groups differ substantially in tolerability or pharmacokinetics.
Growth Differentiation Factor-8 Decreases StAR Expression Through ALK5-Mediated Smad3 and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways in Luteinized Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Fang Lanlan , Chang Hsun-Ming , Cheng Jung-Chien , Yu Yiping , Leung Peter C. K. , Sun Ying-Pu
Published: September 2015

Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) has been recently shown to be expressed in human granulosa cells, and the mature form of GDF-8 protein can be detected in the follicular fluid. However, the biological function and significance of this growth factor in the human ovary remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the effects of GDF-8 on steroidogenic enzyme expression and the potential mechanisms of action in luteinized human granulosa cells. We demonstrated that treatment with GDF-8 did not affect the mRNA levels of P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, whereas it significantly down-regulated steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression and decreased progesterone production. The suppressive effect of GDF-8 on StAR expression was abolished by the inhibition of the TGF-β type I receptor. In addition, treatment with GDF-8 activated both Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, knockdown of activin receptor-like kinase 5 reversed the effects of GDF-8 on Smad2/3 phosphorylation and StAR expression. The inhibition of Smad3 or ERK1/2 signaling pathways attenuated the GDF-8-induced down-regulation of StAR and production of progesterone. Interestingly, the concentrations of GDF-8 were negatively correlated with those of progesterone in human follicular fluid. These results indicate a novel autocrine function of GDF-8 to down-regulate StAR expression and decrease progesterone production in luteinized human granulosa cells, most likely through activin receptor-like kinase 5-mediated Smad3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that granulosa cells might play a critical role in the regulation of progesterone production to prevent premature luteinization during the final stage of folliculogenesis.
CD14 as a Mediator of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor–Dependent Anti-apolipoprotein A-1 IgG Chronotropic Effect on Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Mannic Tiphaine , Satta Nathalie , Pagano Sabrina , Python Magaly , Virzi Julien , Montecucco Fabrizio , Frias Miguel A. , James Richard W. , Maturana Andres D. , Rossier Michel F. , Vuilleumier Nicolas
Published: September 2015

In vitro and animal studies point to autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG) as possible mediators of cardiovascular (CV) disease involving several mechanisms such as basal heart rate interference mediated by a mineralocorticoid receptor–dependent L-type calcium channel activation, and a direct pro-inflammatory effect through the engagement of the toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/CD14 complex. Nevertheless, the possible implication of these receptors in the pro-arrhythmogenic effect of anti-apoA-1 antibodies remains elusive. We aimed at determining whether CD14 and TLRs could mediate the anti-apoA-1 IgG chronotropic response in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVC). Blocking CD14 suppressed anti-apoA-1 IgG binding to NRVC and the related positive chronotropic response. Anti-apoA-1 IgG alone induced the formation of a TLR2/TLR4/CD14 complex, followed by the phosphorylation of Src, whereas aldosterone alone promoted the phosphorylation of Akt by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), without affecting the chronotropic response. In the presence of both aldosterone and anti-apoA-1 IgG, the localization of TLR2/TLR4/CD14 was increased in membrane lipid rafts, followed by PI3K and Src activation, leading to an L-type calcium channel–dependent positive chronotropic response. Pharmacological inhibition of the Src pathway led to the decrease of L-type calcium channel activity and abrogated the NRVC chronotropic response. Activation of CD14 seems to be a key regulator of the mineralocorticoid receptor–dependent anti-apoA-1 IgG positive chronotropic effect on NRVCs, involving relocation of the CD14/TLR2/TLR4 complex into lipid rafts followed by PI3K and Src-dependent L-type calcium channel activation.
Discovering Genes Essential to the Hypothalamic Regulation of Human Reproduction Using a Human Disease Model: Adjusting to Life in the “-Omics” Era
Authors: Stamou M. I. , Cox K. H. , Crowley William F.
Published: September 2015

The neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction is an intricate process requiring the exquisite coordination of an assortment of cellular networks, all converging on the GnRH neurons. These neurons have a complex life history, migrating mainly from the olfactory placode into the hypothalamus, where GnRH is secreted and acts as the master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Much of what we know about the biology of the GnRH neurons has been aided by discoveries made using the human disease model of isolated GnRH deficiency (IGD), a family of rare Mendelian disorders that share a common failure of secretion and/or action of GnRH causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Over the last 30 years, research groups around the world have been investigating the genetic basis of IGD using different strategies based on complex cases that harbor structural abnormalities or single pleiotropic genes, endogamous pedigrees, candidate gene approaches as well as pathway gene analyses. Although such traditional approaches, based on well-validated tools, have been critical to establish the field, new strategies, such as next-generation sequencing, are now providing speed and robustness, but also revealing a surprising number of variants in known IGD genes in both patients and healthy controls. Thus, before the field moves forward with new genetic tools and continues discovery efforts, we must reassess what we know about IGD genetics and prepare to hold our work to a different standard. The purpose of this review is to: 1) look back at the strategies used to discover the “known” genes implicated in the rare forms of IGD; 2) examine the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies used to validate genetic variation; 3) substantiate the role of known genes in the pathophysiology of the disease; and 4) project forward as we embark upon a widening use of these new and powerful technologies for gene discovery.
Minireview: Emerging Roles for Extracellular Vesicles in Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Lakhter Alexander J. , Sims Emily K.
Published: September 2015

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-contained vesicles released by most cell types, have attracted a large amount of research interest over the past decade. Because of their ability to transfer cargo via regulated processes, causing functional impacts on recipient cells, these structures may play important roles in cell-cell communication and have implications in the physiology of numerous organ systems. In addition, EVs have been described in most human biofluids and have wide potential as relatively noninvasive biomarkers of various pathologic conditions. Specifically, EVs produced by the pancreatic β-cell have been demonstrated to regulate physiologic and pathologic responses to β-cell stress, including β-cell proliferation and apoptosis. β-Cell EVs are also capable of interacting with immune cells and may contribute to the activation of autoimmune processes that trigger or propagate β-cell inflammation and destruction during the development of diabetes. EVs from adipose tissue have been shown to contribute to the development of the chronic inflammation and insulin resistance associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome via interactions with other adipose, liver, and muscle cells. Circulating EVs may also serve as biomarkers for metabolic derangements and complications associated with diabetes. This minireview describes the properties of EVs in general, followed by a more focused review of the literature describing EVs affecting the β-cell, β-cell autoimmunity, and the development of insulin resistance, which all have the potential to affect development of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The pluripotent state in mouse and human
Authors: Davidson Kathryn C. , Mason Elizabeth A. , Pera Martin F.
Published: September 2015

In the mouse, naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are thought to represent the cell culture equivalent of the late epiblast in the pre-implantation embryo, with which they share a unique defining set of features. Recent studies have focused on the identification and propagation of a similar cell state in human. Although the capture of an exact human equivalent of the mouse naïve PSC remains an elusive goal, comparative studies spurred on by this quest are lighting the path to a deeper understanding of pluripotent state regulation in early mammalian development.
Genomic approaches to studying human-specific developmental traits
Authors: Franchini Lucía F. , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: September 2015

Changes in developmental regulatory programs drive both disease and phenotypic differences among species. Linking human-specific traits to alterations in development is challenging, because we have lacked the tools to assay and manipulate regulatory networks in human and primate embryonic cells. This field was transformed by the sequencing of hundreds of genomes – human and non-human – that can be compared to discover the regulatory machinery of genes involved in human development. This approach has identified thousands of human-specific genome alterations in developmental genes and their regulatory regions. With recent advances in stem cell techniques, genome engineering, and genomics, we can now test these sequences for effects on developmental gene regulation and downstream phenotypes in human cells and tissues.
Human pancreas development
Authors: Jennings Rachel E. , Berry Andrew A. , Strutt James P. , Gerrard David T. , Hanley Neil A.
Published: September 2015

A wealth of data and comprehensive reviews exist on pancreas development in mammals, primarily mice, and other vertebrates. By contrast, human pancreatic development has been less comprehensively reviewed. Here, we draw together those studies conducted directly in human embryonic and fetal tissue to provide an overview of what is known about human pancreatic development. We discuss the relevance of this work to manufacturing insulin-secreting β-cells from pluripotent stem cells and to different aspects of diabetes, especially permanent neonatal diabetes, and its underlying causes.
When rejuvenation is a problem: challenges of modeling late-onset neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Vera Elsa , Studer Lorenz
Published: September 2015

In contrast to the successful modeling of early-onset disorders using patient-specific cells, modeling of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease remains a challenge. This might be related to the often ignored fact that current induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation protocols yield cells that typically show the behavior of fetal stage cells. Acknowledging aging as a contributing factor in late-onset neurodegenerative disorders represents an important step on the road towards faithfully recreating these diseases in vitro. Here, we summarize progress in the field and review the strategies and challenges for triggering late-onset disease phenotypes.
Comprehensive analysis of microRNA expression in regionalized human neural progenitor cells reveals microRNA-10 as a caudalizing factor
Authors: Jönsson Marie E. , Nelander Wahlestedt Jenny , Åkerblom Malin , Kirkeby Agnete , Malmevik Josephine , Brattaas Per Ludvik , Jakobsson Johan , Parmar Malin
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in regulating multiple processes during brain development in various species. However, the function of miRNAs in human brain development remains largely unexplored. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression of regionalized neural progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and human foetal brain. We found miR-92b-3p and miR-130b-5p to be specifically associated with neural progenitors and several miRNAs that display both age-specific and region-specific expression patterns. Among these miRNAs, we identified miR-10 to be specifically expressed in the human hindbrain and spinal cord, while being absent from rostral regions. We found that miR-10 regulates a large number of genes enriched for functions including transcription, actin cytoskeleton and ephrin receptor signalling. When overexpressed, miR-10 influences caudalization of human neural progenitor cells. Together, these data confirm a role for miRNAs in establishing different human neural progenitor populations. This dataset also provides a comprehensive resource for future studies investigating the functional role of different miRNAs in human brain development.
Enabling research with human embryonic and fetal tissue resources
Authors: Gerrelli Dianne , Lisgo Steven , Copp Andrew J. , Lindsay Susan
Published: September 2015

Congenital anomalies are a significant burden on human health. Understanding the developmental origins of such anomalies is key to developing potential therapies. The Human Developmental Biology Resource (HDBR), based in London and Newcastle, UK, was established to provide embryonic and fetal material for a variety of human studies ranging from single gene expression analysis to large-scale genomic/transcriptomic studies. Increasingly, HDBR material is enabling the derivation of stem cell lines and contributing towards developments in tissue engineering. Use of the HDBR and other fetal tissue resources discussed here will contribute to the long-term aims of understanding the causation and pathogenesis of congenital anomalies, and developing new methods for their treatment and prevention.
L(α)-Stable Multi-Derivative GLM
Authors: Okuonghae R. I. , Ikhile M. N. O.
Published: September 2015

This paper considers multi-derivative general linear methods and thus presents some second and third derivative general linear methods of orders 5, 7 and 10 in its output methods for computing the solution of stiff initial value problems in ordinary differential equations. The methods derived which is of a simple output structure possesses the special property of Runge-Kutta stability.
Towards a Spatial Semantic Management for the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Noardo Francesca , Spanò Antonia
Published: September 2015

The Semantic Web introduces new exigencies for Cultural Heritage (CH) data managing and sharing, and such requests have to be considered for structuring the databases and Geographical Information System applications purposed to CH preservation strategies. Data semantics should be explicit, and formally specified by standard ontologies, and some proposals regarding CH are available by now. However, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is related to the community that produced it, so it's more multifaceted and complex to be defined in a standardized way than material assets. This study is oriented to the integration of standardized or existing ontologies to define a convenient schema for managing ICH data; the general aim is to analyze the territorial distribution of ICH carried by some material artifacts to investigate their mutual relationships and values. We defined a conceptual model by integrating CIDOC-CRM ontology with some more specific and geometric entities derived from a spatial data standard, such as CityGML, for representing some ICH features in a GIS environment (Geographical Information System).
A Multimedia System for the Management of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Artese Maria Teresa , Gagliardi Isabella
Published: September 2015

UNESCO, in its 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, obliges State Parties to inventory cultural heritage and making those inventories accessible. This process is a rather complex activity, involving different skills and competences, such as ethnographers, social history experts, etc. who detect cultural heritage to be inserted in the catalog, identifying the best practices and defining what kind of information to keep track of. In this paper we will present three environments that compose a framework for the inventorying, cataloging, searching and browsing of multimedia digital objects related to ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage), developed to design and implement the AESS archive (Archive of Ethnography and Social History of Lombardy Region): the data concern mainly popular traditions handed down generation by generation, such as traditional fairs, popular songs, and customs.
Unsupervised Dance Motion Patterns Classification from Fused Skeletal Data Using Exemplar-Based HMMs
Authors: Kitsikidis A. , Boulgouris N. V. , Dimitropoulos K. , Grammalidis N.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we propose a method for the partitioning of dance sequences into multiple periods and motion patterns. The proposed method deploys features in the form of a skeletal representation of the dancer observed through time using multiple depth sensors. This representation is the fusion of skeletal features captured using multiple sensors and combined into a single, more robust, skeletal representation. Using this information, initially we partition the dance sequence into periods and subsequently into motion patterns. Partitioning into periods is based on observing the horizontal displacement of the dancer while each period is subsequently partitioned into motion patterns by using an exemplar-based Hidden Markov Model that classifies each frame into an exemplar representing a hidden state of the HMM. The proposed method was tested on dance sequences comprising multiple periods and motion patterns providing promising results.
Extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of processed and functional RNY5 RNA
Authors: Chakrabortty Sudipto K. , Prakash Ashwin , Nechooshtan Gal , Hearn Stephen , Gingeras Thomas R.
Published: September 2015

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as a means to promote intercellular communication. We show that when human primary cells are exposed to cancer cell EVs, rapid cell death of the primary cells is observed, while cancer cells treated with primary or cancer cell EVs do not display this response. The active agents that trigger cell death are 29- to 31-nucleotide (nt) or 22- to 23-nt processed fragments of an 83-nt primary transcript of the humanRNY5gene that are highly likely to be formed within the EVs. Primary cells treated with either cancer cell EVs, deproteinized total RNA from either primary or cancer cell EVs, or synthetic versions of 31- and 23-nt fragments trigger rapid cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The transfer of processed RNY5 fragments through EVs may reflect a novel strategy used by cancer cells toward the establishment of a favorable microenvironment for their proliferation and invasion.
A Taxonomy to Support the Statistical Study of Funding-induced Biases in Science
Authors: Wojick David , Michaels Patrick
Published: September 2015

The biomedical community is a leader in research on bias in science, including funding-induced bias. To facilitate this research, we have developed a taxonomy of fifteen different types of potential funding-induced bias. We describe each type of bias, as well as giving a snapshot of existing research and briefly discussing the potential for various forms of statistical analysis. We also introduce the concept of an amplifying bias cascade, wherein bias builds through successive iterations.
Apologia pro vita mea: an intellectual odyssey. Part One
Authors: Chessick Richard
Published: September 2015

This is a narrative in a dialogue form in which the author, now an octogenarian, describes his intellectual evolution from a published laboratory researcher to engagement in the full-time clinical practice of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. He reviews the development of his ideas through his many publications and offers commentaries on the nature of the origin, environment and content of his thinking at the time each of these were written. In the current article, part one of several projected articles, he covers the period from 1953, when he received his medical and research training and published his first papers, through 1965, when he resigned his positions of Chief of Psychiatry at the Veterans’ Research Hospital in Chicago and co-director of the Psychiatry Resident Training Program at the Northwestern University Medical School and entered full-time clinical work while continuing teaching psychodynamic psychotherapy at Northwestern University.
Patient mental adjustment to selected types of cancer
Authors: Religioni Urszula , Czerw Aleksandra , Deptała Andrzej
Published: September 2015

Cel

Z dolegliwościami fizycznymi związanymi z chorobą nowotworową wiążą się różnego rodzaju dolegliwości psychiczne. Przyjęta w tym względzie postawa wobec bólu i choroby wpływa na jakość życia pacjentów, a może nawet decydować o ostatecznych efektach terapii.
Celem badania była ocena stopnia przystosowania psychicznego pacjentów z rozpoznanym nowotworem piersi, płuca, jelita grubego i prostaty. Analizie poddano również wpływ czynników społeczno-ekonomicznych na przystosowanie psychiczne do choroby nowotworowej wśród pacjentów w ramach wymienionych grup.

Metoda

Badanie przeprowadzono wśród 902 pacjentów leczonych ambulatoryjnie w Centrum Onkologii – Instytut im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie w Warszawie w 2013 roku. W badaniu uczestniczyli chorzy ze zdiagnozowanym nowotworem piersi, płuca, jelita grubego i prostaty. Zastosowano technikę PAPI (Paper and Pencil Interview). Wywiad kwestionariuszowy obejmował pytania metryczkowe (zmienne społeczno-ekonomiczne) oraz test Mini-Mac (Mental Adjustement to Cancer), mierzący poziom przystosowania psychicznego do choroby.

Wyniki

W wymiarach zaabsorbowanie lękowe oraz bezradność-beznadziejność najwyższe wyniki uzyskiwali kolejno respondenci z nowotworem: płuc, jelita grubego, piersi i prostaty. Wśród badanych, u których obszarami zmiany pierwotnej były pierś i płuco różnice pomiędzy poszczególnymi kategoriami, wyróżnionymi ze względu na cechy społeczno-ekonomiczne były nieistotne statystycznie. Stwierdzono jednak istotne zależności pomiędzy przystosowaniem psychicznym do choroby a faktem odbycia chemioterapii w ciągu ostatniego roku, choć wyniki te różnią się w zależności od lokalizacji pierwotnej zmiany nowotworowej.

Wnioski

Obszar lokalizacji pierwotnej zmiany nowotworowej u pacjentów wpływa na przystosowanie psychiczne do choroby. Czynniki społeczno-ekonomiczne w obszarze przystosowania psychicznego najsilniej różnicują pacjentów chorych na raka jelita grubego.
Turf Wars: Product Line Strategies in Competitive Markets
Authors: Joshi Yogesh V. , Reibstein David J. , Zhang Z. John
Published: September 2015

In this paper we study product line scope and pricing decisions in a horizontally differentiated duopoly. Past research has shown that a firm may offer a broader product line to attract higher demand or charge a higher price (or both), and benefit at the expense of its competitor. We show that such outcomes may be reversed, especially when consumers have relatively high valuation and low heterogeneity in their preferences for the line extension. We find that an equilibrium exists such that only one firm prefers to expand scope but profits may be higher for both firms, even in the absence of market size expansion. This is because a broader scope permits that firm to effectively price discriminate by raising prices for its core customers. The competitor optimally responds by lowering prices to gain share and earn a higher profit. Thus, higher prices for the firm expanding its product line translate into higher demand for the competing firm, thus increasing profit for both. We show that our results hold when firms deploy generic, offensive or defensive strategies during product line expansion.
Neuro at the Nanoscale
Authors: Castro Jason B. , Gould Travis J.
Published: September 2015

Recent breakthroughs in fluorescence microscopy have pushed spatial resolution well beyond the classical limit imposed by diffraction. As a result, the field of nanoscopy has emerged, and diffraction-unlimited resolution is becoming increasingly common in biomedical imaging applications. In this review, we recap the principles behind STED nanoscopy that allow imaging beyond the diffraction limit, and highlight both historical and recent advances made in the field of neuroscience as a result of this technology.
Mittag-Leffler-Pade approximations for the numerical solution of space and time fractional diffusion equations
Authors: Borhanifar Abdollah , Valizadeh Sohrab
Published: September 2015

Anomalous diffusion and non-exponential relaxation patterns can be described by a space - time fractional diffusion equation. This paper aims to present a Pade approximation for Mittag-Leffler function mixed finite difference method to develop a numerical method to obtain an approximate solution for the space and time fractional diffusion equation. The truncation error of the method is theoretically analyzed. It is proved that the numerical proposed method is unconditionally stable from the matrix analysis point of view. Finally, some numerical results are given, which demonstrate the efficiency of the approximate scheme.
Local one-sided porosity and pretangent spaces
Authors: Altınok Maya , Dovgoshey Oleksiy , Küçükaslan Mehmet
Published: September 2015

For subsets of ℝ
Semi-orthogonal wavelet frames on local fields
Authors: Shah Firdous A. , Bhat M. Younus
Published: September 2015

We investigate semi-orthogonal wavelet frames on local fields of positive characteristic and provide a characterization of frame wavelets by means of some basic equations in the frequency domain. The theory of frame multiresolution analysis recently proposed by Shah [J. Operators (2015), Article ID 216060] on local fields is used to establish equivalent conditions for a finite number of functions
The unusual occurrence of green algal balls of Chaetomorpha linum on a beach in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Cooke Julia , Lanfear Robert , Downing Alison , Gillings Michael R. , Poore Alistair G.B. , Goodwin Ian D. , Waldron Liette S. , Phillips Aaron , Metti Yola , Bulbert Matthew W.
Published: September 2015

In spring 2014, thousands of green algal balls were washed up at Dee Why Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Reports of algal balls are uncommon in marine systems, and mass strandings on beaches are even more rare, sparking both public and scientific interest. We identified the algal masses as Chaetomorpha linum by using light microscopy and DNA sequencing. We characterize the size and composition of the balls from Dee Why Beach and compare them to previous records of marine algal balls. We describe the environmental conditions that could explain their appearance, given the ecophysiology of C. linum.
Design and Analysis of Ultra-Fast All-Optical Modulator Based on Photonic Crystal
Authors: Abolhasanzadeh Asghar , Zavvari Mahdi
Published: September 2015

An all-optical modulator based on photonic crustal structures is proposed and its performance characteristics are studied. In this modulator, a carrier beam is controlled by input signal beam. A two-dimensional microring resonator is designed to employ the Kerr’s nonlinear effect and operate as modulator. We use numerical methods such as plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain for performing our simulations and studying the optical properties of the proposed structure. The insertion loss and extinction ratio are studied as a function of carrier power. Results show acceptable orders of extinction ratio about 9 dB and very low insertion loss about –10 dB. The proposed modulator is expected to show ultra-fast modulation.
Mathematical verification of the Monte Carlo
maximum cross-section technique
Authors: Antyufeev Victor S.
Published: September 2015

Maximum cross-section technique is used for solving
problems of radiation transport by the Monte Carlo method
to optimize the particles' free-path length modeling in
inhomogeneous media.
A probabilistic proof of a variation of this technique
is proposed in the article.
Design analysis of a standard injection screw for plasticising polycarbonate resins
Authors: Huang Ming-Shyan
Published: September 2015

The industrial use of plastic injection moulding machines is widespread. However, few studies have examined the injection screw, which is one of the key components of moulding machines. Studies have demonstrated that a properly designed injection screw improves both the moulding quality and the production rate. Factors that affect the plasticisation properties of conventional standard reciprocating screws include the screw geometry, the screw operation settings, and the processed resins. An ideal standard reciprocating screw exhibits a high plasticising capacity and excellent melt temperature homogeneity; however, these properties typically conflict. Through simulation analysis, this study investigated the optimal design of a standard reciprocating injection screw used for plasticising polycarbonate resins. First, the Taguchi method was integrated with a commercial simulation programme to identify the key control factors affecting the plasticising rate of a screw and the temperature uniformity of the melt. Simulation results revealed that the screw diameter, rotation speed, metering channel depth, ratio of the screw length to the screw diameter, and compression ratio substantially influence performance. Consequently, grey relational analysis was adopted to optimise the design of an injection screw that ensures sufficient quality according to the plasticisation rate and the homogeneity of molten plastic.
Formation of the transition zone by Mks5/Rpgrip1L establishes a ciliary zone of exclusion (CIZE) that compartmentalises ciliary signalling proteins and controls PIP2 ciliary abundance
Authors: Jensen Victor L , Li Chunmei , Bowie Rachel V , Clarke Lara , Mohan Swetha , Blacque Oliver E , Leroux Michel R
Published: September 2015

Cilia are thought to harbour a membrane diffusion barrier within their transition zone (TZ) that compartmentalises signalling proteins. How this “ciliary gate” assembles and functions remains largely unknown. Contrary to current models, we present evidence that Caenorhabditis elegans MKS‐5 (orthologue of mammalian Mks5/Rpgrip1L/Nphp8 and Rpgrip1) may not be a simple structural scaffold for anchoring > 10 different proteins at the TZ, but instead, functions as an assembly factor. This activity is needed to form TZ ultrastructure, which comprises Y‐shaped axoneme‐to‐membrane connectors. Coiled‐coil and C2 domains within MKS‐5 enable TZ localisation and functional interactions with two TZ modules, consisting of Meckel syndrome (MKS) and nephronophthisis (NPHP) proteins. Discrete roles for these modules at basal body‐associated transition fibres and TZ explain their redundant functions in making essential membrane connections and thus sealing the ciliary compartment. Furthermore, MKS‐5 establishes a ciliary zone of exclusion (CIZE) at the TZ that confines signalling proteins, including GPCRs and NPHP‐2/inversin, to distal ciliary subdomains. The TZ/CIZE, potentially acting as a lipid gate, limits the abundance of the phosphoinositide PIP2 within cilia and is required for cell signalling. Together, our findings suggest a new model for Mks5/Rpgrip1L in TZ assembly and function that is essential for establishing the ciliary signalling compartment.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Impact of isolated TSH levels in and out of normal range on different tissues
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore , Wahl Richard
Published: September 2015

Routine treatment of thyroid cancer (TC) includes long-term suppression of TSH. The necessity of this treatment in low- and intermediate-risk patients as well as the extent of TSH suppression is currently under discussion. A literature search was performed to illustrate the role of TSH in extrathyroidal cells and to identify potential reasons for different effects of exogenously suppressed and endogenously low TSH levels. Although adverse effects of subnormal and supranormal TSH blood levels on heart and brain have not been consistently found, studies show a clear negative effect of suppressed TSH levels on bone mineral density. Experimental data also support an important role of TSH in the immune system. The ability of levothyroxine (l-T4) to regulate TSH levels and triiodothyronine levels in a physiological manner is limited. Reduction of circadian changes in TSH levels, decrease of thyroid hormone-binding proteins, prevention of potential compensatory increases of TSH levels (e.g., in old age), and unresponsiveness of TSH-producing cells to TRH onl-T4treatment might cause adverse effects of suppressed TSH levels. In view of the adverse effects of aggressive TSH suppression, achieving the suggested levels of TSH between 0.9 and 1 mU/l in the treatment of low-to-intermediate risk TC patients appears justified.
New insights into the structure and mechanism of iodothyronine deiodinases
Authors: Schweizer Ulrich , Steegborn Clemens
Published: September 2015

Iodothyronine deiodinases are a family of enzymes that remove specific iodine atoms from one of the two aromatic rings in thyroid hormones (THs). They thereby fine-tune local TH concentrations and cellular TH signaling. Deiodinases catalyze a remarkable biochemical reaction, i.e., the reductive elimination of a halogenide from an aromatic ring. In metazoans, deiodinases depend on the rare amino acid selenocysteine. The recent solution of the first experimental structure of a deiodinase catalytic domain allowed for a reappraisal of the many mechanistic and mutagenesis data that had been accumulated over more than 30 years. Hence, the structure generates new impetus for research directed at understanding catalytic mechanism, substrate specificity, and regulation of deiodinases. This review will focus on structural and mechanistic aspects of iodothyronine deiodinases and briefly compare these enzymes with dehalogenases, which catalyze related reactions. A general mechanism for the selenium-dependent deiodinase reaction will be described, which integrates the mouse deiodinase 3 crystal structure and biochemical studies. We will summarize further, sometimes isoform-specific molecular features of deiodinase catalysis and regulation, and we will then discuss available compounds for modulating deiodinase activity for therapeutic purposes.
Severe Neonatal Legionella Pneumonia: Full Recovery After Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Moscatelli Andrea , Buratti Silvia , Castagnola Elio , Mesini Alessio , Tuo Pietro
Published: September 2015

Legionella pneumophila is responsible for hospital or community-acquired pneumonia. Neonatal legionellosis is associated with rapidly severe clinical course and high mortality rates. We describe a case of hospital-acquired Legionella pneumonia in a newborn with undiagnosed tracheoesophageal fistula and acute respiratory failure requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support before fistula repair. Standardized multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay allowed early diagnosis. Extracorporeal life support associated with appropriate antibiotic therapy, surfactant, and steroid therapy was effective in achieving complete recovery. This is the first report of successful neonatal extracorporeal life support for respiratory failure secondary to L pneumophila.
A Model for Predicting Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates From China
Authors: Han Shuping , Yu Zhangbin , Liu Ling , Wang Jimei , Wei Qiufen , Jiang Chunming , Guo Jinzhen , Li Mingxia , Yang Jie , Shah Prakesh S. , Chen Chao
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To develop and validate a predischarge risk stratification model by using transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) values and clinical factors to predict significant postdischarge hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term and late preterm Chinese neonates.

METHODS:

In a prospective cohort study, 8215 healthy term and late preterm neonates in 8 hospitals in China underwent TcB measurement at <168 hours of age. TcB percentiles were calculated and used to develop an hour-specific nomogram, and 9 empirically weighted items were used to derive a prediction model. A risk stratification model was developed by combining the TcB nomogram with clinical risk scores to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia, defined as a postdischarge bilirubin level that exceeded the hour-specific recommended threshold value for phototherapy. Data from another 13 157 neonates were used to validate the model.

RESULTS:

A TcB nomogram for every 12 hours of the studied interval was constructed from the development set. Gestational age, male gender, history of previous neonate who received phototherapy, bruising, feeding mode, weight loss, and early discharge were predictors of postdischarge significant hyperbilirubinemia. The combination of the TcB nomogram and clinical risk score provided the best prediction of significant hyperbilirubinemia with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.95) in the development data set and 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.93–0.94) in the validation data set. A risk stratification model with 6 distinct risk levels was developed and validated.

CONCLUSIONS:

A risk classification model, combining discharge transcutaneous bilirubin values and clinical risk factors, separated term and late preterm Chinese neonates into 6 risk classes for the timely follow-up of postdischarge hyperbilirubinemia detection.
Portal Vein Embolization Before Extended Hepatectomy in a Toddler With Mesenchymal Hamartoma
Authors: Terraz Sylvain , Ronot Maxime , Breguet Romain , Anooshiravani Mehrak , Rubbia-Brandt Laura , Becker Christoph D. , Wildhaber Barbara E.
Published: September 2015

Portal vein embolization is widely used to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant before extended hepatectomy, decreasing the risk of postoperative liver failure. However, this percutaneous procedure has not been previously reported in a young child. The present report describes the case of a 14-month-old patient with a large multifocal mesenchymal hamartoma of the entire right liver, successfully resected after induction of future liver remnant hypertrophy by portal vein embolization.
Weight Gain, Executive Functioning, and Eating Behaviors Among Girls
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Hipwell Alison E. , Stepp Stephanie D. , McTigue Kathleen M. , Keenan Kate
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE:

Executive functioning and excess weight have been associated in cross-sectional and prospective studies, but mechanisms explaining this relationship are unclear. The current study aimed to further explore the longitudinal relationship between executive functioning and changes in body weight and to determine whether binge eating behaviors mediate this relationship.

METHODS:

Community-based girls (N = 2450) were assessed by using the behavioral measure of planning, Mazes subtest, and a parent-report measure of impulsivity at age 10; a self-report measure of binge eating at ages 10, 12, and 14; and investigator-measured BMI annually between ages 10 and 16. Regression and bootstrapping analyses explored the relations among age 10 impulsivity and planning, age 12 and age 14 binge eating frequency, and age 10 to 16 BMI changes.

RESULTS:

Age 10 impulsivity and planning each independently predicted age 10 to 16 BMI changes, after accounting for demographics, verbal comprehension, and BMI at age 10 (Ps < .001). Binge eating tendencies at age 12 mediated the relation between age 10 impulsivity and age 10 to 16 BMI changes, after controlling for demographics, verbal comprehension, binge eating frequency, and BMI at age 10 (indirect effect estimate = 0.0007; 95% confidence interval = 0.0001–0.0020).

CONCLUSIONS:

Results support the hypothesis that poorer executive functioning predicts weight gain from middle childhood through adolescence in girls, and that this effect may be partially explained by binge-eating behaviors in early adolescence.
Análisis de los modelos de medición de calidad percibida del servicio aplicados en la industria de hospitalidad
Authors: Parra Diaz María Catalina , Duque Oliva Edison Jair
Published: September 2015

Las exigencias de los consumidores han dado paso a la investigación de instrumentos que permitan medir la calidad del servicio. Estos instrumentos son llamados modelos de medición, los cuales ayudan a conocer las opiniones de los clientes para determinar sus necesidades y poderlas aplicar en los establecimientos. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar los modelos de medición de calidad del servicio que se aplican en la industria de hospitalidad. Se darán a conocer los conceptos básicos de calidad del servicio, y se explicarán los principales modelos de medición que se han desarrollado a lo largo del tiempo. Se analizarán los modelos de medición de calidad del servicio más utilizados en restaurantes y hoteles, para concluir que el modelo Servqual es el más reconocido y el que mayor acogida tiene en la industria de hospitalidad.
El servicio como principio que une y potencia las organizaciones. Una revisión y propuesta conceptual en torno a la cultura de servicio
Authors: Martell Alfredo Gorrochotegui , Rodríguez Rosario Montt , Cordero Maite Nazarre
Published: September 2015

En este artículo se hace una reflexión y una revisión sobre los distintos autoresque han expuesto sus conceptos acerca del servicio. Se busca rescatar la idea deque todas las organizaciones ofrecen un servicio a la sociedad. Además el artículo busca aproximarse a la naturaleza del servicio, sus cualidades y sus características; indagar en el servicio como experiencia humana, de cara al cliente y dentro de la empresa; distinguir los conceptos de cliente, cliente interno, momentos de la verdad, ciclos y mapas de servicio, para luego adentrarse en la posibilidad de configurar una auténtica cultura del servicio. Y en todo este desarrollo, se indaga también sobre la posibilidad que tiene el servicio como un principio noble que une y que potencia a las personas que trabajan en organizaciones que poseen una cultura centrada en sus clientes internos y externos.
Cuadro de mando integral (CMI) de los Centros de Salud Familiar del Departamento de Salud Municipal de la comuna de Puerto Montt, Chile
Authors: Henríquez Nancy Alarcón , Vera Garnica José Ricardo
Published: September 2015

El uso del cuadro de mando integral (CMI) ha aumentado de manera creciente en el sector salud en Chile. A partir del 2006, comenzaron a emplearlo diversos Departamentos de Salud Municipales y Centros de Salud Familiar (Cesfam) dependientes de esos departamentos.

El CMI es un modelo de gestión que traduce la estrategia en objetivos relacionados, medidos a través de indicadores, y ligados a unos planes de acción que permiten alinear el comportamiento de los miembros de la organización. La utilidad del CMI no depende del tipo de empresa sino de los problemas que enfrenta, y de hecho se ha implementado en grandes y pequeñas empresas, y en organizaciones con y sin ánimo de lucro, tal como se demuestra en este caso.

Se presenta en este estudio el desarrollo de la planificación estratégica de los Cesfam de la comuna de Puerto Montt, Chile, empleando el cuadro de mando integral (CMI) o Balanced Scorecard (BSC).

La implementación del modelo implicó el trabajo y compromiso de los equipos gestores de cada uno de los Cesfam en el proceso de planificación estratégica y la definición de la totalidad de los componentes del cuadro de mando.
International Dollar Flows
Authors: Banegas Ayelen , Judson Ruth , Sims Charles , Stebunovs Viktors
Published: September 2015

Using confidential Federal Reserve data, we study the factors driving U.S. banknote flows between the United States and other countries. These flows are a significant component of capital flows in emerging market economies, where physical U.S. currency functions as a safe asset and precautionary demand for U.S. banknotes is a form of flight to quality. Prior to the global financial crisis, country-specific factors, including local economic uncertainty, largely explain the volume and heterogeneity of the flows. Since the crisis, global factors, particularly, global economic uncertainty, explain the flows markedly well. Further, precautionary demand for U.S. banknotes is not episodic.
Прием в российские государственные вузы в 2010 г.: увидеть, чтобы задуматься
Authors: Dobryakova Maria , Androuschak Grigory
Published: September 2015

Представлены результаты мониторинга уровня подготовки студентов, поступивших в российские вузы летом 2010 г. Оценивался средний балл зачисленных на конкурсной основе (по результатам конкурса баллов ЕГЭ). На основании полученных данных анализируются тенденции развития системы высшего образования: какие специальности пользуются наибольшим спросом; в какие вузы поступают наиболее подготовленные абитуриенты; как распределились предпочтения победителей олимпиад, имеющих право поступать в вуз вне конкурса; в чем специфика приема студентов в вузах, получивших дополнительную господдержку.