bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bamboo-Eating Giant Panda Harbors a Carnivore-Like Gut Microbiota, with Excessive Seasonal Variations
Authors: Xue Zhengsheng , Zhang Wenping , Wang Linghua , Hou Rong , Zhang Menghui , Fei Lisong , Zhang Xiaojun , Huang He , Bridgewater Laura C. , Jiang Yi , Jiang Chenglin , Zhao Liping , Pang Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhihe
Published: May 2015

The giant panda evolved from omnivorous bears. It lives on a bamboo-dominated diet at present, but it still retains a typical carnivorous digestive system and is genetically deficient in cellulose-digesting enzymes. To find out whether this endangered mammalian species, like other herbivores, has successfully developed a gut microbiota adapted to its fiber-rich diet, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene-based large-scale structural profiling of the giant panda fecal microbiota. Forty-five captive individuals were sampled in spring, summer, and late autumn within 1 year. Significant intraindividual variations in the diversity and structure of gut microbiota across seasons were observed in this population, which were even greater than the variations between individuals. Compared with published data sets involving 124 gut microbiota profiles from 54 mammalian species, these giant pandas, together with 9 captive and 7 wild individuals investigated previously, showed extremely low gut microbiota diversity and an overall structure that diverged from those of nonpanda herbivores but converged with those of carnivorous and omnivorous bears. The giant panda did not harbor putative cellulose-degrading phylotypes such asRuminococcaceaeandBacteroidesbacteria that are typically enriched in other herbivores, but instead, its microbiota was dominated byEscherichia/ShigellaandStreptococcusbacteria. Members of the classClostridiawere common and abundant in the giant panda gut microbiota, but most of the members present were absent in other herbivores and were not phylogenetically related with known cellulolytic lineages. Therefore, the giant panda appears not to have evolved a gut microbiota compatible with its newly adopted diet, which may adversely influence the coevolutionary fitness of this herbivore.

IMPORTANCEThe giant panda, an endangered mammalian species endemic to western China, is well known for its unique bamboo diet. Unlike other herbivores that have successfully evolved anatomically specialized digestive systems to efficiently deconstruct fibrous plant matter, the giant panda still retains a gastrointestinal tract typical of carnivores. We characterized the fecal bacterial communities from a giant panda population to determine whether this animal relies on its symbiotic gut microbiota to cope with the complex carbohydrates that dominate its diet, as is common in other herbivores. We found that the giant panda gut microbiota is low in diversity and highly variable across seasons. It also shows an overall composition typical of bears and entirely differentiated from other herbivores, with low levels of putative cellulose-digesting bacteria. The gut microbiota of this herbivore, therefore, may not have well adapted to its highly fibrous diet, suggesting a potential link with its poor digestive efficiency.
The Bacterium Frischella perrara Causes Scab Formation in the Gut of its Honeybee Host
Authors: Engel Philipp , Bartlett Kelsey D. , Moran Nancy A.
Published: May 2015

Honeybees harbor well-defined bacterial communities in their guts. The major members of these communities appear to benefit the host, but little is known about how they interact with the host and specifically how they interface with the host immune system. In the pylorus, a short region between the midgut and hindgut, honeybees frequently exhibit scab-like structures on the epithelial gut surface. These structures are reminiscent of a melanization response of the insect immune system. Despite the wide distribution of this phenotype in honeybee populations, its cause has remained elusive. Here, we show that the presence of a common member of the bee gut microbiota, the gammaproteobacterium
Frischella perrara
, correlates with the appearance of the scab phenotype. Bacterial colonization precedes scab formation, and
F. perrara
specifically localizes to the melanized regions of the host epithelium. Under controlled laboratory conditions, we demonstrate that exposure of microbiota-free bees to
F. perrara
but not to other bacteria results in scab formation. This shows that
F. perrara
can become established in a spatially restricted niche in the gut and triggers a morphological change of the epithelial surface, potentially due to a host immune response. As an intermittent colonizer, this bacterium holds promise for addressing questions of community invasion in a simple yet relevant model system. Moreover, our results show that gut symbionts of bees engage in differential host interactions that are likely to affect gut homeostasis. Future studies should focus on how these different gut bacteria impact honeybee health.

IMPORTANCE
As pollinators, honeybees are key species for agricultural and natural ecosystems. Their guts harbor simple communities composed of characteristic bacterial species. Because of these features, bees are ideal systems for studying fundamental aspects of gut microbiota-host interactions. However, little is known about how these bacteria interact with their host. Here, we show that a common member of the bee gut microbiota causes the formation of a scab-like structure on the gut epithelium of its host. This phenotype was first described in 1946, but since then it has not been much further characterized, despite being found in bee populations worldwide. The scab phenotype is reminiscent of melanization, a conserved innate immune response of insects. Our results show that high abundance of one member of the bee gut microbiota triggers this specific phenotype, suggesting that the gut microbiota composition can affect the immune status of this key pollinator species.
What a general paediatrician needs to know about early life programming
Authors: Williams Thomas C , Drake Amanda J
Published: May 2015

The process whereby early exposure to an adverse environment has an influence on later life outcomes has been called ‘early life programming’. While epidemiological evidence for this has been available for decades, only in recent years have the mechanisms, in particular epigenetic modifications, for this process begun to be elucidated. We discuss the evidence for early life programming, the possible mechanisms, how effects may be transmitted across generations, and conclude by looking at some examples relevant to general paediatrics.
Combined acromioclavicular joint dislocation and coracoid avulsion in an adult
Authors: Naik Monappa , Tripathy Sujit Kumar , Goyal Saumitra , Rao Sarath K
Published: May 2015

Avulsion fracture of coracoid process with acromioclavicular joint dislocation is extremely rare. We report a case of coracoid avulsion with acromioclavicular disruption in a 24-year-old man who sustained injuries in a road traffic accident. Although acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation was obvious from an initial radiograph, coracoid avulsion was picked up in a CT scan. Open reduction and internal fixations of the coracoid with a 4 mm cannulated screw, an AC joint with two K-wires and an anchor suture, resulted in rapid recovery. The patient had complete range of shoulder movements at the end of 3 months and he resumed his professional activities. After 1 year, he had normal shoulder movement without any functional limitations.
Migrating foreign bodies in the upper aerodigestive tract: a surgical challenge
Authors: Shergill Gurshinderpal Singh , Nayak Dipak Ranjan , Dora Asheesh , Shergill Ankur Kaur
Published: May 2015

Migrating foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract are uncommon but can pose serious complications. Long-standing migrating foreign bodies can exist manifesting chronic and unusual symptoms such as chronic cough, recurrent episodes of dyspnoea and fever. Adverse body reactions to foreign objects such as adhesions can cause difficulty in their diagnosis, localisation and removal. A thorough clinical and radiographical approach is of immense value in such cases. We report two difficult cases of migrated foreign bodies: a 2-year-old child with a long-standing foreign body that migrated to the upper mediastinum, and an adult patient with a fish bone that migrated to the oropharyngeal muscles. Presentations of these cases were not alike, with chronic unusual recurrent symptoms in one and typical acute symptoms in the other. The diagnosis and precise localisation of both foreign bodies was challenging, and an open approach was employed to remove them.
Do parental education and income matter? A nationwide register-based study on HPV vaccine uptake in the school-based immunisation programme in Norway
Authors: Feiring Berit , Laake Ida , Molden Tor , Cappelen Inger , Håberg Siri E , Magnus Per , Steingrímsdóttir Ólöf Anna , Strand Bjørn Heine , Stålcrantz Jeanette , Trogstad Lill
Published: May 2015

Objective

Vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been offeredfree of chargeto all 12-year-old girls in Norway since 2009. Nevertheless, the uptake of HPV vaccine is lower than for other childhood vaccines. The aim of this study was to examine whether parental education and income are associated with initiation and completion of HPV vaccination.

Design

Nationwide register-based study.

Setting

Publicly funded childhood immunisation programme in Norway.

Participants

91 405 girls born between 1997 and 1999 and registered in the Norwegian Central Population Registry were offered HPV vaccine during the first 3 programme years. Of these, 84 139 had complete information on all variables and were included in the study.

Measurements

Information on HPV-vaccination status was obtained from the Norwegian Immunisation Registry. Data on socioeconomic factors were extracted from Statistics Norway. Risk differences (RDs) and CIs were estimated with Poisson regression.

Results

In the study sample, 78.3% received at least one dose of HPV vaccine and 73.6% received all three doses. High maternal education was significantly associated with lower probability of initiating HPV vaccination (multivariable RD=−5.5% (95% CI −7.0% to −4.0%) for highest compared with lowest education level). In contrast, high maternal income was significantly associated with higher probability of initiating vaccination (multivariable RD=10.1% (95% CI 9.0% to 11.3%) for highest compared with lowest quintile). Paternal education and income showed similar, but weaker, associations. The negative association between education and initiation was only seen for incomes below the median value.

Conclusions

In spite of the presumably equal access to HPV vaccine in Norway, we found socioeconomic disparities in vaccine uptake. More studies are needed to explain the underlying factors responsible for the observed socioeconomic differences. Insight into these factors is necessary to target information and increase vaccination coverage to ultimately reduce HPV-related disease across socioeconomic barriers.
Occurrence and impact of negative behaviour, including domestic violence and abuse, in men attending UK primary care health clinics: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hester M , Ferrari G , Jones S K , Williamson E , Bacchus L J , Peters T J , Feder G
Published: May 2015

Objective

To measure the experience and perpetration of negative behaviour, including domestic violence and abuse (DVA), and investigate its associations with health conditions and behaviours in men attending general practice.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted between September 2010 and June 2011.

Setting

16 general practices in the south west of England.

Participants

Male patients aged 18 or older, attending alone, who could read and write English. A total of 1403 of eligible patients (58%) participated in the survey and 1368 (56%) completed the questions relevant to this paper. 97% of respondents reported they were heterosexual.

Main outcome measures

Lifetime occurrence of negative behaviour consistent with DVA, perceived health impact of negative behaviours, associations with anxiety and depression symptoms, and cannabis use in the past 12 months and binge drinking.

Results

22.7% (95% CI 20.2% to 24.9%) of men reported ever experiencing negative behaviour (feeling frightened, physically hurt, forced sex, ask permission) from a partner. All negative behaviours were associated with a twofold to threefold increased odds of anxiety and depression symptoms in men experiencing or perpetrating negative behaviours or both. 34.9% (95% CI 28.7% to 41.7%) of men who reported experiencing negative behaviour from a partner, and 30.8% (95% CI 23.7% to 37.8%) of men who perpetrated negative behaviours said they had been in a domestically violent or abusive relationship. No associations with problematic drinking were found; there was a weak association with cannabis use.

Conclusions

DVA is experienced or perpetrated by a large minority of men presenting to general practice, and these men were more likely to have current symptoms of depression and anxiety. Presentation of anxiety or depression to clinicians may be an indicator of male experience or perpetration of DVA victimisation.
Longitudinal impact of demographic and clinical variables on health-related quality of life in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Abbott Janice , Morton Alison M , Hurley Margaret A , Conway Steven P
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The insights that people with cystic fibrosis have concerning their health are important given that aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are independent predictors of survival and a decrease in lung function is associated with a decrease in HRQoL over time. Cross-sectional data suggest that key variables, other than lung function, are also associated with HRQoL—although study results are equivocal. This work evaluates the relationship between these key demographic and clinical variables and HRQoL longitudinally.

Design

Longitudinal observational study. Observations were obtained at seven time points: approximately every 2 years over a 12-year period.

Setting

Large adult cystic fibrosis centre in the UK.

Participants

234 participants aged 14–48 years at recruitment.

Outcome measure

Nine domains of HRQoL (Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire) in relation to demographic (age, gender) and clinical measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, (FEV1)% predicted, body mass index (BMI), cystic fibrosis-related diabetes,Burkholderia cepacia complex, totally implantable vascular access device, nutritional and transplant status).

Results

A total of 770 patient assessments were obtained for 234 patients. The results of random coefficients modelling indicated that demographic and clinical variables were identified as being significant for HRQoL over time. In addition to lung function, transplant status, age, having a totally implantable vascular access device, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, BMI andB. cepacia compleximpacted on many HRQoL domains longitudinally. Gender was important for the domain of body image.

Conclusions

Demographic and changes in clinical variables were independently associated with a change in HRQoL over time. Compared with these longitudinal data, cross-sectional data are inadequate when evaluating the relationships between HRQoL domains and key demographic and clinical variables, as they fail to recognise the full impact of the CF disease trajectory and its treatments on quality of life.
Wraparound care for youth injured by violence: study protocol for a pilot randomised control trial
Authors: Snider Carolyn , Jiang Depeng , Logsetty Sarvesh , Strome Trevor , Klassen Terry
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Injury by violence is the fourth cause of death and the leading reason for a youth to visit an emergency department (ED) in Canada. In Winnipeg, 20% of youth who visit an ED with an injury due to violence have a second visit for a subsequent violent injury within 1 year. Youth injured by violence are in a reflective and receptive state of mind, rendering the ED setting appropriate for intervention.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a wraparound care model delivered by a support worker with lived experience with violence, supported by social workers and links to multiple community partners. Support workers will be on call 24 h a day, 7 days a week in order to start the intervention in the ED and take advantage of the ‘teachable moment’. The protocol is of a pilot randomised control trial to assess the feasibility of a randomised control trial designed to assess efficacy. For the pilot trial, we will assess recruitment, treatment fidelity, participant adherence and safety. The intervention arm will receive wraparound care initiated at the time of their visit for injury due to violence. The control arm will receive standard care. We will use an adapted preconsent randomisation methodology. This intervention has been developed using an integrated knowledge translation approach.

Discussion

Interventions delivered in the ED for youth injured by violence require an approach that is appropriate for the unique situation the youth are in.

Ethics

The University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board (HS 16445 (Cohort study) and HS 16444 (WrapAround Care study) granted ethical approval.

Trial registration number

NCT01895738.
Mutation-targeted therapy with sunitinib or everolimus in patients with advanced low-grade or intermediate-grade neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas with or without cytoreductive surgery: protocol for a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Neychev Vladimir , Steinberg Seth M , Cottle-Delisle Candice , Merkel Roxanne , Nilubol Naris , Yao Jianhua , Meltzer Paul , Pacak Karel , Marx Stephen , Kebebew Electron
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Finding the optimal management strategy for patients with advanced, metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas is a work in progress. Sunitinib and everolimus are currently approved for the treatment of progressive, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic low-grade or intermediate-grade pancreatic NETs. However, mutation-targeted therapy with sunitinib or everolimus has not been studied in this patient population.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, open-label phase II clinical trial was designed to determine if mutation-targeting therapy with sunitinib or everolimus for patients with advanced low-grade or intermediate-grade NETs is more effective than historically expected results with progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary end point. Patients ≥18 years of age with progressive, low-grade or intermediate-grade locally advanced or metastatic NETs are eligible for this study. Patients will undergo tumour biopsy (if they are not a surgical candidate) for tumour genotyping. Patients will be assigned to sunitininb or everolimus based on somatic/germline mutations profile. Patients who have disease progression on either sunitinib or everolimus will crossover to the other drug. Treatment will continue until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent to withdrawal. Using the proposed criteria, 44 patients will be accrued within each treatment group during a 48-month period (a total of 88 patients for the 2 treatments), and followed for up to an additional 12 months (a total of 60 months from entry of the first patient) to achieve 80% power in order to test whether there is an improvement in PFS compared to historically expected results, with a 0.10 α level one-sided significance test.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the National Cancer Institute (NCI-IRB Number 15C0040; iRIS Reference Number 339636). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and shared with the worldwide medical community.

Trial registration number

NCT02315625.
The preferences and perspectives of family caregivers towards place of care for their relatives at the end-of-life. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative evidence
Authors: Woodman Caroline , Baillie Jessica , Sivell Stephanie
Published: May 2015

Background

Home is often reported as the preferred place of care for patients at the end-of-life. The support of family caregivers is crucial if this is to be realised. However, little is known about their preferences; a greater understanding would identify how best to support families at the end-of-life, ensuring more patients are cared for in their preferred location.

Objectives

To systematically search and synthesise the qualitative literature exploring the preferences and perspectives of family caregivers towards place of care for their relatives at the end-of-life.

Methods

Ten databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, ASSIA, CINAHL, Social Care Online, Cochrane Database, Scopus, Web of Science) and reference lists of key journals were searched up to January 2014. Included studies were appraised for quality and data thematically synthesised.

Results

Eighteen studies were included; all were of moderate or high quality. Two main themes were identified: (1) Preferences and perspectives: most family caregivers preferred home care, although a range of perspectives were reported. Both positive and negative perspectives of home, hospices and hospitals emerged. At times, family caregivers reported feeling obligated to provide home care. (2) Impact of facilitating home care; both positive and negative effects on family caregivers were reported.

Conclusions

Many family caregivers reported home as the preferred place of care; other places of care were infrequently considered. Healthcare professionals and service providers should be aware of these preferences and provide support where needed to enable family caregivers to successfully care at home, thus improving end-of-life experiences for families as a whole.
Prevention and treatment of decompression sickness using training and in-water recompression among fisherman divers in Vietnam
Authors: Blatteau Jean-Eric , Pontier Jean-Michel , Buzzacott Peter , Lambrechts Kate , Nguyen Van Mui , Cavenel Philippe , Ruffez Jean
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Many fisherman divers in Vietnam suffer from decompression sickness (DCS) causing joint pain, severe neurological deficit or even death. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a training programme to prevent DCS and also treat DCS using the method of in-water recompression (IWR).

Methods

63 divers were interviewed and trained over a period of 3 years from 2009. Fifty one per cent of all trained divers were reinterviewed in 2011–2012 to collect mortality and morbidity data as well as information on changes in diving practices.

Results

Since 2009, most fisherman divers have changed their practices by reducing bottom time or depth. Mortality was reduced and the incidence of severe neurological DCS decreased by 75%. Twenty four cases of DCS were treated by IWR. Ten cases of joint pain were treated with IWR using air, affording immediate relief in all cases. Out of 10 cases of neurological DCS, 4/4 recovered completely after IWR with oxygen whereas only 2/6 subjects recovered immediately after IWR with air. In addition, 3/4 further cases of DCS treated with IWR using oxygen immediately recovered.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that IWR is effective for severe neurological DCS in remote fishing communities, especially with oxygen.
The adsorption of SO2 on TiO2 anatase nanoparticles: a density functional theory study
Authors: Abbasi Amirali , Sardroodi Jaber Jahanbin , Ebrahimzade Alireza Rastkar
Published: May 2015

First-principles calculations have been carried out to investigate the adsorption properties of SO2 molecules on nitrogen-doped TiO2 anatase nanoparticles using the density functional theory method to fully exploit the gas-sensing capabilities of TiO2 particles. For this purpose, we have mainly studied the adsorption of the SO2 molecule on the dangling oxygen atom and doped nitrogen atom sites of the TiO2 nanoparticles because these sites are more active than other sites in the adsorption processes. The complex systems consisting of the SO2 molecule positioned toward the undoped and nitrogen-doped nanoparticles have been relaxed geometrically. The results presented include structural parameters such as bond lengths and bond angles and energetics of the systems such as adsorption energies. The electronic structure and its variations resulting from the adsorption process, including the density of states, molecular orbitals, and the charge transfer, are discussed. We found that the adsorption of the SO2 molecule on the nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanoparticles is energetically more favorable than the adsorption on the undoped ones. These results thus provide a theoretical basis for the potential applications of TiO2 nanoparticles in the removal and sensing of SO2 and give an explanation for helping in the optimization of improved gas removers and sensor devices.
Seasonal variation in cod feeding and growth in a changing sea
Authors: Johannesen Edda , Johansen Geir Odd , Korsbrekke Knut
Published: May 2015

Seasonal variation in feeding and growth of 3- to 9-year-old Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was studied using data from joint Norwegian–Russian surveys in January–March (winter survey) and September–August (ecosystem survey) in the Barents Sea. The study encompassed the warmest period on record, with large cod stock and both low (2004–2007) and high (2008–2013) abundance of Barents Sea cod’s main prey, capelin (Mallotus villosus). Feeding on capelin was most important in winter. Energy acquisition (kJ·day−1) was higher during fall, but in years with high capelin abundance the seasonal difference was smaller. There was no difference in energy acquisition in years with high and low capelin abundance, underpinning recent findings on decoupling between capelin abundance and cod demography. Compensatory feeding on alternative prey takes place in fall, but not in winter. These findings were consistent across age groups. The results found for energy acquisition was mirrored in growth; in years with low capelin abundance, there was a seasonal difference in growth, whereas in years with high capelin abundance, the difference was absent.
Exploring causal linkages between sustainable forest ecosystem management and technological progress in Canadian logging industries
Authors: Ghebremichael Asghedom
Published: May 2015

Logging poses socioeconomic, ecological, and environmental dilemmas. On the one hand, it plays a significant role in sustaining the forest sector’s contributions to the national economy. On the other hand, however, logging operations are major causes of ecological and environmental damages. It was hypothesized that if timely investments in various silvicultural operations were made to restore ecological integrity disturbed by logging operation, if the guiding principles of sustainable forest ecosystem management were strictly upheld, and if public and private investments in research and development were made, with a view to realize technological progress in the forest sector, then logging operations would be technically and economically efficient, firms in each regional industry would have comparative cost advantages in the marketplace, and the adverse effects of logging operations on ecological integrity would be socially, economically, and environmentally tolerable, all reflected through total factor productivity (TFP) growth. Two complementary methodologies were applied to test this hypothesis. First, the guiding principles of sustainable forest ecosystem management were synthesized to establish the conditions and the principles that logging firms must uphold to be stewards of ecological integrity. Second, TFP growth was measured and analyzed, using a nonparametric model. Sluggish but upward trends in TFP growth appeared to validate the hypothesis. Implications of the study for policy making and the benefits that society derives from TFP growth are highlighted.
Contribution of right-handed neutrinos and standard fermions to W± and Z masses
Authors: Beneš Petr
Published: May 2015

We present expressions of the Pagels–Stokar (PS) type for the masses of the [Formula: see text] and Z bosons in terms of the quark and lepton self-energies. By introducing a genuine new term in the gauge boson-fermion–anti-fermion vertex we manage to accomplish three main achievements: First, we show that the similar results existing in literature lead, in general, to a nonsymmetric gauge boson mass matrix and we fix this flaw. Second, we consider the case of any number of fermion generations with general mixing. Third, we include in our analysis also an arbitrary number of right-handed neutrinos, together with the left-handed and right-handed neutrino Majorana masses (self-energies). On top of that, we give also a correction to the original PS formula for the pion decay constant in QCD.
Novel Algorithm for Non-Negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Hien Tran Dang , Tuan Do Van , At Pham Van , Son Le Hung
Published: May 2015

Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is an emerging technique with a wide spectrum of potential applications in data analysis. Mathematically, NMF can be formulated as a minimization problem with non-negative constraints. This problem attracts much attention from researchers for theoretical reasons and for potential applications. Currently, the most popular approach to solve NMF is the multiplicative update algorithm proposed by Lee and Seung. In this paper, we propose an additive update algorithm that has a faster computational speed than Lee and Seung's multiplicative update algorithm.
Evolutionary Algorithm for Uncertain Evaluation Function
Authors: Tajima Yusuke , Nakata Masaya , Matsushima Hiroyasu , Ichikawa Yoshihiro , Sato Hiroyuki , Hattori Kiyohiko , Takadama Keiki
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes the evolutionary algorithm (EA) for the uncertain evaluation function in which fitness values change even with the same input. In detail, the proposed method employs the probability model to acquire the appropriate attributes that can drive the good solutions. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we apply it to sleep stage estimation problem where an accuracy of sleep stage estimation changes even in the same estimation filter (correspondingly the solutions). The experimental results have revealed the following implications: (i) The proposed method succeeded to acquire the robust estimation filters which stably derive a high accuracy of the sleep stage estimation; (ii) in detail, the proposed method with the roulette selection shows higher performance than the one with the random selection; and (iii) the proposed method shows high performance and robustness to the different days in comparison with the conventional sleep stage estimation method.
Stable commutator length in amalgamated free products
Authors: Susse Tim
Published: May 2015

We show that stable commutator length is rational on free products of free abelian groups amalgamated over ℤk, a class of groups containing the fundamental groups of all torus knot complements. We consider a geometric model for these groups and parametrize all surfaces with specified boundary mapping to this space. Using this work we provide a topological algorithm to compute stable commutator length in these groups. Further, we use the methods developed to show that in free products of cyclic groups the stable commutator length of a fixed word varies quasirationally in the orders of the free factors.
Mass spectrometry-based microassay of2H and13C plasma glucose labeling to quantify liver metabolic fluxes in vivo
Authors: Hasenour Clinton M. , Wall Martha L. , Ridley D. Emerson , Hughey Curtis C. , James Freyja D. , Wasserman David H. , Young Jamey D.
Published: May 2015

Mouse models designed to examine hepatic metabolism are critical to diabetes and obesity research. Thus, a microscale method to quantitatively assess hepatic glucose and intermediary metabolism in conscious, unrestrained mice was developed. [13C3]propionate, [2H2]water, and [6,6-2H2]glucose isotopes were delivered intravenously in short- (9 h) and long-term-fasted (19 h) C57BL/6J mice. GC-MS and mass isotopomer distribution (MID) analysis were performed on three 40-μl arterial plasma glucose samples obtained during the euglycemic isotopic steady state. Model-based regression of hepatic glucose and citric acid cycle (CAC)-related fluxes was performed using a comprehensive isotopomer model to track carbon and hydrogen atom transitions through the network and thereby simulate the MIDs of measured fragment ions. Glucose-6-phosphate production from glycogen diminished, and endogenous glucose production was exclusively gluconeogenic with prolonged fasting. Gluconeogenic flux from phospho enolpyruvate (PEP) remained stable, whereas that from glycerol modestly increased from short- to long-term fasting. CAC flux [i.e., citrate synthase ( VCS)] was reduced with long-term fasting. Interestingly, anaplerosis and cataplerosis increased with fast duration; accordingly, pyruvate carboxylation and the conversion of oxaloacetate to PEP were severalfold higher than VCSin long-term fasted mice. This method utilizes state-of-the-art in vivo methodology and comprehensive isotopomer modeling to quantify hepatic glucose and intermediary fluxes during physiological stress in mice. The small plasma requirements permit serial sampling without stress and the affirmation of steady-state glucose kinetics. Furthermore, the approach can accommodate a broad range of modeling assumptions, isotope tracers, and measurement inputs without the need to introduce ad hoc mathematical approximations.
Identification of candidate genes that underlie the QTL on chromosome 1 that mediates genetic differences in stress-ethanol interactions
Authors: Cook Melloni N. , Baker Jessica A. , Heldt Scott A. , Williams Robert W. , Hamre Kristin M. , Lu Lu
Published: May 2015

Alcoholism, stress, and anxiety are strongly interacting heritable, polygenetic traits. In a previous study, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on murine chromosome (Chr) 1 between 23.0 and 31.5 Mb that modulates genetic differences in the effects of ethanol on anxiety-related phenotypes. The goal of the present study was to extend the analysis of this locus with a focus on identifying candidate genes using newly available data and tools. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated with an elevated zero maze following saline or ethanol injections (1.8 g/kg) in C57BL/6J, DBA2J, and 72 BXD strains. We detected significant effects of strain and treatment and their interaction on anxiety-related behaviors, although surprisingly, sex was not a significant factor. The Chr1 QTL is specific to the ethanol-treated cohort. Candidate genes in this locus were evaluated using now standard bioinformatic criteria. Collagen 19a1 ( Col19a1) and family sequence 135a ( Fam135a) met most criteria but have lower expression levels and lacked biological verification and, therefore, were considered less likely candidates. In contrast, two other genes, the prenylated protein tyrosine phosphate family member Ptp4a1 (protein tyrosine phosphate 4a1) and the zinc finger protein Phf3 (plant homeoDomain finger protein 3) met each of our bioinformatic criteria and are thus strong candidates. These findings are also of translational relevance because both Ptp4a1 and Phf3 have been nominated as candidates genes for alcohol dependence in a human genome-wide association study. Our findings support the hypothesis that variants in one or both of these genes modulate heritable differences in the effects of ethanol on anxiety-related behaviors.
Transuranics Transmutation Using Neutrons Spectrum from Spallation Reactions
Authors: Gilberti Maurício , Pereira Claubia , Veloso Maria Auxiliadora F. , Costa Antonella Lombardi
Published: May 2015

The aim is to analyse the neutron spectrum influence in a hybrid system ADS-fission inducing transuranics (TRUs) transmutation. A simple model consisting of an Accelerator-Driven Subcritical (ADS) system containing spallation target, moderator or coolant, and spheres of actinides, “fuel,” at different locations in the system was modelled. The simulation was performed using the MCNPX 2.6.0 particles transport code evaluating capture(n,γ)and fission(n,f)reactions, as well as the burnup of actinides. The goal is to examine the behaviour and influences of the hard neutron spectrum from spallation reactions in the transmutation, without the contribution or interference of multiplier subcritical medium, and compare the results with those obtained from the neutron fission spectrum. The results show that the transmutation efficiency is independent of the spallation target material used, and the neutrons spectrum from spallation does not contribute to increased rates of actinides transmutation even in the vicinity of the target.
Neurexin-Neuroligin Synaptic Complex Regulates Schizophrenia-Related DISC1/Kal-7/Rac1 “Signalosome”
Authors: Owczarek Sylwia , Bang Marie Louise , Berezin Vladimir
Published: May 2015

Neurexins (NXs) and neuroligins (NLs) are cell adhesion molecules that are localized at opposite sites of synaptic membranes. They interact with each other to promote the assembly, maintenance, and function of synapses in the central nervous system. Both NX and NL are cleaved from a membrane-attached intracellular domain in an activity-dependent manner, generating the soluble ectodomain of NX or NL. Expression of theNX1andNX3genes in the brain appears to be regulated by a schizophrenia-related protein, DISC1. Here, we show that soluble ecto-NX1βcan regulate the expression of DISC1 and induce signaling downstream of DISC1. We also show that NL1 binds to a well-characterized DISC1 interaction partner, Kal-7, and this interaction can be compromised by DISC1. Our results indicate that the NX/NL synaptic complex is intrinsically involved in the regulation of DISC1 function, thus contributing to a better understanding of the pathology of schizophrenia.
Acoustic Emission Behavior of Rock-Like Material Containing Two Flaws in the Process of Deformation Failure
Authors: Liu Quan-Sheng , Xu Jie , Liu Bin , Jiang Jing-Dong
Published: May 2015

Many sudden disasters (such as rock burst) by mining extraction originate in crack initiation and propagation. Meanwhile a large number of shock waves are produced by rock deformation and failure. With the purpose of investigating crack coalescence and failure mechanism in rock, experimental research of rock-like materials with two preexisting flaws was performed. Moreover, the AE technique and photographic monitoring were adopted to clarify further the procedure of the crack coalescence and failure. It reveals that AE location technique can record the moments of crack occurrences and follow the crack growth until final failure. Finally, the influence of different flaw geometries on crack initiation strength is analyzed in detail. This research provides increased understanding of the fracture mechanism of mining-induced disasters.
Study on Low-Frequency TEM Effect of Coal during Dynamic Rupture
Authors: Li Cheng-wu , Wang Chuan , Xie Bei-jing , Sun Xiao-yuan , Xu Xiao-meng
Published: May 2015

Dynamic loads provided by the SHPB test system were applied to coal specimens, and the TEM signals that emerged during coal rupture were recorded by the TMVT system. Experiments on coal-mass blasting rupture in excavating workface were also carried out, and the emerged TEM signal was analyzed. The results indicate that the low-frequency TEM signals were detected close to the coal specimens under high strain dynamic load applied by the SHPB, initially rising sharply and dropping rapidly, followed by a small tailing turbulence. And the field test results obtained during coal blasting process coincided with the results from the SHPB tests. Furthermore, its initial part shaped like a pulse cluster had a more pronounced tail and lasted even longer. And the generation mechanism of the low-frequency TEM effect was analyzed. It suggests that the low-frequency TEM effect of coal during dynamic rupture is contributed by the fractoemission mechanism and the resonance or waveguide effects. Because its wavelength is longer than the higher ones, the low-frequency TEM has a good anti-interference performance. That can expand the scope and performance of the coal-rock dynamic disaster electromagnetic monitoring technique.
Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of β‐Ga2O3 Nanorods under Simulated Solar Irradiation
Authors: Wang Yinzhen , Li Ning , Duan Pingping , Sun Xuwei , Chu Benli , He Qinyu
Published: May 2015

β‐Ga2O3 nanorods are prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. The results reveal that high crystallinity, monoclinic phase of β‐Ga2O3 nanorods were prepared with a diameter of about 60 nm and length of 500 nm. Photoluminescence study indicates that the β‐Ga2O3 nanorods exhibit a broad blue light emission at room temperature. The β‐Ga2O3 nanorods displayed high photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation; after 2 h irradiation, over 95% of methylene blue solution and over 90% of methyl orange solution were decolorized. Since this process does not require additional hydrogen peroxide and uses solar light, it can be developed as an economically feasible and environmentally friendly method to treat dye effluent.
Everolimus-Based Therapy versus Chemotherapy among Patients with HR+/HER2− Metastatic Breast Cancer: Comparative Effectiveness from a Chart Review Study
Authors: Li Nanxin , Hao Yanni , Xie Jipan , Lin Peggy L. , Koo Valerie , Ohashi Erika , Wu Eric Q.
Published: May 2015

Objective. To compare the real-world effectiveness of everolimus-based therapy and chemotherapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive/human-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC).Methods. This retrospective chart review examined a nationwide sample of postmenopausal HR+/HER2− mBC women in community-based oncology practices. Patients received everolimus-based therapy or chemotherapy for mBC between 07/01/2012 and 04/15/2013, after failure of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time on treatment (TOT) were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for line of therapy and baseline characteristics.Results. 234 and 137 patients received everolimus-based therapy and chemotherapy. Patients treated with everolimus-based therapy tended to have less aggressive mBC than patients treated with chemotherapy. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models showed that everolimus-based therapy was associated with significantly longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.63], PFS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50–0.97), and TOT (HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.25–0.45) than chemotherapy. Adjusted comparative effectiveness results were generally consistent across lines of therapy.Conclusion. In this retrospective chart review of postmenopausal HR+/HER2− mBC patients, treatment with everolimus-based therapy was associated with longer OS, PFS, and TOT than chemotherapy.
Elution Characteristics of Vancomycin, Gentamicin, and Vancomycin/Gentamicin Combination from Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Uchino Masataka , Sugo Ken , Naruse Kouji , Uchida Kentaro , Hirakawa Noriko , Toyama Masahiro , Miyajima Genyou , Urabe Ken
Published: May 2015

The antibiotic elution profiles from calcium phosphate cement (CPC) used for treating infection sites after total joint arthroplasty vary depending on the type and number of impregnated antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for efficiently eluting vancomycin hydrochloride (VCM) and gentamicin sulfate (GM) from CPC. Examination of the antibiotic elution profiles of CPC impregnated with either VCM (CPC/V) or GM (CPC/G) or both (CPC/VG) revealed that the early elution of VCM from CPC/VG was impaired compared to CPC/V. However, the elution of GM from CPC/VG was similar or higher compared to CPC/G. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the pore structure of CPC markedly differed depending on the type and number of antibiotics present. The pore size of CPC/VG was smaller compared to CPC/V but was larger compared to CPC/G. Thus, the inhibition of the early elution of VCM, which is a larger molecule than GM, was attributed to the decreased pore size of CPC/VG. These findings suggest that when dual treatment with VCM and GM is required for infection following total joint arthroplasty, each antibiotic should be individually impregnated into CPC to maximize the elution efficiency of VCM.
Finite-Time Reentry Attitude Control Using Time-Varying Sliding Mode and Disturbance Observer
Authors: Wu Xuzhong , Tang Shengjing , Guo Jie , Zhang Yao
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the finite-time attitude control problem for reentry vehicle with redundant actuators in consideration of planet uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, feedback linearization technique is used to cancel the nonlinearities of equations of motion to construct a basic mode for attitude controller. Secondly, two kinds of time-varying sliding mode control methods with disturbance observer are integrated with the basic mode in order to enhance the control performance and system robustness. One method is designed based on boundary layer technique and the other is a novel second-order sliding model control method. The finite-time stability analyses of both resultant closed-loop systems are carried out. Furthermore, after attitude controller produces the torque commands, an optimization control allocation approach is introduced to allocate them into aerodynamic surface deflections and on-off reaction control system thrusts. Finally, the numerical simulation results demonstrate that both of the time-varying sliding mode control methods are robust to uncertainties and disturbances without chattering phenomenon. Moreover, the proposed second-order sliding mode control method possesses better control accuracy.
Quantitative Assessment of the Association between Genetic Variants in MicroRNAs and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xu , Wang Meng , Xu Dan , Yang Jian-Hai , Kang Hua-Feng , Wang Xi-Jing , Lin Shuai , Yang Peng-Tao , Liu Xing-Han , Dai Zhi-Jun
Published: May 2015

Background. The associations between polymorphisms in microRNAs and the susceptibility of colorectal cancer (CRC) were inconsistent in previous studies. This study aims to quantify the strength of the correlation between the four common polymorphisms among microRNAs (hsa-mir-146a rs2910164, hsa-mir-149 rs2292832, hsa-mir-196a2 rs11614913, and hsa-mir-499 rs3746444) and CRC risk.Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and CNKI to find relevant studies. The combined odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to estimate the strength of the association in a fixed or random effect model.Results. 15 studies involving 5,486 CRC patients and 7,184 controls were included. Meta-analyses showed that rs3746444 had association with CRC risk in Caucasians (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.34–0.95). In the subgroup analysis, we found significant associations between rs2910164 and CRC in hospital based studies (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03–1.49). rs2292832 may be a high risk factor of CRC in population based studied (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.08–1.38).Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed that rs2910164 and rs2292832 may increase the risk of CRC. However, rs11614913 polymorphism may reduce the risk of CRC. rs3746444 may have a decreased risk to CRC in Caucasians.