bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An SOS Regulon under Control of a Noncanonical LexA-Binding Motif in the Betaproteobacteria
Authors: Sanchez-Alberola Neus , Campoy Susana , Emerson David , Barbé Jordi , Erill Ivan
Published: May 2015

The SOS response is a transcriptional regulatory network governed by the LexA repressor that activates in response to DNA damage. In the
Betaproteobacteria
, LexA is known to target a palindromic sequence with the consensus sequence CTGT-N
8
-ACAG. We report the characterization of a LexA regulon in the iron-oxidizing betaproteobacterium
Sideroxydans lithotrophicus
.
In silico
and
in vitro
analyses show that LexA targets six genes by recognizing a binding motif with the consensus sequence GAACGaaCGTTC, which is strongly reminiscent of the
Bacillus subtilis
LexA-binding motif. We confirm that the closely related
Gallionella capsiferriformans
shares the same LexA-binding motif, and
in silico
analyses indicate that this motif is also conserved in the
Nitrosomonadales
and the
Methylophilales
. Phylogenetic analysis of LexA and the alpha subunit of DNA polymerase III (DnaE) reveal that the organisms harboring this noncanonical LexA form a compact taxonomic cluster within the
Betaproteobacteria
. However, their
lexA
gene is unrelated to the standard
Betaproteobacteria
lexA
, and there is evidence of its spread through lateral gene transfer. In contrast to other reported cases of noncanonical LexA-binding motifs, the regulon of
S. lithotrophicus
is comparable in size and function to that of many other
Betaproteobacteria
, suggesting that a convergent SOS regulon has reevolved under the control of a new LexA protein. Analysis of the DNA-binding domain of
S. lithotrophicus
LexA reveals little sequence similarity with that of other LexA proteins targeting similar binding motifs, suggesting that network structure may limit site evolution or that structural constrains make the
B. subtilis
-type motif an optimal interface for multiple LexA sequences.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the evolution of transcriptional systems enables us to address important questions in microbiology, such as the emergence and transfer potential of different regulatory systems to regulate virulence or mediate responses to stress. The results reported here constitute the first characterization of a noncanonical LexA protein regulating a standard SOS regulon. This is significant because it illustrates how a complex transcriptional program can be put under the control of a novel transcriptional regulator. Our results also reveal a substantial degree of plasticity in the LexA recognition domain, raising intriguing questions about the space of protein-DNA interfaces and the specific evolutionary constrains faced by these elements.
Acupuncture for functional constipation: protocol of an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Qianhua , Zheng Hui , Lu Lingyun , Leng Jincheng , Zhou Siyuan , Zheng Huabin , Huang Wenjing , Liu Zhishun , Zhu Bing , Li Ying
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Functional constipation (FC) is a common gastrointestinal disease. Systematic reviews indicate that acupuncture may be effective for patients with FC. However, this conclusion is not convincing due to the quality, sample size and methodological heterogeneity of the studies included by these systematic reviews. Therefore, it is necessary for us to conduct a meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from high-quality clinical trials to determine whether acupuncture is effective for patients with FC.

Methods and analysis

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for adult patients with FC will be searched in several databases from inception to April 2015. The corresponding authors of eligible studies will be contacted and invited to contribute raw data. The primary outcome is the change in spontaneous defaecation per week from baseline. The secondary outcomes include the proportion of responders, changes in stool quality, mean transit time, proportion of patients using laxatives and adverse events. We will check all of the data and perform reanalysis according to the statistical methodology reported in previous publications. Then we will harmonise the raw data and use a two-step method to conduct the IPD meta-analysis. First, we will calculate the effect size of acupuncture of each trial by analysis of covariance, with the principal end point as the dependent variable and the baseline scores as the covariates. Second, the effect size of acupuncture in each original study will be combined in the meta-analysis.

Dissemination

On the basis of the IPD meta-analysis of high-quality RCTs, this review will answer the question of whether acupuncture is effective for FC. The findings of the review will be disseminated through peer-review publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO 2014 CRD42014009901.
Understanding patient experiences of self-managing chronic dizziness: a qualitative study of booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without remote support
Authors: Muller Ingrid , Kirby Sarah , Yardley Lucy
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study explores participants’ experience of self-management of dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR), with or without expert telephone support.

Design

Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted.

Setting

Participants were recruited from primary care practices as part of a large RCT.

Participants

Interviews were carried out with 33 people (10 men and 23 women; age 27–84) self-managing chronic dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without expert telephone support.

Results

Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The majority of participants in both groups reported a positive experience of VR therapy, with many participants reporting an improvement in their dizziness symptoms since undertaking the therapy. Participants in the telephone support group felt that a genuine relationship developed between them and their therapist within three short sessions, and described their therapy sessions as reassuring, encouraging and motivational.

Conclusions

The VR treatment booklet appears to be a valued tool for self-managing chronic dizziness and people appreciate receiving remote telephone support.

Trial registration number

NCT00732797.
What factors contribute to positive early childhood health and development in Australian Aboriginal children? Protocol for a population-based cohort study using linked administrative data (The Seeding Success Study)
Authors: Falster Kathleen , Jorm Louisa , Eades Sandra , Lynch John , Banks Emily , Brownell Marni , Craven Rhonda , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Randall Deborah
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Australian Aboriginal children are more likely than non-Aboriginal children to have developmental vulnerability at school entry that tracks through to poorer literacy and numeracy outcomes and multiple social and health disadvantages in later life. Empirical evidence identifying the key drivers of positive early childhood development in Aboriginal children, and supportive features of local communities and early childhood service provision, are lacking.

Methods and analysis

The study population will be identified via linkage of Australian Early Development Census data to perinatal and birth registration data sets. It will include an almost complete population of children who started their first year of full-time school in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in 2009 and 2012. Early childhood health and development trajectories for these children will be constructed via linkage to a range of administrative data sets relating to birth outcomes, congenital conditions, hospital admissions, emergency department presentations, receipt of ambulatory mental healthcare services, use of general practitioner services, contact with child protection and out-of-home care services, receipt of income assistance and fact of death. Using multilevel modelling techniques, we will quantify the contributions of individual-level and area-level factors to variation in early childhood development outcomes in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. Additionally, we will evaluate the impact of two government programmes that aim to address early childhood disadvantage, the NSW Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service and the Brighter Futures Program. These evaluations will use propensity score matching methods and multilevel modelling.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained for this study. Dissemination mechanisms include engagement of stakeholders (including representatives from Aboriginal community controlled organisations, policy agencies, service providers) through a reference group, and writing of summary reports for policy and community audiences in parallel with scientific papers.
Exploring demographic and lifestyle associations with patient experience following telephone triage by a primary care doctor or nurse: secondary analyses from a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Warren Fiona C , Calitri Raff , Fletcher Emily , Varley Anna , Holt Tim A , Lattimer Valerie , Richards David , Richards Suzanne , Salisbury Chris , Taylor Rod S , Campbell John L
Published: May 2015

Background

The ESTEEM trial was a cluster randomised controlled trial that compared two telephone triage management systems (general practitioner (GP) or a nurse supported by computer decision support software) with usual care, in response to a request for same-day consultation in general practice.

Aim

To investigate associations between trial patients’ demographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics, and their reported experiences of care.

Setting

Recruitment of 20 990 patients occurred between May 2011 and December 2012 in 42 GP practices in England (13 GP triage, 15 nurse triage, 14 usual care).

Method

Patients reported their experiences via a postal questionnaire issued 4 weeks after their initial request for a same-day consultation. Overall satisfaction, ease of accessing medical help/advice, and convenience of care were analysed using linear hierarchical modelling.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 12 132 patients (58%). Older patients reported increased overall satisfaction compared with patients aged 25–59 years, but patients aged 16–24 years reported lower satisfaction. Compared with white patients, patients from ethnic minorities reported lower satisfaction in all three arms, although to a lesser degree in the GP triage arm. Patients from ethnic minorities reported higher satisfaction in the GP triage than in usual care, whereas white patients reported higher satisfaction with usual care. Patients unable to take time away from work or who could only do so with difficulty reported lower satisfaction across all three trial arms.

Conclusions

Patient characteristics, such as age, ethnicity and ability to attend their practice during work hours, were associated with their experiences of care following a same-day consultation request in general practice. Telephone triage did not increase satisfaction among patients who were unable to attend their practice during working hours.

Trial registration number

ISCRTN20687662.
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVES ON PATIENT SAFETY IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE
Authors: O'Hara Rachel , Hirst Enid , Johnson Maxine , Newman Chris , Shaw Deborah , Turner Janette
Published: May 2015

Background

The contribution of service users to identifying and prioritising research issues is vital to make practice and policy more relevant to their needs. Their experiences and knowledge can complement those of clinicians, health professionals and researchers. The aim of this research was to explore service-user perceptions of ambulance service care and patient safety.

Methods

Three service-users focus groups (n=23) were conducted in three different Ambulance Service Trust regions and enabled participants to discuss their respective perceptions, experiences and concerns. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Findings

Service-users identified a number of concerns. The skills of call handlers in managing two-way communication at the initial call stage was perceived as critical to informing appropriate triage decisions; the risk at this stage was considered to be higher where callers have communication difficulties. Participants emphasised the importance of patient involvement in decisions made at-scene, and carers/advocates where appropriate; however, different levels of understanding in relation to their rights were apparent. Awareness of new ambulance service roles and alternatives to ED conveyance also varied. Non-conveyance was viewed as an acceptable option and even preferable where appropriate, and where alternative care options are assured. Participants were aware of the demands facing front-line staff and the impact of 24/7 accessibility, while other services were perceived as more difficult to access, in part due to limited awareness. Risk aversion amongst the public and health professionals was also perceived as a potential contributor to the increased demand for emergency care.

Conclusions

Despite the relatively small number of participants, the findings provide useful service-user perspectives relevant to pre-hospital emergency care policy and practice, as well as the wider urgent and emergency care context. It is important that such views can be represented through public/patient involvement in decision making at organisational and service commissioning level.
Migration, urbanisation and mortality: 5-year longitudinal analysis of the PERU MIGRANT study
Authors: Burroughs Pena Melissa S , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M , Sánchez Juan F , Quispe Renato , Pillay Timesh D , Málaga Germán , Gilman Robert H , Smeeth Liam , Miranda J Jaime
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare all-cause and cause-specific mortality among 3 distinct groups: within-country, rural-to-urban migrants, and rural and urban dwellers in a longitudinal cohort in Peru.

Methods

The PERU MIGRANT Study, a longitudinal cohort study, used an age-stratified and sex-stratified random sample of urban dwellers in a shanty town community in the capital city of Peru, rural dwellers in the Andes, and migrants from the Andes to the shanty town community. Participants underwent a questionnaire and anthropomorphic measurements at a baseline evaluation in 2007–2008 and at a follow-up visit in 2012–2013. Mortality was determined by death certificate or family interview.

Results

Of the 989 participants evaluated at baseline, 928 (94%) were evaluated at follow-up (mean age 48 years; 53% female). The mean follow-up time was 5.1 years, totalling 4732.8 person-years. In a multivariable survival model, and relative to urban dwellers, migrant participants had lower all cause mortality (HR=0.30; 95% CI 0.12−0.78), and both the migrant (HR=0.07; 95% CI 0.01−0.41) and rural (HR=0.06; 95% CI 0.01−0.62) groups had lower cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular mortality of migrants remains similar to that of the rural group, suggesting that rural-to-urban migrants do not appear to catch up with urban mortality in spite of having a more urban cardiovascular risk factor profile.
The impact of smoke-free legislation on educational differences in birth outcomes
Authors: McKinnon Britt , Auger Nathalie , Kaufman Jay S
Published: May 2015

Background

Smoke-free legislation may have positive effects on birth outcomes. Given that smoking and secondhand smoke during pregnancy vary with socioeconomic position, legislation may have greater effects in some socioeconomic groups. For this study, we evaluated the impact of a 2006 ban on smoking in public places in the Canadian province of Quebec on preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age birth and birth weight, and on educational differences in these birth outcomes.

Methods

We analysed data on singleton births in Quebec between 2003 and 2010. Logistic regression was used to model the association of smoke-free legislation with preterm birth (<37 weeks), very preterm birth (<34 weeks), small-for-gestational-age birth (<10th centile for gestational age and sex), low birth weight (<2500 g) and mean birth weight, adjusting for secular trends before and after legislation. Interaction terms were included to assess differential effects by level of maternal education.

Results

Smoke-free legislation was associated with average reductions of 3.1 preterm births (95% CI 0.1 to 6.0), 2.3 very preterm births (95% CI 0.9 to 3.7), 5.9 small-for-gestational-age births (95% CI 2.6 to 9.3) and 1.0 low birthweight infants (95% CI 0.4 to 1.6) per 1000 live births, as well as a 17.1 g increase in mean birth weight (95% CI 10.7 to 23.6). Legislation was associated with improved birth outcomes in all categories of maternal education.

Conclusions

Smoke-free legislation in Quebec was associated with reductions in preterm and small-for-gestational-age births, and an increase in birth weight. There was no compelling evidence that legislation impacted educational gradients in birth outcomes.
Postmortem diagnosis of canine diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis via biochemical analysis of aqueous humour
Authors: Lim Ziyuan , Stephens Nahiid Salome , Gaal Tibor
Published: May 2015

An adult male crossbreed canine cadaver of unknown age was presented for postmortem examination. The dog was found by animal welfare workers in a backyard, laterally recumbent with weak agonal breathing, which ceased during retrieval. No previous medical history was known. Postmortem urinalysis revealed hypersthenuria, severe bilirubinuria, severe glucosuria, significant haematuria and severe ketonuria (β‐hydroxybutyrate). Serum biochemistry was not possible due to severe haemolysis; however analysis of aqueous humour revealed high concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, total bilirubin, urea and creatine. Severe diffuse hepatic lipidosis with severe intrahepatic cholestasis and jaundice, poor body condition and bilateral cataracts were identified on gross and histological examination. These findings are supportive of chronic diabetes mellitus with acute ketoacidosis resulting in death. As such, the authors propose that biochemical analysis of aqueous humour/ocular fluids can be considered for postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs.
Proteolytic activity of extracellular products from Arthrobotrys musiformis and their effect in vitro against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae
Authors: Acevedo‐Ramírez Perla María del Carmen , Figueroa‐Castillo Juan Antonio , Ulloa‐Arvizú Raúl , Martínez‐García Luz Gisela , Guevara‐Flores Alberto , Rendón Juan Luis , Valero‐Coss Rosa Ofelia , Mendoza‐de Gives Pedro , Quiroz‐Romero Héctor
Published: May 2015

Arthrobotrys musiformis is a nematophagous fungus with potential for the biological control of Haemonchus contortus larvae. This study aimed to identify and demonstrate the proteolytic activity of extracellular products from A musiformis cultured in a liquid medium against H contortus infective larvae. A musiformis was cultured on a solid medium and further grown in a liquid medium, which was then processed through ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The proteolytic activity of the purified fraction was assayed with either gelatin or bovine serum albumin as substrate. Optimum proteolytic activity was observed at pH 8 and a temperature of 37°C. Results obtained with specific inhibitors suggest the enzyme belongs to the serine‐dependent protease family. The purified fraction concentrate from A musiformis was tested against H contortus infective larvae. A time‐dependent effect was observed with 77 per cent immobility after 48 hours incubation, with alteration of the sheath. It is concluded that A musiformis is a potential candidate for biological control because of its resistant structures and also because of its excretion of extracellular products such as proteases. The present study contributes to the identification of one of the in vitro mechanisms of action of Amusiformis, namely the extracellular production of proteases against H contortus infective larvae. More investigations should be undertaken into how these products could be used to decrease the nematode population in sheep flocks under field conditions, thereby improving animal health while simultaneously diminishing the human and environmental impact of chemical‐based drugs.
Nonlinear optical response in Kronig–Penney type graphene superlattice in terahertz regime
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Yuan Rui-Yang , Zhao Xin , Lv Jing , Yan Hui
Published: May 2015

The terahertz nonlinear optical response in Kronig–Penney (KP) type graphene superlattice is demonstrated. The single-, triple- and quintuple-frequencies of the fifth-order nonlinear responses are investigated for different frequencies and temperatures with the angle φ along the periodicity of the superlattice toward the external field tuning from 0 to π/2. The results show that the fifth-order nonlinear optical conductance of graphene superlattice is enhanced in the terahertz regime when φ = 0, i.e. an external field is applied along the periodicity of the superlattice. The fifth-order nonlinear optical conductances at φ = 0 for different frequencies and temperatures are calculated. The results show that the nonlinear optical conductance is enhanced in low frequency and low temperature. Our results suggest that KP type graphene superlattices are preferred structures for developing graphene-based nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics devices.
Multi-Perspective Exploratory Analysis of Software Development Data
Authors: da Silva Jose Ricardo , Clua Esteban , Murta Leonardo , Sarma Anita
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present Dominoes, an approach for analyzing software repositories with thousands of artifacts by considering multiple perspectives of the software development data. In order to achieve computational power we model the data and its relationships as matrices, making possible to efficiently process them with a GPUs (Graphics Processing Unit) based architectures. Dominoes can support automated exploration of different relationships among project artifacts, where users have the flexibility to interactively combine and compose them. Our solution organizes data extracted from software repositories into multiple matrices that can be treated as domino pieces (e.g. [commit|method]). The connection of such pieces corresponds to a set of matrices operations, which derive additional domino pieces. These derived domino pieces represent specific project entity relationships (e.g. number of commits in which two methods co-occurred) and can be used for further explorations. As an evaluation of the Dominoes framework we present two exploratory case studies based on Apache Derby. First, we use Dominoes to show how dependencies among artifacts can be derived. Then, we identify expertise of developers by considering the commits that developers make to artifacts. We show that identifying relationships among 34,335 elements along 7,578 commits takes about 0.2 minutes in GPU, while the same processing in CPU takes about 413 minutes. Besides, identifying expertise of developer on a set of 34,335 files and 36 developers takes about 0.1 minute in GPU, whereas in CPU it takes 324 minutes.
Feature-Level Change Impact Analysis Using Formal Concept Analysis
Authors: Eyal Salman Hamzeh , Seriai Abdelhak-Djamel , Dony Christophe
Published: May 2015

Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) is a systematic reuse approach to develop a short time-to-market and quality products, called Software Product Line (SPL). Usually, a SPL is not developed from scratch but it is developed by reusing features (resp. their implementing source code elements) of existing similar systems previously developed by ad-hoc reuse techniques. The features implementations that are reused may be changed for developing new products (SPL) using SPLE. Any code element can be a part of (shared by) different features implementations; modifying one feature's implementation can thus impact others. Therefore, feature-level Change Impact Analysis (CIA) is important to predict affected features for change management purpose. In this paper, we propose a feature-level CIA approach using Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) applied to SPL evolution. In our experimental evaluation using three case studies of different domains and sizes, we show the effectiveness of our technique in terms of the most commonly used metrics on the subject.
Study of elastic and inelastic pion-nucleus scattering using the microscopic model of optical potential
Authors: Lukyanov V. K. , Zemlyanaya E. V. , Lukyanov K. V. , Ellithi A. Y. , Abdul-Magead I. A. M.
Published: May 2015

The pion-nucleus microscopic optical potential (OP), defined by the pion-nucleon scattering amplitude and by the generalized density distribution of a target nucleus that incudes internal degrees of freedom, is applied to construct the pion-nucleus differential cross-sections of elastic and inelastic scattering on the nuclei 28 Si , 58 Ni , 208 Pb at T lab = 291 MeV. Calculations are based on the relativistic wave equation and thus relativistic effects and distortions on the relative motion wave functions are taken into account. The respective experimental data are analyzed and the in-medium parameters of the elementary πN-amplitude are established and compared with those from the pion scattering on free nucleons.
The role of quark exchange in the structure function of Lithium nucleus
Authors: Modarres M. , Hadian A.
Published: May 2015

The quark exchange formalism is formulated to calculate the quark momentum distribution in the iso-scalar Lithium nucleus. Then by boosting the nucleus to an infinite momentum frame, the Lithium structure function is evaluated at different nucleon "sizes", i.e., b = 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1 fm and the Bjorken scale (x) values. It is shown that the Lithium structure function becomes narrower, and it is pushed to the smaller x values, as the nucleon size is increased. Similar to our previous works for three nucleon systems, the Lithium nucleus European muon collaboration (EMC) ratio decreases, as we increase the x and b values and it shows larger effect, with respect to the free nucleon and three nucleons iso-scalar nucleus. On the other hand, present calculation of the EMC ratio for Lithium nucleus shows a good agreement with the corresponding NMC data, which is available for 1.4 × 10-4 ≤ x ≤ 0.65. Since the atomic number is still small (A = 6), in this work as usual, we ignore the possibility of simultaneous exchange of quarks between more than two nucleons, which can be important as one moves to the heavy nuclei. Although, according to Hen et al., in the neutron rich nuclei the protons have a greater probability than neutrons to have momentum greater than the Fermi momentum, the three-body contribution may be suppressed.
Gravitational collapse in gravity's rainbow
Authors: Ali Ahmed Farag , Faizal Mir , Majumder Barun , Mistry Ravi
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we will analyze the gravitational collapse in the framework of gravity's rainbow. We will demonstrate that the position of the horizon for a particle inside the black hole depends on the energy of that particle. It will also be observe that the position of the horizon for a particle falling radially into the black hole also depends on its energy. Thus, it is possible for a particle coming from outside to interact with a particle inside the black, and take some information outside the black hole. This is because for both these particles the position of horizon is different. So, even though the particle from inside the black hole is in its own horizon, it is not in the horizon of the particle coming from outside. Thus, we will demonstrate that in gravity's rainbow information can get out of a black hole.
ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING SEQUENCES IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE BIOPHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL DEVICE SECTORS
Authors: SEIDLE RUSSELL
Published: May 2015

Organisations engage in various activities designed to foster effective learning. Three forms of learning with important implications for the innovation process are experiential (whereby firms gain relevant insights through direct experience with patterns of action), vicarious (observation of external activities, with inference and other attributions being employed to reconstruct the underlying processes) and inter-organisational (direct contact with outside entities). This paper examines the influence of these forms of learning throughout the process of technological innovation. Using interview and archival data from 11 innovation projects in biopharmaceuticals and medical devices, I uncover evidence of three distinct learning sequences: (1) intensive-externalising (IE); (2) intensive-internalising (II); and (3) expansive-internalising (EI). The sequences vary both in the breadth of learning forms utilised and in the degree to which resultant knowledge is internalised as subsequent innovations are pursued. These findings offer useful insights into the locus and sources of learning for innovation processes in technologically complex settings.
Isometric embeddings of polyhedra into Euclidean space
Authors: Minemyer Barry
Published: May 2015

In this paper we consider piecewise linear (pl) isometric embeddings of Euclidean polyhedra into Euclidean space. A Euclidean polyhedron is just a metric space [Formula: see text] which admits a triangulation [Formula: see text] such that each n-dimensional simplex of [Formula: see text] is affinely isometric to a simplex in 𝔼n. We prove that any 1-Lipschitz map from an n-dimensional Euclidean polyhedron [Formula: see text] into 𝔼3n is ϵ-close to a pl isometric embedding for any ϵ > 0. If we remove the condition that the map be pl, then any 1-Lipschitz map into 𝔼2n + 1 can be approximated by a (continuous) isometric embedding. These results are extended to isometric embedding theorems of spherical and hyperbolic polyhedra into Euclidean space by the use of the Nash–Kuiper C1 isometric embedding theorem ([9] and [13]).
Hepatic insulin sensitivity in healthy and prediabetic subjects: from a dual- to a single-tracer oral minimal model
Authors: Visentin Roberto , Dalla Man Chiara , Basu Rita , Basu Ananda , Rizza Robert A. , Cobelli Claudio
Published: May 2015

Recently, a model was proposed to assess hepatic insulin sensitivity during a meal, i.e., the ability of insulin to suppress glucose production (EGP), SIP. The model was developed on EGP data obtained from a triple-tracer meal and the tracer-to-tracee clamp technique and validated against the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. The aim of this study was to assess whether SIP can be obtained from plasma concentrations measured after a single-tracer meal by incorporating the above EGP model into the oral glucose minimal model by describing both glucose production and disposal (OMMPD). Triple-tracer meal data of two databases (20 healthy and 60 healthy and prediabetic subjects) were used. Virtually model-independent EGP estimates were calculated. OMMPD was identified on exogenous and endogenous glucose concentrations, providing indices of SIP, disposal insulin sensitivity (SID), and EGP. The model fitted the data well, and SIP and SID were estimated with precision in both databases (SIP = 5.48 ± 0.54 10−4 dl·kg−1·min−1 per μU/ml and SID = 9.93 ± 2.18 10−4 dl·kg−1·min−1 per μU/ml in healthy; SIP = 5.41 ± 3.55 10−4 dl·kg−1·min−1 per μU/ml and SID = 5.34 ± 6.17 10−4 dl·kg−1·min−1 per μU/ml, in healthy and prediabetic subjects). Estimated SIP and that derived from the triple-tracer EGP model were very similar on average. Moreover, the time course of EGP normalized to basal EGP (EGPb), and EGP/EGPb agreed with the results obtained using the triple-tracer method. In this study, we have demonstrated that SIP, SID, and EGP/EGPb time course can be estimated reliably from a single-tracer meal protocol in both healthy and prediabetic subjects.
A Reconstruction Method of Blood Flow Velocity in Left Ventricle Using Color Flow Ultrasound
Authors: Jang Jaeseong , Ahn Chi Young , Jeon Kiwan , Heo Jung , Lee DongHak , Joo Chulmin , Choi Jung-il , Seo Jin Keun
Published: May 2015

Vortex flow imaging is a relatively new medical imaging method for the dynamic visualization of intracardiac blood flow, a potentially useful index of cardiac dysfunction. A reconstruction method is proposed here to quantify the distribution of blood flow velocity fields inside the left ventricle from color flow images compiled from ultrasound measurements. In this paper, a 2D incompressible Navier-Stokes equation with a mass source term is proposed to utilize the measurable color flow ultrasound data in a plane along with the moving boundary condition. The proposed model reflects out-of-plane blood flows on the imaging plane through the mass source term. The boundary conditions to solve the system of equations are derived from the dimensions of the ventricle extracted from 2D echocardiography data. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated numerically using synthetic flow data acquired from simulating left ventricle flows. The numerical simulations show the feasibility and potential usefulness of the proposed method of reconstructing the intracardiac flow fields. Of particular note is the finding that the mass source term in the proposed model improves the reconstruction performance.
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies and Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rocha-Muñoz Alberto Daniel , Ponce-Guarneros Manuel , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Olivas-Flores Eva Maria , Mejía Mayra , Juárez-Contreras Pablo , Martínez-García Erika Aurora , Corona-Sánchez Esther Guadalupe , Rodríguez-Hernández Tania Marlen , Vázquez-del Mercado Mónica , Salazar-Páramo Mario , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto German , Celis Alfredo , González-Lopez Laura
Published: May 2015

Objective. To evaluate whether serum titers of second-generation anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP2) are associated with the severity and extent of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD).Methods. In across-sectional study, 39 RA-ILD patients confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were compared with 42 RA without lung involvement (RA only). Characteristics related to RA-ILD were assessed in all of the patients and serum anti-CCP2 titers quantified.Results. Higher anti-CCP2 titers were found in RA-ILD compared with RA only (medians 77.9 versus 30.2 U/mL,P<0.001). In the logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, disease duration (DD), smoke exposure, disease activity, functioning, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and methotrexate (MTX) treatment duration, the characteristics associated with RA-ILD were higher anti-CCP2 titers (P=0.003) and + RF (P=0.002). In multivariate linear regression, the variables associated with severity of ground-glass score were anti-CCP2 titers (P=0.02) and with fibrosis score DD (P=0.01), anti-CCP2 titers (P<0.001), and MTX treatment duration (P<0.001).Conclusions. Anti-CCP2 antibodies are markers of severity and extent of RA-ILD in HRCT. Further longitudinal studies are required to identify if higher anti-CCP2 titers are associated with worst prognosis in RA-ILD.
The Impact of New Features on Positioning Technology in LTE-A System
Authors: Bo Zhang , Yuanfeng Du , Dongkai Yang
Published: May 2015

As the location based services develop, more and more researches have been focused on the positioning technologies in mobile networks. The long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) system, commercialized as the 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, is based on the following key features: the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), the relay, the multiple input multiple outputs (MIMO), the carrier aggregation (CA), and the coordinated multipoint transmission and reception (CoMP). In this paper, the impact of these features on the existing positioning technology specified in the LTE-A standards is systematically investigated. Moreover, two approaches are proposed to take full advantage of these features in terms of positioning technologies and the key positioning parameters, including the reference signal time difference (RSTD) in the observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) technology and user equipment receiving time subtracting transmitting time (UE Rx-Tx) in the enhanced cell identity (E-CID) technology.
Challenges Faced in Engaging American Indian Mothers in an Early Childhood Caries Preventive Trial
Authors: Tiwari Tamanna , Albino Judith , Batliner Terrence S.
Published: May 2015

Objective. This study explores the challenges faced by the research implementation team in engaging new mothers in a community oral health prevention intervention in an American Indian (AI) reservation community.Methods. Qualitative methods in the form of in-depth interviews were used in the study. Qualitative data were collected from research staff workers at a field site, who were involved in the implementation of a culturally tailored, randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI).Results. Several challenges were described by the field staff in engaging new mothers, including low priority placed on oral health, lack of knowledge, and distractions that reduced their ability to engage in learning about oral health of their child. Other difficulties faced in engaging the mothers and the AI community at large were distrust related to racial differences and physical and environmental barriers including poor road conditions, lack of transportation and communication, and remoteness of data collection sites. The field staff developed and applied many strategies, including conducting home visits, applying new communication strategies, and interacting with the community at various venues.Conclusion. Prevention interventions for ECC need to target AI mothers. Strategies developed by the field staff were successful for engaging mothers in the study.
Induction of Apoptosis Coupled to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through Regulation of CHOP and JNK in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Guo Genkai , Meng Yan , Tan Wei , Xia Yunfei , Cheng Chun , Chen Xiaolan , Gu Zhifeng
Published: May 2015

Previous studies indicated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibited the phenomenon of apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether apoptosis of BM-MSCs from SLE patients were dysregulated. In this paper, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was evidenced by increased expression of phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring protein-1 (IRE-1). We also found the activation of downstream target eukaryotic translation initiator factor 2α(eIF 2α) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein- (C/EBP-) homologous protein (CHOP) in BM-MSCs from SLE patients. Interestingly, we discovered that 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), a selective inhibitor of ERS, blocked the apoptosis of BM-MSCs from SLE patients and alleviated the level of Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) and CHOP. Furthermore, blockage of PERK signaling expression by siRNA not only significantly reduced the expression of CHOP, but also activated the anti-apoptotic regulator B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Blockage of IRE-1 or JNK1/2 by siRNA resulted in the decreased expression of JNK1/2 and proapoptosis protein Bcl-2 associated protein X (BAX). These results implicated that ERS-mediated apoptosis was a critical determinant of BM-MSCs from SLE patients.
Adsorption of Selected Pharmaceutical Compounds onto Activated Carbon in Dilute Aqueous Solutions Exemplified by Acetaminophen, Diclofenac, and Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Chang E.-E. , Wan Jan-Chi , Kim Hyunook , Liang Chung-Huei , Dai Yung-Dun , Chiang Pen-Chi
Published: May 2015

The adsorption of three pharmaceuticals, namely, acetaminophen, diclofenac, and sulfamethoxazole onto granular activated carbon (GAC), was investigated. To study competitive adsorption, both dynamic and steady‐state adsorption experiments were conducted by careful selection of pharmaceuticals with various affinities and molecular size. The effective diffusion coefficient of the adsorbate was increased with decease in particle size of GAC. The adsorption affinity represented as Langmuir was consistent with the ranking of the octanol‐water partition coefficient, Kow. The adsorption behavior in binary or tertiary systems could be described by competition adsorption. In the binary system adsorption replacement occurred, under which the adsorbate with the smaller Kow was replaced by the one with larger Kow. Results also indicated that portion of the micropores could be occupied only by the small target compound, but not the larger adsorbates. In multiple‐component systems the competition adsorption might significantly be affected by the macropores and less by the meso‐ or micropores.
Pseudonyms in IPv6 ITS Communications: Use of Pseudonyms, Performance Degradation, and Optimal Pseudonym Change
Authors: Lee Jong-Hyouk , Lee Giwon , Pack Sangheon
Published: May 2015

IPv6 developed as a next generation Internet protocol will provide us with safer and more efficient driving environments as well as convenient and infotainment features in cooperative intelligent transportation systems (ITS). In this paper, we introduce the use of pseudonyms in IPv6 ITS communications for preserving location privacy. We conduct qualitative study on the performance degradation due to the use of pseudonyms and quantitative analysis on the optimal pseudonym change interval. Numerical results demonstrate that an appropriate pseudonym change interval should be changed depending on the packet arrival rate, mobility rate, and security level.
Clinical Use of the Nanohydroxyapatite/Polyamide Mesh Cage in Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion Surgery
Authors: Xu Hui , Ren Xiaofeng , Wang Dawei , Zhao Yongfei , Wang Yan , Cui Geng , Xiao Songhua , Zhang Xuesong
Published: May 2015

Purpose. This study was to report the clinical use of biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n‐HA/PA 66) mesh cages in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) surgery. Method. 95 patients who underwent single level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM) in our hospital were reviewed and divided into 2 groups according to using nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide mesh cage and titanium mesh cage (TMC). Demographic data of patients and surgical, clinical, and radiological data before operation and at last follow‐up were collected and compared. Result. The operation time, surgical blood loss, complications, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA scores) of two groups were similar. At the last follow‐up both the two groups obtained 100% solid bone fusion, but the TMC group had higher rate of severe cage subsidence than the n‐HA/PA 66 group (27% versus 2%). Conclusion. Nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 mesh cage is safe and effective in ACCF and can be a substitution to titanium mesh cage.
Hybrid Analytical and MLS-Based NMM for the Determination of Generalized Stress Intensity Factors
Authors: Liu Feng , Zheng Hong , Du Xiuli
Published: May 2015

The numerical manifold method (NMM) is characterized by its two cover systems, the mathematical cover and the physical cover. In the standard NMM, the mathematical cover is required to cover the whole problem domain. In this study, however, around each crack tip we specify a small domain on which the displacement is taken as the truncated Williams’ displacement series. And accordingly all such small domains are not covered by the mathematical cover that only covers the rest of the problem domain. Meanwhile, the mathematical cover is constructed by designating all supports of the scattered nodes arising in the moving least squares interpolation as the mathematical patches. In this way, any physical patch contains no crack tip and can be approximated by polynomials. As a result, no blending element issue exists as in the extended finite element method and NMM. In addition to high precision, the proposed procedure is especially suitable for the situation where a crack tip is very close to other cracks, a case difficult to treat by the interaction integral procedure that is commonly used in the extraction of the stress intensity factors of mixed mode cracks.
Prognostic Value of MACC1 in Digestive System Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Zhenzhen , Zhou Rui , Su Yuqi , Sun Li , Liao Yulin , Liao Wangjun
Published: May 2015

Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), a newly identified oncogene, has been associated with poor survival of cancer patients by multiple studies. However, the prognostic value of MACC1 in digestive system neoplasms needs systematic evidence to verify. Therefore, we aimed to provide further evidence on this topic by systematic review and meta-analysis. Literature search was conducted in multiple databases and eligible studies analyzing survival data and MACC1 expression were included for meta-analysis. Hazard ratio (HR) for clinical outcome was chosen as an effect measure of interest. According to our inclusion criteria, 18 studies with a total of 2,948 patients were identified. Pooled HRs indicated that high MACC1 expression significantly correlates with poorer OS in patients with digestive system neoplasms (HR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.49–2.53) as well as poorer relapse-free survival (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.33–2.82). The results of subgroup studies categorized by methodology, anatomic structure, and cancer subtype for pooled OS were all consistent with the overall pooled HR for OS as well. No publication bias was detected according to test of funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test. In conclusion, high MACC1 expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker to guide individualized management in clinical practice for digestive system neoplasms.
A Decision Optimization Model for Leased Manufacturing Equipment with Warranty under Forecasting Production/Maintenance Problem
Authors: Hajej Zied , Rezg Nidhal , Gharbi Ali
Published: May 2015

Due to the expensive production equipment, many manufacturers usually lease production equipment with a warranty period during a finite leasing horizon, rather than purchasing them. The lease contract contains the possibility of obtaining an extended warranty for a given additional cost. In this paper, based on the forecasting production/maintenance optimization problem, we develop a mathematical model to study the lease contract with basic and extended warranty based on win-win relationship between the lessee and the lessor. The influence of the production rates in the equipment degradation consequently on the total cost by each side during the finite leasing horizon is stated in order to determine a theoretical condition under which a compromise-pricing zone exists under different possibilities of maintenance policies.