bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining barriers and measures to promote the adoption of green building practices in Pakistan
Authors: Azeem Sana , Naeem Malik Asghar , Waheed Abdul , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers inhibiting the adoption of green building and measures to promote this approach in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Barriers and measures were identified and examined by using a combination of research methods, including literature review, questionnaire survey, and in-depth interviews with the construction industry-related practitioners working in Pakistan. Ranking technique and factor analysis were used to identify the significant issues associated with the adoption of green building practices.

Findings

As per the survey results, the most critical barrier is “lack of awareness among people about the importance and advantages of adopting green building practices,” followed by “lack of incentives from government” and “lack of green building codes and regulations,” respectively. The results also indicate that most important measure to promote the adoption of green buildings is “creation of public awareness toward green initiatives through seminars, workshops, and discussions,” followed by “availability of green building codes and regulations (mandatory to apply)” and “financial incentives and penalties by the government (e.g. soft loan, tax) for promoting green building practices,” respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitation is that its findings, other than Pakistan, cannot be generalized to other developing countries.

Practical implications

Findings of the research will be helpful in sensitizing the regulatory agencies, the policy makers, and the building construction practitioners about the barriers to adoption of green building practices. The suggested measures will help in devising policies and economic measures to promote the construction of green and environment-friendly buildings.

Social implications

This research will help the common people to know about the importance of green buildings that may lead to a deviation from the practice of traditional buildings to a widespread trend of building green buildings. This will lead to drastic reduction in demand for energy and considerable monetary savings for the common people.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information to decision makers for the better understanding of key issues that call for more attention in the promotion of efforts of green building practices in Pakistan. The results are based on the perception of local stakeholders, but might also be helpful for policy makers in other countries.
Effects of light and topography on regeneration and coexistence of evergreen and deciduous tree species in a Chinese subtropical forest
Authors: Jin Yi , Russo Sabrina E. , Yu Mingjian
Published: November 2017

Evergreen broad‐leaved forests are widely distributed in eastern Asia with evergreen broad‐leaved (EBL) and deciduous broad‐leaved (DBL) tree species coexisting under the same climatic regime, raising questions as to the underlying mechanisms. Since EBL and DBL species differ in leaf life span, a key component of resource economic strategies, their coexistence might be attributed to regeneration niche partitioning across habitats varying in resource supply.

We investigated the effects of variation in insolation and topography on regeneration of EBL and DBL species in a subtropical EBL forest of eastern China after an ice storm that caused severe canopy disturbance.

Using a mixed‐effects modelling framework and census data from 2011 to 2014 on 8,548 wild seedlings of 123 species, we quantified habitat preferences of EBL and DBL species during post‐disturbance regeneration and how their survival and height relative growth rates varied among habitats.

The relative density of DBL seedlings (proportional to all seedlings) was greater in habitats with greater (canopy gaps) compared to habitats with lesser (understorey) insolation and increased with canopy gap size. However, DBL seedlings were not more frequent in higher (valleys) compared to lower (ridges) fertility habitats. Although DBL seedlings exhibited larger differences in growth between higher and lower resource habitats than EBL seedlings, their growth rates did not increase with canopy gap size. Seedlings of EBL species had high survival in all habitats, but larger DBL seedlings survived equally well on ridges. Consequently, the relative density of DBL seedlings declined in valleys, so that by 2014 it became more similar in valley and ridge habitats, whereas it remained higher in gaps than in the understorey, and especially in larger gaps.

Synthesis. Specialization on contrasting topographic habitats is considered the primary mechanism mediating coexistence between deciduous broad‐leaved and evergreen broad‐leaved species. Our results, however, suggest this may not always be true, since seedlings of deciduous broad‐leaved and evergreen broad‐leaved species partitioned regeneration niches based on light more so than topography. We propose that coexistence of deciduous broad‐leaved and evergreen broad‐leaved species can strongly depend upon canopy disturbance to create a mosaic of habitat patches, including high light gaps favouring regeneration of deciduous broad‐leaved species.
A Morphometric Outline Analysis of Ancestry and Sex Differences in Cranial Shape
Authors: Murphy Rachel E. , Garvin Heather M.
Published: November 2017

Forensic anthropological techniques that utilize nonmetric cranial traits to estimate sex and ancestry have historically been criticized for their subjectivity and qualitative nature. Nonmetric traits, however, continue to be valuable tools in identifying remains in forensic investigations. In this study, geometric morphometric analyses of cranial outlines were performed to quantitatively assess population and sex variation in modern human cranial shapes and to verify group differences in previously reported qualitative traits. Elliptical Fourier analysis was conducted on two‐dimensional images of the left lateral, posterior, and superior cranial views from 198 U.S. Black and White crania. Results reveal significant sex and population differences in cranial shape that generally coincide with traditional qualitative descriptions. Although sex classification was relatively low (70.2%), ancestry classification was higher (92.4%), indicating that outline analyses that incorporate multiple nonmetric traits into a single statistical analysis may provide a more objective and accurate means of ancestry classification.
Review shows that implementing a nationwide protocol for congenital diaphragmatic hernia was a key factor in reducing mortality and morbidity
Authors: Storme L , Boubnova J , Mur S , Pognon L , Sharma D , Aubry E , Sfeir R , Vaast P , Rakza T , Benachi A ,   the French Reference Center for Rare Disease «Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia»
Published: November 2017

The French Rare Disease Reference Center for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was created in 2008, to implement a national protocol for foetuses and children with this serious condition. Neonatal mortality from CDH is 30‐40%, mainly due to pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension, and half of those who live have high respiratory, nutritional and digestive morbidity. CDH management requires long‐term and specialised multidisciplinary care. It has been well established that a standardised management protocol improves the prognosis of children with CDH.

Conclusion

Organising health care and implementing a nationwide French protocol were key factors for reducing mortality and morbidity from CDH.
Cooperative role of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor and β3‐adrenergic‐mediated signalling on fat mass reduction through the downregulation of PKA/AKT/AMPK signalling in the adipose tissue and muscle of rats
Authors: Decara J. , Rivera P. , Arrabal S. , Vargas A. , Serrano A. , Pavón F. J. , Dieguez C. , Nogueiras R. , Rodríguez de Fonseca F. , Suárez J.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To explore the cooperation of GLP‐1 receptor and β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR)‐mediated signalling in the control of fat mass/feeding behaviour by studying the effects of a combined therapy composed of the GLP‐1R agonist liraglutide and the β3‐AR agonist CL316243.

Methods

The study included the analysis of key mechanisms regulating lipid/cholesterol metabolism, and thermogenesis in brown (BAT) and epididymal white (eWAT) adipose tissues, abdominal muscle and liver of male rats.

Results

CL316243 (1 mg kg−1) and liraglutide (100 μg kg−1) co‐administration over 6 days potentiated an overall negative energy balance (reduction in food intake, body weight gain, fat/non‐fat mass ratio, liver fat content, and circulating levels of non‐essential fatty acids, triglycerides, very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and leptin). These effects were accompanied by increased plasma levels of insulin and IL6. We also observed increased gene expression of uncoupling proteins regulating thermogenesis in BAT/eWAT (Ucp1) and muscle (Ucp2/3). Expression of transcription factor and enzymes involved either in de novo lipogenesis (Chrebp, Acaca, Fasn, Scd1, Insig1, Srebp1) or in fatty acid β‐oxidation (Cpt1b) was enhanced in eWAT and/or muscle but decreased in BAT. Pparα and Pparγ, essentials in lipid flux/storage, were decreased in BAT/eWAT but increased in the muscle and liver. Cholesterol synthesis regulators (Insig2, Srebp2, Hmgcr) were particularly over‐expressed in muscle. These GLP‐1R/β3‐AR‐induced metabolic effects were associated with the downregulation of cAMP‐dependent signalling pathways (PKA/AKT/AMPK).

Conclusion

Combined activation of GLP‐1 and β3‐ARs potentiate changes in peripheral pathways regulating lipid/cholesterol metabolism in a tissue‐specific manner that favours a switch in energy availability/expenditure and may be useful for obesity treatment.
Enumerating informal housing: A field method for identifying secondary units
Authors: Kinsella Kathleen
Published: November 2017

This study developed and tested an initial tool for the systematic observation of secondary units at the neighbourhood scale by utilizing an inventory checklist method inspired by studies in the fields of health geography and criminology. Single‐family dwellings with secondary units were found to have one or more of 18 visual characteristics as outlined in the proposed tool. In the neighbourhoods where the tool was applied it was found that, within the Canadian context, urban neighbourhoods contain a higher proportion and density of secondary units than newer, suburban areas. Indicators that emerged as most prevalent included more than one mailbox per dwelling, unit numbers on single‐family dwellings, more than one electric meter, and lawns converted for parking of multiple vehicles. Local and regional variations in housing stock characteristics and local housing markets make the standardization of such a tool problematic. However, this method does present a place‐based approach that provides a subtle means of understanding the unique attributes, and distribution, of this type of housing at a scale relevant to municipal planning decisions.
Overcoming the limits of institutional reform in Uganda
Authors: Andrews Matt
Published: November 2017

Uganda has been a public sector reform leader in Africa, producing many best practice laws and structures. Many reforms are limited to such gains, however, producing new forms that function poorly (laws are often not implemented and processes poorly executed). This article suggests adjustments to the reform agenda that address these limitations and close gaps between what Uganda's system looks like and how it functions. Adjustments involve adopting problem driven iterative adaptation (PDIA), which requires Ugandans to work together actively on their reforms, coming to terms with limits and engaging iteratively to find and fit ways to overcome these limits.
Land markets and migration trends in Tanzania: A qualitative‐quantitative analysis
Authors: Wineman Ayala , Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda
Published: November 2017

While migration has been found to enhance welfare across a range of settings, most of the literature focuses on rural‐to‐urban migrant flows. Using a unique dataset from north‐western Tanzania, this article probes an important, yet overlooked, link between land markets and rural‐to‐rural migration. A mixed‐methods approach is used to discern how these two forces are intertwined in village life. Results indicate that household decisions to migrate are particularly influenced by the ease of market‐based land access in their new communities. This suggests that labour mobility may be facilitated through the development of a well‐functioning land market.
Responding to Infertility: Lessons from a Growing Body of Research and Suggested Guidelines for Practice
Authors: Shreffler Karina M. , Greil Arthur L. , McQuillan Julia
Published: November 2017

Infertility is a common yet often misunderstood experience. Infertility is an important topic for family scientists because of its effects on families, its relevance to research in related areas such as fertility trends and reproductive health, and its implications for practitioners who work with individuals and couples experiencing infertility. In this review, we focus on common misperceptions in knowledge and treatment of infertility and highlight insights from recent research that includes men, couples, and people with infertility who are not in treatment. The meaning of parenthood, childlessness, awareness of a fertility problem, and access to resources are particularly relevant for treatment seeking and psychosocial outcomes. On the basis of insights from family science research, we provide specific guidelines for infertility practice within broader social contexts such as trends in health care, education, employment, and relationships. Guidelines are presented across three areas of application: infertility education for individuals, families, and practitioners; steps to support the emotional well‐being of those affected by infertility; and understanding of treatment approaches and their implications for individuals and couples.
ON THE SOURCES OF UNCERTAINTY IN EXCHANGE RATE PREDICTABILITY
Authors: Byrne Joseph P. , Korobilis Dimitris , Ribeiro Pinho J.
Published: November 2017

In a unified framework, we examine four sources of uncertainty in exchange rate forecasting models: (i) random variations in the data, (ii) estimation uncertainty, (iii) uncertainty about the degree of time variation in coefficients, and (iv) uncertainty regarding the choice of the predictor. We find that models that embed a high degree of coefficient variability yield forecast improvements at horizons beyond one month. At the one‐month horizon, and apart from the standard variance implied by unpredictable fluctuations in the data, the second and third sources of uncertainty listed above are key obstructions to predictive ability. The uncertainty regarding the choice of the predictors is negligible.
The Evolution of the Credit‐to‐GDP Ratio: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Gil‐Alana Luis Alberiko , Trani Tommaso
Published: November 2017

We assess the persistence of the credit‐to‐GDP ratio over more than 130 years of data for 11 advanced economies, employing an approach based on fractional integration and allowing for nonlinearities. We show how the time series properties of the data changed around World War II (WWII). Moreover, our findings are consistent with the idea that the supply of mortgage loans has been particularly strong since WWII, in the sense that the degree of integration of the leverage ratio obtained with only these loans is larger than that of the ratio obtained with the total loans for almost all the studied countries. Nevertheless, it is generally the case that both types of ratios show a higher degree of integration after WWII than before it, though often insignificantly, and that their time trends are significant only after WWII.
RPL18aB helps maintain suspensor identity during early embryogenesis
Authors: Xie Fei , Yan Hailong , Sun Yang , Wang Yameng , Chen Hong , Mao Wanying , Zhang Liyao , Sun Mengxiang , Peng Xiongbo
Published: November 2017

During embryogenesis, plants are thought to use a mechanism that allows the suspensor to maintain its identity. Here, we reported that RPL18aB is involved in this mechanism in Arabidopsis thaliana. The suspensor cells proliferated in rpl18aB and formed a multicellular structure rather than undergo programmed cell death, as in wild type. Suspensors of rpl18aB expressed the embryo proper marker, DRN::GFP, but not the suspensor marker, WOX8::GFP. In addition, auxin accumulated throughout the suspensors of rpl18aB proembryos. Suspensor‐specific expression of RPL18aB could rescue the cell proliferation defects in rpl18aB suspensors. These findings supported a role for RPL18aB in maintaining suspensor identity.
Intellectual disability is a risk factor for delayed emergence from total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Higuchi H. , Maeda S. , Ishii‐Maruhama M. , Honda‐Wakasugi Y. , Yabuki‐Kawase A. , Miyawaki T.
Published: November 2017

Background

Previous studies have suggested that ID influences the depth of general anaesthesia (GA) and delays emergence from GA. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated whether ID affects the time taken to emerge from GA.

Methods

We selected dental patients who underwent GA at the Department of Dental Anaesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, before dividing the selected participants into ID and non‐ID (control) groups. Relevant data were collected from electronic anaesthesia records. Emergence time, the time from the discontinuation of propofol and remifentanil to tracheal extubation, was recorded for each patient. We compared the data of the ID group and control group. The association between ID and the emergence time was tested for statistical significance. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to control for confounders.

Results

A total of 97 cases (control = 50, ID = 47) were included in the study. The emergence time was significantly longer in the ID group (ID group: 15.8 ± 6.6 min, control group: 10.8 ± 3.6 min). The ID group included more men and lower propofol and remifentanil infusion rates. The treatment time was longer, and the mean bispectral index was lower in the ID group. Sevoflurane inhalation was used only for anaesthesia induction in the ID group. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, ID was found to be significantly associated with a longer emergence time.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ID is associated with a longer emergence time from GA.
Integrating Trauma‐Informed Care Into Maternity Care Practice: Conceptual and Practical Issues
Authors: Sperlich Mickey , Seng Julia S. , Li Yang , Taylor Julie , Bradbury‐Jones Caroline
Published: November 2017

Adverse childhood experiences have a strong negative impact on health and are a significant public health concern. Adverse childhood experiences, including various forms of child maltreatment, together with their mental health sequelae (eg, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, dissociation) also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, preterm birth, low birth weight), poor postpartum mental health, and impaired or delayed bonding. Intergenerational patterns of maltreatment and mental health disorders have been reported that could be addressed in the childbearing year. Trauma‐informed care is increasingly used in health care organizations and has the potential to assist in improving maternal and infant health. This article presents an overview of traumatic stress sequelae of childhood maltreatment and adversity, the impact of traumatic stress on childbearing, and technical assistance that is available from the National Center for Trauma‐Informed Care (NCTIC) before articulating some steps to conceptualizing and implementing trauma‐informed care into midwifery and other maternity care practices.
Agreement Between Actigraphy and Diary‐Recorded Measures of Sleep in Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Lee Wang‐Tso , Lee Chien‐Chang , Jeng Suh‐Fang , Weng Wen‐Chin
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To describe sleep patterns in young children with epilepsy and to examine levels of agreement between measurements derived from actigraphy and diary recordings.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Eighty‐nine toddlers and preschool‐aged children with epilepsy wore an actigraph on their wrists for 7 consecutive days. Parents and caregivers maintained a concurrent sleep diary while the child was wearing the monitor. Levels of agreement between actigraphy and diary recordings were examined using the Bland and Altman method separately for all recording days, weekdays, and weekends.

Findings

Discrepancies between actigraphy‐derived and diary‐documented sleep onset, sleep offset, actual sleep at night, wake after sleep onset, and daytime sleep were ±35, ±15, ±82, ±70, and ±29 min, respectively. Differences between actigraphy and diary‐derived sleep variables were consistently greater for weekends than for weekdays. Discrepancies between actigraphy and diary‐derived actual sleep at night were significantly greater for children who slept alone than for those who co‐slept with a parent.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates an acceptable agreement between actigraphy and diary recordings for sleep onset, sleep offset, and daytime sleep, but insufficient agreement for actual sleep at night and wake after sleep onset, with parents of children sleeping alone more likely to misestimate child sleep behaviors. Deviation of weekend sleep from weekdays further decreased the accuracy of parental sleep estimates and increased the discrepancies between actigraphy and diary.

Clinical Relevance

Sleep in children with epilepsy assessed using diary recordings alone could be misleading, and actigraphy should be preferred over diaries when resources are available.
Orthogonal Samples for Estimators in Time Series
Authors: Rao Suhasini Subba
Published: November 2017

Inference for statistics of a stationary time series often involves nuisance parameters and sampling distributions that are difficult to estimate. In this paper, we propose the method of orthogonal samples, which can be used to address some of these issues. For a broad class of statistics, an orthogonal sample is constructed through a slight modification of the original statistic such that it shares similar distributional properties as the centralized statistic of interest. We use the orthogonal sample to estimate nuisance parameters of the weighted average periodogram estimators andL2‐type spectral statistics. Further, the orthogonal sample is utilized to estimate the finite sampling distribution of various test statistics under the null hypothesis. The proposed method is simple and computationally fast to implement. The viability of the method is illustrated with various simulations.
Access to credit and investment decisions of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in China
Authors: Regis Paulo José
Published: November 2017

Financial constraints are common in developing countries where financial systems are underdeveloped. In China, firms report that access to finance is the most important obstacle in the business environment. This is related to firms that fail to gain access to the credit market. We examine the likelihood of gaining access to credit by firms, and find that size and exporting appear to be the key characteristics. Credit constraints are significant for investment decisions. Together with size, access to credit is among the firm characteristics with the greatest impact on the likelihood to invest.
Masson’s tumor and calcifying aponeurotic fibroma: two rare softtissue lesions in the same finger. High-resolution ultrasound features with histopathological correlations
Authors: Romano Nicola , Fischetti Aldo , Mussetto Ilaria , Bianchi Rita , Muda Alessandro
Published: November 2017

.
S. aureus
induces IL-36 to start the itch
Authors: Scharschmidt Tiffany C.
Published: November 2017

Epicutaneous exposure to
Staphylococcus aureus
phenol-soluble modulin alpha peptides facilitates IL-36–dependent skin inflammation.
Automated Interpretation of Blood Culture Gram Stains by Use of a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Smith Kenneth P. , Kang Anthony D. , Kirby James E.
Published: November 2017

Microscopic interpretation of stained smears is one of the most operator-dependent and time-intensive activities in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Here, we investigated application of an automated image acquisition and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based approach for automated Gram stain classification. Using an automated microscopy platform, uncoverslipped slides were scanned with a 40× dry objective, generating images of sufficient resolution for interpretation. We collected 25,488 images from positive blood culture Gram stains prepared during routine clinical workup. These images were used to generate 100,213 crops containing Gram-positive cocci in clusters, Gram-positive cocci in chains/pairs, Gram-negative rods, or background (no cells). These categories were targeted for proof-of-concept development as they are associated with the majority of bloodstream infections. Our CNN model achieved a classification accuracy of 94.9% on a test set of image crops. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated a robust ability to differentiate between categories with an area under the curve of >0.98 for each. After training and validation, we applied the classification algorithm to new images collected from 189 whole slides without human intervention. Sensitivity and specificity were 98.4% and 75.0% for Gram-positive cocci in chains and pairs, 93.2% and 97.2% for Gram-positive cocci in clusters, and 96.3% and 98.1% for Gram-negative rods. Taken together, our data support a proof of concept for a fully automated classification methodology for blood-culture Gram stains. Importantly, the algorithm was highly adept at identifying image crops with organisms and could be used to present prescreened, classified crops to technologists to accelerate smear review. This concept could potentially be extended to all Gram stain interpretive activities in the clinical laboratory.
Novel Insect-Specific Eilat Virus-Based Chimeric Vaccine Candidates Provide Durable, Mono- and Multivalent, Single-Dose Protection against Lethal Alphavirus Challenge
Authors: Erasmus Jesse H. , Seymour Robert L. , Kaelber Jason T. , Kim Dal Y. , Leal Grace , Sherman Michael B. , Frolov Ilya , Chiu Wah , Weaver Scott C. , Nasar Farooq
Published: November 2017

Most alphaviruses are mosquito borne and exhibit a broad host range, infecting many different vertebrates, including birds, rodents, equids, humans, and nonhuman primates. Recently, a host-restricted, mosquito-borne alphavirus, Eilat virus (EILV), was described with an inability to infect vertebrate cells based on defective attachment and/or entry, as well as a lack of genomic RNA replication. We investigated the utilization of EILV recombinant technology as a vaccine platform against eastern (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV), two important pathogens of humans and domesticated animals. EILV chimeras containing structural proteins of EEEV or VEEV were engineered and successfully rescued in
Aedes albopictus
cells. Cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions at 8 and 11 Å of EILV/VEEV and EILV/EEEV, respectively, showed virion and glycoprotein spike structures similar to those of VEEV-TC83 and other alphaviruses. The chimeras were unable to replicate in vertebrate cell lines or in brains of newborn mice when injected intracranially. Histopathologic examinations of the brain tissues showed no evidence of pathological lesions and were indistinguishable from those of mock-infected animals. A single-dose immunization of either monovalent or multivalent EILV chimera(s) generated neutralizing antibody responses and protected animals against lethal challenge 70 days later. Lastly, a single dose of monovalent EILV chimeras generated protective responses as early as day 1 postvaccination and partial or complete protection by day 6. These data demonstrate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of novel insect-specific EILV-based chimeras as potential EEEV and VEEV vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
Mostly in the last decade, insect-specific viruses have been discovered in several arbovirus families. However, most of these viruses are not well studied and largely have been ignored. We explored the use of the mosquito-specific alphavirus EILV as an alphavirus vaccine platform in well-established disease models for eastern (EEE) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE). EILV-based chimeras replicated to high titers in a mosquito cell line yet retained their host range restriction in vertebrates both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. In addition, the chimeras generated immune responses that were higher than those of other human and/or equine vaccines. These findings indicate the feasibility of producing a safe, efficacious, mono- or multivalent vaccine against the encephalitic alphaviruses VEEV and EEEV. Lastly, these data demonstrate how host-restricted, insect-specific viruses can be engineered to develop vaccines against related pathogenic arboviruses that cause severe disease in humans and domesticated animals.
Ancient Regulatory Role of Lysine Acetylation in Central Metabolism
Authors: Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Burnet Meagan C. , Walukiewicz Hanna E. , Wilkins Christopher S. , Shukla Anil K. , Brooks Shelby , Plutz Matthew J. , Lee Brady D. , Schilling Birgit , Wolfe Alan J. , Müller Susanne , Kirby John R. , Rao Christopher V. , Cort John R. , Payne Samuel H.
Published: November 2017

Lysine acetylation is a common protein post-translational modification in bacteria and eukaryotes. Unlike phosphorylation, whose functional role in signaling has been established, it is unclear what regulatory mechanism acetylation plays and whether it is conserved across evolution. By performing a proteomic analysis of 48 phylogenetically distant bacteria, we discovered conserved acetylation sites on catalytically essential lysine residues that are invariant throughout evolution. Lysine acetylation removes the residue’s charge and changes the shape of the pocket required for substrate or cofactor binding. Two-thirds of glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes are acetylated at these critical sites. Our data suggest that acetylation may play a direct role in metabolic regulation by switching off enzyme activity. We propose that protein acetylation is an ancient and widespread mechanism of protein activity regulation.

IMPORTANCE
Post-translational modifications can regulate the activity and localization of proteins inside the cell. Similar to phosphorylation, lysine acetylation is present in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and modifies hundreds to thousands of proteins in cells. However, how lysine acetylation regulates protein function and whether such a mechanism is evolutionarily conserved is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated evolutionary and functional aspects of lysine acetylation by searching for acetylated lysines in a comprehensive proteomic data set from 48 phylogenetically distant bacteria. We found that lysine acetylation occurs in evolutionarily conserved lysine residues in catalytic sites of enzymes involved in central carbon metabolism. Moreover, this modification inhibits enzymatic activity. Our observations suggest that lysine acetylation is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of controlling central metabolic activity by directly blocking enzyme active sites.
Identification of most significant factors for modeling deterioration of sewer pipes
Authors: El-Housni Hind , Ouellet Maxim , Duchesne Sophie
Published: November 2017

Existing methods used to identify the important factors that can improve predicting structural deterioration of sewer pipes rarely take into account the interactions and correlations among them. Here we present a standardized method that combines use of the Cox model and likelihood ratio test, and overcomes these limitations of previously employed methods. This combined method is applied to the pipes of two Canadian sewer systems, and its results are compared to the results of two simpler methods for the identification of the factors that significantly influence sewer pipe deterioration. The three methods identified pipe age as the principal factor driving the structural deterioration of sewer pipes. However, slight differences between the methods for other potential influential factors (material, slope, and diameter) showed that accounting for the interactions and correlations among factors, as is possible with the proposed method, is crucial to identifying the factors having a significant impact on pipe deterioration.
Dark solitons, D-branes and noncommutative tachyon field theory
Authors: Giaccari Stefano , Nian Jun
Published: November 2017

In this paper we discuss the boson/vortex duality by mapping the (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)D Gross–Pitaevskii theory into an effective string theory in the presence of boundaries. Via the effective string theory, we find the Seiberg–Witten map between the commutative and the noncommutative tachyon field theories, and consequently identify their soliton solutions with D-branes in the effective string theory. We perform various checks of the duality map and the identification of soliton solutions. This new insight between the Gross–Pitaevskii theory and the effective string theory explains the similarity of these two systems at quantitative level.
Two-Dimensional Structure Compatible with DEM Methods Utilizing in DACs
Authors: Bandali Mehdi , Hashemipour Omid
Published: November 2017

A two-dimensional digital-to-analog converter (DAC) structure compatible with dynamic element matching (DEM) methods is presented. Unlike the DACs using segmented structure for employing DEM, the new structure randomizes inter-segment error. This advantage is achieved because of the characteristics of the algorithm of two-dimensional decoding. The simulation results in 180[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology, 319.72[Formula: see text]MHz signal frequency and 800[Formula: see text]MS/s sample rate for an 8-bit two-dimensional DAC utilizing the presented structure, shows 14.94[Formula: see text]dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) improvement compared to the SFDR of the same DAC without employing the presented structure. Also, the IMD3 of the DAC employing the presented structure for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MHz and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MHz is 50.1[Formula: see text]dB.
On Post-Critical Behavior of a Beam on an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Rehlicki Lidija Z. , Janev Marko B. , Novaković Branislava N. , Atanacković Teodor M.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we analyze the nonlinear equilibrium equation corresponding to the two-parameter bifurcation problem arising in the stability analysis of an elastic simply supported beam on the Winkler type elastic foundation for the case when bimodal buckling occurs. We perform the bifurcation analysis of the nonlinear problem, by using Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, thus obtaining the number of the nontrivial solutions to the nonlinear problem and qualitatively characterizing the solution patterns. We also give the formulation of the problem and bifurcation analysis from the total energy viewpoint and determine the energy of each bifurcating solution. We assert that the solution with the smallest energy is the one that will be observed in the post-critical state. For specific choice of parameters, the bifurcating solution in the form of the second buckling mode has the smallest total energy. The numerical results illustrating the theory are also provided.
Experimental Study of Low Velocity Impact Response of Carbon/Basalt Hybrid Filament Wound Composite Pipes
Authors: Farhood Naseer H. , Karuppanan Saravanan , Ya Hamdan H. , Ovinis Mark
Published: November 2017

In this study, the impact damage resistance of carbon/basalt hybrid fiber reinforced polymer pipes was experimentally investigated under low velocity impact loading. The composite pipes, composed of thin plastic liner of HDPE wrapped with eight layers of plies at constant winding angle of [[Formula: see text]55[Formula: see text]/90[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]55[Formula: see text]/90[Formula: see text]], were fabricated through filament winding technique. Eight pipe configurations with different stacking sequence and fiber content proportion were studied. Specimens cut from the original pipes were tested in a drop weight impact machine under two levels of impact energies, 50[Formula: see text]J and 100[Formula: see text]J, in order to predict the impact response and induced damage resistance of the pipe. The damage of the tested pipes was assessed based on the force-displacement, force-time histories, the energy absorption mechanism, as well as the micrographs captured by scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the specimens. The results indicate that the impact resistance behavior was highly affected by the stacking sequence of the layers and partly affected by the fiber content ratio. Positioning the basalt fiber on the impacted side enhances the energy absorption mechanism for both levels of imposed energies, while improving the impact resistance. The addition of 50% basalt fiber can slightly increase the impact resistance compared to the addition of 25% basalt fiber. However, specimens with 25% basalt fiber showed lower peak force, lower damage area and lower energy absorption.
Large deviations for quantum spin probabilities at temperature zero
Authors: Lopes Artur O. , Mengue Jairo K. , Mohr Joana , Moreira Carlos G.
Published: November 2017

We consider certain self-adjoint observable for the KMS state associated to the Hamiltonian [Formula: see text] over the quantum spin lattice [Formula: see text]. For a fixed observable of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], and for the zero temperature limit one can get a naturally defined stationary probability [Formula: see text] on the Bernoulli space [Formula: see text]. This probability is ergodic but it is not mixing for the shift map. It is not a Gibbs state for a continuous normalized potential but its Jacobian assume only two values almost everywhere. Anyway, for such probability [Formula: see text] we can show that a Large Deviation Principle is true for a certain class of functions. The result is derived by showing the explicit form of the free energy which is differentiable.
Hydrochemical and isotopic characterization of carbonate aquifers under natural flow conditions, Sierra Grazalema Natural Park, southern Spain
Authors: Sánchez Damián , Antonio Barberá Juan , Mudarra Matías , Andreo Bartolomé , Martín José Francisco
Published: November 2017

We used hydrogeochemical techniques and environmental isotopes (δ
18
O and δ
2
H) to characterize karst aquifers without a well-known hydrogeological conceptual model. The selected study area corresponds to carbonate outcrops located in the Sierra Grazalema Natural Park (SGNP) in southern Spain. The combination of high rainfall, large areas of carbonate outcrops and the high permeability of the outcropping rocks means that the SGNP is a strategic water reserve in a region that periodically suffers from a scarcity of water. There are still many uncertainties regarding the hydrogeological functioning of these aquifers, such as the groundwater flow paths, the identification of recharge areas and a possible hydrogeological connection with adjacent systems. The objectives of this work were: (1) to gain an insight into the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in the SGNP aquifers; (2) to identify the recharge areas of the main springs of the karst system; and (3) to contribute to our understanding and conceptualization of the SGNP aquifers. Our results show marked differences in the chemical composition of the groundwater, which can be classified into three main groups: CaHCO
3
waters (southern sector); Ca–MgHCO
3
waters (northern sector); and those with higher SO
4
 2−
, Na
+
and/or Cl
−
concentrations. These hydrochemical differences are principally dependent on the mineral composition of the rocks the groundwater flows through and comes into contact with. These results also shed light on the recharge areas associated with the main springs and seem to corroborate a possible net groundwater flow from the eastern part of the SGNP (Sierra del Endrinal) towards carbonate outcrops situated several kilometres to the SE.
The Negentropic Professor and the Online Curriculum
Authors: Freeman Sydney , Kitchel Allen , Carr-Chellman Alison
Published: November 2017

Entropy, the notion of a gradual decline toward disorder, randomness and, eventual collapse, affects all human, living and social systems, including universities. While strictly speaking, entropy is a measure rather than a construct; it has been understood in more metaphorical colloquial ways and has been applied to concepts within the social sciences, such as education. One of the primary negentropic forces in today's university is the enrollment increases that online classes bring as a form of order and integration. This paper focuses on negentropy as it is lived out through online learning, strategically applied in higher education contexts. This paper briefly reviews the literature on faculty work, presents a definition of negentropic faculty work, and proposes the application of this kind of faculty work within the online higher education space.
Opposing effects of bronchopulmonary C-fiber subtypes on cough in guinea pigs
Authors: Chou Yang-Ling , Mori Nanako , Canning Brendan J.
Published: November 2017

We have addressed the hypothesis that the opposing effects of bronchopulmonary C-fiber activation on cough are attributable to the activation of C-fiber subtypes. Coughing was evoked in anesthetized guinea pigs by citric acid (0.001–2 M) applied topically in 100-µl aliquots to the tracheal mucosa. In control preparations, citric acid evoked 10 ± 1 coughs cumulatively. Selective activation of the pulmonary C fibers arising from the nodose ganglia with either aerosols or continuous intravenous infusion of adenosine or the 5-HT3 receptor-selective agonist 2-methyl-5-HT nearly abolished coughing evoked subsequently by topical citric acid challenge. Delivering adenosine or 2-methyl-5-HT directly to the tracheal mucosa (where few if any nodose C fibers terminate) was without effect on citric acid-evoked cough. These actions of pulmonary administration of adenosine and 2-methyl-5-HT were accompanied by an increase in respiratory rate, but it is unlikely that the change in respiratory pattern caused the decrease in coughing, as the rapidly adapting receptor stimulant histamine also produced a marked tachypnea but was without effect on cough. In awake guinea pigs, adenosine failed to evoke coughing but reduced coughing induced by the nonselective C-fiber stimulant capsaicin. We conclude that bronchopulmonary C-fiber subtypes in guinea pigs have opposing effects on cough, with airway C fibers arising from the jugular ganglia initiating and/or sensitizing the cough reflex and the intrapulmonary C fibers arising from the nodose ganglia actively inhibiting cough upon activation.
Delivering Type I Interferon to Dendritic Cells Empowers Tumor Eradication and Immune Combination Treatments
Authors: Cauwels Anje , Van Lint Sandra , Paul Franciane , Garcin Geneviève , De Koker Stefaan , Van Parys Alexander , Wueest Thomas , Gerlo Sarah , Van der Heyden José , Bordat Yann , Catteeuw Dominiek , Rogge Elke , Verhee Annick , Vandekerckhove Bart , Kley Niko , Uzé Gilles , Tavernier Jan
Published: November 2017

An ideal generic cancer immunotherapy should mobilize the immune system to destroy tumor cells without harming healthy cells and remain active in case of recurrence. Furthermore, it should preferably not rely on tumor-specific surface markers, as these are only available in a limited set of malignancies. Despite approval for treatment of various cancers, clinical application of cytokines is still impeded by their multiple toxic side effects. Type I IFN has a long history in the treatment of cancer, but its multifaceted activity pattern and complex side effects prevent its clinical use. Here we develop AcTakines (Activity-on-Target cytokines), optimized (mutated) immunocytokines that are up to 1,000-fold more potent on target cells, allowing specific signaling in selected cell types only. Type I IFN-derived AcTaferon (AFN)-targeting Clec9A+ dendritic cells (DC) displayed strong antitumor activity in murine melanoma, breast carcinoma, and lymphoma models and against human lymphoma in humanized mice without any detectable toxic side effects. Combined with immune checkpoint blockade, chemotherapy, or low-dose TNF, complete tumor regression and long-lasting tumor immunity were observed, still without adverse effects. Our findings indicate that DC-targeted AFNs provide a novel class of highly efficient, safe, and broad-spectrum off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapeutics with no need for a tumor marker.

Significance: Targeted type I interferon elicits powerful antitumor efficacy, similar to wild-type IFN, but without any toxic side effects. Cancer Res; 78(2); 463–74. ©2017 AACR.
Infective Endocarditis Associated with Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis Infection in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Kan Momoko , Mori Yasukiyo , Kishimoto Nao , Shibutani Hiroki , Tomita Yuno , Hagino Tomoko , Ohira Eiko , Karakawa Masahiro
Published: November 2017

The risk of infective endocarditis in chronic hemodialysis patients is markedly higher than that in the general population. We report the first case of a hemodialysis patient with infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) who presented with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. In the last decade, there has been an increase in the incidence of SDSE infections. Therefore, it is important to recognize SDSE as a possible causative agent of infective endocarditis in an immunocompromised population, such as hemodialysis patients.
Successful Emergency Endoscopic Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to Gastric Bezoar with Gastric Pneumatosis
Authors: Honda Hirokazu , Ikeya Takashi , Kashiwagi Erika , Okada Shuichi , Fukuda Katsuyuki
Published: November 2017

Gastric bezoars are rare and are usually found incidentally. They can sometimes cause severe complications, including gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) or gastric pneumatosis (GP). In cases of bezoars with GP, the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been defined. We report the case of an 89-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension who presented to our emergency room with a 2-day history of upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed no rebound tenderness or guarding, and laboratory values revealed no elevation of the serum lactate level. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a dilated stomach with significant fluid collection, GOO, and GP due to a 42 × 40 mm mass composed of fat and air densities. Emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed two gastric bezoars, one of which was incarcerated in the pyloric region. We used various endoscopic devices to successfully break and remove the bezoars. We used endoscopic forceps and a water jet followed by an endoscopic snare to cut the bezoars into several pieces and remove them with an endoscopic net. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed that the gastric bezoar had been completely removed. As seen in this case, endoscopic treatment may be a safe and viable option for the extraction of gastric bezoars presenting with GOO and GP.