bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School vs. mail surveys: Disentangling selection and measurement effects in self-reported juvenile delinquency
Authors: Cops Diederik , De Boeck Arne , Pleysier Stefaan
Published: October 2015

Knowledge on both the prevalence of and the risk factors for juvenile delinquency rely almost exclusively on data generated by self-report research. However, several errors can occur during the process of data gathering, all of which may have an impact on the validity and reliability of the results. This has become more apparent as self-report data on (juvenile) delinquency are increasingly being used to assess the prevalence of delinquency in society. In this article we try to determine how different administration modes may result in different results with regard to the prevalence of juvenile delinquency being reported as well as the predictors of delinquent behaviour. In order to decide whether these differences can be seen as mode effects, the possible influence of selection effects – or differences in the sample population – must be controlled for. For this aim, the technique of case-control matching is used to match the samples of a mail survey and a school survey, both administered on a representative sample of Flemish youth attending secondary education. Using the technique of case-control matching, we aim to control for differences in non-response error, in order to disentangle non-response effects from effects related to administration mode.
Flow Experience of Older Adults Using the iStoppFalls Exergame
Authors: Marston Hannah R. , Kroll Michael , Fink Dennis , Gschwind Yves J.
Published: October 2015

Knowledge about the experiences of flow by older adults through the engagement of digital games is scarce. This article describes an important element of an international, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial which utilized three purpose-built exergames to facilitate physical activity and to assist with fall prevention of adults aged 65+ years in their homes. Measurement of flow was assessed through the distribution of the Activity Flow State Scale in participants assigned to the intervention group after completion of the trial. Results were analyzed across three areas: study centers, age-groups (50–69 years, 70–78 years, 79–84 years, and 85+), and gender. A positive trend in results was shown by participants from Valencia and Cologne and by gender. Future work should consider qualitative data collection to complement the quantitative data and to provide an in-depth understanding of users’ experiences with exergames.
Drug administration via enteral feeding tube in residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Joos Elke , Van Tongelen Inge , Wijnants Karen , Mehuys Els , Van Bocxlaer Jan , Remon Jean Paul , Grypdonck Maria , Van Winckel Myriam , Boussery Koen
Published: October 2015

People with profound intellectual disabilities often receive medication through enteral feeding tube (EFT). In a previous study, we found that current guidelines concerning medication preparation and administration through EFT are often not followed in residential care facilities (RCFs) for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The present qualitative study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators experienced by RCF staff members to following guidelines on medication administration via EFT, by conducting focus group interviews. Time constraints, lack of knowledge, lack of clear administration instructions, lack of necessary materials, and limited gastric fluid tolerance in certain residents were identified as barriers to following guidelines. Other influencing factors were the number of staff members, residents, and medications; habits; and the residents’ comfort and well-being. To optimize care for this vulnerable patient population with EFT, an intervention can be set up focusing on improving staff members’ medication-related knowledge and providing clear administration instructions and the necessary materials.
Performance Evaluation of Three Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Using ISO 15197
Authors: Bedini José Luis , Wallace Jane F. , Pardo Scott , Petruschke Thorsten
Published: October 2015

Background:

Blood glucose monitoring is an essential component of diabetes management. Inaccurate blood glucose measurements can severely impact patients’ health. This study evaluated the performance of 3 blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS), Contour® Next USB, FreeStyle InsuLinx®, and OneTouch® Verio™ IQ, under routine hospital conditions.

Methods:

Venous blood samples (N = 236) obtained for routine laboratory procedures were collected at a Spanish hospital, and blood glucose (BG) concentrations were measured with each BGMS and with the available reference (hexokinase) method. Accuracy of the 3 BGMS was compared according to ISO 15197:2013 accuracy limit criteria, by mean absolute relative difference (MARD), consensus error grid (CEG) and surveillance error grid (SEG) analyses, and an insulin dosing error model.

Results:

All BGMS met the accuracy limit criteria defined by ISO 15197:2013. While all measurements of the 3 BGMS were within low-risk zones in both error grid analyses, the Contour Next USB showed significantly smaller MARDs between reference values compared to the other 2 BGMS. Insulin dosing errors were lowest for the Contour Next USB than compared to the other systems.

Conclusions:

All BGMS fulfilled ISO 15197:2013 accuracy limit criteria and CEG criterion. However, taking together all analyses, differences in performance of potential clinical relevance may be observed. Results showed that Contour Next USB had lowest MARD values across the tested glucose range, as compared with the 2 other BGMS. CEG and SEG analyses as well as calculation of the hypothetical bolus insulin dosing error suggest a high accuracy of the Contour Next USB.
Evaluating Intention and Effect
Authors: Alvaro Celeste , Wilkinson Andrea J. , Gallant Sara N. , Kostovski Deyan , Gardner Paula
Published: October 2015

Objective:

This post occupancy evaluation (POE) assessed the impact of architectural design on psychosocial well-being among patients and staff in the context of a new complex continuing care and rehabilitation facility.

Background:

Departing from typical POEs, the hospital design intentions formed the theoretical basis to assess outcomes. Intentions included creating an environment of wellness; enhancing connection to the community, the city, and nature; enhancing opportunities for social interaction; and inspiring activity.

Methods:

A pretest–posttest quasi experiment, including quantitative surveys, assessed the impact of the building design on well-being outcomes across three facilities—the new hospital, the former hospital, and a comparison facility with a similar population.

Results:

With the exception of connection to neighborhood (for patients) and opportunities to visit with others (for staff) and wayfinding (for patients and staff), impressions of the new hospital mirrored the design intentions relative to the former hospital and the comparison facility among patients and staff. Perceptions of improvement in mental health, self-efficacy in mobility, satisfaction, and interprofessional interactions were enhanced at the new hospital relative to the former hospital, whereas optimism, depressive symptoms, general well-being, burnout, and intention to quit did not vary. Interestingly, patients and staff with favorable impressions of the building design fared better on most well-being-related outcomes relative to those with less favorable impressions.

Conclusions:

Beyond the value of assessing the impact of the design intentions on outcomes, the approach used in this study would benefit evaluation strategies across a diversity of health and other public and large-scale buildings.
A review of the medical treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the 21st century
Authors: Goode Elizabeth C. , Rushbrook Simon M.
Published: October 2015

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that progresses to end-stage liver disease and cirrhosis. Recurrent biliary inflammation is thought to lead to dysplasia, and as such PSC confers a high risk of cholangiocarcinoma. PSC accounts for 10% of all UK liver transplants, although transplantation does not guarantee a cure with 20% recurrence in the graft. At present there are no effective medical treatment options for PSC, and trials of novel therapeutic agents are limited by the time taken to reach clinically significant endpoints with no well defined early surrogate markers for disease outcome. Moreover, PSC appears to be a heterogeneous disease with regards to disease distribution, associated inflammatory bowel disease and subsequent disease outcome, further compounding the issue. Thus existing trials have taken place in heterogeneous groups, are likely to be underpowered to detect any individual subgroups effect. The current mainstay of medical treatment is still with ursodeoxycholic acid, although there is no evidence that it alters long-term outcome. Small pilot studies of immunosuppressive agents have taken place, but despite evidence that may support studies in larger groups, these have not been conducted. Recent advances in our understanding of the disease pathogenesis may therefore pave the way for trials of novel therapeutic agents in PSC, even given the limitations described. This review explores the controversial evidence underlying current treatment strategies and discounted treatments, and explores prospective agents that may bring new hope to the treatment of PSC in the 21st century.
Sport Nationalism in South Korea
Authors: Tosa Masaki
Published: October 2015

This article examines the history and characteristics of sport nationalism in South Korea as a step toward a comparative study in East Asia, with special emphasis on media, postcolonial history of the policies, and the ritual dimension of sport. The Korean government has sought triumphalism embodied by a focused strategy of close collaboration at the state and local levels, elitist training method, special rewards for athletes’ distinguished results, and so on. Nationwide enthusiasm promoted by media creates nationalistic solidarity. In postcolonial South Korea, sport has been used as a special tool to achieve focused political aims, such as prevailing against the anti-communist and anti-Japanese competitions. But recently, as the Korean society becomes more affluent and matured, people begin to enjoy the appeal of sport per se. The mega sport events, including public viewing, present a typical scene of Korean nationalistic enthusiasm, but it is also a good example of ritual consumption and the development of sport as art. To understand the vitality of sport in East Asia, it is important to notice the coexistence of the non-utilitarian aspect of sports with their political and ritual use.
Semantic Loss in the Holy Qur’an Translation With Special Reference to Surah Al-W

a

qiAAa (Chapter of The Event Inevitable)
Authors: Abdelaal Noureldin Mohamed , Md Rashid Sabariah
Published: October 2015

Semantic loss, which refers to over-, under-, or mistranslation of a source text (ST), may result in partial or complete loss of meaning in the target text (TT). This phenomenon is prevalent in the translations of an ST, especially translations of the Holy Qur’an due to factors such as the lack of equivalence of some cultural words in the target language (TL). In relation to this, translators of this holy book have been critiqued for their inability to completely convey the true and accurate meanings of the Holy Qur’an. This study attempted to investigate the semantic loss in the translation of the Surah al-WaqiAAa by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. It also examined the frequency and causes of such losses. This research, which is qualitative in nature, utilized descriptive content analysis of the Surah. The translation of the ayat [ verses] related to the problem of the research has been extracted from the work of Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Holy Qur’an: Text and Translation. The meanings of the translated verses were verified by two Arabic language experts who had mastered English as well. The causes of losses were identified according to Baker’s typology. The findings showed frequent partial and complete semantic loss of meanings mostly due to mistranslations, semantic complexity of the vocabularies, and culture.
Perceived Effect of Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Resources on Productivity of Academic Staff in Selected Nigerian Universities
Authors: Ani Okon E. , Ngulube Patrick , Onyancha Bosire
Published: October 2015

Access to information is vital for efficient research at universities. Electronic resources provide new platforms for information to aid in conducting research at universities. This study explores the perceived effect of accessibility and utilization of electronic resources on research productivity at Nigerian universities. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study with a survey as research method. Data were collected for the study with a self-reporting questionnaire. Regression analysis in the study revealed that accessibility and use of electronic resources had a significant perceived positive effect on research productivity at the surveyed Nigerian universities. However, there was no significant perceived effect of accessibility and use of electronic resources by discipline on research productivity in the survey. In terms of gender, it was found that there was no significant perceived effect of accessibility and use of electronic resources by gender on research productivity among respondents at the surveyed Nigerian universities. Based on these findings, it is recommended that effective development of digital libraries in Nigerian universities would ameliorate the problems of accessibility and utilization of electronic resources by academic staff in research. Furthermore, the Nigerian university libraries should develop an electronic collection development policy to enhance equitable access and use of electronic resources at Nigerian universities. Policy for sustainable digitization of relevant library materials should be evolved to support digital libraries effectively for efficient accessibility and utilization of electronic resources.
Activation of the erythroid K-Cl cotransporter Kcc1 enhances sickle cell disease pathology in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Brown Fiona C. , Conway Ashlee J. , Cerruti Loretta , Collinge Janelle E. , McLean Catriona , Wiley James S. , Kile Ben T. , Jane Stephen M. , Curtis David J.
Published: October 2015

Key Points

A missense mutation in the cytoplasmic tail of Kcc1 activates K-Cl cotransporter activity by impairing phosphorylation of nearby threonines. In vivo evidence shows that activation of Kcc1 directly contributes to the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease.
From cytopenia to leukemia: the role of Gfi1 and Gfi1b in blood formation
Authors: Möröy Tarik , Vassen Lothar , Wilkes Brian , Khandanpour Cyrus
Published: October 2015

The DNA-binding zinc finger transcription factors Gfi1 and Gfi1b were discovered more than 20 years ago and are recognized today as major regulators of both early hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cells. Both proteins function as transcriptional repressors by recruiting histone-modifying enzymes to promoters and enhancers of target genes. The establishment of Gfi1 and Gfi1b reporter mice made it possible to visualize their cell type–specific expression and to understand their function in hematopoietic lineages. We now know that Gfi1 is primarily important in myeloid and lymphoid differentiation, whereas Gfi1b is crucial for the generation of red blood cells and platelets. Several rare hematologic diseases are associated with acquired or inheritable mutations in the GFI1 and GFI1B genes. Certain patients with severe congenital neutropenia carry mutations in the GFI1 gene that lead to the disruption of the C-terminal zinc finger domains. Other mutations have been found in the GFI1B gene in families with inherited bleeding disorders. In addition, the Gfi1 locus is frequently found to be a proviral integration site in retrovirus-induced lymphomagenesis, and new, emerging data suggest a role of Gfi1 in human leukemia and lymphoma, underlining the role of both factors not only in normal hematopoiesis, but also in a wide spectrum of human blood diseases.
Erratum to: Mechanistic attributes of S100A7 (psoriasin) in resistance of anoikis resulting tumor progression in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Dey Kaushik Kumar , Sarkar Siddik , Pal Ipsita , Das Subhasis , Dey Goutam , Bharti Rashmi , Banik Payel , Ray Jay Gopal , Maity Sukumar , kulavi Indranil , Mandal Mahitosh
Published: October 2015

The article to which this update relates has been retracted. Please see the retraction notice for more detail: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12935-015-0226-9
Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker in severe traumatic brain injury patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lei Jin , Gao Guoyi , Feng Junfeng , Jin Yichao , Wang Chuanfang , Mao Qing , Jiang Jiyao
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) may serve as a serum marker of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can be used to monitor biochemical changes in patients and gauge the response to treatment. However, the temporal profile of serum GFAP in the acute period of brain injury and the associated utility for outcome prediction has not been elucidated.

Methods

We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of consecutive severe TBI patients in a local tertiary neurotrauma center in Shanghai, China, between March 2011 and September 2014. All patients were monitored and managed with a standardized protocol with inclusion of hypothermia and other intensive care treatments. Serum specimens were collected on admission and then daily for the first 5 days. GFAP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Patient outcome was assessed at 6 months post injury with the Glasgow Outcome Scale and further grouped into death versus survival and unfavorable versus favorable.

Results

A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean time from injury to admission was 2.6 hours, and the median admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6. Compared with healthy subjects, patients with severe TBI had increased GFAP levels on admission and over the subsequent 5 days post injury. Serum GFAP levels showed a gradual reduction from admission to day 3, and then rebounded on day 4 when hypothermia was discontinued with slow rewarming. GFAP levels were significantly higher in patients who died or had an unfavorable outcome across all time points than in those who were alive or had a favorable outcome. Results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that serum GFAP at each time point could predict neurological outcome at 6 months. The areas under the curve for GFAP on admission were 0.761 for death and 0.823 for unfavorable outcome, which were higher than those for clinical variables such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and pupil reactions.

Conclusions

Serum GFAP levels on admission and during the first 5 days of injury were increased in patients with severe TBI and were predictive of neurological outcome at 6 months.
Strategies to improve the immunosuppressive properties of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lee Myoung Woo , Ryu Somi , Kim Dae Seong , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Yoo Keon Hee
Published: October 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of particular interest for the treatment of immune-related diseases because of their immunosuppressive capacities. However, few clinical trials of MSCs have yielded satisfactory results. A number of clinical trials using MSCs are currently in progress worldwide. Unfortunately, protocols and methods, including optimized culture conditions for the harvest of MSCs, have not been standardized. In this regard, complications in the ex vivo expansion of MSCs and MSC heterogeneity have been implicated in the failure of clinical trials. In this review, potential strategies to obtain MSCs with improved immunosuppressive properties and the potential roles of specific immunomodulatory genes, which are differentially upregulated in certain culture conditions, will be discussed.
District mental healthcare plans for five low-and middle-income countries: Commonalities, variations and evidence gaps
Authors: Hanlon Charlotte , Fekadu Abebaw , Jordans Mark , Kigozi Fred , Petersen Inge , Shidhaye Rahul , Honikman Simone , Lund Crick , Prince Martin , Raja Shoba , Thornicroft Graham , Tomlinson Mark , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2015

Background

Little is known about the service and system interventions required for successful integration of mental healthcare into primary care across diverse low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Aims

To examine the commonalities, variations and evidence gaps in district-level mental healthcare plans (MHCPs) developed in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Uganda and South Africa for the PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME).

Method

A comparative analysis of MHCP components and human resource requirements.

Results

A core set of MHCP goals was seen across all countries. The MHCPs components to achieve those goals varied, with most similarity in countries within the same resource bracket (low income v. middle income). Human resources for advanced psychosocial interventions were only available in the existing health service in the best-resourced PRIME country.

Conclusions

Application of a standardised methodological approach to MHCP across five LMIC allowed identification of core and site-specific interventions needed for implementation.
The Bodies Politic: Chronic Health Conditions and Voter Turnout in the 2008 Election
Authors: Gollust Sarah E. , Rahn Wendy M.
Published: October 2015

Health policy researchers often evaluate the social and economic consequences of chronic illness, but rarely have they considered the implications of chronic illness on one important form of political participation: voting. However, if chronic illnesses — already unequally distributed in society — are associated with differential rates of voter turnout, then these inequalities in democratic representation could, in turn, produce further health inequity. In this study, we use data from eight states from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to examine the associations between having diagnoses of five chronic conditions and turnout in the 2008 US presidential election. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and some health-related confounding factors, we find that individuals with cancer diagnoses are more likely to vote, while those with heart disease diagnoses are less likely to vote. These associations differ by race and educational status; notably, African Americans and those with lower education with cancer are even more likely to turn out to vote than whites and those with more education with cancer. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of health social movements and the role of health organizations in shaping political processes, important directions for the study of health politics.
From characteristic functions to implied volatility expansions
Authors: Jacquier Antoine , Lorig Matthew
Published: October 2015

For any strictly positive martingale S = eX for which X has a characteristic function, we provide an expansion for the implied volatility. This expansion is explicit in the sense that it involves no integrals, but only polynomials in the log-strike. We illustrate the versatility of our expansion by computing the approximate implied volatility smile in three well-known martingale models: one finite activity exponential Lévy model, Merton (1976), one infinite activity exponential Lévy model (variance gamma), and one stochastic volatility model, Heston (1993). Finally, we illustrate how our expansion can be used to perform a model-free calibration of the empirically observed implied volatility surface.
Large deviations for the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process with shift
Authors: Bercu Bernard , Richou Adrien
Published: October 2015

We investigate the large deviation properties of the maximum likelihood estimators for the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process with shift. We propose a new approach to establish large deviation principles which allows us, via a suitable transformation, to circumvent the classical nonsteepness problem. We estimate simultaneously the drift and shift parameters. On the one hand, we prove a large deviation principle for the maximum likelihood estimates of the drift and shift parameters. Surprisingly, we find that the drift estimator shares the same large deviation principle as the estimator previously established for the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process without shift. Sharp large deviation principles are also provided. On the other hand, we show that the maximum likelihood estimator of the shift parameter satisfies a large deviation principle with a very unusual implicit rate function.
A novel mitochondrial pool of Cyclin E, regulated by Drp1, is linked to cell density dependent cell proliferation
Authors: Parker Danitra , Iyer Archana , Shah Shikha , Moran Aida , Hjelmeland Anita , Basu Malay Kumar , Liu Runhua , Mitra Kasturi
Published: October 2015

The regulation and function of the crucial cell cycle regulator Cyclin E (CycE) remains elusive. Among other cyclins, CycE can be uniquely controlled by mitochondrial energetics, the exact mechanism being unclear. Using mammalian cells (in vitro) and Drosophila (in vivo) model systems in parallel we show that CycE can be directly regulated by mitochondria by its recruitment to the organelle. Active mitochondrial bioenergetics maintains a distinct mitochondrial pool of CycE (mtCycE) lacking a key phosphorylation required for its degradation. Loss of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 augments mitochondrial respiration and elevates the mtCycE-pool allowing CycE deregulation, cell cycle alterations and enrichment of stem cell markers. Such CycE deregulation after Drp1 loss attenuates cell proliferation in low cell density environments. However, in high cell density environments elevated MEK-ERK signaling in the absence of Drp1 releases mtCycE to support escape of contact inhibition and maintain aberrant cell proliferation. Such Drp1 driven regulation of CycE recruitment to mitochondria may be a mechanism to modulate CycE degradation during normal developmental processes as well as in tumorigenic events.
Junctate boosts phagocytosis by recruiting endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores near phagosomes
Authors: Guido Daniele , Demaurex Nicolas , Nunes Paula
Published: October 2015

Local intracellular Ca2+ elevations increase the efficiency of phagocytosis, a process essential for innate and adaptive immunity. These local Ca2+ elevations are generated in part by the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) sensor STIM1, which recruits ER cisternae to phagosomes and opens phagosomal Ca2+ channels at ER-phagosome junctions. However, residual ER-phagosome contacts and periphagosomal Ca2+ hotspots remain in Stim1−/- cells. Here, we tested whether junctate, a molecule that targets STIM1 to ER-plasma membrane contacts upon Ca2+-store depletion, could cooperate with STIM1 at phagosome junctions. Junctate expression in Stim1−/- and Stim1−/-/; Stim2−/- phagocytic fibroblasts increased phagocytosis and periphagosomal Ca2+ elevations, yet with only a minimal impact on global SOCE. These Ca2+ hotspots were only marginally reduced by the SOCE channel blocker La3+ but were abrogated by InsP3R inhibitors 2-APB and xestospongin-C, revealing that unlike STIM1-mediated hotspots, junctate-mediated Ca2+ ions originate predominantly from periphagosomal Ca2+ stores. Accordingly, junctate accumulated near phagosomes and elongated ER-phagosome junctions in Stim1−/- cells. Thus, junctate mediates an alternative mechanism for generating localized Ca2+ elevations within cells, promoting Ca2+ release from internal stores recruited to phagosomes, thereby boosting phagocytosis
LPS-induced clustering of CD14 triggers generation of PI(4,5)P2
Authors: Płóciennikowska Agnieszka , Zdioruk Mykola I. , Traczyk Gabriela , Świątkowska Anna , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2015

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces strong pro-inflammatory reactions after sequential binding to CD14 protein and TLR4 receptor. Here we show that CD14 controls generation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] in response to LPS binding. In J774 cells and HEK293 cells expressing CD14 exposed to 10-100 ng/ml LPS, the level of PI(4,5)P2 rose in a biphasic manner with peaks at 5-10 min and 60 min. After 5-10 min of LPS stimulation, CD14 underwent prominent clustering in the plasma membrane accompanied by accumulation of PI(4,5)P2 and type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5K) Iα and Iγ in CD14 vicinity. Clustering of CD14 with antibodies, without LPS and TLR4 participation, was sufficient to trigger PI(4,5)P2 elevation. The newly generated PI(4,5)P2 was accumulated in rafts, which also accommodated CD14 and most of PIP5K Iα and Iγ. Silencing of PIP5K Iα and Iγ, or application of drugs interfering with PI(4,5)P2 synthesis and availability, abolished the LPS-induced PI(4,5)P2 elevation and inhibited down-stream pro-inflammatory reactions. Taken together, these data indicate that LPS induces clustering of CD14, which triggers PI(4,5)P2 generation in rafts required for maximal pro-inflammatory signaling of TLR4.
Activation of m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor induces surface transport of KCNQ channel via CRMP-2 mediated pathway
Authors: Jiang Ling , Kosenko Anastasia , Yu Clinton , Huang Lan , Li Xuejun , Hoshi Naoto
Published: October 2015

Neuronal excitability is strictly regulated by various mechanisms including modulation of ion channel activity and trafficking. Stimulation of m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor increases neural excitability by suppressing the M-current generated by the Kv7/KCNQ channel family. We found that m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation also triggers surface transport of KCNQ subunits. This receptor-induced surface transport was observed with KCNQ2 as well as KCNQ3 homomeric channels, but not with Kv3.1 channels. Deletion analyses identified that a conserved domain in a proximal region of the N-terminal tail of KCNQ protein is critical for this surface transport, TL domain. Binding proteins to this domain were identified as α/β tubulin and collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2). CK2 inhibitor reduced tubulin binding to TL domain. Glycogen synthase kinse 3 (GSK3) inhibitor facilitated CRMP-2 binding to TL domain. Consistently, GSK3 inhibitor treatment enhanced receptor-induced KCNQ2 surface transport. M-current recordings from neurons showed that GSK3 inhibitor treatment shortened the duration of muscarinic suppression and lead to over-recovery of the M-current. These results suggest that m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor stimulates surface transport of KCNQ channels via a CRMP-2 mediated pathway.
Lipid composition and molecular interactions change with depth in the avian stratum corneum to regulate cutaneous water loss
Authors: Champagne Alex M. , Allen Heather C. , Williams Joseph B.
Published: October 2015

The outermost 10–20 µm of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), consists of flat, dead cells embedded in a matrix of intercellular lipids. These lipids regulate cutaneous water loss (CWL), which accounts for over half of total water loss in birds. However, the mechanisms by which lipids are able to regulate CWL and how these mechanisms change with depth in the SC are poorly understood. We used attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to measure lipid–lipid and lipid–water interactions as a function of depth in the SC of house sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus) in the winter and summer. We then compared these molecular interactions at each depth with lipid composition at the same depth. We found that in both groups, water content increased with depth in the SC, and likely contributed to greater numbers of gauche defects in lipids in deeper levels of the SC. In winter-caught birds, which had lower rates of CWL than summer-caught birds, water exhibited stronger hydrogen bonding in deeper layers of the SC, and these strong hydrogen bonds were associated with greater amounts of polar lipids such as ceramides and cerebrosides. Based on these data, we propose a model by which polar lipids in deep levels of the SC form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules to increase the viscosity of water and slow the permeation of water through the SC.
Molecular and sensory mechanisms to mitigate sunlight-induced DNA damage in treefrog tadpoles
Authors: Schuch André P. , Lipinski Victor M. , Santos Mauricio B. , Santos Caroline P. , Jardim Sinara S. , Cechin Sonia Z. , Loreto Elgion L. S.
Published: October 2015

The increased incidence of solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has been proposed as an environmental stressor, which may help to explain the enigmatic decline of amphibian populations worldwide. Despite growing knowledge regarding the UV-induced biological effects in several amphibian models, little is known about the efficacy of DNA repair pathways. In addition, little attention has been given to the interplay between these molecular mechanisms with other physiological strategies that avoid the damage induced by sunlight. Here, DNA lesions induced by environmental doses of solar UVB and UVA radiation were detected in genomic DNA samples of treefrog tadpoles (Hypsiboas pulchellus) and their DNA repair activity was evaluated. These data were complemented by monitoring the induction of apoptosis in blood cells and tadpole survival. Furthermore, the tadpoles’ ability to perceive and escape from UV wavelengths was evaluated as an additional strategy of photoprotection. The results show that tadpoles are very sensitive to UVB light, which could be explained by the slow DNA repair rates for both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6,4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6,4PPs). However, they were resistant to UVA, probably as a result of the activation of photolyases during UVA irradiation. Surprisingly, a sensory mechanism that triggers their escape from UVB and UVA light avoids the generation of DNA damage and helps to maintain the genomic integrity. This work demonstrates the genotoxic impact of both UVB and UVA radiation on tadpoles and emphasizes the importance of the interplay between molecular and sensory mechanisms to minimize the damage caused by sunlight.
Indolylindolinone: Easily Accessible, Tunable, and Wide-range Absorbing Dyes
Authors: Shigeno Ami , Matsuno Takashi , Hiroto Satoru , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

Dehydrative coupling between indoles and isatins provided indolylindolinones in good yields as novel dyes with wide-range absorption due to intramolecular charge-transfer interactions. The HOMO and LUMO levels of indolylindolinones could be manipulated individually by the introduction of substituents on the indole and isatin units, respectively. Indolylindolinones served as a bidentate ligand to Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions to provide stable metal complexes. Metal coordination induced large bathochromic shift of the lowest-energy absorption band to the near-infrared region.
Diffusion-assisted Synthesis of Co2FeSn Heusler Nanoparticles and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Kou Xinli
Published: October 2015

Co2FeSn Heusler nanoparticles with the particle size of 5–12 nm were synthesized by using pre-synthesized Co2Fe and Sn nanoparticles in high boiling-point solvents, wherein the molten Sn diffused into Co2Fe nanoparticles to form Co2FeSn nanoparticles. The obtained Co2FeSn nanoparticles show a high magnetic moment of 5.2 μB at 5 K, which is comparable with that of most of the bulk Co2YZ Heusler compounds. This low-temperature diffusion method is believed to have potential applications in synthesizing other Heusler nanoparticles.
Refined Structure of Hipposudoric and Norhipposudoric Acids, Pigments of the Red Sweat of the Hippopotamus
Authors: Matsumoto Takatoshi , Saikawa Yoko , Nakata Masaya , Hashimoto Kimiko
Published: October 2015

The tautomeric structures of hipposudoric and norhipposudoric acids were investigated using a computational method. The results indicated that the most appropriate canonical structures for these compounds were different; hipposudoric acid possessed an enol form at the C9-carboxy group, while norhipposudoric acid had an enol form at the C5-oxo group.
Determinants of the Diffusion of Solar Home Systems: Case Study among Low-Income Inhabitants in Bangladesh
Authors: Sriwannawita Pranpreya , Laestadiusb Staffan
Published: October 2015

This article discusses the determinants of technology diffusion among the low-income adopters, i.e. those belonging to the bottom of the pyramid market. Our aim is to analyse the variables that determine the adoption rate of Solar Home Systems. The analysis is drawn from a qualitative case study in Bangladesh based on interviews, observation and documents. We re-conceptualize diffusion process into three basic components: source, innovation and adopter. In particular, we focus on the characteristics of the source that are specific to the low-income market. In our case, the source is a social entrepreneur who seeks social wealth rather than economic wealth. Our empirical study may help to illuminate diffusion processes conducted by social entrepreneurs at the bottom of the pyramid because it contributes to a more comprehensive list of variables that affect the innovation adoption rate.
Statistical Damage Sensitive Feature for Structural Damage Detection Using AR Model Coefficients
Authors: Jayawardhana Madhuka , Zhu Xinqun , Liyanapathirana Ranjith , Gunawardana Upul
Published: October 2015

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and damage detection techniques have captured much interest and attention of researchers and structural engineers owing to their promising ability to provide spatial and quantitative information regarding structural damage and the performance of a structure during its life-cycle. With the development of smart sensors and communication technologies, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) has empowered the advancement in SHM. Recently, time series models have been widely used for structural damage detection due to the sensitivity of the model coefficients and residual errors to the damages in the structure. This paper presents a simple index that is computed using the Auto-Regressive (AR) model coefficients as an effective damage sensitive feature (DSF) for the detection of structural damage. Based on this feature, a damage identification method is developed. The Fisher information criterion of the computed DSF is used to statistically decide on the location of damage. This method has been implemented in a simulation environment and the verification of its accuracy in structural damage detection has been carried out experimentally. Experimental data is obtained using wireless sensors from a series of tests performed on a steel beam. The novel damage feature combined with the Fisher criterion for statistical evaluation has shown potential in effective structural damage detection.
Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with NSM CFRP Rods in Shear
Authors: Al-Mahmoud Firas , Castel Arnaud , Minh Trinh Quang , François Raoul
Published: October 2015

This experimental research aims to investigate the possibility of using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) rods to strengthen in shear concrete structural members with the Near Surface Mounted reinforcement (NSM) technique. Seven reinforced concrete beams were tested in flexure with or without traditional shear reinforcement. Carbon-epoxy pultruded FRP (CFRP) rods with 6 mm in diameter were used. The possibility of using a mortar as filling material with surface pre-conditioned CFRP rod is investigated and compared to resin performance. Results show that NSM technique is very efficient to strengthen reinforced concrete beam in shear. Using the resin instead of mortar as the filling material still increases the efficiency of the shear strengthening but the gain is only moderate. The experimental results are compared with existing analytical models.
Experimental Study on Damage Identification in GFRP-Strengthened RC Beams Using Novel Cubic Energy-Based Damage Index
Authors: Zehtab B. , Mirdamadi H.R. , Asadi A. , Rafeeyan M.
Published: October 2015

In this article, based on a series of laboratory experiments, a new cubic energy-based damage index is introduced for identifying damage locations using acceleration measurements of strengthen-free and GFRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams having different boundary conditions. For this purpose, wavelet-packet energy has been chosen as feature. Furthermore, a new damage localizing parameter is introduced to estimate damage location using proposed damage index data. In the framework of the laboratory results, potential damages could be detected and located correctly using introduced damage index and the results would be compared with some reference-based indexes. The proposed damage index would have minimum estimation error as compared with other indexes in the literature. Damaged beams are then strengthened with GFRP and the strengthening quality is evaluated using degree-of-strengthening index by comparing signals measured from strengthened and healthy beams.
Seismic Reliability and Risk Assessment of Structures Based on Fragility Analysis – A Review
Authors: Sfahani M. G. , Guan Hong , Loo Yew-Chaye
Published: October 2015

A practical approach to explain the consequences of seismic hazards for society and decision making organisations is predicting the seismic risk. In this regard, the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) is used extensively to investigate the probability of different seismic hazard levels at a geographical location. In addition, a further advancement is the introduction of Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis (PSDA) method because it provides a new insight into the Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) by evaluating the seismic risk specifically for a structure. To evaluate this seismic risk, the probability that the structural seismic demands may exceed a specific value is calculated under different ground motion intensities through a probabilistic approach. This approach is called the fragility analysis. This paper provides a review of recent research advancements in seismic fragility analysis. Different methods and related solutions which can be used for the fragility analysis are discussed. In addition, uncertainty quantification, as a significant feature in fragility analysis, is described and the important parameters which may influence the seismic fragility of a structure are explained. Finally, the authors offer their recommendations for improving the fragility analysis for further studies in the future.
Seismic Damage Evaluation Model of Chinese Ancient Timber Buildings
Authors: Xue J.Y. , Wu Z.J. , Zhang F.L. , Zhao H.T.
Published: October 2015

Lack of the evaluation method for timber structure has been developed as a critical problem in decades to protect the ancient timber building. Therefore, it is essential to conduct an intensive study on the failure mechanism of the ancient timber building in order to precisely predict the structural failure prior to earthquake and evaluate the seismic damage and structure maintenance after the earthquake. Based on the test of dovetail column-frame and bracket sets under low reversed cyclic loading and the shaking table test of overall structure, the “potential of destruction-resistance” of the two energy-consuming components under low reversed cyclic loading and the energy dissipated of each energy-consuming component under various earthquake conditions were investigated. A seismic damage evaluation model of the energy-consuming components/structure based on the “potential of failure-resistance” and the energy dissipation was developed. With the failure coefficient, the damage level of each energy-consuming component and the overall structure can be evaluated respectively. Finally, the seismic damage evaluation model is validated by the experiment result.
Numerical Modelling of Prestresssing Steel Tendons under Fire and Post-Fire Conditions
Authors: Wei Y. , Au Francis T.K.
Published: October 2015

The behaviour of prestressing steel tendons under fire and post-fire conditions is investigated numerically employing the ABAQUS package and its user-defined material subroutine UMAT which allows comprehensive constitutive relationships to be implemented. Based on an existing thermal creep model, a new set of parameters are proposed and calibrated against available test results in the literature. The proposed numerical model is versatile in predicting thermal creep, isothermal response and transient thermal relaxation of prestressing steel tendons. Moreover, parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effects of heating rate, heated length ratio, initial stress and various boundary conditions on the thermal relaxation of prestressing steel tendons. Besides, transient state analyses are carried out with constant heating rate and initial stress to investigate the rupture properties of prestressing steel tendons.
Evaluation of Performance Levels of RC Frames Using Plastic Energy Demand and Interstory Drift Ratio Concepts
Authors: Merter Onur , Ucar Taner
Published: October 2015

This article proposes a new approach to predict the plastic drifts and damage states of reinforced concrete frame type structures subjected to monotonic loading. The approach uses plastic energy demand graphs which are determined from nonlinear time history analyses. Plastic energy graphs are obtained by converting the hysteretic moment rotation relations of the structural members to the monotonic behavior. In the study, interstory drift ratio limits are determined from the seismic design codes and used to evaluate the structural damage states of the structures subjected to monotonic loading. The work done by the monotonic type external design loads are expressed by an equation. This plastic energy equation is solved by using the maximum plastic energy values obtained from the plastic energy demand graphs. Plastic design base rotations of the frames are obtained from the plastic energy equalities. Then the total drifts of the stories are determined and assessed by considering the interstory drift ratio limits in Vision 2000 document. Performance levels of the frame type structures may be predicted by comparison of the interstory drifts from the approach in the study with the code-based drift limits. Finally, the accuracy of the approach is evaluated by using the results of nonlinear time history analyses. The total drifts of the structures obtained from energy equalities within the study are checked by the drift results of the nonlinear time history analyses.