bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and biochemical interactions between the bacterial replication initiator DnaA and the nucleoid‐associated protein Rok in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Seid Charlotte A. , Smith Janet L. , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryWe identified interactions between the conserved bacterial replication initiator and transcription factor DnaA and the nucleoid‐associated protein Rok of Bacillus subtilis. DnaA binds directly to clusters of DnaA boxes at the origin of replication and elsewhere, including the promoters of several DnaA‐regulated genes. Rok, an analog of H‐NS from gamma‐proteobacteria that affects chromosome architecture and of Lsr2 from Mycobacteria, binds A+T‐rich sequences throughout the genome and represses expression of many genes. Using crosslinking and immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP‐seq), we found that DnaA was associated with eight previously identified regions containing clusters of DnaA boxes, plus 36 additional regions that were also bound by Rok. Association of DnaA with these additional regions appeared to be indirect as it was dependent on Rok and independent of the DNA‐binding domain of DnaA. Gene expression and mutant analyses support a model in which DnaA and Rok cooperate to repress transcription of yxaJ, the yybNM operon and the sunA‐bdbB operon. Our results indicate that DnaA modulates the activity of Rok. We postulate that this interaction might affect nucleoid architecture. Furthermore, DnaA might interact similarly with Rok analogues in other organisms.
Success rate of pneumatic reduction of intussusception with and without sedation
Authors: Feldman Oren , Weiser Giora , Hanna Mona , Devir Ori , Balla Uri , Johnson David W. , Kozer Eran , Shavit Itai 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundPneumatic reduction of ileocolic intussusception is often performed without sedation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of pneumatic reduction of intussusception with and without sedation.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in Israel in two tertiary care centers using a similar protocol for pneumatic reduction of intussusception. In one center, patients had pneumatic reduction of intussusception under propofol‐based sedation, while in the other, patients had pneumatic reduction of intussusception without any sedation. Children aged 3 months to 8 years who were diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception between January 1, 2008 and July 31, 2015 were included in the study. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for the possible confounders of age, gender, number of cases of intussusception prior to the study period, time period from the beginning of symptoms to emergency department admission (<12 h, >12 h), and time period from emergency department admission to the beginning of pneumatic reduction of intussusception. Secondary outcomes of the study included the proportion of bowel perforations during the procedure, and the proportion of early (within 48 h) recurrence of intussusception.ResultsThe sedation and nonsedation cohorts included 124 and 90 patients, respectively. The cohorts were comparable with regard to demographic characteristics, hemodynamic vital signs on admission to the emergency department, blood gases tests during emergency department stay, and time variables prior to reduction of intussusception. Multivariable regression revealed reduction of intussusception success rates of 89.5% and 83.3% for the sedation group and nonsedation group, respectively, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–5.3. Three sedated patients and 0 nonsedated patients developed bowel perforations during the procedure. Rates of early recurrence of intussusception of sedated patients and nonsedated patients were 5.1% (6/117) and 1.3% (1/79), respectively (P = 0.15, RR = 3.9, 95% CI: 0.47 to 31.81).ConclusionThe findings suggest that the pneumatic reduction of intussusception under propofol‐based sedation had a slightly higher success rate than the pneumatic reduction of intussusception without sedation; however, the safety of this practice is yet to be determined.
Nasal lavage, blood or sputum: Which is best for phenotyping asthma?
Authors: de Farias Camyla F. , Amorim Maria M.F. , Dracoulakis Michel , Caetano Lilian B. , Santoro Ilka L. , Fernandes Ana L.G. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveDetermination of asthma phenotypes, particularly inflammatory phenotypes, helps guide treatment and management of this heterogeneous disease. Induced sputum cytology has been the gold standard for determination of inflammatory phenotypes, but sputum induction is fairly invasive and technically challenging. Blood and nasal lavage cytology have been suggested as substitutes, but have not been fully verified. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of blood and nasal lavage cytometry as indicators of inflammatory phenotypes in asthma.MethodsClinical evaluation, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and spirometry were performed for 121 adult asthma patients, and blood, nasal lavage and induced sputum samples were taken. Eosinophils and neutrophils were counted in three samples from each subject. Inflammatory phenotypes (eosinophilic, neutrophilic, mixed and paucicellular) and cells counts were analysed using Venn diagram and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, respectively.Results
ACQ score, spirometry and bronchodilator response did not differ among subjects with different inflammatory phenotypes. Inflammatory phenotypes defined by nasal lavage cytometry were in better concordance than those defined by blood cell counts with phenotypes determined by sputum cytology, and were significantly correlated with sputum phenotypes. For eosinophilia, nasal lavage cytology showed better accuracy than blood cytology (area under the curve (AUC): 0.89 vs 0.65). For all phenotypes, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive power were higher for nasal lavage cytometry than for blood. Blood cell counts gave a high level of false positives for all inflammatory phenotypes.ConclusionWe recommend nasal lavage cytology over blood cell count as a substitute for sputum cytology to identify inflammatory phenotypes in asthma.
The effect of iron balance on platelet counts in blood donors
Authors: Eder Anne F. , Yau Yu Ying , West Kamille 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDThrombocytosis (or, less commonly, thrombocytopenia) is associated with iron‐deficiency anemia and resolves with iron therapy. Many volunteer blood donors have low iron stores, with or without anemia. Iron balance could affect platelet counts in blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWhole blood donors deferred for finger‐stick hemoglobin levels less than 12.5 g/dL were evaluated by complete blood count and serum iron panel before and after oral iron treatment. Group assignment for iron depletion was based on serum ferritin cutoffs of less than 20 µg/L for women and less than 30 µg/L for men or was based on changes in serum ferritin levels after iron replacement.RESULTSAmong 1273 Hb‐deferred whole blood donors, 55% (619 of 1128) of the women and 70% (102 of 145) of the men were iron depleted. Iron‐depleted donors had higher platelet counts compared with donors who had normal ferritin levels (women: 286 vs. 268 × 103/µL; p < 0.0001; men: 246 vs. 222 × 103/µL; p = 0.0454). Only 4.4% of iron‐depleted donors had thrombocytosis (> 400 × 103/µL) compared with 2.0% of donors who had normal ferritin levels (p = 0.017). Iron replacement decreased platelet counts in iron‐depleted female donors (mean, −19,800/µL; interquartile range, 8000 to −45,000/μL), but not in donors who had normal or stable ferritin levels. The same trends were observed in male donors.CONCLUSIONIron‐depleted donors had higher platelet counts than donors who had adequate iron stores. Oral iron replacement decreased platelet counts on average by about 20,000/µL in iron‐depleted donors but had no effect on platelet counts in donors who had normal or stable ferritin levels.
Strategic competition in the Asian mega‐regionalism and optimal choices
Authors: Lin Guijun , Pei Jiansuo , Zhang Jin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe strategic interactions of mega‐regional blocs such as the Trans‐Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and even the ‘One Belt and One Road’ (OBOR) in the Asia‐Pacific reflects the dual purposes of large countries as they seek not only the welfare gains from trade liberalisation, but also the leadership in a trading bloc or the right to set the rules. This paper designs two sequential network formation games – a leadership game and a trade liberalisation game, to model this phenomenon and predict the equilibrium result. In the first game, we show how the incorporation of leadership affects the choices among different trading structures. Specifically, we show that the parallel trading blocs emerge as the equilibrium outcome only when there exists large loss from giving up leadership. In the second game, we describe how the globalisation is arrived and conduct numerical simulations to test our theoretical results. The predictions of the game are supported by the real‐world data based on simulation results.
Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Veterinary Locking Plates to Monocortical Screw/Polymethylmethacrylate Fixation in Canine Cadaveric Cervical Vertebral Column
Authors: Hettlich Bianca F. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Litsky Alan S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical properties of 2 veterinary locking plates and monocortical screws/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fixation in canine cadaveric cervical vertebral columns.Study DesignBiomechanical cadaveric study.Materials: Nineteen cervical vertebral columns (C2–C7) from large breed, skeletally mature, canine cadavers were used. A cortical ring was placed as a disk spacer at C4–C5 in all specimens. Seven vertebral columns were plated at C4–C5 with two 4‐hole, 3.5 mm string of pearls plates (SOP) and 6 vertebral columns were plated with two 6‐hole, 2.4 mm titanium locking reconstruction plates (Ti recon plate). All screws were placed monocortically. Six vertebral columns had monocortical titanium screws and PMMA (Ti screws/PMMA) placed, tested as part of a prior study.MethodsStiffness testing in 3 directions was performed of the unaltered C4–C5 vertebral motion unit and repeated after placement of the disk spacer and implants. Data were compared using a linear mixed model that incorporated data from previously tested spines (Ti screw/PMMA).ResultsThe mean (95% CI) stiffness (N/m) in extension for SOP was 407 N/mm (330–503), for Ti recon plate was 284 N/mm (198–407) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 365 N/mm (314–428); in flexion for SOP was 250 N/mm (178–354), for Ti recon plate was 147 N/mm (106–204) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 311 (235–416); in lateral bending for SOP was 528 N/mm (441–633), for Ti recon plate was 633 N/mm (545–735) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 327 N/mm (257–412). There were no significant differences in stiffness between the 3 fixations for any outcome.ConclusionMonocortical fixation with two 3.5 mm SOP or two 2.4 mm Ti recon plates may be an alternate fixation to monocortical screws and PMMA.
Influence of menstrual phase and arid vs. humid heat stress on autonomic and behavioural thermoregulation during exercise in trained but unacclimated women
Authors: Lei Tze‐Huan , Stannard Stephen R. , Perry Blake G. , Schlader Zachary J. , Cotter James D. , Mündel Toby 
Published: November 2016

Key points
Despite an attenuated fluctuation in ovarian hormone concentrations in well‐trained women, one in two of such women believe their menstrual cycle negatively impacts training and performance.
Forthcoming large international events will expose female athletes to hot environments, and studies evaluating aerobic exercise performance in such environments across the menstrual cycle are sparse, with mixed findings.
We have identified that autonomic heat loss responses at rest and during fixed‐intensity exercise in well‐trained women are not affected by menstrual cycle phase, but differ between dry and humid heat.
Furthermore, exercise performance is not different across the menstrual cycle, yet is lower in humid heat, in conjunction with reduced evaporative cooling.
Menstrual cycle phase does not appear to affect exercise performance in the heat in well‐trained women, but humidity impairs performance, probably due to reduced evaporative power.
AbstractWe studied thermoregulatory responses of ten well‐trained [, 57 (7) ml min−1 kg−1] eumenorrheic women exercising in dry and humid heat, across their menstrual cycle. They completed four trials, each of resting and cycling at fixed intensities (125 and 150 W), to assess autonomic regulation, then self‐paced intensity (30 min work trial), to assess behavioural regulation. Trials were in early‐follicular (EF) and mid‐luteal (ML) phases in dry (DRY) and humid (HUM) heat matched for wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT, 27°C). During rest and fixed‐intensity exercise, rectal temperature was ∼0.2°C higher in ML than EF (P < 0.01) independent of environment (P = 0.66). Mean skin temperature did not differ between menstrual phases (P ≥ 0.13) but was higher in DRY than HUM (P < 0.01). Local sweat rate and/or forearm blood flow differed as a function of menstrual phase and environment (interaction: P ≤ 0.01). Exercise performance did not differ between phases [EF: 257 (37), ML: 255 (43) kJ, P = 0.62], but was 7 (9)% higher in DRY than HUM [263 (39), 248 (40) kJ; P < 0.01] in conjunction with equivalent autonomic regulation and thermal strain but higher evaporative cooling [16 (6) W m2; P < 0.01]. In well‐trained women exercising in the heat: (1) menstrual phase did not affect performance, (2) humidity impaired performance due to reduced evaporative cooling despite matched WBGT and (3) behavioural responses nullified thermodynamic and autonomic differences associated with menstrual phase and dry vs. humid heat.
Dynamical effects of calcium‐sensitive potassium currents on voltage and calcium alternans
Authors: Kennedy Matthew , Bers Donald M. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Sato Daisuke 
Published: November 2016

Key points
A mathematical model of a small conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (SK) channel was developed and incorporated into a physiologically detailed ventricular myocyte model.
Ca2+‐sensitive K+ currents promote negative intracellular Ca2+ to membrane voltage (CAi2+→ Vm) coupling.
Increase of Ca2+‐sensitive K+ currents can be responsible for electromechanically discordant alternans and quasiperiodic oscillations at the cellular level.
At the tissue level, Turing‐type instability can occur when Ca2+‐sensitive K+ currents are increased.
AbstractCardiac alternans is a precursor to life‐threatening arrhythmias. Alternans can be caused by instability of the membrane voltage (Vm), instability of the intracellular Ca2+ () cycling, or both. Vm dynamics and dynamics are coupled via Ca2+‐sensitive currents. In cardiac myocytes, there are several Ca2+‐sensitive potassium (K+) currents such as the slowly activating delayed rectifier current (IKs) and the small conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (SK) current (ISK). However, the role of these currents in the development of arrhythmias is not well understood. In this study, we investigated how these currents affect voltage and Ca2+ alternans using a physiologically detailed computational model of the ventricular myocyte and mathematical analysis. We define the coupling between Vm and cycling dynamics (→Vm coupling) as positive (negative) when a larger Ca2+ transient at a given beat prolongs (shortens) the action potential duration (APD) of that beat. While positive coupling predominates at baseline, increasing IKs and ISK promote negative →Vm coupling at the cellular level. Specifically, when alternans is Ca2+‐driven, electromechanically (APD–Ca2+) concordant alternans becomes electromechanically discordant alternans as IKs or ISK increase. These cellular level dynamics lead to different types of spatially discordant alternans in tissue. These findings help to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of cardiac alternans especially when the relative strength of these currents becomes larger under pathological conditions or drug administrations.
A Combined Hydrostatic Hydrodynamic Bearing Based on Elastic Deformation
Authors: Gradl Christoph , Scheidl Rudolf 
Published: November 2016

Servo cylinders with hydrostatic bearings are employed when ultimate speed, low friction, or high precision are required. These advantages are opposed by a considerable leakage loss and high costs. The latter are caused by the high component precision required in order to avoid excessive leakage and to obtain high stiffness of the bearing.
In this paper an alternative concept to realize such bearings with a considerable cost reduction potential is investigated. The sleeve is made of Polyetheretherketon (PEEK). A hydrostatic difference pressure or / and a hydrodynamic pressure deforms the PEEK sleeve such that a conical stabilizing sealing gap is created. A possible mechanical design is shown and the characteristics are analysed.
To study the characteristics of the bearing system the finite element suite Abaqus is used. A Reynolds User Element is developed and included into Abaqus for the simulation of the fluid structure interaction. The Reynolds equation is discretised by finite elements and solved simultaneously with the mechanical model. With the developed user element in Abaqus, static and quasi-static analyses of mechanical models (linear, non-linear or inelastic material behaviour) containing lubrications gaps can be performed efficiently.
The preliminary results showed the feasibility of the concept and, generally, the potentials of plastics as a flexible material to employ elastic deformation for the creation of lubrication effects.
A Filter-Based Control Approach to Reduce Payload Oscillations in Hydraulic Cranes
Authors: Bianchi Riccardo , Ritelli Guido Francesco , Vacca Andrea 
Published: November 2016

Vibrations in load handling machines can manifest at different levels: at the structure of the machine directly connected to the hydraulic actuators; at the cabin of the machine; or — for machines carrying payload not rigidly connected to the structure — at the payload. These oscillations negatively affect productivity, safety and operator comfort. Several techniques have been proposed to smooth the operation of the mechanical arms of hydraulic machines, but limited attention was so far dedicated specifically to the oscillations of the payload.
This paper introduces a frequency-based approach to reduce payload oscillation applicable for load handling machines. The proposed controller generates proper signal to the flow control valves of the hydraulic system, on the basis on the frequency analysis of pressure sensors used as feedback. The controller is composed by a series of dynamic peak filters. A first stage of frequency transformation through the FFT identifies the payload frequency and adjusts the poles of the peak filter. Then, a modulation stage is used to select the proper harmonic suitable to quantify the payload oscillation. Another peak filter enables the generation of the control. This controller has a low computational cost and it is suitable for the implementation to industrial controllers.
After describing the controller, the paper presents experimental results suitable to quantify the effectiveness of the proposed procedure, considering a particular truck mounting crane available at the authors’ research center.
What are the pros and cons of electronically monitoring inhaler use in asthma? A multistakeholder perspective
Authors: Howard Sam , Lang Alexandra , Sharples Sarah , Shaw Dominick 
Published: November 2016

IntroductionElectronic monitoring devices (EMDs) are the optimal method for collecting objective data on inhaler use in asthma. Recent research has investigated the attitudes of patients with asthma towards these devices. However, no research to date has formally considered the opinions of stakeholders and decision-makers in asthma care. These individuals have important clinical requirements that need to be taken into account if EMDs are to be successfully provisioned, making collecting their opinions on the key barriers facing these devices a valuable process.MethodsThree rounds of surveys in a Delphi format were used to assess the most important pros and cons of EMDs for asthma care in a sample of 31 stakeholders which included healthcare professionals and members of clinical commissioning groups.ResultsThe respondents identified 29 pros and 32 cons. Pros that were rated as most important included new visual evidence to aid clinical discussions with a patient and an increase in patient involvement and motivation. The cons that were rated as most important included a need for more clinical evidence of the effectiveness of EMDs, as well as better clarity over who has responsibilities in managing, interpreting and discussing data with a patient.ConclusionsThe research provides a guide for EMD developers by highlighting where these devices may provide the most benefit as well as prioritising the key issues that need addressing if they are to be used effectively in everyday asthma care.
Sentinel case of Richter transformation from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma to CD3+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ismail Ali , Mallick Jawed A , Qin Dahui , Hussaini Mohammad O 
Published: November 2016

AimTo report the first case of a Richter syndrome where small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) progressed to a CD3+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).MethodsMacrodissection of small and large cell lymphomatous components was performed. This was followed by flow cytometric analysis along with molecular B-cell immunoglobulin (heavy and light chains) and T-cell receptor (γ and β chains) gene rearrangement studies to investigate a clonal relationship between the components.ResultsThe immunophenotypic profile was similar between small and large cell components of the lymphoma by flow cytometry. Furthermore, shared clonal peaks were observed between both components based on molecular B-cell and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies, confirming a clonal relationship.ConclusionsChronic lymphocytic leukaemia/SLL may rarely undergo Richter transformation to a DLBCL demonstrating lineage infidelity. This is a potentially important diagnostic pitfall and such cases should not be confused with a de novo T-cell lymphoma.
High-risk periodontal pathogens contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Authors: Bale Bradley Field , Doneen Amy Lynn , Vigerust David John 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTPeriodontal disease (PD) is generated by microorganisms. These microbes can enter the general circulation causing a bacteraemia. The result can be adverse systemic effects, which could promote conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Level A evidence supports that PD is independently associated with arterial disease. PD is a common chronic condition affecting the majority of Americans 30 years of age and older. Atherosclerosis remains the largest cause of death and disability. Studies indicate that the adverse cardiovascular effects from PD are due to a few putative or high-risk bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola or Fusobacterium nucleatum. There are three accepted essential elements in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: lipoprotein serum concentration, endothelial permeability and binding of lipoproteins in the arterial intima. There is scientific evidence that PD caused by the high-risk pathogens can influence the pathogenesis triad in an adverse manner. With this appreciation, it is reasonable to state PD, due to high-risk pathogens, is a contributory cause of atherosclerosis. Distinguishing this type of PD as causal provides a significant opportunity to reduce arterial disease.