bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined TOA/DOA for Location Estimation in MIMO System
Authors: Isa A. A. M. , Othman M. H. , Haron N. Z. , Isa M. S. M. , Zin M. S. I. M. , Zakaria Z. , Zaini A. A. A. 
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes on the development of a combined location and positioning (L&P) system by combining range measurements and angle measurements for a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system. The proposed combined technique called as hybrid multiple linear lines of position (HMLLOP) algorithm extends the fundamental idea of using the multiple linear lines of position (MLLOP) scheme when extra information in the form of direction of arrival (DOA) measurements at a minimum of three base stations (BSs) is available. The technique explores the use of multiple lines of position (LOP) instead of circular LOP and determines new lower and upper bounds of DOA according to the measurements obtained from an MLLOP scheme which aims to minimize the DOA error caused by non-line of sight (NLOS) propagation. Simulation results have been provided that show that the proposed combined schemes outperform the range-only algorithm in terms of estimated location accuracy. It has been shown that time of arrival (TOA)-based location can be employed as a baseline location estimation technique, with additional DOA measurements being used to further improve accuracy.
Efficacy of Liposome-Encapsulated Ciprofloxacin in a Murine Model of Q Fever
Authors: Norville I. H. , Hatch G. J. , Bewley K. R. , Atkinson D. J. , Hamblin K. A. , Blanchard J. D. , Armstrong S. J. , Pitman J. K. , Rayner E. , Hall G. , Vipond J. , Atkins T. P. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Encapsulation of antibiotics may improve treatment of intracellular infections by prolonging antibiotic release and improving antibiotic uptake into cells. In this study, liposome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin for inhalation (CFI) was evaluated as a postexposure therapeutic for the treatment of
Coxiella burnetii
, the causative agent of Q fever. Intranasal treatment of male A/Jola (A/J) mice with CFI (50 mg/kg of body weight) once daily for 7 days protected mice against weight loss and clinical signs following an aerosol challenge with
C. burnetii
. In comparison, mice treated twice daily with oral ciprofloxacin or doxycycline (50 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) lost 15 to 20% body weight and exhibited ruffled fur, arched backs, and dehydration. Mice were culled at day 14 postchallenge. The weights and bacterial burdens of organs were determined. Mice treated with CFI exhibited reduced splenomegaly and reduced bacterial numbers in the lungs and spleen compared to mice treated with oral ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. When a single dose of CFI was administered, it provided better protection against body weight loss than 7 days of treatment with oral doxycycline, the current antibiotic of choice to treat Q fever. These data suggest that CFI has potential as a superior antibiotic to treat Q fever.
Severe Acinetobacter baumannii Sepsis Is Associated with Elevation of Pentraxin 3
Authors: Ketter Patrick M. , Guentzel M. Neal , Schaffer Beverly , Herzig Maryanne , Wu Xiaowu , Montgomery Robbie K. , Parida Bijaya K. , Fedyk Chriselda G. , Yu Jieh-Juen , Jorgensen James , Chambers James P. , Cap Andrew P. , Arulanandam Bernard P. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
is among the most prevalent bacterial pathogens associated with trauma-related wound and bloodstream infections. Although septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation have been reported following fulminant
A. baumannii
sepsis, little is known about the protective host immune response to this pathogen. In this study, we examined the role of PTX3, a soluble pattern recognition receptor with reported antimicrobial properties and stored within neutrophil granules. PTX3 production by murine J774a.1 macrophages was assessed following challenge with
A. baumannii
strains ATCC 19606 and clinical isolates (CI) 77, 78, 79, 80, and 86. Interestingly, only CI strains 79, 80, and 86 induced PTX3 synthesis in murine J774a.1 macrophages, with greatest production observed following CI 79 and 86 challenge. Subsequently, C57BL/6 mice were challenged intraperitoneally with CI 77 and 79 to assess the role of PTX3
in vivo
.
A. baumannii
strain CI 79 exhibited significantly (
P
< 0.0005) increased mortality, with an approximate 50% lethal dose (LD
50
) of 10
5
CFU, while an equivalent dose of CI 77 exhibited no mortality. Plasma leukocyte chemokines (KC, MCP-1, and RANTES) and myeloperoxidase activity were also significantly elevated following challenge with CI 79, indicating neutrophil recruitment/activation associated with significant elevation in serum PTX3 levels. Furthermore, 10-fold-greater PTX3 levels were observed in mouse serum 12 h postchallenge, comparing CI 79 to CI 77 (1,561 ng/ml versus 145 ng/ml), with concomitant severe pathology (liver and spleen) and coagulopathy. Together, these results suggest that elevation of PTX3 is associated with fulminant disease during
A. baumannii
sepsis.
Structure of the RNA Polymerase Assembly Factor Crl and Identification of Its Interaction Surface with Sigma S
Authors: Banta Amy B. , Cuff Marianne E. , Lin Hueylie , Myers Angela R. , Ross Wilma , Joachimiak Andrzej , Gourse Richard L. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacteria utilize multiple sigma factors that associate with core RNA polymerase (RNAP) to control transcription in response to changes in environmental conditions. In
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella enterica
, Crl positively regulates the σ
S
regulon by binding to σ
S
to promote its association with core RNAP. We recently characterized the determinants in σ
S
responsible for specific binding to Crl. However, little is known about the determinants in Crl required for this interaction. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of a Crl homolog from
Proteus mirabilis
in conjunction with
in vivo
and
in vitro
approaches that probe the Crl-σ
S
interaction in
E. coli
. We show that the
P. mirabilis
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
E. coli
Crl homologs function similarly in
E. coli
, indicating that Crl structure and function are likely conserved throughout gammaproteobacteria. We utilize phylogenetic conservation and bacterial two-hybrid analyses to predict residues in Crl important for the interaction with σ
S
. The results of
p
-benzoylphenylalanine (BPA)-mediated UV cross-linking studies further support the model in which an evolutionarily conserved central cleft is the surface on Crl that binds to σ
S
. Within this conserved binding surface, we identify a key residue in Crl that is critical for activation of Eσ
S
-dependent transcription
in vivo
and
in vitro
. Our study provides a physical basis for understanding the σ
S
-Crl interaction.
Breast Cancer Susceptibility Variants and Mammographic Density Phenotypes in Norwegian Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ellingjord-Dale Merete , Grotmol Tom , Lee Eunjung , Van Den Berg David J. , Hofvind Solveig , Couto Elisabeth , Sovio Ulla , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , Ursin Giske 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Background: Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest known breast cancer risk factors. Twin studies have suggested that a large part of the variation in MD is genetically determined. We hypothesized that breast cancer susceptibility variants may affect MD, and that their effects may be modified by nongenetic factors.
Methods: We assessed MD, using a computer-assisted method, on 2,348 postmenopausal Caucasian women (50–69 years) who participated in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in 2004 or 2006–07. We used linear regression (additive models) to determine the association between each SNP and MD, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and study. We evaluated MD associations with 17 established breast cancer SNPs, overall, and by strata defined by non-genetic factors.
Results: Two variants, 6q25.1-rs9383938 and TXNRD2-rs8141691, were statistically significantly associated with percent MD (P = 0.019 and 0.03, respectively), with the 6q25.1-rs9383938 association being consistent with the SNP effect on breast cancer risk. The effect of 6q25.1-rs3734805 on percent MD varied between parous and nulliparous women (Pinteraction = 0.02), whereas the effects of 9q31.2-rs865686 and MRPS30:FGF10-rs4415084 differed across strata of BMI (Pinteraction = 0.01 and 0.005, respectively). There was no evidence of effect modification by estrogen and progestin therapy use or alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: This study provides novel evidence of shared genetic risk factors between MD and breast cancer and of possible MD genetic–environmental interactions.
Impact: Although the results may be chance findings, they nevertheless highlight the need to investigate interactions with nongenetic factors in studies on the genetics of MD. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1752–63. ©2014 AACR.
Economic Valuation of a New Meteorological Information Service: Conjoint Analysis for a Pollen Forecast System
Authors: Lee Joong-Woo , Jang Jinyong , Ko Kwang-Kun , Cho Youngsang 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the public’s preferences for and quantitatively measure the economic value of a pollen forecast system, a new meteorological information service, in South Korea. To directly measure the economic value of the pollen forecast system and its attributes in terms of the public’s preferences, this study used conjoint analysis and a discrete choice model. In the conjoint survey, seven factors were considered as attributes of the pollen forecast system: the forecast area, forecast interval, information type, forecast period, delivery media, forecast accuracy, and price. Based on survey data from the six largest metropolitan areas in South Korea, the authors estimated people’s utility function by a rank-ordered logit model and calculated the relative importance (RI) and marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for each attribute. People considered price, meaning the additional tax burden, to be the most important attribute, with a relative importance of 42.3%. In descending order of relative importance, price was followed by forecast accuracy, forecast interval, forecast area, forecast period, and information type; these attributes had MWTP values of 0.133, −0.017, 0.098, 0.059, and 0.011 USD month−1, respectively. The results of this study can serve as guidance of government investments in the pollen forecast system and provide an empirical basis for the application of conjoint analysis to economic valuation studies on a wider range of meteorological information services.
Photocatalytic activity of TiO2/stevensite nanocomposites for the removal of Orange G from aqueous solutions
Authors: Bouna L. , Rhouta B. , Maury F. , Jada A. , Senocq F. , Lafont M. -C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTiO2/stevensite nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized by a solvothermal method using TiCl3/HCl as reactants and the stevensite clay mineral extract as support. The prepared photocatalyst samples were then characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Points of Zero Charge (PZC) of the various samples were evaluated by titration of the non-modified and the Ti-modified clay aqueous dispersions, with cationic surfactant solutions. The photocatalytic activity of the resulting nanocomposites samples were evaluated for the removal of Orange G (OG) from aqueous solution as a model dye pollutant. The data indicate that the formation of Na+-stevensite by the TiO2 particles leads to TiO2/stevensite nanocomposites having higher specific surface areas and mesopore volumes, and lower PZC values. Further, the photocatalytic activity was greater for the TiO2/stevensite nanocomposites having the greatest Ti amount, as compared to a pure TiO2 sample, and increased with the increase of the TiO2 content in the TiO2/stevensite nanocomposites.
Association of Age With Survival in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Analysis From the ARCAD Clinical Trials Program
Authors: Lieu Christopher H. , Renfro Lindsay A. , de Gramont Aimery , Meyers Jeffrey P. , Maughan Timothy S. , Seymour Matthew T. , Saltz Leonard , Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Eckhardt S. Gail , Eng Cathy 
Published: July 2014

Purpose This study addressed whether age is prognostic for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients and Methods A total of 20,023 patients from 24 first-line clinical trials in the ARCAD (Aide et Recherche en Cancérologie Digestive) database were analyzed. Primary age effects and interactions with age, sex, performance status (PS), and metastatic site were modeled using Cox proportional hazards stratified by treatment arm within study. Results Of total patients, 3,051 (15%) were age ≤ 50 years. Age was prognostic for both OS (P < .001) and PFS (P < .001), with U-shaped risk (ie, highest risk was evident in youngest and oldest patients). Relative to patients of middle age, the youngest patients experienced 19% (95% CI, 7% to 33%) increased risk of death and 22% (95% CI, 10% to 35%) increased risk of progression. The oldest patients experienced 42% (95% CI, 31% to 54%) increased risk of death and 15% (95% CI, 7% to 24%) increased risk of progression or death. This relationship was more pronounced in the first year of follow-up. Age remained marginally significant for OS (P = .08) when adjusted for PS, sex, and presence of liver, lung, or peritoneal metastases, and age was significant in an adjusted model for PFS (P = .005). The age effect did not differ by site of metastatic disease, year of enrollment, type of therapy received, or biomarker mutational status. Conclusion Younger and older age are associated with poorer OS and PFS among treated patients with mCRC. Younger and older patients may represent higher-risk populations, and additional studies are warranted.
Insights from reconstitution reactions of COPII vesicle formation using pure components and low mechanical perturbation
Authors: Daum Sebastian , Krüger Daniela , Meister Annette , Auerswald Jan , Prinz Simone , Briggs John A.G. , Bacia Kirsten 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
As shape transformations of membranes are vital for intracellular trafficking, it is crucial to understand both the mechanics and the biochemistry of these processes. The interplay of these two factors constitutes an experimental challenge, however, because biochemical experiments are not tailored to the investigation of mechanical processes, and biophysical studies using model membranes are not capable of emulating native biological complexity. Reconstituted liposome-based model systems have been widely used for investigating the formation of transport vesicles by the COPII complex that naturally occurs at the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we have revisited these model systems, to address the influence of lipid composition, GTP hydrolyzing conditions and mechanical perturbation on the experimental outcome. We observed that the lipid-dependence of COPII-induced membrane remodeling differs from that predicted based on the lipid-dependence of COPII membrane binding. Under GTP non-hydrolyzing conditions, a structured coat was seen while GTP-hydrolyzing conditions yielded uncoated membranes as well as membranes coated by a thick protein coat of rather unstructured appearance. Detailed up-to-date protocols for purifications of Saccharomyces cerevisiae COPII proteins and for reconstituted reactions using these proteins with giant liposomes are also provided.
Massachusetts Health Reform and Access for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Smith Anna Jo , Chien Alyna T. 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) face unique challenges in accessing affordable health care. Massachusetts implemented major health reform in 2006; little is known about the impact of this state’s health reform on uninsurance, access to care, and financial protection for privately and publicly insured CSHCN.

METHODS:
We used a difference-in-differences (DD) approach to compare uninsurance, access to primary and specialty care, and financial protection in Massachusetts versus other states and Washington, DC before and after Massachusetts health reform. Parent-reported data were used from the 2005–2006 and 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs and adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, non-English language at home, and functional difficulties.

RESULTS:
Postreform, living in Massachusetts was not associated with significant decreases in uninsurance or increases in access to primary care for CSHCN. For privately insured CSHCN, Massachusetts was associated with increased access to specialists (DD = 6.0%; P ≤ .001) postreform. For publicly insured CSHCN, however, there was a significant decrease in access to prescription medications (DD = –7.2%; P = .003) postreform. Living in Massachusetts postreform was not associated with significant changes in financial protection compared with privately or publicly insured CSHCN in other states.

CONCLUSIONS:
Massachusetts health reform likely improved access to specialists for privately insured CSHCN but did not decrease instances of uninsurance, increase access to primary care, or improve financial protection for CSHCN in general. Comparable provisions within the Affordable Care Act may produce similarly modest outcomes for CSHCN.
Study Of Solution Processed Cu(In,Ga)S2 By Post-Deposition Treatments
Authors: Armstrong J.C. , Cui J.B. , Chen T.P. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, we have investigated various approaches to improve CIGS solar cells after thin film deposition. CIGS devices have been fabricated by a hydrazine solution based process. Post-deposition treatments by sulfurization were studied with focuses on the change of material structures and physical properties. Sulfurization has shown to increase grain size and band gap of the absorber layers at higher temperatures. This property change has shown a direct impact on open circuit voltage of the solar cell devices. Through these post-deposition processes, improved quality of CIGS materials can be obtained and the associated solar cell devices show better performance.
Management of Cercospora Leaf Spot of Groundnut (Cercospora Arachidicola & Cercosporidium Personatum) Through the use of Systemic Fungicides
Authors: Khan A.R. , Ijaz M. , Haq I.U. , Farzand A. , Tariqjaved M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Various fungal diseases reduce groundnut yield but Cercospora leaf spot commonly called, Tikka disease is most detrimental one. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicides and their doses on Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut. Five different fungicides (Chlorothalonil, Propineb, Mancozeb, Nativo and Triazole) having three different doses (prescribed, half & prescribed+half) were used to control Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut. Groundnut variety (YH-14) highly susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot was used. The experiment was laid down in RCBD design. The data were analyzed statistically by Fisher's analysis of variance technique. Results showed that maximum disease control with high pod yield was observed with Nativo and Triazole treatments. Efficacy of Chlorothalonil was also better than Mancozeb and Propineb. Maximum disease control and pod yield was observed when Nativo was used @ 0.97g/L of water, followed by @ 0.65g/L and 0.32 g/L, respectively. Propineb was the least effective in controlling Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut as well as having minimum pod yield.
Neuromuscular Responses of Elite Skaters During Different Roller Figure Skating Jumps
Authors: Pantoja Patrícia Dias , Mello André , Liedtke Giane Veiga , Kanitz Ana Carolina , Cadore Eduardo Lusa , Pinto Stephanie Santana , Alberton Cristine Lima , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This study aimed to describe the neuromuscular activity of elite athletes who performed various roller figure skating jumps, to determine whether the muscle activation is greater during jumps with more rotations and in which phase the muscles are more active. This study also aimed to analyze if there is any difference in the muscle activity pattern between female and male skaters. Four elite skaters were evaluated, and each participated in two experimental sessions. During the first session, anthropometric data were collected, and the consent forms were signed. For the second session, neuromuscular data were collected during jumps, which were performed with skates at a rink. The following four roller figure skating jumps were evaluated: single Axel, double Axel, double Mapes and triple Mapes. The neuromuscular activity of the following seven muscles was obtained with an electromyograph which was fixed to the waist of each skater with a strap: biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus. The signal was transmitted wirelessly to a laptop. During the roller figure skating jumps, the lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus, showed more activation during the jumps with more rotations, and the activation mainly occurred during the propulsion and flight phases. Female skaters demonstrated higher muscle activities in tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus during the landing phase of the triple Mapes, when compared to their male counterparts. The results obtained in this study should be considered when planning training programs with specific exercises that closely resemble the roller figure skating jumps. This may be important for the success of elite skaters in competitions.
Isokinetic Leg Strength and Power in Elite Handball Players
Authors: González-Ravé José M. , Juárez Daniel , Rubio-Arias Jacobo A. , Clemente-Suarez Vicente J , Martinez-Valencia María A , Abian-Vicen Javier 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Isokinetic strength evaluation of the knee flexion and extension in concentric mode of contraction is an important part of the comprehensive evaluation of athletes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the isokinetic knee peak torque in both the extension and flexion movement in the dominant and non-dominant leg, and the relationship with jumping performance. Twelve elite male handball players from the top Spanish handball division voluntary participated in the study (age 27.68 ± 4.12 years; body mass 92.89 ± 12.34 kg; body height 1.90 ± 0.05 m). The knee extensor and flexor muscle peak torque of each leg were concentrically measured at 60°/s and 180°/s with an isokinetic dynamometer. The Squat Jump and Countermovement Jump were performed on a force platform to determine power and vertical jump height. Non-significant differences were observed between legs in the isokinetic knee extension (dominant= 2.91 ± 0.53 Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 2.70 ± 0.47 Nm/kg at 60°/s; dominant = 1.90 ± 0.31 Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 1.83 ± 0.29 Nm/kg at 180°/s) and flexion peak torques (dominant = 1.76 ± 0.29 Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 1.72 ± 0.39 Nm/kg at 60°/s; dominant = 1.30 ± 0.23 Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 1.27 ± 0.35 Nm/kg at 180°/s). Low and non-significant correlation coefficients were found between the isokinetic peak torques and vertical jumping performance (SJ = 31.21 ± 4.32 cm; CMJ = 35.89 ± 4.20 cm). Similar isokinetic strength was observed between the legs; therefore, no relationship was found between the isokinetic knee flexion and extension peak torques as well as vertical jumping performance in elite handball players.