bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental parameter estimation of kinetic metabolic network models
Authors: Jia Gengjie , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Gunawan Rudiyanto 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
An efficient and reliable parameter estimation method is essential for the creation of biological models using ordinary differential equation (ODE). Most of the existing estimation methods involve finding the global minimum of data fitting residuals over the entire parameter space simultaneously. Unfortunately, the associated computational requirement often becomes prohibitively high due to the large number of parameters and the lack of complete parameter identifiability (i.e. not all parameters can be uniquely identified).

Results
In this work, an incremental approach was applied to the parameter estimation of ODE models from concentration time profiles. Particularly, the method was developed to address a commonly encountered circumstance in the modeling of metabolic networks, where the number of metabolic fluxes (reaction rates) exceeds that of metabolites (chemical species). Here, the minimization of model residuals was performed over a subset of the parameter space that is associated with the degrees of freedom in the dynamic flux estimation from the concentration time-slopes. The efficacy of this method was demonstrated using two generalized mass action (GMA) models, where the method significantly outperformed single-step estimations. In addition, an extension of the estimation method to handle missing data is also presented.

Conclusions
The proposed incremental estimation method is able to tackle the issue on the lack of complete parameter identifiability and to significantly reduce the computational efforts in estimating model parameters, which will facilitate kinetic modeling of genome-scale cellular metabolism in the future.
Methane production by treating vinasses from hydrous ethanol using a modified UASB reactor
Authors: España-Gamboa Elda I , Mijangos-Cortés Javier O , Hernández-Zárate Galdy , Maldonado Jorge A Domínguez , Alzate-Gaviria Liliana M 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
A modified laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was used to obtain methane by treating hydrous ethanol vinasse. Vinasses or stillage are waste materials with high organic loads, and a complex composition resulting from the process of alcohol distillation. They must initially be treated with anaerobic processes due to their high organic loads. Vinasses can be considered multipurpose waste for energy recovery and once treated they can be used in agriculture without the risk of polluting soil, underground water or crops. In this sense, treatment of vinasse combines the elimination of organic waste with the formation of methane. Biogas is considered as a promising renewable energy source. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum organic loading rate for operating a modified UASB reactor to treat vinasse generated in the production of hydrous ethanol from sugar cane molasses.

Results
The study showed that chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 69% at an optimum organic loading rate (OLR) of 17.05 kg COD/m3-day, achieving a methane yield of 0.263 m3/kg CODadded and a biogas methane content of 84%. During this stage, effluent characterization presented lower values than the vinasse, except for potassium, sulfide and ammonia nitrogen. On the other hand, primers used to amplify the 16S-rDNA genes for the domains Archaea and Bacteria showed the presence of microorganisms which favor methane production at the optimum organic loading rate.

Conclusions
The modified UASB reactor proposed in this study provided a successful treatment of the vinasse obtained from hydrous ethanol production.
Methanogen groups (Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales) detected by PCR during operational optimum OLR of the modified UASB reactor, favored methane production.
Challenges of the information age: the impact of false discovery on pathway identification
Authors: Rog Colin J , Chekuri Srinivasa C , Edgerton Mary E 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Pathways with members that have known relevance to a disease are used to support hypotheses generated from analyses of gene expression and proteomic studies. Using cancer as an example, the pitfalls of searching pathways databases as support for genes and proteins that could represent false discoveries are explored.

Findings
The frequency with which networks could be generated from 100 instances each of randomly selected five and ten genes sets as input to MetaCore, a commercial pathways database, was measured. A PubMed search enumerated cancer-related literature published for any gene in the networks. Using three, two, and one maximum intervening step between input genes to populate the network, networks were generated with frequencies of 97%, 77%, and 7% using ten gene sets and 73%, 27%, and 1% using five gene sets. PubMed reported an average of 4225 cancer-related articles per network gene.

Discussion
This can be attributed to the richly populated pathways databases and the interest in the molecular basis of cancer. As information sources become enriched, they are more likely to generate plausible mechanisms for false discoveries.
Are diabetes management guidelines applicable in ‘real life’?
Authors: Viana Luciana V , Leitão Cristiane B , Grillo Maria de Fátima , Rocha Ennio P C C , Brenner Juliana K , Friedman Rogério , Gross Jorge L 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has published several diabetes treatment algorithms, but none have been tested in real-life settings. The aim of this study is to analyze the feasibility of achieving and/or maintaining HbA1c levels <7.0% using current diabetes treatment guidelines and the resources available in the public health care system of Brazil.

Methods
A one-year, single-arm interventional study was conducted with type 2 diabetes patients in a primary care unit. Intervention consisted of intensification of lifestyle changes and sequential prescription of drugs based on ADA guidelines using the medications available through the publicly funded Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS).

Results
Ninety patients (age: 62.7±10.4 years; diabetes duration: 8.2±9.1 years) completed the trial. During the intervention period, increases were observed in number of oral antidiabetic agent (OAD) classes per patient (1.50±0.74 vs. 1.67±0.7; p=0.015), OAD pills per patient (2.64±1.89 vs. 3.33±2.23 pills/patient; p <0.001), insulin dosage (0.20±0.29 vs.0.50±0.36 UI/kg/day; p=0.008) and number of patients on insulin (19 [21%] vs. 31 [34%]; p<0.01), but no improvement in HbA1c (7.2±1.6% vs. 7.3±1.5%; p=0.453) or frequency of patients on target, defined as HbA1c <7% (53.3% vs. 48.9%; p=0.655). Patients with baseline HbA1c <7% had a small increase in HbA1c during the trial (6.3±0.4 vs. 6.7±0.9%; p=0.002). No such change was observed in those with baseline HbA1c ≥7%.

Conclusions
In this group of patients with a mean baseline HbA1c of 7.2%, implementation of 2006/2009 ADA/EASD guidelines led to achievement of the therapeutic goal of HbA1c <7% in a small proportion of patients.
Sarcopenia and its determinants among Iranian elderly (SARIR): study protocol
Authors: Hashemi Rezvan , Heshmat Ramin , Motlagh Ahmadreza Dorosty , Payab Moloud , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Baigy Fereshteh , Pasalar Parvin , Siassi Fereydoun 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe elderly populations increase in world because of improved health status in communities, so health and independency of seniors has become and will be one of the main priorities of public health systems.Ageing have been associated with changes in body composition, including loss of muscle mass, loss of bone mass and increase fat mass. Involuntary age related loss of muscle mass, sarcopenia,has been linked to functional impairment and physical disability. Several definitions for sarcopenia have been presented based on the method of measuring body composition, but an internationally accepted definition doesn’t presently exist yet.In 2010, the European working group on sarcopenia developed a new definition for sarcopenia according to measure muscle mass and muscle function. Several studies have been done about sarcopenia in world, but to our knowledge this study is the first in Iran which is one of the largest countries of the Middle East that faces a fast growing elderly population. The aim of this study is to evaluate sarcopenia and related risk factors in Iran according new definition of sarcopenia.MethodsThis study will be conducted in two phase among elderly men and women over 55 years in the 6thdistrict of TehranThe first phase will be a population-based cross-sectional study to determine the frequency of sarcopenia in the study population, and to conduct case finding for the second phase. The second phase will be a case–control study to comparison the metabolic and inflammatory factors in sarcopenic and non sarcopenic groups.The association between sarcopenia and major dietary pattern will be evaluated using factor analysis.ConclusionThis study is the first study that evaluates sarcopenia and its risk factor in Iranian elderlies.We discuss details of how we collect the data and appropriate instruments to measure muscle mass, muscle power and muscle strength, and suitable cut- off to define sarcopenia in Iranian elderlies. We believe the result of our study can be useful to health policy makers prepare the necessary infrastructure for elderly health improvements and increase the quality of life in geriatric.
Nurses’ role in diabetic foot prevention and care; a review
Authors: Aalaa M , Malazy O Tabatabaei , Sanjari M , Peimani M , Mohajeri-Tehrani MR 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDiabetes as one of Non-communicable diseases has allocated a large proportion of cost, time and human resources of health systems. Now, due to changes in lifestyle and industrial process, incidence of diabetes and its complications have been increased. Accordingly diabetic foot considered as a common complication of diabetes.Nurses are health care providers who actively involved in prevention and early detection of diabetes and its complications. The nurses’ role could be in health care, health, community education, health systems management, patient care and improving the quality of life.Diabetes Nurses play their educating role in the field of prevention of diabetic foot, foot care and preventing from foot injury. In care dimension, nurses responsible for early detection of any changes in skin and foot sensation, foot care, dressing and apply novel technology.In the area of rehabilitation, help patient sufferings from diabetic foot ulcer or amputation, to have movement are diabetes nurse’s duties.Consequently, nurses need to attend in special training to use the latest instructions of diabetic foot care in order that provides the effective services to facilitate promote diabetic patients health.
Reverse regulation of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and proinflammatory factor resistin and S100A12 in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Qi Yanqi , Gong Fangqi , Zhang Qing , Xie Chunhong , Wang Wei , Fu Songling 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute febrile disease, characterized by systemic vasculitis, predominantly affects infants and children under 5 years of age. Coronary artery lesions (CALs) are its most critical complication, and the etiology remains unknown yet. In order to explore the value of resistin, S100A12 and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in the pathophysiology of KD, we studied the serum levels of resistin, S100A12 and sRAGE in different stages of KD.

Methods
Serum levels of resistin, S100A12 and sRAGE were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in 15 healthy children and 40 KD patients at acute, afebrile and subacute stage.

Results
The resistin and S100A12 levels, including the ratio of resistin to sRAGE and S100A12 to sRAGE increased significantly in the acute stage, and decreased progressively in the afebrile and subacute stage. However, the sRAGE levels decreased significantly in the acute stage, and increased progressively in the afebrile and subacute stage. In the acute, afebrile and subacute stage, the resistin levels were higher in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) non-responders (0.64 ± 0.30, 0.48 ± 0.35, 0.28 ± 0.19, × 102 ng/ml) than in IVIG responders (0.35 ± 0.24, 0.21 ± 0.19, 0.12 ± 0.05, × 102 ng/ml). In the acute and subacute stage, the S100A12 levels were higher in IVIG non-responders (7.92 ± 2.61, 4.98 ± 4.75, × 102 ng/ml) than in IVIG responders (5.05 ± 3.22, 2.35 ± 2.26, × 102 ng/ml). In the afebrile and subacute stage, the sRAGE levels were lower in IVIG non-responders (3.51 ± 2.64, 3.65 ± 3.27, × 102 pg/ml) than in IVIG responders (6.00 ± 2.78, 7.19 ± 2.88, × 102 pg/ml). The resistin levels were positively correlated with S100A12 levels. The sRAGE levels were negatively related with S100A12 and resistin levels.

Conclusions
Resistin, S100A12 and sRAGE are involved in the pathophysiology of KD.
APRIL, a proliferation-inducing ligand, as a potential marker of lupus nephritis
Authors: Treamtrakanpon Worapot , Tantivitayakul Pornpen , Benjachat Thitima , Somparn Poorichaya , Kittikowit Wipawee , Eiam-ong Somchai , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Hirankarn Nattiya , Avihingsanon Yingyos 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
BLyS and APRIL are cytokines from the tumor necrosis factor family which play an important role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous works suggested an association between both molecules and SLE disease activity although their correlation with lupus nephritis is not known. We therefore assessed serum BLyS and APRIL in active lupus nephritis patients.

Methods
Serum samples from active lupus nephritis and at 6 months post-treatment were obtained. Serum levels of BLyS and APRIL (n = 47) as well as renal mRNA expression were measured. Serum levels of both molecules and clinical data (n = 27) were available at 6 months follow-up. All biopsy-proven lupus nephritis patients were treated with similar immunosuppressive drugs.

Results
Serum levels of APRIL were associated with proteinuria (Rs = 0.44, P value < 0.01) and degree of histological activity (Rs = 0.34; P value < 0.05) whereas BLyS levels were associated with complement levels (Rs = 0.46; P value < 0.01) and dosage of immunosuppressant. Interestingly, serum APRIL as well as its intrarenal mRNA levels were associated with resistance to treatment. From the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, high levels (> 4 ng/mL) of serum APRIL predicted treatment failure with a positive predictive value of 93 percent.

Conclusion
APRIL could be a potential biomarker for predicting difficult-to-treat cases of lupus nephritis.
Severe hyperkalemia requiring hospitalization: predictors of mortality
Authors: An Jung Nam , Lee Jung Pyo , Jeon Hee Jung , Kim Do Hyoung , Oh Yun Kyu , Kim Yon Su , Lim Chun Soo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Severe hyperkalemia, with potassium (K+) levels ≥ 6.5 mEq/L, is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. For prompt and effective treatment, it is important to know its risk factors, clinical manifestations, and predictors of mortality.

Methods
An observational cohort study was performed at 2 medical centers. A total of 923 consecutive Korean patients were analyzed. All were 19 years of age or older and were hospitalized with severe hyperkalemia between August 2007 and July 2010; the diagnosis of severe hyperkalemia was made either at the time of admission to the hospital or during the period of hospitalization. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics at the time of hyperkalemia diagnosis were assessed, and clinical outcomes such as in-hospital mortality were reviewed, using the institutions' electronic medical record systems.

Results
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was the most common underlying medical condition, and the most common precipitating factor of hyperkalemia was metabolic acidosis. Emergent admission was indicated in 68.6% of patients, 36.7% had electrocardiogram findings typical of hyperkalemia, 24.5% had multi-organ failure (MOF) at the time of hyperkalemia diagnosis, and 20.3% were diagnosed with severe hyperkalemia at the time of cardiac arrest. The in-hospital mortality rate was 30.7%; the rate was strongly correlated with the difference between serum K+ levels at admission and at their highest point, and with severe medical conditions such as malignancy, infection, and bleeding. Furthermore, a higher in-hospital mortality rate was significantly associated with the presence of cardiac arrest and/or MOF at the time of diagnosis, emergent admission, and intensive care unit treatment during hospitalization. More importantly, acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with normal baseline renal function was a strong predictor of mortality, compared with AKI superimposed on CKD.

Conclusions
Severe hyperkalemia occurs in various medical conditions; the precipitating factors are similarly diverse. The mortality rate is especially high in patients with severe underlying disease, coexisting medical conditions, and those with normal baseline renal function.
Hunting a Whale of a State: Kittler and His Terrorists
Authors: Winthrop-Young Geoffrey 
Published: November 2012

This essay is a companion piece to Friedrich Kittler's lecture “Of States and Their Terrorists.” It provides additional background, especially for Kittler's discussion of the German Red Army Faction (RAF ), and discusses the various sources (from Friedrich Nietzsche to Carl Schmitt) that inform Kittler's broader historical survey of technology and enmity.
The Bin Packing Problem with Precedence Constraints
Authors: Dell'Amico Mauro , Díaz José Carlos Díaz , Iori Manuel 
Published: November 2012

Given a set of identical capacitated bins, a set of weighted items, and a set of precedences among such items, we are interested in determining the minimum number of bins that can accommodate all items and can be ordered in such a way that all precedences are satisfied. The problem, denoted as the bin packing problem with precedence constraints (BPP-P), has a very intriguing combinatorial structure and models many assembly and scheduling issues. According to our knowledge, the BPP-P has received little attention in the literature, and in this paper we address it for the first time with exact solution methods. In particular, we develop reduction criteria, a large set of lower bounds, a variable neighborhood search upper bounding technique, and a branch-and-bound algorithm. We show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms by means of extensive computational tests on benchmark instances and comparison with standard integer linear programming techniques.
Bilateral and unilateral adrenal incidentalomas: biochemical and clinical characteristics
Authors: Morelli V , Palmieri S , Salcuni A S , Eller-Vainicher C , Cairoli E , Zhukouskaya V , Scillitani A , Beck-Peccoz P , Chiodini I 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveThe possible different prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidaemia (DL) and vertebral fractures (FX) between patients with bilateral and unilateral adrenal incidentalomas (BAI and UAI, respectively) with and without subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) is unknown. In this study we compared the prevalence of AH, T2DM, DL and FX in BAI and UAI patients in relation to SH.DesignProspective study.MethodsIn 175 UAI and 38 BAI patients, we evaluated BMI, spinal and femoral bone mineral density (LS and FN BMD, respectively) and the presence of AH, T2DM, DL and FX. SH was diagnosed in the presence of ≥2 of the following: urinary free cortisol levels >193 nmol/24 h, serum cortisol levels after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test >83 nmol/l or ACTH levels <2.2 pmol/l.ResultsAge, BMI and cortisol secretion were comparable, while FN BMD was lower in BAI than in UAI patients (−0.45±0.86 vs 0.09±1.07,P=0.004). The prevalence of SH, AH, T2DM, and DL was comparable, while the prevalence of FX was higher in BAI than in UAI (52.6 vs 28%,P=0.007). The presence of FX was associated with BAI (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2–5.6,P=0.016), after adjusting for SH (OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.85–3.7,P=0.12), BMI (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.98–1.13,P=0.1), age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.11,P=0.0001) and LS BMD (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.67,P=0.03).ConclusionBAI patients have an increased FX risk than UAI ones. Further studies should investigate the causes of bone involvement in BAI patients.
La majorité contrôlée par l'opposition : pierre philosophale de la nouvelle répartition des pouvoirs ?
Authors: Thiers Éric 
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le principe classique de séparation des pouvoirs, distinguant l’exécutif et le Parlement, semble aujourd’hui remis en cause par un concept plus opérationnel et renouvelé par la révision constitutionnelle de 2008 : le contrôle de la majorité par l’opposition. Au prix d’une inflexion notable au regard de notre tradition politique, la loi constitutionnelle du 23 juillet 2008 a apporté une reconnaissance juridique et symbolique à l’opposition parlementaire. Pour essentiel qu’il soit dans la revitalisation de notre vie institutionnelle, ce concept ne répond pas à toutes les nécessités de la distribution des pouvoirs au sein d’un régime démocratique. Le Parlement doit demeurer un acteur positif du jeu institutionnel et non un simple contre-pouvoir.
Un concept erroné, celui de l'existence d'un pouvoir judiciaire
Authors: Boucobza Isabelle 
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le concept d’existence d’un pouvoir judiciaire est présenté comme le résultat d’une description de l’application de la théorie de la séparation des pouvoirs dans la jurisprudence du Conseil constitutionnel. Or, cette « application » n’est en fait que le produit du choix d’une interprétation de cette jurisprudence à la lumière des préférences des auteurs concernant la meilleure façon d’organiser les pouvoirs. La critique du caractère faussement descriptif du concept laisse donc la place à la proposition de pistes pour la réalisation d’une analyse non normative du pouvoir juridictionnel, dont personne aujourd’hui ne conteste l’existence. À partir des interprétations que le droit positif reçoit, on sollicite deux terrains : celui de la définition de l’activité juridictionnelle et de sa portée normative, celui du régime juridique des organes qui l’exercent. Sur chacun de ces terrains, c’est la division, le partage et la maîtrise de cette « puissance », au profit notamment du pouvoir gouvernemental, qui est en jeu.
Un concept moderne : séparation des pouvoirs et contrôle de la loi
Authors: Roblot-Troizier Agnès 
Published: November 2012

Résumé Traditionnellement perçu en France comme contrevenant à la théorie de la séparation des pouvoirs, le contrôle de la loi par le juge doit, au contraire, être considéré comme une application de celle-ci en ce qu’il confère au juge une « faculté d’empêcher » propice à l’équilibre des pouvoirs. Régulièrement appliqué par le juge constitutionnel qui en définit la signification actuelle, le principe de séparation des pouvoirs sort rénové de son interprétation jurisprudentielle, laquelle sublime une des dimensions pourtant fondamentales du concept : la protection des droits des citoyens.
La séparation des pouvoirs aux États-Unis
Authors: Boudon Julien 
Published: November 2012

Résumé La doctrine juridique française, depuis la fin du xix e siècle, qualifie de « rigide » la séparation des pouvoirs aux États-Unis. Cette vue est erronée : tributaire des enjeux politiques de la III e République, elle méconnaît les traits saillants du régime américain. Celui-ci est caractérisé par une interdépendance des organes (sous réserve des membres du Congrès) et par leur collaboration dans l’accomplissement des fonctions étatiques.