bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Secretes a Highly Conserved Mucin-Degrading Metalloprotease To Effectively Engage Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Luo Qingwei , Kumar Pardeep , Vickers Tim J. , Sheikh Alaullah , Lewis Warren G. , Rasko David A. , Sistrunk Jeticia , Fleckenstein James M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a leading cause of death due to diarrheal illness among young children in developing countries, and there is currently no effective vaccine. Many elements of ETEC pathogenesis are still poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that YghJ, a secreted ETEC antigen identified in immunoproteomic studies using convalescent patient sera, is required for efficient access to small intestinal enterocytes and for the optimal delivery of heat-labile toxin (LT). Furthermore, YghJ is a highly conserved metalloprotease that influences intestinal colonization of ETEC by degrading the major mucins in the small intestine, MUC2 and MUC3. Genes encoding YghJ and its cognate type II secretion system (T2SS), which also secretes LT, are highly conserved in ETEC and exist in other enteric pathogens, including other diarrheagenic
E. coli
and
Vibrio cholerae
bacteria, suggesting that this mucin-degrading enzyme may represent a shared virulence feature of these important pathogens.
Childhood Height and Body Mass Index Were Associated with Risk of Adult Thyroid Cancer in a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Kitahara Cari M. , Gamborg Michael , Berrington de González Amy , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Baker Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTaller stature and obesity in adulthood have been consistently associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, but few studies have investigated the role of childhood body size. Using data from a large prospective cohort, we examined associations for height and body mass index (BMI) at ages 7 to 13 years with risk of thyroid cancer in later life. The study population included 321,085 children from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, born between 1930 and 1989 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with measurements of height and weight from 7 to 13 years of age. These data were linked with the Danish Cancer Registry to identify incident thyroid cancer cases (1968–2010). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for age- and sex-specific height and BMI SD scores (SDS) using proportional hazards models stratified by birth cohort and sex. During follow-up (median = 38.6 years), 171 women and 64 men were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Both height and BMI were positively associated with thyroid cancer risk, and these associations were similar by age at measurement. Using age 10 as an example, HRs per 1 unit increase in SDS for height (∼6–7 cm) and BMI (∼ 1.5–2 kg/m2) were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.07–1.40) and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.00–1.34), respectively. These results, together with the relatively young ages at which thyroid cancers are diagnosed compared with other malignancies, suggest a potential link between early-life factors related to growth and body weight and thyroid carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 74(1); 235–42. ©2013 AACR.
Bathymetry Estimation Using Drifter-Based Velocity Measurements on the Kootenai River, Idaho
Authors: Landon Kyle C. , Wilson Greg W. , Özkan-Haller H. Tuba , MacMahan Jamie H. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Velocity measurements from drifter GPS records are used in an ensemble-based data assimilation technique to extract the river bathymetry. The method is tested on a deep meandering reach and a shallow braided reach of the Kootenai River in Idaho. The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is used to model numerous statistically varied bathymetries to create an ensemble of hydrodynamic states. These states, the drifter observations, and the uncertainty of each are combined to form a cost function that is minimized to produce an estimated velocity field and bathymetry. The goals of this study are to assess whether ROMS can accurately reproduce the Kootenai River flow to an extent that depth estimation is feasible, to investigate if drifter paths are sensitive enough to bottom topography to make depth estimation possible, and to establish practical limitations of the present methodology. At both test sites, the depth estimation method produced a bathymetry that was more accurate than the prior estimate.
CMV-specific CD8+ T-cell function is not impaired in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: te Raa G. Doreen , Pascutti Maria Fernanda , García-Vallejo Juan J. , Reinen Emilie , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , ten Berge Ineke J. M. , van Lier René A. W. , Eldering Eric , van Oers Marinus H. J. , Tonino Sanne H. , Kater Arnon P. 
Published: November 2013

Key PointsExpression of exhaustion markers is decreased on CMV-specific CD8+ T cells from CLL patients as compared with those from age-matched HCs. Functionality of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in CLL with respect to cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and immune synapse formation is preserved.
Identification of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and phenylpropanoid accumulation by transcriptome analysis of Lycium chinense
Authors: Zhao Shicheng , Tuan Pham Anh , Li Xiaohua , Kim Yeon Bok , Kim HyeRan , Park Chun Geon , Yang Jingli , Li Cheng Hao , Park Sang Un 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

Lycium chinense is well known in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its medicinal value and composition, which have been widely studied for decades. However, further research on Lycium chinense is limited due to the lack of transcriptome and genomic information.

Results
The transcriptome of L. chinense was constructed by using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. All 56,526 unigenes with an average length of 611 nt and an N50 equaling 848 nt were generated from 58,192,350 total raw reads after filtering and assembly. Unigenes were assembled by BLAST similarity searches and annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology identifiers. Using these transcriptome data, the majority of genes that are associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in L. chinense were identified. In addition, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related gene expression and compound content in different organs were analyzed. We found that most phenylpropanoid genes were highly expressed in the red fruits, leaves, and flowers. An important phenylpropanoid, chlorogenic acid, was also found to be extremely abundant in leaves.

Conclusions
Using Illumina sequencing technology, we have identified the function of novel homologous genes that regulate metabolic pathways in Lycium chinense.
Gestational Age, Birth Weight, and Risk of Respiratory Hospital Admission in Childhood
Authors: Paranjothy Shantini , Dunstan Frank , Watkins William J. , Hyatt Melanie , Demmler Joanne C. , Lyons Ronan A. , Fone David 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the risk of emergency respiratory hospital admission during childhood associated with gestational age at birth and growth restriction in utero.

METHODS:
The study included a total population electronic birth cohort with anonymized record-linkage of multiple health and administrative data sets. Participants were 318 613 children born in Wales, United Kingdom, between May 1, 1998, and December 31, 2008. The main outcome measure was emergency respiratory hospital admissions.

RESULTS:
The rate of admission in the first year of life ranged from 41.5 per 100 child-years for infants born before 33 weeks’ gestation to 9.8 per 100 child-years for infants born at 40 to 42 weeks’ gestation. The risk of any emergency respiratory admission up to age 5 years increased as gestational age decreased to &lt;40 weeks. Even at 39 weeks’ gestation, there was an increased risk of emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions compared with infants born at 40 to 42 weeks (adjusted hazard ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.13). Small for gestational age (&lt;10th centile for gestation and gender-specific birth weight) was independently associated with an increased risk of any emergency respiratory admission to hospital (adjusted hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.10).

CONCLUSIONS:
The risk of emergency respiratory admission up to age 5 years decreased with each successive week in gestation up to 40 to 42 weeks. Although the magnitude of increased risk associated with moderate and late preterm births is small, the number of infants affected is large and therefore presents a significant impact on health care services.
The Effect of Obesity in Adolescence on Adult Health Status
Authors: Inge Thomas H. , King Wendy C. , Jenkins Todd M. , Courcoulas Anita P. , Mitsnefes Mark , Flum David R. , Wolfe Bruce M. , Pomp Alfons , Dakin Greg F. , Khandelwal Saurabh , Zeller Meg H. , Horlick Mary , Pender John R. , Chen Jia-Yuh , Daniels Stephen R. 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:
To test the hypothesis that adolescent obesity would be associated with greater risks of adverse health in severely obese adults.

METHODS:
Before weight loss surgery, adult participants in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 underwent detailed anthropometric and comorbidity assessment. Weight status at age 18 was retrospectively determined. Participants who were ≥80% certain of recalled height and weight at age 18 (1502 of 2308) were included. Log binomial regression was used to evaluate whether weight status at age 18 was independently associated with risk of comorbid conditions at time of surgery controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS:
Median age and adult body mass index (BMI) were 47 years and 46, respectively. At age 18, 42% of subjects were healthy weight, 29% overweight, 16% class 1 obese, and 13% class ≥2 obese. Compared with healthy weight at age 18, class ≥2 obesity at age 18 independently increased the risk of lower-extremity venous edema with skin manifestations by 435% (P &lt; .0001), severe walking limitation by 321% (P &lt; .0001), abnormal kidney function by 302% (P &lt; .0001), polycystic ovary syndrome by 74% (P = .03), asthma by 48% (P = .01), diabetes by 42% (P &lt; .01), obstructive sleep apnea by 25% (P &lt; .01), and hypertension (by varying degrees based on age and gender). Conversely, the associated risk of hyperlipidemia was reduced by 61% (P &lt; .01).

CONCLUSIONS:
Severe obesity at age 18 was independently associated with increased risk of several comorbid conditions in adults undergoing bariatric surgery.
Effects of Catchment, First‐Flush, Storage Conditions, and Time on Microbial Quality in Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Authors: Amin M. T. , Kim Tschung‐il , Amin M. N. , Han M. Y. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT: Rainwater collected from a rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system is typically not considered suitable for potable uses, primarily because of poor microbial quality. The quality of stored rainwater, however, can be improved through basic design and maintenance practices during the construction and operation of an RWH system. This paper presents the microbial analysis of rainwater in two RWH systems installed at the Seoul National University Campus in South Korea. Rainwater samples were collected at different locations within each system and analyzed for total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and heterotrophic plate count bacteria. Within their storage tanks, water quality improved horizontally from inlet to outlet points, and higher quality was observed at the supply point (located about 0.5 m from the base of the tank) than at the surface or bottom of the tank. First‐flush rainwater was found to be highly contaminated but rainwater quality improved following about 1 mm of precipitation. The catchment surface also had a significant effect on the quality of rainwater; samples collected from a rooftop exhibited better microbial quality than from a terrace catchment. Better water quality in underground tanks (dark storage conditions) compared to open weirs/filters (exposed to natural light) demonstrated the importance of storage conditions. Water quality also improved with longer storage, and a decrease of 70% to 90% in microbial concentrations was observed after about 1 week of storage time. The findings of this study demonstrate that the microbial quality of harvested rainwater can be improved significantly by the adoption of proper design and maintenance guidelines such as those discussed in this paper.
Striking the Balance between Nutrient Removal, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Receiving Water Quality, and Costs
Authors: Falk Michael W. , Reardon David J. , Neethling J.B. , Clark David L. , Pramanik Amit 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT: This Water Environment Research Foundation study considered the relationship between varying nutrient‐removal levels at wastewater treatment plants, greenhouse gas emissions, receiving water quality (measured by potential algal production), and costs. The effluent nutrient concentrations required by some U.S. permits are very low, approaching the technology–best‐achievable performance. This study evaluated five different treatment levels at a nominal 40 ML/d (10 mgd) flow. Greenhouse gas emissions and costs increase gradually up to the technologies' best‐achievable performance, after which they increase exponentially. The gradual increase is attributed to additional biological treatment facilities, increased energy and chemical use, and additional tertiary nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes. Within the limited focus of this study, the evaluation shows that a point of diminishing return is reached as nutrient‐removal objectives approach the technology–best‐achievable performance, where greenhouse gas emissions and cost of treatment increases rapidly while the potential for algal growth reduce marginally.
Inverse problem for the gravimetric modeling of the crust-mantle density contrast
Authors: Tenzer Robert 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The gravimetric inverse problem for finding the Moho density contrast is formulated in this study. The solution requires that the crust density structure and the Moho depths are a priori known, for instance, from results of seismic studies. The relation between the isostatic gravity data (i.e., the complete-crust stripped isostatic gravity disturbances) and the Moho density contrast is defined by means of the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. The closed analytical solution of the integral equation is given. Alternative expressions for solving the inverse problem of isostasy are defined in frequency domain. The isostatic gravity data are computed utilizing methods for a spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis of the gravity field. For this purpose, we define various spherical functions, which define the crust density structures and the Moho interface globally.
FOREST AND SCRUB COMMUNITIES WITH GREEN ALDER (ALNUS VIRIDIS) IN SLOVENIA
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Rozman Andrej , Seliškar Andrej 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper provides phytosociological tables that describe scrub and forest communities with Alnus viridis in the Slovenian Alps. We described three new associations: Rhododendro hirsuti-Alnetum viridis (a green alder community on calcareous bedrock in the Eastern and Southeastern Alps), Huperzio selagi-Alnetum viridis (a green alder community in the silicate rocks under Mt. Komen in the eastern Savinja Alps) and Alno viridis- Sorbetum aucupariae (a successional stage of mountain ash and green alder on potential beech sites in the foothills of the southern Julian Alps; similar stages are known also elsewhere in the Alps), and presented additional three associations (Polysticho lonchitis-Fagetum, Rhodothamno-Laricetum and Rhododendro hirsuti-Pinetum mugo) whose stands comprise green alder.
Fused Deposition Modelling as Rapid Prototyping for Structural Material Improvement: Analytical Solution / Ātrās Prototipēšanas Ar Kausēšanas Metodi Strukturālā Uzlabojuma Analītisks Risinājums
Authors: Brensons I. , Polukoshko S. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most effective rapid prototyping (RP) techniques due to its low cost, available materials and versatility. In FDM, a part of material (usually plastic) is made by heating this material to the molten state, and from the melt it is extruded through a nozzle and deposited on a surface. In the article, an alternative RP method is considered for improvement of the mechanical properties of a rapid prototype. The authors propose an analytical solution which allows for achievement of this purpose via advanced technologies. The base materials applied in RP technology can be combined with liquid resin which solidifies after a definite time. This makes it possible to create a channel through the prototype and fill it with another material having better mechanical properties. The optimal channel sizes can be chosen in order to raise the strength of material parts.
Media Synchronicity Theory: Towards a Rigorous Evaluation Framework for M-Learning Artifacts Learning Artifacts
Authors: Asiimwe Edgar Napoleon 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDigital learning occurs through communication where learners and teachers exchange information and share knowledge. From the pedagogy point of view, the most important characteristic of the information exchange is the human aspect; a factor that e-learning scholars conceive in regard to usability and accessibility of e-learning technology (Michelinakis, 2004). Evaluation tools are needed to promote and rise quality of artefacts and smooth-en the information exchange ways when learning takes place. There are no rigorous evaluation frameworks for mobile e-learning platforms (Georgieva, 2006). In this study we envision Media Synchronicity Theory (MST) as a potential framework for evaluating mobile learning artifacts i.e., mobile devices and learning content management systems.
High‐pressure X‐ray diffraction study and thermoelectric measurements of Mg2Si
Authors: Mori Y. , Kaihara Y. , Nakamura S. , Yoshino T. , Takarabe K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMagnesium silicide (Mg2Si) is a promising as an environmental friendly thermoelectric material. It is difficult to synthesize high‐purity Mg2Si because of the boiling of Mg and the oxidation of Mg. In order to avoid the disagreement of stoichiometric ratio and the oxidation, we have performed high‐pressure synthesis. And also the high‐pressure X‐ray diffraction by the synchrotron radiation source was carried out to find synthetic condition under pressure, and we have found that Mg2Si was synthesized at 1.0 GPa beyond 573 K. Because high synthetic temperature causes the oxidation of Mg, the high‐pressure synthesis by means of a piston cylinder apparatus performed at 673 K. The synthesized compounds were evaluated by XRD analysis and thermoelectric measurement. Because the size of compounds synthesized under pressure is small, we also developed and evaluated the new equipment of the thermoelectric measurement for such as small sample. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unexpected turns in lifelong sentimental journeys: redefining love, memory and old age through Alice Munro's ‘The Bear Came Over the Mountain’ and its film adaptation,Away from Her
Authors: CASADO-GUAL NÚRIA 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTAlice Munro's 2001 short story ‘The Bear Came Over the Mountain’ and its 2006 film version,Away from Her, directed and adapted for the screen by Sarah Polley, are two interconnected narratives through which diverse (and even divergent) representations of romantic love and memory in later life can be analysed. Even if the two texts are constructed on an apparently simple plot line, which basically depicts the last phase of a 44-year-long marriage once the wife, Fiona, presents symptoms of dementia and is interned in a retirement home, they both allow for, at least, two contrasted interpretations. As will be demonstrated, these two possible readings unveil different cultural, social and psychological facets of memory in connection with late-life expressions of love; and each of them contributes, in their own way, to the construction of a dialogical narrative that mediates between the complexities of old age, dementia and gender difference, while at the same time demonstrating the power of literature and the cinema to reflect and refract the complexities of contemporary forms of ageing.
Do Provider Service Networks Result in Lower Expenditures Compared with HMOs or Primary Care Case Management in Florida's Medicaid Program?
Authors: Harman Jeffrey S. , Hall Allyson G. , Lemak Christy H. , Duncan R. Paul 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of Florida's Medicaid Demonstration 4 years post‐implementation on per member per month (PMPM) Medicaid expenditures and whether receiving care through HMOs versus provider service networks (PSNs) in the Demonstration was associated with PMPM expenditures.DataFlorida Medicaid claims from two fiscal years prior to implementation of the Demonstration (FY0405, FY0506) and the first four fiscal years after implementation (FY0607‐FY0910) from two urban Demonstration counties and two urban non‐Demonstration counties.Study DesignA difference‐in‐difference approach was used to compare changes in enrollee expenditures before and after implementation of the Demonstration overall and specifically for HMOs and PSNs.Data ExtractionClaims data were extracted for enrollees in the Demonstration and non‐Demonstration counties and collapsed into monthly amounts (N = 26,819,987 person‐months).Principal FindingsAmong SSI enrollees, the Demonstration resulted in lower increases in PMPM expenditures over time ($40) compared with the non‐Demonstration counties ($186), with Demonstration PSNs lowering PMPM expenditures by $7 more than HMOs. Savings were also seen among TANF enrollees but to a lesser extent.ConclusionsThe Medicaid Demonstration in Florida appears to result in lower PMPM expenditures. Demonstration PSNs generated slightly greater reductions in expenditures compared to Demonstration HMOs. PSNs appear to be a promising model for delivering care to Medicaid enrollees.