bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection by a Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine Expressing Shiga Toxin 2 B Subunit against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Mice
Authors: Fujii Jun , Naito Mariko , Yutsudo Takashi , Matsumoto Sohkichi , Heatherly Daniel P. , Yamada Takeshi , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Yoshida Shin-ichi , Obrig Tom 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

We have developed a novel vaccine against Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) infection using a recombinant
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG (rBCG) system. Two intraperitoneal vaccinations with rBCG expressing the Stx2 B subunit (Stx2B) resulted in an increase of protective serum IgG and mucosal IgA responses to Stx2B in BALB/c mice. When orally challenged with 10
3
CFU of STEC strain B2F1 (O91: H21), the immunized mice survived statistically significantly longer than the nonvaccinated mice. We suggest that intraperitoneal immunization with rBCG expressing Stx2B would be a potential vaccine strategy for STEC.
Disseminated Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Scedosporium apiospermum Coinfection after Lung and Liver Transplantation in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient
Authors: Hirschi Sandrine , Letscher-Bru Valérie , Pottecher Julien , Lannes Béatrice , Jeung Mi Young , Degot Tristan , Santelmo Nicola , Sabou Alina Marcela , Herbrecht Raoul , Kessler Romain 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans
is a novel pathogen recently found in cystic fibrosis patients. We report the first case of a disseminated fatal infection with
T. mycotoxinivorans
associated with invasive
Aspergillus fumigatus
and
Scedosporium apiospermum
infection after lung and liver transplantation in a cystic fibrosis patient.
Observational Assessment of Nonlocal Heat Flux Feedback in the North Atlantic by GEFA
Authors: Wen Na , Liu Zhengyu , Liu Qinyu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMost previous studies have proven the local negative heat flux feedback (the surface heat flux response to SST anomalies) in the midlatitude areas. However, it is uncertain whether a nonlocal heat flux feedback can be observed. In this paper, the generalized equilibrium feedback assessment (GEFA) method is employed to examine the full surface turbulent heat flux response to SST in the North Atlantic Ocean using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data. The results not only confirm the dominant local negative feedback, but also indicate a robust nonlocal positive feedback of the Gulf Stream Extension (GSE) SST to the downstream heat flux in the subpolar region. This nonlocal feedback presents a strong seasonality, with response magnitudes of in winter and in summer. Further study indicates that the nonlocal effect is initiated by the adjustments of the downstream surface wind to the GSE SST anomalies.
The feasibility of rapid baseline objective physical activity measurement in a natural experimental study of a commuting population
Authors: Yang Lin , Griffin Simon , Chapman Cheryl , Ogilvie David 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Studies of the effects of environmental interventions on physical activity should include valid measures of physical activity before and after the intervention. Baseline data collection can be difficult when the timetable for introduction of an intervention is outside researchers’ control. This paper reports and reflects on the practical issues, challenges and results of rapid baseline objective physical activity measurement using accelerometers distributed by post in a natural experimental study.

Methods
A sample of working adults enrolling for the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study and expressing willingness to wear an activity monitor was selected to undertake baseline accelerometer assessment. Each selected participant received a study pack by post containing the core study questionnaire and an accelerometer to wear for seven consecutive days, and was asked to return their accelerometer and completed questionnaire in person or by post using the prepaid special delivery envelope provided. If a pack was not returned within two weeks of issue, a reminder was sent to the participant. Each participant received up to five reminders by various methods including letter, email, telephone and letter sent by recorded delivery.

Results
95% of participants registering for the study were willing in principle to undertake accelerometer assessment. Using a pool of 221 accelerometers, we achieved a total of 714 issues of accelerometers to participants during a six month period. 116 (16%) participants declined to use the accelerometer after receiving it. Three accelerometers failed, 45 (6% of 714) were lost and many were returned with insufficient data recorded, resulted in 109 (15%) participants re-wearing their accelerometer for a second week of measurement. 550 (77%) participants completed data collection, 478 (87% of 550) to the required standard. A total of 694 reminders were issued to retrieve unreturned accelerometers. More than 90% of accelerometers were retrieved after a maximum of two reminders.

Conclusions
It is feasible to use accelerometers to collect baseline objective physical activity data by post from a large number of participants in a limited time period. However, a substantial pool of devices is required and researchers need to be prepared to make significant efforts to recover some of the devices.
The effect of a dietary supplement (N-oleyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and epigallocatechin gallate) on dietary compliance and body fat loss in adults who are overweight: A double-blind, randomized control trial
Authors: Mangine Gerald T , Gonzalez Adam M , Wells Adam J , McCormack William P , Fragala Maren S , Stout Jeffrey R , Hoffman Jay R 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
A dietary supplement containing a blend of 170 mg of N-oleyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NOPE) and 100 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been shown to improve compliance to low caloric diets. Considering the cost of dietary ingredients, many manufacturers attempt to determine the lowest efficacious dose. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 8-weeks of supplementation with a daily intake of 120 mg of NOPE and 105 mg of EGCG in conjunction with a low caloric diet and regular, moderate exercise on dietary compliance in healthy, overweight adults. An additional purpose was to examine the effect of this supplement/diet/exercise paradigm on changes in body composition, sensation of appetite, mood and severity of binge eating.

Methods
Fifty healthy, overweight (BMI > 25 m·kg2) men (15) and women (35) (SUP; n = 25; 32.7 ± 13.75 y; BMI = 33.4 ± 6.2; PLA; n = 25, 34.3 ± 12.7 years; BMI = 33.2 ± 6.8) were recruited for a double-blind, placebo controlled study. Each volunteer was randomly assigned to either the supplement (SUP; n = 25) or placebo group (PLA; n = 25). Based upon a self-reported 3-day dietary recall all volunteers were recommended a 500 kcal or 30% (maximum of 1000 kcal) reduction in caloric intake. Volunteers were also encouraged to exercise 30 minutes per day, three times per week.

Results
Subjects in SUP were significantly more compliant (x
2 = 3.86, p = 0.049) in maintaining a low caloric diet at week 4, but this was not able to be maintained through the 8-week study. In addition, a significant difference in mood, feelings of fatigue and confusion were noted between the groups at week 4, but again not maintained by week 8 where only feelings of tension were improved. No differences between groups (p > 0.05) were observed for body mass, body composition, feelings of hunger, and binge eating after eight weeks.

Conclusion
Supplementing with a combination of 120 mg of NOPE and 105 mg of EGCG does appear to enhance compliance to a low caloric diet and improve mood for 4 –weeks, but loses its effectiveness by week 8.
Lack of association between four SNPs in the SLC22A3-LPAL2-LPA gene cluster and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population: a case control study
Authors: Lv Xiaofei , Zhang Yuan , Rao Shaoqi , Liu Fengqiong , Zuo Xiaoyu , Su Dongfang , Wang Min , Xia Min , Guo Honghui , Feng Dan , Hong Changjiang , Li Dan , Ma Wenjun , Ouyang Ping , Li Xinrui , Feng Xiang , Yang Yan , Ling Wenhua , Qiu Jian 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp [a]) is known being correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The SLC22A3-LPAL2-LPA gene cluster, relating with modulating the level of plasma Lp (a), has recently been reported to be associated with CAD in Caucasians. The purpose of this study was to verify whether this finding can be expanded to the Chinese Han population.

Methods and Results
Using a Chinese Han sample, which consisted of 1012 well-characterized CAD patients and 889 healthy controls, we tested the associations of four SNPs (rs2048327, rs3127599, rs7767084 and rs10755578) in the SLC22A3-LPAL2-LPA gene cluster, and their inferred haplotypes with the risk of CAD. Allelic, genotypic and haplotype association analyses all showed that the gene cluster was not associated with CAD in this Chinese Han sample.

Conclusions
We for the first time explored the association of the four SNPs in the SLC22A3-LPAL2-LPA gene cluster with CAD in a large Chinese Han sample. Nevertheless, this study did not reveal any significant evidence of this gene cluster to increase the risk of CAD in this population.
Orthogonal stability of functional equations with the fixed point alternative
Authors: Park Choonkil , Cho Yeol Je , Lee Jung Rye 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the orthogonal stability of functional equations in orthogonality modules over a unital Banach algebra. Using a fixed point method, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the orthogonally Jensen additive functional equation

2
f

(

x
+
y

2

)

=
f
(
x
)
+
f
(
y
)
,

the orthogonally Jensen quadratic functional equation

2
f

(

x
+
y

2

)

+
2
f

(

x
−
y

2

)

=
f
(
x
)
+
f
(
y
)
,

the orthogonally cubic functional equation

f
(
2
x
+
y
)
+
f
(
2
x
−
y
)
=
2
f
(
x
+
y
)
+
2
f
(
x
−
y
)
+
12
f
(
x
)
,

and the orthogonally quartic functional equation

f
(
2
x
+
y
)
+
f
(
2
x
−
y
)
=
4
f
(
x
+
y
)
+
4
f
(
x
−
y
)
+
24
f
(
x
)
−
6
f
(
y
)

for all x, y with

x
⊥
y

, where ⊥ is the orthogonality in the sense of Rätz.

MSC:39B55, 47H10, 39B52, 46H25.
The Gammaretroviral p12 protein has multiple domains that function during the early stages of replication
Authors: Wight Darren J , Boucherit Virginie C , Nader Mirella , Allen David J , Taylor Ian A , Bishop Kate N 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The Moloney murine leukaemia virus (Mo-MLV) gag gene encodes three main structural proteins, matrix, capsid and nucleocapsid and a protein called p12. In addition to its role during the late stages of infection, p12 has an essential, but undefined, function during early post-entry events. As these stages of retroviral infection remain poorly understood, we set out to investigate the function of p12.

Results
Examination of the infectivity of Mo-MLV virus-like particles containing a mixture of wild type and mutant p12 revealed that the N- and C-terminal regions of p12 are sequentially acting domains, both required for p12 function, and that the N-terminal activity precedes the C-terminal activity in the viral life cycle. By creating a panel of p12 mutants in other gammaretroviruses, we showed that these domains are conserved in this retroviral genus. We also undertook a detailed mutational analysis of each domain, identifying residues essential for function. These data show that different regions of the N-terminal domain are necessary for infectivity in different gammaretroviruses, in stark contrast to the C-terminal domain where the same region is essential for all viruses. Moreover, chimeras between the p12 proteins of Mo-MLV and gibbon ape leukaemia virus revealed that the C-terminal domains are interchangeable whereas the N-terminal domains are not. Finally, we identified potential functions for each domain. We observed that particles with defects in the N-terminus of p12 were unable to abrogate restriction factors, implying that their cores were impaired. We further showed that defects in the C-terminal domain of p12 could be overcome by introducing a chromatin binding motif into the protein.

Conclusions
Based on these data, we propose a model for p12 function where the N-terminus of p12 interacts with, and stabilizes, the viral core, allowing the C-terminus of p12 to tether the preintegration complex to host chromatin during mitosis, facilitating integration.
Frontiers of parasitology research in the People's Republic of China: infection, diagnosis, protection and surveillance
Authors: Chen Jun-Hu , Wang Hen , Chen Jia-Xu , Bergquist Robert , Tanner Marcel , Utzinger Jürg , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Control and eventual elimination of human parasitic diseases in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China) requires novel approaches, particularly in the areas of diagnostics, mathematical modelling, monitoring, evaluation, surveillance and public health response. A comprehensive effort, involving the collaboration of 188 scientists (>85% from P.R. China) from 48 different institutions and universities (80% from P.R. China), covers this collection of 29 articles published in Parasites & Vectors. The research mainly stems from a research project entitled “Surveillance and diagnostic tools for major parasitic diseases in P.R. China” (grant no. 2008ZX10004-011) and highlights the frontiers of research in parasitology. The majority of articles in this thematic series deals with the most important parasitic diseases in P.R. China, emphasizing Schistosoma japonicum, Plasmodium vivax and Clonorchis sinensis plus some parasites of emerging importance such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Significant achievements have been made through the collaborative research programme in the following three fields: (i) development of strategies for the national control programme; (ii) updating the surveillance data of parasitic infections both in human and animals; and (iii) improvement of existing, and development of novel, diagnostic tools to detect parasitic infections. The progress is considerable and warrants broad validation efforts. Combined with the development of improved tools for diagnosis and surveillance, integrated and multi-pronged control strategies should now pave the way for elimination of parasitic diseases in P.R. China. Experiences and lessons learned can stimulate control and elimination efforts of parasitic diseases in other parts of the world.
Genetically engineered mouse models and human osteosarcoma
Authors: Ng Alvin JM , Mutsaers Anthony J , Baker Emma K , Walkley Carl R 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOsteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. Pivotal insight into the genes involved in human osteosarcoma has been provided by the study of rare familial cancer predisposition syndromes. Three kindreds stand out as predisposing to the development of osteosarcoma: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial retinoblastoma and RecQ helicase disorders, which include Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome in particular. These disorders have highlighted the important roles ofP53andRBrespectively, in the development of osteosarcoma. The association of OS withRECQL4mutations is apparent but the relevance of this to OS is uncertain as mutations inRECQL4are not found in sporadic OS. Application of the knowledge or mutations ofP53andRBin familial and sporadic OS has enabled the development of tractable, highly penetrant murine models of OS. These models share many of the cardinal features associated with human osteosarcoma including, importantly, a high incidence of spontaneous metastasis. The recent development of these models has been a significant advance for efforts to improve our understanding of the genetics of human OS and, more critically, to provide a high-throughput genetically modifiable platform for preclinical evaluation of new therapeutics.
Impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation in patients with severe sepsis and sepsis-associated delirium
Authors: Schramm Patrick , Klein Klaus Ulrich , Falkenberg Lena , Berres Manfred , Closhen Dorothea , Werhahn Konrad J , David Matthias , Werner Christian , Engelhard Kristin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Sepsis-associated delirium (SAD) increases morbidity in septic patients and, therefore, factors contributing to SAD should be further characterized. One possible mechanism might be the impairment of cerebrovascular autoregulation (AR) by sepsis, leading to cerebral hypo- or hyperperfusion in these haemodynamically unstable patients. Therefore, the present study investigates the relationship between the incidence of SAD and the status of AR during sepsis.

Methods
Cerebral blood flow velocity was measured using transcranial Doppler sonography and was correlated with the invasive arterial blood pressure curve to calculate the index of AR Mx (Mx>0.3 indicates impaired AR). Mx was measured daily during the first 4 days of sepsis. Diagnosis of a SAD was performed using the confusion assessment method for ICU (CAM-ICU) and, furthermore the predominant brain electrical activity in electroencephalogram (EEG) both at day 4 after reduction of sedation to RASS >-2.

Results
30 critically ill adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock (APACHE II 32 ± 6) were included. AR was impaired at day 1 in 60%, day 2 in 59%, day 3 in 41% and day 4 in 46% of patients; SAD detected by CAM-ICU was present in 76 % of patients. Impaired AR at day 1 was associated with the incidence of SAD at day 4 (p = 0.035).

Conclusions
AR is impaired in the great majority of patients with severe sepsis during the first two days. Impaired AR is associated with SAD, suggesting that dysfunction of AR is one of the trigger mechanisms contributing to the development of SAD.

Trial registration
clinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01029080
Thermomechanical modelling of high power laser diode degradation
Authors: Anaya J. , Martin-Martin A. , Souto J. , Iñiguez P. , Jimenez J. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTCatastrophic degradation of high power laser diodes is due to the generation of extended defects during the laser operation. The stress necessary for is induced by temperature gradients generated by local enhancement of the temperature due to non radiative recombination and subsequent laser self absorption. The thermal stresses induced by such temperature gradient are calculated using finite element methods, showing that the yield strength can be surpassed. The thermal conductivity of the laser structure is shown to play a relevant role in the process.
An easy approach to identify dislocation types in GaN films through selective chemical etching and atom force microscopy
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Yang Hui 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTStudies have revealed that different dislocation types have different influences on GaN device performance. Identification and discrimination of dislocation types in GaN films will be very helpful to understand the formation mechanism of each type of dislocation, and subsequently to work out corresponding methodologies to reduce each. In this work, two types of etched pits, inverted triangle and trapezoidal, were discovered in GaN films by AFM. Triangle ones were more quickly generated, and would transfer to the other with the increase in etching duration. Theoretical analysis from the viewpoint of strain energy of defects lets us to conclude that the former is from screw dislocation and the latter is formed by mixed dislocation. We consequently obtained the dislocation densities of each type, which agreed well with the XRD results. In summary, this work presents an easy but reliable approach to determine the type and corresponding density of dislocations in GaN.
Impact of the Al Mole Fraction in the Bulk- and Surface-State Induced Instability of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: DasGupta S. , Sun M. , Armstrong A. , Kaplar R. , Marinella M. , Stanley J. , Smith M. , Atcitty S. , Palacios T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTCharge trapping and slow (10 s to > 1000 s) detrapping in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs designed for high breakdown voltage (> 1500 V) are studied to identify the impact of Al molefraction and passivation on trapping. Two different trapping components, TG1 (Ea = 0.62 eV) and TG2 (with negligible temperature dependence) in AlGaN dominate under gate bias stress in the off-state. Al0.15Ga0.85N shows much more vulnerability to trapping under gate stress in the absence of passivation than does AlGaN with a higher Al mole fraction. Under large drain bias, trapping is dominated by a much deeper trap TD. Detrapping under illumination by monochromatic light shows TD to have Ea ≈ 1.65 eV in Al0.26Ga0.74N and Ea ≈ 1.85 eV in Al0.15Ga0.85N. This is consistent with a transition from a deep state (Ec - 2.0 eV) in the AlGaN barrier to the 2DEG.
A Comparison of Usability Factors of Four Mobile Devices for Accessing Healthcare Information by Adolescents
Authors: Sheehan B. , Lee Y. , Rodriguez M. , Tiase V. , Schnall R. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackground: Mobile health (mHealth) is a growing field aimed at developing mobile information and communication technologies for healthcare. Adolescents are known for their ubiquitous use of mobile technologies in everyday life. However, the use of mHealth tools among adolescents is not well described.Objective: We examined the usability of four commonly used mobile devices (an iPhone, an Android with touchscreen keyboard, an Android with built-in keyboard, and an iPad) for accessing healthcare information among a group of urban-dwelling adolescents.Methods: Guided by the FITT (Fit between Individuals, Task, and Technology) framework, a think-aloud protocol was combined with a questionnaire to describe usability on three dimensions: 1) task-technology fit; 2) individual-technology fit; and 3) individual-task fit.Results: For task-technology fit, we compared the efficiency, and effectiveness of each of the devices tested and found that the iPhone was the most usable had the fewest errors and prompts and had the lowest mean overall task time For individual-task fit, we compared efficiency and learnability measures by website tasks and found no statistically significant effect on tasks steps, task time and number of errors. Following our comparison of success rates by website tasks, we compared the difference between two mobile applications which were used for diet tracking and found statistically significant effect on tasks steps, task time and number of errors. For individual-technology fit, interface quality was significantly different across devices indicating that this is an important factor to be considered in developing future mobile devices.Conclusions: All of our users were able to complete all of the tasks, however the time needed to complete the tasks was significantly different by mobile device and mHealth application. Future design of mobile technology and mHealth applications should place particular importance on interface quality.Citation: Sheehan B, Lee Y, Rodriguez M, Tiase V, Schnall R. A Comparison of Usability Factors of Four Mobile Devices for Accessing Healthcare Information by Adolescents. Appl Clin Inf 2012; 3: 356–366http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-06-RA-0021