bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The length of the linker between the epidermal growth factor‐like domains in factor VIIa is critical for a productive interaction with tissue factor
Authors: Persson Egon , Madsen Jesper J. , Olsen Ole H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFormation of the factor VIIa (FVIIa)‐tissue factor (TF) complex triggers the blood coagulation cascade. Using a structure‐based rationale, we investigated how the length of the linker region between the two epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like domains in FVIIa influences TF binding and the allosteric activity enhancement, as well as the interplay between the γ‐carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)‐containing and protease domains. Removal of two residues from the native linker was compatible with normal cofactor binding and accompanying stimulation of the enzymatic activity, as was extension by two (Gly‐Ser) residues. In sharp contrast, truncation by three or four residues abolished the TF‐mediated stabilization of the active conformation of FVIIa and abrogated TF‐induced activity enhancement. In addition, FVIIa variants with short linkers associated 80‐fold slower with soluble TF (sTF) as compared with wild‐type FVIIa, resulting in a corresponding increase in the equilibrium dissociation constant. Molecular modeling suggested that the shortest FVIIa variants would have to be forced into a tense and energetically unfavorable conformation in order to be able to interact productively with TF, explaining our experimental observations. We also found a correlation between linker length and the residual intrinsic enzymatic activity of Ca2+‐free FVIIa; stepwise truncation resulting in gradually higher activity with des(83–86)‐FVIIa reaching the level of Gla‐domainless FVIIa. The linker appears to determine the average distance between the negatively charged Gla domain and a structural element in the protease domain, presumably of opposite charge, and proximity has a negative impact on apo‐FVIIa activity.
Sufficient conditions for stability and stabilization of networked control systems with uncertainties and nonlinearities
Authors: Gyurkovics Eva , Eszes David 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIn this paper, we consider the problem of robust stability and stabilization for networked control systems (NCS) with uncertain/nonlinear dynamics AUTHOR: Please check that authors and their affiliations are correct. in which the network‐induced delays are time‐varying and bounded. Based on some recent achievements, a relatively simple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is proposed to derive sufficient conditions both for analysis and synthesis of NCS in the form of LMIs depending on the delay bounds. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by several benchmark examples available in the literature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Invasibility Drives Restoration of a Floodplain Plant Community
Authors: Toth L. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAn understanding of the processes that determine plant community structure is a requisite for the planning and evaluation of restoration efforts on river floodplains. Variable disturbance regimes derived from flood pulses increase the susceptibility of river floodplains to colonizations by new species and establish invasibility as a potentially important factor in plant community assembly and dynamics. The role of invasibility in the restoration of a wet prairie community on the Kissimmee River floodplain in central Florida was evaluated by quantifying temporal species turnover rates during wet and dry season sampling over a 12‐year pre‐restoration and post‐restoration period. Turnover rates increased with reestablishment of annual inundation regimes and were significantly greater on the reflooded floodplain than on the drained, channelized floodplain. Recurrent periods of increased invasibility were associated with repeated high‐amplitude flood pulses and accompanied by increased diversity of plant communities within the wet prairie landscape. Neither invasibility nor beta diversity was strongly related to the variable hydroperiods or depths provided by local topography and restoration of seasonal hydrologic regimes. Results suggest that invasibility is a functional process by which the restored flood pulse has reestablished the structure and diversity of the wet prairie. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of preventive maintenance intervals on reliability and maintenance costs of wind turbine gearboxes
Authors: Igba Joel , Alemzadeh Kazem , Henningsen Keld , Durugbo Christopher 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAs many of the installed wind turbines (WTs) get older or approach their design life, there will be a drive to keep extending the lives of the main components especially the gearbox. The challenge of operations and maintenance will potentially be even more as there will be a need to keep the cost to a minimum. Similarly, as years of experience of operating WTs accumulate, knowledge about the behaviour and failure of subsystems is gained as well. Also with good documentation and repository of historical operational, performance and failure data, future decisions of operations and maintenance can be taken on the basis of insights from past experience. This paper presents an approach for implementing preventive maintenance (PM) by using historical failure data to determine the optimal PM interval required to maintain desired reliability of a typical module or subassembly. This paper builds upon previous research in the area of WT gearbox reliability analysis and prediction, taking it further by examining the relationships between the frequency of a PM task and the reliability, availability and maintenance costs. The approach presented demonstrates how historical in‐service failure data can be used in PM task selection based on the minimum maintenance cost and maximum availability. Available historical field failure data of the high speed module of a Vestas 2MW WT gearbox is used to validate the approach and show its practicality. The results of this study are then presented—indicating that choosing the right PM interval based on the minimum unit maintenance cost and maximum availability also improves WT gearbox reliability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of a Dimeric Organometallic Indiumsubfluoride
Authors: Uhl Werner , Lawerenz Andreas , Layh Marcus 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe reaction of the tetraindium(I) cluster compound In4[C(SiMe3)3]4 (1) with silver tetrafluoridoborate afforded the unique organometallic indium(II) subfluoride [(Me3Si)3C(F)In‐In(F)C(SiMe3)3]2 2 via selective oxidation of the indium atoms by Ag+. Compound 2 features an In4F4 cage at its molecular core in which two In–In single bonds that are perpendicular to each other are bridged by four fluorine atoms.
The Psychological Impact of Predictive Genetic Testing for Huntington′s Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Crozier S , Robertson N , Dale M 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHuntington′s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic condition for which a predictive genetic test by mutation analysis has been available since 1993. However, whilst revealing the future presence of the disease, testing may have an adverse psychological impact given that the disease is progressive, incurable and ultimately fatal. This review seeks to systematically explore the psychological impact of genetic testing for individuals undergoing pre‐symptomatic mutation analysis. Three databases (Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus) were interrogated for studies utilising standardised measures to assess psychological impact following predictive genetic testing for HD. From 100 papers initially identified, eight articles were eligible for inclusion. Psychological impact of predictive genetic testing was not found to be associated with test result. No detrimental effect of predictive genetic testing on non‐carriers was found, although the process was not found to be psychologically neutral. Fluctuation in levels of distress was found over time for carriers and non‐carriers alike. Methodological weaknesses of published literature were identified, notably the needs of individuals not requesting genetic testing, as well as inadequate support for individuals registering elevated distress and declining post‐test follow‐up. Further assessment of these vulnerable individuals is warranted to establish the extent and type of future psychological support.
Existing Challenges Associated with Offering Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis in an Arab Society in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Bruwer Zandrè , Achandira Udayakumar , Al Kharousi Khalsa , Al‐Kindy Adila 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe incidence of congenital anomalies and/or genetic disorders in the Omani population has reached figures greater than double the global statistics. Preference for consanguineous unions together with the fact that termination of pregnancy in Muslim communities are largely avoided, have been highlighted as contributing factors. This overview identifies a third significant aspect contributing to the elevated rate of genetic disorders in the Omani population. Namely, a lack of services that are able to offer termination of pregnancy for severe congenital anomalies, to requesting parents. In this report we select an unusual case of a family at risk for two distinct genetic disorders ‐ 6q micro‐deletion and unbalanced products of conception attributed to a balanced parental translocation involving chromosome 3 and 13, to portray and examine the current situation faced by Omani couples interested in prenatal diagnosis for termination of pregnancy. Additional challenges and pitfalls to developing a prenatal diagnostic service as part of the genetic service in Oman are discussed.
A systematic review of perinatal depression interventions for adolescent mothers
Authors: Lieberman Kate , Le Huynh‐Nhu , Perry Deborah F. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTPoor, adolescent, racial/ethnic minority women are at great risk for developing perinatal depression. However, little research has been conducted evaluating interventions for this population. We conducted a systematic review of preventive and treatment interventions for perinatal depression tested with adolescents, with a focus on low income, minority populations. Nine research‐based articles (including one that reported on two studies) were reviewed systematically, and quality ratings were assigned based on a validated measure assessing randomization, double‐blinding, and reporting of participant withdrawals. Two treatment studies were identified, both of which were successful in reducing depression. Eight prevention studies were located, of which four were more efficacious than control conditions in preventing depression. Studies sampled mostly minority, low socioeconomic status adolescents. No consistent characteristics across efficacious interventions could be identified. This review underscores the need for researchers to further investigate and build an evidence base.
Latino cultural values as protective factors against sexual risks among adolescents
Authors: Ma Mindy , Malcolm Lydia R. , Diaz‐Albertini Kristine , Klinoff Vera A. , Leeder Elisa , Barrientos Sohani , Kibler Jeffrey L. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe study objective was to examine the associations between cultural values and sexual risk factors among Latino youth. A sample of 226 Latino adolescents ages 13–16 completed a survey on cultural and sexual variables. Results indicate higher levels of Latino cultural orientation were related to greater sexual self‐efficacy and fewer sexual partners for female adolescents and greater condom use self‐efficacy for both males and females. Greater endorsement of simpatia (belief in interpersonal relationship harmony) was associated with sexual abstinence and greater sexual self‐efficacy for all adolescents, and with being older at sexual debut for females. Stronger endorsement of respeto (respect towards parents and other authority figures) was correlated with a lower intention to have sex during secondary school and greater condom use self‐efficacy. American cultural orientation was associated with less condom use. Our findings indicate Latino cultural values may serve as protective factors against sexual risk behaviors among Latino youth.
Results of lumbar spine surgery: A postal survey
Authors: Järvimäki Voitto , Juurikka Lotta , Vakkala Merja , Kautiainen Hannu , Haanpää Maija 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background and aim
No studies have been published regarding the results of lumbar spine surgery a in population-based setting in Finland. Our objective was to investigate functional capacity and quality of life after lumbar spine surgery in a population-based cohort in Northern Finland, focusing on working-age patients.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional postal survey. Three questionnaires (a self-made questionnaire, the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire and the SF-36) were sent the patients aged 18-65 years who had undergone lumbar spine surgery due to disc herniation, instability or spinal stenosis in the Oulu University Hospital between June 2005 and May 2008.

Results
The postal survey was sent to 814 patients, of whom 537 patients (66%) replied. Of these, 361 (67%) underwent disc surgery, 85 (16%) stabilizing surgery and 91 (17%) decompression. Pain was absent or present only occasional in 51% in the disc surgery group, whereas it was present daily in 59% in the stabilizing surgery group and in 58% in the decompression group (P < 0.001). Axial pain was slightly more intense than radicular pain. Pain was milder in the disc surgery group compared with the stabilizing surgery and decompression groups: mean (SD) axial pain with 0-10 NRS was 4.0 (2.3), 4.7 (2.4) and 4 (2.3) respectively (P = 0.002) and radicular pain 3.5 (2.6), 4.2 (2.8), 4.5 (2.6) respectively (P < 0.001). The total ODI score (mean, SD) was 20 (17) in the disc surgery group, 35 (17) in the stabilizing surgery group and 32 (17) in the decompression group (P < 0.001). The physical dimension sum score from the SF-was 42 (11) in the disc surgery group and 34 (10) in the stabilizing surgery and decompression grou (P < 0.001). Mental sum scores did not vary significantly between the groups.

Conclusions and Implications
Outcome was good after lumbar disc operations but less favourable after stabilizing surgery and decompression regarding pain, functional capacity and quality of life. Implications. This study offers important information about outcome after lumbar spine surgery in Oulu University Hospital. It also brings out that in Finland we need systematic national spine register, with accurate pre-and postoperative data.
Alteration of postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations with meal frequency and composition
Authors: Kanaley Jill A. , Heden Timothy D. , Liu Ying , Fairchild Timothy J. 
Published: September 2014

A frequent eating pattern may alter glycaemic control and augment postprandial insulin concentrations in some individuals due to the truncation of the previous postprandial period by a subsequent meal. The present study examined glucose, insulin, C-peptide and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) responses in obese individuals when meals were ingested in a high-frequency pattern (every 2 h, 6M) or in a low-frequency pattern (every 4 h, 3M) over 12 h. It also examined these postprandial responses to high-frequency, high-protein meals (6MHP). In total, thirteen obese subjects completed three 12 h study days during which they consumed 6276 kJ (1500 kcal): (1) 3M – 15 % protein and 65 % carbohydrate; (2) 6M – 15 % protein and 65 % carbohydrate; (3) 6MHP– 45 % protein and 35 % carbohydrate. Blood samples were collected every 10 min and analysed for glucose, insulin, C-peptide and GIP. Insulin total AUC (tAUC) and peak insulin concentrations (P< 0·05) were higher in the 3M condition than in the 6M condition, but there were no differences in glucose tAUC between the conditions. The 6MHPregimen (glucose: 3569 (se83) mmol/l × min (64·3 (se1·5) g/dl × min), insulin: 1·577 (se0·146) pmol/l (22·7 (se2·1) μIU/dl) for 12 h) lowered glucose and insulin excursions more so over 12 h than either the 3M regimen (glucose: 3913 (se78) mmol/l × min (70·5 (se1·4) g/dl × min), insulin: 2·195 (se0·146) pmol/l × min (31·6 (se2·1) μIU/dl × min) for 12 h) or the 6M regimen (glucose: 3902 (se83) mmol/l × min (70·3 (se1·5) g/dl × min), insulin: 1·861 (se0·174) pmol/l × min (26·8 (se2·5) μIU/dl × min) for 12 h;P< 0·01). Insulin secretion, GIP concentrations and the glucose:insulin ratio were not altered by meal frequency or composition. In obese subjects, ingestion of meals in a low-frequency pattern does not alter glucose tAUC, but increases postprandial insulin responses. The substitution of carbohydrates with protein in a frequent meal pattern results in tighter glycaemic control and reduced postprandial insulin responses.
Kalman Filter Design for Initial Precision Alignment of a Strapdown Inertial Navigation System on a Rocking Base
Authors: Li Hanzhou , Pan Quan , Wang Xiaoxu , Jiang Xiangjun , Deng Lin 
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a conventional Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) alignment method on a disturbed base is analysed. A novel method with an attitude tracking idea is proposed for the rocking base alignment. It is considered in this method that the alignment algorithm should track the rocking base attitude real changes in the alignment process, but not excessively restrain disturbance. According to this idea, a rapid alignment algorithm is devised for the rocking base. In the algorithm, coarse alignment is carried out within 30 s in the inertial frame with alignment precision less than 2°, which meets Kalman filter linearization conditions well. Then a Kalman filter with ten state vectors and four measurement vectors is applied for the fine alignment to improve the capability of the algorithm in tracking the vehicle attitude. A turntable rotation experiment is carried out to validate the capability of the fine algorithm in tracing the large magnitude change during alignment. It is shown that the repeated alignment precision is about 0·04° by the alignment experiment on a rocking vehicle, with alignment time of 180 s. The Laser Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (LINS) ground navigation experiment suggests that the algorithm proposed by this paper can be satisfied without the need of high precision SINS alignment.
The 2012 Derecho: Emergency Medical Services and Hospital Response
Authors: Kearns Randy D. , Wigal Mark S. , Fernandez Antonio , Tucker March A. , Zuidgeest Ginger R. , Mills Michael R. , Cairns Bruce A. , Cairns Charles B. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDuring the early afternoon of June 29, 2012, a line of destructive thunderstorms producing straight line winds known as a derecho developed near Chicago (Illinois, USA). The storm moved southeast with wind speeds recorded from 100 to 160 kilometers per hour (kph, 60 to 100 miles per hour [mph]). The storm swept across much of West Virginia (USA) later that evening. Power outage was substantial as an estimated 1,300,000 West Virginians (more than half) were without power in the aftermath of the storm and approximately 600,000 citizens were still without power a week later. This was one of the worst storms to strike this area and occurred as residents were enduring a prolonged heat wave. The wind damage left much of the community without electricity and the crippling effect compromised or destroyed critical infrastructure including communications, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water and sewer pumps. This report describes utilization of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and hospital resources in West Virginia in response to the storm. Also reported is a review of the weather phenomena and the findings and discussion of the disaster and implications.KearnsRD,WigalMS,FernandezA,TuckerMAJr,ZuidgeestGR,MillsMR,CairnsBA,CairnsCB.The 2012 derecho: Emergency Medical Services and hospital response.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(5):1-4.
Gypsum-hosted endolithic communities of the Lake St. Martin impact structure, Manitoba, Canada: spectroscopic detectability and implications for Mars
Authors: Rhind T. , Ronholm J. , Berg B. , Mann P. , Applin D. , Stromberg J. , Sharma R. , Whyte L.G. , Cloutis E.A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that Mars may have once been a habitable environment. Gypsum is targeted in the search for Martian biosignatures because it can host extensive cryptoendolithic communities in extreme terrestrial environments and is widespread on Mars. In this study the viability of using different spectroscopy-based techniques to identify the presence of gypsum endolithic communities was investigated by analysing various cryptoendoliths collected from the Lake St. Martin impact crater (LSM), a Mars analogue site found in Manitoba, Canada. Concurrently, the cryptoendolithic microbial community structure present was also analysed to aid in assigning spectroscopic features to microbial community members. Two main morphologies of endolithic communities were collected from gypsum deposits at LSM: true cryptoendolithic communities and annular deposits on partially buried boulders and cobbles <1 cm below the soil surface. Endolithic communities were found to be visibly present only in gypsum with a high degree of translucency and could occur as deep as 3 cm below the exterior surface. The bacterial community was dominated by a phylum (Chloroflexi) that has not been previously observed in gypsum endoliths. The exterior surfaces of gypsum boulders and cobbles are devoid of spectroscopic features attributable to organic molecules and detectable by reflectance, Raman, or ultraviolet-induced fluorescence spectroscopies. However, exposed interior surfaces show unique endolithic signatures detectable by each spectroscopic technique. This indicates that cryptoendolithic communities can be detected via spectroscopy-based techniques, provided they are either partially or fully exposed and enough photon–target interactions occur to enable detection.
Glucose substitution prolongs maintenance of energy homeostasis and lifespan of telomere dysfunctional mice
Authors: Missios Pavlos , Zhou Yuan , Guachalla Luis Miguel , von Figura Guido , Wegner Andre , Chakkarappan Sundaram Reddy , Binz Tina , Gompf Anne , Hartleben Götz , Burkhalter Martin D. , Wulff Veronika , Günes Cagatay , Sattler Rui Wang , Song Zhangfa , Illig Thomas , Klaus Susanne , Böhm Bernhard O. , Wenz Tina , Hiller Karsten , Rudolph K. Lenhard 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDNA damage and telomere dysfunction shorten organismal lifespan. Here we show that oral glucose administration at advanced age increases health and lifespan of telomere dysfunctional mice. The study reveals that energy consumption increases in telomere dysfunctional cells resulting in enhanced glucose metabolism both in glycolysis and in the tricarboxylic acid cycle at organismal level. In ageing telomere dysfunctional mice, normal diet provides insufficient amounts of glucose thus leading to impaired energy homeostasis, catabolism, suppression of IGF-1/mTOR signalling, suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis and tissue atrophy. A glucose-enriched diet reverts these defects by activating glycolysis, mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative glucose metabolism. The beneficial effects of glucose substitution on mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism are blocked by mTOR inhibition but mimicked by IGF-1 application. Together, these results provide the first experimental evidence that telomere dysfunction enhances the requirement of glucose substitution for the maintenance of energy homeostasis and IGF-1/mTOR-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis in ageing tissues.