bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy audit and air-conditioning system renovation analysis on office buildings using air-source heat pump in Shanghai
Authors: Han Xing , Chen Jianbo , Huang Chen , Weng Wenbing , Wang Lihui , Niu Runping 
Published: August 2013

In the past, the building energy consumption was surveyed without distinction of air-conditioning system types, which caused large dispersal of the energy consumption of the same building type. To study energy consumption of office buildings using air-source heat pump, six office buildings using air-source heat pump in Shanghai were investigated through energy audit and field test. The energy use intensity (EUI) per annum ranged from 102 to 139 kWh/m2, with an average value of 126 kWh/m2. The EUI range of office buildings using air-source heat pump is much smaller than the EUI of office buildings according to the literature. Based on field test of the air-conditioning (A/C) system, it was found that the present main problem of A/C system included insufficient refrigeration capacity of A/C system, low A/C system energy efficiency, and small cold water temperature difference. Countermeasures were brought forward to solve the problems, including ① retrofitting part of the present air-source heat pumps to water-cooled cold water air-conditioners, ② retrofitting present air-source heat pumps into new air-source heat pumps, and ④ pump variable frequency renovation. The A/C load is estimated by Bin method. According to the case study in this paper, the pay back period are about two years for the first measure, five to seven years for the second measure, and 0.65–2 years for the third measure. Practical application: Generally, the energy consumption survey gives a wide range of data. To some extent, it is caused by the survey method which does not take the air-conditioning type into consideration. The work stresses on the energy consumption of office buildings using air-source heat pump. The result showed that the energy consumption was in a relatively small range, which will be more meaningful to industry. Energy saving measures concerning air-conditioning system is studied on the basis of the survey.
Standardized Uptake Value and Resection Margin Involvement Predict Outcomes in pN0 Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Joo Young‐Hoon , Yoo Ie‐Ryung , Cho Kwang‐Jae , Park Jun‐Ook , Nam In‐Chul , Kim Min‐Sik 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors of patients with pathologically negative lymph node (pN0) head and neck cancer.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingCollege medical center.Subjects and MethodsThe medical records of 120 patients were reviewed. Primary tumor sites included 46 larynx, 45 oral cavity, 17 oropharynx, and 12 hypopharynx.ResultsThe recurrence rate was 14% (17/120) over a mean observation period of 33 months. Median 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax; using 8.5 as a cutoff; P =. 001), positive surgical margins (P =. 005), and pathologic T stage (P =. 012) were found to be associated with recurrence. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate (DSSR) in our cohort was 86%. Patients with an SUVmax value higher than 8.5 and positive surgical margins had significantly decreased 5‐year DSSR based on Kaplan‐Meier survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed the significant association between median SUVmax (using 8.5 as a cutoff; hazard ratio [HR], 6.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79‐20.93; P =. 004) and margin involvement (HR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.42‐17.47; P =. 012).ConclusionA median 18F‐FDG PET/CT SUVmax cutoff values of 8.5 or greater and positive surgical margins were associated with adverse outcomes in patients with pN0 head and neck cancer.
Sea-level rise vulnerability mapping for adaptation decisions using LiDAR DEMs
Authors: Cooper Hannah M. , Fletcher Charles H. , Chen Qi , Barbee Matthew M. 
Published: August 2013

Global sea-level rise (SLR) is projected to accelerate over the next century, with research indicating that global mean sea level may rise 18–48 cm by 2050, and 50–140 cm by 2100. Decision-makers, faced with the problem of adapting to SLR, utilize elevation data to identify assets that are vulnerable to inundation. This paper reviews techniques and challenges stemming from the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation models (DEMs) in support of SLR decision-making. A significant shortcoming in the methodology is the lack of comprehensive standards for estimating LiDAR error, which causes inconsistent and sometimes misleading calculations of uncertainty. Workers typically aim to reduce uncertainty by analyzing the difference between LiDAR error and the target SLR chosen for decision-making. The practice of mapping vulnerability to SLR is based on the assumption that LiDAR errors follow a normal distribution with zero bias, which is intermittently violated. Approaches to correcting discrepancies between vertical reference systems for land and tidal datums may incorporate tidal benchmarks and a vertical datum transformation tool provided by the National Ocean Service (VDatum). Mapping a minimum statistically significant SLR increment of 32 cm is difficult to achieve based on current LiDAR and VDatum errors. LiDAR DEMs derived from ‘ground’ returns are essential, yet LiDAR providers may not remove returns over vegetated areas successfully. LiDAR DEMs integrated into a GIS can be used to identify areas that are vulnerable to direct marine inundation and groundwater inundation (reduced drainage coupled with higher water tables). Spatial analysis can identify potentially vulnerable ecosystems as well as developed assets. A standardized mapping uncertainty needs to be developed given that SLR vulnerability mapping requires absolute precision for use as a decision-making tool.
Inequalities involving Dresher variance mean
Authors: Wen Jiajin , Han Tianyong , Cheng Sui Sun 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Let p be a real density function defined on a compact subset Ω of

R
m

, and let

E
(
f
,
p
)
=

∫
Ω

p
f

d
ω

be the expectation of f with respect to the density function p. In this paper, we define a one-parameter extension

Var
γ

(
f
,
p
)

of the usual variance

Var
(
f
,
p
)
=
E
(

f
2

,
p
)
−

E
2

(
f
,
p
)

of a positive continuous function f defined on Ω. By means of this extension, a two-parameter mean

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)

, called the Dresher variance mean, is then defined. Their properties are then discussed. In particular, we establish a Dresher variance mean inequality

min

t
∈
Ω

{
f
(
t
)
}
≤

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)
≤

max

t
∈
Ω

{
f
(
t
)
}

, that is to say, the Dresher variance mean

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)

is a true mean of f. We also establish a Dresher-type inequality

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)
≥

V

r
∗

,

s
∗

(
f
,
p
)

under appropriate conditions on r, s,

r
∗

,

s
∗

; and finally, a V-E inequality

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)
≥

(

s
r

)

1
/
(
r
−
s
)

E
(
f
,
p
)

that shows that

V

r
,
s

(
f
,
p
)

can be compared with

E
(
f
,
p
)

. We are also able to illustrate the uses of these results in space science.

MSC:26D15, 26E60, 62J10.
Coupled common fixed point results involving "Equation missing" -contractions in ordered generalized metric spaces with application to integral equations
Authors: Jain Manish , Tas Kenan , Gupta Neetu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We establish some coupled coincidence and coupled common fixed point theorems for the mixed g-monotone mappings satisfying

(
ϕ
,
ψ
)

-contractive conditions in the setting of ordered generalized metric spaces. Presented theorems extend and generalize the very recent results of Choudhury and Maity (Math. Comput. Model. 54(1-2):73-79, 2011). To illustrate our results, an example and an application to integral equations have also been given.

MSC:54H10, 54H25.
Body mass index affects proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived stem cells
Authors: Frazier Trivia P , Gimble Jeffrey M , Devay Jessica W , Tucker Hugh A , Chiu Ernest S , Rowan Brian G 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundObesity is associated with a higher risk of developing cancer and co-morbidities that are part of the metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue is recognized as an endocrine organ, as it affects a number of physiological functions, and contains adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs can differentiate into cells of multiple lineages, and as such are applicable to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Yet the question of whether ASC functionality is affected by the donor’s body mass index (BMI) still exists.ResultsASCs were isolated from patients having different BMIs (BMI-ASCs), within the ranges of 18.5-32.8. It was hypothesized that overweight BMI-ASCs would be more compromised in early adipogenic and osteogenic potential, and ability to form coloniesin vitro. BMI was inversely correlated with ASC proliferation and colony forming potential as assessed by CyQUANT proliferation assay (fluorescence- based measurement of cellular DNA content), and colony forming assays. BMI was positively correlated with early time point (day 7) but not later time point (day 15) intracytoplasmic lipid accumulation as assessed by Oil-Red-O staining. Alizarin red staining and RT-PCR for alkaline phosphatase demonstrated that elevated BMI resulted in compromised ASC mineralization of extracellular matrix and decreased alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that elevated BMI resulted in reduced ASC proliferation, and potentially compromised osteogenic capacityin vitro; thus BMI is an important criterion to consider in selecting ASC donors for clinical applications.
Sources of bias in measures of allele-specific expression derived from RNA-seq data aligned to a single reference genome
Authors: Stevenson Kraig R , Coolon Joseph D , Wittkopp Patricia J 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
RNA-seq can be used to measure allele-specific expression (ASE) by assigning sequence reads to individual alleles; however, relative ASE is systematically biased when sequence reads are aligned to a single reference genome. Aligning sequence reads to both parental genomes can eliminate this bias, but this approach is not always practical, especially for non-model organisms. To improve accuracy of ASE measured using a single reference genome, we identified properties of differentiating sites responsible for biased measures of relative ASE.

Results
We found that clusters of differentiating sites prevented sequence reads from an alternate allele from aligning to the reference genome, causing a bias in relative ASE favoring the reference allele. This bias increased with greater sequence divergence between alleles. Increasing the number of mismatches allowed when aligning sequence reads to the reference genome and restricting analysis to genomic regions with fewer differentiating sites than the number of mismatches allowed almost completely eliminated this systematic bias. Accuracy of allelic abundance was increased further by excluding differentiating sites within sequence reads that could not be aligned uniquely within the genome (imperfect mappability) and reads that overlapped one or more insertions or deletions (indels) between alleles.

Conclusions
After aligning sequence reads to a single reference genome, excluding differentiating sites with at least as many neighboring differentiating sites as the number of mismatches allowed, imperfect mappability, and/or an indel(s) nearby resulted in measures of allelic abundance comparable to those derived from aligning sequence reads to both parental genomes.
Insights into xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri biofilm through proteomics
Authors: Zimaro Tamara , Thomas Ludivine , Marondedze Claudius , Garavaglia Betiana S , Gehring Chris , Ottado Jorgelina , Gottig Natalia 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (X. a. pv. citri) causes citrus canker that can result in defoliation and premature fruit drop with significant production losses worldwide. Biofilm formation is an important process in bacterial pathogens and several lines of evidence suggest that in X. a. pv. citri this process is a requirement to achieve maximal virulence since it has a major role in host interactions. In this study, proteomics was used to gain further insights into the functions of biofilms.

Results
In order to identify differentially expressed proteins, a comparative proteomic study using 2D difference gel electrophoresis was carried out on X. a. pv. citri mature biofilm and planktonic cells. The biofilm proteome showed major variations in the composition of outer membrane proteins and receptor or transport proteins. Among them, several porins and TonB-dependent receptor were differentially regulated in the biofilm compared to the planktonic cells, indicating that these proteins may serve in maintaining specific membrane-associated functions including signaling and cellular homeostasis. In biofilms, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase with a major role in exopolysaccharide production and the non-fimbrial adhesin YapH involved in adherence were over-expressed, while a polynucleotide phosphorylase that was demonstrated to negatively control biofilm formation in E. coli was down-regulated. In addition, several proteins involved in protein synthesis, folding and stabilization were up-regulated in biofilms. Interestingly, some proteins related to energy production, such as ATP-synthase were down-regulated in biofilms. Moreover, a number of enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle were differentially expressed. In addition, X. a. pv. citri biofilms also showed down-regulation of several antioxidant enzymes. The respective gene expression patterns of several identified proteins in both X. a. pv. citri mature biofilm and planktonic cells were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and shown to consistently correlate with those deduced from the proteomic study.

Conclusions
Differentially expressed proteins are enriched in functional categories. Firstly, proteins that are down-regulated in X. a. pv. citri biofilms are enriched for the gene ontology (GO) terms ‘generation of precursor metabolites and energy’ and secondly, the biofilm proteome mainly changes in ‘outer membrane and receptor or transport’. We argue that the differentially expressed proteins have a critical role in maintaining a functional external structure as well as enabling appropriate flow of nutrients and signals specific to the biofilm lifestyle.
Organ-specific remodeling of the Arabidopsis transcriptome in response to spaceflight
Authors: Paul Anna-Lisa , Zupanska Agata K , Schultz Eric R , Ferl Robert J 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Spaceflight presents a novel environment that is outside the evolutionary experience of terrestrial organisms. Full activation of the International Space Station as a science platform complete with sophisticated plant growth chambers, laboratory benches, and procedures for effective sample return, has enabled a new level of research capability and hypothesis testing in this unique environment. The opportunity to examine the strategies of environmental sensing in spaceflight, which includes the absence of unit gravity, provides a unique insight into the balance of influence among abiotic cues directing plant growth and development: including gravity, light, and touch. The data presented here correlate morphological and transcriptome data from replicated spaceflight experiments.

Results
The transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated organ-specific changes in response to spaceflight, with 480 genes showing significant changes in expression in spaceflight plants compared with ground controls by at least 1.9-fold, and 58 by more than 7-fold. Leaves, hypocotyls, and roots each displayed unique patterns of response, yet many gene functions within the responses are related. Particularly represented across the dataset were genes associated with cell architecture and growth hormone signaling; processes that would not be anticipated to be altered in microgravity yet may correlate with morphological changes observed in spaceflight plants. As examples, differential expression of genes involved with touch, cell wall remodeling, root hairs, and cell expansion may correlate with spaceflight-associated root skewing, while differential expression of auxin-related and other gravity-signaling genes seemingly correlates with the microgravity of spaceflight. Although functionally related genes were differentially represented in leaves, hypocotyls, and roots, the expression of individual genes varied substantially across organ types, indicating that there is no single response to spaceflight. Rather, each organ employed its own response tactics within a shared strategy, largely involving cell wall architecture.

Conclusions
Spaceflight appears to initiate cellular remodeling throughout the plant, yet specific strategies of the response are distinct among specific organs of the plant. Further, these data illustrate that in the absence of gravity plants rely on other environmental cues to initiate the morphological responses essential to successful growth and development, and that the basis for that engagement lies in the differential expression of genes in an organ-specific manner that maximizes the utilization of these signals – such as the up-regulation of genes associated with light-sensing in roots.
High burden of hepatitis B infection in Northern Uganda: results of a population-based survey
Authors: Ochola Emmanuel , Ocama Ponsiano , Orach Christopher G , Nankinga Ziadah K , Kalyango Joan N , McFarland Willi , Karamagi Charles 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Worldwide 2 billion people are exposed to hepatitis B infection, 350 million have chronic infection, 65 million in sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda is highly endemic with 10% national prevalence of hepatitis B infection, rates varying across the country from 4% in the southwest and 25% in the Northeast. Childhood vaccination was rolled out in 2002, the effect of which on the burden of hepatitis B has not been examined. We determined the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B infection in the Northern Uganda Municipality of Gulu.

Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional, population-based survey. The study population included those found at home at the time of recruitment. Data on demographics, wealth index, cultural and behavioral factors, vaccination and health education on hepatitis B were collected. Hepatitis B infection (Hepatitis B surface antigen positive) and lifetime exposure (anti-hepatitis B core antibody positive) were measured. Analysis was done in 2 age groups, 1–14 years, 14 years and more. Associations between predictors and HBV infection were assessed.

Results
Information on 790 respondents were analyzed. Overall, 139/790 (17.6%) had hepatitis B infection and 572/790 (72.4%) lifetime exposure. In the younger age group 16/73 (21.9%) had hepatitis B infection and 35/73 (48%) lifetime exposure. Increasing wealth was protective for infection (OR 0.46 per quartile, 95% CI=0.26-0.82, p=0.009), while older age was protective for lifetime exposure (OR 2.70 per age group, 95% CI 1.03-7.07, p=0.043). In the older age group, overall hepatitis B infection was seen in 123/717 (17.2%) and lifetime exposure in 537/717 (74.9%). The female sex (OR 0.63, 95% CI=0.42-0.98, p=0.032) and increasing age (OR 0.76 per age group, 95% CI=0.64-0.91, p=0.003) were factors associated with infection. For lifetime exposure, increasing number of lifetime sexual partners was a risk factor (OR 1.19 per partner category, 95% CI=1.04-1.38, p=0.012).

Conclusions
We found a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection and lifetime exposures to hepatitis B in this northern Uganda Municipality. Targeted vaccination of susceptible adults and improving existing childhood vaccinations and provision of treatment for those with infection will play roles in reducing the high prevalence rates seen in the population.
“If It’s Not Working, Why Would They Be Testing It?”: mental models of HIV vaccine trials and preventive misconception among men who have sex with men in India
Authors: Chakrapani Venkatesan , Newman Peter A , Singhal Neeti , Nelson Ruban , Shunmugam Murali 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Informed consent based on comprehension of potential risks and benefits is fundamental to the ethical conduct of clinical research. We explored mental models of candidate HIV vaccines and clinical trials that may impact on the feasibility and ethics of biomedical HIV prevention trials among men who have sex with men (MSM) in India.

Methods
A community-based research project was designed and implemented in partnership with community-based organizations serving MSM in Chennai and Mumbai. We conducted 12 focus groups (n = 68) with diverse MSM and 14 key informant interviews with MSM community leaders/service providers using a semi-structured interview guide to explore knowledge and beliefs about HIV vaccines and clinical trials. Focus groups (60–90 minutes) and interviews (45–60 minutes) were conducted in participants’ native language (Tamil in Chennai; Marathi or Hindi in Mumbai), audio-taped, transcribed and translated into English. We explored focus group and interview data using thematic analysis and a constant comparative method, with a focus on mental models of HIV vaccines and clinical trials.

Results
A mental model of HIV vaccine-induced seropositivity as “having HIV” resulted in fears of vaccine-induced infection and HIV stigma. Some participants feared inactivated vaccines might “drink blood” and “come alive”. Pervasive preventive misconception was based on a mental model of prevention trials as interventions, overestimation of likely efficacy of candidate vaccines and likelihood of being assigned to the experimental group, with expectations of protective benefits and decreased condom use. Widespread misunderstanding and lack of acceptance of placebo and random assignment supported perceptions of clinical trials as “cheating”. Key informants expressed concerns that volunteers from vulnerable Indian communities were being used as “experimental rats” to benefit high-income countries.

Conclusions
Evidence-informed interventions that engage with shared mental models among potential trial volunteers, along with policies and funding mechanisms that ensure local access to products that demonstrate efficacy in trials, may support the safe and ethical implementation of HIV vaccine trials in India.