bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations on Position Estimation and Motion Manipulation of Electromagnetic Driven Dosing Pumps Using Co-Simulation
Authors: Kramer Thomas , Petzold Martin , Richter Sören , Weber Jürgen , Ohligschläger Olaf , Müller Axel 
Published: November 2014

Uncontrolled magnetically driven dosing pumps cause noise when the armature reaches the mechanical end stops. The reason for this is the impulse of the armature, which depends on the armature speed. A speed reduction before reaching the end stops could reduce the noise level. This requires a special modification of the time-dependent armature motion using variable energy supply. In order to control the armature motion independently from various inputs such as supply voltage, outlet pressure and liquid properties, the position has to be known. Sensorless position estimation is used, since it offers the determination of the armature position without modifying the simple pump design. The estimation is based on the evaluation of electrical values.
In order to show feasibility of position estimation in dosing pumps considering different control strategies, simulation based preliminary investigations are performed and validated with experimental results. For this purpose, a co-simulation of controller, electrical and mechanical system simulation and magnetic FEM simulation is used.
An Investigation of Piezoelectric Ring Benders and Their Potential for Actuating Servo Valves
Authors: Bertin M. J. F. , Plummer A. R. , Bowen C. R. , Johnston D. N. 
Published: November 2014

This paper describes the deformation of a piezoceramic disc shaped actuator due to two effects: inner edge mechanical loading and electrical excitation. A 2D axisymmetric coupled-field finite element model was constructed to represent the piezoceramic ‘ring bender’. The model was used to predict actuator displacement due to a force applied to the inner edge, and also the piezoelectric induced strain due to an electric field applied in the poling direction of the piezoceramic. Results are compared with theoretical calculations of the deformation of a uniform thickness disc under mechanical load, and the displacement-voltage characteristics reported by the manufacturer. Experimental results for the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, under a variety of constraint conditions, are also compared.
The research presented provides an understanding of how the ring bender deforms under combined mechanical load and electric field. Each of these effects is considered and results show that the shape formed is different depending on whether the load is mechanical or electrical. This result provides an insight into how the actuator may be mounted for use as an actuator in servo valve pilot stage.
Feed-Forward Control of an Arbitrary Pressure Pulsation Generator and its Application to Testing an Orifice-Type Flow Meter
Authors: Kato Tomonori , Hirakawa Tetsuma , Nakao Mitsuhiro , Oowaku Takashi , Sakuma Hirohisa , Kagawa Toshiharu 
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a compact arbitrary pressure pulsation generator for assessing the characteristics of flow meters and sensors, particularly around their zero points. In this study, a compact arbitrary pressure pulsation generator was created using some pneumatic components, such as a high-precision quick-response pneumatic pressure regulator (HPR) and a spool-type servo-valve. The feed-forward compensation of the controller provided the desired pressure pulse to the tested flow meter by controlling the spool-type servo valve; 30 Hz was achieved.
In order to validate the effectiveness of the developed generator, we evaluated the dynamic characteristics around the zero point of an orifice-type flow meter in the range from 1 Hz through 30 Hz.
Microwave ablation energy delivery: Influence of power pulsing on ablation results in an ex vivo and in vivo liver model
Authors: Bedoya Mariajose , del Rio Alejandro Muñoz , Chiang Jason , Brace Christopher L. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of continuous and pulsed energy deliveries on microwave ablation growth and shape in unperfused and perfused liver models.Methods:A total of 15 kJ at 2.45 GHz was applied to ex vivo bovine liver using one of five delivery methods (n = 50 total, 10 per group): 25 W continuous for 10 min (25 W average), 50 W continuous for 5 min (50 W average), 100 W continuous for 2.5 min (100 W average), 100 W pulsed for 10 min (25 W average), and 100 W pulsed for 5 min (50 W average). A total of 30 kJ was applied to in vivo porcine livers (n = 35, 7 per group) using delivery methods similar to the ex vivo study, but with twice the total ablation time to offset heat loss to blood perfusion. Temperatures were monitored 5–20 mm from the ablation antenna, with values over 60 °C indicating acute cellular necrosis. Comparisons of ablation size and shape were made between experimental groups based on total energy delivery, average power applied, and peak power using ANOVA with post‐hoc pairwise tests.Results:No significant differences were noted in ablation sizes or circularities between pulsed and continuous groups in ex vivo tissue. Temperature data demonstrated more rapid heating in pulsed ablations, suggesting that pulsing may overcome blood perfusion and coagulate tissues more rapidly in vivo. Differences in ablation size and shape were noted in vivo despite equivalent energy delivery among all groups. Overall, the largest ablation volume in vivo was produced with 100 W continuous for 5 min (265.7 ± 208.1 cm3). At 25 W average, pulsed‐power ablation volumes were larger than continuous‐power ablations (67.4 ± 34.5 cm3 versus 23.6 ± 26.5 cm3, P = 0.43). Similarly, pulsed ablations produced significantly greater length (P ≤ 0.01), with increase in diameter (P = 0.09) and a slight decrease in circularity (P = 0.97). When comparing 50 W average power groups, moderate differences in size were noted (P ≥ 0.06) and pulsed ablations were again slightly more circular.Conclusions:Pulsed energy delivery created larger ablation zones at low average power compared to continuous energy delivery in the presence of blood perfusion. Shorter duty cycles appear to provide greater benefit when pulsing.
Allosteric Activation of Bacterial Response Regulators: the Role of the Cognate Histidine Kinase Beyond Phosphorylation
Authors: Trajtenberg Felipe , Albanesi Daniela , Ruétalo Natalia , Botti Horacio , Mechaly Ariel E. , Nieves Marcos , Aguilar Pablo S. , Cybulski Larisa , Larrieux Nicole , de Mendoza Diego , Buschiazzo Alejandro 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Response regulators are proteins that undergo transient phosphorylation, connecting specific signals to adaptive responses. Remarkably, the molecular mechanism of response regulator activation remains elusive, largely because of the scarcity of structural data on multidomain response regulators and histidine kinase/response regulator complexes. We now address this question by using a combination of crystallographic data and functional analyses
in vitro
and
in vivo
, studying DesR and its cognate sensor kinase DesK, a two-component system that controls membrane fluidity in
Bacillus subtilis
. We establish that phosphorylation of the receiver domain of DesR is allosterically coupled to two distinct exposed surfaces of the protein, controlling noncanonical dimerization/tetramerization, cooperative activation, and DesK binding. One of these surfaces is critical for both homodimerization- and kinase-triggered allosteric activations. Moreover, DesK induces a phosphorylation-independent activation of DesR
in vivo
, uncovering a novel and stringent level of specificity among kinases and regulators. Our results support a model that helps to explain how response regulators restrict phosphorylation by small-molecule phosphoryl donors, as well as cross talk with noncognate sensors.

IMPORTANCE
The ability to sense and respond to environmental variations is an essential property for cell survival. Two-component systems mediate key signaling pathways that allow bacteria to integrate extra- or intracellular signals. Here we focus on the DesK/DesR system, which acts as a molecular thermometer in
B. subtilis
, regulating the cell membrane’s fluidity. Using a combination of complementary approaches, including determination of the crystal structures of active and inactive forms of the response regulator DesR, we unveil novel molecular mechanisms of DesR’s activation switch. In particular, we show that the association of the cognate histidine kinase DesK triggers DesR activation beyond the transfer of the phosphoryl group. On the basis of sequence and structural analyses of other two-component systems, this activation mechanism appears to be used in a wide range of sensory systems, contributing a further level of specificity control among different signaling pathways.
The relationship of adiposity and mortality among people with diabetes in the US general population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Menke Andy , Casagrande Sarah S , Cowie Catherine C 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveSeveral studies have found a U-shaped association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in the general population. In similar studies among people with diabetes, the shape of the association is inconsistent. We investigated the relationship of BMI and waist circumference with mortality among people with diabetes.SettingThe Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and the 1999–2004 NHANES Mortality Studies were designed to be representative of the US general population. Baseline data were collected in 1988–2004.Participants2607 adults ≥20 years of age with diabetes.Primary Outcome MeasureParticipants were followed through 31 December 2006 for mortality (n=668 deaths).ResultsCompared with people with a BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, the HRs (95% CI) of mortality were 0.85 (0.60 to 1.21) for 25–29.9 kg/m2, 0.87 (0.57 to 1.33) for 30–34.9 kg/m2and 1.05 (0.72 to 1.53) for ≥35 kg/m2after adjustment for age, sex, race-ethnicity, smoking status, education, income and diabetes duration. Compared with people in the lowest sex-specific quartile of waist circumference, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) of mortality were 1.03 (0.77 to 1.37) for the second quartile, 1.02 (0.73 to 1.42) for the third quartile and 1.12 (0.77 to 1.61) for the highest quartile of waist circumference. When modelled as a restricted quadratic spline with knots at the 10th, 50th and 90th centiles, BMI and waist circumference were not associated with mortality. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted and most found no significant association between measures of adiposity and mortality, but there were significant results suggesting a U-shaped association among people in the highest tertile of glycated haemoglobin (≥7.1%), and there was an inverse association between BMI and mortality among people 20–44 years of age.ConclusionsIn a nationally representative sample of the non-institutionalised US population with diabetes, BMI and waist circumference were not associated with risk of mortality.
Research protocol: a realist synthesis of cross-border patient mobility from low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Durham Jo , Blondell Sarah J 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionPeople are increasingly mobile for numerous reasons, including healthcare. Patient mobility has vast implications for individuals, communities and whole populations and yet, to date, research on patient mobility has been quite limited. Only a small body of evidence exists on patient mobility between low-income and middle-income countries, instead having focused primarily on cross-border movement between high-income and low-income countries. In this paper, we present a protocol for examining this under-studied phenomenon.Methods and analysisWe propose to examine patient mobility between low-income and middle-income countries using a realist synthesis approach. Specifically, we aim to document why patients from low-income and middle-income countries cross international borders for healthcare, by identifying the mechanisms through which patients decide to cross-borders, and the contextual characteristics of domestic health markets that influence this choice. An underlying theory was established, based on the lead author's experience and a brief literature review, which will provide the basis to analyse search results in a subsequent paper. Search results will be obtained from databases (Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, EconLit, Web of Science) and the grey literature. An expert committee will be enlisted, prior to screening results, to review search results to ensure comprehensiveness. Based on this preliminary theory, we propose that, in some low-income and middle-income country markets, the interaction between demand-side and supply-side determinants results in market imperfections that, in turn, lead to patient movement across borders.Ethics and disseminationThe study does not involve primary research and, therefore, does not require formal ethical approval; we do, however, follow the relevant standards of utility, usefulness, feasibility, propriety, accuracy and accountability. The standards of realist and meta-narrative evidence synthesis (RAMESES) will be adhered to in reporting the findings of the review. Once completed, the findings of the resulting manuscript will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberThis protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42014014391.
Association Between Shortened Leukocyte Telomere Length and Cardiometabolic Outcomes
Authors: D’Mello Matthew J.J. , Ross Stephanie A. , Briel Matthias , Anand Sonia S. , Gerstein Hertzel , Paré Guillaume 
Published: November 2014

Background—
Telomeres are repetitive, gene-poor regions that cap the ends of DNA and help maintain chromosomal integrity. Their shortening is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress within the cellular environment and ultimately leads to cellular senescence. Shortened leukocyte telomere length is hypothesized to be a novel biomarker for age and age-related diseases, yet reports on its association with cardiometabolic outcomes in the literature are conflicting.

Methods and Results—

MEDLINE (1966 to present) and EMBASE (1980 to present) were last searched on September 9, 2013. Reference lists of retrieved citations were hand searched for relevant studies. No restrictions were placed on sample size, language, or publication type or date. Fifteen cohort and 12 case–control studies reporting the association between leukocyte telomere length and stroke, myocardial infarction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were independently selected for inclusion by 2 reviewers. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were completed independently by 2 reviewers using predefined criteria. Studies were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and both fixed and random effects models. A 1-SD decrease in leukocyte telomere length was significantly associated with stroke (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.37;
I
2
=61%), myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.47;
I
2
=68%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.72;
I
2
=91%). Stratification by measurement technique, study design, study size, and ethnicity explained heterogeneity in certain cardiometabolic outcomes.

Conclusions—
Shortened leukocyte telomere length demonstrates a significant association with stroke, myocardial infarction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore sources of heterogeneity.
Pro12Ala Polymorphism of the
PPARγ2
Gene Interacts With a Mediterranean Diet to Prevent Telomere Shortening in the PREDIMED-NAVARRA Randomized Trial
Authors: García-Calzón Sonia , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Razquin Cristina , Corella Dolores , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Martínez J. Alfredo , Zalba Guillermo , Marti Amelia 
Published: November 2014

Background—

The gene variant Pro/Ala (rs1801282) in the
PPARγ2
has been associated with lower cardiovascular risk and greater benefit from lifestyle interventions. This polymorphism also seems to be associated with longer lifespan, but no information on telomere length (TL) is available. Our aim was to study the association between the Ala allele and changes in TL in high cardiovascular risk subjects and the potential interaction with a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Methods and Results—

A total of 521 subjects (55–80 years) participating in the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea randomized trial were genotyped. Changes in TL, measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were assessed over 5 years of a nutritional intervention, which promoted adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet). Interestingly, Ala carriers showed lower telomere shortening after 5 years compared with the Pro/Pro genotype (
P
=0.031). This association was modulated by MeDiet because those Ala carriers who reported better conformity to the MeDiet exhibited increased TL (
P
<0.001). Moreover, a reduction in carbohydrate intake (≤9.5 g/d) resulted in increased TL among Ala carriers. Notably, an apparent gene–diet interaction was found through the observed changes in the MUFA+PUFA/carbohydrates ratio: as this ratio increased, TL lengthening was detected to a greater extent in the Ala carriers compared with the Pro/Pro subjects (
P
for interaction <0.001).

Conclusions—
The Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with TL homeostasis after 5 years follow-up in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. In addition, a higher adherence to the MeDiet pattern strengthens the prevention of telomere shortening among Ala carriers.

Clinical Trial Registration—

www.controlled-trials.com
; Unique Identifier: ISRCTN35739639.
Targeted Deep Sequencing Reveals No Definitive Evidence for Somatic Mosaicism in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Roberts Jason D. , Longoria James , Poon Annie , Gollob Michael H. , Dewland Thomas A. , Kwok Pui-Yan , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Deo Rahul C. , Marcus Gregory M. 
Published: November 2014

Background—
Studies of ≤15 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have identified atrial-specific mutations within connexin genes, suggesting that somatic mutations may account for sporadic cases of the arrhythmia. We sought to identify atrial somatic mutations among patients with and without AF using targeted deep next-generation sequencing of 560 genes, including genetic culprits implicated in AF, the Mendelian cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, and all ion channels within the genome.

Methods and Results—

Targeted gene capture and next-generation sequencing were performed on DNA from lymphocytes and left atrial appendages of 34 patients (25 with AF). Twenty AF patients had undergone cardiac surgery exclusively for pulmonary vein isolation and 17 had no structural heart disease. Sequence alignment and variant calling were performed for each atrial–lymphocyte pair using the Burrows–Wheeler Aligner, the Genome Analysis Toolkit, and MuTect packages. Next-generation sequencing yielded a median 265-fold coverage depth (interquartile range, 64–369). Comparison of the 3 million base pairs from each atrial–lymphocyte pair revealed a single potential somatic missense mutation in 3 AF patients and 2 in a single control (12 versus 11%;
P
=1). All potential discordant variants had low allelic fractions (range, 2.3%–7.3%) and none were detected with conventional sequencing.

Conclusions—
Using high-depth next-generation sequencing and state-of-the art somatic mutation calling approaches, no pathogenic atrial somatic mutations could be confirmed among 25 AF patients in a comprehensive cardiac arrhythmia genetic panel. These findings indicate that atrial-specific mutations are rare and that somatic mosaicism is unlikely to exert a prominent role in AF pathogenesis.
A Randomized Trial of Social Media From
Circulation
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Bonaca Marc A. , Ryan John J. , Massaro Joseph M. , Barry Karen , Loscalzo Joseph 
Published: November 2014

Background—
Medical journals use social media to distribute the findings of published articles. Whether social media exposure to original articles improves article impact metrics is uncertain.

Methods and Results—

Articles were randomized to receive targeted social media exposure from
Circulation
, including postings on the journal’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. The primary end point was 30-day article page views. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis comparing article page views by the Wilcoxon Rank sum test between articles randomized to social media as compared with those in the control group, which received no social media from
Circulation
. Prespecified subgroups included article type (population/clinical/basic), US versus non-US corresponding author, and whether the article received an editorial. Overall, 243 articles were randomized: 121 in the social media arm and 122 in the control arm. There was no difference in median 30-day page views (409 [social media] versus 392 [control],
P
=0.80). No differences were observed by article type (clinical, population, or basic science;
P
=0.19), whether an article had an editorial (
P
=0.87), or whether the corresponding author was from the United States (
P
=0.73).

Conclusions—
A social media strategy for a cardiovascular journal did not increase the number of times an article was viewed. Further research is necessary to understand and quantify the ways in which social media can increase the impact of published cardiovascular research.
Intraluminal Thrombus, Intraplaque Hemorrhage, Plaque Thickness, and Current Smoking Optimally Predict Carotid Stroke
Authors: McNally J. Scott , McLaughlin Michael S. , Hinckley Peter J. , Treiman Scott M. , Stoddard Gregory J. , Parker Dennis L. , Treiman Gerald S. 
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—
Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is associated with acute and future stroke. IPH is also associated with lumen markers of stroke risk including stenosis, plaque thickness, and ulceration. Whether IPH adds further predictive value to these other variables is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IPH improves carotid-source stroke prediction.

Methods—

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, patients undergoing stroke workup were imaged with MRI and IPH detection. Seven hundred twenty-six carotid-brain image pairs were analyzed after excluding vessels with noncarotid plaque stroke sources (420) and occlusions (7) or near-occlusions (3). Carotid imaging characteristics were recorded, including percent diameter and mm stenosis, plaque thickness, ulceration, intraluminal thrombus, and IPH. Clinical confounders were recorded, and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Backward elimination was used to determine essential carotid-source stroke predictors with a threshold 2-sided
P
<0.10. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine discriminatory value.

Results—

Significant predictors of carotid-source stroke included intraluminal thrombus (odds ratio=103.6;
P
<0.001), IPH (odds ratio=25.2;
P
<0.001), current smoking (odds ratio=2.78;
P
=0.004), and thickness (odds ratio=1.24;
P
=0.020). The final model discriminatory value was excellent (area under the curve=0.862). This was significantly higher than the final model without IPH (area under the curve=0.814), or models using only stenosis as a continuous variable (area under the curve=0.770) or cutoffs of 50% and 70% (area under the curve=0.669),
P
<0.001.

Conclusions—
After excluding patients with noncarotid plaque stroke sources, optimal discrimination of carotid-source stroke was obtained with intraluminal thrombus, IPH, plaque thickness, and smoking history but not ulceration and stenosis.