bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription of Oxidative Stress Genes Is Directly Activated by SpxA1 and, to a Lesser Extent, by SpxA2 in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Kajfasz Jessica K. , Rivera-Ramos Isamar , Scott-Anne Kathleen , Gregoire Stacy , Abranches Jacqueline , Lemos José A. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe SpxA1 and SpxA2 (formerly SpxA and SpxB) transcriptional regulators ofStreptococcus mutansare members of a highly conserved family of proteins found inFirmicutes, and they were previously shown to activate oxidative stress responses. In this study, we showed that SpxA1 exerts substantial positive regulatory influence over oxidative stress genes following exposure to H2O2, while SpxA2 appears to have a secondary regulatory role.In vitrotranscription (IVT) assays using purified SpxA1 and/or SpxA2 showed that SpxA1 and, less often, SpxA2 directly activate transcription of some of the major oxidative stress genes. Addition of equimolar concentrations of SpxA1 and SpxA2 to the IVT reactions neither enhanced transcription of the tested genes nor disrupted the dominant role of SpxA1. Substitution of a conserved glycine residue (G52) present in both Spx proteins by arginine (SpxG52R) resulted in strains that phenocopied the Δspxstrains. Moreover, addition of purified SpxA1G52Rcompletely failed to activate transcription ofahpC,sodA, andtpx, further confirming that the G52 residue is critical for Spx functionality.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutansis a pathogen associated with the formation of dental caries in humans. Within the oral cavity,S. mutansroutinely encounters oxidative stress. Our previous data revealed that two regulatory proteins, SpxA1 and SpxA2 (formerly SpxA and SpxB), bear high homology to the Spx regulator that has been characterized as a critical activator of oxidative stress genes inBacillus subtilis. In this report, we prove that Spx proteins ofS. mutansdirectly activate transcription of genes involved in the oxidative stress response, though SpxA1 appears to have a more dominant role than SpxA2. Therefore, the Spx regulators play a critical role in the ability ofS. mutansto thrive within the oral cavity.
Prevalence of hypertension at high altitude: cross-sectional survey in Ladakh, Northern India 2007–2011
Authors: Norboo Tsering , Stobdan Tsering , Tsering Norboo , Angchuk Norboo , Tsering Phunsog , Ahmed Iqbal , Chorol Tsewang , Kumar Sharma Vijay , Reddy Prasanna , Singh Shashi Bala , Kimura Yumi , Sakamoto Ryota , Fukutomi Eriko , Ishikawa Motonao , Suwa Kuniaki , Kosaka Yasuyuki , Nose Mitsuhiro , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Tsukihara Toshihiro , Matsubayashi Kozo , Otsuka Kuniaki , Okumiya Kiyohito 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivePrevalence of hypertension was examined in a widely dispersed (45 110 km2) representative group of Ladakhi in Northern India. The influence of hypoxic environment of wide-ranged altitude (2600–4900 m) and lifestyle change on hypertension was studied.Methods2800 participants (age 20–94 years) were enrolled. Systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg and/or taking current anti-hypertensive medicine was defined as hypertension. Height and weight for body mass index and SpO2were examined. The rural population comprised six subdivisions with a distinct altitude, dietary and occupational pattern. Participants in the urban area of Leh consist of two groups, that is, migrants settled in Leh from the Changthang nomadic area, and dwellers born in Leh. The prevalence of hypertension in the two groups was compared with that in the farmers and nomads in rural areas. The effects of ageing, hypoxia, dwelling at high altitude, obesity, modernised occupation, dwelling in an urban area, and rural-to-urban migration to hypertension were analysed by multiple logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension was 37.0% in all participants and highest in migrants settled in Leh (48.3%), followed by dwellers born in Leh town (41.1%) compared with those in rural areas (33.5). The prevalence of hypertension in nomads (all: 27.7%, Tibetan/Ladakhi: 19.7/31.9%)) living at higher altitude (4000–4900 m) was relatively low. The associated factors with hypertension were ageing, overweight, dwelling at higher altitude, engagement in modernised sedentary occupations, dwelling in urban areas, and rural-to-urban migration. The effects of lifestyle change and dwelling at high altitude were independently associated with hypertension by multivariate analysis adjusted with confounding factors.ConclusionsSocioeconomic and cultural factors play a big role with the effect of high altitude itself on high prevalence of hypertension in highlanders in Ladakh.
p64 Flow Modulation Device in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: initial experience and technical aspects
Authors: Briganti Francesco , Leone Giuseppe , Marseglia Mariano , Cicala Domenico , Caranci Ferdinando , Maiuri Francesco 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundExperience with the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms by flow diverter devices (FDDs) is limited to four devices (Pipeline, Covidien; FRED, Microvention; Silk, Balt Extrusion; Surpass, Stryker), as reported in different studies.ObjectiveTo describe the initial experience and the technical innovations of a new-generation FDD (p64 Flow Modulation Device, Phenox, Bochum, Germany).MethodsBetween December 2014 and February 2015, six intracranial aneurysms in five patients (four women, one man; mean age 63 years) were treated with the p64 Flow Modulation Device.ResultsImmediate post-treatment angiography showed reduced flow into all aneurysms. No long-term angiographic data are available. The device may be easily deployed and totally retrieved with a unique mechanical detachment. No periprocedural technical complications occurred. No early or delayed aneurysm rupture, no ischemic or hemorrhagic complications, and no neurological morbidity or death were seen.ConclusionsTreatment of cerebral aneurysms with the p64 Flow Modulation Device is a safe procedure with no technical complications. The mechanical detachment and the 100% retrievability are significant advantages of this new device. However, large prospective studies with long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up are necessary to assess the role of the p64 in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Classical extension of quantum-correlated separable states
Authors: Bellomo G. , Plastino A. , Plastino A. R. 
Published: April 2015

Li and Luo [Phys. Rev. A 78 (2008) 024303] discovered a remarkable relation between discord and entanglement. It establishes that all separable states can be obtained via reduction of a classically-correlated state "living" in a space of larger dimension. Starting from this result, we discuss here an optimal classical extension of separable states and explore this notion for low-dimensional systems. We find that the larger the dimension of the classical extension, the larger the discord in the original separable state. Further, we analyze separable states of maximum discord in ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2 and their associated classical extensions showing that, from the reduction of a classical state in (ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ3) ⊗ ℂ2, one can obtain a separable state of maximum discord in ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2.
Precision Medicine for Advanced Pancreas Cancer: The Individualized Molecular Pancreatic Cancer Therapy (IMPaCT) Trial
Authors: Chantrill Lorraine A. , Nagrial Adnan M. , Watson Clare , Johns Amber L. , Martyn-Smith Mona , Simpson Skye , Mead Scott , Jones Marc D. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Gill Anthony J. , Watson Nicole , Chin Venessa T. , Humphris Jeremy L. , Chou Angela , Brown Belinda , Morey Adrienne , Pajic Marina , Grimmond Sean M. , Chang David K. , Thomas David , Sebastian Lucille , Sjoquist Katrin , Yip Sonia , Pavlakis Nick , Asghari Ray , Harvey Sandra , Grimison Peter , Simes John , Biankin Andrew V. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Personalized medicine strategies using genomic profiling are particularly pertinent for pancreas cancer. The Individualized Molecular Pancreatic Cancer Therapy (IMPaCT) trial was initially designed to exploit results from genome sequencing of pancreatic cancer under the auspices of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) in Australia. Sequencing revealed small subsets of patients with aberrations in their tumor genome that could be targeted with currently available therapies.
Experimental Design: The pilot stage of the IMPaCT trial assessed the feasibility of acquiring suitable tumor specimens for molecular analysis and returning high-quality actionable genomic data within a clinically acceptable timeframe. We screened for three molecular targets: HER2 amplification; KRAS wild-type; and mutations in DNA damage repair pathways (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM).
Results: Tumor biopsy and archived tumor samples were collected from 93 patients and 76 were screened. To date 22 candidate cases have been identified: 14 KRAS wild-type, 5 cases of HER2 amplification, 2 mutations in BRCA2, and 1 ATM mutation. Median time from consent to the return of validated results was 21.5 days. An inability to obtain a biopsy or insufficient tumor content in the available specimen were common reasons for patient exclusion from molecular analysis while deteriorating performance status prohibited a number of patients from proceeding in the study.
Conclusions: Documenting the feasibility of acquiring and screening biospecimens for actionable molecular targets in real time will aid other groups embarking on similar trials. Key elements include the need to better prescreen patients, screen more patients, and offer more attractive clinical trial options. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 2029–37. ©2015 AACR.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Septal Pacing Is Superior to Right Ventricular Apical Pacing
Authors: Zou Cao , Song Jianping , Li Hui , Huang Xingmei , Liu Yuping , Zhao Caiming , Shi Xin , Yang Xiangjun 
Published: April 2015

Background

The effects of right ventricular apical pacing (
RVAP
) and right ventricular outflow tract (
RVOT
) septal pacing on atrial and ventricular electrophysiology have not been thoroughly compared.

Methods and Results

To identify a more favorable pacing strategy with fewer adverse effects, 80 patients who had complete atrioventricular block with normal cardiac function and who were treated with either
RVAP
(n=42) or
RVOT
septal pacing (n=38) were recruited after an average of 2 years of follow‐up. The data from electrocardiography and echocardiography performed before pacemaker implantation and at the end of follow‐up were collected. The patients in the
RVOT
septal pacing and
RVAP
groups showed similar demographic and clinical characteristics before pacing treatments. After a mean follow‐up of 2 years, the final maximum P‐wave duration; P‐wave dispersion; Q‐, R‐, and S‐wave complex duration; left atrial volume index; left ventricular end‐systolic diameter; ratio of transmitral early diastolic filling velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity; and interventricular mechanical delay in the
RVOT
septal pacing group were significantly less than those in the
RVAP
group (
P
<0.05). The final left ventricular ejection fraction of the
RVOT
septal pacing group was significantly higher than that of the
RVAP
group (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with
RVAP
,
RVOT
septal pacing has fewer adverse effects regarding atrial electrical activity and structure in patients with normal cardiac function.
The Latitudinal Dependence of Atmospheric Jet Scales and Macroturbulent Energy Cascades
Authors: Chemke Rei , Kaspi Yohai 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The latitudinal width of atmospheric eddy-driven jets and scales of macroturbulence are examined latitude by latitude over a wide range of rotation rates using a high-resolution idealized GCM. It is found that for each latitude, through all rotation rates, the jet spacing scales with the Rhines scale. These simulations show the presence of a “supercriticality latitude” within the baroclinic zone, where poleward (equatorward) of this latitude, the Rhines scale is larger (smaller) than the Rossby deformation radius. Poleward of this latitude, a classic geostrophic turbulence picture appears with a − spectral slope of inverse cascade from the deformation radius up to the Rhines scale. A shallower slope than the −3 slope of enstrophy cascade is found from the deformation radius down to the viscosity scale as a result of the broad input of baroclinic eddy kinetic energy. At these latitudes, eddy–eddy interactions transfer barotropic eddy kinetic energy from the input scales of baroclinic eddy kinetic energy up to the jet scale and down to smaller scales. For the Earth case, this latitude is outside the baroclinic zone and therefore an inverse cascade does not appear. Equatorward of the supercriticality latitude, the − slope of inverse cascade vanishes, eddy–mean flow interactions play an important role in the balance, and the spectrum follows a −3 slope from the Rhines scale down to smaller scales, similar to what is observed on Earth. Moreover, the length scale of the energy-containing zonal wavenumber is equal to (larger than) the jet scale poleward (equatorward) of the supercriticality latitude.
Detection of Coherent Airstreams Using Cluster Analysis: Application to an Extratropical Cyclone
Authors: Hart Neil C. G. , Gray Suzanne L. , Clark Peter A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Flow in geophysical fluids is commonly summarized by coherent streams (e.g., conveyor belt flows in extratropical cyclones or jet streaks in the upper troposphere). Typically, parcel trajectories are calculated from the flow field and subjective thresholds are used to distinguish coherent streams of interest. This methodology contribution develops a more objective approach to distinguish coherent airstreams within extratropical cyclones. Agglomerative clustering is applied to trajectories along with a method to identify the optimal number of cluster classes. The methodology is applied to trajectories associated with the low-level jets of a well-studied extratropical cyclone. For computational efficiency, a constraint that trajectories must pass through these jet regions is applied prior to clustering; the partitioning into different airstreams is then performed by the agglomerative clustering. It is demonstrated that the methodology can identify the salient flow structures of cyclones: the warm and cold conveyor belts. A test focusing on the airstreams terminating at the tip of the bent-back front further demonstrates the success of the method in that it can distinguish finescale flow structure such as descending sting-jet airstreams.
Public values and function creep of the financial rating by local authorities
Authors: Michel-Clupot Muriel , Rouot Serge 
Published: April 2015

As issuers, local authorities have credit ratings that are used in the search for direct funding from the capital markets. However, some local officials also use their ratings as instruments of local public reporting. Does this function creep affect the public values of local authorities? In line with the theory of publicness ( Bozeman, 2007 ), a measurement of this publicness and the detection of public values ( Jorgensen and Bozeman, 2002 , 2007 ) are proposed both for the authorities that expressly mention their rating and those that make no mention of it. A textual analysis of their respective discourses reveals a function creep that conveys a lesser degree of publicness and ‘market’-oriented public values, but also generates one public value: transparency. Points for practitioners There is nothing neutral about using a financial rating for purposes of political communication, whether on the part of the local communicator or those who are locally elected. This function creep conveys more public values, but with a greater economic and market bent. It thus shapes the content of public values. The function creep is also revealing: it tends to be used by politicians recently elected, as if the first years of mandate focused on management, while the following years are coloured by politics and public values with a high degree of publicness. It raises the question of the restriction of re-election.
Administrative reform in South Korea: New Public Management and the bureaucracy
Authors: Kim Sunhyuk , Han Chonghee 
Published: April 2015

This article analyzes the political dynamics of South Korea’s recent administrative reform. We argue that successive South Korean governments’ New Public Management-inspired reform programs have only achieved partial success. In particular, they have largely failed to attain their ultimate goal – i.e. significant weakening of the traditionally strong elite bureaucracy in policymaking. The bureaucracy in the country has not become weakened as a result of the reform. Rather, the central government ministries have augmented their power and institutional autonomy. Those who were in charge of designing and implementing reform measures were bureaucrats themselves who were supposed to be the ‘target’ of the reform. Such situation, in which the reformers were expected to reform themselves, has resulted in numerous incidences of sabotage, delay, obstruction, and distortion of the reform. This article concludes that it is crucial to consider the local contexts in which reform initiatives are adopted, interpreted, accepted, legitimated, and concretized for implementation. Points for practitioners Administrative reform often brings unintended consequences. New Public Management-inspired reform, with its intention to weaken the strong elite bureaucracy, could ironically result in the augmentation of the bureaucracy. The main reason for this is because it is usually the bureaucrats themselves who design and manage the process of administrative reform. It is also the elite bureaucrats who define, operationalize, and implement specific reform measures. Therefore, it is crucial for the reform supporters to ensure adequate popular oversight mechanisms outside the bureaucracy at various stages of the reform process, such as citizen monitoring or civic participation.
The Group of 20 transnational policy community: governance networks, policy analysis and think tanks
Authors: Stone Diane 
Published: April 2015

The G20 is an evolving international institution. Aided by both advances in information technology and support from home governments, a number of knowledge actors and networks seek to influence global economic governance with policy analysis and advice. This article assesses the international G20 think tank network called Think20 and the policy advocacy of private research institutes (such the Lowy Institute in Australia and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation in Canada) which are in the orbit of the G20 policy community. Think20 assists the global economic governance processes of the G20 by developing ‘coordinative discourses’ for policy development and implementation. Points for practitioners Ideas matter but ideas that imply major policy reform and innovation need to be made to matter if they are to direct government action. Networks provide one mechanism to broadcast and disseminate ‘communicative discourses’ to many different publics – local as well as global – and the infrastructure to crystalize and amplify ‘coordinative discourses’ underpinning the policy blueprints and reform proposals of governments that must motivate their own bureaucracies as well as collaborate with foreign government. This article discusses some of the network tools and practices for consensus building in ‘transnational policy communities’ that cultivate global policy coordination.
Editors’ note regarding Blood pressure normalization post-jugular venous balloon angioplasty
Authors: Davies Alun H , Zimmet Steven E 
Published: April 2015

10.1177/(0268355515575882) Blood pressure normalization post-jugular venous balloon angioplasty, by Zohara Sternberg, Prabhjot Grewal, Steven Cen, Frances DeBarge-Igoe, Jinhee Yu, and Michael Arata, Phlebology 0268355513512824, first published on 19 November 2013 as Epub, DOI: 10.1177/0268355513512824 .
What is the comparative effectiveness of current standard treatment, against an individually tailored behavioural programme delivered either on the Internet or face-to-face for people with acute whiplash associated disorder? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bring Annika , Åsenlöf Pernilla , Söderlund Anne 
Published: April 2015

Objective: To investigate the comparative effectiveness of current standard treatment, against an individually tailored behavioural programme delivered via the Internet or face-to-face for people with acute whiplash associated disorders. Design: A multicentre, randomized, three-group design, with concealed allocation. Subjects and settings: A total of 55 participants (37 female), age 18–65, with acute Whiplash Associated Disorder (Grade I–II), recruited at two emergency clinics in Sweden. Interventions: Before randomization all participants received standard self-care instructions. The Internet and face-to-face groups followed a seven-week behavioural programme involving individual tailoring, via email (Internet group), or in sessions at a physical therapy unit (face-to-face group). The control group only received the self-care instructions. Main measures: Pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-efficacy in daily activities, catastrophizing and fear of movement/(re)injury. Assessments were performed at baseline (2–4 weeks postinjury) and at three, six and 12 months postintervention. Results: Both the Internet ( n = 16) and face-to-face ( n = 14) group showed a larger decrease in pain-related disability than the control group ( n = 16); −12 and −11, respectively, compared with −5 in the control group at 12-months follow-up. Significant differences between the groups in overall treatment effect were shown in all outcomes except pain intensity. All groups improved significantly over time in all outcomes, except for fear of movement/(re)injury and catastrophizing in the control group. Conclusion: An individually tailored behavioural programme improved biopsychosocial factors in patients with whiplash associated disorders up to 12 months after treatment. Internet-delivered intervention was as effective as clinic-based face-to-face therapy sessions.
Enabling a family caregiver-led assessment of support needs in home-based palliative care: Potential translation into practice
Authors: Aoun Samar , Toye Chris , Deas Kathleen , Howting Denise , Ewing Gail , Grande Gunn , Stajduhar Kelli 
Published: April 2015

Background: Systematic assessment of family caregivers’ support needs and integrating these into service planning according to evidence-based research are vital to improving caregivers’ outcomes and their capacity to provide care at end of life. Aim: To describe the experience with and feedback of nurses on implementing a systematic assessment of support needs with family caregivers in home-based palliative care, using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool. Methods: This study was conducted during 2012–2014 in Silver Chain Hospice Care Service in Western Australia. This article reports on one part of a three-part evaluation of a stepped wedge cluster trial. Forty-four nurses who trialled the intervention with 233 family caregivers gave their feedback via surveys with closed- and open-ended questions (70.5% response rate). Analyses of quantitative and qualitative data were undertaken. Results: The feedback of nurses was overwhelmingly positive in terms of perceived benefits in comparison to standard practice both from the family caregiver and service provider perspectives. Using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool was described by nurses as providing guidance, focus and structure to facilitate discussion with family caregivers and as identifying needs and service responses that would not otherwise have been undertaken in a timely manner. Conclusion: Our study has successfully addressed the call for alternatives to the professional assessment paradigm using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool approach as a caregiver-led intervention facilitated by health professionals. Integrating the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool in existing practice is fundamental to achieving better caregiver outcomes.