bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sacrificial process for fabrication of biodegradable polymer membranes with submicron thickness
Authors: Beardslee Luke A. , Stolwijk Judith , Khaladj Dimitrius A. , Trebak Mohamed , Halman Justin , Torrejon Karen Y. , Niamsiri Nuttawee , Bergkvist Magnus
Published: June 2015

A new sacrificial molding process using a single mask has been developed to fabricate ultrathin 2‐dimensional membranes from several biocompatible polymeric materials. The fabrication process is similar to a sacrificial microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process flow, where a mold is created from a material that can be coated with a biodegradable polymer and subsequently etched away, leaving behind a very thin polymer membrane. In this work, two different sacrificial mold materials, silicon dioxide (SiO2) and Liftoff Resist (LOR) were used. Three different biodegradable materials; polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA), were chosen as model polymers. We demonstrate that this process is capable of fabricating 200‐500 nm thin, through‐hole polymer membranes with various geometries, pore‐sizes and spatial features approaching 2.5 µm using a mold fabricated via a single contact photolithography exposure. In addition, the membranes can be mounted to support rings made from either SU8 or PCL for easy handling after release. Cell culture compatibility of the fabricated membranes was evaluated with human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) seeded onto the ultrathin porous membranes, where the cells grew and formed confluent layers with well‐established cell‐cell contacts. Furthermore, human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) cultured on these scaffolds showed similar proliferation as on flat PCL substrates, further validating its compatibility. All together, these results demonstrated the feasibility of our sacrificial fabrication process to produce biocompatible, ultra‐thin membranes with defined microstructures (i.e., pores) with the potential to be used as substrates for tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1192–1201, 2016.
Accurately modeling nanosecond protein dynamics requires at least microseconds of simulation
Authors: Bowman Gregory R.
Published: June 2015

Advances in hardware and algorithms have greatly extended the timescales accessible to molecular simulation. This article assesses whether such long timescale simulations improve our ability to calculate order parameters that describe conformational heterogeneity on ps‐ns timescales or if force fields are now a limiting factor. Order parameters from experiment are compared with order parameters calculated in three different ways from simulations ranging from 10 ns to 100 μs in length. Importantly, bootstrapping is employed to assess the variability in results for each simulation length. The results of 10–100 ns timescale simulations are highly variable, possibly explaining the variation in levels of agreement between simulation and experiment in published works examining different proteins. Fortunately, microsecond timescale simulations improve both the accuracy and precision of calculated order parameters, at least so long as the full exponential fit or truncated average approximation is used instead of the common long‐time limit approximation. The improved precision of these long timescale simulations allows a statistically sound comparison of a number of modern force fields, such as Amber03, Amber99sb‐ILDN, and Charmm27. While there is some variation between these force fields, they generally give very similar results for sufficiently long simulations. The fact that so much simulation is required to precisely capture ps‐ns timescale processes suggests that extremely extensive simulations are required for slower processes. Advanced sampling techniques could aid greatly, however, such methods will need to maintain accurate kinetics if they are to be of value for calculating dynamical properties like order parameters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and Functional Analysis of Polymorphisms in the Human Dopamine Receptor and Transporter Genes in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cherubini Emanuela , Di Napoli Arianna , Noto Alessia , Osman Giorgia Amira , Esposito Maria Cristina , Mariotta Salvatore , Sellitri Rossella , Ruco Luigi , Cardillo Giuseppe , Ciliberto Gennaro , Mancini Rita , Ricci Alberto
Published: June 2015

The regulatory role of dopamine (DA) in endocrine, cardiovascular and renal functions has been extensively studied and used for clinical purposes. More recently DA has been indicated as a regulatory molecule for immune cells and malignant cell proliferation. We assessed the expression and the functional role DA, DA receptors, and transporters in primary small cell lung cancer (SCLC). By HPLC DA plasma levels were more elevated in SCLC patients in comparison with NSCLC patients and healthy controls. SCLC cell expressed DA D1‐ and D2‐like receptors and membrane and vesicular transporters at protein and mRNA levels. We also investigated the effects of independent D1‐ or D2‐like receptor stimulation on SCLC cell cultures. DA D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 induced the increase of cAMP levels and DARPP‐32 protein expression without affecting SCLC growth rate. Cell treatment with the DA D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 inhibited SKF38393 effects. In contrast, the DA D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (10 μM) counteracted, in a dose and time dependent way, SCLC cell proliferation, it did not affect cAMP levels and decreased phosphorylated AKT that was induced by DA D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. However, in only one SCLC line, stimulation of DA D2 receptor failed to inhibit cell proliferation in vitro. This effect was associated to the existence of rs6275 and rs6277 polymorphisms in the D2 gene. These results gave more insight into DA control of lung cancer cell behavior and suggested the existence of different SCLC phenotypes. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 345–356, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes detected by routine pap smear in uyghur‐muslim women from Karasay Township Hotan (Xinjiang, China)
Authors: Mijit Fatima , Ablimit Tangnur , Abduxkur Guzalnur , Abliz Guzalnur
Published: June 2015

HPV infection is an important public health problem in developing countries. We investigated HPV genotypes in the Uyghur female population of Karasay Township, Hotan region. A population‐based cervical cancer screening was conducted for 4,500 women in Karasay Township, Xinjiang Hotan, China. A total of 900 women were selected by systematic sampling with a 5:1 proportion (ages 20–69). The subjects completed a questionnaire and consented to HPV typing and Pap smear examination. Colposcopic biopsies were performed for patients with cytological abnormalities (≥ASCUS). A total of 117 of the 900 women (13%) assessed were infected with HPV. The most common subtype was HPV‐16, and other common high‐risk types included HPV‐58 and HPV‐39. A total of 40 women (4.44%) were identified with abnormal cytology (≥ASCUS) by Pap smear. A significant link was found between HPV prevalence and cytological diagnosis. The HPV infection rates for the patients with cervical inflammation, CIN, and cancer were 18.18%, 64.71%, and 100%, respectively. Significant differences in HPV infection rates were found among the patients with the three groups of pathological results. In Karasay, the HPV infection rate in Uyghur women is lower than previously reported; however, the proportion infected with HR‐HPV is higher. HPV‐16, HPV‐58, and HPV‐39 are the most prevalent genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 87:1960–1965, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Medical Virology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic resection for gastric cancer liver metastases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Petrelli Fausto , Coinu Andrea , Cabiddu Mary , Ghilardi Mara , Borgonovo Karen , Lonati Veronica , Barni Sandro
Published: June 2015

Background

Resection of liver metastases from gastric cancer (GC) is rarely performed, and the outcome after hepatic surgery has not been systematically evaluated in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of outcome and prognostic factors for survival after liver metastasectomy for GC.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of published studies that focused on long‐term outcomes (5‐year overall survival [OS]) after surgical management of liver metastases from GC, and included more than 10 patients each. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for variables considered as potential prognostic factors for OS in at least three publications.

Results

Twenty‐three studies comprising a total of 870 patients were considered in this analysis. The pooled weighted median OS was 22 months (95%CI 17.6–27.2). The pooled 5‐year OS after liver resection was 23.8% (95%CI 19–29.3%). The pooled 5‐year OS rates for metachronous and synchronous metastases were 30% (95%CI 24.7–35.8%) and 22.6% (95%CI 14–34.4%), respectively. Parameters associated with poor survival were (i) multiple metastases, and (ii) large size of metastases.

Conclusions

Hepatic resection of GC liver metastases is associated with an acceptable 5‐year OS, in particular after surgery of metachronous lesions, and could be offered to selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:1021–1027. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of a three‐dimensional systems of rational difference equations
Authors: Elsayed E. M. , Ahmed A. M.
Published: June 2015

We investigate in this paper the solutions and the periodicity of the following rational systems of difference equations of three‐dimensionalurn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3540:mma3540-math-0001with initial conditionsx−2,x−1,x0,y−2,y−1,y0,z−2,z−1andz0are nonzero real numbers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
n‐3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against pancreatic β‐cell damage due to ER stress and prevent diabetes development
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Mi‐Young , Bae Ui‐Jin , Lim Jung Min , Kwon Keun Sang , Park Byung‐Hyun
Published: June 2015

Scope

In this study, we focus on the effects of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on tunicamycin‐, streptozotocin‐, or high fat diet (HFD)‐induced β‐cell damage and dysfunction.

Materials and methods

Pretreatment with n‐3 PUFAs protected RINm5F cells and mouse islets against tunicamycin‐induced β‐cell damage through suppression of ER stress and apoptosis induction. This protective effect of n‐3 PUFAs on β‐cells was further demonstrated by the normalization of insulin secretion in response to glucose in tunicamycin‐treated islets. In multiple low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced diabetes models, fat‐1 mice, which endogenously synthesize n‐3 PUFAs from n‐6 PUFAs, were fully resistant to the development of diabetes, with normal islet morphology, high insulin immunoreactivity, and decreased apoptotic cells. In HFD‐induced diabetes models, fat‐1 mice also exhibited improved glucose tolerance and functional β‐cell mass. In both diabetes models, we observed an attenuation of ER stress in fat‐1 mice. Interestingly, n‐3 PUFAs attenuated the nuclear translocation of lipogenic transcription factors sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1) and C/EBPβ, induced by tunicamycin or HFD, suggesting that n‐3 PUFAs suppress ER stress via modulation of SREBP‐1 and C/EBPβ.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggest that n‐3 PUFAs block ER stress, thus protecting β cells against diabetogenic insult; therefore, dietary supplementation of n‐3 PUFAs has therapeutic potential for the preservation of functional β‐cell mass.
Outcome measures in intervention trials for adults with autism spectrum disorders; a systematic review of assessments of core autism features and associated emotional and behavioural problems
Authors: Brugha Traolach S. , Doos Lucy , Tempier Althea , Einfeld Stewart , Howlin Patricia
Published: June 2015

A systematic review was conducted of outcome measures used in treatment trials for older adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Of 818 titles only 30 articles (19 of which involved pharmacological treatments) were identified that met inclusion criteria (sample size > 5; mean age of group > 15 years; mean IQ > 30; ASD diagnosis confirmed; use of objective ASD outcome measures; focus on symptoms core to or typically associated with ASDs). Selected studies included randomized and placebo‐controlled trials, retrospective assessment studies, case series and open label or case‐control trials. Use of outcome measures varied with frequent use of non‐standardized assessments, very little use of measures designed specifically for individuals with ASD or of instruments focusing on core ASD deficits, such as communication or social functioning. Most commonly used were the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating scale and the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS). The strengths or deficiencies of the outcome measures used were not systematically evaluated.

Although there are now many well controlled treatment trials for children with ASDs, adult intervention research is very limited. The lack of valid and reliable outcome measures for adults with ASDs compromises attempts at treatment evaluation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Painful cramps and giant myotonic discharges in a family with the Nav1.4‐G1306A mutation
Authors: Torbergsen Torberg , Jurkat‐Rott Karin , StÅLberg Erik V. , Løseth Sissel , Hødneø Anne , Lehmann‐Horn Frank
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Two previously reported Norwegian patients with painful muscle cramps and giant myotonic discharges were genotyped and compared with those of members of 21 families harboring the same mutation. Methods: Using primers specific for SCN4A and CLCN1, the DNA of the Norwegian family members was amplified and bidirectionally sequenced. Clinical and neurophysiological features of other families harboring the same mutation were studied. Results: A G1306A mutation in the Nav1.4 voltage‐gated sodium channel of skeletal muscle was identified. This mutation is known to cause myotonia fluctuans. No giant myotonic discharges or painful muscle cramps were found in the other G1306A families. Conclusions: Ephaptic transmission between neighboring muscle fibers may not only cause the unusual size of the myotonic discharges in this family, but also a more severe type of potassium‐aggravated myotonia than myotonia fluctuans. Muscle Nerve 52: 680–683, 2015
Preparation and properties of polyaniline/viscose fiber adducts
Authors: Li Guodong , Yu zhuo , Han Na , Zhang Xingxiang , Wang Ning , Qi Xiaoling
Published: June 2015

Polyaniline (PANI)/viscose fiber (VF) adducts were prepared by the polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate as an oxidant and VF as a template in hydrochloride solution. PANI deposited on the surface of VF because of the interaction between PANI and VF. The effect of PANI content and the reaction time on the performance of PANI/VF adducts were evaluated, respectively. The electrical conductivity of PANI/VF adducts increased with reaction time from 2 to 8 h, but the conductivity decreased at the higher reaction time because of the aggregation of PANI particles. With the increasing of reaction time, the tensile strength initially decreased to 1.299 cN/dtex at 3 h, subsequently increased to 1.528 cN/dtex at 8 h, and finally diminished a little to 1.475 cN/dtex at 24 h. When the adducts were washed in water, the conductivity only decreased from 2.71 × 10−3 to 2.4 × 10−3 S/cm, and it was stable after washing 50 times. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:782–788, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Impact of alloying duration of an electrodeposited Cu/Sn/Zn metallic stack on properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorbers for thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Jiang Feng , Ikeda Shigeru , Tang Zeguo , Minemoto Takashi , Septina Wilman , Harada Takashi , Matsumura Michio
Published: June 2015

The impacts of preheating of an electrodeposited Cu/Sn/Zn (CTZ) stack precursor on structural changes of the CTZ precursor and the impact on structural and electric properties of the finally obtained Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) films are discussed in detail. We found that preheating for relatively long durations improved the qualities of CZTS films: these films were composed of large grains and had compact and flat surface morphologies. The best solar cell with efficiency of 8.1% was obtained on the basis of a CZTS film derived from the CTZ precursor preheated for 200 min. The external quantum efficiency response of the cell indicated efficient utilization of photons with relatively long wavelength regions because of its good structural and electronic properties. On the other hand, a short circuit current density–temperature property of one of the best cells in this study suggested that the CZTS film had deep acceptor levels and/or an appreciable energy barrier to the Mo back contact. Moreover, an open circuit voltage–temperature property of the corresponding device showed activation energy of 1.18 eV, indicating preferential occurrence of CdS–CZTS interface recombination. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly transparent modulated surface textured front electrodes for high‐efficiency multijunction thin‐film silicon solar cells
Authors: Tan Hairen , Moulin Etienne , Si Fai Tong , Schüttauf Jan‐Willem , Stuckelberger Michael , Isabella Olindo , Haug Franz‐Josef , Ballif Christophe , Zeman Miro , Smets Arno H. M.
Published: June 2015

To further increase the efficiency of multijunction thin‐film silicon (TF‐Si) solar cells, it is crucial for the front electrode to have a good transparency and conduction, to provide efficient light trapping for each subcell, and to ensure a suitable morphology for the growth of high‐quality silicon layers. Here, we present the implementation of highly transparent modulated surface textured (MST) front electrodes as light‐trapping structures in multijunction TF‐Si solar cells. The MST substrates comprise a micro‐textured glass, a thin layer of hydrogenated indium oxide (IOH), and a sub‐micron nano‐textured ZnO layer grown by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD ZnO). The bilayer IOH/LPCVD ZnO stack guarantees efficient light in‐coupling and light trapping for the top amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) solar cell while minimizing the parasitic absorption losses. The crater‐shaped micro‐textured glass provides both efficient light trapping in the red and infrared wavelength range and a suitable morphology for the growth of high‐quality nanocrystalline silicon (nc‐Si:H) layers. Thanks to the efficient light trapping for the individual subcells and suitable morphology for the growth of high‐quality silicon layers, multijunction solar cells deposited on MST substrates have a higher efficiency than those on single‐textured state‐of‐the‐art LPCVD ZnO substrates. Efficiencies of 14.8% (initial) and 12.5% (stable) have been achieved for a‐Si:H/nc‐Si:H tandem solar cells with the MST front electrode, surpassing efficiencies obtained on state‐of‐the‐art LPCVD ZnO, thereby highlighting the high potential of MST front electrodes for high‐efficiency multijunction solar cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metaproteomics reveals functional shifts in microbial and human proteins during a preterm infant gut colonization case
Authors: Young Jacque C. , Pan Chongle , Adams Rachel M. , Brooks Brandon , Banfield Jillian F. , Morowitz Michael J. , Hettich Robert L.
Published: June 2015

Microbial colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in establishing health and homeostasis. However, the time‐dependent functional signatures of microbial and human proteins during early colonization of the gut have yet to be determined. To this end, we employed shotgun proteomics to simultaneously monitor microbial and human proteins in fecal samples from a preterm infant during the first month of life. Microbial community complexity increased over time, with compositional changes that were consistent with previous metagenomic and rRNA gene data. More specifically, the function of the microbial community initially involved biomass growth, protein production, and lipid metabolism, and then switched to more complex metabolic functions, such as carbohydrate metabolism, once the community stabilized and matured. Human proteins detected included those responsible for epithelial barrier function and antimicrobial activity. Some neutrophil‐derived proteins increased in abundance early in the study period, suggesting activation of the innate immune system. Likewise, abundances of cytoskeletal and mucin proteins increased later in the time course, suggestive of subsequent adjustment to the increased microbial load. This study provides the first snapshot of coordinated human and microbial protein expression in a preterm infant's gut during early development.
Chemical Analysis of Plasma‐treated Organic Surfaces and Plasma Polymers by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Delcorte Arnaud , Cristaudo Vanina , Zarshenas Mohammad , Merche Delphine , Reniers François , Bertrand Patrick
Published: June 2015

This feature article is focused on the application of secondary ion mass spectrometry (time‐of‐flight SIMS) to the chemical and structural study of plasma‐treated organic surfaces and plasma polymer films. After a brief historical perspective and a presentation of the recent developments of SIMS, illustrative case studies involving plasma‐treated polymer surfaces and plasma polymers are presented. Beyond surface analysis by static SIMS, we show the potential of molecular depth‐profiling by low‐energy Cs+ ions and large Arn+ clusters for the in‐depth chemical characterization of plasma‐modified samples. Together with SIMS data processing by multivariate analysis, molecular depth‐profiling could provide a step change for the analysis of films treated or polymerized with plasmas.
Parents' Migration and Children's Subjective Well‐being and Health: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Zhou Minhui , Tao Ran
Published: June 2015

This study examines differences in children's subjective well‐being and health across the full range of family structures that have emerged in China's rural areas because of parental labour migration. It uses original cross‐sectional survey data collected in 2010 in Anhui and Jiangxi provinces from children aged 8–17 years, as well as from their teachers and guardians (n = 992). The results indicate no significant difference between ‘left‐behind’ children and other children for satisfaction with life events. However, the results do demonstrate that left‐behind children fare worse than children who live with both parents for behaviour at school, confidence in the realisation of future goals, loneliness, and health. The results further reveal that who migrates matters for children's well‐being. Specifically, children with two migrant parents fare worse than children with only one migrant parent for several dimensions of well‐being including behaviour and loneliness. Meanwhile, the children of lone migrant mothers fare worse than all other children for selected measures, most notably health. Following other scholars, our analyses underscore the sensitivity of the results to the dimension of child well‐being measured and to who provides the evaluation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Younger Adults and Homeownership in Europe Through the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Lennartz Christian , Arundel Rowan , Ronald Richard
Published: June 2015

In the context of poorly performing national economies and sustained employment insecurity since the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2008, various UK and US studies have suggested that the transitions of younger people into independent living and into homeownership, in particular, have been in decline. Testing the wider validity of these findings for western European countries, this paper uses cross‐sectional European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions data to deconstruct to what extent and on which basis pre‐crisis to post‐crisis changes in the living arrangements of 18–34‐year olds have varied across 15 European Union countries. Our results confirm a common trend towards diminishing access to homeownership, bringing about larger rental sectors in many countries. Yet, we are far from observing the rise of a ‘Generation Rent’, because the stronger transformation process is one towards a higher share of younger adults living in co‐residence with their parents. Our empirical study further demonstrates that the directions of these shifts may vary strongly across countries, where the crisis has in some cases undermined existing residential patterns and forced realignment in the living arrangements among younger generations. Moreover, the study suggests that, although higher post‐crisis declines in young‐age homeownership is also associated with adverse labour market conditions, it seems to be primarily the volatility of more financialised housing markets that lead to increasing difficulties for younger people to realise housing property ownership. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid Strategies: Allocating Involvement in the Digital Age
Authors: Benediktsson Mike Owen , Alexander Daniel , Bermeo Jhanidya , Contreras Joseph , Kingston Bradley , Harper Wendy , Henkin Jonathan , Lopez Fausto , Wagenheim Randy , Williams Aaron
Published: June 2015

An important trait of mobile phones is their capacity to superimpose multiple social interactions in time and space. Little research examines how individuals choose between face‐to‐face and digitally mediated interactions in specific social contexts. Drawing upon focus group interviews with a diverse sample of university students in the United States, we argue that, contrary to a perspective that is popular in theory and journalistic commentary, mobile phone users do not experience the digital and the face‐to‐face as distinct realms. In deciding where to direct their attention, users enmesh the distant and the present, making moves that are expressive and strategic in their own right that reveal the interest, intimacy and urgency that users place in multiple, coinciding social involvements.
Influence of inflow conditions on turbine loading and wake structures predicted by large eddy simulations using exact geometry
Authors: Zhou Nina , Chen Jun , Adams Douglas E. , Fleeter Sanford
Published: June 2015

A large eddy simulation was performed on an National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) phase VI wind turbine (10 m diameter), using the exact blade geometry, to determine the influence of different inflow conditions on the aerodynamic loadings and the near wake characteristics. The effects of the three inflow conditions, uniform inflow, linear wind shear and linear wind shear with turbulence, are investigated. Wind shear causes periodic variations in power and aerodynamic loading with an additional force component exerted along the lateral direction. Significant separation occurs in the high wind region on the suction side of the blades, resulting in unstable loading in off‐design inflow conditions. Because of the shear effect between the near‐blade tip vortex and ambient flow, the strong vortex core in the helical structure dissipates and transforms into a continuous vorticity sheet when x/D > 1.5. The combination of inflow turbulence and wind shear enhances the turbulence generation mechanism in the near wake, where energy is withdrawn from large wake structures and converted into energy of small‐scale structures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐linear ultimate strength and stability limit state analysis of a wind turbine blade
Authors: Rosemeier Malo , Berring Peter , Branner Kim
Published: June 2015

According to the design codes for wind turbine blades, it is sufficient to evaluate the blade's limit states using solely a linear analysis. This study, however, shows the need of non‐linear analyses in blade design. Therefore, a geometrically non‐linear structural response of a 34 m blade under flap‐wise loading has been compared with a linear response to determine the blade's resistance in the ultimate strength and stability limit states. The linear analysis revealed an unrealistic failure mechanism and failure mode. Further, it did not capture the highly non‐linear response of the blade that was measured in an ultimate full‐scale test to failure and determined by a geometrically non‐linear analysis. A design evaluation in accordance with the least stringent Germanischer Lloyd (GL) requirements has been compared with non‐linear approaches proposed by GL and Eurocode, which require the application of an imperfection. The more realistic non‐linear approaches yielded more optimistic results than the mandatory linear bifurcation analysis. Consequently, the investigated blade designed after the lesser requirements was sufficient. Using the non‐linear approaches, considering inter‐fibre failure as the critical failure mode, yielded still a significant safety margin for the designer (7–28%). The non‐linear response was significantly dependent on the scaling of the imperfection. Eurocode's method of applying an imperfection appeared more realistic than the GL method. Since the considered blade withstood 135% of the design load at a full‐scale test to failure and the blade has operated successfully in the field, GL's safety factors combined with the imperfection size may be too conservative. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections to Manage Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis—a Systematic Review
Authors: Fowler A. , Swindells M. G. , Burke F. D.
Published: June 2015

Background

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether an intra-articular corticosteroid injection leads to pain relief and increased function and what is the duration and magnitude of this effect. Methods A systematic review with a critical appraisal of identified studies that met the inclusion criteria was performed. Two authors performed the literature review by independently searching the Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Results

A total of 118 relevant articles were found, but only nine studies met the inclusion criteria which included 4 double-blinded randomised control trials (RCTs) and 5 prospective case series. There is some evidence in the literature to support the efficacy of steroid injections into the TMJ. Most studies do suggest a good short-term benefit. However, one identifies no benefit over placebo but two studies found a benefit lasting at least 6 months.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that there are potentially significant although short-term benefits to be gained from steroid injections into the TMJ. They can lead to pain relief and improved function, certainly in the first 1 to 3 months post-injection. Steroid injections are a low-risk procedure and are helpful in delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
Determination of specificity influencing residues for key transcription factor families
Authors: Patel Ronak Y. , Garde Christian , Stormo Gary D.
Published: June 2015

Transcription factors (TFs) are major modulators of transcription and subsequent cellular processes. The binding of TFs to specific regulatory elements is governed by their specificity. Considering the gap between known TFs sequence and specificity, specificity prediction frameworks are highly desired. Key inputs to such frameworks are protein residues that modulate the specificity of TF under consideration. Simple measures like mutual information (MI) to delineate specificity influencing residues (SIRs) from alignment fail due to structural constraints imposed by the three‐dimensional structure of protein. Structural restraints on the evolution of the amino‐acid sequence lead to identification of false SIRs. In this manuscript we extended three methods (direct information, PSICOV and adjusted mutual information) that have been used to disentangle spurious indirect protein residue‐residue contacts from direct contacts, to identify SIRs from joint alignments of amino‐acids and specificity. We predicted SIRs for homeodomain (HD), helix‐loop‐helix, LacI and GntR families of TFs using these methods and compared to MI. Using various measures, we show that the performance of these three methods is comparable but better than MI. Implication of these methods in specificity prediction framework is discussed. The methods are implemented as an R package and available along with the alignments at http://stormo.wustl.edu/SpecPred.
Antenatal Diagnosis of Corpus Callosal Agenesis
Authors: Kazi Amir Irfan , Iqbal Yasmin , Kazi Sana Elham
Published: June 2015

The corpus callosum (CC) is the largest interhemispheric commissure connecting the neocortical areas of the two cerebral hemispheres. The spectrum of anomalies of the CC includes agenesis, which may be complete or partial, and hypoplasia. The callosal agenesis may be isolated or may be associated with other abnormalities. Nonvisualization of cavum septum pellucidum and colpocephaly are important signs in the axial view which aid in the diagnosis. Demonstrating the absence of CC in mid-sagittal plane is the gold standard. We report a case of isolated complete corpus callosal agenesis diagnosed antenatally in the third trimester with a brief review of ultrasound findings in corpus callosal agenesis.
C‐terminal neurogranin is increased in cerebrospinal fluid but unchanged in plasma in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: De Vos Ann , Jacobs Dirk , Struyfs Hanne , Fransen Erik , Andersson Kerstin , Portelius Erik , Andreasson Ulf , De Surgeloose Didier , Hernalsteen Daniëlle , Sleegers Kristel , Robberecht Caroline , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Vanmechelen Eugeen
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Biomarkers monitoring synaptic degeneration/loss would be valuable for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. Postsynaptic protein neurogranin may be a promising cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker but has not yet been evaluated as a plasma biomarker.

Methods

Using an in‐house designed prototype enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) targeting neurogranin C‐terminally, we studied neurogranin in paired CSF/plasma samples of controls (n = 29) versus patients experiencing MCI, or dementia, due to AD (in total n = 59).

Results

CSF neurogranin was increased in AD and positively correlated with CSF tau, whereas there was a negative relationship between CSF neurogranin (and tau) and CSF Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40. No differences were detected in plasma neurogranin between controls and AD. Also, there was no correlation between CSF and plasma neurogranin, excluding confounding effects of the latter.

Discussion

This study strengthens the potential of neurogranin as an AD CSF biomarker, which now needs validation in larger studies. As tools, straightforward immunoassays can be used, as demonstrated by the described ELISA.
Guadecitabine (SGI‐110) priming sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to oxaliplatin
Authors: Kuang Yuting , El-Khoueiry Anthony , Taverna Pietro , Ljungman Mats , Neamati Nouri
Published: June 2015

Promoter DNA hypermethylation is an important biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), supporting the potential utility of demethylating agents in this disease. Guadecitabine (SGI‐110) is a second‐generation hypomethylating agent formulated as a dinucleotide of decitabine and deoxyguanosine that yields longer half‐life and more extended decitabine exposure than decitabine IV infusion. Here we performed preclinical evaluation of SGI‐110 in HCC models to guide the design of a phase I/II clinical trial. HCC cell lines and xenograft models were used to determine the antitumor activity of SGI‐110 as a single agent and in combination with oxaliplatin. Pretreatment with low doses of SGI‐110 significantly synergized with oxaliplatin yielding enhanced cytotoxicity. The combination of SGI‐110 and oxaliplatin was well tolerated and significantly delayed tumor growth in mice compared to oxaliplatin alone. Bromouridine‐labeled RNA sequencing (Bru‐seq) was employed to elucidate the effects of SGI‐110 and/or oxaliplatin on genome‐wide transcription. SGI‐110 and the combination treatment inhibited the expression of genes involved in WNT/EGF/IGF signaling. DNMT1 and survivin were identified as novel PD markers to monitor the efficacy of the combination treatment. In conclusion, SGI‐110 priming sensitizes HCC cells to oxaliplatin by inhibiting distinct signaling pathways. We expect that this combination treatment will show low toxicity and high efficacy in patients. Our study supports the use of the combination of low doses of SGI‐110 and oxaliplatin in HCC patients.
Engaging Ethically: A Discourse Ethics Perspective on Social Shareholder Engagement
Authors: Goodman Jennifer , Arenas Daniel
Published: June 2015

The primacy of shareholder demands in the traditional theory of the firm has typically excluded marginalised stakeholder voices. However, shareholders involved in social shareholder engagement (SSE) purport to bring these voices into corporate decision-making. In response to ethical concerns about the legitimacy of SSE, we use the lens of discourse ethics to provide a normative analysis at both action and constitutional levels. By specifying three normative questions, we extend the analysis of SSE to identify a political role for shareholders in pursuit of the common good. We demonstrate the desirability for SSE to promote regulatory/institutional change to guarantee marginalised stakeholders a voice in corporate decisions that affect them. The theory of SSE we propose thus calls into question the stark separation of the political and economic spheres and reveals an underlying tension, often overlooked, within the responsible investment literature.
Computational study of granular shear flows of dry flexible fibres using the discrete element method
Authors: Guo Y. , Wassgren C. , Hancock B. , Ketterhagen W. , Curtis J.
Published: June 2015

In this study, shear flows of dry flexible fibres are numerically modelled using the discrete element method (DEM), and the effects of fibre properties on the flow behaviour and solid-phase stresses are explored. In the DEM simulations, a fibre is formed by connecting a number of spheres in a straight line using deformable and elastic bonds. The forces and moments induced by the bond deformation resist the relative normal, tangential, bending and torsional movements between two bonded spheres. The bond or deforming stiffness determines the flexibility of the fibres and the bond damping accounts for the energy dissipation in the fibre vibration. The simulation results show that elastically bonded fibres have smaller effective coefficients of restitution than rigidly connected fibres. Thus, smaller solid-phase stresses are obtained for flexible fibres, particularly with bond damping, compared with rigid fibres. Frictionless fibres tend to align with a small angle from the flow direction as the solid volume fraction increases, and fibre deformation is minimized due to the alignment. However, jamming, with a corresponding sharp stress increase, large fibre deformation and dense contact force network, occurs for fibres with friction at high solid volume fractions. It is also found that jamming is more prevalent in dense flows with larger fibre friction coefficient, rougher surface, larger stiffness and larger aspect ratio.
WEIGHTED PSEUDO ALMOST PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH PIECEWISE CONSTANT ARGUMENTS
Authors: ZHANG LI-LI , LI HONG-XU
Published: June 2015

By applying the theory of exponential dichotomies and contraction mapping, we establish some existence and uniqueness results for weighted pseudo almost periodic solutions of some differential equations with piecewise constant arguments. For this purpose, we also describe some basic properties of weighted pseudo almost periodic sequences.
Carotenoid consumption is related to lower lipid oxidation and DNA damage in middle-aged men
Authors: Cocate P. G. , Natali A. J. , Alfenas R. C. G. , de Oliveira A. , dos Santos E. C. , Hermsdorff H. H. M.
Published: June 2015

The present cross-sectional study assessed the potential relationships of carotenoid intake with lipid and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men. A total of 296 apparently healthy middle-aged men (mean age 50·5 (sd5·0) years, BMI 25·8 (sd3·5) kg/m2) were recruited to participate in the study. Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features, blood and urine biomarkers were assessed using validated procedures. The lipid markers included NEFA, Castelli index, and TAG:HDL ratio; oxidative stress markers included urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-PGF2α and plasma oxidised-LDL (ox-LDL). We observed a significant inverse association (P< 0·05) between NEFA concentrations and consumption of lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene, α-carotene and total carotenoid, while Castelli index was negatively associated with daily intake of lycopene, β-carotene and total carotenoids. Regarding oxidative stress biomarkers, urinary 8-OHdG and ox-LDL concentrations were also inversely associated (P< 0·05) with consumption of lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene, α-carotene and total carotenoids, regardless of confounding variables. Moreover, there was a negative association of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α concentration with dietary lutein plus zeaxanthin (β − 0·135, 95 % CI − 0·268, − 0·001), β-carotene (β − 0·156, 95 % CI − 0·277, − 0·034) and with the sum of all carotenoids (β − 0·189, 95 % CI − 0·333, − 0·046). In conclusion, total daily carotenoid intake based on five investigated carotenoid types (β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene and α-carotene) was inversely associated with relevant lipid and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men, with emphasis on β-carotene that was negatively associated with five of the six lipid and oxidative stress markers evaluated in the present study.
Non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change diet reduces inflammatory status in diabetic patients: a randomised cross-over clinical trial
Authors: Hosseinpour-Niazi Somayeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Fallah-Ghohroudi Arefeh , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2015

The present randomised cross-over clinical trial investigated the effects of two intervention diets (non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet v. isoenergetic legume-free TLC diet) on inflammatory biomarkers among type 2 diabetic patients. A group of thirty-one participants (twenty-four women and seven men; weight 74·5 (sd 7·0) kg; age 58·1 (sd 6·0) years) were randomly assigned to one of the two following intervention diets for 8 weeks: legume-free TLC diet or non-soya legume-based TLC diet. The latter diet was the same as the legume-free TLC diet, except that two servings of red meat were replaced with different types of cooked non-soya legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans over a period of 3 d per week. The intervention period was followed by a washout period of 4 weeks, after which the groups followed the alternate treatment for 8 weeks. Concentrations of inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after the intervention periods. Compared with the legume-free TLC diet, the non-soya legume-based TLC diet significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6 and TNF-α in overweight diabetic patients. The replacement of two servings of red meat by non-soya legumes in the isoenergetic TLC diet for a period of 3 d per week reduced the plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers among overweight diabetic patients, independent of weight change.
Dietary changes and dietary supplement use, and underlying motives for these habits reported by colorectal cancer survivors of the Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial Treatment and Long-Term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry
Authors: Bours Martijn J. , Beijer Sandra , Winkels Renate M. , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. , Mols Floortje , Breedveld-Peters José J. , Kampman Ellen , Weijenberg Matty P. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V.
Published: June 2015

In the present study, we aimed to describe dietary changes made post-diagnosis and current dietary supplement use by survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC), and explore the underlying motives for these lifestyle habits. Cross-sectional analyses were performed for 1458 stage I–IV CRC survivors of the Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial Treatment and Long-Term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry, diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. Lifestyle, sociodemographic and clinical information was collected. Prevalence of and motivations for dietary changes and supplement use were assessed. Associations between lifestyle, sociodemographic and clinical variables were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. CRC survivors (57 % male) were on average 70 (sd9) years of age and diagnosed 7 (sd3) years ago. Dietary changes post-diagnosis were reported by 36 % of the survivors and current supplement use by 32 %. Motivations for dietary changes were mostly cancer-related (44 % reported ‘prevention of cancer recurrence’ as the main reason), while motivations for supplement use were less frequently related to the cancer experience (38 % reported ‘to improve health and prevent disease in general’ as the main reason). Dietary changes were significantly associated with dietary supplement use (OR 1·5, 95 % CI 1·1, 2·1). Survivors who had received dietary advice, were non-smokers, under 65 years of age, and had no stoma were more likely to have changed their diet. Survivors who were female, had multiple co-morbidities, and no overweight or obesity were more likely to use supplements. In conclusion, many CRC survivors alter their diet post-diagnosis and use dietary supplements, in part for different reasons. Insights into motivations behind these lifestyle habits and characteristics of CRC survivors adopting these habits can improve the tailoring of lifestyle counselling strategies.
Aspiration pneumonia related deaths in head and neck cancer patients: a retrospective analysis of risk factors from a tertiary care centre in North India
Authors: Madan R , Kairo A K , Sharma A , Roy S , Singh S , Singh L , Kaur J , Mohanti B K , Bhasker S , Upadhyay A D , Rath G K
Published: June 2015

Background:

Aspiration pneumonia is an important cause of death in head and neck cancer patients. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods:

Hospital death records from 12 years (2000–2012) were reviewed to obtain the number of deaths. Treatment details and cause of death were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for aspiration pneumonia.

Results:

The records revealed that aspiration pneumonia was the cause of death in 51 out of 85 patients. Primary tumour site (oropharynx and hypopharynx, odds ratio 3.3; 95 per cent confidence interval 1.17–9.4, p = 0.02) and advanced tumour stage (odds ratio 4.2, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.16–15.61, p = 0.02) had significant negative impacts on aspiration pneumonia related mortality.

Conclusion:

Advanced pharyngeal cancer patients are at an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia related death. Investigations for the early detection of this condition are recommended in these high-risk patients.
A case study on the evolution of Chinese religious symbols from talismanic paraphernalia to Taoist liturgy
Authors: Espesset Grégoire
Published: June 2015

The mid-fifteenth-century Taoist Canon (Zhengtong daozang正統道藏) contains five specimens of a religious artefact called “Great Peace Symbol” (“Taiping fu” 太平符), dispersed between five texts spanning about a millennium. The introduction to this paper discusses the meaning of the Chinese wordfu符 and its most widely used English rendition, “talisman”. The article briefly presents the source of each specimen, attempts a deconstruction of its morphology, and analyses itsmodus operandi, thus providing a basic methodological model to outline the historical evolution of the category of “fu” artefacts from early medieval portable devices endowed with specific apotropaic functions – like charms and amulets – to multipurpose ritual implements designed for use within the framework of early modern Taoist liturgy. The epilogue introduces a sixth specimen, differently named but morphologically and functionally related to the latest three “Great Peace Symbols”.