bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory and executive functions in persons with type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Sadanand Shilpa , Balachandar Rakesh , Bharath Srikala
Published: May 2015

Literature suggests that persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at risk for cognitive impairment, hence dementia. Common domains reported to be affected in those with T2DM are memory and executive functions. The extent of influence of T2DM on these domains has varied among studies. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was carried out to understand whether sub‐domains contributed to the variations observed in published research. We searched ‘PubMed’, ‘ScienceDirect’, ‘SciVerseHub’, ‘Psychinfo’, ‘Proquest’ ‘Ebsco’ and ‘J‐gate Plus’ databases for published studies on cognition and T2DM among persons aged 50 years and older. Memory, executive functions and processing speed domain and sub‐domain scores were extracted; effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated and analysed. Eight hundred seventeen articles were found. After various levels of filtering, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analyses. The analyses indicated that in comparison to controls, persons with T2DM showed decrements in episodic memory (d = −0.51), logical memory (d = −0.24), sub‐domain of executive functions which included phonemic fluency (d = −0.35) and cognitive flexibility (d = 0.52), and speed of processing (d = −0.22). We found no difference in the sub‐domains of verbal short‐term memory and working memory. The meta‐analysis revealed a detrimental effect of T2DM on cognitive sub‐domains, namely, episodic memory and cognitive flexibility. There was a trend for the logical memory, phonemic fluency and processing speed to be affected. The analysis indicates that T2DM is a detrimental factor on certain cognitive sub‐domains, rendering the person vulnerable to subsequent dementia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibodies to Pseudogymnoascus destructans are not sufficient for protection against white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Johnson Joseph S. , Reeder DeeAnn M. , Lilley Thomas M. , Czirják Gábor Á. , Voigt Christian C. , McMichael James W. , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Seery Christopher W. , Lumadue Shayne S. , Altmann Alexander J. , Toro Michael O. , Field Kenneth A.
Published: May 2015

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that affects bats during hibernation. Although millions of bats have died from WNS in North America, mass mortality has not been observed among European bats infected by the fungus, leading to the suggestion that bats in Europe are immune. We tested the hypothesis that an antibody‐mediated immune response can provide protection against WNS by quantifying antibodies reactive to Pd in blood samples from seven species of free‐ranging bats in North America and two free‐ranging species in Europe. We also quantified antibodies in blood samples from little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) that were part of a captive colony that we injected with live Pd spores mixed with adjuvant, as well as individuals surviving a captive Pd infection trial. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Pd, as well as antibody titers, was greater among little brown myotis than among four other species of cave‐hibernating bats in North America, including species with markedly lower WNS mortality rates. Among little brown myotis, the greatest titers occurred in populations occupying regions with longer histories of WNS, where bats lacked secondary symptoms of WNS. We detected antibodies cross‐reactive with Pd among little brown myotis naïve to the fungus. We observed high titers among captive little brown myotis injected with Pd. We did not detect antibodies against Pd in Pd‐infected European bats during winter, and titers during the active season were lower than among little brown myotis. These results show that antibody‐mediated immunity cannot explain survival of European bats infected with Pd and that little brown myotis respond differently to Pd than species with higher WNS survival rates. Although it appears that some species of bats in North America may be developing resistance to WNS, an antibody‐mediated immune response does not provide an explanation for these remnant populations.
Augmented Half‐Life Estimation Based on High‐Frequency Data
Authors: Huang Mao‐Lung , Liao Shu‐Yi , Lin Kuo‐Chin
Published: May 2015

Half‐life estimation has been widely used to evaluate the speed of mean reversion for various economic and financial variables. However, half‐life estimation for the same variable are often different due to the length of the annual time series data used in alternative studies. To solve this issue, this paper extends the ARMA model and derives the half‐life estimation formula for high‐frequency monthly data. Our results indicate that half‐life estimation using short‐period monthly data is an effective approximation for that using long‐period annual data. Furthermore, by applying high‐frequency data, the required effective sample size can be reduced by at least 40% at the 95% confidence level. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of dried apple using hot air, intermittent and continuous microwave: evaluation of kinetic parameters and physicochemical quality attributes
Authors: Aghilinategh Nahid , Rafiee Shahin , Gholikhani Abolfazl , Hosseinpur Soleiman , Omid Mahmoud , Mohtasebi Seyed S. , Maleki Neda
Published: May 2015

In the study, the effectiveness of intermittent (IMWD) and continuous (CMWD) microwave drying and hot air drying (HAD) treatments on apple slices were compared in terms of drying kinetics (moisture diffusivity and activation energy) and critical physicochemical quality attributes (color change, rehydration ratio, bulk density, and total phenol content (TPC) of the final dried product. The temperature, microwave power, air velocity, and pulse ratio (PR) applied in the experiments were 40–80°C, 200–600 W, 0.5–2 m/s, and 2–6, respectively. Results showed that IMWD and CMWD more effective than HAD in kinetic parameters and physicochemical quality attributes. Also, results indicated CMWD had the lowest and highest drying time and effective diffusivity. The exponential model for estimating IMWD activation energy, considering absolute power (1/P) and pulse ratio were also represented. The color change in apple slices dried by HAD showed the highest change.
Human keratin 8 variants promote mouse acetaminophen hepatotoxicity coupled with c‐jun amino‐terminal kinase activation and protein adduct formation
Authors: Guldiken Nurdan , Zhou Qin , Kucukoglu Ozlem , Rehm Melanie , Levada Kateryna , Gross Annika , Kwan Raymond , James Laura P. , Trautwein Christian , Omary M. Bishr , Strnad Pavel
Published: May 2015

Keratins 8 and 18 (K8/K18) are the intermediate filaments proteins of simple‐type digestive epithelia and provide important cytoprotective function. K8/K18 variants predispose humans to chronic liver disease progression and poor outcomes in acute acetaminophen (APAP)‐related liver failure. Given that K8 G62C and R341H/R341C are common K8 variants in European and North American populations, we studied their biological significance using transgenic mice. Mice that overexpress the human K8 variants, R341H or R341C, were generated and used together with previously described mice that overexpress wild‐type K8 or K8 G62C. Mice were injected with 600 mg/kg of APAP or underwent bile duct ligation (BDL). Livers were evaluated by microarray analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, histological and immunological staining, and biochemical assays. Under basal conditions, the K8 G62C/R341H/R341C variant‐expressing mice did not show an obvious liver phenotype or altered keratin filament distribution, whereas K8 G62C/R341C animals had aberrant disulphide cross‐linked keratins. Animals carrying the K8 variants displayed limited gene expression changes, but had lower nicotinamide N‐methyl transferase (NNMT) levels and were predisposed to APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity. NNMT represents a novel K8/K18‐associated protein that becomes up‐regulated after K8/K18 transfection. The more pronounced liver damage was accompanied by increased and prolonged JNK activation; elevated APAP protein adducts; K8 hyperphosphorylation at S74/S432 with enhanced keratin solubility; and prominent pericentral keratin network disruption. No differences in APAP serum levels, glutathione, or adenosine triphosphate levels were noted. BDL resulted in similar liver injury and biliary fibrosis in all mouse genotypes. Conclusion: Expression of human K8 variants G62C, R341H, or R341C in mice predisposes to acute APAP hepatotoxicity, thereby providing direct evidence for the importance of these variants in human acute liver failure. (Hepatology 2015) Hepatology 2015;62:876–886)
Atherosclerosis severity is not affected by a deficiency in IL‐33/ST2 signaling
Authors: Martin Praxedis , Palmer Gaby , Rodriguez Emiliana , Woldt Estelle , Mean Isabelle , James Richard W. , Smith Dirk E. , Kwak Brenda R. , Gabay Cem
Published: May 2015

Interleukin (IL)‐33 is a cytokine of the IL‐1 family, which signals through the ST2 receptor. Previous work demonstrated that the systemic administration of recombinant IL‐33 reduces the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice by inducing a Th1‐to‐Th2 shift. The objective of our study was to examine the role of endogenous IL‐33 and ST2 in atherosclerosis. ApoE−/−, IL‐33−/−ApoE−/−, and ST2−/−ApoE−/− mice were fed with a cholesterol‐rich diet for 10 weeks. Additionally, a group of ApoE−/− mice was injected with a neutralizing anti‐ST2 or an isotype control antibody during the period of the cholesterol‐rich diet. Atherosclerotic lesion development was measured by Oil Red O staining in the thoracic‐abdominal aorta and the aortic sinus. There were no significant differences in the lipid‐staining area of IL‐33−/−ApoE−/−, ST2−/−ApoE−/−, or anti‐ST2 antibody‐treated ApoE−/− mice, compared to ApoE−/− controls. The absence of IL‐33 signaling had no major and consistent impact on the Th1/Th2 cytokine responses in the supernatant of in vitro‐stimulated lymph node cells. In summary, deficiency of the endogenously produced IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 does not impact the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE‐deficient mice.
A framework for prescription in exercise‐oncology research
Authors: Sasso John P. , Eves Neil D. , Christensen Jesper F. , Koelwyn Graeme J. , Scott Jessica , Jones Lee W.
Published: May 2015

The field of exercise‐oncology has increased dramatically over the past two decades, with close to 100 published studies investigating the efficacy of structured exercise training interventions in patients with cancer. Of interest, despite considerable differences in study population and primary study end point, the vast majority of studies have tested the efficacy of an exercise prescription that adhered to traditional guidelines consisting of either supervised or home‐based endurance (aerobic) training or endurance training combined with resistance training, prescribed at a moderate intensity (50–75% of a predetermined physiological parameter, typically age‐predicted heart rate maximum or reserve), for two to three sessions per week, for 10 to 60 min per exercise session, for 12 to 15 weeks. The use of generic exercise prescriptions may, however, be masking the full therapeutic potential of exercise treatment in the oncology setting. Against this background, this opinion paper provides an overview of the fundamental tenets of human exercise physiology known as the principles of training, with specific application of these principles in the design and conduct of clinical trials in exercise‐oncology research. We contend that the application of these guidelines will ensure continued progress in the field while optimizing the safety and efficacy of exercise treatment following a cancer diagnosis.
Microwave‐Assisted Dibromoolefination of Aromatic and Heteroaromatic Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Nauroozi Djawed , Bruhn Clemens , Fürmeier Sven , Holzhauer Jörn‐Uwe , Faust Rüdiger
Published: May 2015

Microwave (MW) irradiation was successfully employed to convert aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes and ketones efficiently to the corresponding dibromoolefins. Exemplified by the successful dibromoolefination of traditionally inert pyridyl‐flanked carbonyls, MW activation significantly broadens the scope of this valuable transformation, although some limitations especially with electron‐rich aromatic ketone derivatives remain.
Microwave Energized Synthesis of 2‐Aroylindole Derivatives: Piperidine/DMF as an Effective Medium
Authors: Soora Haranath Jayaprakash , Balam Satheesh Krishna , Chereddy Syama Sundar , Sthanikam Siva Prasad , Sarva Santhisudha , Gundluru Mohan , Cirandur Suresh Reddy
Published: May 2015

A convenient and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2‐aroylindoles (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j) in good yields by the reaction of 2‐aminoketones (1a, 1b, 1c) with phenacyl bromides (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). The reaction success varied with different bases and solvents in both conventional and microwave methods. But finally, it was established that piperidine in DMF was an effective medium to carry out the reaction under microwave irradiation conditions.
Spot peptide arrays and SPR measurements: throughput and quantification in antibody selectivity studies
Authors: Vernet Thierry , Choulier Laurence , Nominé Yves , Bellard Laure , Baltzinger Mireille , Travé Gilles , Altschuh Danièle
Published: May 2015

Antibody selectivity represents a major issue in the development of efficient immuno‐therapeutics and detection assays. Its description requires a comparison of the affinities of the antibody for a significant number of antigen variants. In the case of peptide antigens, this task can now be addressed to a significant level of details owing to improvements in spot peptide array technologies. They allow the high‐throughput mutational analysis of peptides with, depending on assay design, an evaluation of binding stabilities. Here, we examine the cross‐reactive capacity of an antibody fragment using the PEPperCHIP® technology platform (PEPperPRINT GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany; >8800 peptides per microarray) combined with the surface plasmon resonance characterization (Biacore® technology; GE‐Healthcare Biacore, Uppsala, Sweden) of a subset of interactions. ScFv1F4 recognizes the N‐terminal end of oncoprotein E6 of human papilloma virus 16. The spot permutation analysis (i.e. each position substituted by all amino acids except cysteine) of the wild type decapeptide (sequence 6TAMFQDPQER15) and of 15 variants thereof defined the optimal epitope and provided a ranking for variant recognition. The SPR affinity measurements mostly validated the ranking of complex stabilities deduced from array data and defined the sensitivity of spot fluorescence intensities, bringing further insight into the conditions for cross‐reactivity. Our data demonstrate the importance of throughput and quantification in the assessment of antibody selectivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotavirus genotypes and the indigenous children of Brazilian midwest in the vaccine era, 2008–2012: Footprints of animal genome
Authors: Luchs Adriana , Cilli Audrey , Morillo Simone Guadagnucci , Ribeiro Cibele Daniel , de Cassia Compagnoli Carmona Rita , Sampaio Tavares Timenetsky Maria do Carmo
Published: May 2015

World group A rotavirus (RVA) surveillance data provides useful estimates of the disease burden, however, indigenous population might require special consideration. The aim of this study was to describe the results of G‐ and P‐types from Brazilian native children ≤3 years. Furthermore, selected strains have been analyzed for the VP7, VP6, VP4, and NSP4 encoding genes in order to gain insight into genetic variability of Brazilian strains. A total of 149 samples, collected during 2008–2012, were tested for RVA using ELISA and PAGE, following by RT‐PCR and sequencing. RVA infection was detected in 8.7% of samples (13/149). Genotype G2P[4] was detected in 2008 and 2010, G8P[6] in 2009, and G3P[8] in 2011. The phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes grouped the Brazilian G2P[4] and G3P[8] strains within the lineages currently circulating in humans worldwide. However, the phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 and NSP4 from the Brazilian G2P[4] strains, and the VP7 and NSP4 from the Brazilian G3P[8] strains suggest a distant common ancestor with different animal strains (bovine, caprine, and porcine). The epidemiological and genetic information obtained in the present study is expected to provide an updated understanding of RVA genotypes circulating in the native infant population, and to formulate policies for the use of RVA vaccines in indigenous Brazilian people. Moreover, these results highlight the great diversity of human RVA strains circulating in Brazil, and an in‐depth surveillance of human and animal RVA will lead to a better understanding of the complex dynamics of RVA evolution. J. Med. Virol. 87:1881–1889, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms do not influence the outcome and serum vitamin D level in pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy combined with protease inhibitor for patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kondo Chisa , Shimada Noritomo , Abe Hiroshi , Itokawa Norio , Nakagawa Ai , Okubo Tomomi , Aizawa Yoshio , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: May 2015

Although several vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms were reported to affect the outcome of pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PR) therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients, there are no reports on the impact of the vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms in PR therapy combined with protease inhibitor (PI). Vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms were determined in 177 genotype 1b‐infected chronic hepatitis C patients who received 12 weeks of PR therapy with telaprevir, a first‐generation PI, followed by 12 weeks of PR therapy. The sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 83.1% (147 of 177 patients). The frequencies of vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms were: 83 non‐TT and 94 TT genotypes for GC, 97 non‐AA and 80 AA genotypes for DHCR7, 151 non‐AA and 26 AA genotypes for CYP2R1, 162 non‐GG and 15 GG genotypes for CYP27B1, and 105 non‐GG and 72 GG genotypes for VDR gene. Multivariate analysis extracted IL28B TT genotype (P = 2.05×10−6) and serum 25(OH) D3 level (P = 0.024) as independent factors contributing to the achieving of SVR. The SVR rate in IL28B TT genotype patients with serum 25(OH) D3 level of <25 ng/ml was significantly low compared to other patients. None of the vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms affected the treatment outcome and serum 25(OH) D3 level. In conclusions, the IL28B polymorphism and serum 25(OH) D3 level contributed significantly and independently to SVR in PR combined with PI for genotype 1b‐infected chronic hepatitis C patients. However, none of vitamin D‐related gene polymorphisms had an impact on the treatment outcome and serum 25(OH) D3 level. J. Med. Virol. 87:1904–1912, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection among people with a family history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Zhang Ling , Dai Yu , Jin Lei , Sun Binghu , Su Qian , Li Xu
Published: May 2015

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) among people with a family history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is unclear. Serum samples were collected from 747 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative people with a family history of HBV infection and 579 HBsAg‐negative volunteer blood donors. The presence of HBV DNA was evaluated using nested PCR with primers specific for the X, S, and C regions of HBV. The Pre‐S1/Pre‐S2/ S region PCR products for the OBI group and their family members with chronic HBV infection (control group) were sequenced and compared. The prevalence of OBI was 8.0% (60/747) among HBsAg‐negative people with a family history of chronic HBV infection, compared to 2.6% (15/579) among the blood donors (P < 0.05). The prevalence of HBV genotype B infection was lower in the OBI group than in the control group (P = 0.031). The substitution rates in the major hydrophilic region and the “a” determinant seemed to be higher in the OBI group (0.893 vs. 0.507; 1.042 vs. 0.403, respectively), and stop codon mutations more frequent in the OBI sequences (OBI: 2/26, 7.7% vs. control: 0/31, 0%). However, none of these differences was statistically significant (P = 0.237, 0.199, 0.201, respectively). In summary, the prevalence of OBI among HBsAg‐negative people with a family history of chronic HBV infection was significantly higher than that in Chinese blood donors. However, S region mutations and the escape mechanism are not likely to be the major causes of increased prevalence of OBI. J. Med. Virol. 87:1890–1898, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of surgical success rates in Congenital stapes fixation and juvenile otosclerosis
Authors: Asik Burak , Binar Murat , Serdar Muhittin , Satar Bulent
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To assess published reports in the literature on surgical success rates in patients with congenital stapes fixation (CSF) and juvenile otosclerosis (JO).

Design

Systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis of published data.

Data Sources

PubMed, SAGE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane.

Review Methods

A literature search was performed and evaluated based on established criteria. Two independent reviewers (b.a., m.b.) inspected titles and abstracts of the studies. The full texts of the studies were examined to assess their relevance to the meta‐analysis. An air‐bone gap (ABG) of 0 to 10 dB hearing level was described as success of surgery.

Results

A random effects model was used to analyze the data. A total of 27 studies were included in the meta‐analysis, whereas 934 were excluded. The total number of operated ears was 445 (256 ears with JO and 189 ears with CSF). At the time of surgery, the age of the patients ranged from 3 to 18 years. The success rate was 80.2% for JO and 54% for CSF. The overall success rate was 69.9%. The rate of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss was 3.4% for JO and 2.1% for CSF.

Conclusions

Overall, stapes surgery in children with JO or CSF has a moderate success rate (69.9%) to provide ABG closure of 10 dB. The success rate for CSF in the setting of ossicular abnormalities is 54%. This meta‐analysis suggests that if JO can be determined before surgery, a higher success rate is possible (80.2%).

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:191–198, 2016
Restoration Affect Soil Organic Carbon and Nutrients in Different Particle‐size Fractions
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Duan Zhenghu , Tan Mingliang
Published: May 2015

Desertification is reversible and can often be prevented by adopting measures to control the causal processes. Desertification has generally decreased in most of the arid and semiarid areas of China during the last few decades because of the restoration of degraded vegetation and soil nutrients. However, little is known about the responses of soil nutrients in different particle‐size fractions to the restoration process and about the importance of this response to the restoration of bulk‐soil nutrients. In this study, we separated bulk‐soil samples in different sieve fractions: coarse‐fine sand (2·0–0·1 mm), very fine sand (0·10–0·05 mm) and silt + clay (<0·05 mm) fractions. Soil organic carbon (SOC), N, P and K contents stored in the silt + clay were greater than the contents of non‐protected nutrients in the coarser fractions. During the restoration of desertified land, the content and stability of bulk‐soil SOC, total N and P and available N, P and K increased with increasing nutrient contents in all fractions. Topsoil nutrients stored in coarse‐fine sand and very fine sand fractions were more sensitive than those stored in the silt + clay fraction to the fixation of mobile sandy lands and vegetation recovery. The changes of bulk‐soil nutrients and their stability were decided by the soil nutrients associated with all particle‐size fractions. Path analysis revealed that SOC and total nutrients in very fine sand and available nutrients in coarse‐fine sand were the key factors driving the soil recovery. These results will help us understand soil recovery mechanisms and evaluate the degree of recovery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Importance of Alliances in Firm Capital Structure Decisions: Evidence from Biotechnology Firms
Authors: Zambuto Fabio , Lo Nigro Giovanna , O'Brien Jonathan P.
Published: May 2015

Building on finance research, we argue that theex posthazards arising from alliance formation depend upon the firm's financial condition. Financial distress jeopardizes the continuity of an alliance and the value of the investments involved. Thus, firms should reduce leverage to signal continued commitment and to induce investments from alliance partners. Accordingly, we find that a firm's current alliance propensity predicts its subsequent capital structure decisions and that this relationship is most pronounced in the presence of other exchange hazards. Our paper contributes to alliance research and to the growing literature discussing the strategic consequences of capital structure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflectance confocal microscopy as a useful diagnostic tool for monitoring of skin containing vascularized composite allograft rejection: A preliminary study on rats
Authors: Zor Fatih , Karagoz Huseyin , Erdemir Asli Turgut , Karslioglu Yildirim , Acikel Cengiz Han , Kapaj Rezarta , Guzey Serbulent , Gurel Mehmet Salih , Isik Selcuk , Siemionow Maria
Published: May 2015

Vascularized composite allografts can undergo immune‐mediated rejection, and skin biopsies are needed for monitoring of the transplant. However it is an invasive method, and requires processing time and pathological assessment. The purpose of this study is to use a new noninvasive monitoring method of the reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to determine severity of the allograft rejection on rats. Five groin flap allotransplantation were performed between 10 male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A was given to the recipients during 10 days after surgery and was ended at the 10th postoperative days to allow acute transplant rejection. Following cessation of CsA, concomitant RCM evaluation and skin biopsy was performed every other day from each animal until total rejection of the allograft. Complete rejection of the allograft took nearly about 10 days and 4 or 5 RCM evaluation and skin biopsy was performed from each rat during this period. A total of 17 specimens were evaluated. A scoring system was developed based on the RCM findings. Skin biopsies were evaluated according to the Banff 2007 working classification criteria. RCM evaluation revealed epidermal irregularity and collagen destruction, however mild perivascular inflammation and degeneration of the basal epidermal layer were observed in early and late rejection period respectively with histopathologic evaluation. High correlation was found between the RCM scores and histopathologic grading. The RCM may be the useful tool to reduce the need for skin biopsy for monitoring of the skin containing vascularized composite allograft. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:144–151, 2016.
Anatomic and functional properties of bulboglandularis striated muscle support its contribution as sphincter in female rabbit micturition
Authors: Corona‐Quintanilla Dora Luz , López‐Juárez Rhode , Zempoalteca René , Cuevas Estela , Castelán Francisco , Martínez‐Gómez Margarita
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To determine anatomic and functional properties of the bulboglandularis muscle (Bgm) for clarifying its role in micturition in female rabbits.

Material and Methods

Virgin female rabbits were used to describe the gross anatomy and innervation of the Bgm, to determine the effect of the Bgm contraction on urethral pressure, and to evaluate the Bgm activity during the induced‐micturition. Both electromyogram and cystometrogram activity were simultaneously recorded in urethane‐anesthetized rabbits. Bladder function was assessed measuring standard urodynamic variables before and after blocking the Bgm activity for approaching its contribution to micturition. The relevance of the Bgm activation for micturition was approached applying lidocaine injections.

Results

The Bgm was composed of circularly oriented striated fibers enveloping distal urethra and pelvic vagina. Both the venous plexus and urethra were comprised by the Bgm contraction induced by electrical stimulation. The Bgm showed bursts of tonic activity at the storage phase of micturition that gradually decreased until turning off as the onset of the voiding phase. The voided volume, the voiding efficiency, the threshold pressure, and the maximal pressure were decreased after lidocaine injection. Contrastingly, the threshold volume, the residual volume, the voiding duration, and the urethral resistance at voiding were increased.

Conclusions

Present anatomical and physiological findings support that the Bgm acts as a sphincter during micturition of female rabbits. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:689–695, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the cultural consumption of a new wave of immigrants: the case of the South Korean community in South West London
Authors: Kottasz Rita
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the study was to develop and test a model explaining the cultural consumption of a new immigrant ethnic group (South Korean) in terms of their highbrow, middlebrow, lowbrow, public/private and ethnic minority cultural pursuits. A core premise of the study was that due to the overall higher socio‐economic standing of the South Korean community (in comparison to many other ethnic minority groups residing in the UK), this particular immigrant group would more closely resemble the omnivore and not the univore cultural consumer. A model was developed on the basis of previous literature in the fields of audience development research, arts marketing and educational sociology and was tested, consequent to qualitative interviews conducted with relevant experts and with South Korean immigrants, on a sample of 351 residents of an area in South West London that contains a high density of South Korean immigrants. The findings indicated that bridging social capital, perceived barriers to the arts, passion for the arts and educational motivation were the strongest predictors of omnivorous consumption amongst this group. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic‐related air pollution and the incidence of childhood central nervous system tumors: Texas, 2001–2009
Authors: Danysh Heather E. , Mitchell Laura E. , Zhang Kai , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: May 2015

Background

Due to increasing concerns regarding air pollution and childhood cancer, we conducted a population‐based study evaluating the association between traffic‐related hazardous air pollutants (1,3‐butadiene, benzene, diesel particulate matter [DPM]) and the incidence of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Procedure

Information on children diagnosed with a CNS tumor at <15 years of age, in Texas, for the period of 2001–2009 (n = 1,949) was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Information on the corresponding at‐risk population was obtained from the United States (U.S.) Census. Annual census tract‐level pollutant concentrations, estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, were categorized based on quartiles (low, medium, medium‐high, and high) of the statewide distribution. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR). Juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas (JPAs) (n = 384), other astrocytomas (n = 372), ependymomas (n = 142), medulloblastomas (n = 235), and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) (n = 47) were evaluated.

Results

Census tracts with medium and medium‐high 1,3‐butadiene concentrations had higher astrocytoma incidence rates (aIRR [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.46 [1.05‐2.01] and 1.69 [1.22‐2.33], respectively) compared with low concentrations. Census tracts with medium DPM concentrations had higher astrocytoma (aIRR [95%CI]: 1.42 [1.05–1.94]) and medulloblastoma (aIRR [95%CI]: 1.46 [1.01–2.12]) incidence rates compared with low concentrations. Increased concentrations of 1,3‐butadiene and benzene were strongly associated with increased PNET incidence rates, but were not statistically significant. No associations were detected with JPA or ependymoma incidence.

Conclusions

In one of the largest studies of its kind, our results suggest positive associations between hazardous air pollutants and incidence of astrocytoma (1,3‐butadiene and DPM) and medulloblastoma (DPM). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1572–1578. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reaction of a Particle Suspension in a Rapidly‐Heated Oxidizing Gas
Authors: Soo Michael , Goroshin Samuel , Bergthorson Jeffrey M. , Frost David L.
Published: May 2015

The reaction of a suspension of solid particles in a rapidly‐heated oxidizing gas is relevant to metalized explosives and propellants, as well as to combustion of solid fuel‐particle suspensions in premixed‐gaseous‐fuel clouds encountered in accidents within the mining and process industries. A simplified model is considered, using a constant‐volume approximation, which assumes that non‐volatile particles react heterogeneously via a one‐step surface reaction. The resulting unified particle reaction rate includes both kinetic and diffusive reaction resistances. It is shown that the onset of the chemical reaction in a rapidly heated particulate suspension may occur by two different physical mechanisms. The first mechanism, realized in a dilute suspension of particles, is defined by the ignition of a single particle, i.e., by the critical phenomenon associated with the rapid transition from a kinetically‐ to diffusively‐limited reaction regime. The second mechanism dominates the reaction onset in a dense particulate suspension and occurs in a similar manner to the reaction onset in a rapidly‐heated homogeneous gas mixture, where the highly‐activated reaction occurs in an explosion‐like manner after some time delay and preheating. Unlike the single particle ignition phenomenon, the second mechanism lacks criticality and is not limited to particles above a certain size. The interplay between these two reaction‐onset mechanisms leads to a nontrivial dependence of the total reaction time on the particle size and solid‐fuel concentration within the suspension.
Do GPs think patient decision aids are a useful tool?
Authors: Wilcock Michael , Hughes Paul , Gibson Nick
Published: May 2015

A small survey among a group of GPs has identified certain barriers to the use of patient decision aids. But without such aids can we really claim to practice shared decision making?
Type 2 diabetes: recent advances in diagnosis and management
Authors: Chatterjee Sudesna , Davies Melanie
Published: May 2015

The expanding array of new type 2 diabetes agents and how to combine them effectively is complex. This review gives an overview of the newer therapies and their current place in type 2 diabetes management. It also examines the role of HbA1c in the screening and diagnosis of those at risk of diabetes.
About dislocation and oxygen related luminescence of Si around 0.8 eV
Authors: Kittler M. , Arguirov T. , Reiche M. , Krause C. , Mankovics D.
Published: May 2015

In conjunction with the two‐level model the temperature behaviour of the dislocation‐related D1‐peak follows the T‐behaviour of the band gap. Based on luminescence observations in our laboratory and on literature data we propose a ∼30 meV wide domain of the D1 peak. Altogether, the D1‐peak position ranges between about 0.76 eV at 300 K and nearly 0.84 eV at a few K. It was shown that the energetic shift for a certain temperature is caused by external electric fields, by excitation level, that affects the intrinsic dislocation field, and by elastic stress. The luminescence of oxygen‐related defects / precipitates might be described by a line at ∼ 0.77 eV (P‐line) that does not depend on temperature. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On Efficient Skewness Correction Charts Under Contamination and Non‐normality
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Mehmood Rashid , Iqbal Muhammad Rizwan , Abbasi Saddam Akber
Published: May 2015

Shewhart control charts are very popular in a variety of disciplines such as industry, agriculture and medical science. The design structure of the usual Shewhart charts depends on normality and one point decision rule. This makes the scope of these charts quite limited and not very efficient for small shifts. This study comes up with an intermediate solution by implementing runs rules schemes and adjusting the limits' coefficients for non‐normality using the idea of skewness correction. We have covered some commonly used location and dispersion charts, namely
, R and S charts. We have investigated the performance of the proposals in terms of false alarm rate and signalling probability. We have observed that the proposals serve the dual purpose in terms of robustness and efficiency. The study also provides an application example using numerical dataset. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spherical confinement of coulombic systems inside an impenetrable box: H atom and the Hulthén potential
Authors: Roy Amlan K.
Published: May 2015

The generalized pseudospectral method is used to study spherical confinement in two simple Coulombic systems: (i) well celebrated and heavily studied H atom (ii) relatively less explored Hulthén potential. In both instances, arbitrary cavity size as well as low and higher states are considered. Apart from bound state eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, expectation values, quite accurate estimates of the critical cage radius for H atom for all the 55 states corresponding to
, are also examined. Some of the latter are better than previously reported values. Degeneracy and energy ordering under the isotropic confinement situation are discussed as well. The method produces consistently high‐quality results for both potentials for small as well as large cavity size. For the H atom, present results are comparable to best theoretical values, while for the latter, this work gives considerably better estimates than all existing work so far. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient revocable identity‐based encryption from multilinear maps
Authors: Mao Xianping , Lai Junzuo , Chen Kefei , Weng Jian , Mei Qixiang
Published: May 2015

In Identity‐Based Encryption (IBE) systems, there is a widespread concern over the issue on how to provide an efficient revocation mechanism. We develop a new approach in constructing an efficient revocable IBE scheme. Our approach utilizes recent advances in multilinear maps and combines a two‐level hierarchical IBE scheme with a revocation encryption system. In our revocable IBE scheme, both the public parameters and the private key are constant‐size. Simultaneously, the size of the update key at some time is only proportional to the number of revoked users at the time. Our proposed scheme is proven secure in the selective revocation list model without relying on random oracles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified criteria and economic design for king piles in combined steel pile walls according to Eurocode 3, part 1‐1
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Just Adrian , Leitz Bernadette , Grabe Jürgen , Schallück Christoph
Published: May 2015

The steady growth in world trade leads to a demand for more port and harbour facilities. One of the most common forms of construction for deep‐water harbour quays is the combined steel pile wall. It consists of up to 45 m long H‐section king piles plus Z‐section intermediate sheet pile infill elements. The intermediate elements and the quay both transfer all forces to the king piles, which as a result are loaded with (bi)axial bending and axial force, so their stability must be checked. Up to now the effect of the soil surrounding the piles was used just in terms of best practice – buckling about the weak axis and lateral torsional buckling were neglected completely. Considering these stability phenomena in design without taking the soil into account would lead to a very conservative approach. As verification of lateral torsional buckling according to EN 1993‐1‐1 (EC3‐1‐1) becomes relevant when the embedment is neglected, a more refined analysis has been developed.

This article presents simplified criteria that quickly exclude stability phenomena (flexural buckling about the weak axis and lateral torsional buckling) while taking into account the effects of the soil. For the cases in which the criteria are not fulfilled, the article presents economic solutions that consider the embedment of the king piles in the soil in the design for stability.
Deformation calculation methods for slim floors
Authors: Hauf Gunter , Kuhlmann Ulrike
Published: May 2015

Slim‐floor structures combine the advantages of prefabricated slab elements with steel‐frame construction and lead to economic building solutions fulfilling the demands of modern architecture in combination with transparent structural envelopes without intervening columns as well as implicit flexibility for sustainable construction. Over past years, new slim‐floor solutions have been developed to broaden the market for composite structures when compared with conventional concrete flat slabs. However, due to the shallow depth of composite slim‐floor girders, their structural response, especially their deflection behaviour, differs from normal composite girders. The concrete is already in the cracked condition under service loads in regions of sagging bending moments. The contribution of the concrete chord to the effective moment of inertia Ii,0 of the composite cross‐section and the bending moment Mc in the concrete chord are not negligible for the total loadbearing capacity of the composite section. These two effects are not normally considered when calculating the deflections of composite girders based on the effective width given in codes such as EN 1994‐1‐1 [1]. Therefore, the following paper will show different methods for calculating the deflection of these shallow types of composite girder.
Slim‐floor construction using hollow‐core and composite decking systems
Authors: Lawson Mark , Beguin Philippe , Obiala Renata , Braun Matthias
Published: May 2015

This article reviews the performance characteristics of and some recent developments in slim‐floor and integrated beam construction. This form of construction provides a flat floor using precast concrete slabs or deep composite decking and offers advantages over other forms of construction in many sectors. Composite slim‐floor beams have superior stiffness and can achieve longer spans.
Emerging aspects of treatment in mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Rahman Shamima
Published: May 2015

Mitochondrial diseases are clinically, biochemically and genetically heterogeneous disorders of two genomes, for which effective curative therapies are currently lacking. With the exception of a few rare vitamin/cofactor responsive conditions (including ACAD9 deficiency, disorders of coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis, and Leigh syndrome caused by mutations in the SLC19A3 transporter), the mainstay of treatment for the vast majority of patients involves supportive measures. The search for a cure for mitochondrial disease is the subject of intensive research efforts by many investigators across the globe, but the goal remains elusive. The clinical and genetic heterogeneity, multisystemic nature of many of these disorders, unpredictable natural course, relative inaccessibility of the mitochondrion and lack of validated, clinically meaningful outcome measures, have all presented great challenges to the design of rigorous clinical trials. This review discusses barriers to developing effective therapies for mitochondrial disease, models for evaluating the efficacy of novel treatments and summarises the most promising emerging therapies in six key areas: 1) antioxidant approaches; 2) stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis; 3) targeting mitochondrial membrane lipids, dynamics and mitophagy; 4) replacement therapy; 5) cell‐based therapies; and 6) gene therapy approaches for both mtDNA and nuclear‐encoded defects of mitochondrial metabolism.
A Comparative Approach for the Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Lecithin Liposomes Using Chloroform and Non‐Halogenated Solvents
Authors: Naeem Sumaira , Kiew Lik Voon , Chung Lip Yong , Fui Kiew Siaw , Misran Misni Bin
Published: May 2015

Organic solvents used in various pharmaceutical preparations may be associated with chronic health effects, with special emphasis on halogenated solvents. Liposomes, lipid bilayer membrane carriers, have potential applications in targeted drug delivery systems. The non‐halogenated solvents, acetonitrile and ethanol, were used in comparison to commonly used chloroform. The effect of solvents and dispersion medium was demonstrated using physicochemical properties, stability studies and hemolytic activity. Increased sonication time showed decreased particle size in phosphate buffer saline and water medium. Vesicles prepared from all solvents exhibited better stability in phosphate saline buffer than water when evaluated by particle size and zeta potentials. Liposomes showed a positive zeta potential in buffer solution whereas liposomes in water showed negative zeta potential. In vitro hemolytic activity of liposomes was done with fresh human red blood cells. Results in buffer solution were in the range of 1–4 % which further proved this medium superior to pure water. The findings of this study are helpful in suggesting the formulation of thin films by less hazardous solvents in terms of the environmental integrity and human health.
A spectral optical flow method for determining velocities from digital imagery
Authors: Hurlburt Neal , Jaffey Steve
Published: May 2015

We present a method for determining surface flows from solar images based upon optical flow techniques. We apply the method to sets of images obtained by a variety of solar imagers to assess its performance. The procedure is shown to extract accurate velocity estimates when provided perfect test data and quickly generates results consistent with completely distinct methods when applied on global scales. We also validate it in detail by comparing it to an established method when applied to high-resolution datasets and find that it provides comparable results without the need to tune, filter or otherwise preprocess the images before its application.