bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial genetic analysis of a network of actin disassembly‐promoting factors
Authors: Ydenberg Casey A. , Johnston Adam , Weinstein Jaclyn , Bellavance Danielle , Jansen Silvia , Goode Bruce L.
Published: July 2015

The patterning of actin cytoskeleton structures in vivo is a product of spatially and temporally regulated polymer assembly balanced by polymer disassembly. While in recent years our understanding of actin assembly mechanisms has grown immensely, our knowledge of actin disassembly machinery and mechanisms has remained comparatively sparse.Saccharomyces cerevisiaeis an ideal system to tackle this problem, both because of its amenabilities to genetic manipulation and live‐cell imaging and because only a single gene encodes each of the core disassembly factors: cofilin (COF1), Srv2/CAP (SRV2), Aip1 (AIP1), GMF (GMF1/AIM7), coronin (CRN1), and twinfilin (TWF1). Among these six factors, only the functions of cofilin are essential and have been well defined. Here, we investigated the functions of the nonessential actin disassembly factors by performing genetic and live‐cell imaging analyses on a combinatorial set of isogenic single, double, triple, and quadruple mutants inS. cerevisiae. Our results show that each disassembly factor makes an important contribution to cell viability, actin organization, and endocytosis. Further, our data reveal new relationships among these factors, providing insights into how they work together to orchestrate actin turnover. Finally, we observe specific combinations of mutations that are lethal, e.g.,srv2Δ aip1Δandsrv2Δ crn1Δ twf1Δ, demonstrating that while cofilin is essential, it is not sufficient in vivo, and that combinations of the other disassembly factors perform vital functions. © 2015 The Authors. Cytoskeleton Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
World‐wide relative contribution of hepatitis B and C viruses in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: de Martel Catherine , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Plummer Martyn , Franceschi Silvia
Published: July 2015

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In order to assess the relative contribution of HBV and HCV to HCC worldwide, and identify changes over time, we conducted a systematic review of case series published up to the year 2014. Eligible studies had to report seroprevalence of both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HCV (anti‐HCV), alone and in combination, for at least 20 adult HCC cases. Studies using a first‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test for HCV were excluded. A total of 119,000 HCC cases in 260 studies were included from 50 countries. Most European and American countries show a preponderance of HCV over HBV and a substantial fraction of viral marker–negative cases. Asian and African countries generally show a predominance of HBV. The fraction of HCV‐positive HCC cases is substantial in Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, and Pakistan as well as in Western‐Central Asia and Northern Africa. No eligible studies were available in Oceania, large parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. The United States, Brazil, and Germany show evidence of higher prevalence of HCV in HCC since the year 2000. Conversely, Japan and Italy show a decline in the proportion of HCV‐positive HCC. Conclusion: HBV and HCV are predominant causes of HCC in virtually all world areas, with a growing fraction of HCC cases in several countries attributable to HCV. (Hepatology 2015;62:1190‐1200)
Grp78 Is Critical for Amelogenin‐Induced Cell Migration in a Multipotent Clonal Human Periodontal Ligament Cell Line
Authors: Toyoda Kyosuke , Fukuda Takao , Sanui Terukazu , Tanaka Urara , Yamamichi Kensuke , Atomura Ryo , Maeda Hidefumi , Tomokiyo Atsushi , Taketomi Takaharu , Uchiumi Takeshi , Nishimura Fusanori
Published: July 2015

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are known to play a pivotal role in regenerating the periodontium. Amelogenin, which belongs to a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is a potential bioactive molecule for periodontal regenerative therapy. However, its downstream target molecules and/or signaling patterns are still unknown. Our recent proteomic study identified glucose‐regulated protein 78 (Grp78) as a new amelogenin‐binding protein. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, the cellular responses induced by the biological interaction between amelogenin and Grp78 in the human undifferentiated PDL cell line 1‐17, which possesses the most typical characteristics of PDLSCs. Confocal co‐localization experiments revealed the internalization of recombinant amelogenin (rM180) via binding to cell surface Grp78, and the endocytosis was inhibited by the silencing of Grp78 in 1‐17 cells. Microarray analysis indicated that rM180 and Grp78 regulate the expression profiles of cell migration‐associated genes in 1‐17 cells. Moreover, Grp78 overexpression enhanced rM180‐induced cell migration and adhesion without affecting cell proliferation, while silencing of Grp78 diminished these activities. Finally, binding of rM180 to Grp78 promoted the formation of lamellipodia, and the simultaneous activation of Rac1 was also demonstrated by NSC23766, a widely accepted Rac1 inhibitor. These results suggest that Grp78 is essential for enhancing amelogenin‐induced migration in 1‐17 cells. The biological interaction of amelogenin with Grp78 offers significant therapeutic potential for understanding the biological components and specific functions involved in the signal transduction of amelogenin‐induced periodontal tissue regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 414–427, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine after final irrigation with ethanol: CLSM and culture‐based method analysis
Authors: Suman Juliana Martins , Kuga Milton Carlos , Abreu Da Rosa Ricardo , Santini Manuela Favarin , Grazziotin‐Soares Renata , Montagner Francisco , Só Marcus ViníCius Reis
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effect of 95% ethanol on the antibacterial properties of 2% chlorexidine (CHX) over monospecies biofilm (Enterococcus faecalis) through a culture‐based method, and over multispecies biofilm using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). For monospecies model, E. faecalis biofilm was induced in 40 root canals. The irrigation procedures were: S—saline solution; S/CHX—saline solution + CHX; E—ethanol; and E/CHX—ethanol + CHX. Microbial sampling was performed at three periods: before (S1), immediately after (S2), and 72 h after the final flush (S3). For multispecies biofilm model, 28 sterilized bovine dentin blocks were fixed on a removable orthodontic device to allow intraoral biofilm development. Seven samples were used in each group. Statistical analysis was carried out by using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's test for multiple comparisons. There was a significant reduction in CFUs count immediately after the final flush (S2) in all experimental groups (P < 0.05). However, only S/CHX, E and E/CHX groups had CFU counts close to zero, without differences among them (P > 0.05). After 72h (S3), the S/CHX and E/CHX groups had CFU counts near zero (P > 0.05). The CFU count increased in S3 for S and E groups (P < 0.05). CLSM showed that the percentages of remaining live cells were similar in S/CHX, E, and E/CHX groups (P > 0.05). The S group had the highest percentage of live cells (P < 0.05). The 95% ethanol did not interfere in the antibacterial properties of 2% CHX over mono‐ and multispecies biofilms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:682–687, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for postoperative recurrence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas based on a long‐term follow‐up study: proposals for follow‐up strategies
Authors: Yogi Tatsuji , Hijioka Susumu , Imaoka Hiroshi , Mizuno Nobumasa , Hara Kazuo , Tajika Masahiro , Tanaka Tsutomu , Ishihara Makoto , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Hosoda Waki , Yatabe Yasushi , Niwa Yasumasa , Yoshimura Kenichi , Bhatia Vikram , Fujita Jiro , Yamao Kenji
Published: July 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between postoperative clinicopathological features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and recurrence over a long follow‐up period.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 153 IPMN patients who underwent resection.

Results

The resected tumors showed low/intermediate‐grade dysplasia (LGD/IGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), T1a (stromal invasion ≤5 mm), and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC), in 54.9%, 22.2%, 4.6%, and 18.3% of patients, respectively. The median follow‐up period after surgery was 46.4 (6.0–216.3) months, with an overall recurrence rate of 17.0%; the recurrence rates by histological type were 6.0%, 5.9%, 42.9%, and 57.1% for LGD/IGD, HGD, T1a, and invasive IPMC, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that recurrences related with tumor location, mural nodule size, presence of invasive cancer, lymph node metastasis, IPMN in the remnant pancreas, and main pancreatic duct dilatation after surgery. Recurrence occurred within the remnant pancreas in all LGD‐T1a patients and as extrapancreatic metastasis in all patients with invasive IPMC. Of the total recurrences, 15.4% occurred over 5 years postoperatively.

Conclusions

The postoperative follow‐up protocol for patients with LGD‐T1a should be similar to non‐resected IPMN, and that for invasive IPMC should be the same as for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.
Prevalence of hepatitis viruses in patients with acute hepatitis and characterization of the detected genotype 4 hepatitis E virus sequences in Mongolia
Authors: Tsatsralt‐Od Bira , Baasanjav Nachin , Nyamkhuu Dulmaa , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: July 2015

Hepatitis E is considered to be a worldwide public health problem. Although the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies in healthy individuals is noted to be 11%, no patients with acute hepatitis E have previously been identified in Mongolia. Three hundred two consecutive patients (183 males and 119 females; median age of 22.0 [Interquartile range: 18.3–25.0] years) who were clinically diagnosed with sporadic acute hepatitis during 2012–2013 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, were studied. By serological and/or molecular approaches, 77 (25.5%), 93 (30.8%), 19 (6.3%), 48 (15.9%), and 12 (4.0%) of the patients were diagnosed with acute hepatitis of types A, B, C, D (superinfection of hepatitis delta virus on a background of chronic hepatitis B virus infection) and E, respectively, while the cause of hepatitis was unknown in the remaining 53 patients (17.5%). The 12 hepatitis E patients had no history of travel abroad in the 3 months before the onset of disease, and lived separately in fixed or movable houses with water supplied via pipe, tank or well, denying transmission from a common water supply. The 12 HEV isolates obtained from the patients showed high nucleotide identities of 99.7–100%, and a representative HEV isolate, MNE13‐227, was closest to the Chinese isolates of genotype 4, with the highest identity of 97.3% in the 304‐nt ORF2 sequence and 92.1% over the entire genome. The present study revealed the occurrence of autochthonous acute hepatitis E in Mongolia, caused by a monophyletic genotype 4 HEV strain. J. Med. Virol. 88:282–291, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of genotypic and virtual phenotypic drug resistance interpretations with laboratory‐based phenotypes among CRF01_AE and subtype B HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Jiamsakul Awachana , Chaiwarith Romanee , Durier Nicolas , Sirivichayakul Sunee , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Van Den Eede Peter , Ditangco Rossana , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Li Patrick CK , Ratanasuwan Winai , Sirisanthana Thira ,   on behalf of the TREAT Asia Studies to Evaluate Resistance—Monitoring Study TASER‐M
Published: July 2015

HIV drug resistance assessments and interpretations can be obtained from genotyping (GT), virtual phenotyping (VP) and laboratory‐based phenotyping (PT). We compared resistance calls obtained from GT and VP with those from PT (GT‐PT and VP‐PT) among CRF01_AE and subtype B HIV‐1 infected patients. GT predictions were obtained from the Stanford HIV database. VP and PT were obtained from Janssen Diagnostics BVBA's vircoTypeTM HIV‐1 and Antivirogram®, respectively. With PT assumed as the “gold standard,” the area under the curve (AUC) and the Bland–Altman plot were used to assess the level of agreement in resistance interpretations. A total of 80 CRF01_AE samples from Asia and 100 subtype B from Janssen Diagnostics BVBA's database were analysed. CRF01_AE showed discordances ranging from 3 to 27 samples for GT‐PT and 1 to 20 samples for VP‐PT. The GT‐PT and VP‐PT AUCs were 0.76–0.97 and 0.81–0.99, respectively. Subtype B showed 3–61 discordances for GT‐PT and 2–75 discordances for VP‐PT. The AUCs ranged from 0.55 to 0.95 for GT‐PT and 0.55 to 0.97 for VP‐PT. Didanosine had the highest proportion of discordances and/or AUC in all comparisons. The patient with the largest didanosine FC difference in each subtype harboured Q151M mutation. Overall, GT and VP predictions for CRF01_AE performed significantly better than subtype B for three NRTIs. Although discrepancies exist, GT and VP resistance interpretations in HIV‐1 CRF01_AE strains were highly robust in comparison with the gold‐standard PT. J. Med. Virol. 88:234–243, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus among men attending sexually transmitted infections clinics in Anhui, China
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Shuying , Cao Yifei , Yang Lei , Chen Yue , Minhas Veenu , Wood Charles , Zhang Tiejun
Published: July 2015

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) may be transmitted via sexual contacts, but limited information is available on KSHV infection status among sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients in China. The main objective of the present study was to determine the KSHV seroprevalence and its risk factors among male STI patients. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three prefectures of Anhui province, China, between June and September 2013. A total of 1,600 male patients who visited an STI clinic were invited, and 1,372 participated in the study. Data were abstracted from the medical records for all the patients. Blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies to KSHV, HIV, HCV, and syphilis. Factors associated with KSHV seropositivity were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of KSHV, HIV, HCV, and syphilis was 13.3%, 0.7%, 0.6%, and 12.5%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, KSHV infection was significantly associated with ever having anal sex with men (19 out of 30 males, OR: 8.64, 95%CI: 1.92–38.79) and HIV infection (six out of nine HIV‐positive individuals, OR: 8.39, 95%CI: 1.80–39.04). There were no significant associations of KSHV infection with drug use, heterosexual sex behaviors, syphilis, and HCV. Our finding has shown that a relatively moderate prevalence of KSHV was found among male STI patients. While an increased risk for KSHV infection was observed among participants with homosexual contacts. Routine KSHV testing is recommended for male individuals attending STI clinics. J. Med. Virol. 88:304–311, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐based study for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in young women in Japan: A multicenter study by the Japanese human papillomavirus disease education research survey group (J‐HERS)
Authors: Sasagawa Toshiyuki , Maehama Toshiyuki , Ideta Kazuhisa , Irie Takuya ,   Fujiko Itoh J‐HERS Study Group
Published: July 2015

A multi‐center study was conducted to examine 6,628 eligible Japanese women aged from 16 to 50 years for uterine cervical abnormality and HPV infection with a liquid based‐cytology test and a novel HPV test using the PCR‐SSOP‐Luminex® method identifying 31 HPV genotypes. In 3,047 normal subjects, the overall prevalence across all HPV types was 25%, while that of the common 13 high‐risk (Common‐13HR) types (HPV‐16, 18. 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68) was 17%, and that of the definite high‐risk (Definite‐HR) types (HPV‐16, 18. 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) was 12%. For Definite‐HR, HPV‐52, 16, and 58 were the most common, HPV‐31 was relatively common, and HPV‐18 was less common, while HPV‐33, 35, and 45 were rare. Seven Definite‐HR excluding HPV‐45 and seven Possible‐HR (HPV‐39, 51, 56, 66, 68, 70, and 82) HPV types were identified as a single type infection in patients with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse. The Common‐13HR types were detected in 89% of subjects with HSIL, whereas either Definite‐HR or Possible‐HR types were detected in 95% of HSIL. These 1420 HPV types appear to be involved with HSIL or worse in Japan. The prevalences of multiple‐type HPV infections were identified in roughly half of HPV‐positive subjects, and decreased significantly with age in normal population and abnormal cytology groups, although the prevalences of single‐type infections increased with age in the latter group. Most HPV infections are cleared for some years, while a certain HR‐HPV type persists to induce HSIL. J. Med. Virol. 88:324–335, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of cortical and trabecular bone changes in two models of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Pauly Hannah M. , Larson Blair E. , Coatney Garrett A. , Button Keith D. , DeCamp Charlie E. , Fajardo Ryan S. , Haut Roger C. , Haut Donahue Tammy L.
Published: July 2015

Subchondral bone is thought to play a significant role in the initiation and progression of the post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. The goal of this study was to document changes in tibial and femoral subchondral bone that occur as a result of two lapine models of anterior cruciate ligament injury, a modified ACL transection model and a closed‐joint traumatic compressive impact model. Twelve weeks post‐injury bones were scanned via micro‐computed tomography. The subchondral bone of injured limbs from both models showed decreases in bone volume and bone mineral density. Surgical transection animals showed significant bone changes primarily in the medial hemijoint of femurs and tibias, while significant changes were noted in both the medial and lateral hemijoints of both bones for traumatic impact animals. It is believed that subchondral bone changes in the medial hemijoint were likely caused by compromised soft tissue structures seen in both models. Subchondral bone changes in the lateral hemijoint of traumatic impact animals are thought to be due to transmission of the compressive impact force through the joint. The joint‐wide bone changes shown in the traumatic impact model were similar to clinical findings from studies investigating the progression of osteoarthritis in humans. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1835–1845, 2015.
Efficacy of hyaluronic acid or steroid injections for the treatment of a rat model of rotator cuff injury
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeshi , Ochiai Nobuyasu , Sasaki Yu , Kijima Takehiro , Hashimoto Eiko , Sasaki Yasuhito , Kenmoku Tomonori , Yamazaki Hironori , Miyagi Masayuki , Ohtori Seiji , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: July 2015

This study evaluated dorsal root ganglia from C3–C7, analyzed gait, and compared the expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) which was a marker of inflammatory pain in a rat rotator cuff tear model in which the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons were detached; comparisons were made to a sham group in which only the tendons were exposed. Fluorogold was injected into the glenohumeral joint 21 days after surgery in both groups, and saline, steroids, or hyaluronic acid was injected into the glenohumeral joint in the rotator cuff tear group 26 days after surgery. The proportions of CGRP‐immunoreactive neurons were higher and the gait parameters were impaired in the rotator cuff tear group compared to in the sham group. However, the CGRP expression was reduced and the gait was improved with steroid or hyaluronic acid injection compared to saline, suggesting that both hyaluronic acid and steroid injections suppressed of inflammation which thought to be provided pain relief. While there were no significant differences, the suppression of CGRP expression and the improved gait after hyaluronic acid and steroid injections suggested that both methods were effective for rat rotator cuff tear model. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1861–1867, 2015.
Identifying evidence for public health guidance: a comparison of citation searching with Web of Science and Google Scholar
Authors: Levay Paul , Ainsworth Nicola , Kettle Rachel , Morgan Antony
Published: July 2015

Aim

To examine how effectively forwards citation searching with Web of Science (WOS) or Google Scholar (GS) identified evidence to support public health guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Method

Forwards citation searching was performed using GS on a base set of 46 publications and replicated using WOS.

Outcomes

WOS and GS were compared in terms of recall; precision; number needed to read (NNR); administrative time and costs; and screening time and costs. Outcomes for all publications were compared with those for a subset of highly important publications.

Results

The searches identified 43 relevant publications. The WOS process had 86.05% recall and 1.58% precision. The GS process had 90.7% recall and 1.62% precision. The NNR to identify one relevant publication was 63.3 with WOS and 61.72 with GS. There were nine highly important publications. WOS had 100% recall, 0.38% precision and NNR of 260.22. GS had 88.89% recall, 0.33% precision and NNR of 300.88. Administering the WOS results took 4 h and cost £88–£136, compared with 75 h and £1650–£2550 with GS.

Conclusion

WOS is recommended over GS, as citation searching was more effective, while the administrative and screening times and costs were lower. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of aircraft and recreation on colonial waterbird nesting behavior
Authors: Hillman Matthew D. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Fraser James D. , Derose‐Wilson Audrey
Published: July 2015

Because of the variability in the types of human activities to which animals are exposed and the associated responses by different species, there is a lack of consensus on the effects of humans on wildlife behavior. We studied the effects of military air traffic, all‐terrain vehicles, off‐road vehicles, and pedestrians on the nesting behaviors of least terns (Sternula antillarum), common terns (Sterna hirundo), gull‐billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica), and black skimmers (Rynchops niger) at North Core Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore (CALO), North Carolina. We deployed digital audio recorders and time‐lapse cameras within 9 colonies from May to August 2010–2011 and sampled nesting behaviors before, during, and after human activities. There was no evidence that military or civilian aircraft adversely affected incubation behavior for any of the focal species. The mean incubation rate by least terns was less during pedestrian events than control periods (91% vs. 79%, S = −2.2, P = 0.04). The current patterns of aircraft operations are unlikely to affect colonial waterbird demographics. Current beach management policies restricting human activity to >50 m from colony boundaries mitigated adverse impacts to nesting colonial waterbirds. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Analysis of space mapping algorithms for application to partitioned fluid–structure interaction problems
Authors: Florentie Liesbeth , Blom David S. , Scholcz Thomas P. , van Zuijlen Alexander H. , Bijl Hester
Published: July 2015

Fluid–structure interactions (FSI) play a crucial role in many engineering fields. However, the computational cost associated with high‐fidelity aeroelastic models currently precludes their direct use in industry, especially for strong interactions. The strongly coupled segregated problem—that results from domain partitioning—can be interpreted as an optimization problem of a fluid–structure interface residual. Multi‐fidelity optimization techniques can therefore directly be applied to this problem in order to obtain the solution efficiently. In previous work, it is already shown that aggressive space mapping (ASM) can be used in this context. In this contribution, we extend the research towards the use of space mapping for FSI simulations. We investigate the performance of two other approaches, generalized space mapping and output space mapping, by application to both compressible and incompressible 2D problems. Moreover, an analysis of the influence of the applied low‐fidelity model on the achievable speedup is presented. The results indicate that output space mapping is a viable alternative to ASM when applied in the context of solver coupling for partitioned FSI, showing similar performance as ASM and resulting in reductions in computational cost up to 50% with respect to the reference quasi‐Newton method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sclerosing Bone Dysplasia from 16th Century Sardinia (Italy): A Possible Case of Camurati–Engelmann Disease
Authors: Giuffra V. , Montella A. , Bianucci R. , Milanese M. , Tognotti E. , Caramella D. , Fornaciari G. , Bandiera P.
Published: July 2015

The skeletal remains of a male aged 45–55 years displaying several bone anomalies were unearthed from the Alghero (Sardinia) plague cemetery ‘lo Quarter’, a burial site dating back to the 1582–1583 AD outbreak. The skeleton, whose stature is about 165 cm, presents a bilateral hyperostosis with increased diameter of the diaphyses of all the long bones of the upper and lower limbs; the metaphyses appear to be involved, while the epiphyses are spared. Marked thickening of the cranial vault is also evident. Radiological study showed irregular cortical thickening and massive endoperiosteal bone apposition; sclerotic changes are observed in the diaphysis of some metacarpals. Computed tomography (CT) cross sections of the long bones displayed a thickening of the cortical portion and endoperiosteal bone apposition.

The individual was affected by a sclerosing bone dysplasia, a genetic disease characterized by increased bone density. In differential diagnosis, several sclerosing bone dysplasia, such as hyperostosis corticalis generalisata, craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, craniometadiaphyseal dysplasia, pachydermoperiostosis and Camurati–Engelmann disease, as well as other disorders characterized by sclerosing manifestations, such as Erdheim–Chester disease, mehloreostosis and skeletal fluorosis, need to be considered. The anomalies observed in skeleton 2179 fit with the features of Camurati–Engelmann disease, which is the most likely candidate for final diagnosis. It is highly challenging to evaluate how such a condition may have influenced the individual's lifestyle in terms of development, mobility and quality of life. This individual was probably symptomatic and must have experienced common clinical symptoms, such as pain in the limbs and fatigability. However, the strong development of the muscular insertions and the degenerative changes in the upper limbs suggest that the mobility problems should not have prevented him from reaching a mature age and from performing essential daily activities.

The presented case is the unique paleopathological evidence of Camurati–Engelmann disease so far diagnosed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of hydrogenated natural rubber with hydroxyl groups
Authors: Ha Nguyen Thu , Shiobara Keiichiro , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Fukuhara Lina , Nghia Phan Trung , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: July 2015

An attempt to prepare hydrogenated natural rubber with hydroxyl groups was made by hydrogenation of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) in latex stage after removal of proteins. The hydrogenation was carried out by reaction of deproteinized ENR (EDPNR) with hydrogen gas in latex stage with palladium black as the catalyst, in which EDPNR was prepared by epoxidation of natural rubber followed by deproteinization. Effects of dry rubber content, concentration of surfactant and feed of catalyst on the hydrogenation of EDPNR in latex stage were investigated to find the optimal condition for achieving the highest conversion. Characterization of the resulting hydrogenated EDPNR (HEDPNR) was carried out through NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography to prove introduction of hydroxyl groups into the rubber without chain scission. Mechanical properties, thermal aging properties and oil resistivity of HEDPNR were compared with those of natural rubber, deproteinized natural rubber and ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber. It was found that tensile strength, permanent set, thermal resistance and oil resistance of natural rubber were rationally improved by hydrogenation of the rubber and introduction of the hydroxyl groups. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The electrical properties of nickel (II) phthalocyanine and phenyl‐C61‐butyric‐acid‐methyl ester doped nematic liquid crystals under laser light
Authors: Güven Özdemir Z. , Yilmaz Canli N. , Yılmaz Ömer , Kırsoy Ahmet , Okutan Mustafa , Köysal Oğuz
Published: July 2015

Because of increasing attention of technological device applications of liquid crystals (LCs), determination of their electrical properties becomes important. In this work, experimental optimization for concentration and laser power effects on nematic LC's voltage‐controlled negative resistance behavior has been studied co‐usage of nickel (II) phthalocyanine (NiPc) and phenyl‐C61‐butyric‐acid‐methyl ester (PCBM) polymer in nematic liquid crystal (E63). NiPc concentration has been arranged to be between percentages changing from 1 to 5 wt%, whereas a 1 wt% of PCBM has been used in E63 LC. The LC cells have been exposed to 632‐nm laser illumination with power of 0–100 mW, and the influence of laser illumination on current–voltage (I–V) characteristics has also been examined. According to I–V measurements of the LC composites under laser illumination, an increase in current has been observed because of dispersal agents of NiPc and PCBM. The possible reason behind this result can be the increase of the impurity ion in E63 under laser illumination. Ionic charge carriers can move freely in the volume of the LC structure and hence conductivity increases. The value of the current increases for NiPc doped E63 in the dark, and it increases further to a higher value under photo‐irradiation because of the ionic charges caused by photo‐excited electrons from NiPc to LC medium. The higher increase in conductivity has been observed to more efficient free‐charge carrier collection provided by 5 wt% NiPc and 1 wt% PCBM doped in LC hybrid medium under laser irradiation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effects of ammonium polyphosphate and red phosphorus with expandable graphite on flammability and thermal properties of HDPE/EVA blends
Authors: Tang Mengqi , Qi Fei , Chen Man , Sun Zhidan , Xu Yang , Chen Xiaolang , Zhang Zhibin , Shen Ru
Published: July 2015

In this work, the flame‐retardant high‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl‐acetate copolymer (HDPE/EVA) composites have been prepared by using expandable graphite (EG) as a flame retardant combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and red phosphorus masterbatch (RPM) as synergists. The synergistic effects of these additives on the flammability behaviors of the filled composites have been investigated by limiting oxygen index, UL‐94 test, cone calorimeter test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that APP and RPM are good synergists for improving the flame retardancy of EG‐filled HDPE/EVA composites. The data from TGA and FTIR spectra also indicate the synergistic effects of APP and RPM with EG considerably enhance the thermal degradation temperatures but decrease the charred residues of the HDPE/EVA/EG composites because the flame‐retardant mechanism has changed. The morphological observations present positive evidences that the synergistic effects take place in APP and RPM with EG in flame‐retardant EG‐filled HDPE/EVA/EG composites. The formation of stable and compact charred residues promoted by APP and RPM with EG acts as effective heat barriers and thermal insulations, which improves the flame‐retardant performances and prevents the underlying polymer materials from burning. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current transport studies of amorphous n/p junctions and its application in a‐Si:H/HIT‐type tandem cells
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Dao Vinh Ai , Iftiquar S. M. , Kim Sangho , Yi Junsin
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an understanding of the fundamental carrier transport mechanism in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H)‐based n/p junctions. These n/p junctions are, then, used as tunneling and recombination junctions (TRJ) in tandem solar cells, which were constructed by stacking the a‐Si:H‐based solar cell on the heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) cell. First, the effect of activation energy (Ea) and Urbach parameter (Eu) of n‐type hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H(n)) on current transport in an a‐Si:H‐based n/p TRJ has been investigated. The photoluminescence spectra and temperature‐dependent current–voltage characteristics in dark condition indicates that the tunneling is the dominant carrier transport mechanism in our a‐Si:H‐based n/p‐type TRJ. The fabrication of a tandem cell structure consists of an a‐Si:H‐based top cell and an HIT‐type bottom cell with the a‐Si:H‐based n/p junction developed as a TRJ in between. The development of a‐Si:H‐based n/p junction as a TRJ leads to an improved a‐Si:H/HIT‐type tandem cell with a better open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency. The improvements in the cell performance was attributed to the wider band‐tail states in the a‐Si:H(n) layer that helps to an enhanced tunneling and recombination process in the TRJ. The best photovoltage parameters of the tandem cell were found to be Voc = 1430 mV, short circuit current density = 10.51 mA/cm2, FF = 0.65, and efficiency = 9.75%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On interpretation of protein X‐ray structures: Planarity of the peptide unit
Authors: Chellapa George D. , Rose George D.
Published: July 2015

Pauling's mastery of peptide stereochemistry—based on small molecule crystal structures and the theory of chemical bonding—led to his realization that the peptide unit is planar and then to the Pauling–Corey–Branson model of the α‐helix. Similarly, contemporary protein structure refinement is based on experimentally determined diffraction data together with stereochemical restraints. However, even an X‐ray structure at ultra‐high resolution is still an under‐determined model in which the linkage among refinement parameters is complex. Consequently, restrictions imposed on any given parameter can affect the entire structure. Here, we examine recent studies of high resolution protein X‐ray structures, where substantial distortions of the peptide plane are found to be commonplace. Planarity is assessed by the ω‐angle, a dihedral angle determined by the peptide bond (CN) and its flanking covalent neighbors; for an ideally planar trans peptide, ω = 180°. By using a freely available refinement package, Phenix [Afonine et al. (2012) Acta Cryst. D, 68:352–367], we demonstrate that tightening default restrictions on the ω‐angle can significantly reduce apparent deviations from peptide unit planarity without consequent reduction in reported evaluation metrics (e.g., R‐factors). To be clear, our result does not show that substantial non‐planarity is absent, only that an equivalent alternative model is possible. Resolving this disparity will ultimately require improved understanding of the deformation energy. Meanwhile, we urge inclusion of ω‐angle statistics in new structure reports in order to focus critical attention on the usual practice of assigning default values to ω‐angle constraints during structure refinement. Proteins 2015; 83:1687–1692. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flap flexibility amongst plasmepsins I, II, III, IV, and V: Sequence, structural, and molecular dynamics analyses
Authors: McGillewie Lara , Soliman Mahmoud E.
Published: July 2015

Herein, for the first time, we comparatively report the opening and closing of apo plasmepsin I – V. Plasmepsins belong the aspartic protease family of enzymes, and are expressed during the various stages of the P. falciparum lifecycle, the species responsible for the most lethal and virulent malaria to infect humans. Plasmepsin I, II, IV and HAP degrade hemoglobin from infected red blood cells, whereas plasmepsin V transport proteins crucial to the survival of the malaria parasite across the endoplasmic reticulum. Flap‐structures covering the active site of aspartic proteases (such as HIV protease) are crucial to the conformational flexibility and dynamics of the protein, and ultimately control the binding landscape. The flap‐structure in plasmepsins is made up of a flip tip in the N‐terminal lying perpendicular to the active site, adjacent to the flexible loop region in the C‐terminal. Using molecular dynamics, we propose three parameters to better describe the opening and closing of the flap‐structure in apo plasmepsins. Namely, the distance, d1, between the flap tip and the flexible region; the dihedral angle, ϕ, to account for the twisting motion; and the TriCα angle, θ1. Simulations have shown that as the flap‐structure twists, the flap and flexible region move apart opening the active site, or move toward each other closing the active site. The data from our study indicate that of all the plasmepsins investigated in the present study, Plm IV and V display the highest conformational flexibility and are more dynamic structures versus Plm I, II, and HAP. Proteins 2015; 83:1693–1705. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Surface Free Energy of Film Laminated Steel Sheets on Content Release Properties
Authors: Yamanaka Yoichiro , Kitagawa Junichi , Nakamaru Hiroki
Published: July 2015

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets that are now widely used in beverage cans have excellent properties of formability, corrosion resistance and adhesion to steel sheets. To expand their application, we have sought to develop a new PET film laminated steel sheet for use in food cans. Content release properties are necessary for easy removal of the can contents in food can applications. However, PET film laminated steel sheets have poor content release properties. Investigations of these properties have revealed dependence on the strength of adhesion between the films and can contents. The surface free energy of PET films has been inferred to be the main factor in poor content release properties. Therefore, using films with widely diverse surface free energy values, we studied the effects of surface free energy on the content release properties of materials in contact with cans. The results showed that these properties are closely related to the surface free energy of the film material, and that materials with surface free energy of less than 23 mN/m or greater than 44 mN/m show excellent properties for processed meat products with high protein content.

The material with PET film coated with mixture of polyester resin and fatty acid is the most promising material for use in food cans in this study.

The work has also shown that content release properties can be expressed as a function of adhesion in water between a material and protein. Reducing adhesion can significantly improve content release properties.
Monitoring Process Variance Using an ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p Control Chart
Authors: Yang Su‐Fen , Arnold Barry C.
Published: July 2015

Control charts are effective tools for signal detection in manufacturing processes. As much of the data in industries come from processes having non‐normal or unknown distributions, the commonly used Shewhart variable control charts cannot be appropriately used, because they depend heavily on the normality assumption. The average run length (ARL) is generally used to measure the detection performance of a process when using a control chart, but it is biased for the monitoring statistic with an asymmetric distribution. That is, the ARL‐biased control chart leads to take longer to detect the shifts in parameter than to trigger a false alarm. To overcome this problem, we herein propose an ARL‐unbiased exponentially weighted moving average proportion (EWMA‐p) chart to monitor the process variance for process data with non‐normal or unknown distributions. We further explore the procedure to determine the control limits and to investigate the out‐of‐control variance detection performance of the ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p chart. With a numerical example involving non‐normal service times from a bank branch in Taiwan, we illustrate the applications of the proposed ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p chart and also compare the out‐of‐control detection performance of the ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p chart, the arcsin transformed symmetric EWMA variance, and other existing variance charts. The proposed ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p chart shows superior detection performance. Thus, we recommend the ARL‐unbiased EWMA‐p chart for process data with non‐normal or unknown distributions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Karl Marguerre – Die Schultern, auf denen wir stehen
Authors: Knothe Klaus
Published: July 2015

Karl Marguerre1 ist heute nur noch wenigen Wissenschaftlern wirklich bekannt, obwohl er sich während seiner Hochschullehrertätigkeit in Darmstadt mit großem Engagement um den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs bemühte und von vielen Studenten gehört wurde. Zu seinen Schülern zählen u. a. Ernst Giencke [1], Walter Schnell (von dem auch die Darstellung in der Neuen Deutschen Biographie [2] stammt), Horst Wölfel (der sich um den Kinetik‐Band der Technischen Mechanik bemüht hat), Hans‐Theo Woernle (Mitverfasser der Elastischen Platten) und Klaus Knothe. Großen Einfluss hatte Karl Marguerre etwa auch auf Robert Gasch (einem Schüler von Klaus Federn) oder Erwin Stein (vom Institut für Baumechanik und Numerische Mechanik der Leibniz Universität Hannover).

Karl Marguerre – The shoulders which we are standing on. Only to few scientists in Germany Karl Marguerre today is really known, though during his time as professor at TH Darmstadt he endeavored for the young generation and many students visited his lectures. Among his pubils were Ernst Giencke, Walter Schnell, Horst Wölfel, Hans‐Theo Wörnle and Klaus Knothe. He also strongly influenced Robert Gasch (a pupil of Klaus Federn) and Erwin Stein who later on was professor at the Leibniz University at Hannover.
Predicting support for recolonization of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in the Adirondack park
Authors: Mcgovern Elizabeth B. , Kretser Heidi E.
Published: July 2015

Carnivore range expansion creates opportunities for human–wildlife conflicts. Wildlife attitudes and values, factual knowledge, and risk perception have all been proposed as variables to measure or predict social acceptability of wildlife management. We examined the social acceptability of natural recolonization of mountain lions (Puma concolor; an extirpated carnivore) in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA. We administered questionnaires in person to 315 Adirondack residents and visitors during summer 2013. We also posed questions to 800 New York State residents in a telephone survey during winter 2014. We tested five hypotheses: 1) wildlife attitude and values scale scores predict stated support for restoration of mountain lions in the Adirondack Park; 2) people more knowledgeable about mountain lions perceive less risk and indicate greater support for mountain lion restoration; 3) women report greater perceived risk than do men from mountain lions; 4) residents will report greater perceived risk than nonresidents; and 5) respondents who participate in activities such as hiking and hunting in the Park will perceive less risk than those who do not. A majority of respondents supported natural recolonization of mountain lions to the Adirondack Park. Results of our regression model indicated that perceived risk and factual knowledge influence support for mountain lion restoration, with more knowledgeable respondents perceiving lower risk and reporting greater support. To reduce the potential for human–wildlife conflict and moderate risk perceptions, we recommend wildlife agencies and others consider conveying educational messages about how stakeholders can coexist with large predators in areas in which they are recolonizing. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Are Birth Certificate and Hospital Discharge Linkages Performed in 52 Jurisdictions in the United States?
Authors: Kim Shin Y. , Ahuja Sukhjeet , Stampfel Caroline , Williamson Dhelia
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the number and characteristics of US State Registrars of Vital Statistics (Vital Registrars) and State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) Coordinators that link birth certificate and hospital discharge data as well as using linkage processes.

Methods

Vital Registrars and SSDI Coordinators in all 52 vital records jurisdictions (50 states, District of Columbia, and New York City) were asked to complete a 41-question survey. We examined frequency distributions among completed surveys using SAS 9.3.

Results

The response rate was 100 % (N = 52) for Vital Registrars and 96 % (N = 50) for SSDI Coordinators. Nearly half of Vital Registrars (n = 22) and SSDI Coordinators (n = 23) reported that their jurisdiction linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records at least once in the last 4 years. Among those who link, the majority of Vital Registrars (77.3 %) and SSDI Coordinators (82.6 %) link both maternal and infant hospital discharge records to the birth certificate. Of those who do not link, 43 % of the Vital Registrars and 55 % of SSDI Coordinators reported an interest in linking birth certificate and hospital discharge data. Reasons for not linking included lack of staff time, inability to access raw data, high cost, and unavailability of personal identifiers to link the two sources.

Conclusions

Results of our analysis provide a national perspective on data linkage practices in the US. Our findings can be used to promote further data linkages, facilitate sharing of data and linkage methodologies, and identify uses of the resulting linked data.
Upscaling of Non-isothermal Reactive Porous Media Flow with Changing Porosity
Authors: Bringedal Carina , Berre Inga , Pop Iuliu Sorin , Radu Florin Adrian
Published: July 2015

Motivated by rock–fluid interactions occurring in a geothermal reservoir, we present a two-dimensional pore scale model of a periodic porous medium consisting of void space and grains, with fluid flow through the void space. The ions in the fluid are allowed to precipitate onto the grains, while minerals in the grains are allowed to dissolve into the fluid, and we take into account the possible change in pore geometry that these two processes cause, resulting in a problem with a free boundary at the pore scale. We include temperature dependence and possible effects of the temperature both in fluid properties and in the mineral precipitation and dissolution reactions. For the pore scale model equations, we perform a formal homogenization procedure to obtain upscaled equations. A pore scale model consisting of circular grains is presented as a special case of the porous medium.