bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Management multiple myeloma during pregnancy: a case report and review’
Authors: Cabañas‐Perianes Valentin , Macizo Maribel , Salido Eduardo , Blanquer Miguel , Araico Fernando , Melero‐Amor Antonia , Garcia‐Candel Faustino , Muñoz‐Garcia Maria Isabel , Martinez‐Villanueva Miriam , Muñoz‐Esparza Carmen , Guzmán‐Aroca Florentina , Pérez‐López Raúl , Moraleda Jose Maria
Published: December 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic neoplasm characterized by plasma tumor cell proliferation in the bone marrow. It's a rare malignancy before a 40‐year‐old and it is extremely uncommon during pregnancy. We report the case of a 37‐year‐old woman with a newly diagnosed IgG λ MM (Durie–Salmon stage IIIA, International Staging System II and good prognosis cytogenetic) at the 27th week of her pregnancy. Our management during pregnancy, the delivery, and initiation of anti‐myeloma treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone are published. There are a few reviews reporting the most common features and management of MM during pregnancy. We perform a comprehensive review of all 32 cases reported between 1965 and 2014 in which a MM was diagnosed during pregnancy including score, cytogenetic results, labor characteristics, and response to therapy. About 53% of pregnant women did not start treatment before partum. Cesarean section was the most common form of delivery (82%). About 88% of newborns were healthy, although most of them were premature (73%). Management of a MM diagnosed during pregnancy should be based on the presence of myeloma‐related organ damage to secure survival of the mother without fetal adverse effects related to treatment. Serial fetal ultrasound may be helpful in order to avoid complications. The cesarean section may be preferred depending on maternal and fetus prognosis. Whole‐body diffusion‐weighted imaging minimal response could be an appropriate technique to discard plasmacytomas during pregnancy in critical situations such as the appearance of symptoms of spinal cord compression. Therapeutic choices should be agreed with the pregnant after a thorough discussion of the prognostic factors of the disease and the potential risk for the fetus and the patient. While awaiting partum, dexamethasone is a non‐toxic treatment. Triple therapy including a proteasome inhibitor should be started quickly after delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid and Bone Mineral Density in the General Population and in Rats With Experimental Hyperuricemia
Authors: Zhang Dihua , Bobulescu I Alexandru , Maalouf Naim M , Adams-Huet Beverley , Poindexter John , Park Sun , Wei Fuxin , Chen Christopher , Moe Orson W , Sakhaee Khashayar
Published: December 2014

Higher serum uric acid concentrations have been associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) in observational studies of older men and perimenopausal or postmenopausal women, prompting speculation of a potential protective effect of uric acid on bone. Whether this relationship is present in the general population has not been examined and there is no data to support causality. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a probability sample of the U.S. population. Demographic data, dietary intake, lifestyle risk factors and physical activity assessment data, serum biochemistry including serum uric acid, and BMD were obtained from 6759 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2005–2010) participants over 30 years of age. In unadjusted analyses, higher serum uric acid levels were associated with higher BMD at the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine in men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women not treated with estrogen. However, these associations were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders, including age, body mass index (BMI), black race, alcohol consumption, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein (CRP). This is in contradistinction to some prevailing conclusions in the literature. To further examine the causal effect of higher serum uric acid on skeletal health, including biomechanical properties that are not measurable in humans, we used an established rat model of inducible mild hyperuricemia. There were no differences in BMD, bone volume density, and bone biomechanical properties between hyperuricemic rats and normouricemic control animals. Taken together, our data do not support the hypothesis that higher serum uric acid has protective effects on bone health. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Calcineurin Inhibitor Tacrolimus as a New Therapy in Severe Cherubism
Authors: Kadlub Natacha , Vazquez Marie-Paule , Galmiche Louise , L'Herminé Aurore Coulomb , Dainese Linda , Ulinski Tim , Fauroux Brigitte , Pavlov Ioana , Badoual Cécile , Marlin Sandrine , Deckert Marcel , Leboulanger Nicolas , Berdal Ariane , Descroix Vianney , Picard Arnaud , Coudert Amélie E
Published: December 2014

Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extensive growth of a bilateral granuloma of the jaws, resulting in facial disfigurement. Cherubism is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the SH3BP2 gene, leading to overactivation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1)-dependent osteoclastogenesis. Recent findings in human and mouse cherubism have suggested that calcineurin inhibitors might be drug candidates in cherubism medical treatment. A 4-year-old boy with aggressive cherubism was treated with the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus for 1 year, and clinical, radiological, and molecular data were obtained. Immunohistologic analysis was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative NFATc1 staining and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the relative expression levels of OPG and RANKL. After tacrolimus therapy, the patient showed significant clinical improvement, including stabilization of jaw size and intraosseous osteogenesis. Immunohistologic analyses on granuloma showed that tacrolimus caused a significant reduction in the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts and NFATc1 nuclear staining in multinucleated giant cells. Molecular analysis showed that tacrolimus treatment also resulted in increased OPG expression. We present the first case of effective medical therapy in cherubism. Tacrolimus enhanced bone formation by stimulating osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Isolation and Characterization of Biologically Active Venom Protein from Sea Snake Enhydrina schistosa
Authors: Damotharan Palani , Veeruraj Anguchamy , Arumugam Muthuvel , Balasubramanian Thangavel
Published: December 2014

The present study is designed to investigate the isolation and characterization of biological and biochemical active venom protein from sea snake, Enhydrina schistosa. The highest purification peaks in ion‐exchange chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose column were obtained for fraction numbers 39–49 when eluted with 0.35–0.45 M NaCl. Eighty per cent purity was obtained in the final stage of purification, and a single protein band of about 44 kDa was visualized in SDS‐polyacrylamide gel under reducing condition. Purified venom protein expressed as haemolytic, cytotoxicity and proteolytic activities with lethal concentration (LC50) at 2.0 μg/mL. Venom protein exhibits enzymatic activity and hydrolyzed casein and gelatin. Gelatinolytic activity was optimal at pH 5–9. In conclusion, the present results suggested that the sea snake venom might be feasible sources for biologically active substances. Thus, this low molecular weight component of the venom protein could be used in potentially serve biological and pharmaceutical aspects.
Effect of uptake transporters OAT3 and OATP1B1 and efflux transporter MRP2 on the pharmacokinetics of eluxadoline
Authors: Davenport J. Michael , Covington Paul , Bonifacio Laura , McIntyre Gail , Venitz Jürgen
Published: December 2014

The effects of OATP1B1, OAT3, and MRP2 on the pharmacokinetics of eluxadoline, an oral, locally active, opioid receptor agonist/antagonist being developed for treatment of IBS‐d were assessed in vivo. Coadministration of a single 200 mg dose of eluxadoline with cyclosporine, and probenecid increased eluxadoline systemic exposure [AUC(0–inf)] by 4.4‐ and 1.4‐fold, respectively, whereas peak exposure (Cmax) increased 6.2‐fold and 1.3‐fold, respectively. Cyclosporine had little effect on renal clearance (CLren) of eluxadoline whereas probenecid reduced CLren by nearly 50%. These study results suggested that sinusoidal OATP1B1‐mediated hepatic uptake of eluxadoline (during first‐pass and systemic extraction) plays a major role in its absorption and disposition, whereas OAT3‐mediated basolateral uptake in the proximal renal tubules and MRP2‐mediated canalicular and renal tubular apical efflux play only minor roles in its overall disposition. All treatments were safe and well tolerated.
The larval head structures of Podagricomela shirahatai (Chûjô) (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) and morphological effects of leaf mining
Authors: Hua Yi , Beutel Rolf G. , Ge Si‐Qin , Yang Xing‐Ke
Published: December 2014

Head structures of the leaf mining larva of the chrysomelid species Podagricomela shirahatai are described and illustrated. Internal and external structures were reconstructed three dimensionally based on image stacks obtained with microcomputed tomography. The larval head is characterized by prognathism, a dorsoventrally compressed shape, a flattened maxillolabial complex, a completely reduced coronal suture, and the presence of a deep, V‐shaped posterior emargination of the head capsule. Internal structures are not distinctly affected by leaf mining. The cephalic features are compared with conditions found in surface feeding and root feeding alticine larvae and also with characters of chrysomeline larvae of Chrysomela populi Linnaeus. Possible correlations between modifications of the larval head and different feeding behaviors are discussed. Characters are also discussed with respect to possible phylogenetic implications. Some derived features are apparently due to phylogenetic constraints. Apomorphies characterizing alticine larvae with distinctly different life habits are the loss of M. frontoepharyngalis (M. 9), the origin of M. tentoriostipitalis (M. 18) from the head capsule, two insertions of M. tentoriopraementalis inferior (M. 29) and the reduction of stemmata. The study underlines that the anatomical study of chrysomeloid larvae is not only highly desirable in a phylogenetic context, but also crucial for understanding the evolution of different life strategies in this extremely successful group of Coleoptera. J. Morphol. 276:446–457, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Animal models of scoliosis
Authors: Bobyn Justin D. , Little David G. , Gray Randolph , Schindeler Aaron
Published: December 2014

Multiple techniques designed to induce scoliotic deformity have been applied across many animal species. We have undertaken a review of the literature regarding experimental models of scoliosis in animals to discuss their utility in comprehending disease aetiology and treatment. Models of scoliosis in animals can be broadly divided into quadrupedal and bipedal experiments. Quadrupedal models, in the absence of axial gravitation force, depend upon development of a mechanical asymmetry along the spine to initiate a scoliotic deformity. Bipedal models more accurately mimic human posture and consequently are subject to similar forces due to gravity, which have been long appreciated to be a contributing factor to the development of scoliosis. Many effective models of scoliosis in smaller animals have not been successfully translated to primates and humans. Though these models may not clarify the aetiology of human scoliosis, by providing a reliable and reproducible deformity in the spine they are a useful means with which to test interventions designed to correct and prevent deformity. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:458–467, 2015.
Hip range of motion during daily activities in patients with posterior pelvic tilt from supine to standing position
Authors: Tamura Satoru , Miki Hidenobu , Tsuda Kosuke , Takao Masaki , Hattori Asaki , Suzuki Naoki , Yonenobu Kazuo , Sugano Nobuhiko
Published: December 2014

In most patients with hip disorders, the anterior pelvic plane (APP) sagittal tilt does not change from supine to standing position. However, in some patients, APP sagittal tilt changes more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing position. The purpose of this study was to both examine APP sagittal tilt and investigate the hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM) required during daily activities in these atypical patients. Patient‐specific 4‐dimensional (4D) motion analysis was performed for 50 hips from 44 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty. All patients divided into two categories, such as atypical patients for whom the pelvis tilted more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing position preoperatively (19 hips from 18 patients) and the remaining typical patients (31 hips from 26 patients). The required hip flexion and extension angles did not differ significantly between atypical patients and typical patients. In conclusion, the hip flexion ROM during deep bending activities and hip extension ROM during extension activities required in those atypical patients with pelvic tilt more than 10° backward from supine to standing position did not shift in the direction of extension. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:542–547, 2015.
Characterization of deposits in patients with calcific tendinopathy of the supraspinatus. Role of phytate and osteopontin
Authors: Grases Felix , Muntaner‐Gimbernat Lorenzo , Vilchez‐Mira Mar , Costa‐Bauzá Antonia , Tur Fernando , Prieto Rafel Maria , Torrens‐Mas Margalida , Vega Fabiana Gisela
Published: December 2014

Calcific tendinopathy of the tendons of the rotator cuff is common in adults. These calcifications tend to be reabsorbed after a period of acute pain. This study evaluated the morphologic characteristics of calcific deposits and the participation of phytate and osteopontin (OPN) in their development. Calcific deposits were removed from 21 patients with calcific tendinopathy by ultrasound‐guided needle puncture under local anesthesia. The removed deposits were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the deposits were semi‐quantitatively determined by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Phytate was determined in 2 h urine samples, and OPN was extracted from a pool of deposits. The calcific deposits consisted of amorphous and poorly crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite containing molecular water and organic matter. OPN was associated with the hydroxyapatite deposits. Phytate concentrations were significantly lower in the urine of patients with calcific tendinopathy than in healthy controls. The deficit in crystallization inhibitors such as phytate, and the presence of regulators such as OPN, may play important roles in the development of calcific tendinopathy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:475–482, 2015.
Caseinate–gelatin and caseinate‐hydrolyzed gelatin composites formed via transglutaminase: chemical and functional properties
Authors: Luo Zhen‐Ling , Zhao Xin‐Huai
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Treatment of food proteins by enzymatic crosslinking and other reactions can confer modified properties on the treated proteins. Bovine gelatin and hydrolyzed bovine gelatin were used to generate two caseinate‐based composites via transglutaminase, and potential useful properties to food processing were investigated for both composites.

RESULTS

Caseinate–gelatin and caseinate‐hydrolyzed gelatin composites contained 33.4 and 10.3 g kg−1 protein of 4‐hydroxyproline, respectively. Caseinate conjugation with gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin resulted in two composites with stronger absorption at five wavenumbers during Fourier transform–infrared analysis, demonstrating that they were rich in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Both composites exhibited higher viscosity values in aqueous dispersions, lower thermal stability (i.e. higher mass loss) during thermogravimetric analysis and worse emulsifying properties than original caseinate, owing to conjugation and crosslinking via transglutaminase. However, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis revealed that both composites actually had better emulsion stability after 2 weeks of storage.

CONCLUSION

The composites generated were different in chemical characteristics and better in viscosity and emulsion stability than original caseinate. They might have potential as protein thickeners and emulsifiers. CLSM is a better technique to assess emulsion stability of food proteins than the classic turbidity method. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Homochiral metal–organic framework used as a stationary phase for high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kong Jiao , Zhang Mei , Duan Ai‐Hong , Zhang Jun‐Hui , Yang Rui , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: December 2014

Metal–organic frameworks are promising porous materials. Chiral metal–organic frameworks have attracted considerable attention in controlling enantioselectivity. In this study, a homochiral metal–organic framework [Co2(D‐cam)2(TMDPy)] (D‐cam = d‐camphorates, TMDPy = 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine) with a non‐interpenetrating primitive cubic net has been used as a chiral stationary phase in high‐performance liquid chromatography. It has allowed the successful separation of six positional isomers and six chiral compounds. The good selectivity and baseline separation, or at least 60% valley separation, confirmed its excellent molecular recognition characteristics. The relative standard deviations for the retention time of run‐to‐run and column‐to‐column were less than 1.8 and 3.1%, respectively. These results demonstrate that [Co2(D‐cam)2(TMDPy)] may represent a promising chiral stationary phase for use in high‐performance liquid chromatography.
Simultaneous determination of 11 fluorescent whitening agents in food‐contact paper and board by ion‐pairing high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Jiang Dingguo , Chen Lisong , Fu Wusheng , Qiu Hanquan
Published: December 2014

4,4′‐Diaminostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid based fluorescent whitening agents (DSD‐FWAs) are prohibited in food‐contact paper and board in many countries. In this work, a reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 common DSD‐FWAs in paper material. Sample preparation and extraction as well as chromatographic separation of multicomponent DSD‐FWAs were successfully optimized. DSD‐FWAs in prepared samples were ultrasonically extracted with acetonitrile/water/triethylamine (40:60:1, v/v/v), separated on the C18 column with the mobile phase containing tetrabutylammonium bromide, and then detected by a fluorescence detector. The limits of detection were 0.12–0.24 mg/kg, and the calibration curves showed the linear correlation (R2 ≥ 0.9994) within the range of 8.0–100 ng/mL, which was equivalent to the range of 0.80–10 mg/kg in the sample. The average recoveries and the RSDs were 81–106% and 2–9% at two fortification levels (1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg) in paper bowls, respectively. The successful determination of 11 DSD‐FWAs in food‐contact paper and board obtained from local markets indicated that the newly developed method was rapid, accurate, and highly selective.
Knowledge and Organisation in Economics and Economic Systems: A Research Tradition
Authors: Loasby Brian J.
Published: December 2014

The emergence and delayed influence of Coase's ideas demonstrate the role of unpredictability and path dependence in the creation of knowledge and the recognition of its implications. Coase's approach to the operation of firms and markets was not readily accommodated in a theoretical vision of microeconomics that focused on allocative efficiency at the expense of knowledge creation, and therefore on increasing returns as a property of a production function instead of a self‐sustaining process in which multiple forms of organisation generate new possibilities. Coase's ideas have a natural, if underexploited, connection with those of Smith, Marshall, Young, Richardson and Penrose. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐proteolytic functions of microbial proteases increase pathological complexity
Authors: Jarocki Veronica M. , Tacchi Jessica L. , Djordjevic Steven P.
Published: December 2014

Proteases are enzymes that catalyse hydrolysis of peptide bonds thereby controlling the shape, size, function, composition, turnover and degradation of other proteins. In microbes, proteases are often identified as important virulence factors and as such have been targets for novel drug design. It is emerging that some proteases possess additional non‐proteolytic functions that play important roles in host epithelia adhesion, tissue invasion and in modulating immune responses. These additional “moonlighting” functions have the potential to obfuscate data interpretation and have implications for therapeutic design. Moonlighting enzymes comprise a subcategory of multifunctional proteins that possess at least two distinct biological functions on a single polypeptide chain. Presently, identifying moonlighting proteins relies heavily on serendipitous empirical data with clues arising from proteins lacking signal peptides that are localised to the cell surface. Here, we describe examples of microbial proteases with additional non‐proteolytic functions, including streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B, PepO and C5a peptidases, mycoplasmal aminopeptidases, mycobacterial chaperones and viral papain‐like proteases. We explore how these non‐proteolytic functions contribute to host cell adhesion, modulate the coagulation pathway, assist in non‐covalent folding of proteins, participate in cell signalling, and increase substrate repertoire. We conclude by describing how proteomics has aided in moonlighting protein discovery, focusing attention on potential moonlighters in microbial exoproteomes.
Physiochemical Characterization of Iodine(V) Oxide, Part 1: Hydration Rates
Authors: Little Brian K. , Emery Samuel B. , Nittinger Joshua C. , Fantasia Ryan C. , Lindsay C. Michael
Published: December 2014

In the first of a series of papers on the iodine(V) oxide system, the chemical and physical properties associated with iodine(V) oxide in its anhydride (I2O5) and hydrated states (HI3O8 and HIO3) are examined. The three forms of the oxide have been investigated utilizing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Furthermore, the hydration rates governing the conversion of the anhydride (I2O5) to the initial hydrate (HI3O8) and later to the final hydrated state (HIO3) are reported and discussed. Results from this study suggest that the hydration mechanism for I2O5→HI3O8 begins with an accelerating period described as a nucleation and growth phase followed by a decelerating period that is diffusion limited. The initial rate of hydration was observed to be governed by a nucleation and growth mechanism, which was inhibited by covering the surface of the particle with an inert metal. Based on this investigation the initial rate of hydration appears to be strongly dependent on the anhydride’s available surface area which facilitates nucleation and growth of HI3O8. The final step, HI3O8→HIO3, proceeds through an initial induction period followed by a continuous acceleratory period unlike the first hydration step.
Optimization of rotamers prior to template minimization improves stability predictions made by computational protein design
Authors: Davey James A. , Chica Roberto A.
Published: December 2014

Computational protein design (CPD) predictions are highly dependent on the structure of the input template used. However, it is unclear how small differences in template geometry translate to large differences in stability prediction accuracy. Herein, we explored how structural changes to the input template affect the outcome of stability predictions by CPD. To do this, we prepared alternate templates by Rotamer Optimization followed by energy Minimization (ROM) and used them to recapitulate the stability of 84 protein G domain β1 mutant sequences. In the ROM process, side‐chain rotamers for wild‐type (WT) or mutant sequences are optimized on crystal or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures prior to template minimization, resulting in alternate structures termed ROM templates. We show that use of ROM templates prepared from sequences known to be stable results predominantly in improved prediction accuracy compared to using the minimized crystal or NMR structures. Conversely, ROM templates prepared from sequences that are less stable than the WT reduce prediction accuracy by increasing the number of false positives. These observed changes in prediction outcomes are attributed to differences in side‐chain contacts made by rotamers in ROM templates. Finally, we show that ROM templates prepared from sequences that are unfolded or that adopt a nonnative fold result in the selective enrichment of sequences that are also unfolded or that adopt a nonnative fold, respectively. Our results demonstrate the existence of a rotamer bias caused by the input template that can be harnessed to skew predictions toward sequences displaying desired characteristics.
Geographical distribution and frequencies of organophosphate‐resistant Ace alleles and morphometric variations in olive fruit fly populations
Authors: Doğaç Ersin , Kandemir İrfan , Taşkın Vatan
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

In the Mediterranean basin, organophosphate (OP) insecticides have been used intensively to control olive fly populations. Acetylcholinesterase (Ace) is the molecular target of OP insecticides, and three resistance‐associated mutations that confer different levels of OP insensitivity have been identified. In this study, genotypes of olive fly Ace were determined in field‐collected populations from broad geographical areas in Turkey. In addition, the levels of asymmetry of wing and leg characters were compared in these populations.

RESULTS

Our study revealed the existence of a genetically smooth stratification pattern in OP resistance allele distribution in the olive fly populations of Turkey. In contrast to earlier findings, the frequency of Δ3Q was found to be lower in the Aegean region, where the populations have been subjected to high selection pressure. Results based on the morphological differences among the samples revealed a similar pattern for both sides and did not demonstrate a clear separation.

CONCLUSION

The frequencies and geographic range of resistance alleles indicate that they were selected in the Aegean coast of Turkey and then spread westward towards Europe. One possible explanation for the absence of morphological asymmetry in olive fly samples might be the presence of modifier allele(s) that compensate for the increase in asymmetry. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal orientations of β‐Ga2O3 thin films formed on m‐plane and r‐plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Nakagomi Shinji , Kaneko Satoru , Kokubun Yoshihiro
Published: December 2014

We have used X‐ray pole figure analyses to study crystal orientations of β‐Ga2O3 thin films formed on (100) m‐plane or (102) r‐plane sapphire substrates prepared by gallium evaporation in oxygen plasma. The (−201) plane of β‐Ga2O3 on the (100) m‐plane was inclined to be along two (110) a‐planes. Crystals of (−201)‐oriented β‐Ga2O3 exhibit six‐fold symmetry in which a β‐Ga2O3 crystal is rotated every 60° from [001] for each a‐plane. In all, twelve kinds of β‐Ga2O3 crystals formed on m‐plane sapphire substrate. Similarly, the (−201) plane of β‐Ga2O3 on the (102) r‐plane was inclined to be along to two (113) n‐plane. Crystals of (−201)‐oriented β‐Ga2O3 exhibit three‐fold symmetry with a β‐Ga2O3 crystal rotated every 120° from the opposite direction of projection of the c‐axis of each n‐plane. In all, six kinds of β‐Ga2O3 crystals formed on the r‐plane sapphire substrate. These observations can be explained by comparing oxygen atomic arrangements on the β‐Ga2O3 (−201) plane with those on the sapphire (110) a‐plane and (113) n‐plane.
Positron annihilation and cathodoluminescence study on inductively coupled plasma etched GaN
Authors: Kataoka Keita , Kanechika Masakazu , Narita Tetsuo , Kimoto Yasuji , Uedono Akira
Published: December 2014

Etching damage induced by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with a mixture of Cl and BCl gases and the effect of subsequent annealing in Nwere studied through positron annihilation and cathodoluminescence (CL) for Mg‐doped and Si‐doped GaN. The changes in the concentration of nonradiative defects and in the shape of band bending caused by ICP etching or subsequent annealing were studied by comparing the CL intensities and the diffusion lengths of implanted positrons, respectively. For Mg‐doped GaN, CL spectra revealed that etching inactivated the Mg acceptors at the near‐surface region. After annealing at 900 °C, the Mg acceptors were reactivated. For Si‐doped GaN, etching introduced neutral vacancy‐type defects, and after annealing at 900 °C, the etching‐induced defects almost disappeared. However, there were residual nonradiative defects on the top surface that were associated with a change in the surface's Fermi level position.
Estimation of death rates in US states with small subpopulations
Authors: Voulgaraki Anastasia , Wei Rong , Kedem Benjamin
Published: December 2014

In US states with small subpopulations, the observed mortality rates are often zero, particularly among young ages. Because in life tables, death rates are reported mostly on a log scale, zero mortality rates are problematic. To overcome the observed zero death rates problem, appropriate probability models are used. Using these models, observed zero mortality rates are replaced by the corresponding expected values. This enables logarithmic transformations and, in some cases, the fitting of the eight‐parameter Heligman–Pollard model to produce mortality estimates for ages 0–130 years, a procedure illustrated in terms of mortality data from several states. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capability erosion dynamics
Authors: Rahmandad Hazhir , Repenning Nelson
Published: December 2014

The notion of capability is widely invoked to explain differences in organizational performance, and research shows that strategically relevant capabilities can be both built and lost. However, while capability development is widely studied, capability erosion has not been integrated into our understanding of performance heterogeneity. To understand erosion, we study two software development organizations that experienced diverging capability trajectories despite similar organizational and technological settings. Building a simulation‐based theory, we identify the adaptation trap, a mechanism through which managerial learning can lead to capability erosion: well‐intentioned efforts by managers to search locally for the optimal workload balance lead them to systematically overload their organization and, thereby, cause capabilities to erode. The analysis of our model informs when capability erosion is likely and strategically relevant. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geographic scope, isolating mechanisms, and value appropriation
Authors: Kim Minyoung
Published: December 2014

Extending extant literature on geographic scope that has primarily focused on its role in value creation,Iinvestigate the value appropriation aspect of geographic scope of knowledge acquisition. I maintain that isolating mechanisms created via geographic scope of knowledge acquisition can help firms prevent competitors from accessing their innovative knowledge and, by doing so, can help firms capture a larger proportion of economic returns from innovation, thus helping them enjoy better financial performance. Mediating and moderating effect analyses with patent‐ and firm‐level data of the semiconductor industry corroborate the value appropriation aspect of geographic scope. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review of accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa
Authors: Ruiter L. , Kok N. , Limpens J. , Derks J. B. , de Graaf I. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Pajkrt E.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Vasa previa is an obstetric complication in which the fetal blood vessels lie outside the chorionic plate in close proximity to the internal cervical os. In women with vasa previa, the risk of rupture of these vessels is increased, thus potentially causing fetal death or serious morbidity. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and PubMed for studies on vasa previa. Two reviewers independently selected studies on the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa. The studies were scored on methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS‐2). Data on sensitivity and specificity were subsequently extracted.

Results

The literature search revealed 583 articles, of which two prospective and six retrospective cohort studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. All studies documented methods suitable for the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa. Four out of the eight studies used transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for primary evaluation, while the remaining four studies used transabdominal ultrasound and performed a subsequent TVS when vasa previa was suspected. The QUADAS‐2 tool reflected poor methodology in six of the eight included studies, and prenatal detection rates varied from 53% (10/19) to 100% (total of 442 633 patients, including 138 cases of vasa previa). In the two prospective studies (n = 33 795, including 11 cases of vasa previa), transvaginal color Doppler performed during the second trimester detected all cases of vasa previa (sensitivity, 100%) with a specificity of 99.0–99.8%.

Conclusion

The accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa is high when performed transvaginally in combination with color Doppler. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Evidence of Self-correction of Child Sex Ratios in India: A District-Level Analysis of Child Sex Ratios From 1981 to 2011
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia , Bishai David
Published: December 2014

Sex ratios in India have become increasingly imbalanced over the past decades. We hypothesize that when sex ratios become very uneven, the shortage of girls will increase girls’ future value, leading sex ratios to self-correct. Using data on children under 5 from the last four Indian censuses, we examine the relationship between the sex ratio at one point in time and the change in sex ratio over the next 10 years by district. Fixed-effects models show that when accounting for unobserved district-level characteristics—including total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, percentage literate, percentage rural, percentage scheduled caste, percentage scheduled tribe, and a time trend variable—sex ratios are significantly negatively correlated with the change in sex ratio in the successive 10-year period. This suggests that self-corrective forces are at work on imbalanced sex ratios in India.
Primary duodenal Burkitt lymphoma presenting as sessile, button‐like bleeding polyps
Authors: Hu Ching‐Chih , Lin Chih‐Lang , Chien Hui‐Ping , Yeh Kun‐Yun , Chien Rong‐Nan
Published: December 2014

Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma accounts for 30–50% of all extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas, making the GI tract the most common site of extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Most GI lymphomas belong to the B cell lineage. Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive mature B cell neoplasm that occurs in three forms: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency‐associated. Sporadic BL accounts for 1–2% of all adult lymphomas and usually presents as an abdominal manifestation of extranodal disease involving the distal ileum or cecum. Primary BL of the duodenum is rare. However, this report emphasizes the importance of awareness of the malignancy potential of duodenal polyps. We report the case of a 70‐year‐old woman admitted to our ward with upper GI bleeding due to duodenal polyps. An upper GI endoscopic examination showed button‐like polyps with central depression, and an immunohistochemical study of the polyps revealed a high‐grade B cell malignancy (BL). Consequently, the patient was treated with aggressive chemotherapy. The tumors regressed after chemotherapy. Although primary duodenal Burkitt lymphoma is very rare, the possibility of malignancy should be considered if a patient presents with duodenal button‐like polyps with a central depressed surface.
Cdc42 induces EGF receptor protein accumulation and promotes EGF receptor nuclear transport and cellular transformation
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yu , Gan Ming-Xi , Li Yong , Zhan Wei-Hua , Han Tian-Yu , Han Xiao-Jian , Cheng Jin-Quan , Wang Jian-Bin
Published: December 2014

Cdc42 is a Ras‐related small GTP‐binding protein. A previous study has shown that Cdc42 binding to the γ subunit of the coatomer protein complex (γCOP) is essential for Cdc42‐regulated cellular transformation, but the molecular mechanism involved is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that constitutively‐active Cdc42 binding to γCOP induced the accumulation of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the cells, sustained EGF‐stimulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), JUN amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling and promoted cell division. Moreover, constitutive Cdc42 activity facilitated the nuclear translocation of EGFR, and this indicates a novel mechanism through which Cdc42 might promote cellular transformation.
Osteopontin‐integrin αvβ3 axis is crucial for 5‐fluorouracil resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Takuya , Shinriki Satoru , Jono Hirofumi , Ueda Mitsuharu , Nagata Masashi , Guo Jianying , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Yoshida Ryoji , Ota Tomoko , Ota Kazutoshi , Kawahara Kenta , Nakagawa Yoshihiro , Yamashita Satoshi , Nakayama Hideki , Hiraki Akimitsu , Shinohara Masanori , Ando Yukio
Published: December 2014

Clinical applications of a chemotherapeutic agent, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been limited because of drug resistance. This study aimed to identify novel mechanisms of 5‐FU resistance. Here we found increased osteopontin (OPN) gene expression in OSCC tissues with resistance to 5‐FU‐based chemoradiotherapy. OPN overexpression in OSCC cells led to 5‐FU resistance and abrogated the prosurvival effect of the drug in a mouse xenograft model. OPN‐induced 5‐FU resistance required integrin αvβ3. Targeting integrin αvβ3 reversed the resistance in a 5‐FU‐resistant clone highly expressing OPN. Our data suggest that the OPN‐integrin αvβ3 axis is crucial for 5‐FU resistance in OSCC.
Glutamate 270 plays an essential role in K+‐activation and domain closure of Thermus thermophilus isopropylmalate dehydrogenase
Authors: Gráczer Éva , Palló Anna , Oláh Julianna , Szimler Tamás , Konarev Petr V. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Merli Angelo , Závodszky Péter , Weiss Manfred S. , Vas Mária
Published: December 2014

The mutant E270A of Thermus thermophilus 3‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenase exhibits largely reduced (∼1%) catalytic activity and negligible activation by K+ compared to the wild‐type enzyme. A 3–4 kcal/mol increase in the activation energy of the catalysed reaction upon this mutation could also be predicted by QM/MM calculations. In the X‐ray structure of the E270A mutant a water molecule was observed to take the place of K+. SAXS and FRET experiments revealed the essential role of E270 in stabilisation of the active domain‐closed conformation of the enzyme. In addition, E270 seems to position K+ into close proximity of the nicotinamide ring of NAD+ and the electron‐withdrawing effect of K+ may help to polarise the aromatic ring in order to aid the hydride‐transfer.
miR‐466 is putative negative regulator of Coxsackie virus and Adenovirus Receptor
Authors: Lam W.Y. , Cheung Ariel C.Y. , Tung Christine K.C. , Yeung Apple C.M. , Ngai Karry L.K. , Lui Vivian W.Y. , Chan Paul K.S. , Tsui Stephen K.W.
Published: December 2014

This study aimed at elucidating how Coxsackie B virus (CVB) perturbs the host's microRNA (miRNA) regulatory pathways that lead to antiviral events. The results of miRNA profiling in rat pancreatic cells infection models revealed that rat rno‐miR‐466d was up‐regulated in CVB infection. Furthermore, in silico studies showed that Coxsackie virus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), a cellular receptor, was one of the rno‐miR‐466d targets involved in viral entry. Subsequent experiments also proved that both the rno‐miR‐466d and the human hsa‐miR‐466, which are orthologs of the miR‐467 gene family, could effectively down‐regulate the levels of rat and human CAR protein expression, respectively.
Toward a more nuanced understanding of the statistical properties of a median split
Authors: Iacobucci Dawn , Posavac Steven S. , Kardes Frank R. , Schneider Matthew J. , Popovich Deidre L.
Published: December 2014

Some behavioral researchers occasionally wish to conduct a median split on a continuous variable and use the result in subsequent modeling to facilitate analytic ease and communication clarity. Traditionally, this practice of dichotomization has been criticized for the resulting loss of information and reduction in power. More recently, this practice has been criticized for sometimes producing Type I errors for effects regarding other terms in a model, resulting in a recommendation of the unconditional avoidance of median splits. In this paper, we use simulation studies to demonstrate more thoroughly than has been shown in the literature to date when median splits should not be used, and conversely, to provide nuance and balance to the extant literature regarding when median splits may be used with complete analytical integrity. For the scenario we explicate, the use of a median split is as good as a continuous variable. Accordingly, there is no reason to outright reject median splits, and oftentimes the median split may be preferred as more parsimonious.
Radiology Diagnostic Devices Under Emergency Electric Power at Disaster Base Hospitals During the Acute Phase of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Results of a Survey of All Disaster Base Hospitals in Miyagi Prefecture
Authors: Maezawa Shota , Kudo Daisuke , Furukawa Hajime , Nakagawa Atsuhiro , Yamanouchi Satoshi , Matsumura Takashi , Egawa Shinichi , Tominaga Teiji , Kushimoto Shigeki
Published: December 2014

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the management of emergency electric power and the operation of radiology diagnostic devices after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

Timing of electricity restoration, actual emergency electric power generation, and whether radiology diagnostic devices were operational and the reason if not were investigated through a questionnaire submitted to all 14 disaster base hospitals in Miyagi Prefecture in February and March 2013.

Results

Commercial electricity supply resumed within 3 days after the earthquake at 13 of 14 hospitals. Actual emergency electric power generation was lower than pre-disaster estimates at most of the hospitals. Only 4 of 11 hospitals were able to generate 60% of the power normally consumed. Under emergency electric power, conventional X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scanners worked in 9 of 14 (64%) and 8 of 14 (57%) hospitals, respectively. The main reason conventional X-ray and CT scanners did not operate was that hospitals had not planned to use these devices under emergency electric power. Only 2 of the 14 hospitals had a pre-disaster plan to allocate emergency electric power, and all devices operated at these 2 hospitals.

Conclusions

Pre-disaster plans to allocate emergency electric power are required for disaster base hospitals to effectively operate radiology diagnostic devices after a disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:548-552)
Non-isothermal bubble rise: non-monotonic dependence of surface tension on temperature
Authors: Tripathi M. K. , Sahu K. C. , Karapetsas G. , Sefiane K. , Matar O. K.
Published: December 2014

We study the motion of a bubble driven by buoyancy and thermocapillarity in a tube with a non-uniformly heated walls, containing a so-called ‘self-rewetting fluid’; the surface tension of the latter exhibits a parabolic dependence on temperature, with a well-defined minimum. In the Stokes flow limit, we derive the conditions under which a spherical bubble can come to rest in a self-rewetting fluid whose temperature varies linearly in the vertical direction, and demonstrate that this is possible for both positive and negative temperature gradients. This is in contrast to the case of simple fluids whose surface tension decreases linearly with temperature, for which bubble motion is arrested only for negative temperature gradients. In the case of self-rewetting fluids, we propose an analytical expression for the position of bubble arrestment as a function of other dimensionless numbers. We also perform direct numerical simulation of axisymmetric bubble motion in a fluid whose temperature increases linearly with vertical distance from the bottom of the tube; this is done for a range of Bond and Galileo numbers, as well as for various parameters that govern the functional dependence of surface tension on temperature. We demonstrate that bubble motion can be reversed and then arrested only in self-rewetting fluids, and not in linear fluids, for sufficiently small Bond numbers. We also demonstrate that considerable bubble elongation is possible under significant wall confinement, and for strongly self-rewetting fluids and large Bond numbers. The mechanisms underlying the phenomena observed are elucidated by considering how the surface tension dependence on temperature affects the thermocapillary stresses in the flow.
ADHD and Adaptability: The Roles of Cognitive, Behavioural, and Emotional Regulation
Authors: Burns Emma , Martin Andrew J.
Published: December 2014

Adaptability has been recently proposed as cognitive, behavioural, and emotional regulation assisting individuals to effectively respond to change, uncertainty and novelty. Given students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have known impairments with regulatory functions, they may be at particular disadvantage as they seek to navigate change, uncertainty, and novelty in their academic lives. This discussion summarises current research of adaptability as relevant to students with ADHD, presents preliminary exploration of data that suggests evidence for the difficulties students with ADHD face with regards to adaptability (particularly in regards to cognitive and behavioural regulation), and concludes with suggestions for counselling, psychological, and educational practices aimed at enhancing the adaptability of students with ADHD.
What Do I Need to Vote? Bureaucratic Discretion and Discrimination by Local Election Officials
Authors: WHITE ARIEL R. , NATHAN NOAH L. , FALLER JULIE K.
Published: December 2014

Do street-level bureaucrats discriminate in the services they provide to constituents? We use a field experiment to measure differential information provision about voting by local election administrators in the United States. We contact over 7,000 election officials in 48 states who are responsible for providing information to voters and implementing voter ID laws. We find that officials provide different information to potential voters of different putative ethnicities. Emails sent from Latino aliases are significantly less likely to receive any response from local election officials than non-Latino white aliases and receive responses of lower quality. This raises concerns about the effect of voter ID laws on access to the franchise and about bias in the provision of services by local bureaucrats more generally.