bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of fracture risk by the FRAX algorithm in men and women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Carnevale Vincenzo , Morano Susanna , Fontana Andrea , Annese Maria Antonietta , Fallarino Mara , Filardi Tiziana , Copetti Massimiliano , Pellegrini Fabio , Romagnoli Elisabetta , Eller‐Vainicher Cristina , Zhukouskaya Volha V. , Chiodini Iacopo , D'Amico Graziella
Published: December 2013

Background

The FRAX algorithm is a diffuse tool to assess fracture risk, but it has not been clinically applied in European patients with diabetes. We investigated FRAX‐estimated fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), compared with concomitantly enrolled control subjects.

Methods

In our multicentric cross‐sectional study, we assessed the FRAX scores of 974 DM and 777 control subjects from three Italian diabetes outpatient clinics, and in DM. We tested the association between parameters and complications of the disease and FRAX scores.

Results

DM had significantly lower FRAX‐estimated probability of both major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) than control subjects (6.35 ± 5.07% versus 7.75 ± 6.93%, p < 0.001, and 2.17 ± 3.07% versus 2.91 ± 4.56%, p = 0.023, respectively). When grouping by gender, such differences were found only in men. In DM, the frequency of previous fracture was higher than in control subjects (29.88% versus 20.46%, p < 0.001). In diabetic patients, age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c and hypoglycaemia are significantly associated with FRAX scores; gender‐specific regression models differed.

Among DM, the tree‐based regression (classification and regression tree (CART)) analysis identified groups of patients with different mean FRAX scores. In female DM aged >65 years with or without obesity, MOF > 20% was found in 5.66% and 13.53% and HF > 3% in 40.57% and 63.91% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with DM had mean FRAX scores lower than control subjects, despite the higher number of previous fractures. Some features and complications of DM did associate with FRAX scores. Among DM patients, the CART analysis identified subgroups with higher FRAX scores. However, despite its potential utility, concerns still remain for using FRAX in DM patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for olfactory fMRI studies: Implication of respiration
Authors: Wang Jianli , Sun Xiaoyu , Yang Qing X.
Published: December 2013

Human olfactory system is under‐studied using fMRI compared with other sensory systems. Because the perception (intensity, threshold, and valence) and detection of odors are tightly involved with respiration, the subject's respiration pattern modulates and interacts with the experimental paradigm, which presents difficulties for olfactory fMRI data acquisition, post‐processing, and interpretation. Based on our investigation on the interactions of odor presentation and subject's respiration, we propose a respiration‐triggered event‐related olfactory fMRI technique and a data post‐processing method that effectively captures precise onsets of olfactory blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal in the primary olfactory cortex. We compared the olfactory BOLD signals from seventeen normal healthy adults with diverse respiratory patterns and showed that the subjects' respiratory patterns modulated the olfactory stimulation paradigm, which significantly confounded the BOLD signal. The presented experimental technique provides a simple and effective means for generating reliable olfactory fMRI results. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3616–3624, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brentuximab vedotin followed by allogeneic transplantation as salvage regimen in patients with relapsed and/or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Garciaz Sylvain , Coso Diane , Peyrade Frederic , Fürst Sabine , Duran Ségolène , Chetaille Bruno , Brenot‐Rossi Isabelle , Devillier Raynier , Granata Angela , Blaise Didier , Bouabdallah Réda
Published: December 2013

Patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (RR‐HL) have poor outcomes. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an antibody–drug conjugate comprising an anti‐CD30 antibody conjugated to the potent anti‐microtubule agent, monomethyl auristatin E, induces high tumour responses with moderate adverse effects. In a retrospective study, we describe objective response rates and subsequent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) in patients with RR‐HL treated by BV in a named patient program in two French institutions. Twenty‐four adult patients with histologically proven CD30+ RR‐HL treated with BV were included from July 2009 to November 2012. Response to BV treatment was evaluated after four cycles. Eleven patients were in complete response (45.8%), while five patients were in partial response (20.8%), with an overall response rate of 66.6%. Eight patients failed to respond to BV (33.3%). All of the responding patients could receive consolidation treatment after BV: three patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT), three patients received a tandem auto‐SCT/allo‐SCT, nine patients received allo‐SCT and one patient was treated with donor lymphocyte infusion. We found no treatment‐related mortality at day 100 among the 12 patients who underwent BV following by allogeneic transplantation. With a median follow‐up of 20 months (range 10.5–43.2), none of them relapsed or died. BV followed by allo‐SCT represents an effective salvage regimen in patients with RR‐HL. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satisfaction with the level and type of resource use of a health insurance scheme in Nigeria: health management organizations' perspectives
Authors: Mohammed Shafiu , Souares Aurelia , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo , Babale Sufiyan Muawiyyah , Sauerborn Rainer , Dong Hengjin
Published: December 2013

Some developing countries have incorporated managed care elements into their national health insurance schemes. In practice, hybrid health management organizations (Hmos) are insurers who, bearing some resemblance to managed care in the USA, are vertically integrated in the scheme's revenue collection and pool and purchase healthcare services within a competitive framework. To date, few studies have focused on these organizations and their level of satisfaction with the scheme's optimal‐resource‐use (ORU) implementation. In Nigeria, the study site, Hmos were categorized on the basis of their satisfaction with ORU activities. One hundred forty‐seven Hmo staff were randomly interviewed. The types of ORU domain categories were provider payment mechanism, administrative efficiency, benefit package inclusions and active monitoring mechanism. Bivariate analysis was used to determine differences among the Hmos' satisfaction with the various ORU domains. The Hmos' satisfaction with the health insurance scheme's ORU activities was 59.2% generally, and the associated factors were identified. According to the Hmos' perspectives related to the type of ORU, the fee‐for‐service payment method and regular inspection performed weakly. Hmos' limited satisfaction with the scheme's ORU raises concerns regarding ineffectiveness that may hinder implementation. To offset high risks in the scheme, it appears necessary for the regulatory agency to adapt and reform strategies of provider payment and active monitoring mechanisms according to stakeholder needs. Our findings further reveal that having Hmos evaluate ORU is useful for providing evidence‐based information for policy making and regulatory utilization related to implementation of the health insurance scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene supplementation on cancer incidence and mortality: 18‐Year postintervention follow‐up of the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention Study
Authors: Virtamo Jarmo , Taylor Phil R. , Kontto Jukka , Männistö Satu , Utriainen Meri , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Huttunen Jussi , Albanes Demetrius
Published: December 2013

In the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention Study among 29,133 Finnish male smokers aged 50–69 years, daily α‐tocopherol (50 mg) for a median of 6.1 years decreased the risk of prostate cancer, whereas β‐carotene (20 mg) increased risk of lung cancer and overall mortality. To determine the postintervention effects of α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene, 25,563 men were followed 18 years for cancer incidence and all causes of mortality through national registers. Neither supplement had significant effects on post‐trial cancer incidence. Relative risk (RR) for lung cancer (n = 2,881) was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96–1.11) among β‐carotene recipients compared with nonrecipients. For prostate cancer (n = 2,321), RR was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.89–1.05) among α‐tocopherol recipients compared with nonrecipients with the preventive effect of α‐tocopherol continuing ∼8 years postintervention. Body mass index significantly modified the effect of α‐tocopherol on prostate cancer (p for interaction = 0.01) RR 1.00 (95% CI, 0.88–1.14) in normal‐weight men, 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77–0.98) in overweight men, and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.01–1.55) in obese men. The post‐trial relative mortality (based on 16,686 deaths) was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.98–1.05) for α‐tocopherol recipients compared with nonrecipients and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.99–1.05) for β‐carotene recipients compared with nonrecipients. α‐Tocopherol decreased post‐trial prostate cancer mortality (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70–0.99), whereas β‐carotene increased it (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.42). In conclusion, supplementation with α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene appeared to have no late effects on cancer incidence. The preventive effect of moderate‐dose α‐tocopherol on prostate cancer continued several years post‐trial and resulted in lower prostate cancer mortality.
ORSADEM: A ONE‐DIMENSIONAL SHALLOW WATER CODE FOR FLOOD INUNDATION MODELLING
Authors: Petaccia Gabriella , Natale Elisabetta
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the ORSADEM software, which solves one‐dimensional (1‐D) shallow water equations written in conservative form by numerical schemes suitable for the modelling of shocks and discontinuities generated by a dam break. Unlike the majority of commercial software, ORSADEM automatically defines the model cross‐sections based on the terrain digital elevation model (DEM) and automatically maps the flood‐prone areas, solving the hydraulic equations. The flooded area is mapped using a new method congruent with the unidimensionality of the model. ORSADEM does not need any external platforms. The software has been developed by researchers of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Pavia and it is presented here applied to the case study of the Brembo River. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COMPARING A LARGE‐SCALE DEM‐BASED FLOODPLAIN DELINEATION ALGORITHM WITH STANDARD FLOOD MAPS: THE TIBER RIVER BASIN CASE STUDY
Authors: Nardi Fernando , Biscarini Chiara , Di Francesco Silvia , Manciola Piergiorgio , Ubertini Lucio
Published: December 2013

A large‐scale floodplain delineation algorithm is applied to identify potentially inundated areas at the basin scale. The model, which mainly uses a digital elevation model (DEM) and design flood peak discharge at the outlet as input data, is implemented within a geographic information system (GIS). It implements a preliminary GIS‐based terrain analysis framework for estimating the stream network, surface flow direction and drainage grids, while the core algorithm implements an automated fluvial cross‐section extraction for discharge and flow height estimation. The delineation is then implemented by filtering the floodplain cells as those cells whose elevation is lower than the corresponding channel flow height. The proposed ‘hydrogeomorphic floodplain’, obtained on the Tiber River basin (approx. 17 000 km2) using the global NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM at 90 m resolution, is compared to the official flood maps of the Tiber River Basin Authority to evaluate the model behaviour with respect to standard flood mapping results. The presented case study shows the potential of using an automated GIS algorithm and largely available remotely sensed data for the preliminary identification of the floodplain footprint at the global scale. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of Phenytoin‐Induced Toxicity in Freshly Isolated Rat Hepatocytes and the Protective Effects of Taurine and/or Melatonin
Authors: Eghbal Mohammad Ali , Taziki Shohreh , Sattari Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2013

Phenytoin is a widely used antiepileptic drug. However, hepatotoxicity is one of its adverse effects reported in some patients. The mechanism(s) by which phenytoin causes hepatotoxicity is not clear yet. This study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic mechanism(s) of phenytoin toward rat hepatocytes (whose cytochrome P450 enzymes had been induced by Phenobarbital). Furthermore, the effect of taurine and/or melatonin on this toxicity was investigated. Cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and mitochondrial depolarization were monitored as toxicity markers. Results showed that phenytoin caused an elevation in ROS formation, depletion of intracellular reduced glutathione, increase in cellular oxidized glutathione, enhancement of LPO, and mitochondrial damage. Taurine (1 mM) and/or melatonin (1 mM) administration decreased the intensity of cellular injury caused by phenytoin. This study suggests the protective role of taurine and/or melatonin against phenytoin‐induced cellular damage probably through their reactive radical scavenging properties and their effects on mitochondria.
Are accurate computations of the 13C′ shielding feasible at the DFT level of theory?
Authors: Vila Jorge A. , Arnautova Yelena A. , Martin Osvaldo A. , Scheraga Harold A.
Published: December 2013

The goal of this study is twofold. First, to investigate the relative influence of the main structural factors affecting the computation of the 13C′ shielding, namely, the conformation of the residue itself and the next nearest‐neighbor effects. Second, to determine whether calculation of the 13C′ shielding at the density functional level of theory (DFT), with an accuracy similar to that of the 13Cα shielding, is feasible with the existing computational resources. The DFT calculations, carried out for a large number of possible conformations of the tripeptide Ac‐GXY‐NMe, with different combinations of X and Y residues, enable us to conclude that the accurate computation of the 13C′ shielding for a given residue X depends on the: (i) (ϕ,ψ) backbone torsional angles of X; (ii) side‐chain conformation of X; (iii) (ϕ,ψ) torsional angles of Y; and (iv) identity of residue Y. Consequently, DFT‐based quantum mechanical calculations of the 13C′ shielding, with all these factors taken into account, are two orders of magnitude more CPU demanding than the computation, with similar accuracy, of the 13Cα shielding. Despite not considering the effect of the possible hydrogen bond interaction of the carbonyl oxygen, this work contributes to our general understanding of the main structural factors affecting the accurate computation of the 13C′ shielding in proteins and may spur significant progress in effort to develop new validation methods for protein structures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multireference space without first solving the configuration interaction problem
Authors: Glushkov Vitaly N. , Assfeld Xavier
Published: December 2013

We further develop an idea to generate a compact multireference space without first solving the configuration interaction problem previously proposed for the ground state (GS) (Glushkov, Chem. Phys. Lett. 1995, 244, 1). In the present contribution, our attention is focused on low‐lying excited states (ESs) with the same symmetry as the GS which can be adequately described in terms of an high‐spin open‐shell formalism. Two references Møller–Plesset (MP) like perturbation theory for ESs is developed. It is based on: (1) a main reference configuration constructed from the parent molecular orbitals adjusted to a given ES and (2) secondary double excitation configuration built on the GS like orbitals determined by the Hartree–Fock equations subject to some orthogonality constraints. It is shown how to modify the MP zeroth‐order Hamiltonian so that the reference configurations and corresponding excitations are eigenfunctions of it and are compatible with orthogonality conditions for the GS and ES. Intruder states appearance is also discussed. The proposed scheme is applied to the GS, ES, and excitation energies of small molecules to illustrate and calibrate our calculations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasonographic findings of gonarthritis caused by toothpick: A case report
Authors: Tang Yuanjiao , Zhu Meng , Qiu Li
Published: December 2013

We report a rare case of a 5‐year‐old patient with a toothpick in the knee joint resulting in septic arthritis. The toothpick was detected in the joint by sonography and was confirmed at surgery. A wooden foreign body is an uncommon cause of arthritis. This case report is followed by a discussion of the value of sonography in the diagnosis of wooden foreign‐body arthritis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:379–381, 2014
Three‐dimensional volumetric quantification of fat loss following cryolipolysis
Authors: Garibyan Lilit , Sipprell William H. , Jalian H. Ray , Sakamoto Fernanda H. , Avram Mathew , Anderson R. Rox
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive and well‐tolerated treatment for reduction of localized subcutaneous fat. Although several studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this procedure, volumetric fat reduction from this treatment has not been quantified. This prospective study investigated the change in volume of fat after cryolipolysis treatment using three‐dimensional (3D) photography.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study of subjects treated with cryolipolysis on the flank (love handle) was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital. Volume measurements were performed with a Canfield Scientific Vectra three‐dimensional camera and software to evaluate the amount of post procedure volume change. Clinical outcomes were assessed with caliper measurements, subject surveys, and blinded physician assessment of photographs.

Results

Eleven subjects were enrolled in this study. Each subject underwent a single cycle of cryolipolysis to one flank. The untreated flank served as an internal control. The follow‐up time after treatment was 2 months. The mean amount of calculated absolute fat volume loss using 3D photography from baseline to 2 months follow‐up visit was 56.2 ± 25.6 from the treatment site and 16.6 ± 17.6 cc from the control (P < 0.0001). A mean absolute difference of 39.6 cc between the treated and untreated sides was calculated at 2 months post‐treatment. Comparison of caliper measurements from baseline to 2 months post‐treatment demonstrated significant reduction of the treated flank from 45.6 ± 5.8 mm at baseline to 38.6 ± 4.6 mm at 2 months post‐treatment (P < 0.001). The untreated flank did not show significant reduction with caliper measurements demonstrating 45.3 ± 5.0 mm at baseline and 44.6 ± 5.1 mm at 2 months post‐treatment (P = 0.360). No unexpected side effects or adverse events were reported. Post‐treatment satisfaction surveys demonstrated 82% of subjects were satisfied with the results.

Conclusions

Cryolipolysis is a safe, well‐tolerated, and effective noninvasive fat removal methodology that on average leads to 39.6 cc of fat loss of the treated flank at 2 months after a single treatment cycle. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:75–80, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deciphering intrafamilial phenotypic variability by exome sequencing in a Bardet–Biedl family
Authors: González‐del Pozo María , Méndez‐Vidal Cristina , Santoyo‐Lopez Javier , Vela‐Boza Alicia , Bravo‐Gil Nereida , Rueda Antonio , García‐Alonso Luz , Vázquez‐Marouschek Carmen , Dopazo Joaquín , Borrego Salud , Antiñolo Guillermo
Published: December 2013

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a model ciliopathy characterized by a wide range of clinical variability. The heterogeneity of this condition is reflected in the number of underlying gene defects and the epistatic interactions between the proteins encoded. BBS is generally inherited in an autosomal recessive trait. However, in some families, mutations across different loci interact to modulate the expressivity of the phenotype. In order to investigate the magnitude of epistasis in one BBS family with remarkable intrafamilial phenotypic variability, we designed an exome sequencing–based approach using SOLID 5500xl platform. This strategy allowed the reliable detection of the primary causal mutations in our family consisting of two novel compound heterozygous mutations in McKusick–Kaufman syndrome (MKKS) gene (p.D90G and p.V396F). Additionally, exome sequencing enabled the detection of one novel heterozygous NPHP4 variant which is predicted to activate a cryptic acceptor splice site and is only present in the most severely affected patient. Here, we provide an exome sequencing analysis of a BBS family and show the potential utility of this tool, in combination with network analysis, to detect disease‐causing mutations and second‐site modifiers. Our data demonstrate how next‐generation sequencing (NGS) can facilitate the dissection of epistatic phenomena, and shed light on the genetic basis of phenotypic variability.
Vemurafenib in pediatric patients with BRAFV600E mutated high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Bautista Francisco , Paci Angelo , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Dufour Christelle , Grill Jacques , Lacroix Ludovic , Varlet Pascale , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Geoerger Birgit
Published: December 2013

We present three pediatric patients with BRAFV600E mutant high‐grade gliomas treated by vemurafenib on a nominative authorization level at our institution. One patient with anaplastic ganglioglioma experienced confirmed partial tumor response and significant clinical improvement and she is alive 20 months after start of treatment. A second patient with ganglioglioma responded transiently to re‐introduction of vemurafenib after immunotherapy. Pharmacokinetic studies suggest that maximum concentration and exposure of vemurafenib at steady‐state is dose‐dependent and similar in children to that reported in adults. These cases suggest that BRAFV600 is an oncogenic driver in pediatric gliomas. Further exploration in clinical studies is ongoing. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1101–1103. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of two phenotypically distinct lattice corneal dystrophies caused by mutations in the transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI) gene
Authors: Poulsen Ebbe Toftgaard , Runager Kasper , Risør Michael W. , Dyrlund Thomas F. , Scavenius Carsten , Karring Henrik , Praetorius Jeppe , Vorum Henrik , Otzen Daniel E. , Klintworth Gordon K. , Enghild Jan J.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

In this study, we investigated whether the phenotypic difference observed between two lattice corneal dystrophy type 1 (LCD type 1) cases caused by either a single A546D substitution or an A546D/P551Q double substitution in TGFBIp (transforming growth factor beta induced protein) can be ascribed to (i) a difference in the proteomes of corneal amyloid deposits, (ii) altered proteolysis of TGFBIp, or (iii) structural changes of TGFBIp introduced by the P551Q amino acid substitution.

Experimental design

Amyloid deposits were isolated from the corneas of two siblings with LCD type 1 resulting from A546D/P551Q mutations in the TGFBI gene using laser capture microdissection and subsequently analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. Proteolytic processing of TGFBIp was addressed by counting peptide spectra. Lastly, to study the possible effect of the P551Q substitution, recombinant FAS1–4 domain variants were subjected to in vitro stability assays.

Results

The amyloid proteomes and TGFBIp processing of the two A546D/P551Q LCD type 1 cases were similar to each other as well as to the A546D amyloid proteome previously reported by us. The stability assays revealed a minor destabilization of the FAS1–4 domain upon the addition of the P551Q mutation, moreover, it resulted in different accessibility to tryptic cleavage sites between the A546D and A546D/P551Q mutant FAS1–4 domain variants.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The difference in A546D and A546D/P551Q LCD type 1 phenotypes cannot be ascribed to altered corneal amyloid composition or altered in vivo proteolytic processing of TGFBIp. Instead, a small difference in thermodynamic stability introduced by the P551Q mutation most likely causes structural changes of TGFBIp. The MS proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000307 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000307).
Crystal structure of Plasmodium vivax FK506‐binding protein 25 reveals conformational changes responsible for its noncanonical activity
Authors: Rajan Sreekanth , Austin David , Harikishore Amaravadhi , Nguyen Quoc Toan , Baek Kwanghee , Yoon Ho Sup
Published: December 2013

The malarial parasites currently remain one of the most dreadful parasites, which show increasing trend of drug resistance to the currently available antimalarial drugs. Thus, the need to identify and characterize new protein targets in these parasites can aid to design novel therapeutic strategies to combat malaria. Recently, the conserved FK506‐binding protein family members with molecular weight of 35 kDa from Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax (referred to as PfFKBP35 and PvFKBP35, respectively) were identified for drug targeting. Further data mining revealed a 25‐kDa FKBP (FKBP25) family member present in the parasites. FKBP25 belongs to a unique class of FKBP, because it is a nuclear FKBP with multiple protein‐binding partners. Apart from immune regulation, it is also known for its chaperoning role in various cellular processes such as transcription regulation and trafficking. Here, we present the biochemical characterization and 1.9‐Å crystal structure of an N‐terminal truncated FKBP25 from P. vivax (PvFKBP2572–209). The protein reveals the noncanonical nature with unique structural changes observed in the loops flanking the active site, concealing the binding pocket. Further, a potential calmodulin‐binding domain, which is absent in human FKBP25, is observed in this protein. Although the functional implication of Plasmodium FKBP25 in malaria still remains elusive, we speculate that the notable conformational changes in its structure might serve as an overture in understanding its molecular mechanism. Proteins 2014; 82:1235–1244. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and dielectric properties of the KBiScNbO6 double perovskite
Authors: Ivanov Oleg , Danshina Elena , Sudzhanskaya Irina , Vasil'ev Alexei
Published: December 2013

Ceramic KBiScNbO6 compound was synthesized for the first time. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that at room temperature the samples consist of a mixture of the perovskite and pyrochlore phases. The dominant phase is the perovskite one. This phase can be described as distorted pseudocubic Pm3m structure with unit‐cell parameter ac = 4.069 Å. Rhombohedral distortion leading the polar R3m phase is assumed to be one of possible structural distortions. Dielectric measurements of the compound under study demonstrated anomalies associated with relaxor ferroelectric behavior (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of hydrometeor frequency of occurrence in a limited‐area numerical weather prediction system using near real‐time CloudSat–CALIPSO observations
Authors: Protat A. , Young S. A. , Rikus L. , Whimpey M.
Published: December 2013

Near real‐time measurements from the CloudSat and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) mission are used to evaluate the representation of the hydrometeor frequency of occurrence (HFO) in the limited‐area version of the Australian Community Climate and Earth‐System Simulator (ACCESS‐A), using 1 year of collocated satellite data and model forecasts. The ACCESS‐A is found to overpredict the HFO below 12 km height (primarily over the Southern Ocean), and largely underpredict the HFO above 12 km height (primarily in the Tropics). The seasonal variability of these biases was found to be small suggesting that these model problems can be investigated with short‐term simulations. This implies that faster model improvement should be achievable using the technique proposed in this study.

Selected skill scores were then analysed as a function of lead time, hydrometeor height in the troposphere and season. The highest forecast skill was found in the subtropics, mostly owing to a low incidence of false positives. Overall the ACCESS‐A forecast skill at the Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes is comparable to that of the North Atlantic/European version of the UK Met Office Unified Model at Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes. It is also found that mid‐latitude low‐level hydrometeors and tropical low‐level and high‐level hydrometeors during the Southern Hemisphere summer are the most challenging hydrometeors to simulate in the domain.
Design of the multi‐objective constrained nonlinear robust excitation controller with extended Kalman filter estimates of all state variables
Authors: Zhifeng Gu , Guixin Yang , Changqing Zhu , Tianzhang Shao
Published: December 2013

A new optimal back‐stepping robust adaptive control method for the military moving power station (MMPS) excitation system is proposed in this paper. Through the extended Kalman filter estimates of the state variables, the tracking of the operating point, and the back‐stepping technique, the proposed controller has been shown to improve system robustness to disturbances and dynamic uncertainties and minimise the effect of disturbances by solving the linear matrix inequality to obtain the optimal control law on all operating points. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control strategy can enhance the transient stability of the MMPS excitation system more effectively than other methods and can optimise the convergence rates of the state variables by modifying the values of the weighting matrices. Moreover, the terminal voltage of the MMPS can be sampled quickly by alternating current (AC) tracking comparison. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beer's Viable System Model and Luhmann's Communication Theory: ‘Organizations’ from the Perspective of Meta‐Games
Authors: Johnson Mark William , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: December 2013

Beyond the descriptions of ‘viability’ provided by Beer's Viable System Model, Maturana's autopoietic theory or Luhmann's communication theory, questions remain as to what ‘viability’ means across different contexts. How is ‘viability’ affected by the Internet and the changing information environments in a knowledge‐based economy? For Luhmann, social systems like businesses are coordination systems that do not ‘live’ as viable systems but operate because they relieve human beings from environmental complexity. We situate Beer's concept of viability with Luhmann's through analyzing the way that ‘decisions’ shape organizations in an information environment. Howard's (1971) meta‐game analysis enables us to consider the ‘viable system’ as an ‘agent system’ producing utterances as moves in a discourse game within the context of its information environment. We discuss how this approach can lead to an accommodation between Beer's practical orientation and Luhmann's sociological critique where the relationship between viability, decision and information can be further explored. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Brown and White Adipocytes: Role of Pax3
Authors: Mohsen-Kanson Tala , Hafner Anne-Laure , Wdziekonski Brigitte , Takashima Yasuhiro , Villageois Phi , Carrière Audrey , Svensson Maria , Bagnis Claude , Chignon-Sicard Bérengère , Svensson Per-Arne , Casteilla Louis , Smith Austin , Dani Christian
Published: December 2013

Identification of molecular mechanisms involved in generation of different types of adipocytes is progressing substantially in mice. However, much less is known regarding characterization of brown (BAP) and white adipocyte progenitors (WAPs) in humans, highlighting the need for an in vitro model of human adipocyte development. Here, we report a procedure to selectively derive BAP and WAPs from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. Molecular characterization of APs of both phenotypes revealed that BMP4, Hox8, Hoxc9, and HoxA5 genes were specifically expressed in WAPs, whereas expression of PRDM16, Dio2, and Pax3 marked BAPs. We focused on Pax3 and we showed that expression of this transcription factor was enriched in human perirenal white adipose tissue samples expressing UCP1 and in human classical brown fat. Finally, functional experiments indicated that Pax3 was a critical player of human AP fate as its ectopic expression led to convert WAPs into brown-like APs. Together, these data support a model in which Pax3 is a new marker of human BAPs and a molecular mediator of their fate. The findings of this study could lead to new anti-obesity therapies based on the recruitment of APs and constitute a platform for investigating in vitro the developmental origins of human white and brown adipocytes. Stem Cells  2014;32:1459–1467
Stable High‐Nitrogen Energetic Trinuclear Compounds based on 4‐Amino‐3, 5‐dimethyl‐1, 2, 4‐triazole: Synthesis, Structures, Thermal and Explosive Properties
Authors: Wu Bi‐Dong , Bi Yan‐Gang , Zhou Ming‐Rui , Zhang Tong‐Lai , Yang Li , Zhou Zun‐Ning , Zhang Jian‐Guo
Published: December 2013

Six multi‐ligand coordination compounds of the general formula [M3(AMTz)4(N3)6] [M = Cu (1), Co (2), Ni (3), Zn (4), Mn (5), and Cd (6), AMTz = 4‐amino‐3, 5‐dimethyl‐1, 2, 4‐triazole] were synthesized using 4‐amino‐3, 5‐dimethyl‐1, 2, 4‐triazole (AMTz) and azido groups. Compounds 1–6 were characterized by elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, compound 4 was characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal structure of 4 belongs to the monoclinic P21/c space group. Surprisingly, the Zn1 cations are five‐coordinated with two AMTz molecules as the bidentate ligands through N1 and N5 atoms, two azido ligands with μ‐1 coordination modes and one azido ligand with μ‐1, 1 coordination mode. In addition, the Zn2 cation is six‐coordinated with four AMTz molecules as the bidentate ligands through N2 and N6 atoms, and two azido ligands with μ‐1, 1 coordination modes. Thermal decomposition mechanisms were determined based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process were studied using Kissinger's and Ozawa's method, respectively. The critical temperatures of thermal explosion, entropies of activation (ΔS≠), enthalpies of activation (ΔH≠), and free energies of activation (ΔG≠) were calculated. In the end, the sensitivities properties were also determined with standard methods.
[Bi4]6– – The Zintl Anion with the Highest Charge per Atom Obtained from Solution
Authors: Benda Christian B. , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: December 2013

From the dark‐purple solution of the Zintl phase KBi in liquid ammonia dark‐blue crystals of the ammonia solvate K6[Bi4](NH3)8 were obtained. In contrast to known Bin polyanions the chemical bond in the anion [Bi4]6– is in accordance with the (8‐N) rule featuring solely Bi–Bi single bonds. [Bi4]6– is a butane‐analog valence compound, and with 6 negative charges per 4 atoms it is the anion with the highest known charge per atom obtained from solution. The planarity of the trans‐[Bi4]6– unit hints at π orbital contributions of the bismuth atoms. The corresponding reactions of the phases K5Bi4 and K3Bi2 in liquid ammonia in the presence of [2.2.2]crypt(4, 7, 13, 16, 21, 24‐hexaoxa‐1, 10‐diazabicyclo‐[8.8.8]hexacosane) lead to the salt [K([2.2.2]crypt)]2[Bi2](NH3)4 with the known electron‐deficient [Bi2]2– polyanion and a Bi=Bi double bond.
Magnetic Ordering in the Solid Solution CePt1–xPdxAl (x = 0.1–0.8)
Authors: Eilers‐Rethwisch Matthias , Niehaus Oliver , Janka Oliver
Published: December 2013

In order to investigate the magnetic properties of the solid solution CePt1–xPdxAl the individual compounds were synthesized from the elements using an arc furnace. From x = 0–0.8 the solid solution crystallizes in the orthorhombic TiNiSi‐type structure (Pnma, no. 62; a = 721–722, b = 448–453 and c = 778–779 pm) and for x = 0.9 both the TiNiSi‐ as well as the hexagonal ZrNiAl‐type structures were observed. The solid solution exhibits an interesting magnetic behavior as for small values of x ferromagnetic ordering can be found. At higher palladium content this changes towards an antiferromagnetic ordering. Furthermore the solid solution exhibits a spin‐reorientation (meta‐magnetic step) for x = 0.2–0.7.
Diagnostic Exome Sequencing Identifies Two Novel IQSEC2 Mutations Associated with X‐Linked Intellectual Disability with Seizures: Implications for Genetic Counseling and Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Gandomi Stephanie K. , Farwell Gonzalez K. D. , Parra M. , Shahmirzadi L. , Mancuso J. , Pichurin P. , Temme R. , Dugan S. , Zeng W. , Tang Sha
Published: December 2013

Intellectual disability is a heterogeneous disorder with a wide phenotypic spectrum. Over 1,700 OMIM genes have been associated with this condition, many of which reside on the X‐chromosome. The IQSEC2 gene is located on chromosome Xp11.22 and is known to play a significant role in the maintenance and homeostasis of the brain. Mutations in IQSEC2 have been historically associated with nonsyndromic X‐linked intellectual disability. Case reports of affected probands show phenotypic overlap with conditions associated with pathogenic MECP2, FOXG1, CDKL5, and MEF2C gene mutations. Affected individuals, however, have also been identified as presenting with additional clinical features including seizures, autistic‐behavior, psychiatric problems, and delayed language skills. To our knowledge, only 5 deleterious mutations and 2 intragenic duplications have been previously reported in IQSEC2. Here we report two novel IQSEC2 de novo truncating mutations identified through diagnostic exome sequencing in two severely affected unrelated male probands manifesting developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, plagiocephaly, and abnormal MRI findings. Overall, diagnostic exome sequencing established a molecular diagnosis for two patients in whom traditional testing methods were uninformative while expanding on the mutational and phenotypic spectrum. In addition, our data suggests that IQSEC2 may be more common than previously appreciated, accounting for approximately 9 % (2/22) of positive findings among patients with seizures referred for diagnostic exome sequencing. Further, these data supports recently published data suggesting that IQSEC2 plays a more significant role in the development of X‐linked intellectual disability with seizures than previously anticipated.
A MALDI MS Investigation of the Lysophosphatidylcholine/Phosphatidylcholine Ratio in Human Spermatozoa and Erythrocytes as a Useful Fertility Marker
Authors: Nimptsch Ariane , Pyttel Susanne , Paasch Uwe , Mohr Christoph , Heinrich Jan‐Michael , Schiller Jürgen
Published: December 2013

The human spermatozoa membrane is characterized by a unique fatty acyl composition with significant amounts of highly unsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6), whereby phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) (16:0/22:6) is the most abundant glycerophospholipid. The large amount of highly unsaturated fatty acyl residues is crucial for the fluidity of the membrane and, therefore, the successful fertilization process. Consequently, however, the spermatozoa are very sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated under conditions of “oxidative stress” and key players in many pathological conditions. Lipid oxidation of the sperm membrane is accompanied by the loss of the oxidatively modified unsaturated residue (normally in thesn‐2 position) and the generation of saturated lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPtdCho). Although other lysolipids are also generated, LysoPtdCho is the “marker” lipid of choice due to the high abundance of PtdCho. In particular, obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) is characterized by increased ROS generation and negatively affects the reproductive potential. We will show here that the LysoPtdCho/PtdCho ratio can be easily determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). The data found do correlate with clinical markers of sperm quality. A very interesting aspect is that the LysoPtdCho/PtdCho ratios determined in the spermatozoa extracts correlate with the LysoPtdCho/PtdCho values determined in the organic extracts of erythrocytes. Thus, there is no absolute need for a sperm investigation, but an estimation of the fertilizing ability of the corresponding male could be also made directly from the blood which is more readily available than the spermatozoa.
Spatial simulation of channel flow instability and control
Authors: Kucala Alec , Biringen Sedat
Published: December 2013

A direct numerical simulation is performed on the full time-dependent three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in a spatially developing plane-channel flow at a Reynolds number of 10 000. Two-dimensional eigenfunctions based on the solution of the Orr–Sommerfeld equation are introduced at the inflow with random noise added to simulate a vibrating ribbon transition experiment. The flow is allowed to choose a natural path to secondary instability, either K-type (after Klebanoff) or H-type (after Herbert), depending on the amplitude of the two-dimensional disturbance. For low-amplitude two-dimensional disturbances (1 % of the centreline velocity), H-type modes are found to dominate, while a doubling of the amplitude (2 % of the centreline velocity) produces a mixed H-type/K-type disturbance field with explosive growth of the secondary modes. In addition, the use of a suction/blowing slot that is phase lagged with respect to a fixed wall pressure signal is demonstrated to significantly reduce the energy in the primary mode owing to the destruction of phase between the streamwise and wall-normal velocity components. The use of forward finite-time Lyapunov exponents to generate Lagrangian coherent structures as a means of flow visualization is also presented, showing qualitative agreement with previous experimental visualizations, and represents a viable means of identifying characteristic vortical flow structures.
Spatial variation in the foraging behaviour of the Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) assessed using scat collections and stable isotope analysis
Authors: Páez-Rosas Diego , Aurioles-Gamboa David
Published: December 2013

This study focuses on the comparative analysis of variables related to the trophic niche plasticity in the Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki). There is great concern regarding the future of this species, so study of the diet and the way these animals obtain their food is useful to understand and predict their survival possibilities in the long term. The combined use of scat analysis and stable isotopes helps to determine foraging habits of this species in greater detail. The objective of the study was to assess the feeding habits of Z. wollebaeki and its space–time variation. The scat analysis (n = 200) gave as a result space–time changes in the foraging strategies of this species. The isotopic values (n = 80) showed differences in relation to foraging grounds (δ13C: P = 0.001), but also suggested an apparent stability in the trophic level of their diet (δ15N: P = 0.084). These results constitute a relevant finding in the evolutionary behaviour of the species, showing that Z. wollebaeki has developed a high degree of plasticity in its foraging habits that may improve its survival in a highly demanding ecosystem in terms of limited and fluctuating resources.
Longitudinal follow-up of the relationship between dietary intake and growth and development in the Lifeways cross-generation cohort study 2001–2013
Authors: Kelleher Cecily C. , Viljoen Karien , Khalil Hala , Somerville Rebecca , O'Brien John , Shrivastava Aakash , Murrin Celine
Published: December 2013

In this paper we will review evidence on the early life and familial influences on childhood growth and development, with particular reference to the Lifeways cross-generation cohort study in the Republic of Ireland. The Lifeways cross-generation cohort study was established in 2001–2013 through two maternity hospitals in the Republic of Ireland and was one of many new cohort studies established worldwide in the millennium period. Mothers were recruited at first booking visit, completing a self-administered questionnaire, which included a 147 item semi-quantitative FFQ. Longitudinal follow-up is ongoing in 2013, with linkage data to hospital and general practice records and examination of children when aged 5 and 9 years. The study is one of very few containing data on grandparents of both lineages with at least one grandparent recruited at baseline. There have been consistent associations between parental and grandparental health status characteristics and children's outcomes, including infant birth-weight, BMI when child was aged 5 years and childhood wheeze or asthma when child was aged 3 and aged 5 years. In conclusion, empirical evidence to date shows consistent familial and cross-generational patterns, particularly in the maternal line.
Active exploration using a scheme for autonomous allocation of landmarks
Authors: Yuan Jing , Huang Yalou , Sun Fengchi , Tao Tong
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we focus on the unknown environments without artificial landmarks and features, such as disaster situations and polar regions. An approach to active exploration based on an on-line scheme for autonomous allocation of landmarks is proposed. Specifically, the robot carries along with itself some landmarks which are to be allocated during the exploration according to some heuristic rules. The utility of landmark allocation is analyzed and calculated. Then the active exploration is converted into a problem of multi-objective optimization. The objective function includes three weighted terms: the accuracy of localization and mapping, the coverage rate of the unknown environment and the utility of the allocated landmarks. By solving this optimization problem, control inputs of the robot are computed to guarantee that accurate localization, high-quality mapping and complete exploration can be achieved simultaneously. Moreover, supplementation and redundancy elimination of the allocated landmarks are executed to make a complete and non-redundant coverage for the environment. Finally, some landmarks, together with a device for allocating these landmarks, are developed. Both experiment and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Morphisms and inverse problems for Darboux integrating factors
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Pantazi Chara , Walcher Sebastian
Published: December 2013

Polynomial vector fields which admit a prescribed Darboux integrating factor are quite well understood when the geometry of the underlying curve is non-degenerate. In the general setting, morphisms of the affine plane may remove degeneracies of the curve, and thus allow more structural insight. In the present paper we establish some properties of integrating factors subjected to morphisms, and we discuss in detail one particular class of morphisms related to finite reflection groups. The results indicate that degeneracies for the underlying curve generally impose additional restrictions on vector fields admitting a given integrating factor.
Uniqueness of renormalized solutions to nonlinear parabolic problems with lower-order terms
Authors: Nardo Rosaria Di , Feo Filomena , Guibé Olivier
Published: December 2013

We consider a general class of parabolic equations of the type

with Dirichlet boundary conditions and with a right-hand side belonging to L1 + Lp′ (W−1, p′). Using the framework of renormalized solutions we prove uniqueness results under appropriate growth conditions and Lipschitz-type conditions on a(u, ∇u), K(u) and H(∇u).