bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a 2q35‐q37 duplication and a 4q35.1‐q35.2 deletion in two cousins: A genotype–phenotype analysis
Authors: Ronzoni Luisa , Peron Angela , Bianchi Vera , Baccarin Marco , Guerneri Silvana , Silipigni Rosamaria , Lalatta Faustina , Bedeschi Maria Francesca
Published: April 2015

The 2q3 duplication and 4q3 deletion are two distinct conditions with variable phenotypes including developmental delay, intellectual disability, Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), and cardiovascular, craniofacial, digital and skeletal anomalies. We describe two cousins, a 37‐year‐old man (Patient 1) and a 17‐year‐old girl (Patient 2), with a derivative chromosome leading to a 4q35 deletion–2q35q37 duplication. Conventional karyotype showed in both patients the same rearrangement derived from unbalanced segregation of a parental reciprocal translocation involving the long arms of chromosome 2 and 4. Patient 1's father and Patient 2's mother were identified as the carriers of a balanced translocation t(2;4)(q35;q35). Array‐CGH analysis, performed to characterize the rearrangement, documented in both patients the presence of a 26 Mb duplication of the 2q35‐q37.3 region of chromosome 2 and a 6.3 Mb deletion of the 4q35.1‐q35.2 region of chromosome 4. Both patients showed intellectual disability, minor facial, and digital anomalies, hearing, ocular, and genitourinary abnormalities. The comparison of their features with those of published cases of 2q3 duplication and 4q3 deletion allowed us to further delineate the genotype–phenotype correlation as well as the combined effect of partial 2q duplication and 4q deletion syndromes in adulthood. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
12q21.2q22 deletion: A new patient
Authors: Oliveira Renata , Pereira Cristina , Melo Joana B. , Mesquita Sandra , Venâncio Margarida , Carreira Isabel Marques , Saraiva Jorge
Published: April 2015

Interstitial deletions of long arm of chromosome 12 are rare, and the interstitial deletion 12q21.1q22 has been reported to the best of our knowledge in only four patients. Comparing the patients reported, a characteristic phenotypic pattern (facial features like prominent forehead, short and upturned nose, low set ears, and ectodermal abnormalities) can be identified. It has been suggested to be considered a deletion syndrome [Klein et al., (2005); Am J Med Genet 138:349–354]. We report on a 34‐month‐old girl, who was referred to our clinic at 6 months of age, presenting at birth with axial hypotonia, enlarged anterior fontanel, ventriculomegaly, dysmorphic facies (prominent forehead, sparse hair and eyebrows, short palpebral fissures), failure to thrive and development delay. Her cytogenetic study showed an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 12: 46,XX,del(12)(q21.1q22) redefined by array comparative genomic hybridization. We compare and review our patient with the four previously reported cases, plus one with a deletion with an overlap of the chromosomal region and phenotypic similarities. As far as we know our patient is the fourth reported with this cytogenetic abnormality. This additional report allows us to support a genotype‐phenotype correlation for this chromosomal abnormality. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RPL10 mutation segregating in a family with X‐linked syndromic Intellectual Disability
Authors: Thevenon Julien , Michot Caroline , Bole Christine , Nitschke Patrick , Nizon Mathilde , Faivre Laurence , Munnich Arnold , Lyonnet Stanislas , Bonnefont Jean‐Paul , Portes Vincent Des , Amiel Jeanne
Published: April 2015

Intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder of impaired adaptive skills and low intelligence quotient. The overall prevalence is estimated at 2–3% in the general population with extreme clinical and genetic heterogeneity, and it has been associated with possibly causative mutations in more than 700 identified genes. In a recent review, among over 100 X‐linked intellectual disability causative genes, eight were reported as “awaiting replication.” Exome sequencing in a large family identified a missense mutation in RPL10 highly suggestive of X‐linked intellectual disability. Herein, we report on the clinical description of four affected males. All patients presented apparent intellectual disability (4/4), psychomotor delay (4/4) with syndromic features including amniotic fluid excess (3/4), microcephaly (2/4), urogenital anomalies (3/4), cerebellar syndrome (2/4), and facial dysmorphism. In the literature, two mutations were reported in three families with affected males presenting with autism. This report confirms the implication of RPL10 mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders and extends the associated clinical spectrum from autism to syndromic intellectual disability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gorillas with white sclera: A naturally occurring variation in a morphological trait linked to social cognitive functions
Authors: Mayhew Jessica A. , Gómez Juan‐Carlos
Published: April 2015

Human eye morphology is considered unique among the primates in that humans possess larger width/height ratios (WHR), expose a greater amount of visible sclera (SSI; width of exposed eyeball/width of visible iris), and critically, have a white sclera due to a lack of pigmentation. White sclera in humans amplifies gaze direction, whereas the all‐dark eyes of apes are hypothesized to conceal gaze from others. This study examines WHR and SSI in humans (N = 13) and gorillas (N = 85) engaged in direct and averted gazes and introduces a qualitative assessment of sclera color to evaluate variations in sclera pigmentation. The results confirm previous findings that humans possess a larger WHR than gorillas but indicate that humans and gorillas display similar amounts of visible sclera. Additionally, 72% (N = 124) of gorilla eyes in this sample deviated from the assumed all‐dark eye condition. This questions whether gaze camouflage is the primary function of darkened sclera in non‐human primates or whether other functional roles can be ascribed to the sclera, light or dark. We argue that white sclera evolved to amplify direct gazes in humans, which would have played a significant role in the development of ostensive communication, which is communication that both shows something and shows the intention to show something. We conclude that the horizontal elongation of the human eye, rather than sclera color, more reliably distinguishes human from great ape eyes, represented here by gorillas. Am. J. Primatol. 77:869–877, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium supported on silica–chitosan hybrid material (Pd‐CS@SiO2) for Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reactions
Authors: Jadhav Sanjay , Kumbhar Arjun , Salunkhe Rajashri
Published: April 2015

Palladium supported on silica–chitosan hybrid material was prepared and characterized using thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The prepared Pd‐CS@SiO2 catalyst (1 mol%) was used for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of various aryl halides and arylboronic acids in 95% ethanol at 80 °C and the Mizoroki–Heck reaction in dimethylformamide at 110 °C using K2CO3 as a base. The developed catalyst is well suitable for the 3R approach (recoverable, robust, recyclable) for cross‐coupling reactions without appreciable loss of its activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PGE2 MEDIATES OENOCYTOID CELL LYSIS VIA A SODIUM‐POTASSIUM‐CHLORIDE COTRANSPORTER
Authors: Shrestha Sony , Park Jiyeong , Ahn Seung‐Joon , Kim Yonggyun
Published: April 2015

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediates immune responses of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, including oenocytoid cell lysis (a class of lepidopteran hemocytes: OCL) via its specific membrane receptor to release inactive prophenoloxidase (PPO) into hemolymph. PPO is activated into phenoloxidase in the plasma to play crucial roles in the immune responses of S. exigua. The mechanism of OCL has not been elucidated, however we posed the hypothesis that a rapid accumulation of sodium ions within the oenocytoids allows a massive influx of water by the ion gradient, which leads to the cell lysis. It remains unclear which sodium channel is responsible for the OCL in response to PGE2. This study identified a specific sodium channel called sodium‐potassium‐chloride cotransporter 1 (Se‐NKCC1) expressed in hemocytes of S. exigua and analyzed its function in the OCL in response to PGE2. Se‐NKCC1 encodes a basic membrane protein (pI value = 8.445) of 1,066 amino acid residues, which contains 12 putative transmembrane domains. Se‐NKCC1 was expressed in all developmental stages and tissues. qPCR showed that bacterial challenge significantly induced its expression. A specific inhibitor of NKCC, bumetanide, prevented the OCL in a dose‐dependent manner. When RNA interference (RNAi) using double‐stranded RNA specific to Se‐NKCC1 suppressed its expression, the OCL and PPO activation were significantly inhibited in response to PGE2. The RNAi treatment also reduced nodule formation to bacterial challenge. These results suggest that Se‐NKCC1 is associated with OCL by facilitating inward transport of ions in response to PGE2.
Accumulation of cell‐penetrating peptides in large unilamellar vesicles: A straightforward screening assay for investigating the internalization mechanism
Authors: Swiecicki Jean‐Marie , Di Pisa Margherita , Burlina Fabienne , Lécorché Pascaline , Mansuy Christelle , Chassaing Gérard , Lavielle Solange
Published: April 2015

The internalization of cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) into liposomes (large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs) was studied with a rapid and robust procedure based on the quenching of a small fluorescent probe, 7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD). Quenching can be achieved by reduction with dithionite or by pH jump. LUVs with different compositions of phospholipids (PLs) were used to screen the efficacy of different CPPs. In order to “validate” the composition of the membrane models, a control cationic peptide, which does not enter eukaryotic cells, was included in the study. It was found that pure DOPG or DOPG within ternary mixtures with cholesterol are the most appropriate models for studying CPP translocation. An anionic lipid, such as DOPG, is required for the adsorption of the basic peptides on the surface of LUVs. In addition, it acts as transfer agent through the lipid bilayer. A fluid phase and/or the presence of phase defects also appear mandatory for the internalization to occur. The neutralization of charges within an inverted micelle demonstrated in the case of DOPG and also proposed for a ternary mixture of PLs might not be the only mechanism for the CPP translocation. Finally, it is shown that oleic acid facilitates the entry inside LUVs in gel phase of a series of cationic peptides including CPPs and also the negative control peptide PKCi. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 533–543, 2015.
Open‐label prospective study of the safety and efficacy of glass‐based yttrium 90 radioembolization for infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Kokabi Nima , Camacho Juan C. , Xing Minzhi , El‐Rayes Bassel F. , Spivey James R. , Knechtle Stuart J. , Kim Hyun S.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of yttrium 90 (90Y) therapy for unresectable infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) requires further evaluation.

METHODS

A prospective, single‐center safety and feasibility study recruited patients with unresectable (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C) infiltrative HCC with PVT. Safety was assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) were measured from the first 90Y therapy. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan‐Meier estimation. Prognostic factors were tested with a log‐rank test and Cox proportional regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 45 patients were recruited, and 30 patients who met the study's inclusion criteria underwent glass‐based 90Y therapy. Four patients (13%) had transient hepatobiliary toxicity (grade ≥ 2). Ten patients (33%) had related emergency department visits, with 5 patients (17%) requiring short‐term hospitalization. No radiation pneumonitis, gastrointestinal ulceration, or procedure‐related mortality occurred. The median OS was 13 months (95% confidence interval, 4.4‐22 months) with a TTP of 9 months (95% confidence interval, 6.2‐13.1 months). Absence of ascites, an international normalized ratio < 1.2, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, Child‐Pugh class A, a macroaggregated albumin lung shunt fraction (LSF) < 10%, and no hepatobiliary toxicity were significant predictors of prolonged OS according to a univariate analysis (P < .05). A multivariate analysis found an ECOG performance status of 0, Child‐Pugh class A, an LSF < 10%, and lack of transient hepatobiliary toxicity (grade ≥ 2) to be independent predictors of prolonged OS (P < .05). An ECOG performance status of 0, Child‐Pugh class A, and an LSF < 10% were also predictors of prolonged TTP according to the multivariate analysis (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unresectable infiltrative HCC and PVT, 90Y therapy appears to be a safe and viable therapy. Cancer 2015;121:2164–2174. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Environmentally Responsible Value Orientations: Perspectives from Public Assembly Facility Managers
Authors: Walker Matthew , Mercado Haylee
Published: April 2015

Drawing on the theories of stakeholder salience and the value‐belief norm (VBN) theory, this study examined managerial value orientations for supporting environmental responsibility. This purpose was accomplished by testing a dichotomized model of managerial value orientations, conceptualized as 'self‐interested' (performance focused) and 'other‐interested' (community focused). The hypotheses were tested among a sample of Public Assembly Facility (PAF) managers who support ER policies in this industry. The results demonstrated how the managerial value orientations influenced the hypothesized outcomes. For example, a performance‐focused stance influenced image and economic ends, while a community‐focused stance more concerned with moral obligations and localized impact. Implications are discussed in terms of how internal and external stakeholder considerations, performance concerns, community issues, and personal values toward ER are perceived by PAF managers. Accordingly, the results have implications for broad organizational theory and add to the debate over whether economic factors, social factors, or both influence ER decision‐making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Analysis of phenazepam and 3‐hydroxyphenazepam in post‐mortem fluids and tissues
Authors: Crichton Megan L. , Shenton Catriona F. , Drummond Gail , Beer Lewis J. , Seetohul L. Nitin , Maskell Peter D.
Published: April 2015

Phenazepam is a benzodiazepine that is predominantly used clinically in the former Soviet states but is being abused throughout the wider world. This study reports the tissue distribution and concentration of both phenazepam and 3‐hydroxyphenazepam in 29 cases quantitated by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in a variety of post‐mortem fluids (subclavian blood, femoral blood, cardiac blood, urine, vitreous humour) and tissues (thalamus, liver and psoas muscle). In 27 cases, the cause of death was not directly related to phenazepam (preserved (fluoride/oxalate) femoral blood phenazepam concentrations 0.007 mg/L to 0.360 mg/L (median 0.097 mg/L). In two cases, phenazepam was either a contributing factor to, or the certified cause of death (preserved (fluoride/oxalate) femoral blood 0.97 mg/L and 1.64 mg/L). The analysis of phenazepam and 3‐hydroxyphenazepam in this study suggests that they are unlikely to be subject to large post‐mortem redistribution and that there is no direct correlation between tissues/fluid and femoral blood concentrations. Preliminary investigations of phenazepam stability comparing femoral blood phenazepam concentrations in paired preserved (2.5% fluoride/oxalate) and unpreserved blood show that unpreserved samples show on average a 14% lower concentration of phenazepam and we recommend that phenazepam quantitation is carried out using preserved samples wherever possible. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Looking for protein stabilizing drugs with thermal shift assay
Authors: Andreotti Giuseppina , Monticelli Maria , Cubellis Maria Vittoria
Published: April 2015

Thermal shift assay can be used for the high‐throughput screening of pharmacological chaperones. These drugs are small molecules that bind a mutant protein and stabilize it. We demonstrated the robustness, reproducibility and versatility of the method using two molecules that are in clinical trial for Fabry or Pompe disease, Deoxygalactonojirimycin and N‐Butyldeoxynojirimycin, and their target enzymes, lysosomal alpha‐galactosidaseA and alpha‐glucosidase, as test cases. We assessed the influence of solvents and of scanning rate on the measures. We showed that a value that is equivalent to the melting temperature can be obtained by the first derivatives of raw data. We discuss the advantages of the method and the precaution to be taken in running the experiments. © 2015 The Authors Drug Testing and Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Using a tubular heat exchanger to improve the conditioning process of the olive paste: Evaluation of yield and olive oil quality
Authors: Leone Alessandro , Esposto Sonia , Tamborrino Antonia , Romaniello Roberto , Taticchi Agnese , Urbani Stefania , Servili Maurizio
Published: April 2015

In this research, the evaluation of the pre‐heating effect on olive paste before malaxation was performed. The olive paste was treated by means of a tubular heat exchanger. The heat exchanger performances on yield and olive oil quality were evaluated considering two different types of olive paste obtained, respectively, by means of a disc crusher and a de‐pitter machine. The experimental tests were conducted on an industrial olive oil extraction plant. The results of the experimental test showed that it is possible to reduce the malaxation time by about 10 min, maintaining constant the extraction yield, when a disc crusher was used. On the other hand, using the heat exchanger to condition the de‐stoned paste, a reduction of the malaxation time compared to the control test was observed, but with significant loss in extraction yield. Concerning the olive oil quality, the flash thermal treatment of the olive paste after the crushing operation improves the phenolic and volatile compound content significantly with respect to the traditional process, in which the malaxation time has a duration of at least 30 min. By employing a tubular heat exchanger we observed some advantages, like the reduction of malaxation time and the improving of phenolic and volatile compounds.

Practical applications: The practical application of this research concerns the possibility of evaluating the effects inherent in the insertion of a tubular heat exchanger before the malaxer, in an industrial olive oil extraction plant. The effects were evaluated on an industrial scale olive oil extraction plant considering these quantitative parameters: extraction efficiency of the decanter and the amount of oil lost in the husk. The olive oil quality was also evaluated. The research provides useful information to the operators of the olive oil sector and to researchers in understanding the changes manifested in the extraction plant in traditional configuration and innovative configuration with the tubular heat exchanger.

A tubular heat exchanger to pre‐heat the olive paste in an industrial olive oil extraction plant.
Hydrothermal carbonization of primary sewage sludge and synthetic faeces: Effect of reaction temperature and time on filterability
Authors: Danso‐Boateng Eric , Holdich Richard G. , Wheatley Andrew D. , Martin Simon J. , Shama Gilbert
Published: April 2015

The effect of reaction temperature and time on the filterability of slurries of primary sewage sludge (PSS) and synthetic faeces (SF) following hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was investigated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Filterability was shown to improve as the treatment temperature and reaction time at which the solids were carbonized was increased. The best filtration results were achieved at the highest temperature (200°C) and longest treatment time (240 min) employed here. The specific cake resistance to filtration of the carbonized solids was found to vary between 5.43 × 1012 and 2.05 × 1010 m kg−1 for cold filtration of PSS, 1.11 × 1012 and 3.49 × 1010 m kg−1 for cold filtration of SF, and 3.01 × 1012 and 3.86 × 1010 m kg−1 for hot filtration of SF, and decreased with increasing reaction temperature and time for carbonization. There was no significant difference in the specific resistance of cold and hot filtration for SF. The RSM models employed here were found to yield predictions that were close to the experimental results obtained and should therefore prove useful in designing and optimizing HTC filtration systems for generating solids for a wide variety of end uses. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1279–1290, 2015
Early and late maternal effects on hatching phenology of heterocypris incongruens (crustacea: Ostracoda)
Authors: Rossi Valeria , Albini Dania , Pellegri Valerio , Menozzi Paolo
Published: April 2015

In ephemeral ponds, the hatching asynchrony of resting eggs may be adaptive and the result of a maternal bet‐hedging strategy. A mother can influence the progeny phenology through conditions experienced during life cycle even in early development stages. We investigated the consequences of a hatching delay for offspring and compared early and late maternal effects in a clonal lineage ofHeterocypris incongruens. We used females from genetically identical, 40 months old, resting eggs that hatched, asynchronically, after a first (FI) or a second (SI) inundation event. Maternal origin (FI or SI) was considered an early effect involving the maternal response to hatching stimuli during the embryological dormant stage. Maternal age at deposition and egg size were considered late effects that account for maternal conditions during active stage. We compared size and development time of eggs produced by FI and SI females under laboratory condition (24°C 12:12 L:D photoperiod). Maternal origin affected development time to adulthood which was later in FI than in SI females, and fecundity that was higher in FI than in SI females. SI eggs were smaller than FI eggs: size was affected by maternal age at deposition and was directly related to the egg development time. Development time varied from 1 to 117 days and was shorter in SI eggs than in FI eggs. Our results showed that maternal response during embryological stage affects the performance in successive active stages and suggested that hatching asynchrony may be considered a risk spread strategy.J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 382–391, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feeding performance of king Mackerel,Scomberomorus cavalla
Authors: Ferguson Amber R. , Huber Daniel R. , Lajeunesse Marc J. , Motta Philip J.
Published: April 2015

Feeding performance is an organism's ability to capture and handle prey. Although bite force is a commonly used metric of feeding performance, other factors such as bite pressure and strike speed are also likely to affect prey capture. Therefore, this study investigated static bite force, dynamic speeds, and predator and prey forces resulting from ram strikes, as well as bite pressure of the king mackerel,Scomberomorus cavalla, in order to examine their relative contributions to overall feeding performance. Theoretical posterior bite force ranged from 14.0–318.7 N. Ram speed, recorded with a rod and reel incorporated with a line counter and video camera, ranged from 3.3–15.8B L/s. Impact forces on the prey ranged from 0.1–1.9 N. Bite pressure, estimated using theoretical bite forces at three gape angles and tooth cross‐sectional areas, ranged from 1.7–56.9 MPa. Mass‐specific bite force for king mackerel is relatively low in comparison with other bony fishes and sharks, with relatively little impact force applied to the prey during the strike. This suggests that king mackerel rely on high velocity chases and high bite pressure generated via sharp, laterally compressed teeth to maximize feeding performance.J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 399–413, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of Hantzsch Ester in Synthesis of Some 3,5‐Bis‐dihydropyridine Derivatives and Studying Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Kotb Eman R. , Abbas Hebat‐Allah S. , Flefel Eman M. , Sayed Hayam H. , Abdelwahed Nayera A. M.
Published: April 2015

The present work involves synthesis of new 3,5‐bis‐substituted dihydropyridine derivatives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 starting from dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate (1) as starting material. Structures of new compounds were established by spectral and elemental analyses. Some of the new compounds were evaluated for anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Screening data of the tested compounds show promising anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The detail synthesis, spectroscopic data, and pharmacological activities are reported.
4‐Hydroxy‐1‐phenylquinolin‐2(1H)‐one in One‐pot Synthesis of Pyrimidoquinolines and Related Compounds under Microwave Irradiation and Conventional Conditions
Authors: Mourad Aboul‐Fetouh E. , Amer Amer A. , El‐Shaieb Kamal M. , Ali Ali M. , Aly Ashraf A.
Published: April 2015

Biginelli condensation reactions of 4‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylquinolin‐2(1H)‐one, aryl aldehydes and urea, or thiourea, 5‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole, or 2‐amine‐1H‐benzimidazole (9) under microwave irradiation afforded the corresponding pyrimido[5,4‐c]quinolin‐5‐one derivatives in high yields. One‐pot synthesis of 2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinolines is also reported.
Facile Synthesis of new 3,5‐Dispiro Substituted Piperidine Analogs via Microwave‐Assisted One Pot Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Chidurala Praveen , Jetti Venkateshwarlu , Meshram Jyotsna S.
Published: April 2015

An eco‐efficient one‐pot three component reaction for the synthesis of 3,5‐dispirosubstituted piperidines is reported by condensing of 2‐thiobarbituric acid, formaldehyde, and aromatic amines in the presence of a catalytic amount of p‐toluenesulfonic acid (1.0 equivalent) in dimethyl sulfoxide. The reactions were examined by two special methods such as classical heating and microwave (MW) irradiation. In general, improvements in rates and yields were observed when reactions were carried out under MW irradiation compared to the conventional method.
Post‐MDGs and Africa's Development Conundrum
Authors: Ayittey George
Published: April 2015

Since the 1960s, the international community and bodies have devised various mega‐plans to boost aid and help pull Africa out of its economic miasma. They all came to grief. In 2000, came another—the Millennium Development Goals—with the primary goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Only a handful of ‘small’ African countries are expected to make it. In the post‐Millennium Development Goals era, it is recommended that Africa should go back to the basics and do first things first by focusing on the traditional and informal sectors of the economy where the vast majority of the poor are found. It is pointless to talk about halving of poverty, for example, when Africa cannot feed itself. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of the Comprehensive Cervical Dystonia Rating Scale: Methodology
Authors: Comella Cynthia L. , Fox Susan H. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Jinnah Hyder A. , Zurowski Mateusz , McDonald William M. , Marsh Laura , Rosen Ami R. , Waliczek Tracy , Wright Laura J. , Galpern Wendy R. , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: April 2015

We present the methodology utilized for development and clinimetric testing of the Comprehensive Cervical Dystonia (CD) Rating scale, or CCDRS. The CCDRS includes a revision of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS‐2), a newly developed psychiatric screening tool (TWSTRS‐PSYCH), and the previously validated Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP‐58). For the revision of the TWSTRS, the original TWSTRS was examined by a committee of dystonia experts at a dystonia rating scales workshop organized by the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. During this workshop, deficiencies in the standard TWSTRS were identified and recommendations for revision of the severity and pain subscales were incorporated into the TWSTRS‐2. Given that no scale currently evaluates the psychiatric features of cervical dystonia (CD), we used a modified Delphi methodology and a reiterative process of item selection to develop the TWSTRS‐PSYCH. We also included the CDIP‐58 to capture the impact of CD on quality of life. The three scales (TWSTRS2, TWSTRS‐PSYCH, and CDIP‐58) were combined to construct the CCDRS. Clinimetric testing of reliability and validity of the CCDRS are described. The CCDRS was designed to be used in a modular fashion that can measure the full spectrum of CD. This scale will provide rigorous assessment for studies of natural history as well as novel symptom‐based or disease‐modifying therapies.
Nonautonomous bifurcation scenarios in SIR models
Authors: Kloeden P. E. , Pötzsche C.
Published: April 2015

The standard obstacles in developing a bifurcation theory for nonautonomous differential equations are the lack of steady‐state equilibria and the insignificance of eigenvalues in stability investigations. For this reason, various techniques have been proposed to specify changes in the qualitative behavior of time‐dependent dynamical systems. In this paper, we investigate and compare several approaches to nonautonomous bifurcations using SIR‐like models from epidemiology as a paradigm. These models are sufficiently simple to allow explicit solutions to a large extent and consequently enable a detailed discussion of the different results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On existence of solutions of differential‐difference equations
Authors: Li Hai‐chou
Published: April 2015

This paper applies Nevanlinna theory of value distribution to discuss existence of solutions of certain types of non‐linear differential‐difference equations such as (5) and (8) given in the succeeding paragraphs. Existence of solutions of differential equations and difference equations can be said to have been well studied, that of differential‐difference equations, on the other hand, have been paid little attention. Such mixed type equations have great significance in applications. This paper, in particular, generalizes the Rellich–Wittich‐type theorem and Malmquist‐type theorem about differential equations to the case of differential‐difference equations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐reported goal achievement following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Rovner Eric , Hepp Zsolt , Khalaf Kristin , Ni Quanhong , Chancellor Michael
Published: April 2015

Aims

To identify the self‐reported treatment goals of patients with urinary incontinence (UI) due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), determine whether patients achieved their goals following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment, and assess impact of neurogenic disease (multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) and/or clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on goal achievement.

Methods

Data from two Phase III studies of onabotulinumtoxinA 200U (n = 227) or placebo (n = 241) in NDO patients (≥14 UI episodes/week; inadequately managed by anticholinergics) were pooled for analysis. At baseline, patients listed their top two qualitative treatment goals, which were distributed into eight subcategories. Six weeks post‐treatment, patients rated whether they achieved their goals (5‐point Likert scale). The frequency distribution of goals, the proportion of patients who achieved their goals, and goal achievement by etiology and use/non‐use of CIC were assessed.

Results

At baseline, the most common goals were “be dry” (37.9%), “reduce other urinary symptoms” (26.4%), and “improve quality of life/sleep/emotions” (21.4%). Significantly higher proportions of onabotulinumtoxinA‐treated patients achieved their overall goals versus placebo (62.0% vs. 17.2%; P <  0.001). OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment resulted in higher goal achievement in all goal categories, regardless of etiology. CIC use did not negatively impact patients’ overall goal achievement; significantly higher proportions of onabotulinumtoxinA‐treated patients versus placebo achieved their goals regardless of baseline catheterization use or de novo CIC during the first 6 weeks of the study.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with UI due to NDO achieved their self‐determined treatment goals following onabotulinumtoxinA 200U therapy, regardless of etiology or CIC use. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:595–600, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Neurourology and Urodynamics, published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New video discarding policies for improving UDP performance over wired/wireless networks
Authors: Darabkh Khalid A. , Awad Abeer M. , Khalifeh Ala' F.
Published: April 2015

Multimedia communication over wired and wireless networks becomes a compulsory need for many recent applications. To effectively react to the tremendous demand of video streaming over the Internet, videos are usually compressed by utilizing spatial and temporal redundancy. It is noteworthy to mention that compressing videos may degrade their quality if it is not investigated properly. In other words, as a consequence of exploiting redundancies, frame dependencies emanate, which make discarding frames, because of occupying the whole capacity of network elements, have severe implications on the video quality. Furthermore, transmitting videos over capacity‐limited links owing to error‐prone channels, power constraints and bandwidth variations will severely affect the video quality. Additionally, as the current coding schemes are characterized by being able to afford high compression efficiency, sensitivity to packet losses becomes untolerated. Therefore, insuring the perceived quality of the delivered videos to be always high in spite of aforementioned challenges is the primary focus of current researchers. In this paper, we propose efficient and novel video discarding policies that mainly aim to reduce the number of frames being lost through substitution of those frames that are very difficult or even impossible to decode at the receiver side. This is accomplished by controlling and maintaining the buffer occupancy of network elements. Our proposed policies are evaluated in terms of frameput, rate of non‐decodable frames, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, structural similarity index and average buffer occupancy. Our proposed policies behave very well and achieve a remarkable enhancement over what is closely connected in the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new extension of boundary elements method for classical elliptic partial differential equations with constant coefficients
Authors: Hosseinzadeh H. , Taherkhani M. A.
Published: April 2015

This article is devoted to an extension of boundary elements method (BEM) for solving elliptic partial differential equations of general type with constant coefficients. As the fundamental solution of these equations was not available in the literature, BEM was not able to handle them, directly. So the dual reciprocity method (DRM) has been applied to tackle these problems. In this work, a fundamental solution for these equations is obtained and a new formulation is derived to solve them. Besides, we show that the rate of convergence of the new scheme is quadratic when singular (boundary and domain) integrals are calculated, accurately. The new scheme is applicable on complex domains, without needing internal nodes, just same as conventional BEM. So the CPU time of the new scheme is much less than that of the DRM. Numerical examples presented in the article show ability and efficiency of the new scheme in solving two‐dimensional nonhomogenous elliptic boundary value problems, clearly. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 2027–2042, 2015
Molecular properties of selenomaltols: new interesting ligands for bioactive metal complexes
Authors: Tejchman Waldemar , Proniewicz Leonard M. , Zborowski Krzysztof K.
Published: April 2015

Properties of numerous selenium derivatives of maltol (3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one), which is an important ligand in medicinal chemistry, were studied. Selenium derivatives were obtained using consecutivein silicoreplacements of maltol oxygen atoms, which produced three mono‐substituted, three di‐substituted and one tri‐substituted derivatives. The geometry optimisations for these compounds in neutral, anionic and cationic forms were performed at the B1LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. The aromatic properties of the considered selenium compounds were studied in their heterocyclic rings using several indices of aromaticity: harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity, nucleus independent chemical shift(0), nucleus independent chemical shift(1), aromatic stabilisation energy, H index, para delocalisation index and multicentre index. The methods cover all of the main types of aromaticity indices: geometric, magnetic, energetic and electronic. The calculated data show the identical aromaticity order (cation > neutral molecule > anion) for maltol and its thio and seleno derivatives. The predicted aromaticity levels of selenomaltols were compared with the previously studied maltol and various thiomaltols. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EPSPS gene amplification in glyphosate‐resistant Bromus diandrus
Authors: Malone Jenna M , Morran Sarah , Shirley Neil , Boutsalis Peter , Preston Christopher
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world and has been intensively used to control B. diandrus, a problematic weed of crops and pastures in southern Australia.

RESULTS

Resistance to glyphosate was identified in two populations of B. diandrus that were nearly fivefold more resistant to glyphosate than wild‐type plants. Both populations contained EPSPS gene amplification, with resistant plants having an average of around 20‐fold the number of copies of EPSPS compared with susceptible plants. EPSPS expression was also increased in resistant plants of both populations; however, expression levels were not correlated with the number of EPSPS copies. Amplification of only one of the four EPSPS genes present in B. diandus was detected. Investigation into the inheritance of glyphosate resistance found no segregation in the F2 generation. Every individual in the F2 populations contained between three and 30 copies of EPSPS; however, on average they contained fewer copies compared with the parent resistant population.

CONCLUSIONS

Glyphosate resistance in B. diandrus is due to EPSPS gene amplification. Resistance is heritable but complex. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical utility estimation for assay cutoffs in early phase oncology enrichment trials
Authors: Lunceford Jared K.
Published: April 2015

Predictive enrichment strategies use biomarkers to selectively enroll oncology patients into clinical trials to more efficiently demonstrate therapeutic benefit. Because the enriched population differs from the patient population eligible for screening with the biomarker assay, there is potential for bias when estimating clinical utility for the screening eligible population if the selection process is ignored. We write estimators of clinical utility as integrals averaging regression model predictions over the conditional distribution of the biomarker scores defined by the assay cutoff and discuss the conditions under which consistent estimation can be achieved while accounting for some nuances that may arise as the biomarker assay progresses toward a companion diagnostic. We outline and implement a Bayesian approach in estimating these clinical utility measures and use simulations to illustrate performance and the potential biases when estimation naively ignores enrichment. Results suggest that the proposed integral representation of clinical utility in combination with Bayesian methods provide a practical strategy to facilitate cutoff decision‐making in this setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric predictability and Rossby wave packets
Authors: Grazzini Federico , Vitart Frédéric
Published: April 2015

Historically, the objective identification of atmospheric wave‐packets has been very elusive. However, interest in these important sources of atmospheric variability has recently increased, and some automated tracking methods have been proposed. The Rossby wave packet (RWP) tracking algorithms opened the way to different types of investigation, ranging from climatology and predictability to assessing the impact of climate change on wave packet characteristics. The present study investigates the relationship between predictability (intrinsic and practical, i.e. predictive skill in a numerical weather prediction model) and the properties of RWPs, such as temporal duration, spatial extension and their area of genesis. Results suggest a significant correlation between RWP length and medium‐range skill over Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. Analysis of an ensemble system shows that the spread decreases when long‐living RWPs are present in the forecast, supporting the hypothesis that part of the observed increase in skill could indeed be attributed to higher intrinsic predictability induced by RWPs. Higher than average medium‐range forecast skill scores are often associated with the presence of long‐lasting RWPs (duration of at least 8 days) in the initial conditions, with a source often located in the west Pacific. On the contrary, bad medium‐range forecast skill scores tend to be associated with shorter RWPs coming from the central USA or western Atlantic. An analysis of the probabilistic skill scores confirms that predictive skill increases with the presence of long RWPs from the west Pacific, up to week 3.
Lean quality improvement model for quality practices in software industry in Pakistan
Authors: Shah Faisal Tehseen , Shamail Shafay , Ahmad Akhtar Niaz
Published: April 2015

Implementation of quality and achieving quality culture in small and medium software houses (SMSH) have been a subject of discussion among the industry. The existing software process improvement frameworks are too heavy for SMSH. There is a need of lean quality models that will help SMSH in establishing quality culture with minimal effort and resources. The objective of this research study is to map the environment and culture of SMSH in Pakistan towards quality improvement and process improvement by implementing total quality management philosophy. A lean quality improvement model (LQIM) consisting of four quality constructs and 10 quality practices has been proposed. The LQIM is validated using good fit indices in structural equation modeling. At the end, implementation of the proposed LQIM is explained using the Deming's philosophy of plan, do, check, act cycle for continuous process improvement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Parental Knowledge About Thalassemia in a Thalassemia Center of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Maheen Humaira , Malik Farrukh , Siddique Barera , Qidwai Asim
Published: April 2015

Thalassemia is the leading haemoglobinopathy after sickle cell anemia that accounts for 1.5 % of the global population. In Pakistan, every 1–4 per 1000 infants suffers from Thalassemia. Regardless of being a population “at high risk” for Thalassemia major, evidence suggest that Pakistanis possess poor knowledge of the disease. The present study aimed to assess parents’ accurate knowledge about Thalassemia disease at Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 172 parents of existing patients who were receiving regular blood transfusion from the center were included in the study. Parents’ knowledge was assessed via a pre‐tested and validated Thalassemia knowledge questionnaire. Findings show that 40 % of the sample showed lower knowledge scores about Thalassemia. Among different ethnic origins, Urdu speaking respondents showed a higher average score of correct knowledge about Thalassemia major (21.6 ± 4.41) as compared to the Siraiki (17.9 ± 4.48) and the Pathans (17.2 ± 4.34). These latter two ethnic groups also showed poor knowledge about Thalassemia minor. Generally parents provided correct answers about treatment of Thalassemia major. The findings suggest targeted interventions are required for high risk ethnic groups. Thalassemia education programs should be offered to extended family members of existing patients by all Thalassemia centers. High risk ethnic groups (Siraiki and Pathan) need rigorous interventions, and Thalassemia worker program should be introduced nationwide.
Relationship of Age on Enjoyment of Physical Activity in Upper Extremity Illness
Authors: Jayakumar Prakash , Overbeek Celeste L. , Ring David C.
Published: April 2015

Background

Orthopaedic surgeons often work under the assumption that patients over 60 are low-demand individuals. This study addressed the primary null hypothesis that older age does not correlate with the enjoyment of physical activities in patients with upper extremity illness. Secondary analyses sought factors associated with enjoyment of physical activity, activity level and magnitude of disability.

Methods

A cohort of 98 new and follow-up outpatients with upper extremity illnesses completed a measure of enjoyment of physical activity (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES)), were categorized into one of three levels of activity after interview, and completed measures of general disability (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function CAT), upper extremity-specific disability (Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score), coping responses to pain (PROMIS Pain Interference CAT), and symptoms of depression (PROMIS Depression CAT).

Results

Greater enjoyment of physical activity correlated with older age ( r=0.29, p=0.0039) but not with other explanatory variables. The final multivariable model of factors associated with greater physical activity included older age and male sex. The final multivariable model of factors associated with diminished PROMIS Physical Function included greater PROMIS Pain Interference, male sex, other pain conditions, and separated/divorced and single marital status and accounted for 34 % of the variance.

Conclusions

Enjoyment of physical activity does not decrease with age. Patient-specific expectations, goals and preferences for physical activity should be assessed prior to decision-making on treatment. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Prognostic Study case series