bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Brown Fat Win the Battle Against White Fat?
Authors: Elattar Sawsan , Satyanarayana Ande
Published: March 2015

A rapid growth in the overweight and obese population in the last few decades suggest that the current diet, exercise, awareness or drug strategies are still not effectively restraining the obesity epidemic. Obesity results from increased energy intake, and the body's energy balance shifts towards energy abundance. Therefore, current research is focused on developing new strategies aimed at increasing energy expenditure. As a result, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is receiving tremendous attention since the major function of BAT is to dissipate energy as heat. For example, mouse models that have increased BAT activity or increased numbers of brown‐like adipocytes within the white adipose tissue (WAT) are lean and protected from obesity. Alternatively, mouse models that lack BAT activity are more susceptible to age and diet‐induced obesity. However, a significant loss of BAT mass during the natural growth process in humans has created enormous challenges in effectively utilizing this tissue to increase energy expenditure. New strategies are primarily focused on expanding the BAT mass and/or activating the existing BAT. In this regard, recent finding that expression of early B cell factor‐2 (Ebf2) reprograms the white pre‐adipocytes into brown adipocytes is a significant break‐through in developing BAT‐mediated strategies to treat obesity. Here we review the major biological functions of WAT and BAT, which play critical but opposing roles in the energy spectrum, energy storage versus energy expenditure, and we evaluate whether activation and/or expansion of BAT is practically achievable to treat obesity in humans. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2311–2317, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of automated electronic sepsis alert systems: A systematic review
Authors: Makam Anil N. , Nguyen Oanh K. , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Although timely treatment of sepsis improves outcomes, delays in administering evidence‐based therapies are common.

PURPOSE

To determine whether automated real‐time electronic sepsis alerts can: (1) accurately identify sepsis and (2) improve process measures and outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from database inception through June 27, 2014.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies that empirically evaluated 1 or both of the prespecified objectives.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Diagnostic accuracy of sepsis identification was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratio (LR). Effectiveness was assessed by changes in sepsis care process measures and outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 1293 citations, 8 studies met inclusion criteria, 5 for the identification of sepsis (n = 35,423) and 5 for the effectiveness of sepsis alerts (n = 6894). Though definition of sepsis alert thresholds varied, most included systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria ± evidence of shock. Diagnostic accuracy varied greatly, with PPV ranging from 20.5% to 53.8%, NPV 76.5% to 99.7%, LR+ 1.2 to 145.8, and LR− 0.06 to 0.86. There was modest evidence for improvement in process measures (ie, antibiotic escalation), but only among patients in non–critical care settings; there were no corresponding improvements in mortality or length of stay. Minimal data were reported on potential harms due to false positive alerts.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated sepsis alerts derived from electronic health data may improve care processes but tend to have poor PPV and do not improve mortality or length of stay. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:396–402. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Mouse hallucal metatarsal cross‐sectional geometry in a simulated fine branch niche
Authors: Byron Craig D. , Herrel Anthony , Pauwels Elin , Muynck Amelie De , Patel Biren A.
Published: March 2015

Mice raised in experimental habitats containing an artificial network of narrow “arboreal” supports frequently use hallucal grasps during locomotion. Therefore, mice in these experiments can be used to model a rudimentary form of arboreal locomotion in an animal without other morphological specializations for using a fine branch niche. This model would prove useful to better understand the origins of arboreal behaviors in mammals like primates. In this study, we examined if locomotion on these substrates influences the mid‐diaphyseal cross‐sectional geometry of mouse metatarsals. Thirty CD‐1/ICR mice were raised in either arboreal (composed of elevated narrow branches of varying orientation) or terrestrial (flat ramps and walkways that are stratified) habitats from weaning (21 days) to adulthood (≥4 months). After experiments, the hallucal metatarsal (Mt1) and third metatarsal (Mt3) for each individual were isolated and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) scans were obtained to calculate mid‐shaft cross‐sectional area and polar section modulus. Arboreal mice had Mt1s that were significantly more robust. Mt3 cross sections were not significantly different between groups. The arboreal group also exhibited a significantly greater Mt1/Mt3 ratio for both robusticity measures. We conclude that the hallucal metatarsal exhibits significant phenotypic plasticity in response to arboreal treatment due to habitual locomotion that uses a rudimentary hallucal grasp. Our results support the hypothesis that early adaptive stages of fine branch arboreality should be accompanied by a slightly more robust hallux associated with the biomechanical demands of this niche. J. Morphol. 276:759–765, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gradient nonlinearity correction to improve apparent diffusion coefficient accuracy and standardization in the american college of radiology imaging network 6698 breast cancer trial
Authors: Newitt David C. , Tan Ek T. , Wilmes Lisa J. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Kornak John , Marinelli Luca , Hylton Nola
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To evaluate a gradient nonlinearity correction (GNC) program for quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements on phantom and human subject diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a multicenter breast cancer treatment response study

Materials and Methods

A GNC program using fifth‐order spherical harmonics for gradient modeling was applied retrospectively to qualification phantom and human subject scans. Ice‐water phantoms of known diffusion coefficient were scanned at five different study centers with different scanners and receiver coils. Human in vivo data consisted of baseline and early‐treatment exams on 54 patients from four sites. ADC maps were generated with and without GNC. Regions of interest were defined to quantify absolute errors and changes with GNC over breast imaging positions.

Results

Phantom ADC errors varied with region of interest (ROI) position and scanner configuration; the mean error by configuration ranged from 1.4% to 19.9%. GNC significantly reduced the overall mean error for all sites from 9.9% to 0.6% (P = 0.016). Spatial dependence of GNC was highest in the right‐left (RL) and anterior‐posterior (AP) directions. Human subject mean tumor ADC was reduced 0.2 to 12% by GNC at different sites. By regression, every 1‐cm change in tumor ROI position between baseline and follow‐up visits resulted in an estimated change of 2.4% in the ADC early‐treatment response measurement.

Conclusion

GNC is effective for removing large, system‐dependent errors in quantitative breast DWI. GNC may be important in ensuring reproducibility in multicenter studies and in reducing errors in longitudinal treatment response measures arising from spatial variations in tumor position between visits. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:908–919.
Effects of biceps tension on the torn superior glenoid labrum
Authors: Hwang Eunjoo , Hughes Richard E. , Palmer Mark L. , Carpenter James E.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the tension on the long head of the biceps tendon in the propagation of SLAP tears by studying the mechanical behavior of the torn superior glenoid labrum. A previously validated finite element model was extended to include a glenoid labrum with type II SLAP tears of three different sizes. The strain distribution within the torn labral tissue with loading applied to the biceps tendon was investigated and compared to the inact and unloaded conditions. The anterior and posterior edges of each SLAP tear experienced the highest strain in the labrum. Labral strain increased with increasing biceps tension. This effect was stronger in the labrum when the size of the tear exceeded the width of the biceps anchor on the superior labrum. Thus, this study indicates that biceps tension influences the propagation of a SLAP tear more than it does the initiation of a tear. Additionally, it also suggests that the tear size greater than the biceps anchor site as a criterion in determining optimal treatment of a type II SLAP tear. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1545–1551, 2015.
Development of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology against Tgf‐β signaling to prevent scarring during flexor tendon repair
Authors: Loiselle Alayna E. , Yukata Kiminori , Geary Michael B. , Kondabolu Sirish , Shi Shanshan , Jonason Jennifer H. , Awad Hani A. , O'Keefe Regis J.
Published: March 2015

Flexor tendons (FT) in the hand provide near frictionless gliding to facilitate hand function. Upon injury and surgical repair, satisfactory healing is hampered by fibrous adhesions between the tendon and synovial sheath. In the present study we used antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), specifically targeted to components of Tgf‐β signaling, including Tgf‐β1, Smad3 and Ctgf, to test the hypothesis that local delivery of ASOs and suppression of Tgf‐β1 signaling would enhance murine FT healing by suppressing adhesion formation while maintaining strength. ASOs were injected in to the FT repair site at 2, 6 and 12 days post‐surgery. ASO treatment suppressed target gene expression through 21 days. Treatment with Tgf‐β1, Smad3 or Ctgf ASOs resulted in significant improvement in tendon gliding function at 14 and 21 days, relative to control. Consistent with a decrease in adhesions, Col3a1 expression was significantly decreased in Tgf‐β1, Smad3 and Ctgf ASO treated tendons relative to control. Smad3 ASO treatment enhanced the maximum load at failure of healing tendons at 14 days, relative to control. Taken together, these data support the use of ASO treatment to improve FT repair, and suggest that modulation of the Tgf‐β1 signaling pathway can reduce adhesions while maintaining the strength of the repair. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:859–866, 2015.
Leaf proteome comparison of two GM common bean varieties and their non‐GM counterparts by principal component analysis
Authors: Valentim‐Neto Pedro A , Rossi Gabriela B , Anacleto Kelly B , de Mello Carla S , Balsamo Geisi M , Arisi Ana Carolina M
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

A genetically modified (GM) common bean event, namely Embrapa 5.1, was approved for commercialization in Brazil. The present work aimed to use principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the proteomic profile of this GM common bean and its non‐GM counterpart.

RESULTS

Seedlings from four Brazilian common bean varieties were grown under controlled environmental conditions. Leaf proteomic profiles were analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). First, a comparison among 12 gels from four common bean varieties was performed by PCA using volume percentage of 198 matched spots, presented in all gels. The first two principal components (PC) accounted for 46.8% of total variation. Two groups were clearly separated by the first component: Pérola and GM Pérola from Pontal and GM Pontal. Secondly, another comparison among six gels from the same variety GM and its non‐GM counterpart was performed by PCA; in this case it was possible to distinguish GM and non‐GM.

CONCLUSION

Separation between leaf proteomic profile of GM common bean variety and its counterpart was observed only when they were compared in pairs. These results showed higher similarity between GM variety and its counterpart than between two common bean varieties. PCA is a useful tool to compare proteomes of GM and non‐GM plant varieties. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Vermicompost Application on Soil Aggregation and Certain Physical Properties
Authors: Aksakal Ekrem Lutfi , Sari Serdar , Angin Ilker
Published: March 2015

Application of organic waste on agricultural land as a soil conditioner and fertilizing material has lately gained much attention. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost applications (0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% w/w) on physical characteristics of soils with different textures (sandy loam, loam and clay), under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that in the higher soil aggregate fraction (>12·7 mm) aggregate fraction was limited at the three soils. Vermicompost applications in all three soils significantly increased organic matter content. When compared with control, the increasing rates in organic matter content were 14·0%, 23·8%, 42·0% and 90·2% for 0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% vermicompost application doses, respectively. Vermicompost applications increased the wet aggregate stability and decreased the dispersion ratio of all the experimental soils in all aggregate size fractions. Overall, wet aggregate stability increased from 26·9% to 52·2% with the application rate of 4%. Correlation coefficient between organic matter content and wet aggregate stability was found as 0·918**. The lowest mean bulk density and the highest mean total porosity occurred when the most vermicompost was added. In all the soils studied, the highest permeability coefficients were gained with the application dose of 2%. As a result of increase in wet aggregate stability and decrease in bulk density, air permeability increased, and penetration resistance decreased significantly. The results obtained in this study have clearly indicated that the vermicompost application is an effective way to improve soil physical characteristics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of serum atherogenic risk in liver transplant recipients: Role of lipoproteins and metabolic and inflammatory markers
Authors: Chhatrala Ravi , Siddiqui M. Bilal , Stravitz R. Todd , Driscoll Carolyn , Sanyal Arun , Sargeant Carol , Luketic Velimir , Sharma Amit , Sterling Richard , Matherly Scott , Puri Puneet , Siddiqui M. Shadab
Published: March 2015

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of long‐term mortality in liver transplant recipients (LTRs), the role of recently identified biomarkers of CVD risk in liver transplantation is unknown. We aimed to evaluate an extensive CVD risk profile in LTRs. Markers of CVD risk in 65 LTRs with no known history of diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, or ischemic heart disease were compared to age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)–matched controls with no chronic medical disease. LTRs on corticosteroids or those with graft cirrhosis (GC) were excluded. The effect of calcineurin inhibitors on the CVD risk profile was separately analyzed in LTRs receiving either tacrolimus (Tac) or cyclosporine A (CsA). To evaluate the impact of GC, a comparison was made between LTRs with and without GC. Non‐DM LTRs were matched to controls with respect to age, sex, and BMI. LTRs had similar serum high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL‐C), and total cholesterol in comparison with BMI‐matched controls. Proatherogenic small‐dense (sd) LDL‐C (33.6 ± 14 versus 25.9 ± 9.9 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and %sdLDL‐C (30% ± 10% versus 26.4% ± 9%; P = 0.02) were significantly higher in LTRs. In comparison with controls, LTRs had higher apolipoprotein B (apoB; 98 ± 37 versus 88 ± 24 mg/dL; P < 0.01), very low density lipoprotein–particle concentration (VLDL‐P; 7.7 ± 6.7 nmol/L versus 3.2 ± 9.1 nmol/L; P < 0.001), and VLDL size (51.1 ± 6.6 versus 46.5 ± 6.9 nm; P < 0.001). In LTRs, VLDL size and VLDL‐P were directly related to serum CsA levels (r = 0.53, P = 0.09, and r = 0.63, P < 0.01, respectively) but not to Tac levels. In comparison with controls, LTRs had significantly lower total serum high‐density lipoprotein–particle concentration. In comparison with those with preserved graft function, LTRs with GC had lower levels of serum atherogenic markers characterized by low sdLDL‐C, apoB, triglycerides, LDL‐C, and total cholesterol. In conclusion, LTRs have a proatherogenic lipoprotein profile that is not captured with a traditional lipid panel, and this suggests that a detailed serum atherogenic profile is needed to truly assess CVD risk in LTRs. Liver Transpl 21:623–630, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a potential predictor for requirement of renal replacement therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Stefaniak Joanna , Schiefer Judith , Miller Edmund John , Krenn Claus Georg , Baron David Marek , Faybik Peter
Published: March 2015

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Because there is no specific treatment for postoperative AKI, early recognition and prevention are fundamental therapeutic approaches. Concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are elevated in patients with kidney disease. We hypothesized that plasma MIF concentrations would be greater in patients developing AKI after OLT compared with patients with normal kidney function. Twenty‐eight patients undergoing OLT were included in the study. Kidney injury was classified according to AKI network criteria. Fifteen patients (54%) developed severe AKI after OLT, 11 (39%) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). On the first postoperative day, patients with severe AKI had greater plasma MIF concentrations (237 ± 123 ng/mL) than patients without AKI (95 ± 63 ng/mL; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting severe AKI was 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69‐0.97] for plasma MIF, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.40‐0.79) for serum creatinine (sCr), and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.72‐0.98) for delta serum creatinine (ΔsCr). Plasma MIF (P = 0.02) and ΔsCr (P = 0.01) yielded a better predictive value than sCr for the development of severe AKI. Furthermore, the area under the ROC curve to predict the requirement of RRT was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.68‐0.96) for plasma MIF, 0.65 (95% CI, 0.44‐0.82) for sCr, and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.52‐0.88) for ΔsCr. Plasma MIF had a better predictive value than sCr for the requirement of RRT (P = 0.02). In conclusion, postoperative plasma MIF concentrations were elevated in patients who developed severe AKI after OLT. Furthermore, plasma MIF concentrations showed a good prognostic value for identifying patients developing severe AKI or requiring postoperative RRT after OLT. Liver Transpl 21:662–669, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Mechanical Responses of Cancer Cells on Nanoscaffolds for Adhesion Size Control
Authors: Park Soyeun , Bastatas Lyndon , Matthews James , Lee Yong Joong
Published: March 2015

A mechano‐reciprocal interaction plays a critical role for cancer cells searching for favorable metastasis sites. For this study, we utilized nanoscaffolds that can control the maturation of focal adhesions in order to investigate how cancer cells mechanically respond to their nanoenvironments. We found that prostate cancer cells showed linearly decreasing proliferation rate and mechanical stiffness as the size of nanoislands on nanoscaffolds where the cells were grown decreases. This mechanical signature was exacerbated for less metastatic prostate cancer cells. However, there was no dependence of mechanical responses on the geometric properties of nanoscaffolds for breast cancer cells, despite the acute inhibition of adhesion and the abrupt mechanical changes. We believe that our holistic approach that utilizes atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoscaffolds can reveal which mechano‐reciprocal interactions are crucial for metastasis and, thus, provide useful information for anti‐cancer drug development targeting integrin‐associated signaling.
Energy and Charge Transfer in Nanoscale Hybrid Materials
Authors: Basché Thomas , Bottin Anne , Li Chen , Müllen Klaus , Kim Jeong‐Hee , Sohn Byeong‐Hyeok , Prabhakaran Prem , Lee Kwang‐Sup
Published: March 2015

Hybrid materials composed of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots and π‐conjugated organic molecules and polymers have attracted continuous interest in recent years, because they may find applications in bio‐sensing, photodetection, and photovoltaics. Fundamental processes occurring in these nanohybrids are light absorption and emission as well as energy and/or charge transfer between the components. For future applications it is mandatory to understand, control, and optimize the wide parameter space with respect to chemical assembly and the desired photophysical properties. Accordingly, different approaches to tackle this issue are described here. Simple organic dye molecules (Dye)/quantum dot (QD) conjugates are studied with stationary and time‐resolved spectroscopy to address the dynamics of energy and ultra‐fast charge transfer. Micellar as well as lamellar nanostructures derived from diblock copolymers are employed to fine‐tune the energy transfer efficiency of QD donor/dye acceptor couples. Finally, the transport of charges through organic components coupled to the quantum dot surface is discussed with an emphasis on functional devices.

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Paraphilias and paraphilic disorders in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Solla Paolo , Bortolato Marco , Cannas Antonino , Mulas Cesare Salvatore , Marrosu Francesco
Published: March 2015

Paraphilias are intense urges or behaviors involving non‐normative sexual interests. The newly approved diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) have established that, although paraphilias should not be regarded as inherently pathological, they ought to be qualified as paraphilic disorders if resulting in distress, impairment, or harm to the affected individual or others. Recent evidence documents that both phenomena can emerge as relatively uncommon iatrogenic consequences in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. To outline the clinical characteristics of paraphilias and paraphilic disorders in PD patients, we summarized the available evidence on these phenomena. The review encompasses all studies on paraphilias in PD patients identified by a search on the Pubmed and Scopus online databases through May 2014. Twenty‐two case reports on a total of 31 PD patients with paraphilias or paraphilic disorders were identified. These phenomena were typically associated with dopaminomimetic treatment (with a mean levodopa‐equivalent daily dose of 1,303 ± 823 mg/d) in male patients with motor complications, young age at PD onset, and long disease duration. Paraphilias were highly concomitant with impulse‐control disorders or dopamine dysregulation syndrome. Although evidence on paraphilias and paraphilic disorders in PD patients remains anecdotal, available data point to these phenomena as likely sequelae of high‐dose dopaminomimetic treatment. Accordingly, the intensity of paraphilic urges is typically attenuated by the reduction of dopaminomimetic doses, sometimes in association with atypical antipsychotics. Failure to recognize paraphilic disorders may significantly impair the relational functioning of the affected PD patients. Practitioners should routinely inquire about paraphilias during their clinical assessment of PD patients. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term cognitive follow‐up of Parkinson's disease patients with impulse control disorders
Authors: Siri Chiara , Cilia Roberto , Reali Elisa , Pozzi Beatrice , Cereda Emanuele , Colombo Aurora , Meucci Nicoletta , Canesi Margherita , Zecchinelli Anna L. , Tesei Silvana , Mariani Claudio B. , Sacilotto Giorgio , Zini Michela , Pezzoli Gianni
Published: March 2015

This study investigated cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with impulse control disorders (ICDs) and aimed to identify possible predictors of behavioral outcome. In this longitudinal cohort study, 40 PD outpatients with ICDs and 40 without, were matched for sex, age at PD onset, age and disease duration at cognitive assessment. All patients had two neuropsychological assessments at least 2 years apart (mean, 3.5 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of ICDs remission at follow‐up. The PD patients with and without ICDs had overall comparable cognitive performance at baseline. When evaluating changes between baseline and follow‐up, we found significant group × time interactions in several frontal lobe–related tests, with the ICDs group showing a less pronounced worsening over time. ICDs remission was associated with better performance at baseline in working memory–related tasks, such as digit span (odds ratio [OR] = 2.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09‐6.66]) and attentive matrices (OR=1.19 [95%CI, 1.03‐1.37]). ICDs remitters and non‐remitters had no remarkable differences in baseline PD‐related features and therapy management strategies (including the extent of dopamine agonist dose reduction). In conclusion, ICDs in PD patients are not related to greater cognitive impairment or executive dysfunction, but rather show relatively lower cognitive decline over time. The impaired top‐down inhibitory control characterizing ICDs is likely attributable to a drug‐induced overstimulation of relatively preserved prefrontal cognitive functions. Full behavioral remission in the long term was predicted by better working memory abilities. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Patterns of linkage disequilibrium at PARK16 may explain variances in genetic association studies
Authors: Li Huihua , Teo Yik‐Ying , Tan Eng‐King
Published: March 2015

Background

Reproducing genomewide association studies findings in different populations is challenging, because the reproducibility fundamentally relies on the similar patterns of linkage disequilibrium between the unknown causal variants and the genotyped single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Methods

The PARK16 locus was reported to alter the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in genomewide association studies in Japanese and Caucasians. We evaluated the regional linkage disequilibrium pattern at PARK16 locus in Caucasians, Japanese, and Chinese from HapMap and Chinese, Malays, and Indians from the Singapore Genome Variation Project, using the traditional heatmaps and targeted analysis of PARK16 gene via Monte Carlo simulation through varLD scores of these ethnic groups.

Results

One hundred SNPs in Caucasians, 95 SNPs in Chinese, 78 SNPs in Japanese from HapMap, 86 SNPs in Chinese, 99 SNPs in Indians, and 97 SNPs in Malays from the Singapore Genome Variation Project were included. Our targeted analysis showed that the linkage disequilibrium pattern of SNPs close to rs947211 was similar in Caucasians and Asians, including Chinese, Japanese, and Malay (all P > 0.0001), whereas different linkage disequilibrium patterns around rs823128, rs823156, and rs708730 were found between Caucasians and these Asian groups (all P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our study suggests a higher chance to detect the association between rs947211 and PD in Chinese, Malay, and other Caucasian groups because of the similar linkage disequilibrium pattern around rs947211. The associations between rs823128/rs823156/rs708730 and PD are more likely to be replicated in Chinese and Malay populations. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Fractional logarithmic Schrödinger equations
Authors: d'Avenia Pietro , Squassina Marco , Zenari Marianna
Published: March 2015

By means of nonsmooth critical point theory, we obtain existence of infinitely many weak solutions of the fractional Schrödinger equation with logarithmic nonlinearity. We also investigate the Hölder regularity of the weak solutions. Copyright © 2015 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd
Global dynamics of delay‐distributed HIV infection models with differential drug efficacy in cocirculating target cells
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Almuallem N. A.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behaviors of three human immunodeficiency virus infection models with two types of cocirculating target cells and distributed intracellular delay. The models take into account both short‐lived infected cells and long‐lived chronically infected cells. In the two types of target cells, the drug efficacy is assumed to be different. The incidence rate of infection is given by bilinear and saturation functional responses in the first and second models, respectively, while it is given by a general function in the third model. Lyapunov functionals are constructed and LaSalle invariance principle is applied to prove the global asymptotic stability of all equilibria of the models. We have derived the basic reproduction numberR0for the three models. For the first two models, we have proven that the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (GAS) whenR0≤1, and the endemic equilibrium is GAS whenR0>1. For the third model, we have established a set of sufficient conditions for global stability of both equilibria of the model. We have checked our theoretical results with numerical simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable Isotope Record of Human and Sheep Enamel Carbonate from the Ancient Middle Euphrates Valley (Syria)
Authors: Tomczyk J. , Wierzbowski H. , Zalewska M.
Published: March 2015

Stable isotope analyses of human tooth enamel have allowed us to reconstruct the isotope composition of dietary carbon, changes in the oxygen isotope composition of drinking water and the possible migration of humans in ancient Terqa and Tell Masaikh (SE Syria). δ18Ocarbonate values of human tooth enamel from the interval comprising the Neo‐Assyrian to the modern Islamic periods (from 900 BC to AD 1949) generally mirror the isotope composition of Euphrates water, which is believed to have been a major drinking water source. Lower δ18Ocarbonate values of human Bronze Age apatite are linked to a different hydrologic system that was present in the Middle Euphrates valley at that time (2650–1700 BC). Higher δ18Ocarbonate values of some individuals in the Neo‐Assyrian (900–700 BC) and Islamic periods (AD 600–1200) may indicate human migration from the interior of the Near East. Low δ13Ccarbonate values (−11.3 to −12.4‰) of human tooth enamel from the interval comprising the Early Bronze to the Islamic periods (from 2650 BC to AD 1200) indicate C3 plants as a predominant source of dietary carbon. Changes in human dietary customs in SE Syria (with inferred usage of C4 plants) occurred in the modern Islamic period only (AD 1850–1949).

Oxygen and carbon isotope data of sheep enamel show the usage of water bodies characterised by an enhanced evaporation rate during the Neo‐Assyrian time (900–700 BC) and grazing sheep herds on drier areas during the Islamic and the modern Islamic periods (after AD 600). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic identification of nuclear processes manipulated by cytomegalovirus early during infection
Authors: Carter Dominique M. , Westdorp Kristen , Noon Kathleen R. , Terhune Scott S.
Published: March 2015

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that is ubiquitously distributed worldwide and causes life‐threating disease upon immunosuppression. HCMV expresses numerous proteins that function to establish an intracellular environment that supports viral replication. Like most DNA viruses, HCMV manipulates processes within the nucleus. We have quantified changes in the host cell nuclear proteome at 24 h post infection following infection with a clinical viral isolate. We have combined SILAC with multiple stages of fractionation to define changes. Tryptic peptides were analyzed by RP‐HPLC combined with LC‐MS/MS on an LTQ Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer. Data from three biological replicates were processed with MaxQuant. A total of 1281 cellular proteins were quantified and 77 were found to be significantly differentially expressed. In addition, we observed 36 viral proteins associated with the nucleus. Diverse biological processes were significantly altered, including increased aspects of cell cycling, mRNA metabolism, and nucleocytoplasmic transport and decreased immune responses. We validated changes for several proteins including a subset of classical nuclear transport proteins. In addition, we demonstrated that disruption of these import factors is inhibitory to HCMV replication. Overall, we have identified HCMV‐induced changes in the nuclear proteome and uncovered several processes that are important for infection. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001909 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001909).
A Clinical Trial with Brazilian Arnica (Solidago chilensis Meyen) Glycolic Extract in the Treatment of Tendonitis of Flexor and Extensor Tendons of Wrist and Hand
Authors: da Silva Ary Gomes , Machado Elbe Rodrigues , de Almeida Leonardo Mendes , Menezes Nunes Ricardo Marcelo , Giesbrecht Patrícia Caldeira Pena , Costa Regina Mamed , Costa Helber B. , Romão Wanderson , Kuster Ricardo Machado
Published: March 2015

One of the Brazilian arnicas, Solidago chilensis Meyen, is a species of the Asteraceae family. This plant is known by this common name because it shares remarkably similar organoleptic properties with the genus Arnica L., also within the family Asteraceae. We examined the effectiveness of the S. chilensis fluid extract used externally for treating tendinitis of flexor and extensor tendons of wrist and hand in placebo‐controlled double‐blind clinical pharmacological studies. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee for Scientific Research in Human Beings at University Vila Velha‐UVV. Two daily skin applications on the arm skin of a gel cream containing a 5% glycolic plant extract were administered to eight volunteers for 21 days. Among the volunteers, one of their arms was used as the placebo group, and the other one was used as a test group. Statistical data analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in the perception of pain in the arms in the test group, when it was compared to those receiving only the placebo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative Relative Navigation for Space Rendezvous and Proximity Operations using Controlled Active Vision
Authors: Zhang Guangcong , Kontitsis Michail , Filipe Nuno , Tsiotras Panagiotis , Vela Patricio A.
Published: March 2015

This work aims to solve the problem of relative navigation for space rendezvous and proximity operations using a monocular camera in a numerically efficient manner. It is assumed that the target spacecraft has a special pattern to aid the task of relative pose estimation, and that the chaser spacecraft uses a monocular camera as the primary visual sensor. In this sense, the problem falls under the category of cooperative relative navigation in orbit. While existing systems for cooperative localization with fiducial markers allow full six‐degrees‐of‐freedom pose estimation, the majority of them are not suitable for in‐space cooperative navigation (especially when involving a small‐size chaser spacecraft), due to their computational cost. Moreover, most existing fiducial‐based localization methods are designed for ground‐based applications with limited range (e.g., ground robotics, augmented reality), and their performance deteriorates under large‐scale changes, such as those encountered in space applications. Using an adaptive visual algorithm, we propose an accurate and numerically efficient approach for real‐time vision‐based relative navigation, especially designed for space robotics applications. The proposed method achieves low computational cost and high accuracy and robustness via the following innovations: first, an adaptive visual pattern detection scheme based on the estimated relative pose is proposed, which improves both the efficiency of detection and the accuracy of pose estimates; second, a parametric blob detector called Box‐LoG is used, which is computationally efficient; and third, a fast and robust algorithm is introduced, which jointly solves the data association and pose estimation problems. In addition to having an accuracy comparable to state‐of‐the‐art cooperative localization algorithms, our method demonstrates a significant improvement in speed and robustness for scenarios with large range changes. A vision‐based closed‐loop experiment using the Autonomous Spacecraft Testing of Robotic Operations in Space (ASTROS) testbed demonstrates the performance benefits of the proposed approach.
Navigating Organo‐Lead Halide Perovskite Phase Space via Nucleation Kinetics toward a Deeper Understanding of Perovskite Phase Transformations and Structure–Property Relationships
Authors: Williams Spencer T. , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: March 2015

Organo‐lead halide perovskite photovoltaics have developed faster than our understanding of the material itself. Using the vast body of work on perovskite processing created in just the past few years, it is possible to create a better picture of this material's complex phase‐transformation behavior. This concept paper summarizes and correlates the current understanding of structural intermediates, kinetic controls, and structure–property relationships of organo‐lead iodide perovskites. To this end, a new way of graphically relating information is developed, allowing the simultaneous mapping of schematic kinetic relationships between all currently prevailing perovskite deposition and growth techniques.
Kafkaesque Bureaucracies as Natural Breaching Experiments: Interactional Failures and the Search for Institutional Agency
Authors: Peterson David , Harvey Daina Cheyenne
Published: March 2015

In accord with scholars who have suggested extending the symbolic interactionist perspective to investigate interactions with macrolevel structures, we argue that symbolic interactionism provides valuable tools to understand how bureaucratic breakdowns are interpreted by individuals. In this article, we use the experience of interacting with a Kafkaesque bureaucracy as a natural breaching experiment in order to outline the subjective effects of large‐scale institutional failure. In particular, we look at homeowners' interpretations of a flawed program initiated by the Obama administration to stem the tide of foreclosures. We conclude that persistent interaction failures with the bank divisions charged with modifying mortgages led frustrated and confused homeowners to question the nature of the bureaucratic interaction. This produced a search for a blame‐worthy agency and revealed the ways that agency was conceptualized in this complex and obscure institutional setting.
The Doomsday Equation and 50 years beyond: new perspectives on the human‐water system
Authors: Parolari Anthony J. , Katul Gabriel G. , Porporato Amilcare
Published: March 2015

In 1960, von Foerster et al. humorously predicted an abrupt transition in human population growth to occur in the mid‐21st century. Their so‐called ‘Doomsday’ emerged from either progressive degradation of a finite resource or faster‐than‐exponential growth of an increasingly resource‐use efficient population, though what constitutes this resource was not made explicit. At present, few dispute the claim that water is the most fundamental resource to sustainable human population growth. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that the global water system exhibits nontrivial dynamics linked to similar patterns in population growth. Projections of the global water system range from a finite carrying capacity regulated by accessible freshwater, or ‘peak renewable water,’ to punctuated evolution with new supplies and improved efficiency gained from technological and social innovation. These projections can be captured, to first order, by a single delay differential equation with human–water interactions parameterized as a delay kernel that links present water supply to the population history and its impacts on water resources. This kernel is a macroscopic representation of social, environmental, and technological factors operating in the human‐water system; however, the mathematical form remains unconstrained by available data. A related model of log‐periodic, power‐law growth confirms that global water use evolves through repeated periods of rapid growth and stagnation, a pattern remarkably consistent with historical anecdotes. Together, these models suggest a possible regime shift leading to a new phase of water innovation in the mid‐21st century that arises from delayed feedback between population growth and development of water resources.WIREs Water2015, 2:407–414. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1080

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Climate model biases in the eastern tropical oceans: causes, impacts and ways forward
Authors: Richter Ingo
Published: March 2015

The eastern boundaries of the tropical and subtropical oceans are regions of high biological productivity that support some of the world's largest fisheries. They also feature extensive stratocumulus cloud decks that play a pivotal role in the response of the climate system to greenhouse gas forcing. Global climate models experience great difficulties simulating eastern boundary regions, with one of the most notable shortcomings being warm sea‐surface temperature biases that often exceed 5 K. These model biases are due to several reasons. (1) Weaker than observed alongshore winds lead to an underrepresentation of upwelling and alongshore currents and the cooling associated with them. (2) Stratocumulus decks and their effects on shortwave radiation are underpredicted in the models. (3) The offshore transport of cool waters by mesoscale eddies is not adequately represented by global models due to insufficient resolution. (4) The sharp vertical temperature gradient separating the warm upper ocean layer from the deep ocean is too diffuse in the models. More work will be required to assess the relative importance of these error sources and to find ways of mitigating them. Coordinated multi‐model experiments are vital to achieve this goal, as are enhanced ocean and atmosphere observations of the eastern boundary regions. To what extent eastern ocean biases compromise the models' ability to produce accurate seasonal predictions, and climate change projections should be another focus of research efforts. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:345–358. doi: 10.1002/wcc.338

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Nutritional regulation of root development
Authors: Ruiz Herrera León Francisco , Shane Michael W. , López‐Bucio José
Published: March 2015

Mineral nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) are essential for plant growth, development, and reproduction. Adequate provision of nutrients via the root system impacts greatly on shoot biomass and plant productivity and is therefore of crucial importance for agriculture. Nutrients are taken up at the root surface in ionic form, which is mediated by specific transport proteins. Noteworthy, root tips are able to sense the local and internal concentrations of nutrients to adjust growth and developmental processes, and ultimately, to increase or decrease the exploratory capacity of the root system. Recently, important progress has been achieved in identifying the mechanisms of nutrient sensing in wild‐ and cultivated species, including Arabidopsis, bean, maize, rice, lupin as well as in members of the Proteaceae and Cyperaceae families, which develop highly sophisticated root clusters as adaptations to survive in soils with very low fertility. Major findings include identification of transporter proteins and transcription factors regulating nutrient sensing, miRNAs as mobile signals and peptides as repressors of lateral root development under heterogeneous nutrient supply. Understanding the roles played by N, P, and Fe in gene expression and biochemical characterization of proteins involved in root developmental responses to homogeneous or heterogeneous N and P sources has gained additional interest due to its potential for improving fertilizer acquisition efficiency in crops. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:431–443. doi: 10.1002/wdev.183

This article is categorized under:

Plant Development > Root Development

Plant Development > Vegetative Development

Plant Development > Cell Growth and Differentiation
Mandating better buildings: a global review of building codes and prospects for improvement in the United States
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Brown Marilyn A. , Cox Matt , Jackson Roderick
Published: March 2015

This paper provides a global overview of the design, implementation, and evolution of building energy codes. Reflecting alternative policy goals, building energy codes differ significantly across the United States, the European Union, and China. This review uncovers numerous innovative practices including greenhouse gas emissions caps per square meter of building space, energy performance certificates with retrofit recommendations, and inclusion of renewable energy to achieve ‘nearly zero‐energy buildings’. These innovations motivated an assessment of an aggressive commercial building code applied to all US states, requiring both new construction and buildings with major modifications to comply with the latest version of the ASHRAE 90.1 Standards. Using the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS), we estimate that by 2035, such building codes in the United States could reduce energy for space heating, cooling, water heating, and lighting in commercial buildings by 16%, 15%, 20%, and 5%, respectively. Impacts on different fuels and building types, energy rates and bills as well as pollution emission reductions are also examined. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:188–215. doi: 10.1002/wene.168

This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Organometallic Lewis Acids, Part LIX[1] Pentacarbonylrhenium Complexes with Phosphorus Tricyanide and Di­cyanophosphide
Authors: Sacher Wolfgang , Schmidpeter Alfred , Beck Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

The addition of Re(CO)5+ [as Re(CO)5FBF3] to P(CN)3 and to P(CN)2– affords the complexes [Re(CO)5]3P(CN)3(BF4)3 and Re(CO)5P(CN)2, respectively. The spectroscopic data indicate that Re(CO)5+ is coordinated to each of the three cyano groups of P(CN)3 to give {P[C≡N‐Re(CO)5]3}[BF4]3, whereas the pseudohalide P(CN)2– is bonded to the rhenium cation through the phosphorus atom.
Recurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Limb with Tibial Invasion
Authors: de la Fuente Teresa Pérez , González Isabel González
Published: March 2015

Background:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy and is most prevalent on the head and neck region, although BCC can occur in other sites, including the lower limbs.

Objective:

We report the case of an 85-year-old female patient who experienced recurrent BCCs in the lower limb with tibial invasion.

Methods:

Treatment consisted of wide skin excision, tibial osteotomy, intraoperative cryotherapy, and coverage with an internal gastrocnemius muscle flap.

Results:

The computed tomographic scan showed local bone control of the BCC, with no recurrence, so we avoided limb amputation.

Conclusion:

The reported case is uncommon because of the site, the extent of bone infiltration, and local treatment with cryotherapy.