bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral responses to HIVconsv induced by heterologous vaccine modalities in rhesus macaques
Authors: Borthwick Nicola J. , Rosario Maximillian , Schiffner Torben , Bowles Emma , Ahmed Tina , Liljeström Peter , Stewart‐Jones Guillaume E. , Drijfhout Jan W. , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Hanke Tomáš
Published: March 2015

Vaccines delivering T cell immunogen HIVconsv vectored by plasmid DNA, non‐replicating simian adenovirus and non‐replicating modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) are under clinical evaluation in phase I/IIa trials in UK, Europe, and Africa. While these vaccines aim to induce effector T cell responses specific for HIV‐1, we here characterized the humoral responses induced by HIVconsv administration to macaques using six different vaccine modalities: plasmid DNA, human adenovirus serotype 5, simian adenovirus serotype 63, MVA, Semliki Forest virus replicons, and adjuvanted overlapping synthetic long peptides (SLP). We found that only the SLP formulation, but none of the genetic vaccine platforms induced antibodies recognizing linear HIVconsv epitopes, median 32/46 SLP.HIVconsv peptides. These antibodies bound to 15‐mer and SLP peptides, recombinant gp120 and trimeric gp140 of HIV‐1 Bal, YU2, JRFL, and UG037, but failed to react with HIV‐1 Bal and IIIB virions and HIV‐1 Bal‐ and IIIB‐infected human cells, and consequently failed to induce neutralizing antibodies. The HIVconsv immunogen contains conserved regions derived from Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins of HIV‐1, and antibodies induced by the SLP.HIVconsv vaccination resulted in positive signals in routine HIV‐1 tests. Thus, only HIVconsv delivered by SLP resulted in seroconversion, an observation that provides important guidance for recruiting volunteers into future clinical trials. Furthermore, our data confirms that vaccine delivery by SLP induces humoral as well as cellular immune responses and could be considered for inclusion in future vaccine regimens where this is required.
Effects of simulated oxidation on thein vitrowear and mechanical properties of irradiated and melted highly crosslinked UHMWPE
Authors: Oral Ebru , Neils Andrew L. , Doshi Brinda N. , Fu Jun , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: March 2015

Radiation crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) have reduced the wear rate of the bearing surface in total joint arthroplasty and the incidence of peri‐prosthetic bone loss due to wear particles. The oxidation potential afforded to the material by the trapped residual free radicals after irradiation was addressed in first generation crosslinked UHMWPEs by using thermal treatments such as annealing or melting after irradiation. Postirradiation melted crosslinked UHMWPE did not contain detectable free radicals at the time of implantation and was expected to be resistant against oxidation for the lifetime of the implants. Recent analyses of long‐term retrievals showed it was possible for irradiated and melted UHMWPEs to oxidizein vivobut studies on the effects of oxidation on these materials have been limited. In this study, we determined the effects ofin vitroaging on the wear and mechanical properties of irradiated and melted UHMWPE as a function of radiation dose and found that even small amount of oxidation (oxidation index of 0.1) can have detrimental effects on its mechanical properties. There was a gradual increase in the wear rate below an oxidation index of 1 and a drastic increase thereafter. Therefore, it was shown in a simulated environment that oxidation can have detrimental effects to the clinically relevant properties of irradiated and melted UHMWPEs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 316–322, 2016.
Genetics of Bone Mass in Childhood and Adolescence: Effects of Sex and Maturation Interactions
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan A , Chesi Alessandra , Elci Okan , McCormack Shana E , Kalkwarf Heidi J , Lappe Joan M , Gilsanz Vicente , Oberfield Sharon E , Shepherd John A , Kelly Andrea , Zemel Babette S , Grant Struan FA
Published: March 2015

We aimed to determine if adult bone mineral density (BMD) susceptibility loci were associated with pediatric bone mass and density, and if sex and pubertal stage influenced any association. We analyzed prospective areal BMD (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) data from the Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Study (n = 603, European ancestry, 54% female). Linear mixed models were used to assess if 77 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near known adult BMD susceptibility loci interacted with sex and pubertal stage to influence the aBMD/BMC; adjusting for age, BMI, physical activity, and dietary calcium. The strongest main association was observed between an SNP near C7orf58 and distal radius aBMD. However, this association had a significant sex•SNP interaction, revealing a significant association only in females (b = –0.32, p = 1.8 × 10–6). Furthermore, the C12orf23 locus had significant interactions with both sex and pubertal stage, revealing associations in females during Tanner stage I for total hip aBMD (b = 0.24, p = 0.001) and femoral neck aBMD (b = 0.27, p = 3.0 × 10–5). In contrast, the sex•SNP interactions for loci near LRP5 and WNT16 uncovered associations that were only in males for total body less head BMC (b = 0.22, p = 4.4 × 10–4) and distal radius aBMD (b = 0.27, p = 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, the LRP5 locus interacted with both sex and pubertal stage, demonstrating associations that were exclusively in males during Tanner V for total hip aBMD (b = 0.29, p = 0.003). In total, significant sex•SNP interactions were found at 15 loci; pubertal stage•SNP interactions at 23 loci and 19 loci interacted with both sex and pubertal stage. In conclusion, variants originally associated with adult BMD influence bone mass in children of European ancestry, highlighting the fact that many of these loci operate early in life. However, the direction and magnitude of associations for a large number of SNPs only became evident when accounting for sex and maturation. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reverse Trendelenburg position is a safer technique for lowering central venous pressure without decreasing blood pressure than clamping of the inferior vena cava below the liver
Authors: Yoneda Godai , Katagiri Satoshi , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: March 2015

Background

Bleeding remains an important intraoperative complication in patients who undergo hepatectomy. It is generally believed that a reduction in central venous pressure will decrease bleeding from the hepatic venous system. To our knowledge, however, no study has compared the effectiveness of these techniques for controlling bleeding. So we compared the effectiveness of central venous pressure control techniques, such as infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping, changes in surgical position of the patient, and hypoventilation anesthesia, for lowering central venous pressure.

Methods

The study group comprised 50 patients who underwent hepatectomy in our department from 2012 through 2013. A central venous catheter was inserted into the right internal jugular vein, and the tip was placed in the superior vena cava. A transducer was placed along the mid‐axillary line of the left side of the chest. After opening the abdomen, changes in central venous pressure were measured during inferior vena cava clamping, the reverse Trendelenburg position, the Trendelenburg position, and hypoventilation anesthesia. The inclination relative to the transducer, as measured with an inclinometer, was −10 degrees for the Trendelenburg position and +10 degrees for the reverse Trendelenburg position. The tidal volume was set at 10 mL/kg during conventional anesthesia and 5 mL/kg during hypoventilation anesthesia.

Results

The mean central venous pressure was 8.0 cm H2O in the supine position during conventional anesthesia, 5.0 cm H2O during inferior vena cava clamping, 5.6 cm H2O during reverse Trendelenburg position, 10.6 cm H2O during Trendelenburg position, and 7.6 cm H2O during hypoventilation anesthesia. The mean central venous pressure during inferior vena cava clamping and reverse Trendelenburg position was significantly lower than that during supine position (P = 0.0017 and P = 0.0231, respectively). The mean central venous pressure during hypoventilation anesthesia was not significantly lower than that during supine position (P = 0.9934). Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased during inferior vena cava clamping (P = 0.0024), but not during reverse Trendelenburg position (P = 0.6344).

Conclusions

Reverse Trendelenburg position decreased central venous pressure without significantly decreasing the systolic blood pressure, suggesting that it is possible to perform hepatectomy with reverse Trendelenburg position more safely than with inferior vena cava clamping.
Tendon mechanobiology: Current knowledge and future research opportunities
Authors: Lavagnino Michael , Wall Michelle E. , Little Dianne , Banes Albert J. , Guilak Farshid , Arnoczky Steven P.
Published: March 2015

Tendons mainly function as load‐bearing tissues in the muscloskeletal system; transmitting loads from muscle to bone. Tendons are dynamic structures that respond to the magnitude, direction, frequency, and duration of physiologic as well as pathologic mechanical loads via complex interactions between cellular pathways and the highly specialized extracellular matrix. This paper reviews the evolution and current knowledge of mechanobiology in tendon development, homeostasis, disease, and repair. In addition, we review several novel mechanotransduction pathways that have been identified recently in other tissues and cell types, providing potential research opportunities in the field of tendon mechanobiology. We also highlight current methods, models, and technologies being used in a wide variety of mechanobiology research that could be investigated in the context of their potential applicability for answering some of the fundamental unanswered questions in this field. The article concludes with a review of the major questions and future goals discussed during the recent ORS/ISMMS New Frontiers in Tendon Research Conference held on September 10 and 11, 2014 in New York City. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:813–822, 2015.
T2* relaxometry and volume predict semi‐quantitative histological scoring of an ACL bridge‐enhanced primary repair in a porcine model
Authors: Biercevicz Alison M. , Proffen Benedikt L. , Murray Martha M. , Walsh Edward G. , Fleming Braden C.
Published: March 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables, such as T2* and volume, can predict the healing ligament structural properties. How these MR variables relate to semi‐quantitative histology of the healing ACL is yet unknown. We hypothesized that T2* and volume would predict the histological scoring of a healing ACL. Yucatan minipigs underwent ACL transection and received bridge‐enhanced ACL repair or no treatment. The surgical legs were harvested after 52 weeks and imaged using a high resolution 2‐echo sequence. For each ligament, the volume and median T2* values were determined. The ACL specimens were then histologically analyzed using the advanced Ligament Maturity Index (LMI). The T2* of the healing ligaments significantly predicted the total LMI score as well as the cell, collagen and vessel sub‐scores; R2 = 0.78, 0.67, 0.65, and 0.60, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). The ligament volume also predicted the total LMI score, cell, and collagen sub‐scores; R2 = 0.39, 0.33, 0.37, and 0.60, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). A lower ligament T2* or a higher volume was associated with higher histological scores of the healing ligaments. This study provides a critical step in the development of a non‐invasive method to evaluate ligament healing on a microscopic scale. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1180–1187, 2015.
Fast 3D isotropic imaging of the aortic vessel wall by application of 2D spatially selective excitation and a new way of inversion recovery for black blood imaging
Authors: Mooiweer Ronald , Sbrizzi Alessandro , El Aidi Hamza , Eikendal Anouk L.M. , Raaijmakers Alexander , Visser Fredy , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , Leiner Tim , Luijten Peter R. , Hoogduin Hans
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Aortic vessel wall imaging requires large coverage and a high spatial resolution, which makes it prohibitively time‐consuming for clinical use. This work explores the feasibility of imaging the descending aorta in acceptable scan time, using two‐dimensional (2D) spatially selective excitation and a new way of inversion recovery for black blood imaging.

Methods

The excitation pattern and field of view in a 3D gradient echo sequence are reduced in two dimensions, following the aorta's anisotropic geometry. Black blood contrast is obtained by partially inverting the blood's magnetization in the heart at the start of the cardiac cycle. Imaging is delayed until the inverted blood has filled the desired part of the aorta. The flip angle and delay are determined such that the blood signal is nulled upon arrival in the aorta.

Results

Experiments on eight volunteers showed that the descending aortic vessel wall could be imaged over more than 15 cm at a maximal resolution of 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 mm3 in less than 5 min minimal scan time.

Conclusion

This feasibility study demonstrates that time‐efficient isotropic imaging of the descending aorta is possible by using 2D spatially selective excitation for motion artifact reduction and a new way of inversion recovery for black blood imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:547–555, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐calibrated trajectory estimation and signal correction method for robust radial imaging using GRAPPA operator gridding
Authors: Deshmane Anagha , Blaimer Martin , Breuer Felix , Jakob Peter , Duerk Jeffrey , Seiberlich Nicole , Griswold Mark
Published: March 2015

Purpose

In radial imaging, projections may become “miscentered” due to gradient errors such as delays and eddy currents. These errors may result in image artifacts and can disrupt the reliability of direct current (DC) navigation. The proposed parallel imaging–based technique retrospectively estimates trajectory error from miscentered radial data without extra acquisitions, hardware, or sequence modification.

Theory and Methods

After phase correction, self‐calibrated GRAPPA operator gridding (GROG) weights are iteratively applied to shift‐miscentered projections toward the center of k‐space. A search algorithm identifies the shift that aligns the peak k‐space signals by maximizing the sum‐of‐squares DC signal estimate of each projection. The algorithm returns a trajectory estimate and a corrected radial k‐space signal.

Results

Data from a spherical phantom, the head, and the heart demonstrate that image reconstruction with the estimated trajectory restores image quality and reduces artifacts such as streaks and signal voids. The DC signal level is increased and variability is reduced.

Conclusion

Retrospective phase correction and iterative application of GROG can be used to successfully estimate the trajectory error in two‐dimensional radial acquisitions for improved image reconstruction without requiring extra data acquisition or sequence modification. Magn Reson Med 75:883–896, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Handheld electromagnet carrier for transfer of hyperpolarized carbon‐13 samples
Authors: Shang Hong , Skloss Timothy , von Morze Cornelius , Carvajal Lucas , Van Criekinge Mark , Milshteyn Eugene , Larson Peder E. Z. , Hurd Ralph E. , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Hyperpolarization of carbon‐13 (13C) nuclei by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization increases signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) by >10,000‐fold for metabolic imaging, but care must be taken when transferring hyperpolarized (HP) samples from polarizer to MR scanner. Some 13C substrates relax rapidly in low ambient magnetic fields. A handheld electromagnet carrier was designed and constructed to preserve polarization by maintaining a sufficient field during sample transfer.

Methods

The device was constructed with a solenoidal electromagnet, powered by a nonmagnetic battery, holding the HP sample during transfer. A specially designed switch automated deactivation of the field once transfer was complete. Phantom and rat experiments were performed to compare MR signal enhancement with or without the device for HP [13C]urea and [1‐13C]pyruvate.

Results

The magnetic field generated by this device was tested to be >50 G over a 6‐cm central section. In phantom and rat experiments, [13C]urea transported via the device showed SNR improvement by a factor of 1.8–1.9 over samples transferred through the background field.

Conclusion

A device was designed and built to provide a suitably high yet safe magnetic field to preserve hyperpolarization during sample transfer. Comparative testing demonstrated SNR improvements of approximately two‐fold for [13C]urea while maintaining SNR for [1‐13C]pyruvate. Magn Reson Med 75:917–922, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STEP: Self‐supporting tailored k‐space estimation for parallel imaging reconstruction
Authors: Zhou Zechen , Wang Jinnan , Balu Niranjan , Li Rui , Yuan Chun
Published: March 2015

Purpose

A new subspace‐based iterative reconstruction method, termed Self‐supporting Tailored k‐space Estimation for Parallel imaging reconstruction (STEP), is presented and evaluated in comparison to the existing autocalibrating method SPIRiT and calibrationless method SAKE.

Theory and Methods

In STEP, two tailored schemes including k‐space partition and basis selection are proposed to promote spatially variant signal subspace and incorporated into a self‐supporting structured low rank model to enforce properties of locality, sparsity, and rank deficiency, which can be formulated into a constrained optimization problem and solved by an iterative algorithm. Simulated and in vivo datasets were used to investigate the performance of STEP in terms of overall image quality and detail structure preservation.

Results

The advantage of STEP on image quality is demonstrated by retrospectively undersampled multichannel Cartesian data with various patterns. Compared with SPIRiT and SAKE, STEP can provide more accurate reconstruction images with less residual aliasing artifacts and reduced noise amplification in simulation and in vivo experiments. In addition, STEP has the capability of combining compressed sensing with arbitrary sampling trajectory.

Conclusion

Using k‐space partition and basis selection can further improve the performance of parallel imaging reconstruction with or without calibration signals. Magn Reson Med 75:750–761, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐gated tissue phase mapping using golden angle radial sparse SENSE
Authors: Paul Jan , Wundrak Stefan , Bernhardt Peter , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Neumann Heiko , Rasche Volker
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To investigate the combination of Golden Angle Radial Sparse SENSE reconstruction with image‐based self‐gating (SG) for deriving high‐quality TPM data from radial golden angle (GA) k‐space data.

Methods

In 10 healthy volunteers, a self‐gated radial GA TPM sequence (TPMSG) was compared with a prospectively triggered radial TPM acquisition with conventional respiratory (RNAV) compensation (TPMref). Image quality and velocities were compared for different regularization strengths λ in the CS reconstruction.

Results

Acquisitions and retrospective self‐gating was successful in all cases. Contrast in TPMSG was superior to TPMref, because the blood saturation bands could be applied with full thickness without interference with the RNAV. Velocities from both acquisitions visually showed the same motion patterns and were quantitatively highly similar (correlation 0.81–0.97 and RMSE 0.08–0.21 cm/s). Strong temporal regularization (
) led to reduced velocity peaks in TPMSG. For
, image sharpness as well as velocity peaks of TPMSG were comparable to TPMRef.

Conclusion

The combination of Golden Angle Radial Sparse SENSE with image‐based self‐gating allows measurement of velocities of the myocardium with superior black‐blood contrast and full coverage of the cardiac cycle. Magn Reson Med 75:789–800, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allergen relative abundance in several wheat varieties as revealed via a targeted quantitative approach using MS
Authors: Rogniaux Hélène , Pavlovic Marija , Lupi Roberta , Lollier Virginie , Joint Mathilde , Mameri Hamza , Denery Sandra , Larré Colette
Published: March 2015

Food allergy has become a major health issue in developed countries, therefore there is an urgent need to develop analytical methods able to detect and quantify with a good sensitivity and reliability some specific allergens in complex food matrices. In this paper, we present a targeted MS/MS approach to compare the relative abundance of the major recognized wheat allergens in the salt‐soluble (albumin/globulin) fraction of wheat grains. Twelve allergens were quantified in seven wheat varieties, selected from three Triticum species: T. aestivum (bread wheat), T. durum (durum wheat), and T. monococcum. The allergens were monitored from one or two proteotypic peptides and their relative abundance was deduced from the intensity of one fragment measured in MS/MS. Whereas the abundance of some of the targeted allergens was quite stable across the genotypes, others like alpha‐amylase inhibitors showed clear differences according to the wheat species, in accordance with the results of earlier functional studies. This study enriches the scarce knowledge available on allergens content in wheat genotypes, and brings new perspectives for food safety and plant breeding.
Urinary biomarkers of kidney diseases in HIV‐infected children
Authors: Perazzo Sofia , Soler‐García Ángel A. , Hathout Yetrib , Das Jharna R. , Ray Patricio E.
Published: March 2015

A significant number of children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) virus all over the world are at risk of developing renal diseases that could have a significant impact on their treatment and quality of life. It is necessary to identify children undergoing the early stages of these renal diseases, as well as the potential renal toxicity that could be caused by antiretroviral drugs, in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular complications and chronic renal failure. This article describes the most common renal diseases seen in HIV‐infected children, as well as the value and limitations of the clinical markers that are currently being used to monitor their renal function and histological damage in a noninvasive manner. In addition, we discuss the progress made during the last 10 years in the discovery and validation of new renal biomarkers for HIV‐infected children and young adults. Although significant progress has been made during the early phases of the biomarkers discovery, more work remains to be done to validate the new biomarkers in a large number of patients. The future looks promising, however, the new knowledge needs to be integrated and validated in the context of the clinical environment where these children are living.
Selective observation of the disordered import signal of a globular protein by in‐cell NMR: The example of frataxins
Authors: Popovic Matija , Sanfelice Domenico , Pastore Chiara , Prischi Filippo , Temussi Piero Andrea , Pastore Annalisa
Published: March 2015

We have exploited the capability of in‐cell NMR to selectively observe flexible regions within folded proteins to carry out a comparative study of two members of the highly conserved frataxin family which are found both in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes. They all contain a globular domain which shares more than 50% identity, which in eukaryotes is preceded by an N‐terminal tail containing the mitochondrial import signal. We demonstrate that the NMR spectrum of the bacterial ortholog CyaY cannot be observed in the homologous E. coli system, although it becomes fully observable as soon as the cells are lysed. This behavior has been observed for several other compact globular proteins as seems to be the rule rather than the exception. The NMR spectrum of the yeast ortholog Yfh1 contains instead visible signals from the protein. We demonstrate that they correspond to the flexible N‐terminal tail indicating that this is flexible and unfolded. This flexibility of the N‐terminus agrees with previous studies of human frataxin, despite the extensive sequence diversity of this region in the two proteins. Interestingly, the residues that we observe in in‐cell experiments are not visible in the crystal structure of a Yfh1 mutant designed to destabilize the first helix. More importantly, our results show that, in cell, the protein is predominantly present not as an aggregate but as a monomeric species.
ATP‐induced cellular stress and mitochondrial toxicity in cells expressing purinergic P2X7 receptor
Authors: Seeland Swen , Kettiger Hélène , Murphy Mark , Treiber Alexander , Giller Jasmin , Kiss Andrea , Sube Romain , Krähenbühl Stephan , Hafner Mathias , Huwyler Jörg
Published: March 2015

Under pathological conditions, the purinergic P2X7 receptor is activated by elevated concentrations of extracellular ATP. Thereby, the receptor forms a slowly dilating pore, allowing cations and, upon prolonged stimulation, large molecules to enter the cell. This process has a strong impact on cell signaling, metabolism, and viability. This study aimed to establish a link between gradual P2X7 activation and pharmacological endpoints including oxidative stress, hydrogen peroxide generation, and cytotoxicity. Mechanisms of cellular stress and cytotoxicity were studied in P2X7‐transfected HEK293 cells. We performed real‐time monitoring of metabolic and respiratory activity of cells expressing the P2X7‐receptor protein using a cytosensor system. Agonistic effects were monitored using exogenously applied ATP or the stable analogue BzATP. Oxidative stress induced by ATP or BzATP in target cells was monitored by hydrogen peroxide release in human mononuclear blood cells. P2X7‐receptor activation was studied by patch‐clamp experiments using a primary mouse microglia cell line. Stimulation of the P2X7 receptor leads to ion influx, metabolic activation of target cells, and ultimately cytotoxicity. Conversion of the P2X7 receptor from a small cation channel to a large pore occurring under prolonged stimulation can be monitored in real time covering a time frame of milliseconds to hours. Selectivity of the effects can be demonstrated using the selective P2X7‐receptor antagonist AZD9056. Our findings established a direct link between P2X7‐receptor activation by extracellular ATP or BzATP and cellular events culminating in cytotoxicity. Mechanisms of toxicity include metabolic and oxidative stress, increase in intracellular calcium concentration and disturbance of mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial toxicity is suggested to be a key event leading to cell death.
Remaining Life Prediction Based on Wiener Processes with ADT Prior Information
Authors: Wang Hao‐Wei , Xu Ting‐Xue , Wang Wei‐Ya
Published: March 2015

Precisely predicting the remaining life for an individual plays an important role in condition‐based maintenance, so Bayesian inference method, which can integrate useful data from several sources to improve the prediction accuracy, has became a research hot. Aiming at the situation that accelerated degradation tests have been widely applied to assess the reliability of products, a remaining life prediction method based on Bayesian inference by taking accelerated degradation data as prior information is proposed. A Wiener process with random drift, diffusion parameters is used to model degradation data, and conjugate prior distributions of random parameters are adopted. To solve the problem that it is hard to estimate the hyper parameters from accelerated degradation data using an Expectation Maximization algorithm, a data extrapolation method is developed. With acceleration factors, degradation data are extrapolated from accelerated stress levels to the normal use stress level. Acceleration factor constant hypothesis is used to deduce the expression of acceleration factor for a Wiener degradation model. Besides, simulation tests are designed to validate the proposed method. The method of constructing the confidence levels for the remaining life predictions is also provided. Finally, a case study is used to illustrate the application of our developed method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular Reprogramming Allows Generation of Autologous Hematopoietic Progenitors From AML Patients That Are Devoid of Patient-Specific Genomic Aberrations
Authors: Salci Kyle R. , Lee Jong-Hee , Laronde Sarah , Dingwall Steve , Kushwah Rahul , Fiebig-Comyn Aline , Leber Brian , Foley Ronan , Dal Cin Arianna , Bhatia Mickie
Published: March 2015

Current treatments that use hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients substantially reduce the risk of relapse, but are limited by the availability of immune compatible healthy HPCs. Although cellular reprogramming has the potential to provide a novel autologous source of HPCs for transplantation, the applicability of this technology toward the derivation of healthy autologous hematopoietic cells devoid of patient-specific leukemic aberrations from AML patients must first be evaluated. Here, we report the generation of human AML patient-specific hematopoietic progenitors that are capable of normal in vitro differentiation to myeloid lineages and are devoid of leukemia-associated aberration found in matched patient bone marrow. Skin fibroblasts were obtained from AML patients whose leukemic cells possessed a distinct, leukemia-associated aberration, and used to create AML patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Through hematopoietic differentiation of AML patient iPSCs, coupled with cytogenetic interrogation, we reveal that AML patient-specific HPCs possess normal progenitor capacity and are devoid of leukemia-associated mutations. Importantly, in rare patient skin samples that give rise to mosaic fibroblast cultures that continue to carry leukemia-associated mutations; healthy hematopoietic progenitors can also be generated via reprogramming selection. Our findings provide the proof of principle that cellular reprogramming can be applied on a personalized basis to generate healthy HPCs from AML patients, and should further motivate advances toward creating transplantable hematopoietic stem cells for autologous AML therapy. Stem Cells  2013;33:1839–1849
Accuracy of first‐trimester ultrasound in diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy in the absence of an obvious extrauterine embryo: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Richardson A. , Gallos I. , Dobson S. , Campbell B. K. , Coomarasamy A. , Raine‐Fenning N.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of a tubal ectopic pregnancy in the absence of an obvious extrauterine embryo.

Methods

This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered with PROSPERO. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library for relevant citations from database inception to July 2014. Studies were selected in a two‐stage process and their data extracted by two reviewers. Accuracy measures were calculated for each ultrasound sign, i.e. empty uterus, pseudosac, adnexal mass and free fluid in the pouch of Douglas, alone and in various combinations. Individual study estimates were plotted in summary receiver–operating characteristics curves and forest plots for examination of heterogeneity. The quality of included studies was assessed.

Results

Thirty‐one studies including 5858 women were selected from 19 959 citations. Following meta‐analysis, an empty uterus on ultrasound was found to predict an ectopic pregnancy with a sensitivity of 81.1% (95% CI, 42.1–96.2%) and specificity of 79.5% (95% CI, 68.9–87.1%). The corresponding performance of the pseudosac, adnexal mass and free fluid were: 5.5% (95% CI, 3.3–9.0%) and 94.2% (95% CI, 75.9–98.8%); 63.5% (95% CI, 48.5–76.3%) and 91.4% (95% CI, 83.6–95.7%); and 47.2% (95% CI, 33.2–61.7%) and 92.3% (95% CI, 85.6–96.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

Visualization of an empty uterus, adnexal mass, free fluid or a pseudosac has poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of a tubal pregnancy when an obvious extrauterine embryo is absent, but it has good specificity. We can therefore infer that ultrasound is more useful for ‘ruling in’ a tubal pregnancy than ‘ruling out’ one. However, the findings were limited by the poor quality of some included studies and heterogeneity in the index test and reference standard. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effects of broadcasting supplemental feed into roadside vegetation on home range and survival of female northern bobwhite
Authors: Buckley Byron R. , Andes Alicia K. , Grisham Blake A. , Brad Dabbert C.
Published: March 2015

Declines in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have led landowners in Texas, USA, to develop various management strategies to combat waning abundance. One common management strategy is to provide supplemental feed to bobwhites, despite the paucity of information regarding the effects of supplemental feed on bobwhite space use and survival. We examined survival and home range of bobwhites using the technique of spreading supplemental feed into roadside vegetation in the Texas Rolling Plains. The study sites were divided into 8 (404.6‐ha) units randomly designated as treatment (feed provided) or control (feed withheld). Treatment and control units were rotated during the second field season to minimize potential habitat bias. Treatment units received approximately 69.1 kg/km of milo (Sorghum bicolor) twice per month. We captured and radiomarked 197 female bobwhites (82 treatment [48: 2010–2011; 34: 2011–2012], 115 control [64: 2010–2011; 51: 2011–2012]) from autumn 2010 to spring 2012. Females were monitored for location and survival with radiotelemetry 3–4 times/week. Average home‐range size was similar on control and treatment units (47.6 ha [8.7 SE] and 46.2 ha [10.3 SE], respectively). We estimated survival rate with the nest survival model in Program MARK. We observed an increase in survival rate on treatment units compared with control units, regardless of year or environmental conditions. Our results suggest that distributing supplemental feed into roadside vegetation positively influences bobwhite survival with no reduction in home range size. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Implementing Housing First Across Sites and Over Time: Later Fidelity and Implementation Evaluation of a Pan‐Canadian Multi‐site Housing First Program for Homeless People with Mental Illness
Authors: Macnaughton Eric , Stefancic Ana , Nelson Geoffrey , Caplan Rachel , Townley Greg , Aubry Tim , McCullough Scott , Patterson Michelle , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Vallée Catherine , Tsemberis Sam , Fleury Marie-Josée , Piat Myra , Goering Paula
Published: March 2015

This article examines later fidelity and implementation of a five‐site pan‐Canadian Housing First research demonstration project. The average fidelity score across five Housing First domains and 10 programs was high in the first year of operation (3.47/4) and higher in the third year of operation (3.62/4). Qualitative interviews (36 key informant interviews and 17 focus groups) revealed that staff expertise, partnerships with other services, and leadership facilitated implementation, while staff turnover, rehousing participants, participant isolation, and limited vocational/educational supports impeded implementation. The findings shed light on important implementation “drivers” at the staff, program, and community levels.
Essential Fatty Acid Assimilation and Synthesis in Larvae of the Bivalve Crassostrea gigas
Authors: da Costa Fiz , Robert René , Quéré Claudie , Wikfors Gary H. , Soudant Philippe
Published: March 2015

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are important for bivalve larval survival and growth. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess for the first time through a mass‐balance approach dietary EFA incorporation and synthesis within Crassostrea gigas larvae. A first experiment was carried out using two microalgae, Tisochrysis lutea (T) and Chaetoceros neogracile (Cg), as mono‐ and bi‐specific diets. A second experiment using a similar design was performed to confirm and extend the results obtained in the first. Flow‐through larval rearing was used for accurate control of food supply and measurement of ingestion. Non‐methylene‐interrupted fatty acids were synthetized from precursors supplied in the diet: 16:1n‐7 and 18:1n‐9, mediated by Δ5 desaturase. Moreover, this Δ5 desaturase presumably allowed larvae to convert 20:3n‐6 and 20:4n‐3 to 20:4n‐6 and 20:5n‐3, respectively, when the product EFA were poorly or not supplied in the diet, as when larvae were fed T exclusively. Under our experimental conditions, none of the diets induced 22:6n‐3 synthesis; however, 22:6n‐3 incorporation into larval tissues occurred selectively under non‐limiting dietary supply to maintain optimal levels in the larvae. This combination of flow‐through larval rearing and biochemical analysis of FA levels could be applied to additional dietary experiments to precisely define optimal levels of EFA supply.
An Investigation of the Historical Black Wage Premium in Nursing
Authors: Coomer Nicole M.
Published: March 2015

This paper builds off of prior work analyzing the historical wage premium paid to black registered nurses (RNs) (Coomer, Nurs Econ 31(5):254–259, 2013). The average observed wages of black RNs was higher than that of white RNs in the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) over more than two decades from 1984 to 2008. This study examines the wage differential between black and white nurses that remains after controlling for factors likely to affect wages in addition to race, such as experience, education, employer type, and specialty. The differential is decomposed, following Blinder (1973) and Oaxaca (1973), revealing a large unexplained portion. Four possible explanations are examined and support is found for self-selection, experience, shift work, and demand effects.
Esophageal Carcinoma: Current Concepts in the Role of Imaging in Staging and Management
Authors: Tirumani Harika , Rosenthal Michael H. , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Shinagare Atul B. , Krajewski Katherine M. , Ramaiya Nikhil H.
Published: March 2015

Over the past few decades, the survival of esophageal cancer patients has improved owing to early detection and advances in multimodality treatment strategies. Imaging plays an important role in every step in the management of esophageal cancer, including diagnosis, staging, assessment of treatment response, and post-treatment surveillance. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the role of imaging in these various time points of esophageal cancer management.
Voyage of John Huyghen van Linschoten to the East Indies
Authors: Linschoten John Huyghen van
Published: March 2015

The publications of the Hakluyt Society (founded in 1846) made available edited (and sometimes translated) early accounts of exploration. The first series, which ran from 1847 to 1899, consists of 100 books containing published or previously unpublished works by authors from Christopher Columbus to Sir Francis Drake, and covering voyages to the New World, to China and Japan, to Russia and to Africa and India. This account of the East Indian travels of John Huyghen van Linschoten, originally published in the Netherlands in 1596 and translated into English in 1598, was published by the society in 1885 using an edited version of the early translation, supplemented with explanatory notes. It provides a rich source of information about Portuguese trade with the East Indies, as well as descriptions of the fauna, flora and indigenous peoples of the regions he visited, from the Azores and St Helena to Java and Sumatra.
Tiryns
Authors: Schliemann Heinrich
Published: March 2015

Heinrich Schliemann (1822–1890) was a businessman and self-taught archaeologist who is best known for discovering the legendary city of Troy. Inspired by his belief in the veracity of the Homeric poems, Schliemann turned his attention to uncovering other cities mentioned in the Iliad. This volume provides an account in German of his excavations in 1884–1885 at Tiryns, a major Bronze Age city and centre of Mycenaean civilisation. These revealed a palace complex at the site, which was the most complete example of its kind until Evans' excavation of Knossos: examples of Minoan art found at Tiryns were the first demonstration of Mycenaean contact with the Minoan culture of Crete. The topography and history of the site and its artefacts are described, together with detailed discussion of the palace, and a description of Schliemann's controversial excavation methods. This volume remains an important source for the historiography of archaeology.
Te Ika a Maui
Authors: Taylor Richard
Published: March 2015

Reverend Richard Taylor (1805–1873) was an English missionary, who wrote extensively on Maori culture and the plant and animal life of New Zealand. Taylor graduated from Queens' College, Cambridge in 1828 and was ordained as an Anglican priest the same year. After serving as a curate in the Isle of Ely, Taylor was appointed as a missionary to New Zealand for the Church Missionary Society. He arrived in Australia in 1836 and landed in New Zealand in 1839. Taylor quickly became a peacekeeper between the different Maori tribes in his district. This volume, first published in 1855, provides a detailed account of Maori mythology and culture with a description of the plant life, animal life and geology of the North Island. Taylor strongly condemns contemporary (nineteenth-century) attitudes to Maori culture and demonstrates the complexity of their society in this sympathetic book.
China’s Spiritual Need and Claims
Authors: Taylor James Hudson
Published: March 2015

James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905), the founder of the large and respected China Inland Mission, wrote the pamphlet China's Spiritual Need and Claims in 1865. It was subsequently published as a book and reprinted in numerous editions. This volume contains the seventh edition, first published in 1887. The work is both a survey of Protestant missionary activity in China since the treaty of Tientsin in 1858 and a recruitment pamphlet that inspired many English men and women to travel to China as missionaries. It provides a wealth of demographic and cultural information about nineteenth-century China and about the western missionaries stationed there. As one of the most popular works on Protestant missions during the nineteenth century, it is an essential source for understanding the motivations of Victorian missionaries in general as well as Taylor's own beliefs. It is an indispensable source for researchers in mission history.
Scientific Method in Practice
Authors: Gauch Jr Hugh G.
Published: March 2015

As the gateway to scientific thinking, an understanding of the scientific method is essential for success and productivity in science. This book is the first synthesis of the practice and the philosophy of the scientific method. It will enable scientists to be better scientists by offering them a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of the scientific method, thereby leading to more productive research and experimentation. It will also give scientists a more accurate perspective on the rationality of the scientific approach and its role in society. Beginning with a discussion of today's 'science wars' and science's presuppositions, the book then explores deductive and inductive logic, probability, statistics, and parsimony, and concludes with an examination of science's powers and limits, and a look at science education. Topics relevant to a variety of disciplines are treated, and clarifying figures, case studies, and chapter summaries enhance the pedagogy. This adeptly executed, comprehensive, yet pragmatic work yields a new synergy suitable for scientists and instructors, and graduate students and advanced undergraduates.
Wireless Device-to-Device Communications and Networks
Authors: Song Lingyang , Niyato Dusit , Han Zhu , Hossain Ekram
Published: March 2015

Covering the fundamental theory together with the state-of-the-art in research and development, this practical guide provides the techniques needed to design, analyze, and optimize device-to-device (D2D) communications in wireless networking. With an ever-increasing demand for higher data rate wireless access, D2D communication is set to become a key feature supported by next generation cellular networks. This book introduces D2D-based wireless communications from the physical, MAC, network, and application layer perspectives, providing all the key background information before moving on to discuss real-world applications as well as potential future developments. Key topics are discussed in detail, such as dynamic resource sharing (for example of spectrum and power) between cellular and ad hoc D2D communications to accommodate larger volumes of traffic and provide better service to users. Readers will understand the practical challenges of resource management, optimization, security, standardization, and network topology, and learn how the design principles are applied in practice.
Livy's Political Philosophy
Authors: Vasaly Ann
Published: March 2015

This volume explores the political implications of the first five books of Livy's celebrated history of Rome, challenging the common perception of the author as an apolitical moralist. Ann Vasaly argues that Livy intended to convey through the narration of particular events crucial lessons about the interaction of power and personality, including the personality of the Roman people as a whole. These lessons demonstrate the means by which the Roman republic flourished in the distant past and by which it might be revived in Livy's own corrupt time. Written at the precise moment when Augustus' imperial autocracy was replacing the republican system that had existed in Rome for almost 500 years, the stories of the first pentad offer invaluable insight into how republics and monarchies work. Vasaly's innovative study furthers the integration in recent scholarship of the literary brilliance of Livy's text and the seriousness of its purpose.
Management as Consultancy
Authors: Sturdy Andrew , Wright Christopher , Wylie Nick
Published: March 2015

The nature of management is changing: managers are becoming more like consultants, focusing on projects, functional integration, change and 'clients'. This timely book is based on a large-scale, international study of new management practices and examines the emergence of consultant managers. It breaks new ground in our understanding of this hybrid role, uncovering working practices, identities and occupational dynamics, to shed light on both management and consultancy. It unpacks the changing relationship between external consultants and management to reveal important implications for the future of consultancy. Both private and public sectors are covered, with a focus on managers in large and multinational organisations such as former consultants and those in specialisms such as human resource management who adopt consulting roles. In addition to advancing our understanding of changes in management, this book offers a demystifying view of consultancy as a whole, from one of the largest ever studies of this occupation.