bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of site geology on seismic ground motion: early history
Authors: Sánchez‐Sesma Francisco J. , Crouse C. B.
Published: October 2014

This is the 6th contribution in the series of Historical Notes on seminal concepts in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. It documents the origins and early developments (from the 1880s through 1992) of the effects of site geology on seismic ground motion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic demand on light acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural components in European reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Petrone Crescenzo , Magliulo Gennaro , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a parametric study is conducted in order to evaluate the seismic demand on light acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural components caused by frequent earthquakes. The study is motivated by the inconsistent approach of current building codes to the design of nonstructural components; the extensive nonstructural damage recorded after recent low‐intensity earthquakes also encouraged such a study.

A set of reinforced concrete frame structures with different number of stories, that is, 1 to 10 stories, are selected and designed according to Eurocode 8. The structures are subjected to a set of frequent earthquakes, that is, 63% probability of exceedance in 50 years. Dynamic nonlinear analyses are performed on the reference structures in order to assess the accuracy of the equations to predict seismic forces acting on nonstructural components and systems in Eurocode. It is concluded that the Eurocode equations underestimate the acceleration demand on nonstructural components for a wide range of periods, especially in the vicinity of the higher mode periods of vibration of the reference structures; for periods sufficiently larger than the fundamental period of the structure, instead, the Eurocode formulation gives a good approximation of the floor spectra. Finally, a novel formulation is proposed for an easy implementation in future building codes based on the actual Eurocode provisions. The proposed formulation gives a good estimation of the floor spectral accelerations and is able to envelope the floor spectral peaks owing to the higher modes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced OFDM for fragmented spectrum use in 5G systems
Authors: Loulou AlaaEddin , Renfors Markku
Published: October 2014

Most of the recent and emerging wireless systems have selected orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme as the basis for the physical layer due to its flexibility and robustness. OFDM is commonly considered also as the first candidate technology for advanced cognitive radio, dynamic spectrum use and fragmented coexistence scenarios, including the 5G system development. Nevertheless, OFDM has the problem of high‐power spectral sidelobes around the active subcarriers, which limit its feasibility in fragmented spectrum use and asynchronous frequency division multiple access operation. Therefore, various sidelobe suppression techniques have been proposed in the literature to mitigate these effects. This paper investigates four different suppression techniques: time‐domain windowing, cancellation carrier method, subcarrier weighting and polynomial cancellation coding, as well as their combinations. These methods are elaborated for a practical heterogeneous fragmented spectrum use scenario based on 5‐MHz 3GPP Long‐Term Evolution (LTE), proposing various enhancements to achieve effective suppression in narrow gaps with affordable complexity. In addition to the spectral characteristics, also, the possible side effects are evaluated in details, considering peak‐to‐average power ratio characteristics, error rate performance, computational complexity and resources usage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Çakraz Formation, Çamdağ area, NW Turkey: early/mid‐Permian age, Rotliegend (Germany) and Southern Alps (Italy) equivalent—a stratigraphic re‐assessment via palynological long‐distance correlation
Authors: Stolle Ellen
Published: October 2014

The palynological record from the Permian part of the Çakraz Formation from the Çamdağ area of NW Turkey has been investigated in order to obtain a more precise age assessment than achieved in previous studies. The ‘Late Permian’ age and a possible age range beginning in the Roadian (mid Permian) were discussed before for sections of palynomorph‐bearing strata occurring within the formation. These deposits are now assigned to the late Cisuralian/Guadalupian and considered to be not older than early Kungurian, and not younger than Capitanian. The new age assessment was conducted via a long‐distance, intercontinental palynostratigraphic correlation from NW Turkey to South America, where results of radiometric datings were linked to some siliciclastic sections by absolute ages to the chronostratigraphy. Common conspicuous taxa in pollen‐dominated assemblages from both regions are Lueckisporites and Vittatina such as Lueckisporites virkkiae, L. latisaccus, L. stenotaeniatus, Vittatina corrugata, V. subsaccata and V. wodehousei. These species co‐occur in strata of the northern as well as southern palaeohemisphere settings (NW Turkey and S America). Thus, Lueckisporites latisaccus, L. stenotaeniatus and Vittatina corrugata are, as well as L. virkkiae or V. subsaccata, considered as being cosmopolitan.

Due to the more precise palynological dating of part of the Çakraz Formation and surrounding deposits they are here broadly correlated with Permian continental successions from the Southern Alps, Italy, including the Val Daone Conglomerate and the Verrucano Lombardo/Val Gardena Sandstone (Gröden) red beds, and the Rotliegend deposits of Germany. These results support some earlier views regarding the age and stratigraphic equivalences with European deposits. The new age for the Çakraz Formation also supports recent considerations as middle Permian (part Guadalupian), and as Cisuralian for the lower parts of the formation, such as the fossil‐bearing section with plants and tetrapod traces further east in NW Turkey, where the unit also crops out. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A penny for your thoughts! patterns of fMRI activity reveal the content and the spatial topography of visual mental images
Authors: Boccia Maddalena , Piccardi Laura , Palermo Liana , Nemmi Federico , Sulpizio Valentina , Galati Gaspare , Guariglia Cecilia
Published: October 2014

Visual mental imagery is a complex process that may be influenced by the content of mental images. Neuropsychological evidence from patients with hemineglect suggests that in the imagery domain environments and objects may be represented separately and may be selectively affected by brain lesions. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the possibility of neural segregation among mental images depicting parts of an object, of an environment (imagined from a first‐person perspective), and of a geographical map, using both a mass univariate and a multivariate approach. Data show that different brain areas are involved in different types of mental images. Imagining an environment relies mainly on regions known to be involved in navigational skills, such as the retrosplenial complex and parahippocampal gyrus, whereas imagining a geographical map mainly requires activation of the left angular gyrus, known to be involved in the representation of categorical relations. Imagining a familiar object mainly requires activation of parietal areas involved in visual space analysis in both the imagery and the perceptual domain. We also found that the pattern of activity in most of these areas specifically codes for the spatial arrangement of the parts of the mental image. Our results clearly demonstrate a functional neural segregation for different contents of mental images and suggest that visuospatial information is coded by different patterns of activity in brain areas involved in visual mental imagery. Hum Brain Mapp 36:945–958, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of Power Doppler Versus Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Joint Inflammation in Murine Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Bouta Echoe M , Banik Peony D , Wood Ronald W , Rahimi Homaira , Ritchlin Christopher T , Thiele Ralf G , Schwarz Edward M
Published: October 2014

Contrast-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) of synovial volume is the radiographic gold standard to quantify joint inflammation; however, cost limits its use. Therefore, we examined if power Doppler-ultrasound (PD-US) outcomes of synovitis in tumor necrosis factor transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice correlate with CE-MRI. TNF-Tg mice underwent PD-US of their knees to measure the joint space volume (JSV) and power Doppler volume (PDV), and the results were correlated with synovial volume determined by CE-MRI. Immunohistochemistry for CD31 was performed to corroborate the PD signal. Synovial volume strongly correlated with both JSV and PDV (p < 0.01). CD31+ blood vessels were observed in inflamed synovium proximal to the joint surface, which corresponded to areas of intense PD signals. JSV and PDV are valid measures of joint inflammation that correlate with synovial volume determined by CE-MRI and are associated with vascularity. Given the emergence of PD-US as a nonquantitative outcome of joint inflammation, we find JSV and PDV to be feasible and highly cost-effective for longitudinal studies in animal models. Furthermore, given the increasing use of PD-US in standard clinical practice, JSV and PDV could be translated to better quantify joint flare and response to therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Core Binding Factor β of Osteoblasts Maintains Cortical Bone Mass via Stabilization of Runx2 in Mice
Authors: Lim Kyung-Eun , Park Na-Rae , Che Xiangguo , Han Min-Su , Jeong Jae-Hwan , Kim Shin-Yoon , Park Clara Yongjoo , Akiyama Haruhiko , Kim Jung-Eun , Ryoo Hyun-Mo , Stein Janet L , Lian Jane B , Stein Gary S , Choi Je-Yong
Published: October 2014

Core binding factor beta (Cbfβ), the partner protein of Runx family transcription factors, enhances Runx function by increasing the binding of Runx to DNA. Null mutations of Cbfb result in embryonic death, which can be rescued by restoring fetal hematopoiesis but only until birth, where bone formation is still nearly absent. Here, we address a direct role of Cbfβ in skeletal homeostasis by generating osteoblast-specific Cbfβ-deficient mice (CbfbΔob/Δob) from Cbfb-floxed mice crossed with mice expressing Cre from the Col1a1 promoter. CbfbΔob/Δob mice showed normal growth and development but exhibited reduced bone mass, particularly of cortical bone. The reduction of bone mass in CbfbΔob/Δob mice is similar to the phenotype of mice with haploinsufficiency of Runx2. Although the number of osteoblasts remained unchanged, the number of active osteoblasts decreased in CbfbΔob/Δob mice and resulted in lower mineral apposition rate. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that the expression of osteogenic markers, including Runx2, osterix, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, was significantly repressed in CbfbΔob/Δob mice compared with wild-type mice. Cbfβ deficiency also reduced Runx2 protein levels in osteoblasts. The mechanism was revealed by forced expression of Cbfβ, which increased Runx2 protein levels in vitro by inhibiting polyubiquitination-mediated proteosomal degradation. Collectively, these findings indicate that Cbfβ stabilizes Runx2 in osteoblasts by forming a complex and thus facilitates the proper maintenance of bone mass, particularly cortical bone. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Low‐noise, vibrational phase‐sensitive chemical imaging by balanced detection RIKE
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Coluccelli Nicola , Cassinerio Marco , Celebrano Michele , Nunn Abigail , Levrero Massimo , Scopigno Tullio , Cerullo Giulio , Marangoni Marco
Published: October 2014

We perform a back‐to‐back comparison between two nonlinear vibrational imaging techniques: stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and balanced detection Raman‐induced Kerr effect (BD‐RIKE). Using a compact fiber‐based laser system for generation of pump and Stokes signals, we image polymer beads as well as human hepatocytes under the same experimental conditions. We show that BD‐RIKE, despite the slightly lower signal levels, consistently offers an improved signal‐to‐noise ratio with respect to SRS, resulting in significantly higher image quality. Importantly, we observe that such quality is not affected by the static birefringence of the sample, which makes BD‐RIKE a robust and attractive alternative to SRS. We also highlight a unique advantage of the technique, which is its capability to easily access both the real and imaginary parts of the nonlinear susceptibility, thus allowing for vibrational phase imaging. The phase information can be readily obtained from BD‐RIKE with minimal experimental effort and provides an additional chemical selectivity channel for coherent Raman microscopy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐resolved spectroscopic and density functional theory investigation of the photochemistry of suprofen
Authors: Du Lili , Zhu Ruixue , Xue Jiadan , Du Yong , Phillips David Lee
Published: October 2014

The photochemistry of suprofen (SPF) was investigated by femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA), resonance Raman (RR) and nanosecond time‐resolved resonance Raman (ns‐TR3) spectroscopic methods to gain additional information so as to better elucidate the possible photochemical reaction mechanism of suprofen in several different solvents. In neat acetonitrile (MeCN), the fs‐TA and ns‐TR3 experimental data indicated that the lowest lying excited singlet state S1 (nπ*) underwent an efficient intersystem crossing process (ISC) to the excited triplet state T3 (ππ*), followed by an internal conversion (IC) process to T1 (ππ*). In the aqueous solution, a triplet biradical species (3ETK‐1) was obtained as the product of a decarboxylation process from triplet suprofen anion (3SPF−) and the reaction rate of the decarboxylation process was determined by the concentration of H2O. A protonation process for 3ETK‐1 leads to formation of a neutral species (3ETK‐3) that was directly observed by ns‐TR3 spectra, then this 3ETK‐3 species decayed via ISC process to generate final product. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: A network meta‐analysis review comparing classical, combined, and liver‐first surgical strategies
Authors: Kelly M.E. , Spolverato G. , Lê G.N. , Mavros M.N. , Doyle F. , Pawlik T.M. , Winter D.C.
Published: October 2014

Background

In recent years, the management of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis has changed significantly. Alternative surgical strategies to the classical colorectal‐first approach have been proposed. These include the liver‐first and combined resections approaches. The objectives of this review were to compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes for all three approaches.

Methods

A systematic review of comparative studies was performed. Evaluated endpoints included surgical outcomes (5‐year overall survival, 30‐day mortality, and post‐operative complications). Pair‐wise and network meta‐analysis (NMA) were performed to compare survival outcomes.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in this review, reporting on 3,605 patients. NMA and pair‐wise meta‐analysis of the 5‐year overall survival did not show significant difference between the three surgical approaches: combined versus colorectal‐first, mean odds ratio (OR) 1.02 (95% CI 0.8–1.28, P = 0.93); liver‐first versus colorectal‐first, mean OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.53–1.26, P = 0.37); liver‐first versus combined, mean OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.52–1.24, P = 0.41). In addition NMA of the 30‐day mortality among the three approaches also did not observe statistical difference. Analysis of variance showed that mean post‐operative complications of all approaches were comparable (P = 0.51).

Conclusion

There are considerable differences in the peri‐operative management of synchronous CLM patients. This meta‐analysis demonstrated no clear statistical surgical outcome or survival advantage towards any of the three approaches. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:341–351. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low level light therapy by LED of different wavelength induces angiogenesis and improves ischemic wound healing
Authors: Dungel Peter , Hartinger Joachim , Chaudary Sidrah , Slezak Paul , Hofmann Anna , Hausner Thomas , Strassl Martin , Wintner Ernst , Redl Heinz , Mittermayr Rainer
Published: October 2014

Background and Objective

Low‐level light therapy (LLLT) has been revealed as a potential means to improve wound healing. So far, most studies are being performed with irradiation in the red to near‐infrared spectra. Recently, we showed that blue light (470 nm) can significantly influence biological systems such as nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and is able to release NO from nitrosyl‐hemoglobin or mitochondrial protein complexes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic value of blue or red light emitting diodes (LEDs) on wound healing in an ischemia disturbed rodent flap model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An abdominal flap was rendered ischemic by ligation of one epigastric bundle and subjected to LED illumination with a wavelength of 470 nm (blue, n = 8) or 629 nm (red, n = 8) each at 50 mW/cm2 and compared to a non‐treated control group (n = 8). Illumination was performed for 10 minutes on five consecutive days.

Results

LED therapy with both wavelengths significantly increased angiogenesis in the sub‐epidermal layer and intramuscularly (panniculus carnosus muscle) which was associated with significantly improved tissue perfusion 7 days after the ischemic insult. Accordingly, tissue necrosis was significantly reduced and shrinkage significantly less pronounced in the LED‐treated groups of both wavelengths.

Conclusions

LED treatment of ischemia challenged tissue improved early wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis irrespective of the wavelength thus delineating this noninvasive means as a potential, cost effective tool in complicated wounds. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:773–780, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymers Containing Nickel(II) Complexes of Goedken's Macrocycle: Optimized Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Paquette Joseph A. , Sauvé Ethan R. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: October 2014

The synthesis and characterization of a new class of nickel‐containing polymers is described. The optimized copolymerization of alkyne‐bearing nickel(II) complexes of Goedken's macrocycle (4,11‐dihydro‐5,7,12,14‐tetramethyldibenzo[b,i][1,4,8,11]tetraazacyclotetradecine) and brominated 9,9‐dihexylfluorene produced polymers with potential application as functional redox‐active materials. The title polymers exhibit electrochemically reversible, ligand‐centered oxidation events at 0.24 and 0.73 V versus the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. They also display exceptional thermal stability and interesting absorption properties due to the presence of the macrocyclic nickel(II) complexes and π‐conjugated units incorporated in their backbones.

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Transversely‐inset great toe hemi‐pulp flap transfer for the reconstruction of a thumb‐tip defect
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Hayashi Akitatsu , Tsukuura Reiko , Goto Aya , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Koshima Isao
Published: October 2014

Thumb‐tip defect is a common traumatic disease, and replantation of an amputated thumb‐tip is the first choice of treatment when available. When an amputee is not available, local flaps such as volar advancement flap are used for reconstruction. However, it is difficult to cover whole defect area by a local flap when a defect is relatively large. In this report, we present a case of the use of a free great toe hemi‐pulp flap transfer to reconstruct a thumb‐tip defect. A 69‐year‐old right‐handed male suffered from the right thumb‐tip crush amputation in Tamai Zone 2. The distal phalanx and the nail matrix were preserved, and the defect size was 5 cm × 4 cm. The thumb‐tip was reconstructed with a free great toe hemi‐pulp flap under local anesthesia. The flap included extended subcutaneous adiposal tissue (skin size 4.5 cm × 3 cm; fat size 4.5 cm × 5.5 cm) to reconstruct the nail bed, and was transversely inset at the recipient site to cover the whole area of the defect. The donor site could be primarily closed without skin grafting. At postoperative 6 months, the patient was satisfied with good results of the reconstructed thumb‐tip and the donor site. Transversely‐inset great toe hemi‐pulp flap may be useful to reconstruct a thumb‐tip defect, which allows relatively wide defect reconstruction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:235–238, 2015.
Der mitunter schwere Weg zum Volltext
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Tesch Silke
Published: October 2014

Fernleihe und Dokumentenlieferdienste helfen dabei, Literatur zu beschaffen, die weder online noch in der lokalen Bibliothek verfügbar ist.
Am Konsumenten vorbei?
Authors: Klaschka Ursula , Rother Hanna‐Andrea
Published: October 2014

Viele Alltagsprodukte wie Körperpflegemittel enthalten Gefahrstoffe. Gut informierte Anwender können damit so umgehen, dass sie ihre Gesundheit und die Umwelt nicht gefährden. Wie gut taugen die geltenden Regelungen zur Risikokommunikation für den Schutz der Konsumenten und der Umwelt?
A nonlinearly preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for rank‐R canonical tensor approximation
Authors: Sterck Hans De , Winlaw Manda
Published: October 2014

Alternating least squares (ALS) is often considered the workhorse algorithm for computing the rank‐R canonical tensor approximation, but for certain problems, its convergence can be very slow. The nonlinear conjugate gradient (NCG) method was recently proposed as an alternative to ALS, but the results indicated that NCG is usually not faster than ALS. To improve the convergence speed of NCG, we consider a nonlinearly preconditioned NCG (PNCG) algorithm for computing the rank‐R canonical tensor decomposition. Our approach uses ALS as a nonlinear preconditioner in the NCG algorithm. Alternatively, NCG can be viewed as an acceleration process for ALS. We demonstrate numerically that the convergence acceleration mechanism in PNCG often leads to important pay‐offs for difficult tensor decomposition problems, with convergence that is significantly faster and more robust than for the stand‐alone NCG or ALS algorithms. We consider several approaches for incorporating the nonlinear preconditioner into the NCG algorithm that have been described in the literature previously and have met with success in certain application areas. However, it appears that the nonlinearly PNCG approach has received relatively little attention in the broader community and remains underexplored both theoretically and experimentally. Thus, this paper serves several additional functions, by providing in one place a concise overview of several PNCG variants and their properties that have only been described in a few places scattered throughout the literature, by systematically comparing the performance of these PNCG variants for the tensor decomposition problem, and by drawing further attention to the usefulness of nonlinearly PNCG as a general tool. In addition, we briefly discuss the convergence of the PNCG algorithm. In particular, we obtain a new convergence result for one of the PNCG variants under suitable conditions, building on known convergence results for non‐preconditioned NCG. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power groups, interests and interest groups in Latin America: a new era or more of the same?
Authors: Thomas Clive S. , Klimovich Kristina
Published: October 2014

This final article draws on the 13 contributions to this special issue, regarding the broad range of perspectives and in‐depth analyses of interest group systems across Latin America, to assess the contemporary operation and academic study of the region's interest group activity. In doing so, the analysis draws on the questions, premises and framework set out in the first article of this volume. Although the development of group systems varies from country to country, extensive developments have occurred since the early 1980s in the institutionalization of interest group activity. Yet, major challenges need to be overcome to ensure a deep‐rooted acceptance of interest group pluralism. Moreover, as with all group systems, the challenges facing the region are very much shaped by long‐standing socioeconomic and political cultural characteristics. These include widespread economic inequality and the central socio‐political role of family that often translates into clientelism, elitism, and corruption in the public policy arena. In turn, these and other challenges facing the group system affect the consolidation of democracy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe neurotoxicity following intrathecal methotrexate with nitrous oxide sedation in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Löbel U. , Trah J. , Escherich G.
Published: October 2014

Systemic and intrathecal methotrexate is widely used in treatment protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its side effects vary in characteristics, intensity and time of onset, and depend on the administration route. Interactions with several drugs are known. Side effects of nitrous oxide sedation, often used for moderately painful procedures, typically occur after long time use and include neurological symptoms. We present a child who experienced a severe and long‐lasting neurotoxicity after the third intrathecal application of methotrexate with short sedation by nitrous oxide during induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Symptoms completely resolved after 12 months. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:539–541. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal and morphology characterization study of bio‐active poly(amide‐imide)‐based nanocomposites reinforced with modified SiO2nanoparticle with poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Mallakpour S. , Shahrokhpour M.
Published: October 2014

Among the nanoparticles (NPs), the amorphous SiO2NPs are very useable, because of their important characteristics for different applications, such as mechanical performance, thermal properties, and biodegradability effects. For this manifest features SiO2NPs were used as filler in this study. Firstly, these NPs were modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Then, the poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) was synthesized from reaction betweenN‐trimellitylimido‐l‐methionine and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylether in the presence of ionic liquid and triphenyl phosphite. Next, the modified SiO2NPs with PVA (SiO2‐PVA) were incorporated into the PAI matrix for the preparation of PAI‐SiO2‐PVA nanocomposites (PSiPNs). Finally, the resulting SiO2‐PVA and PSiPNs were characterized by different analyses like field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA showed high thermal stability of the obtained PSiPNs compared to the pure PAI. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1231–1237, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Examination of polypeptide substrate specificity for Escherichia coliClpB
Authors: Li Tao , Lin Jiabei , Lucius Aaron L.
Published: October 2014

Escherichia coli ClpB is a molecular chaperone that belongs to the Clp/Hsp100 family of AAA+ proteins. ClpB is able to form a hexameric ring structure to catalyze protein disaggregation with the assistance of the DnaK chaperone system. Our knowledge of the mechanism of how ClpB recognizes its substrates is still limited. In this study, we have quantitatively investigated ClpB binding to a number of unstructured polypeptides using steady‐state anisotropy titrations. To precisely determine the binding affinity for the interaction between ClpB hexamers and polypeptide substrates the titration data were subjected to global non‐linear least squares analysis incorporating the dynamic equilibrium of ClpB assembly. Our results show that ClpB hexamers bind tightly to unstructured polypeptides with binding affinities in the range of ∼3–16 nM. ClpB exhibits a modest preference of binding to Peptide B1 with a binding affinity of (1.7 ± 0.2) nM. Interestingly, we found that ClpB binds to an unstructured polypeptide substrate of 40 and 50 amino acids containing the SsrA sequence at the C‐terminus with an affinity of (12 ± 3) nM and (4 ± 2) nM, respectively. Whereas, ClpB binds the 11‐amino acid SsrA sequence with an affinity of (140 ± 20) nM, which is significantly weaker than other polypeptide substrates that we tested here. We hypothesize that ClpB, like ClpA, requires substrates with a minimum length for optimal binding. Finally, we present evidence showing that multiple ClpB hexamers are involved in binding to polypeptides ≥152 amino acids. Proteins 2015; 83:117–134. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of continuous B‐cell epitopes in the N‐terminus of glutamate decarboxylase67 using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Agca Selin , Houen Gunnar , Trier Nicole Hartwig
Published: October 2014

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is an autoantigen associated with the autoimmune disorders Type‐1 diabetes (T1D) and stiff‐person syndrome (SPS). The protein, being an essential enzyme involved in the production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid, exists in two isoforms, GAD67 and GAD65. Both isoforms may be targeted by autoantibodies in SPS and T1D patients, although SPS primarily is associated with the presence of GAD67 autoantibodies, whereas T1D mainly is associated with the presence of GAD65 autoantibodies.

In this study, we describe antibody reactivity to overlapping GAD67 peptides covering the complete protein sequence by modified peptide enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in order to identify potential GAD67 epitopes using two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

Both GAD67 mAbs showed reactivity to linear epitopes located at the N‐terminal end of GAD67. The epitopes of GAD mAb 1 and 2 were identified as the amino acid sequences NAGADPNTTN and TETDFSNLF, respectively, corresponding to amino acids 14–23 and 91–99. Fine mapping of the epitopes revealed that antibody reactivity was related to amino acid side‐chain functionality, rather than amino acid side‐chain specificity. Additionally, results suggested that non‐contact amino acids in the epitope structure were essential for antibody reactivity. The exact role of these amino acids remains to be determined, but they are thought to be involved in backbone hydrogen bonds or stabilization of the epitope structure.

As only limited knowledge is available in relation to antigenic regions of GAD67, this study contributes to characterization of GAD67 epitopes and may be a first step in the development of peptide‐based therapeutics against SPS. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide IDR‐1018: modulating the immune system and targeting bacterial biofilms to treat antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections
Authors: Mansour Sarah C. , de la Fuente‐Núñez César , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: October 2014

Host defense (antimicrobial) peptides, produced by all complex organisms, typically contain an abundance of positively charged and hydrophobic amino acid residues. A small synthetic peptide termed innate defense regulator (IDR‐)1018 was derived by substantial modification of the bovine neutrophil host defense peptide bactenecin. Here, we review its intriguing properties that include anti‐infective, anti‐inflammatory, wound healing, and anti‐biofilm activities. It was initially developed as an immune modulator with an ability to selectively enhance chemokine production and polarize cellular differentiation while suppressing/balancing the pro‐inflammatory response. In this regard, it has demonstrated in vivo activity in murine models including enhancement of wound healing and an ability to protect against Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, herpes virus, and inflammatory disorders, including cerebral malaria and neuronal damage in a pre‐term birth model. More recently, IDR‐1018 was shown, in a broad‐spectrum fashion, to selectively target bacterial biofilms, which are adaptively resistant to many antibiotics and represent the most common growth state of bacteria in human infections. Furthermore, IDR‐1018 demonstrated synergy with conventional antibiotics to both prevent biofilm formation and treat pre‐existing biofilms. These data are consistent with a strong potential as an adjunctive therapy against antibiotic‐resistant infections. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust consensus tracking for a class of heterogeneous second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Wang Chuanrui , Ji Haibo
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with the robust consensus tracking problem for a class of heterogeneous second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with bounded external disturbances. First, a distributed adaptive control law is proposed based on the relative position and velocity information. It is shown that for any connected undirected communication graph, the proposed control law solves the robust consensus tracking problem. Then, by introducing a novel distributed observer and employing backstepping design techniques, a distributed adaptive control law is constructed based only on the relative position information. Compared with the existing results, the proposed adaptive consensus protocols are in a distributed fashion, and the nonlinear functions are not required to satisfy any globally Lipschitz or Lipschitz‐like condition. Numerical examples are given to verify our proposed protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation‐containment analysis and design for high‐order linear time‐invariant swarm systems
Authors: Dong Xiwang , Shi Zongying , Lu Geng , Zhong Yisheng
Published: October 2014

Formation‐containment analysis and design problems for high‐order linear time‐invariant swarm systems with directed interaction topologies are dealt with respectively. Firstly, protocols are presented for leaders and followers respectively to drive the states of leaders to realize the predefined time‐varying formation and propel the states of followers to converge to the convex hull formed by the states of leaders. Secondly, formation‐containment problems of swarm systems are transformed into asymptotic stability problems, and an explicit expression of the formation reference function is derived. Sufficient conditions for swarm systems to achieve formation containment are proposed. Furthermore, necessary and sufficient conditions for swarm systems to achieve containment and time‐varying formation are presented respectively as special cases. An approach to determine the gain matrices in the protocols is given. It is shown that containment problems, formation control problems, consensus problems and consensus tracking problems can all be treated as special cases of formation‐containment problems. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate theoretical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subchronic exposure to diflubenzuron causes health disorders in neotropical freshwater fish, Prochilodus lineatus
Authors: Benze Tayrine Paschoaletti , Sakuragui Marise Margareth , de Paula Zago Lucas Henrique , Fernandes Marisa Narciso
Published: October 2014

The action of diflubenzuron (DFB) was evaluated in a freshwater fish, Prochilodus lineatus, after exposure to 0.06, 0.12, 0.25, or 0.50 mg L−1 DFB for 14 days. Erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA), the gill activity of Na+/K+‐ATPase, H+‐ATPase and carbonic anhydrase (CA), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) and histopathological changes in the gills and liver were determined. The number of micronuclei increased in fish exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1 DFB. Plasma Cl− and the CA activity decreased, while the activity of Na+/K+‐ATPase and of H+‐ATPase increased in fish exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1 DFB. LPO did not change in the gills but increased in the liver of fish exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1 DFB. In the gills, histopathological changes indicated disperse lesions and slight to moderate damage in fish exposed to 0.50 mg L−1 DFB, whereas in the liver, these changes were significantly greater in fish exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1 DFB, indicating moderate to severe damage. Continuous exposure to DFB is potentially toxic to P. lineatus, causing heath disorders when the fish is exposed to the two highest DFB concentrations, which are applied to control parasites in aquaculture and to control mosquito populations in the environment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 533–542, 2016.
Comparative Analysis of Photograph-Based Clinical Goniometry to Standard Techniques
Authors: Crasto Jared A. , Sayari Arash J. , Gray Robert R-L. , Askari Morad
Published: October 2014

Background

Assessment of joint range of motion (ROM) is an accepted evaluation of disability as well as an indicator of recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. Many goniometric techniques have been described to measure ROM, with variable validity due to inter-rater reliability. In this report, we assessed the validity of photograph-based goniometry in measurement of ROM and its inter-rater reliability and compared it to two other commonly used techniques.

Methods

We examined three methods for measuring ROM in the upper extremity: manual goniometry (MG), visual estimations (VE), and photograph-based goniometry (PBG). Eight motions of the upper extremity were measured in 69 participants at an academic medical center.

Results

We found visual estimations and photograph-based goniometry to be clinically valid when tested against manual goniometry ( r avg. 0.58, range 0.28 to 0.87). Photograph-based measurements afforded a satisfactory degree of inter-rater reliability (ICC avg. 0.77, range 0.28 to 0.96).

Conclusions

Our study supports photograph-based goniometry as the new standard goniometric technique, as it has been clinically validated, is performed with greater consistency and better inter-rater reliability when compared with manual goniometry. It also allows for better documentation of measurements and potential incorporation into medical records in direct contrast to visual estimation.
Sourcing for the base of the pyramid: Constructing supply chains to address voids in subsistence markets
Authors: Parmigiani Anne , Rivera‐Santos Miguel
Published: October 2014

Substantial work has described downstream distribution systems for subsistence markets, but little is known about how upstream supply chains support these efforts. We suggest that a multinational corporation (MNC) entering these markets must resolve the institutional voids in product, labor, and capital markets, as well as address issues of regulatory ambiguities and the lack of contracting mechanisms that exist at the raw material, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing stages of the supply chain. We analyze the nature of these voids and their challenges, map them onto the value chain, discuss their interconnections, and suggest that they do not impact all firms equally. We provide examples from the food, beverage, and textile industries of how four firms have addressed institutional voids in constructing their supply chains. We conclude by providing implications, both across the value chain and regarding the trade‐offs of partnering with non‐profit agencies. Our analysis highlights the importance of going beyond the broad impact of the institutional environment to understanding its more nuanced and multi‐faceted effect on supply chains.
Iterative Reconstruction for Head CT: Effects on Radiation Dose and Image Quality
Authors: Rivers-Bowerman Michael D. , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva
Published: October 2014

Background

Iterative reconstruction has been reported to reduce radiation dose in CT, while preserving and even improving image quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) on radiation dose reduction and image quality for noncontrast adult head CT and to compare SAFIRE with conventional filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective analysis of head CT scans reconstructed with SAFIRE and/or FBP for 107 patients. Radiation dose parameters were recorded from scanner-generated CT dose reports. Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR, CNR) were calculated from gray and white matter (GM, WM) attenuation measurements. Image noise, artifacts, GM-WM differentiation, small structure visibility, and sharpness were graded by two readers. Statistical analysis included the independent-samples t test for quantitative data, the related samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test for qualitative data, the coefficient of repeatability for intraobserver variation, and κ statistics for interobserver agreement.

Results

Mean effective dose was significantly reduced with SAFIRE from 2.0 to 1.7 mSv (p<0.0001). SAFIRE also significantly improved GM SNR, WM SNR, and GM-WM CNR (p<0.0001). Significant reductions in image noise and posterior fossa artifact as well as improvements in GM-WM differentiation, small structure visibility, and sharpness were noted with SAFIRE (P<0.005).

Conclusions

SAFIRE for noncontrast adult head CT reduces patient radiation dose by 15% for the settings employed at our institution, while significantly improving multiple quantitative and qualitative measures of image quality.
Case of Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency and Ocular Albinism: A Diagnostic Odyssey
Authors: Prasad Chitra , Rupar C. Anthony , Campbell Craig , Napier Melanie , Ramsay David , Tay K.Y. , Sharan Sapna , Prasad Asuri N.
Published: October 2014

Background

Multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of lysosomal metabolism. The clinical phenotypic spectrum encompasses overlapping features of variable severity and is suggestive of individual single sulfatase deficiencies (i.e., metachromatic leukodystrophy, mucopolysaccharidosis, and X-linked ichthyosis).

Case Report

We describe a 3-year-old male with severe hypotonia, developmental regression and progressive neurodegeneration, coarse facial features, nystagmus (from ocular albinism), and dysmyelinating motor sensory neuropathy. Ethics approval was obtained from the Western University Ontario.

Results

Extensive investigative work-up identified deficiencies of multiple sulfatases: heparan sulfate sulfamidase: 6.5 nmoles/mg/protein/17 hour (reference 25.0-75.0), iduronate-2-sulfate sulfatase: 9 nmol/mg/protein/4 hour (reference 31-110), and arylsulfatase A: 3.8 nmoles/hr/mg protein (reference 22-50). The identification of compound heterozygous pathogenic mutations in the SUMF1 gene c.836 C>T (p.A279V) and c.1045C>T (p.R349W) confirmed the diagnosis of MSD.

Conclusion

The complex clinical manifestations of MSD and the unrelated coexistence of ocular albinism as in our case can delay diagnosis. Genetic counselling should be provided to all affected families.
Safety of Early Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: de Oliveira Manoel Airton Leonardo , Turkel-Parrella David , Germans Menno , Kouzmina Ekaterina , da Silva Almendra Priscila , Marotta Thomas , Spears Julian , Abrahamson Simon
Published: October 2014

Objective

The recent guidelines on management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) advise pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (PTP) after aneurysm obliteration. However, no study has addressed the safety of PTP in the aSAH population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety of early PTP after aSAH.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of aSAH patients admitted between January 2012 and June 2013 in a single high-volume aSAH center. Traumatic SAH and perimesencephalic hemorrhage patients were excluded. Patients were grouped according to PTP timing: early PTP group (PTP within 24 hours of aneurysm treatment), and delayed PTP group (PTP started > 24 hours).

Results

A total of 174 SAH patients (mean age 56.3±12.5 years) were admitted during the study period. Thirty-nine patients (22%) did not receive PTP, whereas 135 patients (78%) received PTP after aneurysm treatment or negative angiography. Among the patients who received PTP, 65 (48%) had an external ventricular drain. Twenty-eight patients (21%) received early PTP, and 107 (79%) received delayed PTP. No patient in the early treatment group and three patients in the delayed PTP group developed an intracerebral hemorrhagic complication. Two required neurosurgical intervention and one died. These three patients were on concomitant PTP and dual antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusions

The initiation of PTP within 24 hours may be safe after the treatment of a ruptured aneurysm or in angiogram-negative SAH patients with diffuse aneurysmal hemorrhage pattern. We suggest caution with concomitant use of PTP and dual antiplatelet agents, because it possibly increases the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral Microbleeds and Functional Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Tae-Won , Lee Seung-Jae , Koo Jaseong , Choi Hyun-Seok , Park Jeong-Wook , Lee Kwang-Soo , Kim Joong-Seok
Published: October 2014

Background

Whether an association exists between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and functional recovery after ischemic stroke is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between CMBs and functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Consecutive patients with acute stroke were enrolled, and all patients were stratified into good and poor functional outcome groups at discharge and 6 months after ischemic stroke by using a modified Rankin Scale score. Cardiovascular risk factors, CMBs, and white matter hyperintensities were compared between these two outcome groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of poor functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 225 patients were enrolled, 121 of whom were classified as having a good functional outcome at discharge and 142 as having a good 6-month functional outcome. The presence of CMBs was associated with a poor functional outcome at discharge [CMBs (+) patients in poor vs. good functional group; 48.1% vs. 30.6%; p=0.007] and 6 months [53.0% vs. 30.3%; p=0.001]. After adjustment for confounding factors, only the presence of infratentorial CMBs was associated with a poor functional outcome at discharge and 6 months. The poor functional outcome group had more CMBs than the good outcome group at 6 months.

Conclusions

Infratentorial cerebral microbleeds were significantly associated with worse functional outcomes not only in the early phase of ischemic stroke but also in the chronic phase. These findings suggest that the presence of infratentorial CMBs can predict poor functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke.
Pregabalin for the Management of Cervicogenic Headache: A Double Blind Study
Authors: Boudreau Guy P. , Marchand Luc
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of pregabalin relative to placebo in patients with chronic unilateral cervicogenic headache.

Primary and secondary end points

To assess the change from baseline in the frequency of cervicogenic headache days per 28-day period between placebo and treatment group. To assess the change from baseline in the intensity of headache, and health outcome measures.

Study design

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in patients with cervicogenic headache.

Procedures

The study consisted of two phases. A baseline of -28 days and a double-blind placebo-controlled phase: with an escalation and maintenance phase, during which patients remained at their highest dose until the end of the study, at Day 86.

Results

Forty one patients were randomized, predominantly females, with a mean age of 52 years old. At screening, both groups had, on average, 26 headache-days per month. By the final phase of the study, the number of headache days dropped to 16 per month for the pregabalin group while remaining stable for the placebo group (p=0.037). No serious adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusion

In this study, primary objectives were achieved with a statistically significant change of ten days in frequency of headache days; with minor side effects that were well tolerated.