bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of the interspousal transmission of hepatitis B virus in two Japanese patients who acquired fulminant hepatitis B after 50 and 49 years of marriage
Authors: Okamoto Daisuke , Nakayama Haruo , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Ikeya Shinichi , Nagashima Shigeo , Takahashi Masaharu , Sugai Yoshiki , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA 71‐year‐old (C1I) and 69‐year‐old (C2I) Japanese female contracted fulminant hepatitis B after 50 and 49 years of marriage, respectively. Both index cases exhibited high levels of anti‐HBc IgM antibodies (24.2 and 31.5 S/CO, respectively), suggestive of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, although they had no discernible risk factors for HBV infection, except for chronically HBV‐infected spouses with detectable HBV DNA (3.3 log copies/ml [C1S: 72‐year‐old] and 7.2 log copies/ml [C2S: 71‐year‐old]). The HBV genotype/subgenotype was identical in each couple (B/B1 or C/C2). The HBV isolates from the index cases and spouses shared a nucleotide sequence identity of 99.5% and 99.7%, respectively, over the entire genome, and these four isolates had the highest nucleotide sequence identity of only 97% to HBV isolates deposited in DNA databases. Phylogenetic trees confirmed a close relationship of the HBV isolates between C1I and C1S and between C2I and C2S, supported by a high bootstrap value of 100% within each couple, indicating the transfer of HBV infection between spouses. These four isolates shared a precore mutation of G1896A known to be associated with fulminant hepatitis B. Although the history of sexual contact within a reasonable incubation period was obscure for one stable, monogamous couple (C1I and C1S), the other couple had a monogamous sexual relationship within six months prior to disease onset. This study indicates that two elderly Japanese patients with fulminant hepatitis B acquired HBV infection via interspousal (most likely sexual) transmission during long‐lasting marriages. J. Med. Virol. 86:1851–1860, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources
Authors: Lanzafame Raymond J. , Blanche Raymond R. , Chiacchierini Richard P. , Kazmirek Eric R. , Sklar Jeffrey A. 
Published: August 2014

Background and ObjectivesLow level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been demonstrated to promote hair growth in males. A double‐blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on females with androgenic alopecia.MethodsForty‐seven females (18–60 years old, Fitzpatrick I–IV, and Ludwig–Savin Baldness Scale I‐2, I‐3, I‐4, II‐1, II‐2 baldness patterns) were recruited. A transition zone scalp site was selected; hairs were trimmed to 3 mm height; the area was tattooed and photographed. The active group received a “TOPHAT655” unit containing 21, 5 mW diode lasers (655 ± 5 nm) and 30 LEDS (655 ± 20 nm), in a bicycle‐helmet like apparatus. The placebo group unit appeared identical, containing incandescent red lights. Patients treated at home every other day × 16 weeks (60 treatments, 67 J/cm2 irradiance/25 minute treatment, 2.9 J dose), with follow up and photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm2 photographic area was evaluated by another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline.ResultsForty‐two patients completed the study (24 active, 18 sham). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 228.2 ± 133.4 (N = 18) in the sham and 209.6 ± 118.5 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.642). Post Treatment hair counts were 252.1 ± 143.3 (N = 18) in the sham group and 309.9 ± 166.6 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.235). The change in hair counts over baseline was 23.9 ± 30.1 (N = 18) in the sham group and 100.3 ± 53.4 (N = 24) in the active group (P < 0.0001). The percent hair increase over the duration of the study was 11.05 ± 48.30 (N = 18) for the sham group and 48.07 ± 17.61 (N = 24) for the active group (P < 0.001). This demonstrates a 37% increase in hair growth in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group.ConclusionsLLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in women with androgenetic alopecia at a rate similar to that observed in males using the same parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:601–607, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser all‐ceramic crown removal—a laboratory proof‐of‐principle study—Phase 2 crown debonding time
Authors: Rechmann Peter , Buu Natalie C.H. , Rechmann Beate M.T. , Finzen Frederick C. 
Published: August 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe removal of all‐ceramic crowns is a time consuming procedure in the dental office. Little research has been done in alternative removal techniques for all‐ceramic crowns. The objective of the second phase of this proof‐of‐principle laboratory pilot study was to evaluate whether Ivoclar Vivadent all‐ceramic crowns can be efficiently removed from natural teeth without damage to the underlying tooth structure using an Erbium laser.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe ceramic materials used were IPS E.max CAD Lithium‐disilicate (LS2) (E.max CAD) and IPS E.max ZirCAD Zirconium‐oxide (ZrO2) (ZirCAD) (Ivoclar, Vivadent, Liechtenstein).Molars, either as stand‐alone teeth or placed in an artificial row of teeth, were prepared to receive all‐ceramic crowns. Copings and full contour crowns with either featheredge or regular margins were produced. The all‐ceramic crowns were bonded to the teeth with Ivoclar Multilink Automix. The time for Er:YAG laser debonding of each crown was then measured. The Er:YAG (LiteTouch, Syneron, Yokneam, Israel) was used with an 1,100 µm diameter fiber tip with energies up to 600 mJ per pulse (wavelength 2,940 nm, 10 Hz repetition rate, pulse duration 100 µs at 126 mJ/pulse, and 400 µs at 590 mJ/pulse). The irradiation was applied at a distance of 10 mm from the crown surface following a defined pattern. Air‐water spray was applied to the crowns at a rate of 67 ml/minute.ResultsAll of the all‐ceramic crowns were successfully debonded with the laser. On average, an all‐ceramic E.max CAD crown was debonded in 190 ± 92 seconds (average ± SD). The debonding time for ZirCAD featheredge crowns was 226 ± 105 seconds and for ZirCAD crowns with regular margins it was 312 ± 102 seconds. No crowns fractured and no damage to the underlying dentin was detected. The bonding cement deteriorated due to the Er:YAG irradiation. Additionally, no carbonization at the dentin/cement interface was observed.ConclusionEr:YAG laser energy can successfully be used to efficiently debond all‐ceramic full contour crowns from natural teeth without damage to the underlying tooth structure. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:636–643, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar abnormalities in Huntington's disease: A role in motor and psychiatric impairment?
Authors: Rees Elin M. , Farmer Ruth , Cole James H. , Haider Salman , Durr Alexandra , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Scahill Rachael I. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Hobbs Nicola Z. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe cerebellum has received limited attention in Huntington's disease (HD), despite signs of possible cerebellar dysfunction, including motor incoordination and impaired gait, which are currently attributed to basal ganglia atrophy and disrupted fronto‐striatal circuits. This study is the first to investigate a potential contribution of macro‐ and microstructural cerebellar damage to clinical manifestations of HD. T1‐ and diffusion‐weighted 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained from 12 controls and 22 early‐stage HD participants. Manual delineation and voxel‐based morphometry were used to assess between‐group differences in cerebellar volume, and diffusion metrics were compared between groups within the cerebellar gray and white matter. Associations between these imaging measures and clinical scores were examined within the HD group. Reduced paravermal volume was detected in HD compared with controls using voxel‐based morphometry (P < 0.05), but no significant volumetric differences were found using manual delineation. Diffusion abnormalities were detected in both cerebellar gray matter and white matter. Smaller cerebellar volumes, although not significantly reduced, were significantly associated with impaired gait and psychiatric morbidity and of borderline significance with pronate/supinate‐hand task performance. Abnormal cerebellar diffusion was associated with increased total motor score, impaired saccade initiation, tandem walking, and timed finger tapping. In conclusion, atrophy of the paravermis, possibly encompassing the cerebellar nuclei, and microstructural abnormalities within the cerebellum may contribute to HD neuropathology. Aberrant cerebellar diffusion and reduced cerebellar volume together associate with impaired motor function and increased psychiatric symptoms in stage I HD, potentially implicating the cerebellum more centrally in HD presentation than previously recognized. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evidence for a novel, local acute‐phase response in the bovine oviduct: Progesterone and lipopolysaccharide up‐regulate alpha 1‐acid‐glycoprotein expression in epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Kowsar R. , Hambruch N. , Marey M.A. , Liu J. , Shimizu T. , Pfarrer C. , Miyamoto A. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYLittle is known about the local production and function of alpha 1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute‐phase protein, in the female reproductive tract. This study aimed to investigate the regulation and immune function of AGP in cultured bovine oviduct epithelial cells. Analysis by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that bovine oviduct tissue expresses AGP protein in epithelial cells and the smooth muscle layer. Stimulation of bovine oviduct epithelial cells in culture with either progesterone (1 ng/ml) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml) induced both mRNA expression and secretion of AGP. Estradiol (1 ng/ml), progesterone (1 ng/ml), and luteinizing hormone (10 ng/ml), which are observed during the peri‐ovulatory period in oviduct tissues (steroids) or in circulation (luteinizing hormone), suppressed LPS‐induced expression and secretion of AGP, which in turn induced the expression of Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1B), but suppressed TLR‐2 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFA) expression. AGP also inhibited LPS‐induced TLR‐2 and TNFA expression, but had no effect on LPS‐induced TLR‐4 and IL‐1B expression. These findings suggest that oviductal epithelial cells can participate in antimicrobial processes through the secretion of AGP, which is partly regulated by ovarian steroids. Moreover, oviductal AGP may regulate the response of epithelial cells, thereby reducing the expression of the acute pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNFA, which could contribute to the local homeostasis during the acute response to endotoxin release in the oviduct's anti‐infection process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 861–870, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality‐based charging solutions for wireless multimedia services
Authors: Jursonovics Tamás , Imre Sándor 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYThe evolution of mobile telecommunication networks and access bandwidth has enabled operators to deliver IPTV services for mobile customers; however, the existing mobile charging solutions are not effectively addressing the billing requirements of multimedia streams. This paper develops a quality‐based charging solution for 3GPP wireless networks with the aim of providing a fair pricing solution for multimedia services. An appropriate business model is selected and a streaming proxy‐based charging architecture is developed based on the quality of the multimedia service. The proposed algorithms are theoretically evaluated by the derivation of the formulas of the distribution and the expected value of the price discount. A testbed is built and the findings are evaluated and compared with traditional charging functions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DO GROUP DYNAMICS INFLUENCE SOCIAL CAPITAL GAINS AMONG MICROFINANCE CLIENTS? EVIDENCE FROM A RANDOMIZED EXPERIMENT IN URBAN INDIA
Authors: Feigenberg Benjamin , Field Erica , Pande Rohini , Rigol Natalia , Sarkar Shayak 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAs an intrinsic part of the classic microfinance model, group meetings are intended to employ social capital to ensure timely repayment. Recent research suggests that more frequent meetings can increase social capital among first‐time clients. Using randomized variation in group meeting frequency for 174 microfinance groups in India, we demonstrate that social capital gains associated with more frequent meetings continue to accrue across multiple lending cycles. However, these effects are reduced when group members differ in their borrowing history. In addition, clients who start with low levels of empowerment report higher social capital gains when matched with similar clients. We discuss how current microfinance policy debates overlook the creation of social capital, including through repayment meeting frequency, and we encourage regulators to undertake a holistic understanding of microfinance's impacts.
Macrophage‐specific NOX2 contributes to the development of lung emphysema through modulation of SIRT1/MMP‐9 pathways
Authors: Trocme Candice , Deffert Christine , Cachat Julien , Donati Yves , Tissot Christelle , Papacatzis Sylvie , Braunersreuther Vincent , Pache Jean‐Claude , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Holmdahl Rikard , Barazzone‐Argiroffo Constance , Carnesecchi Stéphanie 
Published: August 2014

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in the pathogenesis of emphysema. Among ROS‐producing enzymes, NOX NADPH oxidases are thought to be responsible for tissue injury associated with several lung pathologies. To determine whether NOX2 and/or NOX1 participate in the development of emphysema, their expression patterns were first studied by immunohistochemistry in the lungs of emphysematous patients. Subsequently, we investigated their contribution to elastase‐induced emphysema using NOX2‐ and NOX1‐deficient mice. In human lung, NOX2 was mainly detected in macrophages of control and emphysematous lungs, while NOX1 was expressed in alveolar epithelium and bronchial cells. We observed an elevated number of NOX2‐positive cells in human emphysematous lungs, as well as increased NOX2 and NOX1 mRNA expression in mouse lungs following elastase exposure. Elastase‐induced alveolar airspace enlargement and elastin degradation were prevented in NOX2‐deficient mice, but not in NOX1‐deficient mice. This protection was independent of inflammation and correlated with reduced ROS production. Concomitantly, an elevation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) level and a decrease of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression and activity were observed in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. We addressed the specific role of macrophage‐restricted functional NOX2 in elastase‐induced lung emphysema using Ncf1 mutant mice and Ncf1 macrophage rescue mice (Ncf1 mutant mice with transgenic expression of Ncf1 only in CD68‐positive mononuclear phagocytes; the MN mouse). Compared to WT mice, the lack of functional NOX2 led to decreased elastase‐induced ROS production and protected against emphysema. In contrast, ROS production was restored specifically in macrophages from Ncf1 rescue mice and contributes to emphysema. Taken together, our results demonstrate that NOX2 is involved in the pathogenesis of human emphysema and macrophage‐specific NOX2 participates in elastase‐induced emphysema through the involvement of SIRT1/MMP‐9 pathways in mice. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
An investigation of the support needs of men and partners throughout the prostate cancer journey
Authors: Bobridge A. , Bond M. J. , Marshall V. , Paterson J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveProstate cancer is one of the mostly commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Unfortunately, the treatment for this cancer can have a number of negative side effects, both for the man himself and his partner. This study investigated the support needs of both men and partners throughout the prostate cancer journey and how this journey may be optimally managed.MethodsThirty‐one men who had undergone prostate cancer treatment within the last 6 years and 31 partners answered a questionnaire, which explored support care issues as identified in the literature and from focus groups.ResultsMen and partners were moderately satisfied with information given regarding diagnosis, treatment and side effects, but partners were more satisfied with information relating to the particular chosen treatment. Men's understanding of their chosen treatment's potential side effects was significantly different from their understanding of diagnosis, cancer outcome, treatment options and selected treatment. Timing of information delivery was preferred by men at diagnosis, whereas partners preferred after the diagnosis. Men wanted more time to think about the diagnosis and treatment, whereas partners wanted an opportunity to discuss the diagnosis. The management of common side effects such as emotional changes, incontinence and erectile dysfunction was rated as ‘somewhat’ satisfactory.ConclusionMen and partners may have different educational and supportive needs throughout the prostate cancer journey that require attention and tailored management. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structures of designed armadillo repeat proteins: Implications of construct design and crystallization conditions on overall structure
Authors: Reichen Christian , Madhurantakam Chaithanya , Plückthun Andreas , Mittl Peer R. E. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDesigned armadillo repeat proteins (dArmRP) are promising modular proteins for the engineering of binding molecules that recognize extended polypeptide chains. We determined the structure of a dArmRP containing five internal repeats and 3rd generation capping repeats in three different states by X‐ray crystallography: without N‐terminal His6‐tag and in the presence of calcium (YM5A/Ca2+), without N‐terminal His6‐tag and in the absence of calcium (YM5A), and with N‐terminal His6‐tag and in the presence of calcium (His‐YM5A/Ca2+). All structures show different quaternary structures and superhelical parameters. His‐YM5A/Ca2+ forms a crystallographic dimer, which is bridged by the His6‐tag, YM5A/Ca2+ forms a domain‐swapped tetramer, and only in the absence of calcium and the His6‐tag, YM5A forms a monomer. The changes of superhelical parameters are a consequence of calcium binding, because calcium ions interact with negatively charged residues, which can also participate in the modulation of helix dipole moments between adjacent repeats. These observations are important for further optimizations of dArmRPs and provide a general illustration of how construct design and crystallization conditions can influence the exact structure of the investigated protein.
Empirical evidence and state of practice of software agile teams
Authors: Papatheocharous Efi , Andreou Andreas S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe paper provides an in depth analysis of empirical evidence on the state of practice within the agile domain obtained through a survey conducted in 2012. The context of focus is agile software processes and teams and the particular topics of interest revolve around three axes: (i) communication; (ii) project management; and (iii) quality assurance and validation. The aim of the survey is to deliver the current levels of agile adoption and practices as these are recorded in the responses of professionals in IT services and the software industry. The goal of the survey is to provide evidence‐based assessment of the level of agile adoption by software development organizations, in relation to the general profile of the respondents (country of origin, business sectors, roles, etc.) and compared with different types of practices followed, such as agile techniques adopted, team organization and communication techniques, and project management. Particular patterns and trends are identified in the survey connecting the use of the agile paradigm with the aforementioned practices and investigating its relation with the roles of the respondents and the business strategies of their organizations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental investigations on mechanical properties and column buckling behavior of structural bamboo
Authors: He Minjuan , Li Zheng , Sun Yongliang , Ma Renle 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBamboo, a fast‐growing natural material with a high strength‐to‐weight ratio, provides an environmentally friendly alternative for building construction. This paper presents experimental studies on natural bamboo and glued laminated bamboo (GLB) products in order to provide fundamental knowledge for the structural design of bamboo buildings. Tensile coupon tests and compressive tests were conducted on small clear specimens, and bending tests were conducted to evaluate the bending strength and modulus of elasticity for GLB beams. It was found that tensile strength in the transverse direction was very low. Therefore, in practical applications, it is recommended that the transverse loading in GLB should be addressed very carefully. Compressive axial tests were conducted to investigate the buckling behavior of natural Julong bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus). A sample design procedure against buckling was proposed on the basis of the test results. The mechanical properties and buckling analysis presented in this paper may provide guidance for more structural applications of bamboo in building constructions with enhanced structural performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the coexistence of a primary user with an energy harvesting secondary user: a case of cognitive cooperation
Authors: Shafie Ahmed El , Khattab Tamer , El‐Keyi Amr , Nafie Mohamed 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a cognitive scenario where an energy harvesting secondary user shares the spectrum with a primary user. The secondary source helps the primary source in delivering its undelivered packets during periods of silence of the primary source. The primary source has a queue for storing its data packets, whereas the secondary source has two data queues: a queue for storing its own packets and the other for storing the fraction of the undelivered primary packets accepted for relaying. The secondary source is assumed to be a battery‐based node, which harvests energy packets from the environment. In addition to its data queues, the secondary user has an energy queue to store the harvested energy packets. The secondary energy packets are used for primary packets decoding and data packets transmission. More specifically, if the secondary energy queue is empty, the secondary source can neither help the primary source nor transmit a packet from the data queues. The energy queue is modeled as a discrete‐time queue with Markov arrival and service processes. Because of the interaction of the queues, we provide inner and outer bounds on the stability region of the proposed system. We investigate the impact of the energy arrival rate on the stability region. Numerical results show the significant gain of cooperation.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.