bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and phenotypes of congenital myopathy due to α‐actin 1 gene mutations
Authors: Witting Nanna , Werlauff Ulla , Duno Morten , Vissing John 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionCongenital myopathy due to mutations in the α‐actin 1 gene (ACTA1) was identified in 1999, but knowledge of prevalence and phenotype in patients who survive 5 years is lacking.MethodsA national cohort of 91 patients aged ≥5 years and diagnosed with congenital myopathy was assessed for ACTA1 mutations and investigated clinically.ResultsFour patients with ACTA1 mutations were identified, yielding a prevalence of 4.4%. Patients were 10–23 years of age, and all but 1 were ambulatory. Vital capacity ranged from 47% to 70% predicted, and 1 patient needed nocturnal bi‐level positive airway pressure. Limb flexor/extensor muscles and upper and lower extremities were affected equally. Pronounced neck flexor weakness was noted.ConclusionsCongenital myopathy caused by ACTA1 mutations is fatal in infancy in most cases. This study shows that the prevalence of α‐actin myopathy in older patients with congenital myopathy is not negligible and that phenotypes can be quite mild. Muscle Nerve 53: 388–393, 2016
Relative risks for comorbidities associated with myotonic dystrophy: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Johnson Nicholas E. , Abbott Diana , Cannon‐Albright Lisa A. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: A population‐level relative risk assessment for comorbidities associated with myotonic dystrophy has not been performed. Methods: In this study we utilized the Utah Population Database to identify patients with myotonic dystrophy in Utah according to ICD‐9 coding. Comorbidity cases listed in the medical record were compared with those of the Utah population. Results: Individuals with myotonic dystrophy were found to possess an increased risk of central and obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and intellectual disability. The risk of cardiac conduction disorder is 60 times the population risk. Conclusions: This study provides a population‐level relative risk assessment of comorbidities in myotonic dystrophy. This allows for improved counseling of patients regarding these increased risks. Muscle Nerve 52: 659–661, 2015
Efficacy of prednisone for the treatment of ocular myasthenia (EPITOME): A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Benatar Michael , Mcdermott Michael P. , Sanders Donald B. , Wolfe Gil I. , Barohn Richard J. , Nowak Richard J. , Hehir Michael , Juel Vern , Katzberg Hans , Tawil Rabi ,   Muscle Study Group (MSG)
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of prednisone in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) concurrently treated with pyridostigmine. Methods: This investigation was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants whose symptoms failed to remit on pyridostigmine were randomized to receive placebo or prednisone, initiated at 10 mg every other day, and titrated to a maximum of 40 mg/day over 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was treatment failure. Results: Fewer subjects were randomized than the 88 planned. Of the 11 randomized, 9 completed 16 weeks of double‐blind therapy. Treatment failure incidence was 100% (95% CI 48%–100%) in the placebo group (n = 5) vs. 17% (95% CI 0%–64%) in the prednisone group, P = 0.02 (n = 6). Median time to sustained minimal manifestation status (MMS) was 14 weeks, requiring an average prednisone dose of 15 mg/day. Adverse events were infrequent and generally mild in both groups. Conclusions: A strategy of low‐dose prednisone with gradual escalation appears to be safe, well‐tolerated, and effective in treating OMG. Muscle Nerve 53: 363–369, 2016
Deformation of a poroelastic layer overlying an elastic half‐space due to dip‐slip faulting
Authors: Verma R. C. , Rani S. , Singh S. J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAn analytical solution of the plane strain problem of the deformation of a homogeneous, isotropic, poroelastic layer of uniform thickness overlying a homogeneous, isotropic, elastic half‐space due to two‐dimensional seismic sources buried in the elastic half‐space has been obtained. The integral expressions for the displacements, stresses and pore pressure have been obtained using the stress function approach by applying suitable boundary conditions at the free surface and the interface. The solution obtained is in the Laplace–Fourier transform domain. The case of a vertical dip‐slip line dislocation for the oceanic crust model of Earth is studied in detail. Schapery's formula is used for the Laplace inversion and the extended Simpson's formula for the Fourier inversion. Diffusion of pore pressure in the layer is studied numerically. Contour maps showing the pore pressure in the poroelastic layer have been plotted. The effect of the compressibility of the solid and fluid constituents on pore pressure has also been studied. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inventory models with nonlinear shortage costs and stochastic lead times; applications of shape properties of randomly stopped counting processes
Authors: Badía F. G. , Sangüesa C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this article, we study generalizations of some of the inventory models with nonlinear costs considered by Rosling in (Oper. Res. 50 (2002) 797–809). In particular, we extend the study of both the periodic review and the compound renewal demand processes from a constant lead time to a random lead time. We find that the quasiconvexity properties of the cost function (and therefore the existence of optimal (s, S) policies), holds true when the lead time has suitable log‐concavity properties. The results are derived by structural properties of renewal delayed processes stopped at an independent random time and by the study of log‐concavity properties of compound distributions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 345–356, 2015
On SSOR‐like preconditioners for non‐Hermitian positive definite matrices
Authors: Bai Zhong‐Zhi 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARYWe construct, analyze, and implement SSOR‐like preconditioners for non‐Hermitian positive definite system of linear equations when its coefficient matrix possesses either a dominant Hermitian part or a dominant skew‐Hermitian part. We derive tight bounds for eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrices and obtain convergence rates of the corresponding SSOR‐like iteration methods as well as the corresponding preconditioned GMRES iteration methods. Numerical implementations show that Krylov subspace iteration methods such as GMRES, when accelerated by the SSOR‐like preconditioners, are efficient solvers for these classes of non‐Hermitian positive definite linear systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete Lagrangian mechanics for nonseparable nonsmooth systems
Authors: Pekarek David , Murphey Todd D. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWe consider event‐driven schemes for the simulation of nonseparable mechanical systems subject to holonomic unilateral constraints. Systems are modeled in discrete time using variational integrator (VI) theory, by which equations of motion follow from discrete variational principles. For smooth dynamics, VIs are known to exactly conserve a discrete symplectic form and a modified Hamiltonian function. The latter of these conservation laws can play a pivotal role in stabilizing the energy behavior of collision simulations. Previous efforts to leverage modified Hamiltonian conservation have been limited to integrators using the Störmer–Verlet method on separable, nonsmooth Hamiltonian mechanical systems. We generalize the existing approach to the family of all VIs applied to nonseparable, potentially nonconservative Lagrangian mechanical systems. We examine the properties of the resulting integrators relative to other structured collision simulation methods in terms of conserved quantities, trajectory errors as a function of initial condition, and required computation time. Interestingly, we find that the modified collision Verlet algorithm (MCVA) using the Störmer–Verlet integrator defined as a composition method leads to the best accuracy. Although relative to this method, the VI‐based generalized MCVA method offers computational savings when collisions are particularly sparse. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viewing as little as 1 hour of TV daily is associated with higher change in BMI between kindergarten and first grade
Authors: Peck Travis , Scharf Rebecca J. , Conaway Mark R. , DeBoer Mark D. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveEvaluate associations between TV viewing and weight status in children from kindergarten to first grade.MethodsLinear and logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of TV‐viewing time on BMI‐z‐score cross‐sectionally at kindergarten and first grade and longitudinally in between, among a nationally representative sample of 14,645 children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Kindergarten Cohort 2011. All analyses were adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, parental education, and household income.ResultsWeekday TV‐viewing time was correlated with BMI‐z‐score (P < 0.01) at kindergarten and first grade and with change in BMI‐z‐score in between (P < 0.05). Compared with children watching <1 h of TV daily, children watching ≥1 h in kindergarten and first grade had a greater odds of overweight (1.50‐1.60) and obesity (1.58‐1.73). Children watching 1‐<2 h and ≥2 h daily had higher BMI‐z‐scores (P < 0.0001) and less favorable changes in BMI‐z‐score between time points (P < 0.05). Children who were not overweight or obese in kindergarten and watched ≥1 h of TV had a greater odds of becoming overweight (1.39) and obese (1.86) between evaluations.ConclusionsChildren watching as little as 1‐<2 h of TV daily were more likely to become overweight and obese over time. Physicians should encourage families to restrict TV‐viewing time to reduce weight gain.
Social network characteristics associated with weight loss among black and hispanic adults
Authors: Winston Ginger J. , Phillips Erica G. , Wethington Elaine , Devine Carol , Wells Martin , Peterson Janey C. , Hippolyte Jessica , Ramos Rosio , Martinez Guillerma , Eldridge Johanna , Charlson Mary 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo examine social network member characteristics associated with weight loss.MethodsA cross‐sectional examination included egocentric network data from 245 Black and Hispanic adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 enrolled in a small change weight loss study. The relationships between weight loss at 12 months and characteristics of helpful and harmful network members (relationship, contact frequency, living proximity, and body size) were examined.ResultsThere were 2,571 network members identified. Mean weight loss was −4.8 (±11.3) lbs. among participants with network help and no harm with eating goals vs. +3.4 (±7.8) lbs. among participants with network harm alone. In a multivariable regression model, greater weight loss was associated with help from a child with eating goals (P = 0.0002) and coworker help with physical activity (P = 0.01). Weight gain was associated with having network members with obesity living in the home (P = 0.048) and increased network size (P = 0.002).ConclusionsThere was greater weight loss among participants with support from children and coworkers. Weight gain was associated with harmful network behaviors and having network members with obesity in the home. Incorporating child and coworker support and evaluating network harm and the body size of network members should be considered in future weight loss interventions.
An efficient discretization scheme for solving nonlinear optimal control problems with multiple time delays
Authors: Marzban H. R. , Hoseini S. M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis paper presents a composite Chebyshev finite difference method to numerically solve nonlinear optimal control problems with multiple time delays. The proposed discretization scheme is based on a hybrid of block‐pulse functions and Chebyshev polynomials using the well‐known Chebyshev Gauss–Lobatto points. Our approach is an extension and also a modification of the Chebyshev finite difference scheme. A direct approach is used to transform the delayed optimal control problem into a nonlinear programming problem whose solution is much more easier than the original one. Some useful error bounds are established. In addition, the convergence of the method is discussed. A wide variety of numerical experiments are investigated to show the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed discretization procedure. The method has a simple structure and can be implemented without too much effort. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational Therapy and Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion in Adolescence: A Case Study
Authors: Gontijo Daniela Tavares , de Sena e Vasconcelos Anna Carolina , Monteiro Rosana Juliet Silva , Facundes Vera Lúcia Dutra , de Fátima Cordeiro Trajano Maria , de Lima Luciane Soares 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOccupational therapy can contribute to sexual and reproductive health through health education. The purpose of this study was to describe an occupational therapy intervention aimed at sexual and reproductive health promotion in adolescents. Fifty‐eight adolescents were involved in the study, before, during and after the interventions. Educative activities such as puzzles, storytelling, mime and board games were used, which occupational therapy faculty and students had constructed. The games were employed as mediators for gaining knowledge in sexual and reproductive health. Outcome was measured using a questionnaire, audio recordings and field diaries. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The results showed the adolescents' increased knowledge of sexual and reproductive health information immediately after the intervention. The thematic analysis was grouped into three categories: the adolescents' initial expectations regarding the project, reflections on the process experienced during the interventions and use of educational games by occupational therapists. The importance of rapport and dialogue was highlighted in the construction of interventions based on participatory methods. The absence of a longitudinal follow‐up is a limitation in this study. Further research is important to systematically assess sexual health promotion strategies in adolescence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and correlates of current smoking among medical oncology outpatients
Authors: Regan Tim , Carey Mariko , Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Mansfield Elise , Sitas Freddy , Tracey Elizabeth 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundContinued smoking following a cancer diagnosis has adverse impacts on cancer treatment and puts individuals at risk of secondary cancers. Data on the prevalence and correlates of smoking among cancer patients are critical for successfully targeting smoking cessation interventions.AimsTo explore among a sample of medical oncology outpatients (a) the prevalence of self‐reported current smoking and (b) the demographic and psychosocial factors associated with self‐reported smoking.MethodsA heterogeneous sample of cancer patients aged 18 years or over was recruited from 1 of 11 medical oncology treatment centres across Australia. Patients completed a survey assessing the following: smoking status; socio‐demographic, disease and treatment characteristics; time since diagnosis; anxiety; and depression. Factors associated with self‐reported smoking were examined using a univariate and multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1379 patients returned surveys and 1338 were included in the analysis. The prevalence of current smoking was 10.9% (n = 146). After adjusting for treatment centre, patients aged 65 years and older and those without health concession cards were significantly less likely to smoke. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and those without private health insurance were more likely to smoke.DiscussionA minority of cancer patients reported continued smoking at an average time of 13 months post‐diagnosis. Patients, who are younger, have been diagnosed with lung cancer and have lower socioeconomic status are at‐risk groups and represent important targets for smoking cessation advice and intervention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of decellularized human myocardial matrix: A comparison of six patients
Authors: Johnson Todd D. , Hill Ryan C. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Nigam Vishal , Behfar Atta , Christman Karen L. , Hansen Kirk C. 
Published: July 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterize and quantitatively analyze human cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) isolated from six different cadaveric donor hearts.Experimental designECM was isolated by decellularization of six human cadaveric donor hearts and characterized by quantifying sulfated glycosaminoglycan content (sGAG) and via PAGE. The protein content was then quantified using ECM‐targeted Quantitative conCATamers (QconCAT) by LC‐SRM analysis using 83 stable isotope labeled (SIL) peptides representing 48 different proteins. Nontargeted global analysis was also implemented using LC‐MS/MS.ResultsThe sGAG content, PAGE, and QconCAT proteomics analysis showed significant variation between each of the six patient samples. The quantitative proteomics indicated that the majority of the protein content was composed of various fibrillar collagen components. Also, quantification of difficult to remove cellular proteins represented less than 1% of total protein content, which is very low for a decellularized biomaterial. Global proteomics identified over 200 distinct proteins present in the human cardiac ECM.Conclusion and clinical relevanceIn conclusion, quantification and characterization of human myocardial ECM showed significant patient‐to‐patient variability between the six investigated patients. This is an important outcome for the development of allogeneic derived biomaterials and for increasing our understanding of human myocardial ECM composition.
Protein–protein association rates captured in a single geometric parameter
Authors: Das Madhurima , Basu Gautam 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTUnderstanding factors that drive protein–protein association is of fundamental importance. We show that a single geometric parameter in crystal structures of protein–protein complexes, the angle between the electric dipole of one subunit and the partner‐generated electric field at the same subunit, linearly correlates with experimentally determined protein–protein association rates. Imprint of a dynamic kinetic process in a single static geometric parameter, associated with mutual electrostatic orientation of subunits in protein–protein complexes, is elegant and demonstrates the universality of electrostatic steering in attenuating protein–protein association rates. That the essence of a complex phenomenon could be captured by properties of the final crystal structure of the complex implies that the electrostatic orientations of protein subunits in crystal structures and the associated transition states are nearly identical. Further, the cosine of the angle, alone, is shown to be sufficient in predicting association rate constants, with accuracies comparable to currently available predictors that use more intricate methodologies. Our results offer mechanistic insights and could be useful in development of coarse‐grained models. Proteins 2015; 83:1557–1562. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Larvicidal spirobisnaphthalenes from the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. against Aedes albopictus
Authors: Tian Jin , Liu Xin Chao , Liu Zhi Long , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn our screening programme for new agrochemicals from endophytic fungi, the ethyl acetate extract of an endophytic Berkleasmium sp. isolated from the medicinal plant Dioscorea zingiberensis was found to possess strong larvicidal activity against the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.RESULTSBioassay‐guided fractionation of the fungal extract has led to the isolation of seven spirobisnaphthalenes, including palmarumycins C8, C12, C15 and B6 and diepoxins γ, δ and ζ. Among them, palmarumycins C8 and B6 showed strong larvicidal activity against the fourth‐instar larvae of A. albopictus, with LC50 values of 8.83 and 11.51 µg mL−1 respectively. Interestingly, only spirobisnaphthalenes with a chlorine substituent possessed strong larvicidal activity.CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that the spirobisnaphthalenes derived from the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. could be promising leads for the development of new larvicides against A. albopictus. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Trichoderma viride chitinases on the peritrophic matrix of Lepidoptera
Authors: Berini Francesca , Caccia Silvia , Franzetti Eleonora , Congiu Terenzio , Marinelli Flavia , Casartelli Morena , Tettamanti Gianluca 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe peritrophic matrix (PM) is formed by a network of chitin fibrils associated with proteins, glycoproteins and proteoglycans that lines the insect midgut. It is a physical barrier involved in digestion processes, and protects the midgut epithelium from food abrasion, pathogen infections and toxic materials. Given its fundamental role in insect physiology, the PM represents an excellent target for pest control strategies. Although a number of viral, bacterial and insect chitinolytic enzymes affecting PM integrity have already been tested, exploitation of fungal chitinases has been almost neglected. Fungal chitinases, already in use as fungal phytopathogen biocontrol agents, are known to attack the insect cuticle, but their action on the insect gut needs to be better investigated.RESULTSIn the present paper, we performed a biochemical characterisation of a commercial mixture of chitinolytic enzymes derived from Trichoderma viride and analysed its in vitro and in vivo effects on the PM of the silkworm Bombyx mori, a model system among Lepidoptera. We found that these enzymes have significant in vitro effects on the structure and permeability of the PM of this insect. A bioassay supported these results and showed that the oral administration of the mixture causes PM alterations, leading to adverse consequences on larval growth and development, negatively affecting pupal weight and even inducing mortality.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides an integrated experimental approach to evaluate the effects of fungal chitinases on Lepidoptera. The encouraging results obtained herein make us confident about the possible use of fungal chitinases to control lepidopteran pests. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry