bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole‐body muscle magnetic resonance imaging in SEPN1‐related myopathy shows a homogeneous and recognizable pattern
Authors: Hankiewicz Karolina , Carlier Robert Y. , Lazaro Leila , Linzoain Javier , Barnerias Christine , Gómez‐Andrés David , Avila‐Smirnow Daniela , Ferreiro Ana , Estournet Brigitte , Guicheney Pascale , Germain Dominique P. , Richard Pascale , Bulacio Sebastian , Mompoint Dominique , Quijano‐Roy Susana 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to delineate the spectrum of muscle involvement in patients with a myopathy due to mutations in SEPN1 (SEPN1‐RM). Methods: Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) was used in 9 patients using T1‐weighted turbo spin–echo (T1‐TSE) sequences and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) in 5 patients. Results: Analysis of signal and volume abnormalities by T1‐TSE sequences in 109 muscles showed a homogeneous pattern characterized by a recognizable combination of atrophy and signal abnormalities in selected muscles of the neck, trunk, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs. Severe wasting of sternocleidomastoid muscle and atrophy of semimembranosus were detected. Selective paraspinal, gluteus maximus, and thigh muscle involvement was also observed. The lower leg was less constantly affected. Conclusions: WBMRI scoring of altered signal and atrophy in muscle can be represented by heatmaps and is associated with a homogeneous, recognizable pattern in SEPN1‐RM, distinct from other genetic muscle diseases. Muscle Nerve 52: 728–735, 2015
A hybrid optimization model for proficient bidding strategies with no Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions
Authors: Yadav Naresh Kumar 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe computational complexity behind the bi‐level optimization problem has led the researchers to adopt Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions. However, the problem function has more number of complex constraints to be satisfied. Classical optimization algorithms are impotent to handle the function. This paper presents a simplified minimization function, in which both the profit maximization problem and the ISO market clearance problem are considered, but with no KKT optimality conditions. Subsequently, this paper solves the minimization function using a hybrid optimization algorithm. The hybrid optimization algorithm is developed by combining the operations of group search optimizer (GSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The hybridization enables the dispersion process of GSO to be a new mutated dispersion process for improving the convergence rate. We evaluate the methodology by experimenting on IEEE 14 and IEEE 30 bus systems. The obtained results are compared with the outcomes of bidding strategies that are based on GSO, PSO, and GA. The results demonstrate that the hybrid optimization algorithm solves the minimization function better than PSO, GA, and GSO. Hence, the profit maximization in the proposed methodology is relatively better than that of the conventional algorithms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
iDEM: An impulse‐based discrete element method for fast granular dynamics
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Hashash Youssef M.A. 
Published: March 2015

SummarySince the inception of discrete element method (DEM) over 30 years ago, significant algorithmic developments have been made to enhance the performance of DEM while emphasizing simulation fidelity. Nevertheless, DEM is still a computationally expensive numerical method for simulation of granular materials. In this study, a new impulse‐based DEM (iDEM) approach is introduced that uses collision impulse instead of contact force and directly handles velocity while bypassing integration of acceleration. Contact force required for engineering applications is retrieved with reasonable fidelity via an original proposed formulation. The method is robust, numerically stable and results in significant speed up of almost two orders of magnitude over conventional DEM. The proposed iDEM allows for the simulation of large number of particles within reasonable run times on readily accessible computer hardware. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Association of HIV Stigma and HIV/STD Knowledge With Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adolescent and Adult Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Nelson LaRon E. , Wilton Leo , Agyarko‐Poku Thomas , Zhang Nanhua , Aluoch Marilyn , Thach Chia T. , Owiredu Hanson Samuel , Adu‐Sarkodie Yaw 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGhanaian men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high HIV seroprevalence, but despite a critical need to address this public health concern, research evidence has been extremely limited on influences on sexual risk behavior among MSM in Ghana. To investigate associations between HIV/STD knowledge, HIV stigma, and sexual behaviors in a sample of MSM in Ghana, we conducted a secondary data analysis of cross‐sectional survey data from a non‐probability sample of Ghanaian MSM (N = 137). Nearly all the men (93%) had more than one current sex partner (M = 5.11, SD = 7.4). Of those reported partners, the average number of current female sexual partners was 1.1 (SD = 2.6). Overall, knowledge levels about HIV and STDs were low, and HIV stigma was high. There was no age‐related difference in HIV stigma. Younger MSM (≤25 years) used condoms less often for anal and vaginal sex than did those over 25. Relative frequency of condom use for oral sex was lower in younger men who had higher STD knowledge and also was lower in older men who reported high HIV stigma. Knowledge and stigma were not associated with condom use for anal or vaginal sex in either age group. These descriptive data highlight the need for the development of intervention programs that address HIV/STD prevention knowledge gaps and reduce HIV stigma in Ghanaian communities. Intervention research in Ghana should address age‐group‐specific HIV prevention needs of MSM youth. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dental Modifications in a Skeletal Sample of Enslaved Africans Found at Lagos (Portugal)
Authors: Wasterlain S. N. , Neves M. J. , Ferreira M. T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn archaeological intervention in Valle da Gafaria (Lagos, Portugal) allowed the excavation of a deposit of waste dating from the 15th to 17th centuries. Among discarded objects, an important amount of human skeletal remains was exhumed (N = 158 individuals). The archaeological and historical context, as well as the morphometric analysis of the skulls, led us to attribute them an African origin. While historical sources document the trade of slaves by the Portuguese since the 15th century, so far no slave cemetery was excavated in Portugal. The study of their lives and deaths has been accomplished by historical documents. Therefore, this sample provides a unique opportunity to learn more about captive individuals who were brought to Portugal in the modern period. The present work focuses in the intentional dental modifications presented by several of these individuals. A total of 113 subjects have teeth that can be evaluated for the presence of intentional modifications. Of these, 55.8% individuals present dental modifications on their anterior dentition, 42.9% exhibiting modifications on both upper and lower teeth. The incisors were the most frequently modified teeth, followed by the canines. Both men and women as adults and sub‐adults have dental intentional modifications. In most individuals, dental modifications involved the removal of the mesial and distal angles, which is comparable with sub‐Saharan African practices. However, we cannot infer a more specific origin for these slaves only based on dental modification's type and pattern because several ethnic groups modify teeth in the same way. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Did Children in Medieval and Post‐medieval Poland Suffer from Scurvy? Examination of the Skeletal Evidence
Authors: Krenz‐Niedbała M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLate‐medieval and post‐medieval writings report that scurvy was a widespread condition in medieval and early historical Poland. Archaeological and historical data indicate that the diet of children was based on foods poor in vitamin C and contained small amounts of raw plant products. Also, historians emphasise that in medieval and post‐medieval Poland, there were seasonal fluctuations in food availability, frequently accompanied by poor harvests. Both resulted in long periods of poor nutrition, which affected children most severely. The aim of this study was to investigate skeletal manifestations of scurvy in subadult remains from medieval and post‐medieval Poland. Following standards described by Ortner and colleagues, anatomical sites pathognomonic of scurvy in subadults (<17 years) were assessed for abnormal porosity and hypertrophic bone among skeletons excavated from three sites: Ostrów Lednicki (dated to the 11th–14th centuries AD), Cedynia (10th–14th centuries AD) and Słaboszewo (14th–17th centuries AD). In total, 3.6% of all examined children were found to bear traces of vitamin C deficiency. The prevalence of scorbutic lesions was 4.5% for Cedynia, 2.6% for Ostrów Lednicki and 3.6% for Słaboszewo. The majority of affected children were less than 7 years of age. Scurvy was likely more widespread in the living populations than it appears from the calculation of skeletal markers, because some individuals might have recovered or died before obvious traces became apparent. Also, in some children, scurvy might not have reached an advanced stage, identifiable in the skeletal material. The prevalence of scurvy reflects not only dietary patterns but also food storage and preparation techniques adopted in the Polish territories during the Middle Ages, which contributed to low intakes of vitamin C. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the tubulin binding agent nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab) paclitaxel (Abraxane®) by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP)
Authors: Houghton Peter J. , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Maris John M. , Wu Jianrong , Tong Zeen , Arnold Michael A. , Chatterjee Moumita , Williams Terence M. , Smith Malcolm A. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundNanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐paclitaxel, Abraxane®) is FDA approved for the treatment of several adult cancers. Antimitotic agents are essential components for curative therapy of pediatric solid tumors, although taxanes have shown limited activity. Because of the novel formulation, nab‐paclitaxel was evaluated against a limited series of Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) solid tumors.ProceduresNab‐paclitaxel was tested against a limited subset of PPTP solid tumor xenograft models at a dose of 50 mg/kg using a q4d × 3 schedule intravenously.ResultsNab‐paclitaxel was well tolerated in vivo, producing maximum weight loss of approximately 10% with recovery to baseline weight in the week following the third dose. All 20 xenograft models tested were considered evaluable for efficacy. Nab‐paclitaxel induced statistically significant differences in event‐free survival (EFS) distribution compared to control in 19 of 20 (95%) of the solid tumors. Objective responses were observed in 12 of 20 (60%) solid tumor xenografts. Complete responses (CR) or maintained CR were observed in 5 of 8 Ewing sarcoma models and 6 of 8 rhabdomyosarcomas. There were no objective regressions in either neuroblastoma (n = 2) or osteosarcoma (n = 2) xenograft panels. At the dose tested, systemic exposures of nab‐paclitaxel in mice were somewhat greater than those tolerated in humans.ConclusionsThe high level of activity observed against the rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma PPTP preclinical models makes nab‐paclitaxel an interesting agent to consider for pediatric evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1214–1221. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid Identification of Steroidal Saponins in Trillium Tschonoskii Maxim by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionisation Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gao Xin , Sun Wenjun , Fu Qiang , Niu Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionSteroidal saponins in Trillium tschonoskii Maxim have many biological activities, including immunological regulation and anti‐tumour. Comprehensive ingredient identification is critical for understanding its pharmacological mechanism and establishing quality control protocols. However, it is a challenging problem because of the complexity of steroidal saponins.ObjectivesTo develop a UPLC–MS method for identifying and characterising steroidal saponins in the root and rhizome of T. tschonoskii.MethodsMethanolic extracts of T. tschonoskii were analysed by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI/QTOF/MS). The UPLC experiments were performed by means of a reversed‐phase C18‐column and a binary mobile phase system consisting of water and acetonitrile with formic acid under gradient elution conditions. For the UPLC–MS measurements, positive and negative ion modes were used in order to obtain better tandem mass spectra and high‐resolution mass spectra.ResultsBased on retention times, accurate mass and mass spectrometric fragmentation, a total of 31 saponins distributed over eight steroidal aglycone skeletons were identified or tentatively elucidated from T. tschonoskii.ConclusionThe UPLC–ESI/QTOF/MS method has proven to be a powerful tool for rapid identification of steroidal saponins in T. tschonoskii without tedious and time‐consuming isolation of pure constituents. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Permafrost Degradation and Land Cover Changes (1986–2009) using Remote Sensing Data over Umiujaq, Sub‐Arctic Québec
Authors: Beck Inga , Ludwig Ralf , Bernier Monique , Lévesque Esther , Boike Julia 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent land cover changes in the Umiujaq region of northern Québec, Canada, have been quantified in order to estimate changes in the extent of discontinuous permafrost that strongly affect the forest‐tundra ecotone. Changes in the areas covered by different vegetation types, thermokarst lakes and degradation of lithalsas have been investigated over an area of 60 km2, extending from widespread discontinuous permafrost in the north to areas of scattered permafrost in the south, and from Hudson Bay in the west to the Lac Guillaume‐Delisle graben 10 km further east. We used high‐resolution remote sensing images (QuickBird 2004, GeoEye 2009) and four Landsat scenes (1986, 1990, 2001, 2008) as well as ground‐based data (vegetation, active layer thickness, snow parameters) collected between 2009 and 2011. Two change detection methods applied to estimate the land cover changes between 1986 and 2009 showed an overall increase in vegetation extent between 1986 and 2009, and a 21 per cent increase in tall vegetation (spruce and tall shrubs) between 2004 and 2009 at the expense of low vegetation (lichens, prostrate shrubs, herbaceous vegetation). Thermokarst lakes and lithalsas in ten sub‐areas were mapped manually from satellite imagery. The area covered by water decreased by 24 per cent between 2004 and 2009, often due to vegetation colonising the margins of lakes, and 93 of the observed lakes disappeared completely over that period. The area covered by lithalsas declined by 6 per cent. Our results demonstrate the viability of using high‐resolution satellite imagery to detect changes in the land surface that can serve as indicators of permafrost degradation in the sub‐Arctic. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the sliding‐mode control of fractional‐order nonlinear uncertain dynamics
Authors: Jakovljević B. , Pisano A. , Rapaić M. R. , Usai E. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis paper deals with applications of sliding‐mode‐based fractional control techniques to address tracking and stabilization control tasks for some classes of nonlinear uncertain fractional‐order systems. Both single‐input and multi‐input systems are considered. A second‐order sliding‐mode approach is taken, in suitable combination with PI‐based design, in the single‐input case, while the unit‐vector approach is the main tool of reference in the multi‐input case. Sliding manifolds containing fractional derivatives of the state variables are used in the present work. Constructive tuning conditions for the control parameters are derived by Lyapunov analysis, and the convergence properties of the proposed schemes are supported by simulation results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caries‐removal effectiveness of a papain‐based chemo‐mechanical agent: A quantitative micro‐CT study
Authors: Neves Aline A. , Lourenço Roseane A. , Alves Haimon D. , Lopes Ricardo T. , Primo Laura G. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to access the effectiveness and specificity of a papain‐based chemo‐mechanical caries‐removal agent in providing minimum residual caries after cavity preparation. In order to do it, extracted carious molars were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT before and after caries‐removal procedures with the papain‐based gel. Similar parameters for acquisition and reconstruction of the image stacks were used between the scans. After classification of the dentin substrate based on mineral density intervals and establishment of a carious tissue threshold, volumetric parameters related to effectiveness (mineral density of removed dentin volume and residual dentin tissue) and specificity (relation between carious dentin in removed volume and initial caries) of this caries‐removal agent were obtained. In general, removed dentin volume was similar or higher than the initial carious volume, indicating that the method was able to effectively remove dentin tissue. Samples with an almost perfect accuracy in carious dentin removal also showed an increased removal of caries‐affected tissue. On the contrary, less or no affected dentin was removed in samples where some carious tissue was left in residual dentin. Mineral density values in residual dentin were always higher or similar to the threshold for mineral density values in carious dentin. In conclusion, the papain‐based gel was effective in removing carious dentin up to a conservative in vitro threshold. Lesion characteristics, such as activity and morphology of enamel lesion, may also influence caries‐removal properties of the method. SCANNING 37:258–264, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Standardizing Social Responsibility via ISO 26000: Empirical Insights from the Forest Industry
Authors: Toppinen Anne , Virtanen Aino , Mayer Audrey , Tuppura Anni 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper focuses on the emerging trend to increase the credibility and legitimacy of corporate contributions to sustainable development through the adoption of the ISO 26000 guidance standard for social responsibility. Empirical insights are gained from a two‐stage exploratory study combining an online managerial survey and personal interviews in large‐scale forest industry companies. Based on the results, the majority of these companies have already adopted social responsibility practices that are covered by the seven core subjects of ISO 26000. Our results also reveal that forest industry companies are strongly focused on environmental issues and organizational governance as key priorities for implementing the CSR, while for example consumer issues and human rights receive very little attention. Furthermore, while the legitimacy of ISO 26000 as a global sustainability standard was not criticized, based on our results it can be argued that this standard may not bring much added value to sustainability frontrunners with existing social responsibility related processes, nor is it sufficiently detailed to incorporate forest‐sector‐specific issues. This is in line with conceptual literature questioning the ability of sustainability standards to drive progress towards sustainable development at the national or global scale. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Pluripotency Activity of Nanog Requires Biochemical Stabilization by Variant Histone Protein H2A.Z
Authors: Wang Jiaxu , Qiao Mengran , He Qianqian , Shi Ronghua , Loh Sharon Jia Hui , Stanton Lawrence W. , Wu Mian 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The variant histone protein H2A.Z plays a critical role in early development. Likewise, Nanog, a master regulator of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), is essential for proper development in early embryogenesis. In this study, we establish that these two factors work together to maintain pluripotency. It is shown that H2A.Z influences the protein level of Nanog through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Knockdown of H2A.Z causes differentiation of mouse ESCs and disrupts the reprogramming of somatic cells, which can be partially rescued by overexpression of Nanog. We conclude that the H2A.Z-Nanog partnership is involved in ESC pluripotency and reprogramming of somatic cells. Stem Cells 2015;33:2126–2134
Application of system reliability‐based assessment for collapse fragility of braced moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Lotfollahi M. , Banazadeh M. , Alinia M.M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis paper presents a system reliability‐based framework for collapse fragility assessment of steel braced moment‐resisting frames (BMRFs). The conditional failure of intermediate events is calculated, considering two important features in the design of BMRFs: (i) different failure scenarios (FSs) with multiple sequences of components failure formation and (ii) structural reliability analysis based on the failure propagation from components to system. The system collapse reliability‐based assessment of BMRFs is developed with an efficient algorithm using the Monte Carlo simulation procedure incorporated into a nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis program. An appropriate nonlinear FE model of such systems is demonstrated, and the probability of various predefined components' failure over the most likely FSs in the presence of both epistemic and inherent uncertainties is calculated. Then, a system‐simulated reliability index (SSRI) is computed by lower and upper bounds in the probability of BMRF system collapse. Finally, fragility curves based on the SSRI is compared with the ones from incremental dynamic analysis, and later, the outcomes from multiple FSs are compared with the codified main collapse criterion. For the BMRFs analyzed herein, it is shown that the existing allowable story drift for the collapse limit state is conservative, and a new criterion is appraised. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative damage of naphthenic acids on the Eisenia fetida earthworm
Authors: Wang Jie , Cao Xiaofeng , Chai Liwei , Liao Jingqiu , Huang Yi , Tang Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNaphthenic acids (NAs) have been gaining recognition in recent years as potentially harmful environmental contaminants. Few studies have focused on the potential ecotoxicity of NAs to terrestrial environment. In this study, the responses of antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were investigated after exposing Eisenia fetida to soil contaminated with NAs. The results indicated that NAs induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. The glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) in the medium and high dose treatments. An increase in malondialidehyde indicated that NAs could cause cellular lipid peroxidation in the tested earthworms. The percentage of DNA in the tail of comet assay of coelomocytes as an indication of DNA damage increased after treatment with different doses of NAs, and a dose‐dependent DNA damage of coelomocytes was found. In conclusion, oxidative stress caused by NAs exposure induces physiological responses and genotoxicity on earthworms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1337–1343, 2016.