bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When does it hurt? Intergroup permeability moderates the link between discrimination and self‐esteem
Authors: Bourguignon David , Yzerbyt Vincent Y. , Teixeira Catia P. , Herman Ginette
Published: January 2015

Research shows that personal discrimination and group discrimination have distinct effects on personal self‐esteem. Specifically, whereas personal discrimination negatively impacts self‐esteem, group discrimination increases it. We suggest that this pattern is dependent on the socio‐structural context in which individuals experience discrimination. To test this hypothesis, we manipulate intergroup permeability and examine its impact on the link between personal/group discrimination and personal self‐esteem. Results show that a control condition replicates previous research, that is, a positive association between group discrimination and self‐esteem and a negative association for personal discrimination. The positive association of group discrimination disappeared in a permeable context and reversed when the context was presented as impermeable. Moreover, the deleterious effect of personal discrimination on self‐esteem vanished in impermeable contexts. Results are discussed in light of the literature on stigmatization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An agent‐based simulation of a release process for encapsulated flavour using the NetLogo platform
Authors: Zandi M. , Mohebbi M.
Published: January 2015

In this study we developed an agent‐based model that simulates the release process of encapsulated flavour in different situations. Our model was built in the NetLogo platform, which is a multi‐agent programming language and modelling environment with a good documentation, user‐friendly environment and visualization abilities. The main aim of the work presented is to provide a model that will easily predict the release of encapsulated flavour. In this work we use the model developed to evaluate the flavour‐release properties (such as release time and rate) dependent upon input parameters. Release data of the encapsulated diacetyl (2,3‐butanedione) from alginate–whey‐protein concentrate microcapsules were then used for model validation. Results show that this model can simulate the release‐flavour process well, and there is a good correlation between experimental and model release data. Results also suggested that the flavour‐release process can easily be predicted using this agent‐based model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategies and endpoints of antifibrotic drug trials: Summary and recommendations from the AASLD Emerging Trends Conference, Chicago, June 2014
Authors: Torok Natalie J. , Dranoff Jonathan A. , Schuppan Detlef , Friedman Scott L.
Published: January 2015

There is an urgent need to develop antifibrotic therapies for chronic liver disease, and clarify which endpoints in antifibrotic trials will be acceptable to regulatory agencies. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases sponsored an endpoints conference to help accelerate the efficient testing of antifibrotic agents and develop recommendations on clinical trial design for liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the salient and novel elements of this conference and provide directions for future clinical trial design. The article follows the structure of the conference and is organized into five areas: (1) antifibrotic trial design; (2) preclinical proof‐of‐concept studies; (3) pharmacological targets, including rationale and lessons to learn; (4) rational drug design and development; and (5) consensus and recommendations on design of clinical trials in liver fibrosis. Expert overviews and collaborative discussions helped to summarize the key unmet needs and directions for the future, including: (1) greater clarification of at‐risk populations and study groups; (2) standardization of all elements of drug discovery and testing; (3) standardization of clinical trial approaches; (4) accelerated development of improved noninvasive markers; and (5) need for exploration of potential off‐target toxicities of future antifibrotic drugs. (Hepatology 2015;62:627–634
Treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir improves patient‐reported outcomes: Results from the ION‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 clinical trials
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Marcellin Patrick , Afdhal Nezam , Kowdley Kris V. , Zeuzem Stefan , Hunt Sharon L.
Published: January 2015

Treatment with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) significantly impairs quality of life and other patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Patient experience with IFN‐ and RBV‐free anti‐HCV (hepatitis C virus) regimens has not been reported. We assessed PROs in patients treated with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with and without RBV. Four different PRO questionnaires were administered at baseline, during, and post‐treatment in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with LDV/SOF±RBV (ION‐1, ‐2, and ‐3). A total of 1,952 patients were enrolled to be treated for 8 (N = 431), 12 (N = 867), or 24 weeks (N = 654) with LDV/SOF (N = 1,080) or LDV/SOF+RBV (N = 872). Baseline demographics and psychiatric disorders were similar between treatment groups (all P > 0.05). Patients receiving LDV/SOF regimens showed significant improvement of PRO scores during treatment (up to +7.4%, +7.0%, and +6.7% on a normalized 0%‐100% scale in the 8‐, 12‐, and 24‐week‐long treatment groups, respectively (all P < 0.0001). These PRO improvements coincided with early viral suppression after 2 weeks of treatment and maximized by the end of treatment. On the other hand, during treatment with LDV/SOF+RBV, PRO scores declined (up to −5.5% regardless of treatment duration; P < 0.0001). Receiving RBV was an independent predictor of PRO impairment in multivariate analysis (beta up to −5.9%; P < 0.0001). Patients who achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks showed significant improvement of their PROs post‐treatment (up to +8.3%; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: IFN‐ and RBV‐free regimens with LDV/SOF result in early HCV suppression with simultaneous improvement in PROs that continued throughout the duration of treatment and post‐treatment. (Hepatology 2015;61:1798‐1808)
Precipitation input and antecedent soil moisture effects on mercury mobility in soil—laboratory experiments with an enriched stable isotope tracer
Authors: Haynes Kristine M. , Mitchell Carl P. J.
Published: January 2015

Terrestrial soils are net mercury (Hg) sinks, but leaching of Hg from upland environments constitutes an important source to downstream wetlands and water bodies. Broadly, hydrology is instrumental in facilitating Hg transport within, and export from watersheds but the relative influences of specific hydrological factors such as antecedent soil moisture and precipitation in controlling the transport of Hg through upland soils are not well understood. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the relative controls of these hydrological factors using a full factorial laboratory experiment involving the application of an enriched stable Hg isotope tracer to intact soil cores. Antecedent soil moisture and precipitation input depth were statistically significant, mutually exclusive controls on tracer Hg mobility. Neither factor however had a strongly significant influence on the mobility of ambient Hg. Tracer Hg mobility was enhanced with larger precipitation events as well as from initially drier soils and appeared to move via simple piston flow. The majority (>99.5%) of added tracer Hg was sorbed to soil organic matter in the surface 3 cm, regardless of the hydrological treatment combinations. Overall, these results suggest that tracer and ambient Hg are differentially controlled by hydrological conditions. Changes in hydrology may have little impact on ambient Hg mobilization in sandy loam soils. If tracer Hg is broadly representative of contemporary soil Hg stocks, extreme precipitation events among otherwise drier conditions could enhance the export of contemporary Hg from upland systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visual and Digital Texts
Authors: Botzakis Stergios
Published: January 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult visual and digital texts and provides a valuable resource for visual and digital text selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Polydopamine assisted preparation of Ti4+‐decorated magnetic particles for selective and rapid adsorption of phosphorylated proteins
Authors: Ma Xiangdong , Jia Li
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Phosphorylated proteins have attracted widespread attention due to their crucial roles in regulating biological processes. Therefore, development of effective methods for identification and detection of phosphorylated proteins is an indispensable step to understand the roles of protein phosphorylation. The aim of this work is to prepare Ti4+‐decorated polydopamine‐grafted hybrid magnetic particles (Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4) for highly efficient and selective separation of phosphorylated proteins.

RESULTS

Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 particles were synthesized and characterized. A wealth of hydroxyl groups in PDA enhanced the binding capacity of PDA@Fe3O4 for titanium ions. The selectivity of the particles for phosphorylated proteins relies on the affinity of phosphate groups in phosphorylated proteins to titanium ions on the surface of Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4. The adsorption capacity of Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 for β‐casein was 1273.9 mg g‐1. The adsorption conditions and selectivity of Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 for phosphorylated proteins were studied. The feasibility of Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 for separation of phosphorylated proteins from milk was also investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 demonstrated highly effective and selective adsorption property for phosphorylated proteins based on immobilized metal affinity chromatography mechanism. The successful isolation of phosphorylated proteins from milk by Ti4+‐PDA@Fe3O4 demonstrated that the particles will have promising application prospect in selective separation of phosphorylated proteins. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Revision concepts and distinctive points of the new Japanese classification for biliary tract cancers in comparison with the 7th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control and the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system
Authors: Ohtsuka Masayuki , Miyakawa Shuichi , Nagino Masato , Takada Tadahiro , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: January 2015

Background

The 3rd English edition of the Japanese classification of the biliary tract cancers (JC) is now available in this journal. The primary aim of this revision is to provide all clinicians and researchers with a common language of cancer staging at an international level. On the other hand, there are several important issues that should be solved for the optimization of the staging system.

Methods

Revision concepts and major revision points of the 3rd English edition of the JC were reviewed. Furthermore, comparing with the 7th edition of staging system developed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), distinctive points in the JC was discussed.

Results

In this edition of the JC, the same stage groupings as those in the UICC/AJCC staging system were basically adopted. T, N, and M categories were also identical in principle with those in the UICC/AJCC staging system, although slight modifications were proposed as the “Japanese rules”. As distinctive points, perihilar cholangiocarcinomas and ampullary region carcinomas were clearly defined. Intraepithelial tumor was discriminated from invasive carcinoma at ductal resection margins. Classifications of site‐specific surgical margin status remained in this edition. Histological classification was based on that in the former editions of the JC, but adopted some parts of the World Health Organization classification.

Conclusions

The JC now share its staging system of the biliary tact carcinomas with the UICC/AJCC staging system. Future validation of the “Japanese rules” could provide important evidence to make globally standardized staging system. © Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Serving one another: Are shared and self‐leadership the keys to service sustainability?
Authors: Manz Charles C. , Skaggs Bruce C. , Pearce Craig L. , Wassenaar Christina L.
Published: January 2015

Service has received increasing attention in the management literature, yet sustainability of service is often overlooked. In this Incubator we examine the potential for client involvement through shared and self‐leadership to foster empathy enhanced service and reduced costs, both of which may support a more sustainable service delivery process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning molehills into mountains: Sleepiness increases workplace interpretive bias
Authors: Barber Larissa K. , Budnick Christopher J.
Published: January 2015

Three studies draw from evolutionary theory to assess whether sleepiness increases interpretive biases in workplace social judgments. Study 1 established a relationship between sleepiness and interpretive bias using ambiguous interpersonal scenarios from a measure commonly used in personnel selection (N = 148). Study 2 explored the boundary conditions of the sleepiness–interpretive bias link via an experimental online field survey of U.S. adults (N = 433). Sleepiness increased interpretive bias when social threats were clearly present (unfair workplace) but did not affect bias in the absence of threat (fair workplace). Study 3 replicated and extended findings from the previous two studies using objective measures of sleep loss and a quasi‐experimental manipulation of minor sleep loss (N = 175). Negative affect, ego depletion, or personality variables did not influence the observed relationships. Overall, results suggest that a self‐protection/evolutionary perspective best explains the effects of sleepiness on workplace interpretive biases. These studies advance the current research on sleep in organizations by adding a cognitive “threat interpretation” bias approach to past work examining the emotional reaction/behavioral side of sleep disruption. Interpretive biases due to sleepiness may have significant implications for employee health and counterproductive behavior. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive characterization of 17th century painted silk banner by the combined use of Raman and XRF portable systems
Authors: Klisińska‐Kopacz Anna
Published: January 2015

X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy analysis were performed to examine a 17th century painted silk banner in order to characterize the pigments and materials used. This complementary approach yields information on the elemental (XRF) and on the molecular composition (Raman) of the used compounds. The paint layer, ground layer under gilding, and gilding layer were investigated. For the studied object, vermilion (HgS), lead white (2PbCO3 · Pb(OH)2), red lead (Pb3O4), and aurichalcite ((Cu,Zn)5(CO3)2(OH)6) were found. The presence of silver and gold foils was confirmed. The techniques used in the analysis were portable, non‐destructive, and non‐invasive, which is very desirable when analyzing cultural heritage objects. The obtained results were used by the conservators to develop a showcase prototype for safe exhibition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on SERS of different phase structure TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Libin , Gong Mengdi , Jiang Xin , Yin Di , Qin Xiaoyu , Zhao Bing , Ruan Weidong
Published: January 2015

In this paper, anatase and rutile TiO2 nanoparticles as well as their mixed crystal phase structure TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol‐hydrothermal method, and were served as active substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) study. The results show that the 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid probe molecules exhibit different degree SERS enhancements on the surface of different phase structure TiO2 nanoparticles. The mixed crystal structure TiO2 with an appropriate proportion of anatase and rutile phase is favourable to SERS enhancement of adsorbed molecules. These are mainly attributed to the contributions of the TiO2‐to‐molecule charge transfer mechanism and the mixed crystal effect. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality Factors in the Prediction of Outcomes of PTSD Treatment for U.S. Military Veterans
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Holland Jason M. , Drescher Kent D.
Published: January 2015

Spirituality is a multifaceted construct that might affect veterans’ recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adaptive and maladaptive ways. Using a cross‐lagged panel design, this study examined longitudinal associations between spirituality and PTSD symptom severity among 532 U.S. veterans in a residential treatment program for combat‐related PTSD. Results indicated that spirituality factors at the start of treatment were uniquely predictive of PTSD symptom severity at discharge, when accounting for combat exposure and both synchronous and autoregressive associations between the study variables, βs = .10 to .16. Specifically, veterans who scored higher on adaptive dimensions of spirituality (daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, spiritual practices, positive religious coping, and organizational religiousness) at intake fared significantly better in this program. In addition, possible spiritual struggles (operationalized as negative religious coping) at baseline were predictive of poorer PTSD outcomes, β = .11. In contrast to these results, PTSD symptomatology at baseline did not predict any of the spirituality variables at posttreatment. In keeping with a spiritually integrative approach to treating combat‐related PTSD, these results suggest that understanding the possible spiritual context of veterans’ trauma‐related concerns might add prognostic value and equip clinicians to alleviate PTSD symptomatology among those veterans who possess spiritual resources or are somehow struggling in this domain.
Accuracy of an Intimate Partner Violence Screening Tool for Female VHA Patients: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Iverson Katherine M. , King Matthew W. , Gerber Megan R. , Resick Patricia A. , Kimerling Rachel , Street Amy E. , Vogt Dawne
Published: January 2015

The 4‐item Hurt/Insult/Threaten/Scream (HITS) tool accurately detects past‐year intimate partner violence (IPV) among female Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients; however, it lacks a sexual IPV item. This study evaluated the accuracy of an extended HITS (E‐HITS), which adds a sexual IPV item, in female VHA patients. A sample of 80 female U.S. veteran VHA patients in New England completed a mail survey (50.0% response rate) that included the 5‐item E‐HITS and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS‐2). Women were included if they were in an intimate relationship in the past year. The women averaged 49 years of age and 86.0% of the sample was White. Accuracy of the 4‐item HITS was compared to the 5‐item E‐HITS, using the CTS‐2 as the reference. There were 20 women (25.0%) who reported past‐year IPV on the CTS‐2. The receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated that the HITS and E‐HITS performed nearly identically at their optimal cutoff scores of 6 and 7, respectively. At these cutoff scores, the sensitivity of both tools was .75, 95% CI [.55, .95]. The specificities were similar; .83 for the HITS, 95% CI [.73, .92], and .82 for the E‐HITS, 95% CI [.72, .90]. Including a sexual IPV item may be clinically beneficial; it also attains the same accuracy of case identification as the HITS.
Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: Results From a National Epidemiologic Survey
Authors: Okuda Mayumi , Olfson Mark , Wang Shuai , Rubio Jose M. , Xu Yang , Blanco Carlos
Published: January 2015

This study presents data on the association of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and rates of psychiatric disorders, and other correlates. Data were drawn from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States, 18 years and older, residing in households and group quarters. The sample comprised adults who reported being in a relationship within the past 12 months (N = 25,631). Of these, 1,677 individuals reported perpetrating IPV (4.2% in men, 7.0% in women). Compared to non‐IPV perpetrators, IPV perpetrators had greater odds of having any psychiatric disorder, 42.0% and 67.7%, respectively, OR = 2.89, 95% CI [2.51, 3.32]. After adjusting for the effects of nuisance variables, being younger, having an alcohol use disorder, a personality disorder, low levels of social support, and low income were associated with perpetration. Across a wide range of factors, IPV victimization itself had the strongest association with perpetration, AOR = 66.12, 95% CI [55.01, 79.48]. Mental health assessments of IPV perpetrators might offer an opportunity to identify and treat psychiatric disorders and improve the clinical course of conditions that can be affected by ongoing acts of violence.
Supramolecular Assembly‐Assisted Synthesis of Responsive Polymeric Materials with Controlled Chain Topologies
Authors: Hu Jinming , Liu Shiyong
Published: January 2015

Tremendous developments, ranging from new synthetic strategies, properties, and novel functional applications, have emerged in the field of stimuli‐responsive polymeric materials. A variety of highly efficient chemical methodologies have been exploited to synthesize stimuli‐responsive polymers, aiming to control their molecular weight, polydispersity, chemical composition, monomer sequence, and chain topologies. Of particular interest is the emerging strategy of supramolecular assembly‐assisted polymer synthesis, which possesses combined advantages such as facile accessibility, design versatility, multifunctional integration, and promising functions. In this trend article, recent advances are elaborated concerning the fabrication of stimuli‐responsive functional polymers assisted by supramolecular self‐assembly. The fabrication of three main types of responsive polymers, namely, linear polymers, non‐linear shaped polymers, and crosslinked nanostructures, aided by templates of supramolecular assemblies will be discussed.

image
The Use of Solid‐State NMR to Investigate the Development of Segmental Mobility in Commercial Heterophasic Ethylene Propylene Copolymers (HEPCs)
Authors: Botha Linda , Sinha Pritish , Duveskog H. , Van Reenen Albert J.
Published: January 2015

The effect increasing ethylene incorporation on the development of commercial heterophasic ethylene propylene copolymers (HEPCs) was previously evaluated in terms of particle morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity, and microstructure. These polymers were obtained from a commercial gas‐phase process and enabled the visualization of the early development of the copolymer phase while including the effects of large‐scale production processes on the resulting polymer properties. Based on the ethylene‐dependent changes observed for the HEPCs as well as some semi‐crystalline TREF fractions, further variable temperature solid‐state 13C NMR experiments were done to observe temperature‐dependent shifts in localised mobility within the bulk samples during a heating/melting profile. From these experiments, the development of amorphous polypropylene signals was observed with increasing temperature, which could indirectly be related to the introduction of ethylene defects. It was also observed that polypropylene components with high rigidity remained at high temperatures for the HEPCs but not for the homopolymer. T1ρ experiments were used to differentiate between changes in crystalline and non‐crystalline phases based on ethylene incorporation as well as during melting. In this publication, the observations from the perspective of the solid‐state analyses are outlined and placed in the context of the evolution of microscopic, chemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties.
Computing the nearest reversible Markov chain
Authors: Nielsen A. J. N. , Weber M.
Published: January 2015

Reversible Markov chains are the basis of many applications. However, computing transition probabilities by a finite sampling of a Markov chain can lead to truncation errors. Even if the original Markov chain is reversible, the approximated Markov chain might be non‐reversible and will lose important properties, like the real‐valued spectrum. In this paper, we show how to find the closest reversible Markov chain to a given transition matrix. It turns out that this matrix can be computed by solving a convex minimization problem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal stability of organo‐montmorillonite‐modified wood flour/poly(lactic acid) composites
Authors: Liu Ru , Peng Yao , Cao Jinzhen
Published: January 2015

In this research, wood flour (WF) was modified using sodium–montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) at four different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 wt%, respectively) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) in a two‐step process to form organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) inside the WF or attached to the WF surface. The thus‐modified WF was then mixed with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to produce WF/PLA composites. The thermal stability of these composites with respect to their resistance against both thermal deformation and thermal decomposition was characterized by stress relaxation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Besides, the activation energies for thermal decomposition of the composites were calculated. The results showed the following: (1) The modification of WF by OMMT improved the resistance against thermal deformation of the composites at appropriate OMMT loadings (lower than 1 wt% in this study). However, after introducing excessive OMMT, the enhancements in thermal stability diminished. Composite containing WF modified by 0.5 wt% of OMMT showed the optimal thermal deformation stability in this study, reflected in the highest values of thermal properties such as the glass transition temperature, melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and slowest stress relaxation rate. (2) OMMT showed a negative effect on the resistance against thermal decomposition. Namely, OMMT accelerated the thermal decomposition of the composites, probably by the easier degradation of the organic surfactant used for the WF modification. However, this behavior might be favorable for achieving fire retardancy. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1971–1977, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Long‐term patterns in interpersonal behaviour amongst psychopathic patients in secure inpatient treatment: A follow‐up study
Authors: Draycott Simon , Short Roxanna , Kirkpatrick Tim
Published: January 2015

Psychopathy is a disorder that is partly defined by with maladaptive interpersonal behaviour and has significant effects on treatment outcomes. A previous study (Draycott et al., ) found that higher levels of psychopathy led to a specific interpersonal ‘trajectory’ amongst patients in a secure psychiatric treatment programme during the first 9 months of their admission. In that programme, more psychopathic patients became increasingly dominant over time, and less psychopathic patients became increasingly hostile. This study is a longer‐term follow‐up and extension of that study, extending the window of observation to 33 months of treatment. It was found that the more psychopathic patients' increased dominance returned to baseline levels by 33 months, as did the less psychopathic patients' increased hostility. This suggests that treatment for this group is not idiopathic but leaves unanswered the question as to what these divergent trajectories represent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of haptic hand‐controllers in a robot‐assisted surgical system
Authors: Zareinia Kourosh , Maddahi Yaser , Ng Canaan , Sepehri Nariman , Sutherland Garnette R.
Published: January 2015

Background

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of three commercially available haptic hand‐controllers to evaluate which was more suitable to the participants.

Methods

Two surgeons and seven engineers performed two peg‐in‐hole tasks with different levels of difficulty. Each operator guided the end‐effector of a Kuka manipulator that held surgical forceps and was equipped with a surgical microscope. Sigma 7, HD2 and PHANToM Premium 3.0 hand‐controllers were compared. Ten measures were adopted to evaluate operators’ performances with respect to effort, speed and accuracy in completing a task, operator improvement during the tests, and the force applied by each haptic device.

Results

The best performance was observed with the Premium 3.0; the hand‐piece was able to be held in a similar way to that used by surgeons to hold conventional tools.

Conclusions

Hand‐controllers with a linkage structure similar to the human upper extremity take advantage of the inherent human brain connectome, resulting in improved surgeon performance during robotic‐assisted surgery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anteromedial and posterolateral graft kinematics of a double‐bundle ACL reconstruction: a 3D computer simulation
Authors: Liu Xudong , Li Jing‐Sheng , Hosseini Ali , Gill Thomas J. , Li Guoan
Published: January 2015

Background

The posterolateral graft has been reported to fail more frequently than the anteromedial graft in double‐bundle ACL reconstructions. This study investigated the graft kinematics using a 3D modelling technique.

Methods

Twenty subjects performed a stair‐ascending activity under dual fluoroscopy surveillance. A double‐bundle ACL reconstruction was simulated on those healthy knees using an anteromedial portal technique. The graft–tunnel interaction was described using the graft–tunnel angle and the range of the graft–tunnel edge contact (GTEC).

Results

The femoral graft–tunnel angle of the anteromedial/posterolateral graft was 97.6 ± 7.5/100.7 ± 7.7° and the tibial graft–tunnel angle was 158.8 ± 6.5/146.5 ± 8.9° at knee extension. The femoral GTEC ranges were 23.2 ± 5.3–28.1 ± 7.6° for both grafts and the tibial GTEC ranges were 27.3 ± 2.2–34.5 ± 2.1° during stair‐ascending.

Conclusion

The femoral graft–tunnel angle was larger than on the tibial side and the GTEC angles influenced the PL graft more, implying that grafts may experience a less optimal biomechanical environment at the femoral tunnels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A power series beta Weibull regression model for predicting breast carcinoma
Authors: Ortega Edwin M. M. , Cordeiro Gauss M. , Campelo Ana K. , Kattan Michael W. , Cancho Vicente G.
Published: January 2015

The postmastectomy survival rates are often based on previous outcomes of large numbers of women who had a disease, but they do not accurately predict what will happen in any particular patient's case. Pathologic explanatory variables such as disease multifocality, tumor size, tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, and enhanced lymph node staining are prognostically significant to predict these survival rates. We propose a new cure rate survival regression model for predicting breast carcinoma survival in women who underwent mastectomy. We assume that the unknown number of competing causes that can influence the survival time is given by a power series distribution and that the time of the tumor cells left active after the mastectomy for metastasizing follows the beta Weibull distribution. The new compounding regression model includes as special cases several well‐known cure rate models discussed in the literature. The model parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood. Further, for different parameter settings, sample sizes, and censoring percentages, some simulations are performed. We derive the appropriate matrices for assessing local influences on the parameter estimates under different perturbation schemes and present some ways to assess local influences. The potentiality of the new regression model to predict accurately breast carcinoma mortality is illustrated by means of real data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network representations of immune system complexity
Authors: Subramanian Naeha , Torabi‐Parizi Parizad , Gottschalk Rachel A. , Germain Ronald N. , Dutta Bhaskar
Published: January 2015

The mammalian immune system is a dynamic multiscale system composed of a hierarchically organized set of molecular, cellular, and organismal networks that act in concert to promote effective host defense. These networks range from those involving gene regulatory and protein–protein interactions underlying intracellular signaling pathways and single‐cell responses to increasingly complex networks of in vivo cellular interaction, positioning, and migration that determine the overall immune response of an organism. Immunity is thus not the product of simple signaling events but rather nonlinear behaviors arising from dynamic, feedback‐regulated interactions among many components. One of the major goals of systems immunology is to quantitatively measure these complex multiscale spatial and temporal interactions, permitting development of computational models that can be used to predict responses to perturbation. Recent technological advances permit collection of comprehensive datasets at multiple molecular and cellular levels, while advances in network biology support representation of the relationships of components at each level as physical or functional interaction networks. The latter facilitate effective visualization of patterns and recognition of emergent properties arising from the many interactions of genes, molecules, and cells of the immune system. We illustrate the power of integrating ‘omics’ and network modeling approaches for unbiased reconstruction of signaling and transcriptional networks with a focus on applications involving the innate immune system. We further discuss future possibilities for reconstruction of increasingly complex cellular‐ and organism‐level networks and development of sophisticated computational tools for prediction of emergent immune behavior arising from the concerted action of these networks. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:13–38. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1288

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Macromolecular Interactions, Methods
Fe‐DPA as Catalyst for Oxidation of Organic Contaminants: Evidence of Homogeneous Fenton Process
Authors: Ramos Paulize H. , La Porta Felipe A. , de Resende Eliane C. , Giacoppo Juliana O. S. , Guerreiro Mario C. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: January 2015

Fenton‐type reactions using transition metal complexes in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radical generation have received special attention due to their advantages over classical homogeneous processes involving soluble iron salts. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the use of an iron complex with the ligand pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (dipicolinic acid or DPA) as a homogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of the quinoline. The synthesized iron complex showed a molar ratio of 1:2 metal/ligand and was efficient in the quinoline oxidation at pH values near neutrality. The tests were monitored by mass spectrometry that allows identification of the different intermediates and showed complete oxidation of the quinolone compound. Moreover, in order to shed some light on the formation of hydroxyl radicals and the overall reaction mechanism, some theoretical calculations at the DFT level were performed. The results of this study demonstrated that the iron‐DPA complex is a good catalyst for the oxidation of quinoline by a Fenton‐like mechanism. All theoretical data show good agreement with experimental results.
An Analysis of Risk Factors for Short-Term Complication Rates and Increased Length of Stay following Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Haughom Bryan D. , Schairer William W. , Hellman Michael D. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Levine Brett R.
Published: January 2015

Background

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an increasingly popular procedure, with excellent long-term outcomes. However, there are only a limited number of reports reporting its short-term morbidity and mortality.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to analyze the reported 30-day morbidity, mortality, and risk factors for complications and prolonged length of stay (>4 days) following UKA.

Patients and Methods

Utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, including patients ( n = 2316) from 2005–2012, we correlated the reported 30-day complications and prolonged length of stay with patient demographics and risk factors.

Results

The overall rate of complications was low (3.2%). The distribution of complications demonstrated 0.5% major systemic, 1.4% minor systemic, 0.7% major local, and 0.9% minor local complications, with a 2.1% readmission rate. Multivariate regression demonstrated increased BMI and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as independent risk factors for complications. Furthermore, multivariate regression demonstrated increased BMI, ASA ≥ 3, history of COPD, recent operation, and postoperative transfusion as independent risk factors for prolonged length of hospitalization.

Conclusions

Utilizing the NSQIP, we present one of the largest studies to date evaluating complications following UKA. Our multivariate model demonstrated obesity and COPD to be the risk factors for complications while obesity, ASA ≥ 3, COPD, recent operation, and blood transfusion to be the risk factors for prolonged length of stay.
Remarks on the weak formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations on the 2D hyperbolic space
Authors: Czubak Magdalena , Chan Chi Hin
Published: January 2015

The Leray–Hopf solutions to the Navier–Stokes equation are known to be unique on

\mathbb{R}^{2}

. In our previous work, we showed the breakdown of uniqueness in a hyperbolic setting. In this article, we show how to formulate the problem in order so the uniqueness can be restored.

Les solutions de Leray–Hopf de l'équation Navier–Stokes sont connues pour être uniques sur

\mathbb{R}^{2}

. Dans nos travaux précédents, nous avons montré que ces solutions ne sont pas uniques si on se place dans un cadre hyperbolique. Dans cet article, nous montrons comment formuler le problème de façon à retrouver l'unicité.
MicroRNA let‐7b regulates genomic balance by targeting Aurora B kinase
Authors: Mäki-Jouppila Jenni Heidi Eveliina , Pruikkonen Sofia , Tambe Mahesh Balasaheb , Aure Miriam Ragle , Halonen Tuuli , Salmela Anna-Leena , Laine Leena , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Kallio Marko Johannes
Published: January 2015

The let‐7 microRNA (miRNA) family has been implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular processes and disease pathogenesis. In cancer, loss‐of‐function of let‐7 miRNAs has been linked to tumorigenesis via increased expression of target oncogenes. Excessive proliferation rate of tumor cells is often associated with deregulation of mitotic proteins. Here, we show that let‐7b contributes to the maintenance of genomic balance via targeting Aurora B kinase, a key regulator of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Our results indicate that let‐7b binds to Aurora B kinase 3′UTR reducing mRNA and protein expression of the kinase. In cells, excess let‐7b induced mitotic defects characteristic to Aurora B perturbation including increased rate of polyploidy and multipolarity, and premature SAC inactivation that leads to forced exit from chemically induced mitotic arrest. Moreover, the frequency of aneuploid HCT‐116 cells was significantly increased upon let‐7b overexpression compared to controls. Interestingly, together with a chemical Aurora B inhibitor, let‐7b had an additive effect on polyploidy induction in HeLa cells. In breast cancer patients, reduced let‐7b expression was found to be associated with increased Aurora B expression in grade 3 tumors. Furthermore, let‐7b was found downregulated in the most aggressive forms of breast cancer determined by clinicopathological parameters. Together, our findings suggest that let‐7b contributes to the fidelity of cell division via regulation of Aurora B. Moreover, the loss of let‐7b in aggressive tumors may drive tumorigenesis by up‐regulation of Aurora B and other targets of the miRNA, which further supports the role of let‐7b in tumor suppression.
Development and Validation of Prognostic Indices for Recovery of Physical Functioning Following Stroke: Part 2
Authors: Bates Barbara E. , Xie Dawei , Kwong Pui L. , Kurichi Jibby E. , Ripley Diane Cowper , Davenport Claire , Vogel W. Bruce , Stineman Margaret G.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To develop a prognostic index for achievement of modified independence (Functional Independence Measure grade VI) after completion of either comprehensive or consultative rehabilitation after stroke.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) throughout the United States.

Participants

Data included 5316 patients with stroke discharged from VAMCs who received rehabilitation services while hospitalized and who were physically dependent at initial assessment. The index was derived with use of 60% of the sample and validated in the remaining 40% of the sample. Points derived from the β coefficients of a multivariable logistic model were added to scores that were associated with the probability of recovery.

Main Outcome Measure

Recovery to modified independence or above at final rehabilitation assessment, defined as when patients no longer need physical assistance with eating; grooming; dressing the upper and lower body; toileting; sphincter management; bed to chair, toilet, and tub transfers; and walking/wheelchair use and when they require no more than supervision with bathing or climbing stairs.

Results

Seven independent predictors were identified through logistic regression in the derivation sample: initial physical grade (I or II = 0 points; III = 2 points; IV = 4 points; V = 5 points), initial cognitive stage (I or II = 0 points; III = 2 points; IV = 3 points, V or VI = 4 points; VII =5 points), type of rehabilitation (consultative = 0 points; comprehensive = 4 points), age (<60 years = 3 points; 60‐79 years = 2 points; ≥80 years = 0 points), time from initial to final physical grade assessment (1‐2 days = 0 points; ≥3 days = 2 points), absence of urinary procedures (3 points), and absence of diabetes with complications (1 point). The following proportions of patients recovered to physical grade VI for the first, second, third, and fourth quartile scores, respectively: 0.59% (score ≤9), 3.87% (score = 9‐11), 14.19% (score = 12‐15), and 37.38% (score ≥16).

Conclusion

Functional recovery to physical grade VI can be predicted on the basis of patients' initial status after a stroke occurs and the type of rehabilitation services to be provided by using a simple scoring system.
DEBASING SKEPTICISM REFUTED
Authors: Conee Earl
Published: January 2015

A belief is debased when believing is given a basis that is not proper for knowledge, such as wishful thinking or superstition. The possibility of a debasing demon is the possibility of a maximally powerful agent who aims to prevent knowledge by debasing beliefs. Jonathan Schaffer contends that the debasing demon is a threat to all knowledge. Schaffer does not assess the strength of the skeptical challenge from debasing. It is argued here that debasing does not strengthen any case for skepticism. A debasing demon is possible. We should acknowledge that our beliefs could have been debased, and that this could have been done in an introspectively undetectable way. But acknowledging this leaves us in a position to know that our apparent knowledge is genuine. It does not enhance any reason to think that we lack knowledge.
Insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of bioportides: a strategy to target protein-protein interactions
Authors: Howl John , Jones Sarah
Published: January 2015

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are reliable vehicles for the target-selective intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. The identification and application of numerous intrinsically bioactive CPPs, now designated as bioportides, is further endorsement of the tremendous clinical potential of CPP technologies. The refinement of proteomimetic bioportides, particularly sequences that mimic cationic α-helical domains involved in protein-protein interactions (PPIs), provides tremendous opportunities to modulate this emergent drug modality in a clinical setting. Thus, a number of CPP-based constructs are currently undergoing clinical trials as human therapeutics, with a particular focus upon anti-cancer agents. A well-characterised array of synthetic modifications, compatible with modern solid-phase synthesis, can be utilised to improve the biophysical and pharmacological properties of bioportides and so achieve cell-and tissue-selective targeting in vivo. Moreover, considering the recent successful development of stapled α-helical peptides as anti-cancer agents, we hypothesise that similar structural modifications are applicable to the design of bioportides that more effectively modulate the many interactomes known to underlie human diseases. Thus, we propose that stapled-helical bioportides could satisfy all of the clinical requirements for metabolically stable, intrinsically cell-permeable agents capable of regulating discrete PPIs by a dominant negative mode of action with minimal toxicity.
Oestrogens as apoptosis regulators in mammalian testis: angels or devils?
Authors: Correia Sara , Cardoso Henrique J. , Cavaco José E. , Socorro Sílvia
Published: January 2015

In the mammalian testis, spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated process of germ cell development, which ends with the release of ‘mature’ spermatozoa. The fine regulation of spermatogenesis is strictly dependent on sex steroid hormones, which orchestrate the cellular and molecular events underlying normal development of germ cells. Sex steroids actions also rely on the control of germ cell survival, and the programmed cell death by apoptosis has been indicated as a critical process in regulating the size and quality of the germ line. Recently, oestrogens have emerged as important regulators of germ cell fate. However, the beneficial or detrimental effects of oestrogens in spermatogenesis are controversial, with independent reports arguing for their role as cell survival factors or as apoptosis-inducers. The dual behaviour of oestrogens, shifting from ‘angels to devils’ is supported by the clinical findings of increased oestrogens levels in serum and intratesticular milieu of idiopathic infertile men. This review aims to discuss the available information concerning the role of oestrogens in the control of germ cell death and summarises the signalling mechanisms driven oestrogen-induced apoptosis. The present data represent a valuable basis for the clinical management of hyperoestrogenism-related infertility and provide a rationale for the use of oestrogen-target therapies in male infertility.