bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Enamel Incremental Markings and Crown Growth Parameters in Minipig Molars
Authors: Kierdorf Horst , Breuer Friederike , Richards Alan , Kierdorf Uwe
Published: June 2014

We studied the structure and periodicity of regular incremental markings in third molar enamel of minipigs. Light microscopy of ground sections revealed the presence of incremental markings matching the description of laminations. Their number within the section planes closely paralleled crown formation time (CFT) in days reported for minipig third molars, thereby indicating the daily nature of laminations. Spacing of consecutive laminations increased from lowest values in the inner to highest values in the outer enamel, where mean daily secretion rates of about 20 µm were recorded. Mean enamel extension rates determined for deciles along the enamel‐dentin junction varied between highest values (155 µm/day) in the most cuspally located and lowest values (19 µm/day) in cervical enamel. Backscattered electron imaging in the SEM revealed the presence of thin, regularly spaced hypermineralized incremental lines in the outer enamel portion. These lines exhibited the same spacing as the laminations and were, thus, likewise regarded as daily incremental markings. Between two successive daily incremental markings, subdaily growth marks were discernible in light microscopic and in BSE‐SEM images. These subdaily growth marks closely resembled the (daily) prism‐cross striations of human enamel. Supra‐daily growth marks were not identified in the minipig enamel. The results of this study parallels previous findings in sheep enamel. It is cautioned that CFT of ungulate teeth may be considerably overestimated if the periodicity established for growth marks in human enamel is uncritically transferred to the analysis of morphologically similar growth marks in ungulate enamel. Anat Rec, 297:1935–1949, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual Endosteally Formed Bone Tissue in a Patagonian Basal Sauropodomorph Dinosaur
Authors: Cerda Ignacio A. , Chinsamy Anusuya , Pol Diego
Published: June 2014

Mussaurus patagonicus (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) is a basal sauropodomorph from the Late Triassic of southern Argentina that is known from a large number of individuals, including juveniles, subadults, and adults. Here, we report on the occurrence of an unusual bone tissue in an individual of M. patagonicus. The rather atypical bone tissue is located within the femoral medullary cavity and also occurs within several erosion cavities of the midinner part of the cortex. This tissue is well vascularized and is composed of a matrix that consists of abundant and densely packed osteocyte lacunae. Although some features of this tissue resembles avian medullary bone, the histological features are distinctive and share more features with the pathological, reactive bone produced in extant birds in response to a retrovirus‐induced disease (avian osteopetrosis). Here, we also discuss and provide histological features to effectively differentiate endosteally formed medullary bone from pathological avian osteopetrosis. Anat Rec, 297:1385–1391, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EVALUATION OF ERRORLESS COMPLIANCE TRAINING IN A GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM
Authors: Rames‐LaPointe Jessica , Hixson Michael D. , Niec Larissa N. , Rhymer Katrina N.
Published: June 2014

Errorless compliance training (ECT) is a success‐based, nonaversive intervention to reduce child noncompliance that has been shown to be effective in both home and special education settings. In the current study, ECT was evaluated in a multiple‐baseline across‐subjects design with three kindergarten students who displayed noncompliant behavior in their general education classrooms. The researcher delivered a range of classroom requests to each student to determine the probability of compliance for each request. Requests were then arranged in a hierarchy, ranging from those initially yielding high compliance probabilities (level 1) to those yielding low compliance (level 4). At the beginning of treatment, students were presented with a high number of level 1 requests and provided verbal praise for compliance. Over several weeks, lower probability requests were faded in. The three students demonstrated considerable improvement in compliance levels during and following treatment. Improved compliance generalized to low‐probability requests not used in treatment. When the teacher delivered requests, results of generalization were mixed. The results provide preliminary support for the use of errorless compliance training in the general education setting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review of perioperative selective decontamination of the digestive tract in elective gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Roos D , Dijksman L M , Tijssen J G , Gouma D J , Gerhards M F , Oudemans-van Straaten H M
Published: June 2014

Background

Studies on selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in elective gastrointestinal surgery have shown decreased rates of postoperative infection and anastomotic leakage. However, the prophylactic use of perioperative SDD in elective gastrointestinal surgery is not generally accepted.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the effect of perioperative SDD with systemic antibiotics (SDD group) with systemic antibiotic prophylaxis alone (control group), using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Endpoints included postoperative infection, anastomotic leakage, and in-hospital or 30-day mortality.

Results

Eight RCTs published between 1988 and 2011, with a total of 1668 patients (828 in the SDD group and 840 in the control group), were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of patients with infection (reported in 5 trials) was 77 (19·2 per cent) of 401 in the SDD group, compared with 118 (28·2 per cent) of 418 in the control group (odds ratio 0·58, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·42 to 0·82; P = 0·002). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the SDD group: 19 (3·3 per cent) of 582 patients versus 44 (7·4 per cent) of 595 patients in the control group (odds ratio 0·42, 0·24 to 0·73; P = 0·002).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that a combination of perioperative SDD and perioperative intravenous antibiotics in elective gastrointestinal surgery reduces the rate of postoperative infection including anastomotic leakage compared with use of intravenous antibiotics alone.
Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials on safety and efficacy of biliary drainage before surgery for obstructive jaundice
Authors: Fang Y , Gurusamy K S , Wang Q , Davidson B R , Lin H , Xie X , Wang C
Published: June 2014

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is beneficial to patients with obstructive jaundice.

Methods

Data from randomized clinical trials related to safety and effectiveness of PBD versus no PBD were extracted by two independent reviewers. Risk ratios, rate ratios or mean differences were calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.), based on intention-to-treat analysis, whenever possible.

Results

Six trials (four using percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and two using endoscopic sphincterotomy) including 520 patients with malignant or benign obstructive jaundice comparing PBD (265 patients) with no PBD (255) were included in this review. All trials had a high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in mortality (risk ratio 1.12, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·71; P = 0·60) between the two groups. Overall serious morbidity (grade III or IV, Clavien–Dindo classification) was higher in the PBD group (599 complications per 1000 patients) than in the direct surgery group (361 complications per 1000 patients) (rate ratio 1·66, 95 per cent c.i. 1·28 to 2·16; P < 0·001). Quality of life was not reported in any of the trials. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between the two groups: mean difference 4·87 (95 per cent c.i. −1·28 to 11·02) days (P = 0·12).

Conclusion

PBD in patients undergoing surgery for obstructive jaundice is associated with similar mortality but increased serious morbidity compared with no PBD. Therefore, PBD should not be used routinely.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band survival in a high-volume bariatric unit
Authors: Brown J J S , Boyle M , Mahawar K , Balupuri S , Small P K
Published: June 2014

Background

Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGBs) have been shown to be efficacious, their long-term usefulness has been questioned. This study examined the fate of LAGBs in a unit with over a decade of experience in their use. Patient factors related to the need for, and timing of, band removal were investigated.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database was used to identify all patients with a LAGB. Patient demographics, need for band removal and band survival were examined. Logistic regression modelling was done and Kaplan–Meier curves were calculated for band survival.

Results

Between 2000 and 2012, 674 bands were placed in 665 patients. Of these, 143 (21·2 per cent) were removed. There was no difference in rates of removal by sex (P = 0·910). The highest rates of removal were in patients aged less than 40 years (26·7 per cent), and those with a BMI greater than 60 kg/m2 (28·6 per cent). Earlier band removal was seen in younger patients (P = 0·002). Rates of removal increased linearly by earlier year of placement. Of bands placed 4 or more years previously, 35·0 per cent required removal. Eighty-three patients (58·0 per cent) who had a LAGB removed went on to have a further bariatric procedure (band to bypass, 66; band to sleeve, 17).

Conclusion

Even in experienced hands LAGB does not appear to be a definitive solution. In a large number of patients there appears to be a finite ‘band life’, with the majority of patients requiring conversion to a further bariatric procedure.

Presented in part to a meeting of the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, Glasgow, UK, January 2013, as an oral presentation for which it was awarded the council prize; published in abstract form as Br J Surg 2013; 100(Suppl 3): 2
Chiral Separation of Cathinone and Amphetamine Derivatives by HPLC/UV Using Sulfated ß‐Cyclodextrin as Chiral Mobile Phase Additive
Authors: Taschwer Magdalena , Seidl Yvonne , Mohr Stefan , Schmid Martin G.
Published: June 2014

In the last years the identification of new legal and illegal highs has become a huge challenge for the police and prosecution authorities. In an analytical context, only a few analytical methods are available to identify these new substances. Moreover, many of these recreational drugs are chiral and it is supposed that the enantiomers differ in their pharmacological potency. Since nonenantioselective synthesis is easier and cheaper, they are mainly sold as racemic mixtures. The goal of this research work was to develop an inexpensive method for the chiral separation of cathinones and amphetamines. This should help to discover if the substances are sold as racemic mixtures and give further information about their quality as well as their origin. Chiral separation of a set of 6 amphetamine and 25 cathinone derivatives, mainly purchased from various Internet shops, is presented. A LiChrospher 100 RP‐18e, 250 x 4 mm, 5 µm served as the stationary phase. The chiral mobile phase consisted of methanol, water, and sulfated ß‐cyclodextrin. Measurements were performed under isocratic conditions in reversed phase mode using UV detection. Four model compounds of the two substance classes were used to optimize the mobile phase. Under final conditions (methanol:water 2.5:97.5 + 2% sulfated ß‐cyclodextrin) enantiomers of amphetamine and five derivatives were baseline separated within 23 min. In all, 17 cathinones were completely or partially chirally separated. However, as only 3 of 25 cathinones were baseline resolved, the application of this method is limited for cathinone analogs. Additionally, the results were compared with an RP‐8e column. Chirality 26:411–418, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization of 54 cases of false‐negative fine‐needle aspiration among 1347 papillary thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Proietti Agnese , Borrelli Nicla , Giannini Riccardo , Romani Rossana , Di Coscio Giancarlo , Quilici Francesca , Rago Teresa , Miccoli Paolo , Vitti Paolo , Basolo Fulvio
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) has been widely accepted as the most crucial step in the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules, but the false‐negative rates are generally reported to be between 3.6% and 10.2%. To lower the overall incidence of this false‐negative testing, new reporting systems encourage the molecular testing of thyroid nodules. However, to the authors' knowledge, the role of molecular testing in false‐negative FNA has not yet been evaluated.

METHODS

In total, 1347 consecutive papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) with both cytological and histological diagnoses were collected from the same center. A blinded revision of the false‐negative cases was performed. An analysis of the BRAF and Ras genes in the false‐negative cases was then performed.

RESULTS

The false‐negative rate at the time of primary FNA diagnosis was 4.8% (65 of 1347 cases). False‐negative cases were 15 follicular variant PTCs, 2 classical variant, and 1 solid variant that lacked peculiar PTC cytomorphological features. Adequate cellular material for molecular analysis was available only in 54 of the 65 false‐negative cases. Mutations were found in 6 cases (11%), and Ras alterations were present in 16 cases (29.6%). The addition of molecular analysis decreased the false‐negative rate to 0.4% (5 of 1347 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study confirm the feasibility of BRAF and Ras analysis in routine FNA. However, when the false‐negative FNA rate is low, the cost‐benefit analysis of the detection of BRAF and Ras mutations should be carefully evaluated. Consequently, the authors suggest that preoperative molecular assessment could be helpful for benign nodules, but only in the presence of clinical suspicion of malignancy. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:751–759. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Reliable gain‐scheduled control design for networked control systems
Authors: Selvi Subramaniam , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Mathiyalagan Kalidass , Arunkumar Arumugham
Published: June 2014

In this article, the problem of reliable gain‐scheduled H∞ performance optimization and controller design for a class of discrete‐time networked control system (NCS) is discussed. The main aim of this work is to design a gain‐scheduled controller, which consists of not only the constant parameters but also the time‐varying parameter such that NCS is asymptotically stable. In particular, the proposed gain‐scheduled controller is not only based on fixed gains but also the measured time‐varying parameter. Further, the result is extended to obtain a robust reliable gain‐scheduled H∞ control by considering both unknown disturbances and linear fractional transformation parametric uncertainties in the system model. By constructing a parameter‐dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, a new set of sufficient conditions are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The existence conditions for controllers are formulated in the form of LMIs, and the controller design is cast into a convex optimization problem subject to LMI constraints. Finally, a numerical example based on a station‐keeping satellite system is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed reliable control law. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 214–228, 2015
Modeling and analysis of a marine plankton system with nutrient recycling and diffusion
Authors: Chakraborty Kunal , Das Kunal , Kar T. K.
Published: June 2014

This article describes a nutrient‐phytoplankton‐zooplankton system with nutrient recycling in the presence of toxicity. We have studied the dynamical behavior of the system with delayed nutrient recycling in the first part of the article. Uniform persistent of the system is examined. In the second part of the article, we have incorporated diffusion of the plankton population to the system and dynamical behavior of the system is analyzed with instantaneous nutrient recycling. The condition of the diffusion driven instability is obtained. The conditions for the occurrence of Hopf and Turing bifurcation critical line in a spatial domain are derived. Variation of the system with small periodicity of diffusive coefficient has been studied. Stability condition of the plankton system subject to the periodic diffusion coefficient of the zooplankton is derived. It is observed that nutrient‐phytoplankton‐zooplankton interactions are very complex and situation specific. Moreover, we have obtained different exciting results, ranging from stable situation to cyclic oscillatory behavior may occur under different favorable conditions, which may give some insights for predictive management. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 229–241, 2015
A latent class analysis to empirically describe eating disorders through developmental stages
Authors: Swanson Sonja A. , Horton Nicholas J. , Crosby Ross D. , Micali Nadia , Sonneville Kendrin R. , Eddy Kamryn , Field Alison E.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

The current standards for classifying eating disorders were primarily informed by adult, clinical study populations, while it is unknown whether an empirically based classification system can be supported across preadolescence through young adulthood. Using latent class analyses, we sought to empirically classify disordered eating in females from preadolescence to young adulthood, and assess the association between classes and adverse outcomes.

Method

Latent class models were fit using observations from the 9,039 girls participating in the growing up today study, an on‐going cohort following participants annually or biennially since 1996 when they were ages 9–14 years. Associations between classes and drug use, binge drinking, and depressive symptoms were assessed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Across age groups, there was evidence of six classes: a large asymptomatic class, a class characterized by shape/weight concerns, a class characterized by overeating without loss of control, and three resembling full and subthreshold binge eating disorder, purging disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Relative prevalences of classes varied across developmental stages, with symptomatic classes increasing in prevalence with increasing age. Symptomatic classes were associated with concurrent and incident drug use, binge drinking, and high depressive symptoms.

Discussion

A classification system resembling broader definitions of DSM‐5 diagnoses along with two further subclinical symptomatic classes may be a useful framework for studying disordered eating among adolescent and young adult females. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int (J Eat Disord 2014; 47:762–772)
Reduction of Discretization Errors of Dynamics with Variable Structures and Its Realization Using FPGA
Authors: Kaneda Yasuaki , Irizuki Yasuharu , Sadahiro Teruyoshi , Yamakita Masaki
Published: June 2014

In order to discretize continuous dynamics with variable structures, Euler integrators are often used. However, Euler integrators include large discretization errors, so that they reduce the performance in the discretized dynamics. The use of Richardson extrapolation (RE) and fractional delay (FD) can reduce the discretization errors. However, Euler integrators using RE and FD directly have infinite gains at the Nyquist frequencies, and they are unsuitable for integrations of dynamics with variable structures. In this paper, we propose an improved integrator that is suitable for the integration of dynamics with variable structures. The proposed method consists of a high forward gain and a feedback structure with a high‐precision differentiator. To realize the high‐precision differentiator, RE and a high sampling rate (HSR) are used instead of FD, and these are implemented using a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The effectiveness is verified through software simulations, hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations, and experiments.
Adherence to climate change‐related ingroup norms: Do dimensions of group identification matter?
Authors: Masson Torsten , Fritsche Immo
Published: June 2014

Recent research provides evidence that group norms influence intentions to engage in pro‐climate behaviour and that identification with the group moderates the norm effects. However, past studies have neglected to examine if the effects on norm adherence vary among different identification aspects. The present studies close this gap by investigating group‐level self‐investment (i.e. the importance of and satisfaction with the group) and self‐definition (i.e. perceived similarities among group members) as possible moderators of group norm effects. We used two experimental studies to test our assumption that self‐investment but not self‐definition would moderate the norm‐intention relation. The results support our assumption and show that group members who were highly self‐invested in the group (but did not necessarily perceive themselves as similar to other group members) adhered more strongly to climate‐related ingroup norms than less self‐invested group members. However, perceived similarity among group members (i.e. self‐definition) did not positively contribute to respondents' decision to conform to a group norm. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On attitudes towards humanity and climate change: The effects of humanity esteem and self‐transcendence values on environmental concerns
Authors: Cheung Wing‐Yee , Luke Michelle A. , Maio Gregory R.
Published: June 2014

In climate change communications, do attitudes towards humans influence pro‐environmental action? If so, does it depend on endorsement of self‐transcendence values? Two experiments examined these questions by assessing the effects of activating positive (vs. negative) humanity esteem on environmental motives, personal moral norms, and behavioural intentions to protect the environment. The experiments tested whether the effects of humanity esteem depend on individuals' self‐transcendence values. Results indicated that among people who endorse self‐transcendence values less strongly, those in the positive (vs. negative) humanity‐esteem condition had lower ecocentrism (Experiment 1) and weaker personal norms, which led to weaker behavioural intentions to protect the environment (Experiment 2). In contrast, across the two humanity‐esteem conditions, people who more strongly endorsed self‐transcendence values showed stronger ecocentrism, personal moral norms, and behavioural intentions to protect the environment. Thus, for people with weaker self‐transcendence values, portrayals of humanity play a role in people's engagement with environmental causes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exome sequencing of hepatoblastoma reveals novel mutations and cancer genes in the Wnt pathway and ubiquitin ligase complex
Authors: Jia Deshui , Dong Rui , Jing Ying , Xu Dan , Wang Qifeng , Chen Lei , Li Qigen , Huang Yuping , Zhang Yuannv , Zhang Zhenfeng , Liu Li , Zheng Shan , Xia Qiang , Wang Hongyang , Dong Kuiran , He Xianghuo
Published: June 2014

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver tumor in children. Mutations in the β-catenin gene that lead to constitutive activation of the Wnt pathway have been detected in a large proportion of HB tumors. To identify novel mutations in HB, we performed whole-exome sequencing of six paired HB tumors and their corresponding lymphocytes. This identified 24 somatic nonsynonymous mutations in 21 genes, many of which were novel, including three novel mutations targeting the

CTNNB1

(G512V) and

CAPRIN2

(R968H/S969C) genes in the Wnt pathway, and genes previously shown to be involved in the ubiquitin ligase complex (

SPOP

,

KLHL22

,

TRPC4AP

, and

RNF169

). Functionally, both the

CTNNB1

(G512V) and

CAPRIN2

(R968H/S969C) were observed to be gain-of-functional mutations, and the

CAPRIN2

(R968H/S969C) was also shown to activate the Wnt pathway in HB cells. These findings suggested the activation of the Wnt pathway in HB, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of the β-catenin in 42 HB tumors. We further used short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated interference to assess the effect of 21 mutated genes on HB cell survival. The results suggested that one novel oncogene (

CAPRIN2

) and three tumor suppressors (

SPOP

,

OR5I1

, and

CDC20B

) influence HB cell growth. Moreover, we found that

SPOP

S119N is a loss-of-function mutation in HB cells. We finally demonstrated that one of the mechanisms by which

SPOP

inhibits HB cell proliferation is through regulating CDKN2B expression.

Conclusion

: These results extend the landscape of genetic alterations in HB and highlight the dysregulation of Wnt and ubiquitin pathways in HB tumorigenesis. (Hepatology 2014;;60:1686–1696)
Spatial epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt: Analyses and implications
Authors: Cuadros Diego F. , Branscum Adam J. , Miller DeWolfe F. , Abu-Raddad Laith J.
Published: June 2014

Egypt has the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world (14.7%). The drivers of the HCV epidemic in Egypt are not well understood, but the mass parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) campaigns in the second half of the 20th century are believed to be the determinant of the high prevalence. We studied HCV exposure in Egypt at a microscale through spatial mapping and epidemiological description of HCV clustering. The source of data was the 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey. We identified clusters with high and low HCV prevalence and high and low PAT exposure using Kulldorff spatial scan statistics. Correlations across clusters were estimated, and each cluster age-specific HCV prevalence was described. We identified six clusters of high HCV prevalence, three clusters of low HCV prevalence, five clusters of high PAT exposure, and four clusters of low PAT exposure. HCV prevalence and PAT exposure were not significantly associated across clusters (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.12 to 0.71). Meanwhile, there was a strong association between HCV prevalence in individuals older than 30 years of age (who could have been exposed to PAT) and HCV prevalence in individuals 30 years of age or younger (who could not have been exposed to PAT) (PCC = 0.81; 95% CI 0.55–0.93). Conclusion: The findings illustrate a spatial variation in HCV exposure in Egypt. The observed clustering was suggestive of an array of iatrogenic risk factors, besides past PAT exposure, and ongoing transmission. The role of PAT exposure in the HCV epidemic could have been overstated. Our findings support the rationale for spatially prioritized interventions. (Hepatology 2014;60:1150–1159)
Prevention of portal hypertension: From variceal development to clinical decompensation
Authors: Vorobioff Julio D. , Groszmann Roberto J.
Published: June 2014

Pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension (PH) has been exclusively devoted to gastroesophageal varices–related events at different frameworks, including prophylactic, emergency, or preventive therapy. The goals of treatment are to avoid the first bleeding episode, stop active bleeding, and prevent bleeding recurrence, respectively. The objective of preprimary prophylaxis (PPP) is to avoid variceal development, and therefore it necessarily deals with patients with cirrhosis at earlier stages of the disease. At these earlier stages, nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) have been ineffective in preventing the development of varices and other complications of PH. Therefore, treatment should not rely on NSBB. It is possible that, at these earlier stages, etiological treatment of liver disease itself could prevent progression of PH. This review will focus mainly on early treatment of PH, because, if successful, it may translate into histological‐hemodynamic improvements, avoiding not only variceal development, but also other PH‐related complications, such as ascites and portosystemic encephalopathy. Moreover, the advent of new therapies may allow not only the prevention of the complications of PH, but also the chance of a substantial degree of regression in the cirrhotic process, with the possible prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). (Hepatology 2015;61:375–381)
Sources of uncertainty in estimating stream solute export from headwater catchments at three sites
Authors: Yanai Ruth D. , Tokuchi Naoko , Campbell John L. , Green Mark B. , Matsuzaki Eiji , Laseter Stephanie N. , Brown Cindi L. , Bailey Amey S. , Lyons Pilar , Levine Carrie R. , Buso Donald C. , Likens Gene E. , Knoepp Jennifer D. , Fukushima Keitaro
Published: June 2014

Uncertainty in the estimation of hydrologic export of solutes has never been fully evaluated at the scale of a small‐watershed ecosystem. We used data from the Gomadansan Experimental Forest, Japan, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, USA, and Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, USA, to evaluate many sources of uncertainty, including the precision and accuracy of measurements, selection of models, and spatial and temporal variation. Uncertainty in the analysis of stream chemistry samples was generally small but could be large in relative terms for solutes near detection limits, as is common for ammonium and phosphate in forested catchments. Instantaneous flow deviated from the theoretical curve relating height to discharge by up to 10% at Hubbard Brook, but the resulting corrections to the theoretical curve generally amounted to <0.5% of annual flows. Calibrations were limited to low flows; uncertainties at high flows were not evaluated because of the difficulties in performing calibrations during events. However, high flows likely contribute more uncertainty to annual flows because of the greater volume of water that is exported during these events. Uncertainty in catchment area was as much as 5%, based on a comparison of digital elevation maps with ground surveys. Three different interpolation methods are used at the three sites to combine periodic chemistry samples with streamflow to calculate fluxes. The three methods differed by <5% in annual export calculations for calcium, but up to 12% for nitrate exports, when applied to a stream at Hubbard Brook for 1997–2008; nitrate has higher weekly variation at this site. Natural variation was larger than most other sources of uncertainty. Specifically, coefficients of variation across streams or across years, within site, for runoff and weighted annual concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulphate, chloride, and silicate ranged from 5 to 50% and were even higher for nitrate. Uncertainty analysis can be used to guide efforts to improve confidence in estimated stream fluxes and also to optimize design of monitoring programmes. © 2014 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CCN1 Secreted by Tonsil‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis via Integrin αvβ3 and AMPK
Authors: Park Yoon Shin , Hwang Soojin , Jin Yoon Mi , Yu Yeonsil , Jung Sung‐Ae , Jung Sung‐Chul , Ryu Kyung‐Ha , Kim Han Su , Jo Inho
Published: June 2014

CCN1 is highly expressed in cancer cells and has been identified in the secretome of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC). Although secreted CCN1 is known to promote angiogenesis, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined whether our recently‐established tonsil‐derived MSC (T‐MSC) secrete CCN1 and, if any, how CCN1 promotes the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Compared with untreated control T‐MSC, a higher level of CCN1 was secreted by T‐MSC treated with activin A and sonic hedgehog, drugs known to induce endodermal differentiation. Expectedly, conditioned medium collected from differentiated T‐MSC (DCM) significantly increased HUVEC migration and tube formation compared with that from control T‐MSC (CCM), and these stimulatory effects were reversed by neutralization with anti‐CCN1 antibody. Treatment with recombinant human CCN1 (rh‐CCN1) alone also mimicked the stimulatory effects of DCM. Furthermore, treatment with either DCM or rh‐CCN1 increased the phosphorylation of AMP kinase (AMPK), and ectopic expression of siRNA of the AMPK gene inhibited all observed effects of both DCM and rh‐CCN1. However, no alteration of intracellular ATP levels or phosphorylation of LKB1, a well‐known upstream factor of AMPK activation, was observed under our conditions. Finally, the neutralization of integrin αvβ3 with anti‐integrin αvβ3 antibody almost completely reversed the effects of CCN1 on AMPK phosphorylation, and EC migration and tube formation. Taken together, we demonstrated that T‐MSC increase the secretion of CCN1 in response to endodermal differentiation and that integrin αvβ3 and AMPK mediate CCN1‐induced EC migration and tube formation independent of intracellular ATP levels alteration. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 140–149, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering for the analysis of red lake pigments in painting layers mounted in cross sections
Authors: Idone Ambra , Aceto Maurizio , Diana Eliano , Appolonia Lorenzo , Gulmini Monica
Published: June 2014

Cross sections are very useful in the scientific investigation of paintings and polychromies as they show the sequence of the layers and allow the detection of colorants in each layer through micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) presently represents the most promising tool to overcome the limits of a traditional micro‐Raman approach in the investigation of painting materials containing fluorescent organic dyes. Among the SERS substrates, silver colloidal pastes are suitable to analyze minute samples by drop‐coating them with the paste, without the need of specific pre‐treatments. The application of silver colloidal pastes has been explored here on two cross sections obtained from the 13th century painted wooden statue and from the 16th century mural painting.

The main issue when employing such a substrate consists in achieving a suitable coating on the complex surfaces under investigation. In this work, some tests were devoted to enable the display of coated samples through the microscope coupled to the Raman spectrometer and to enhance the signals from lake pigments. The analytical procedure was successful in gaining SER spectra from the sections: the red, highly fluorescent pigment grains were identified as lake pigments obtained by kermes and by a purpurin‐rich plant dyestuff. SER signals were discussed by considering SER spectra obtained from pure substances and/or reference materials and data reported in the literature.

The work represents a further step toward the possibility of fully exploiting the high spatial resolution of the micro‐Raman spectrometer to investigate samples from painted objects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman mapping of oral tissues for cancer diagnosis
Authors: Daniel Amuthachelvi , Prakasarao Aruna , David Balu , Joseph Leena , Murali Krishna C. , D Koteeswaran , Ganesan Singaravelu
Published: June 2014

Oral cancer having a high incidence and recurrence rate causes a potential threat and huge economic burden in Southeast Asia. In light of the aforementioned text, early and accurate diagnosis of this disease addressing molecular level changes would play a vital role in reducing the recurrence and increasing the survival rate. Raman spectroscopy has significant potential in the characterization and clinical diagnosis of normal and cancerous tissues at molecular level. To the best of our knowledge, to date, no study has been reported for Raman mapping of oral tissues. This study consistently showed the increased presence of glycogen, lipids, and proteins in all the normal oral tissues, whereas the nucleic acid content was found to be more in cancerous samples. The spectral data were exploited to construct pseudocolor images using principal component analysis and K‐means clustering. Thus, obtained Raman maps clearly delineated the tumor margins and was confirmed by the subsequent histopathological report of the hematoxylin–eosin stained samples. A blinded sample was mapped as well, and it showed a few pixels characteristic of malignancy. Upon histological evaluation, the blinded sample was reported as dysplastic, which was in agreement with the obtained Raman image. Hence, this study provides a firm basis to Raman spectral mapping for oral cancer diagnosis and for delineating the tumor margin. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD44+CD324− expression and prognosis in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Cao Liang , Hu Xiang , Zhang Jian , Liang Pin , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency of cancer stem cell marker CD44 combined CD324 expression in gastric cancer specimens and association of the expression with survival of gastric cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 203 patients with primary gastric cancer who underwent curative gastric resection with lymphadenectomy were studied. The expression of CD44 and CD324 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the association of CD44 and CD324 expression analyzed by clinicopathological characteristics. Survival of the patients was evaluated.

Results

CD44+CD324− tumors showed strong correlation with positive lymph node metastasis. Patients with CD44−CD324+ had a significantly better prognosis (54.8%) than that with CD44+CD324− (24.5%). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model using those variables associated with survival in our study (depth of invasion, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, gastrectomy, CD44 expression, CD324 expression, CD44 and CD324 expression) revealed that CD44+CD324− expression (P = 0.005) was one of significant independent prognostic indicator, whereas CD44 expression (P = 0.081), CD324 expression (P = 0.068) was not.

Conclusion

CD44+CD324− expression was one of significant independent prognostic survival factors for patients with gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:727–733. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retail Atmospherics and In‐Store Nonverbal Cues: An Introduction
Authors: Grewal Dhruv , Roggeveen Anne L. , Puccinelli Nancy M. , Spence Charles
Published: June 2014

Customers' in‐store experiences are having a profound impact on their shopping behavior. In this special issue, two key variables are highlighted: the retail environment and role of nonverbal cues. The eight papers in this special issue present numerous cutting edge issues in these two research domains. Each of these papers and some of their salient contributions are briefly overviewed in this introductory editorial. The goal of this special issue (and the articles in it) is to serve as an impetus for additional research.
Store Atmospherics: A Multisensory Perspective
Authors: Spence Charles , Puccinelli Nancy M. , Grewal Dhruv , Roggeveen Anne L.
Published: June 2014

Store atmospherics affect consumer behavior. This message has created a revolution in sensory marketing techniques, such that across virtually every product category, retailers and manufacturers seek to influence the consumer's “sensory experience.” The key question is how should a company design its multisensory atmospherics in store to ensure that the return on its investment is worthwhile? This paper reviews the scientific evidence related to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory aspects of the store environment and their influence on the consumer's shopping behavior. The findings emphasize the need for further research to address how the multisensory retail environment shapes customer experience and shopping behavior.
It Takes Just 120 Seconds: Predicting Satisfaction in Technical Support Calls
Authors: Hall Judith A. , Verghis Phil , Stockton William , Goh Jin X.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated whether information gleaned from the first two minutes of technical support telephone conversations could predict the callers’ satisfaction with the technical support person. The first two minutes of 84 calls from employees of a company to their help desk (47 technical support persons) were measured using (1) new participants who listened to or read the conversations and rated their impressions of the technical support person and their satisfaction while playing the caller role (proxy callers), and (2) other raters who rated the caller and aspects of the interaction as a whole. A word count software program (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, LIWC) was also used to examine the support persons’ communication style. Proxy callers’ satisfaction, their ratings of the support persons’ behavior (particularly on items indicative of a positive, caller‐centered behavior style), and the support persons’ use of the first person singular category of the LIWC were all significant predictors of the original callers’ satisfaction. These findings have implications for companies’ selection and training of customer support employees.
The Effect of Voice Quality on Ad Efficacy
Authors: Wiener Hillary J. D. , Chartrand Tanya L.
Published: June 2014

Extensive research has examined how to make broadcast advertising as effective as possible. However, one area of advertising that has received little research is the effect of the announcer or spokesperson's voice on consumers’ reactions to the ad or the product being advertised. In this paper, we examine the effect of the announcer's voice quality, or an overall impression of his or her voice, on consumers’ purchasing intentions for a new service. We find that female listeners are most likely to purchase this service when they hear it advertised by a man who has a creaky voice, but least likely to purchase it when they hear it advertised by a woman with a creaky voice. Other voice qualities produce more moderate results. Men, in contrast, are relatively insensitive to the effect of voice quality.
Dendritic polyglycerol with secondary amine shell as an efficient gene delivery vector with reduced toxicity
Authors: Zhu Yu , Hazeldine Stuart , Li Jing , Oupický David
Published: June 2014

Dendritic polycation (PG‐BEN) using polyglycerol as a core and secondary amine shell consisting of N1,N11‐bisethylnorspermine (BEN) was synthesized. Polymers containing primary amines in the shell (PG‐Nor and PG‐NH2) were synthesized as controls to allow evaluation of the shell effect on physicochemical and transfection properties of the polymers. All studied polymers condensed DNA and formed polyplexes with sizes less than 110 nm. PG‐BEN and PG‐Nor had a similar transfection activity that was fully comparable with that of the control polyethylenimine. Amongst the studied polymers, PG‐BEN demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity, suggesting that PG‐BEN is a promising gene delivery vector with favorable transfection/toxicity profile. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology‐controlled multiple one‐ and two‐way shape‐memory behavior of cross‐linked polyethylene/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends
Authors: Kolesov Igor , Dolynchuk Oleksandr , Borreck Sven , Radusch Hans‐Joachim
Published: June 2014

The capability of phase morphology of covalent networks on the basis of crystallizable polymer blends to control their multiple shape‐memory (SM) behavior was proven, especially for invertible two‐way SM effect, which is observed as an anomalous elongation of a sample under constant load during the non‐isothermal crystallization. In order to achieve a triple‐shape one‐ and two‐way behavior, a set of binary blends with different contents of high‐density polyethylene and poly(ε‐caprolactone) and one 50/50 blend of ethylene–octene copolymer and trans‐polyoctenamer cross‐linked by peroxide were prepared. The considerable enthalpic effects in temperature ranges of crystallization and melting of both blend components point to possible softening/hardening of discussed blends caused by non‐isothermal melting/crystallization at heating/cooling, respectively. The two‐way SM behavior was investigated in tensile mode under constant load during cooling and heating sequentially. It is quite obvious that the distinct manifestation of triple‐SM behavior is possible only when a continuous phase of blend has lower crystallization/melting temperatures in comparison with dispersed phase. By contrast, if crystallization/melting temperatures of dispersed phase are lower, then its ability to change a shape is suppressed by already solidified continuous phase. Obtained results allow conclude the following: first, the performances of both one‐ and two‐way SME are enhanced with increasing cross‐link density and crystallinity of polymer network as well as due to selection of optimal load; second, the key to improve the multiple SM behavior of polymer blends is further optimization of their phase morphology, especially better separation/decoupling of blend phases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stab resistance of UHMWPE fiber composites impregnated with thermoplastics
Authors: Li Chang‐sheng , Huang Xian‐cong , Li Yan , Yang Nianci , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing‐he
Published: June 2014

Compared with aramid fabrics, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber unidirectional (UHMWPE UD) composites have higher ballistic limited velocity at the same areal density, making UHMWPE UD composites better candidate materials for the design of body armor against ballistic and stab impact. In this study, UHMWPE UD composites impregnated with thermoplastic films were prepared, and a novel methodology was proposed to evaluate the stab‐resistant performance of these composites using the concept of stab impact. Stab‐resistant performance is strongly affected by stab impact parameters, such as stab velocity or impact energy, layers of UD, and stab angle. Results show that the stab‐resistant performance of composites can be significantly improved by thermoplastic films, particularly polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene films. The structure of UD composites functions importantly in enhancing stab resistance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and dielectric relaxations of antibacterial sulfonated polystyrene and silver nanocomposites
Authors: Atorngitjawat Pornpen , Pipatpanyanugoon Kasem , Aree Thammarat
Published: June 2014

Structure and dielectric relaxations of antibacterial sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) and silver nanocomposites (SPS/Ag) were investigated via broadband dielectric spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. SPS/Ag nanocomposites were prepared from SPS containing 2, 4, and 7 mol% of acid contents, followed by ion exchange and a reduction process. Silver nanoparticles were formed in the structural cavities of SPS films. The single glass transition temperature of the SPS copolymers was observed and increased with increasing acid contents and more enhanced with embedded silver nanoparticles because of the restriction of the polymer chain movement. The particle size of embedded silver nanoparticles was about 10 nm and well dispersed in SPS matrices. Four dielectric relaxations were observed above the glass transition temperature, and they were attributed to the fast segmental relaxation, the slow‐hindered segmental relaxation, relaxations associated with Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization and electrode polarization. Weak local relaxations were observed due to the motion of sulfonated phenyl groups. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.