bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of osteopontin in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell treatment of skin wounds in diabetic mice
Authors: Meng Hao , Wang Zhenxiang , Wang Wenping , Li Wei , Wu Qinan , Lei Xiaotian , Ouyang Xinshou , Liang Ziwen
Published: May 2014

Background

We aimed to investigate the role of osteopontin in regulating mesenchymal stem cells transplanted to promote wound healing in diabetic mice.

Methods

The mesenchymal stem cells of osteopontin knock‐out (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice were isolated separately for in vitro culture and characterization. A skin wound on the back of mice was established by skin punching. In 27 osteopontin KO male mice, induced diabetes mellitus was via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. 9 normal mice were used as controls. The mice were divided into four groups and injected with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) or mesenchymal stem cells via the tail vein: A (diabetic mice injected with DMEM), B (diabetic mice injected with osteopontin KO mesenchymal stem cells), C (diabetic mice injected with WT mesenchymal stem cells), D (normal mice injected with DMEM). The healing times and closure rates of skin wounds were recorded. The microvessel density of healing wounds was measured, and the localized expression of osteopontin was identified by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The migration of mesenchymal stem cells was observed on normal mice with skin wound injected with mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL6~GFP transgenic mice, which show green fluorescent under UV light.

Results

Compared with normal mice, the healing time of wounds in the mice with diabetes and osteopontin KO was significantly prolonged (p < 0.01). After transplanting osteopontin KO mesenchymal stem cells, the healing time was slightly shorter. Meanwhile, the healing time was significantly shorter after transplanted with WT mesenchymal stem cells and more significant neovascularization at healing wounds (p < 0.05). The expression of osteopontin in local healing wounds after transplantation of WT mesenchymal stem cells was demonstrated with western blotting and immunohistochemistry. After 4 days, the green fluoresces were noted on the wounds of mice injected with mesenchymal stem cells of fluorescent mice.

Conclusions

Mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to wound sites, and osteopontin plays a regulatory role in mesenchymal stem cells promoting the healing of diabetic skin wounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Triazole‐Appended N,O‐Nucleosides
Authors: Romeo Roberto , Giofrè Salvatore V. , Carnovale Caterina , Chiacchio Maria A. , Campisi Agata , Mancuso Raffaella , Cirmi Santa , Navarra Michele
Published: May 2014

1,2,3‐Triazole‐appended N,O‐nucleosides have been synthesized by an approach combining a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition process and an alkyne–azide click chemistry reaction. Biological assays, performed on six tumor cell lines, revealed the antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds. The effect was more evident in the U87MG human glioblastoma cell line. Thus, these nucleoside analogues could be promising scaffolds for the construction of new anticancer agents.
Rethinking soil carbon modelling: a stochastic approach to quantify uncertainties
Authors: Clifford D. , Pagendam D. , Baldock J. , Cressie N. , Farquharson R. , Farrell M. , Macdonald L. , Murray L.
Published: May 2014

The benefits of sequestering carbon are many, including improved crop productivity, reductions in greenhouse gases, and financial gains through the sale of carbon credits. Achieving better understanding of the sequestration process has motivated many deterministic models of soil carbon dynamics, but none of these models address uncertainty in a comprehensive manner. Uncertainty arises in many ways—around the model inputs, parameters, and dynamics, and subsequently model predictions. In this paper, these uncertainties are addressed in concert by incorporating a physical–statistical model for carbon dynamics within a Bayesian hierarchical modelling framework. This comprehensive approach to accounting for uncertainty in soil carbon modelling has not been attempted previously. This paper demonstrates proof‐of‐concept based on a one‐pool model and identifies requirements for extension to multi‐pool carbon modelling. Our model is based on the soil carbon dynamics in Tarlee, South Australia. We specify the model conditionally through its parameters, soil carbon input and decay processes and observations of those processes. We use a particle marginal Metropolis–Hastings approach specified using the LibBi modelling language. We highlight how samples from the posterior distribution can be used to summarise our knowledge about model parameters, to estimate the probabilities of sequestering carbon and to forecast changes in carbon stocks under crop rotations not represented explicitly in the original field trials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The log‐power‐normal distribution is the exponentiated lognormal distribution
Authors: Nadarajah S. , Afuecheta E. , Chan S.
Published: May 2014

We point out that the log‐power‐normal distribution introduced in Martínez‐Flórez, Bolfarine and Gómez [Environmetrics, 25, 2014, 44‐56] is the exponentiated lognormal distribution known since 2006. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal modeling of odds of disease
Authors: Torabi Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

The analysis of geographical and temporal variability of binomial data, using generalized additive mixed models, are considered. In this class of models, spatially correlated random effects and temporal components are adopted. The frequentist analysis of these complex models is computationally difficult. Recently developed method of data cloning has overcome the computational challenges of the analysis of mixed models from the frequentist approach. We use data cloning, which yields to maximum likelihood estimation, to propose frequentist analysis of spatiotemporal modeling of odds of disease. The advantages of the data cloning approach are that the prediction and prediction interval of the smoothing odds over space and time are easily obtained. We illustrate this approach using a real dataset of yearly asthma physician visits by children in the province of Manitoba, Canada, during 2000–2010. The performance of the proposed approach is also studied through a simulation study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bridge to nowhere: methane emissions and the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas
Authors: Howarth Robert W.
Published: May 2014

In April 2011, we published the first peer‐reviewed analysis of the greenhouse gas footprint (GHG) of shale gas, concluding that the climate impact of shale gas may be worse than that of other fossil fuels such as coal and oil because of methane emissions. We noted the poor quality of publicly available data to support our analysis and called for further research. Our paper spurred a large increase in research and analysis, including several new studies that have better measured methane emissions from natural gas systems. Here, I review this new research in the context of our 2011 paper and the fifth assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released in 2013. The best data available now indicate that our estimates of methane emission from both shale gas and conventional natural gas were relatively robust. Using these new, best available data and a 20‐year time period for comparing the warming potential of methane to carbon dioxide, the conclusion stands that both shale gas and conventional natural gas have a larger GHG than do coal or oil, for any possible use of natural gas and particularly for the primary uses of residential and commercial heating. The 20‐year time period is appropriate because of the urgent need to reduce methane emissions over the coming 15–35 years.
Time‐dependent finite element simulations of a shear‐thinning viscoelastic fluid with application to blood flow
Authors: Donev I. G. , Reddy B. D.
Published: May 2014

A new finite element method is developed to simulate time‐dependent viscoelastic shear‐thinning flows characterized by the generalized Oldroyd‐B model. The focus of the algorithm is improved stability through a free‐energy dissipative scheme by using low‐order piecewise‐constant finite element approximations for stress. The algorithm is further modified by incorporating a pressure‐projection method, a DG‐upwinding scheme, a symmetric interior penalty DG method to solve the elliptic pressure‐update equation and a geometric multigrid preconditioner. The improved stability and cost to accuracy is compared when using higher order discontinuous bilinear approximation, where in addition, we consider the influence of a slope limiter for these elements. The algorithm is applied to the 2D start‐up‐driven cavity problem, and the stability of the free energy is illustrated and compared between element choices. An application of the model to modelling blood in small arterioles and channels is considered by simulating pulsatile blood flow through a stenotic arteriole. The individual influences of viscoelasticity and shear‐thinning within the generalized Oldroyd‐B model are investigated by comparing results to the Newtonian, generalized Newtonian and Oldroyd‐B models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the survival of exogenous plant microRNA in mice
Authors: Liang GaoFeng , Zhu YanLiang , Sun Bo , Shao YouHua , Jing AiHua , Wang JunHua , Xiao ZhongDang
Published: May 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small RNAs, are important molecules that influence several developmental processes and regulate RNA interference (RNAi), and are abundant in animals, plants, and plant tissues that are traditionally consumed in the diet. The survival of plant small RNAs from the diet in animals, however, remains unclear, and the persistence of miRNAs from dietary plants in the animal gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still under debate. In this study, ICR mice were fed plant total RNAs in quantities of 10–50 μg, extracted from Brassica oleracea. Serum, feces, and various tissues were collected from the mice after RNA consumption and analyzed for several miRNAs. Exogenous plant miRNAs were present in the sera, feces, and tissues of animals and these exogenous plant miRNAs were primarily acquired orally. MiR‐172, the most highly enriched exogenous plant miRNA in B. oleracea, was found in the stomach, intestine, serum, and feces of mice that were fed plant RNA extracts including miR‐172. The amount of miR‐172 that survived passage through the GI tract varied among individuals, with a maximum of 4.5% recovered at the stomach of one individual, and had a range of 0.05–4.5% in different organs. Furthermore, miR‐172 was detected in the blood, spleen, liver, and kidney of mice.
Time to re‐consider the meaning of BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Gandolfi Greta , Sancisi Valentina , Piana Simonetta , Ciarrocchi Alessia
Published: May 2014

The BRAF V600E mutation, resulting from the BRAFT1799A transversion, is the most common genetic mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), with a mean frequency close to 50% among all cases. A large number of studies in the past decade have tried to dissect the relevance and the function of the V600E mutation in controlling oncogenesis and progression of thyroid cancer. However, several works published in the latest years have provided new evidence, in partial conflict with the previous knowledge, suggesting the need of reconsidering the meaning of the BRAF V600E mutation in PTC. In this work, we attempt to discuss some of the most recent molecular, preclinical and clinical evidence to construct a more exhaustive model of function for the BRAF V600E in development, progression and therapeutic approach of thyroid cancer.
Biological protein‐resistance layer construction of recombinant hirudin on polymethyl methacrylate IOL surface
Authors: Zheng Zhiwen , Jiao Yan , Ren Li , Wang Yingjun
Published: May 2014

In this article, the surface of intraocular len material PMMA was first aminated for activation on which some polar groups generated such as CN, COO−, OH, NH3+, etc. Then the anticoagulant drugs recombinant hirudin (rH) was grafted with amido bonds to look forward to resist the adsorption of nonspecific protein or cells in tear, even the cataract. The detailed analysis and discussion about the grafting quantity, molography, wettability, electric charges, chemical structure, and the dynamic adsorption of protein Fn on the material surface were carried on by the technology of ultraviolet photometric, contact angle, solid Zeta potential, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance. The surface with a certain amount of rH modification existed more hydrophilic due to the amphiphilic structure than before, on which the protein adsorption was the most unstable. The results indicated that the rH modification improved the resistance of PMMA to nonspecific adsorption of protein Fn to achieve the expectative effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 878–886, 2015.
Plant virus incorporated hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering possess low immunogenicity in vivo
Authors: Luckanagul Jittima Amie , Lee L. Andrew , You Shaojin , Yang Xiaoming , Wang Qian
Published: May 2014

Viruses are no longer recognized purely for being ubiquitous pathogens, but have served as building blocks for material chemistry and nanotechnology. Thousands of coat protein subunits of a viral particle can be modified chemically and/or genetically. We have previously shown that the three‐dimensional porous hydrogels can easily be functionalized by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a rod‐like plant virus, using its mutant, RGD‐TMV. RGD‐TMV hosted bioadhesive peptide (RGD) in the hydrogel, which was shown to enhance cell attachment and promote osteogenic differentiation of cultured stem cell. To translate this technology to potential clinical applications, we sought to study the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. In this paper, the hydrogels were implanted in vivo and assessed for their immunogenicity, toxicity, and biodegradability. Immune response for TMV substantially decreased when incorporated in the hydrogel implants. The implanted TMV hydrogels exhibited no apparent toxicity and were degradable in mice. The results highlighted the feasibility of using TMV incorporated hydrogels as scaffolding materials for regenerative medicine in terms of biocompatibility and biodegradability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 887–895, 2015.
RGD‐peptide modified alginate by a chemoenzymatic strategy for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sandvig Ioanna , Karstensen Kristin , Rokstad Anne Mari , Aachmann Finn Lillelund , Formo Kjetil , Sandvig Axel , Skjåk‐Bræk Gudmund , Strand Berit Løkensgard
Published: May 2014

One of the main challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is the ability to maintain optimal cell function and survival post‐transplantation. Biomaterials such as alginates are commonly used for immunoisolation, while they may also provide structural support to the cell transplants by mimicking the extracellular matrix. In this study, arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD)‐peptide‐coupled alginates of tailored composition were produced by adopting a unique chemoenzymatic strategy for substituting the nongelling mannuronic acid on the alginate. Alginates with and without RGD were produced with high and low content of G. Using carbodiimide chemistry 0.1–0.2% of the sugar units were substituted by peptide. Furthermore, the characterization by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed by‐products from the coupling reaction that partly could be removed by coal filtration. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and myoblasts were grown in two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D cultures of RGD‐peptide modified or unmodified alginates obtained by the chemoenzymatically strategy and compared to native alginate. Both OECs and myoblasts adhered to the RGD‐peptide modified alginates in 2D cultures, forming bipolar protrusions. OEC encapsulation resulted in cell survival for up to 9 days, thus demonstrating the potential for short‐term 3D culture. Myoblasts showed long‐term survival in 3D cultures, that is, up to 41 days post encapsulation. The RGD modifications did not result in marked changes in cell viability in 3D cultures. We demonstrate herein a unique technique for tailoring peptide substituted alginates with a precise and flexible composition, conserving the gel forming properties relevant for the use of alginate in tissue engineering. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 896–906, 2015.
ERCC1 and XPD/ERCC2 Polymorphisms’ Predictive Value of Oxaliplatin‐Based Chemotherapies in Advanced Colorectal Cancer has an Ethnic Discrepancy: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaobo , Xiao Sha , Jin Cuihong , van der Straaten Tahar , Li Xiaoxia
Published: May 2014

Our purpose is to evaluate the predictive value of the genetic polymorphisms of Excision repair cross‐complementing group 1 (ERCC1) and xeroderma pigmentosum group D/excision repair cross‐complementing group 2 (XPD/ERCC2) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy, and we performed a meta‐analysis in order to obtain a more precise estimation for a more optimizing individual chemotherapy. The relevant cohort studies were identified by searching the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CNKI. We used ‘‘colorectal,’’ ‘‘cancer,’’ ‘‘carcinoma,’’ ‘‘ERCC1,’’ ‘‘XPD or ERCC2,’’ ‘‘polymorphism,’’ ‘‘oxaliplatin,’’ ‘‘treatment,’’ or ‘‘chemotherapy’’ as key words. Inclusion criteria were patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy, evaluation of polymorphism of ERCC1 and XPD/ ERCC2, and overall response rate (ORR). In this meta‐analysis, a total of seven studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Five studies investigated ERCC1 codon 118 polymorphisms and three studies evaluated XPD/ERCC2 codon 751 polymorphisms. For ERCC1 codon C118T polymorphism, the ORR to oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with C/C wild genotype was 77.27% and it was 69.30% for C/T and T/T variant genotype. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for C/C wild‐type vs. C/T and T/T genotype was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.86–1.42; P = 0.42). For XPD/ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism, the response rate was 86.58 and 67.57% in patients with the A/A and either one or two C alleles (A/C or C/C) respectively, and the pooled OR was 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01–1.30; P = 0.03). Furthermore, we chose subgroup analysis in order to find the difference between the Caucasian and Asian ethnicity. The results indicated that Oxaliplatin sensitivity was significantly associated with ERCC1 C118T polymorphism in Asian people. XPD/ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism had the predictive value especially for the patients from the America and Europe.
Evaluating the Value of uPAR of Serum and Tissue on Patients With Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jing Jiexian , Zheng Shumin , Han Cunzhi , Du Lili , Guo Yongfeng , Wang Pei
Published: May 2014

We investigated the relationship between the urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in sera and tissues of patients with cervical cancer and the clinical and pathological features of the cancer. Immunohistochemistry (SABC method) was used to detect uPAR expression in cervical cancer and normal tissues; ELISA was employed to assay the uPAR levels in cervical cancer and normal tissues and the corresponding sera. The immunohistochemistry results showed that there were 37 cases of uPAR expression in 56 patients of cervical cancer with a positive expression rate of 66%, whereas there was no uPAR expression in normal cervical tissues. The uPAR levels in cancer tissue from patients with cervical cancer (70.92 ± 28.55 ng/100 mg protein) were significantly higher than those of adjacent tissues obtained from the cancer patients (11.01 ± 5.40 ng/100 mg protein) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the tissue uPAR levels are correlated with the TNM stages, lymph node metastasis, and the degree of differentiation instead of tumor‐infiltrating and vessel thrombosis. Serum uPAR levels of patients (2.38 ± 0.29 ng/ml) were significantly increased compared with health control group (0.50 ± 0.16 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). Single‐factor analysis shows that the serum uPAR levels of preoperative patients are related with clinical grade, lymph node metastasis, vein embolism, and the depth of infiltration instead of tumor differentiation. We conducted multiple regression analysis and found that the factors affecting preoperative serum suPAR include clinical stage (P = 0.000), pelvic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000), and depth of myometrial invasion (P = 0.001). The serum suPAR levels of patients with cervical cancer after surgery are significantly decreased compared with preoperation (P < 0.001). The uPAR levels of serum and tissue present a positive correlation (r = 0.705, P < 0.001). The soluble uPAR in serum (suPAR) may be a more convenient indicator to reflect the uPAR system activity in vivo. It could be a tumor marker for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis monitor of cervical cancer.
microRNA146a Expression in Lupus Patients With and Without Renal Complications
Authors: Hashad DI , Abdelmagid MH , Elsherif SH
Published: May 2014

microRNA146a (miRNA) expression profiles are likely to become important diagnostic and prognostic tools in many disease aspects. This work aimed to study the expression of miRNA146a in lupus patients with and without renal complications and to assess its association with disease activity. Patients enrolled in the study included 52 females affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and another 60 females with lupus nephritis (LN). Forty‐eight age‐matched healthy females were enrolled as a control group. miRNA146a expression was assessed using real‐time PCR. In SLE patients, miRNA146a was underexpressed as compared to healthy controls and lower levels were detected among lupus patients with renal affection. In addition, miRNA146a expression was low and serum Interferon‐α (IFN‐α) level was high in patients with active lupus as compared to those with inactive disease. miRNA146a expression was inversely correlated to serum IFN‐α level and to anti ds‐DNA titer in the three studied groups. In conclusion, miRNA146a might be implicated in lupus pathogenesis. Moreover, miRNA146a expression correlates negatively to lupus activity and LN, whereas serum IFN‐α has a direct correlation to both disease activity and nephritis; hence, both miRNA146a expression and serum IFN‐α could be potentially important diagnostic biomarkers and potential novel strategies for therapeutic interventions, which may possibly be implied to enhance the sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of flares and prognosis in SLE patients.
Tracking managerial conflict adaptivity: Introducing a dynamic measure of adaptive conflict management in organizations
Authors: Coleman Peter T. , Kugler Katharina G.
Published: May 2014

Since Darwin, adaptation to change has been associated with survival and fit. Yet, despite this, leaders and managers often get stuck in dominating approaches to conflict, and few scholars have examined the role of adaptation in managing conflicts effectively over time and across changing situations. The goal of this paper is threefold. First, we develop a new measure for assessing conflict adaptivity of managers [the Managerial Conflict Adaptivity Assessment (MCAA)], based on a situated model of conflict in social relations. We define conflict adaptivity as the capacity to respond to different conflict situations in accordance with the demands specified by the situation. The measure consists of 15 distinct work‐conflict scenarios and provides five behavioral response options, which represent five primary strategies employed in conflict. Individuals who tend to respond to the conflicts in a manner consistent with the situations provided are considered to be more adaptive. Second, we test and find that managerial conflict adaptivity is related to higher levels of satisfaction with conflict processes at work as well as higher levels of well‐being at work. Third, we test the MCAA's construct validity and provide evidence that the MCAA is positively related to behavioral flexibility and self‐efficacy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of extreme climate events using a regional climate model for China
Authors: Ji Zhenming , Kang Shichang
Published: May 2014

Extreme climate events over China at the end of the 21st century (2080–2099) are investigated using the regional climate model RegCM4. Model performance is validated through comparison between observations and simulations over the period 1985–2005. The results show that RegCM4 can satisfactorily reproduce the spatial distribution of extreme climate events over China. The model simulates temperature extremes more accurately than precipitation. Under the RCP8.5 (high emission) scenario, the number of frost days decreases, and both the heat wave duration index and the growing season length increase dramatically towards the end of the 21st century. Changes in extreme temperature become increasingly pronounced from South to North China, with the most significant changes occurring on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The proportion of heavy precipitation generally increases, except on the southern TP. The number of very heavy precipitation days increases by 25–50% in Northwest and East China. In winter, the number of consecutive dry days (CDD) decreases in North China and increases in South China. The greatest increases in CDD are found in June, July and August (JJA) in Southwest China. In a future that follows this scenario, drought events may be aggravated in Southwest China, and decrease in North China. In contrast, when repeating these projections under the assumption of the RCP4.5 scenario for emissions, the frequency of extreme climate events is reduced. These results suggest that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions may mitigate the effects of climate change over the coming decades.
The Eyes Have It: How a Car's Face Influences Consumer Categorization and Evaluation of Product Line Extensions
Authors: Keaveney Susan M. , Herrmann Andreas , Befurt Rene , Landwehr Jan R.
Published: May 2014

This research focuses on a previously unexamined risk associated with the widely used new product development strategy of line extensions. Specifically, it explores consumer reactions when line extensions become too visually similar and examines both short‐term and longer term strategies for solving the problem. Examined in the context of consumer durables, specifically, automobiles, the results show that consumers who make categorization mistakes when trying to distinguish between two visually similar product lines have more negative attitudes not only toward the product but also toward the parent brand. The results of Study 1 confirm that providing a design vocabulary that articulates the car's design features is effective in reducing consumer's categorization mistakes. In addition, results of Study 2 indicate that changes to the car's “eyes” (headlights) are more effective than changes to the car's “mouth” (grille) in helping consumers to differentiate among cars in the line.
The Intra‐ and Inter‐Personal Dynamics Associated with Consuming Sensitive Products: Understanding the Consumption of Erectile Function Aids Using Dimensional Qualitative Research
Authors: Newton Fiona J. , Ewing Michael T. , Pitt Leyland F.
Published: May 2014

It is estimated that well over 300 million men will be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction by 2025. Men seeking treatment face a burgeoning array of options, some quite invasive. This study utilizes a dimensional qualitative research (DQR) approach to examine what men think, feel, and experience as they consider integrating erectile function (EF) aids into their sexual relationships. The findings suggest that the process of accepting changes in sexual functioning and consuming EF aids frequently moves beyond intrapersonal issues to encompass spouse/partner relationships. The insights gleaned from this study have implications not only for the marketing of EF aids but also for healthcare professionals assisting men in the treatment of their symptoms. Finally, the study findings expand current marketing applications of the DQR framework by demonstrating the value of second‐order modality analysis.
IPMDS‐Sponsored Scale Translation Program: Process, Format, and Clinimetric Testing Plan for the MDS‐UPDRS and UDysRS
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Wang Lu , LaPelle Nancy R. , Luo Sheng , Tilley Barbara C.
Published: May 2014

We present the methodology and results of the clinimetric testing program for non‐English translations of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS)–sponsored scales. The programs focus on the MDS revision of the UPDRS (MDS‐UPDRS) and the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). The original development teams of both the MDS‐UPDRS and UDysRS envisioned official non‐English translations and instituted a rigorous translation methodology. The formal process includes five core steps: (1) registration and start‐up; (2) translation and independent back‐translation; (3) cognitive pretesting to establish that the translation is clear and that it is comfortably administered to and completed by native‐speaker raters and patients; (4) field testing in the native language using a large sample of Parkinson's disease patients; and (5) full clinimetric testing. To date, the MDS‐UPDRS has 21 active language programs. Nine official translations are available, having completed all phases successfully, and the others are in different stages of development. For the UDysRS, 19 programs are active, with three official translations now available and the rest in development at different stages. Very few scales in neurology and none in movement disorders have fully validated translations, and this model may be adopted or modified by other scale programs to allow careful validation of translations. Having validated translations allows for maximal homogeneity of tools utilized in multicenter research or clinical trial programs.
Reachable workspace in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) by kinect
Authors: Han Jay J. , Kurillo Gregorij , Abresch Richard T. , de Bie Evan , Nicorici Alina , Bajcsy Ruzena
Published: May 2014

Introduction: A depth‐ranging sensor (Kinect) based upper extremity motion analysis system was applied to determine the spectrum of reachable workspace encountered in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods: Reachable workspaces were obtained from 22 individuals with FSHD and 24 age‐ and height‐matched healthy controls. To allow comparison, total and quadrant reachable workspace relative surface areas (RSAs) were obtained by normalizing the acquired reachable workspace by each individual's arm length. Results: Significantly contracted reachable workspace and reduced RSAs were noted for the FSHD cohort compared with controls (0.473 ± 0.188 vs. 0.747 ± 0.082; P < 0.0001). With worsening upper extremity function as categorized by the FSHD evaluation subscale II + III, the upper quadrant RSAs decreased progressively, while the lower quadrant RSAs were relatively preserved. There were no side‐to‐side differences in reachable workspace based on hand‐dominance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of using an innovative Kinect‐based reachable workspace outcome measure in FSHD. Muscle Nerve 51: 168–175, 2015
Multiple response surfaces for slope reliability analysis
Authors: Li Liang , Chu Xuesong
Published: May 2014

This paper develops a multiple response surfaces approach to approximate the limit state function for slope failure by second‐order polynomial functions, to incorporate the variation of the most probable slip surfaces, and to evaluate the slope failure probability pf. The proposed methodology was illustrated through a cohesive soil slope example. It is shown that the pf values estimated from multiple response surfaces agree well with those pf values that have been obtained by searching a large number of potential slip surfaces in each Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) sample.

The variation of number of the most probable slip surfaces is studied at different scale of fluctuation (λ) values. It is found that when full correlation assumed for each of random fields (i.e., spatial variability is ignored), the number of the most probable slip surfaces is equal to the number of random fields (in this study, it is 3). When the spatial variability grows significantly, the number of the most probable slip surfaces or number of multiple response surfaces firstly increases evidently to a higher value and then varies slightly. In addition, the contribution of a specific most probable slip surface varies dramatically at different spatial variability level, and therefore, the variation of the most probable slip surfaces should be accounted for in the reliability analysis. The multiple response surfaces approach developed in this paper provides a limit equilibrium method and MCS‐based means to incorporate such a variation of the most probable slip surfaces in slope reliability analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible triboelectric generator and pressure sensor based on poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid] biopolymer
Authors: Valentini Luca , Cardinali Marta , Kenny Josè
Published: May 2014

The utilization of poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) biopolymer for a device that uses charging process in friction to convert mechanical energy into electric power is reported. The triboelectric generator (TEG) is fabricated by stacking a drop cast PHB film between indium tin oxide coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET sheet. The charge transfer takes place through an established general rule according to which the material with higher dielectric constant becomes positively charged. Furthermore, the utilization of such TEG as pressure sensor is illustrated. TEGs have the potential of harvesting energy from touch screen, mechanical vibration, and more, with great applications in self‐powered sensors for heat and environmental monitoring and even large‐scale applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 859–863
Hierarchical Stable Enzyme Microenvironments for High‐Temperature Stability in Amine Solvents
Authors: Merle Geraldine , Seon‐Lutz Morgane , Lopes Joao Henrique , Barralet Jake E.
Published: May 2014

Several methods have been proposed for capturing the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere by human activity. To date, mainly amine‐based absorption processes are currently among the more promising systems for post‐combustion CO2 capture. Tertiary amine solvents obviate the need for a high solvent regeneration temperature and fast absorption can be achieved with the use of carbonic anhydrase (CA), as an activator. In this study, the capacity of CA immobilization on nanoporous microparticles hierarchically structured to enhance their stability in tertiary amines is investigated. These microstructures allow for an efficient supply and presentation of substrate in the non‐aqueous solvent to the enzyme catalytic center and the particles' large size is attractive to make separation and reuse facile. These hierarchically structured particles conserve 70% of their initial activity after 30 d at 50 °C in amine solvent, whereas the free enzyme shows no activity after 1 h in the same conditions. In this work, we have overcome the technical hurdle linked to the recovery of the biocatalyst after operation thereby reducing costs of the system and importantly these micro‐bioparticles have shown a remarkable increase of the thermal stability of CA in an amine‐based CO2 sequestration solvent as determined by a para‐nitrophenyl acetate assay.
Evaluation of the photocatalytic (visible‐light) activity of cold gas sprayed TiO2 layers on metal sheets
Authors: Freitag Janna , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: May 2014

magnified image

The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide layers on metal sheets prepared via cold gas spraying have been investigated employing the ISO 22197‐2 standard test for acetaldehyde degradation in the gas phase. The contact between the TiO2 and the metal substrate can be described as a Schottky contact. A depletion region is formed at the semiconductor–metal interface leading to an enhanced separation of the photoinduced charge carriers. Thus, the lifetime of the e–/h+ pair is prolonged. The variation of process parameters, such as temperature and pressure, during the CGS preparation leads to different photocatalytic properties of the obtained TiO2 layers. Under high pressure and temperature even visible light active TiO2 coatings are prepared. The CGS technique allows the formation of thin TiO2 films without any binders exhibiting high photocatalytic activities in the same range as the pure powders employed for their preparation.

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Schematic diagram presenting the Schottky contact of an n‐type semiconductor and met al. Ef is the Fermi level, VB and CB are the valence and conduction band of the semiconductor, respectively. A proposed degradation pathway of acet‐aldehyde at the solid/gas interface is depicted.

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Systematic calculations of On (n = 1 to 6) polytypes of LiCoO2
Authors: Fisher Craig A. J. , Kuwabara Akihide , Moriwake Hiroki , Oki Hideki , Kohama Keiichi , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: May 2014

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Six different polytypes On (n = 1 to 6) of the conventional lithium‐ion battery cathode material LiCoO2 are examined systematically using first‐principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory. The calculations correctly predict the most stable form to be O3‐LiCoO2, and indicate that the recently synthesized O4 polytype is slightly more stable than O2‐LiCoO2, with a lattice energy per formula unit intermediate between O2‐ and O3‐LiCoO2. Extending the calculations to the as‐yet unobserved O5 polytype suggests that this is also slightly more stable than the O2 form. The potential differences of each polytype relative to lithium metal are found to decrease as the concentration of stacking faults (and volumetric mass density) increases, with a maximum of 3.89 eV for the polytype with optimum crystal packing (cubic‐close‐packing, ccp), namely O3‐ABCABC, and a minimum for the highest concentration of stacking faults, corresponding to a hexagonal close‐packed structure, i.e., O1. Other polytypes can be considered as intergrowths of these two configurations, so that for n beyond 6 the most stable form of each polytype is expected to display properties increasingly similar to those of O3 as the proportion of ccp sequences will increase. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Test of a Benthic Macroinvertebrate Habitat—Flow Time Series Model Incorporating Disturbance and Recovery Processes
Authors: Hayes J. W. , Shearer K. A. , Goodwin E. O. , Hay J. , Allen C. , Olsen D. A. , Jowett I. G.
Published: May 2014

We tested a model [Benthic Invertebrate Time series Habitat Simulation (BITHABSIM)] for simulating the effect of changes in flow on benthic macroinvertebrate habitat and relative abundance. The model calculates a habitat index (WUA2) based on weighted usable area (WUA) modified to account for reduction of invertebrate abundance by flood disturbance and drying followed by recolonization. The test involved a comparison of WUA and WUA2 with a 1‐year abundance time series of the common New Zealand mayfly Deleatidium spp. in a small gravel‐bed river with naturally variable flows. The fit of WUA and WUA2 to the Deleatidium spp. abundance time series was judged on correlation and regression analysis of the magnitudes and slopes of the mean‐standardized indices and abundance versus time. WUA fit the low flow part of the abundance time series fairly well, but not the portion after flood disturbance. Over the entire time series, WUA fit Deleatidium spp. abundance and rate of change poorly. WUA2 fit Deleatidium abundance better, but the correlation was not quite statistically significant at the 95% level. However, it did explain the essential temporal pattern. The fit of the slopes of standardized WUA2 to the slopes of standardized Deleatidium spp. abundance was significant (R2 = 0.66), but with a systematic bias; high slopes were underestimated and low slopes overestimated. BITHABSIM adds biological realism to traditional hydraulic‐habitat modelling based on WUA and so improves the reliability of assessments of effects of flow change on benthic macroinvertebrates over the entire hydrograph. Parameter uncertainty and research needs to improve BITHABSIM and future process‐based models are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations into the interactions of a MALDI Matrix with organic thin films using C60+ SIMS depth profiling
Authors: Lerach Jordan O. , Keskin Selda , Winograd Nicholas
Published: May 2014

Molecular depth profiling of multilayer organic films is now an established protocol for cluster SIMS. This unique capability is exploited here to study the ionization mechanism associated with matrix‐enhanced SIMS and possibly matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization. Successful depth profiling experiments were performed on model bi‐layer systems using 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid as the matrix with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine or phenylalanine. The interaction between the matrix and organic analyte is monitored at the interface of the films. Tri‐layer films with D2O as a thin film sandwiched between the matrix and organic layers are also investigated to determine what role, if any, water plays during ionization. The results show successful depth profiles when taken at 90 K. Mixing is observed at the interfaces of the films due to primary ion bombardment, but this mixing does not recreate the conditions necessary for ionization enhancement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the anti‐reflection and structure evolution of hydrogenated amorphous carbon grown by plasma chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shi Jing , Geng Zhongrong , Zhang Junyan , Wang Chengbing
Published: May 2014

In this work, the interrelation between the anti‐reflective property and the component, especially the sp2 content, was studied. The results showed that the refraction index n increased from 2.2 to 3.3 with the direct current negative bias increasing. The reflection result R successful fall by 11.9% because of the existence of hydrogenated amorphous carbon anti‐reflective coatings. Both the refraction index and reflectivity decreasing correspond to a more graphitic microstructure character. Moreover, the optical property evolution of the films was explained by the chemical vapor deposition mechanism based on the ion sub‐plantation model and two‐phase model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing mutation costs through uncovered mutants
Authors: Mateo Pedro Reales , Usaola Macario Polo
Published: May 2014

Mutation testing is a very effective testing technique that creates mutants in order to design test cases that will kill the mutants. One problem of mutation testing is high costs: creating mutants, executing mutants and calculating the mutation score. This paper empirically analyzes the effect of covering mutants through the mutant schema improved with extra code (MUSIC) technique. This technique annotates the statements covered by the tests in the original system in order to filter the mutant executions, because tests are only executed against the mutants whose mutated statement is covered by the tests. Therefore, MUSIC is meant to reduce the number of required executions and identify infinite loops at a reduced cost. Besides, an experiment was performed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of analyzing the covered mutants. As a result, we conclude that analyzing the covered mutants reduces the execution cost of mutation testing and its application is therefore recommended. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic Trisectionectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the Glisson Pedicle Method Combined with Anterior Approach
Authors: Xie Kun‐Lin , Zeng Yong , Wu Hong
Published: May 2014

Background

Hepatic trisectionectomy is a challenge for surgeons. We describe a technique by combination of the Glisson pedicle method and anterior approach to perform hepatic trisectionectomy.

Methods

In this technique, the Glisson pedicles are isolated above the hilar plate without hilar dissection. After dividing these pedicles, the hepatic hilum can be lowered more easily. With the hepatic hilum brought down, the following step of hepatic parenchyma transection using the anterior approach can be performed safely, avoiding accidental injury to the vessels and hepatic duct in the hilar plate.

Conclusions

This technique provides a safe, easy way to perform hepatic trisectionectomy without warm ischemia injury to the remnant liver.
Comparative efficacy and safety of biosimilar infliximab and other biological treatments in ankylosing spondylitis: systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baji Petra , Péntek Márta , Szántó Sándor , Géher Pál , Gulácsi László , Balogh Orsolya , Brodszky Valentin
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab-biosimilar with other biological drugs for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Systematic literature review for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab and infliximab-biosimilar in AS was performed and indirect meta-analysis (Bayesian mixed treatment comparison) was carried out. The proportion of patients reaching 20 % improvement by the assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society response criteria (ASAS20) at weeks 12 and 24 was used as efficacy endpoints, and the occurrence of serious adverse events at week 24 was applied to compare the safety of the biologicals.

Results

Altogether, 13 RCTs, identified by the systematic literature search, were included in the analysis. Results on the ASAS20 efficacy endpoint were reported for week 12 in 12 RCTs involving 2,395 patients, and for week 24 in 5 RCTs comprising 1,337 patients. All the five biological agents proved to be significantly superior to placebo. Infliximab showed the highest odds ratio (OR) of 7.2 (95 % CI 3.68–13.19) compared to placebo, followed by infliximab-biosimilar with OR 6.25 (95 % CI 2.55–13.14), both assessed at week 24. No significant difference was found between infliximab-biosimilar and other biological treatments regarding their efficacy and safety.

Conclusions

This is the first study which includes a biosimilar drug in the meta-analysis of biological treatments in AS. The results have proven the similar efficacy and safety profile of infliximab-biosimilar treatment compared to other biologicals.
Myopericytoma of the Distal Forearm: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Guang , McGlinn Evan P. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: May 2014

Abstract Myopericytoma is a rare type of soft tissue tumor with perivascular myoid differentiation. Although the pathology characteristics of myopericytomas are well described in literature, the clinical characteristics of these tumors have received less attention. We report on a 44-year-old female who developed a myopericytoma in her right distal forearm. The patient presented with a painless solid mass that had been slowly increasing in size for approximately 5 years. Unlike typical myopericytoma in the extremity growing as a subcutaneous nodule, the tumor enveloped the distal ulna. This case suggests a different growth pattern for myopericytoma. Myopericytoma is a rare soft tissue tumor originating from perivascular myoid cells, which has only been recognized as a distinct condition in the past 15 years (Granter et al. Am J Surg Pathol. 22 (5):513–25, 1998). Most of these tumors present as a painless, slow-growing subcutaneous nodule. They have typically been described by pathologists who concentrate on the pathological features rather than the clinical characteristics of these tumors (Granter et al. Am J Surg Pathol. 22 (5):513–25, 1998; Dray et al. J Clin Pathol. 59 (1):67–73, 2006; Mentzel et al. Am J Surg Pathol. 30 (1):104–113 2006). We report a case of myopericytoma with an unusual growth pattern involving the distal forearm to highlight the clinicopathologic features of this tumor.