bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TROP‐2 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Simms Anthony , Jacob Reuben P. , Cohen Cynthia , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: October 2015

TROP‐2 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein which is over‐expressed in various malignancies, and is related to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), also called TROP‐1, gp40, and KSA. In this study, we evaluated TROP‐2 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and compared it to other thyroid neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions. Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation for TROP‐2 was performed on 137 thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cell blocks (CB) which included classic PTC (64), follicular variant PTC (FVPTC) (10), anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (AC) (2), medullary carcinoma (MC) (8), follicular neoplasms (FN) (8), Hurthle cell neoplasms (HCN) (9), follicular lesion of uncertain significance (FLUS) (12), and benign thyroid nodule (BTN) (24). IHC for TROP‐2 expression was also performed on 331 BTN and malignant tumor tissue sections in tissue microarray (TMA). Membranous staining in >5% of tumor cells was considered positive. TROP‐2 stained 61 of 64 PTC CB, 7 of 10 FVPTC CB, and 9 of 12 FLUS CB. All other cases were negative for TROP‐2. TROP‐2 showed a sensitivity of 95.31% and specificity of 89% for classic PTC in FNA CB. In TMA samples, TROP‐2 stained 54 of 60 classic PTC cases and hence showed a high sensitivity and specificity. All BTN in CB and TMA were negative. We conclude that TROP‐2 is a highly sensitive and specific IHC marker for identifying classic PTC. TROP‐2 may play an important role in diagnosing classic PTC, especially in equivocal cases. This study also identifies a strong role for TROP‐2 in separating PTC from BTN. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:26–31. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
p73 is required for ependymal cell maturation and neurogenic SVZ cytoarchitecture
Authors: Gonzalez‐Cano L. , Fuertes‐Alvarez S. , Robledinos‐Anton N. , Bizy A. , Villena‐Cortes A. , Fariñas I. , Marques M.M. , Marin Maria C.
Published: October 2015

The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) is a highly organized microenvironment established during the first postnatal days when radial glia cells begin to transform into type B‐cells and ependymal cells, all of which will form regenerative units, pinwheels, along the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle. Here, we identify p73, a p53 homologue, as a critical factor controlling both cell‐type specification and structural organization of the developing mouse SVZ. We describe that p73 deficiency halts the transition of the radial glia into ependymal cells, leading to the emergence of immature cells with abnormal identities in the ventricle and resulting in loss of the ventricular integrity. p73‐deficient ependymal cells have noticeably impaired ciliogenesis and they fail to organize into pinwheels, disrupting SVZ niche structure and function. Therefore, p73 is essential for appropriate ependymal cell maturation and the establishment of the neurogenic niche architecture. Accordingly, lack of p73 results in impaired neurogenesis. Moreover, p73 is required for translational planar cell polarity establishment, since p73 deficiency results in profound defects in cilia organization in individual cells and in intercellular patch orientation. Thus, our data reveal a completely new function of p73, independent of p53, in the neurogenic architecture of the SVZ of rodent brain and in the establishment of ependymal planar cell polarity with important implications in neurogenesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 730–747, 2016
An ion‐pairing, reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method to assess the cross‐contamination of cancer chemotherapy infusions prepared in a dual‐operator aseptic isolator
Authors: Brachet G. , Bruno C. , Boulay D. , Tournamille J. F. , Gyan E. , Viaud‐Massuard M. C. , Respaud R.
Published: October 2015

Cytotoxics are usually prepared in a centralized pharmacy unit in a controlled hospital environment. Despite the rigorous operating procedures used for such preparations, contamination is theoretically possible – for example due to vial switches. Therefore products ought to be checked in order to determine whether quality control measures are adequate. Numerous strategies have been applied locally to ensure the safety of both patients and operators but the efficacy of these methodologies has not previously been examined. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method sensitive enough to detect traces of anti‐cancer drugs, in order to evaluate cross‐contamination between infusions prepared in a dual‐operator isolator in the dedicated pharmacy unit. We developed a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection to identify and quantify the following seven drugs: 5‐Fluorouracil, Cytarabine, Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, and Daunorubicin. We assessed the levels of cross‐contamination in 20 random preparations. We achieved separation of the seven drugs in less than 28 min, with a lower limit of quantification capable of detecting cross‐contamination. An assessment of 20 preparations revealed no cross‐contamination. We developed a reproducible and sensitive HPLC method which could be a potentially useful tool for use in practice. We checked the level of cross‐contamination in anti‐cancer drug infusions and confirmed that the process in current use was safe. This study is the first to assess cross‐contamination in anti‐cancer preparations. This work is the first step in an extensive programme of quality control, whose aim is to ensure the safety of both patients and operators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key findings

Development of a reproducible and sensitive HPLC method capable of detecting seven anticancer drugs.

This method could be used alongside MS detection, to check for biological contamination of nursing and pharmacy staff with anticancer drugs.

No cross‐contamination was detected in cancer chemotherapy infusions prepared in a dual‐operator aseptic isolator.
Soil moisture response to experimentally altered snowmelt timing is mediated by soil, vegetation, and regional climate patterns
Authors: Conner Lafe G. , Gill Richard A. , Belnap Jayne
Published: October 2015

Soil moisture in seasonally snow‐covered environments fluctuates seasonally between wet and dry states. Climate warming is advancing the onset of spring snowmelt and may lengthen the summer‐dry state and ultimately cause drier soil conditions. The magnitude of either response may vary across elevation and vegetation types. We situated our study at the lower boundary of persistent snow cover and the upper boundary of subalpine forest with paired treatment blocks in aspen forest and open meadow. In treatments plots, we advanced snowmelt timing by an average of 14 days by adding dust to the snow surface during spring melt. We specifically wanted to know whether early snowmelt would increase the duration of the summer‐dry period and cause soils to be drier in the early‐snowmelt treatments compared with control plots. We found no difference in the onset of the summer‐dry state and no significant differences in soil moisture between treatments. To better understand the reasons soil moisture did not respond to early snowmelt as expected, we examined the mediating influences of soil organic matter, texture, temperature, and the presence or absence of forest. In our study, late‐spring precipitation may have moderated the effects of early snowmelt on soil moisture. We conclude that landscape characteristics, including soil, vegetation, and regional weather patterns, may supersede the effects of snowmelt timing in determining growing season soil moisture, and efforts to anticipate the impacts of climate change on seasonally snow‐covered ecosystems should take into account these mediating factors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal performance of load‐bearing walls made of cold‐formed hollow flange channel sections in fire
Authors: Kesawan Sivakumar , Mahendran Mahen
Published: October 2015

Typical load‐bearing light gauge steel frame (LSF) walls are made of conventional lipped channel section studs and gypsum plasterboards. Current research at the Queensland University of Technology is investigating the effects of using new thin‐walled stud sections on the fire‐resistant rating of LSF walls, in particular, the use of hollow flange channel (HFC) sections. A sound knowledge on the thermal performance of these LSF walls is essential, but expensive and time‐consuming nature of fire tests has acted as a barrier. In this study, finite element models were developed to predict the thermal performance of load‐bearing LSF walls made of HFC section studs exposed to fire on one side. The developed models were validated using the results of five full‐scale standard fire tests of LSF walls. They were then extended to perform a parametric study where the effects of stud dimensions, geometries, spacings and wall configuration were evaluated. The hot and cold flange time‐temperature profiles of HFC studs were developed as a function of the aforementioned parameters, which can be used to predict the fire resistance ratings of LSF walls. This paper presents the fire tests, and the details of the developed finite element models and the thermal performance results of LSF walls made of HFC studs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome counts of some species of the genus Galium (Rubiaceae) from Iran
Authors: Saeidi Mehrvarz S. , Mokhtari Ghadim S.
Published: October 2015

Data on the chromosome counts of ten taxa of the genus Galium are reported from northeastern Iran. Two basic chromosome numbers, i.e. x = 10 and x = 11, as well as three ploidy levels, i.e. 2x, 4x and 6x are reported. Both diploid and polyploidy levels are observed. Aneuploidy was only observed in G. aparine. The chromosome numbers of the following taxa are counted for the first time: G. diploprion, G. humifusum, G. nigricans with 2n = 22 and G. spurium subsp. ibicinum with 2n = 20. The new data are compared with previous karyological information, and are discussed. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mossy fiber sprouting and pyramidal cell dispersion in the hippocampal CA2 region in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Häussler Ute , Rinas Katrin , Kilias Antje , Egert Ulrich , Haas Carola A.
Published: October 2015

Dentate granule cells and the hippocampal CA2 region are resistant to cell loss associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). It is known that granule cells undergo mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus which contributes to a recurrent, proepileptogenic circuitry in the hippocampus. Here it is shown that mossy fiber sprouting also targets CA2 pyramidal cell somata and that the CA2 region undergoes prominent structural reorganization under epileptic conditions. Using the intrahippocampal kainate mouse model for MTLE and the CA2‐specific markers Purkinje cell protein 4 (PCP4) and regulator of G‐Protein signaling 14 (RGS14), it was found that during epileptogenesis CA2 neurons survive and disperse in direction of CA3 and CA1 resulting in a significantly elongated CA2 region. Using transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in granule cells and mossy fibers, we show that the recently described mossy fiber projection to CA2 undergoes sprouting resulting in aberrant large, synaptoporin‐expressing mossy fiber boutons which surround the CA2 pyramidal cell somata. This opens up the potential for altered synaptic transmission that might contribute to epileptic activity in CA2. Indeed, intrahippocampal recordings in freely moving mice revealed that epileptic activity occurs concomitantly in the dentate gyrus and in CA2. Altogether, the results call attention to CA2 as a region affected by MTLE‐associated pathological restructuring. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paradoxical effects of VEGF on synaptic activity partially involved in notch1 signaling in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Yang Chunxiao , Liu Chunhua , Zhang Tao , Yang Zhuo
Published: October 2015

It is well known that the neuronal effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) include modulating learning and memory, plasticity of mature neurons, and synaptic transmission in addition to neurogenesis. However, there is conflicting evidence particularly of its role in the regulation of excitatory synaptic activity. In this study, application of the patch‐clamp technique revealed that lower doses (10 and 50 ng/mL) of VEGF enhanced excitatory neurotransmission in hippocampal slices of mice through both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. However, the effects were reversed by higher doses of VEGF (>100 ng/mL), which inhibited excitatory neurotransmission via a presynaptic mechanism. These competing, concentration‐dependent effects of VEGF suggested that different pathways were involved. The involvement of the Notch1 receptor was tested in the modulation of VEGF on synaptic activity by using heterozygous Notch1+/− mice. Notch1 knockdown did not influence the inhibitory effect of high VEGF doses (200 ng/mL) but reduced the enhancement effects of low concentration of VEGF (50 ng/mL) at the postsynaptic level, which might be due to the decreased level of VEGF receptor. The results indicate that the Notch1 receptor plays a role in VEGF‐induced modulation of synaptic activity, which provides new insights into a complex VEGF/Notch signaling cross‐talk. These findings set the groundwork for understanding new mechanisms of Notch signaling and the neurotrophic effects of VEGF, which is beneficial to develop new therapeutic targets to the VEGF/Notch axis and improve current treatments for neural diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of robust pattern separability in the hippocampal dentate gyrus
Authors: Zylberberg Joel , Hyde Robert A. , Strowbridge Ben W.
Published: October 2015

The dentate gyrus (DG) is thought to perform pattern separation on inputs received from the entorhinal cortex, such that the DG forms distinct representations of different input patterns. Neuronal responses, however, are known to be variable, and that variability has the potential to confuse the representations of different inputs, thereby hindering the pattern separation function. This variability can be especially problematic for tissues such as the DG, in which the responses can persist for tens of seconds following stimulation: the long response duration allows for variability from many different sources to accumulate. To understand how the DG can robustly encode different input patterns, we investigated a recently developed in vitro hippocampal DG preparation that generates persistent responses to transient electrical stimulation. For 10–20 s after stimulation, the responses are indicative of the pattern of stimulation that was applied, even though the responses exhibit significant trial‐to‐trial variability. Analyzing the dynamical trajectories of the evoked responses, we found that, following stimulation, the neural responses follow distinct paths through the space of possible neural activations, with a different path associated with each stimulation pattern. The neural responses' trial‐to‐trial variability shifts the responses along these paths rather than between them, maintaining the separability of the input patterns. Manipulations that redistributed the variability more isotropically over the space of possible neural activations impeded the pattern separation function. Consequently, we conclude that the confinement of neuronal variability to these one‐dimensional paths mitigates the impacts of variability on pattern encoding and, thus, may be an important aspect of the DG's ability to robustly encode input patterns. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional communication training during reinforcement schedule thinning: An analysis of 25 applications
Authors: Greer Brian D. , Fisher Wayne W. , Saini Valdeep , Owen Todd M. , Jones Jamie K.
Published: October 2015

Two principal goals of functional communication training (FCT) are (a) to eliminate destructive behavior and (b) to establish a more acceptable, yet functionally equivalent, communication response (FCR). A related and critically important goal is to thin the schedule of reinforcement for the FCR to levels that can be reasonably managed by caregivers. Researchers have described several approaches to thinning FCT reinforcement schedules. We summarize the results of 25 consecutive applications (among 20 cases) in which schedule‐thinning procedures employed discriminative stimuli to signal when the FCR would and would not produce reinforcement (i.e., using multiple schedules, response restriction, or chained schedules). Results suggest that schedule‐thinning procedures that use discriminative stimuli can maintain the effectiveness of FCT while they minimize the need for punishment or other supplemental procedures.
Hemocompatibility evaluation in vitro of methoxy polyethyleneglycol–polycaprolactone copolymer solutions
Authors: Hu Qian , Zhang Yi , Wang Changyong , Xu Jiake , Wu Jianping , Liu Zonghua , Xue Wei
Published: October 2015

Amphiphilic block copolymer methoxy polyethyleneglycol–polycaprolactone (mPEG–PCL) has attracted interest in the biomedical field, due to its water solubility and biodegradability. Nevertheless, the blood safety of mPEG–PCL copolymers has not been investigated in detail. Because mPEG–PCL copolymers introduced in vivo would inevitably interact with blood tissue, an investigation of possible interactions of mPEG–PCL with key blood components is crucial. We studied the effects of two mPEG–PCL copolymer solutions on blood coagulation, the morphology and lysis of human red blood cells (RBCs), the structure of plasma fibrinogen, complement activation, and platelet aggregation. We found that higher concentrations of the mPEG–PCL copolymers impaired blood clotting, and the copolymers had little impact on the morphology or lysis of RBCs. From the spectroscopy results, the copolymers affected the local microstructure of fibrinogen. The copolymers significantly activated the complement system in a concentration‐dependent way. At higher concentrations, the copolymers impaired platelet aggregation, which may have been mediated by an inhibition of the arachidonic acid pathway. These findings provide important information that may be useful for the molecular design and biomedical applications of mPEG–PCL copolymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 802–812, 2016.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound of embolic consolidations in patients with pulmonary embolism: A pilot study
Authors: Bartelt Sybille , Trenker Corinna , Görg Christian , Neesse Albrecht
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To analyze and describe the contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) patterns of peripheral lung lesions in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) confirmed on CT angiography or lung scintigraphy.

Methods

CEUS had been performed on 35 patients with peripheral lung lesions detected on gray‐scale imaging and confirmed as PE. The following data were evaluated retrospectively: (1) accumulation of contrast medium (absent or present), (2) differentiation between pulmonary arterial (PA) and bronchial arterial blood supply, and (3) contrast‐enhancement pattern (absent/nonhomogeneous or homogeneous). A CEUS pattern of absent or nonhomogeneous enhancement was suspicious (ie, typical) of embolic consolidations (EC), whereas a pattern of homogeneous PA enhancement was considered to be atypical of EC.

Results

Peripheral lesions showed a CEUS pattern suspicious of EC in 80% of the patients, with no enhancement in 40% and nonhomogeneous enhancement in another 40%. A CEUS pattern of homogeneous PA enhancement, atypical of EC, was identified in the remaining 20% of the patients. Pulmonary lesions larger than 1 cm showed vascularization more often than smaller lesions did (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Peripheral lung lesions in patients with confirmed PE show a CEUS pattern of absent or nonhomogeneous contrast enhancement for suspicious EC. Further prospective studies are required to verify the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS for EC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:129–135, 2016
Cyanobacterial composition and spatial distribution based on pyrosequencing data in the Gurbantunggut Desert, Northwestern China
Authors: Zhang Bingchang , Li Renhui , Xiao Peng , Su Yangui , Zhang Yuanming
Published: October 2015

Cyanobacteria are the primary colonizers and form a dominant component of soil photosynthetic communities in biological soil crusts. They are crucial in improving soil environments, namely accumulating soil carbon and nitrogen. Many classical studies have examined cyanobacterial diversity in desert crusts, but relatively few comprehensive molecular surveys have been conducted. We used 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA to investigate cyanobacterial composition and distribution on regional scales in the Gurbantunggut Desert. The relationship between cyanobacterial distribution and environmental factors was also explored. A total of 24,973 cyanobacteria partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained, and 507OTUs were selected, as most OTUs had very few reads. Among these, 347 OTU sequences were of cyanobacteria origin, belonging to Oscillatoriales, Nostocales, Chroococcales, and uncultured cyanobacterium clone, respectively. Microcoleus vaginatus, Chroococcidiopsis spp. and M. steenstrupii were the dominant species in most areas of the Gurbantunggut Desert. Compared with other desert, the Gurbantunggut Desert differed in the prominence of Chroococcidiopsis spp. and lack of Pseudanabaenales. Species composition and abundance of cyanobacteria also showed distinct variations. Soil texture, precipitation, and nutrients and salt levels affected cyanobacterial distribution. Increased precipitation was helpful in improving cyanobacterial diversity. A higher content of coarse sand promoted the colonization and growth of Oscillatoriales and some phylotypes of Chroococcales. The fine‐textured soil with higher nutrients and salts supported more varied populations of cyanobacteria, namely some heterocystous cyanobacteria. The results suggested that the Gurbantunggut Desert was rich in cyanobacteria and that precipitation was a primary regulating factor for cyanobacterial composition on a regional scale.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing gastrectomy
Authors: Pujara Deep , Mansfield Paul , Ajani Jaffer , Blum Mariela , Elimova Elena , Chiang Yi‐Ju , Das Prajnan , Badgwell Brian
Published: October 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and geriatric assessment variables associated with outcome in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who have undergone gastrectomy.

Methods

We reviewed demographic, clinical, and geriatric assessment variables, including recent falls, pain, performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, assistive device use, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and weight change, for patients undergoing gastrectomy between 2005 and 2014. Outcome variables included morbidity, mortality, hospital length of stay, and readmission.

Results

Of 279 patients, 133 (48%) underwent total gastrectomy. The 90‐day major morbidity rate was 24% and the mortality rate was 1%. Length of hospital stay ≥14 days occurred in 38%, with readmission within 30 days in 13%. On multivariate analysis, gastroesophageal junction involvement, (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [1.1–5.8]), additional organ resection, (OR 3.2, [1.6–6.3]), pain score >0 (OR 3.8, [1.6–8.7]), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >0, (OR 2.3, [1.2–4.6]), and polypharmacy (OR 2.4, [1.1–5.2]) were associated with major morbidity. Hospital stay ≥14 days was associated with age ≥75 years (OR 3.9, [1.7–9.2]), total gastrectomy (OR 3.5, [2.0–6.3]), performance status >0 (OR 1.8, [1.0–3.2]), and preoperative chemotherapy (OR 0.3, [0.2–0.7]).

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to identify methods to improve performance status, as this may improve postoperative complications and resource utilization. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:883–887. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hyper‐fluorescent transitional bands in ultra‐late phase of indocyanine green angiography in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Hua Rui , Yao Kai , Xia Fan , Li Jun , Guo Lei , Yang Guoxing , Tao Jun
Published: October 2015

Background and Objectives

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is regarded as a type of severe diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. There is an atrophic tract at level of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to hyper‐permeability of choroidal vessels, along with photoreceptor (PR) atrophy. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is considered a gold standard for diagnosis. The purpose of this work is to investigate the hyper‐fluorescent transitional bands (HFTB) between hypo‐fluorescent and normal regions of the retina in the ultra‐late phase of ICGA in CSCR.

Methods

26 chronic CSCR eyes and 12 relative normal eyes received spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and ICGA at the 24th hour after indocyanine green (ICG) intravenous injection.

Results

In the ultra‐late phase, images showed homogenous fluorescence in all normal eyes. On the contrary, geographical hypofluorescent lesions with atrophy of RPE was noted in 26 chronic CSCR eyes. Moreover, HFTB with intact RPE and disrupted PR was detected in 20 out of 26 chronic CSCR eyes (76.9%).

Conclusions

The HFTB may indicate the early damage in chronic CSCR. Ultra‐late ICGA can monitor not only metabolic status by endogenous melanin, but also membrane function in RPE by exogenous ICG molecule. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:260–263, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a Tool for Remote Digital Assessment of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kassavetis Panagiotis , Saifee Tabish A. , Roussos George , Drougkas Loukas , Kojovic Maja , Rothwell John C. , Edwards Mark J. , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: October 2015

Background

The natural fluctuation of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) makes judgement of any change challenging and the use of clinical scales such as the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS)‐UPDRS imperative. Recently developed commodity mobile communication devices, such as smartphones, could possibly be used to assess motor symptoms in PD patients in a convenient way with low cost. We provide the first report on the development and testing of stand‐alone software for mobile devices that could be used to assess both tremor and bradykinesia of PD patients.

Methods

We assessed motor symptoms with a custom‐made smartphone application in 14 patients and compared the results with their MDS‐UPDRS scores.

Results

We found significant correlation between five subscores of MDS‐UPDRS (rest tremor, postural tremor, pronation‐supination, leg agility, and finger tapping) and eight parameters of the data collected with the smartphone.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence as a proof of principle that smartphones could be a useful tool to objectively assess motor symptoms in PD in clinical and experimental settings.
Performance Feedback and Moral Hazard in Firms: An Identity Approach
Authors: Peiss Matthias
Published: October 2015

The paper proposes a social identity approach to performance feedback in firms, where agents value the feedback they receive as a means to help reinforce identity‐related performance prescriptions. The theory explains the performance‐enhancing effect of feedback that is frequently reported in the literature and helps motivate cases of low work engagement in firms. The paper demonstrates that both identity‐consistent and identity‐inconsistent feedback can lower the cost of incentive pay to the firm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery vascularized bone flap for index distal bone loss: A case report
Authors: Katz Tanya L. , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Matthew Rozen Warren
Published: October 2015

Fingertip trauma with resultant bony loss is optimally reconstructed with an autologous bone substitute, offering a unique opportunity for use of a local vascularized bone graft. The second dorsal metacarpal artery is well‐described for use in soft tissue and bony reconstruction, with recent cadaveric studies suggesting a reverse‐flow second dorsal metacarpal artery bone flap could reach defects in the distal phalanx. The aim of the current report is to illustrate the use of this technique in reconstructing the distal digit in a traumatized index finger with bony loss of the middle third of the distal phalanx. A 49‐year‐old man presented with a traumatic circular saw injury to his left index finger, with the unique finding of distal phalanx bony loss to the middle third of this bone, with no associated disruption of palmar or dorsal structures. Reconstructive goals were solely that of bony reconstruction, with no soft tissue coverage required. A reverse SDMA vascularized bone flap was successfully used for reconstruction, with the vascularized bone flap mobilized on its reverse SDMA pedicle and pivoted at the level of the distal anastomoses between the palmar and dorsal metacarpal arteries. There was uncomplicated donor and recipient site closures, and good functional outcomes with the ability to retain full distal interphalangeal joint motion and force on distal pinch grip. This case shows that the reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery vascularized bone flap may be undertaken to reconstruct bony loss in the distal phalanx. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:250–253, 2016.
The dual reciprocity boundary integral equation technique to solve a class of the linear and nonlinear fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Safarpoor Mansour
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we apply the boundary integral equation technique and the dual reciprocity boundary elements method (DRBEM) for the numerical solution of linear and nonlinear time‐fractional partial differential equations (TFPDEs). The main aim of the present paper is to examine the applicability and efficiency of DRBEM for solving TFPDEs. We employ the time‐stepping scheme to approximate the time derivative, and the method of linear radial basis functions is also used in the DRBEM technique. This method is improved by using a predictor–corrector scheme to overcome the nonlinearity that appears in the nonlinear problems under consideration. To confirm the accuracy of the new approach, several examples are presented. The convergence of the DRBEM is studied numerically by comparing the exact solutions of the problems under investigation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR‐based analysis of the chemical composition of Japanese persimmon aqueous extracts
Authors: Ryu Shoraku , Furihata Kazuo , Koda Masanori , Wei Feifei , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru
Published: October 2015

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is recognized as an outstanding source of biologically active compounds relating to many health benefits. In the present study, NMR spectroscopy provided a comprehensive metabolic overview of Japanese persimmon juice. Detailed signal assignments of Japanese persimmon juice were carried out using various 2D NMR techniques incorporated with broadband water suppression enhanced through T1 effects (BB‐WET) or WET sequences, and 26 components, including minor components, were identified. In addition, most components were quantitatively evaluated by the integration of signals using conventional 1H NMR and BB‐WET NMR. This is the first detailed analysis combined with quantitative characterization of chemical components using NMR for Japanese persimmon. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TVT for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence: Efficacy and adverse effects at 13‐year follow‐up
Authors: Serati Maurizio , Sorice Paola , Bogani Giorgio , Braga Andrea , Cantaluppi Simona , Uccella Stefano , Caccia Giorgio , Salvatore Stefano , Ghezzi Fabio
Published: October 2015

Aim

To assess long‐term subjective, objective, and urodynamic outcomes of retropubic mid‐urethral slings at 13‐year follow‐up.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Consecutive women with proven urodynamic stress incontinence were treated with standard retropubic tension free vaginal tape (TVT). Patients with mixed incontinence and/or anatomic evidence of pelvic organ prolapse were excluded. All the included patients underwent preoperative clinical and urodynamic evaluations. During follow‐up examinations, women were assessed for subjective satisfaction and objective cure rates. The Cox model was used in order to investigate factors predicting the risk of recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI), over the study period.

Results

Overall, 55 patients were suitable for the analysis. At 13‐year follow‐up, 47 out of 55 (85.5%) patients declared themselves cured (p‐for‐trend 0.02) and 48 out of 58 (87.2%) were at least improved (p‐for‐trend 0.07). No significant deterioration of objective cure rates was observed over time (P = 0.29). At the time of the last evaluation, 50 out of 55 (90.9%) women were objectively cured; urodynamic evaluation confirmed this finding in 49 (89.1%) patients. Considering factors predictive of SUI recurrence, we observed that, via multivariate analysis, obesity (HR 7.2; P = 0.01) and maximum detrusor pressure during the voiding phase ≤29 cmH2O (HR 8.0; P = 0.01) were the only independent predictors of recurrent SUI.

Conclusion

Our data confirmed that TVT is a highly effective and safe procedure also at 13‐year follow‐up. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease of subjective satisfaction over time. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:192–197, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Pilot Study on the Utility of Serum Metabolomics in Neuroblastoma Patients and Xenograft Models
Authors: Beaudry Paul , Campbell Martin , Dang N. Ha , Wen Jing , Blote Karen , Weljie Aalim M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Improved prediction of neuroblastoma (NB) behavior is needed to detect treatment‐refractory disease and may allow further reduction in therapy for some patients. In this regard, serum metabolomic analysis has proven utility in several cancer types. We hypothesize that serum metabolomic analysis will correlate with risk‐group classification for patients with NB, and sensitively detect NB in murine xenograft models.

Procedure

A pilot study was done on Children's Oncology Group (COG) tumor bank sera from 10 patients (five high‐, five low‐risk). An institutional pilot study was carried out on five patients comparing sera obtained during active versus minimal disease (complete response/very good partial response; CR/VGPR).

Xenograft

Flank tumors were established in Nu/Nu mice by injection of NB cell lines (IMR‐32, SH‐EP, SK‐N‐AS). Serum for comparison was drawn pre‐injection, at 1 week after injection when there was no visible tumor, and again once tumors were grossly visible. Comparisons were also made between tumor bearing mouse serum and supernatants from NB cell lines.

Metabolomic analysis

Samples were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance and/or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis was conducted using SIMCA‐P (Umetrics).

Results

Serum metabolomic analysis differentiated high‐ and low‐risk patients as well as active disease from CR/VGPR. Differences were in nitrogen, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as ketosis. The serum metabolomic signature in murine xenograft models sensitively detected NB cells and correlated with disease burden. Similar metabolic changes attributable to NB were noted in both human and murine serum.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomic analysis can distinguish several characteristics of NB. A larger analysis of COG banked sera is warranted.
Preserved High Probability of Overall Survival with Significant Reduction of Chemotherapy for Myeloid Leukemia in Down Syndrome: A Nationwide Prospective Study in Japan
Authors: Taga Takashi , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Tomizawa Daisuke , Kudo Kazuko , Terui Kiminori , Moritake Hiroshi , Kinoshita Akitoshi , MD Shotaro Iwamoto , MD Hideki Nakayama , MD Hiroyuki Takahashi , MD Akira Shimada , Taki Tomohiko , Toki Tsutomu , Ito Etsuro , Goto Hiroaki , Koh Katsuyoshi , Saito Akiko M. , Horibe Keizo , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Tawa Akio , Adachi Souichi
Published: October 2015

Background

On the basis of results of previous Japanese trials for myeloid leukemia in Down syndrome (ML‐DS), the efficacy of risk‐oriented therapy was evaluated in the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐D05 study.

Procedure

All patients received induction chemotherapy that consisted of pirarubicin, intermediate‐dose cytarabine, and etoposide. Patients who achieved complete remission (CR) after initial induction therapy were stratified to the standard risk (SR) group and received four courses of reduced‐dose intensification therapy. Patients who did not achieve CR were stratified to the high risk (HR) group and received intensified therapy that consisted of continuous or high‐dose cytarabine.

Results

A total of 72 patients were eligible and evaluated. One patient died of sepsis during initial induction therapy. Sixty‐nine patients were stratified to SR and two patients to HR. No therapy‐related deaths were observed during intensification therapy. The 3‐year event‐free and overall survival rates were 83.3% ± 4.4% and 87.5% ± 3.9 %, respectively. Age at diagnosis less than 2 years was a significant favorable prognostic factor for risk of relapse (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The attempt of risk‐oriented prospective study for ML‐DS was unsuccessful, but despite the dose reduction of chemotherapeutic agents, the overall outcome was good, and further dose reduction might be possible for specific subgroups.
A novel conducting nanocomposite obtained by p‐anisidine and aniline with titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical properties
Authors: Chouli F. , Radja I. , Morallon E. , Benyoucef A.
Published: October 2015

Nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of p‐anisidine and/or aniline monomers (at initial “p‐anisidine:aniline” mole ratios of “100 : 0,” 50 : 50,” and “0 : 100”) with titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles, in the presence of hydrochloric acid as a dopant with ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. The morphological, structural, conductivity, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were studied using Transmission Electron Microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopies. The presence of polymer on TiO2 nanoparticles in samples nanocomposites was confirmed by the Transmission Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy. The thermal stability of samples nanocomposites were evaluated using the Thermogravimetric Analysis. Electrical conductivity of nanocomposites obtained is in the range of 0.08 − 0.91 S cm−1. The electrochemical behavior of the polymers extracted from the nanocomposites has been analyzed by cyclic voltammetry. Good electrochemical response has been observed for polymer films; the observed redox processes indicate that the polymerization on TiO2 nanoparticles produces electroactive polymers. These composite microspheres can potentially be used in commercial applications as fillers for antistatic and anticorrosion coatings. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E254–E260, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Theorising Chance: Capturing the Role of Ad Hoc Social Interactions in Migrants' Trajectories
Authors: Gladkova Nataliia , Mazzucato Valentina
Published: October 2015

When collecting migrants' life stories, researchers often report on the role of chance encounters in influencing the way migration trajectories have taken shape or how migrants have managed their lives in a new country. Aside from reporting on such encounters, however, there have been no explicit efforts to theorise chance or to make it central to in‐depth analysis in migration studies. This paper aims to theorise the role of chance encounters in migrants' trajectories by drawing on insights from the psychology literature of chance encounters and life paths. Our analysis of the role of chance encounters, structured by the interplay between environmental and personal factors, suggests that how people deal with chance is an influential factor in the ways people migrate from the Global South to the Global North and manage their lives in transit. The paper makes use of evidence collected among 46 African migrants in Ukraine during 7 months of field research in 2011–2012 and reflects on the methodological implications in studying chance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin gapless semiconductor like Ti2MnAl film as a new candidate for spintronics application
Authors: Feng Wuwei , Fu Xiao , Wan Caihua , Yuan Zhonghui , Han Xiufeng , Quang Nguyen Van , Cho Sunglae
Published: October 2015

A novel Heusler ferrimagnet Ti2MnAl film has been grown on Si(001) substrate using magnetron sputtering. Characteristics of its magnetic and transport properties reveal the spin‐gapless‐semiconductor (SGS) nature of the stoichiometric Ti2MnAl, in agreement with theoretical prediction. The as‐grown SGS‐like Ti2MnAl film demonstrated high Curie temperature, nearly compensated ferrimagnetic properties with small coercivity and low magnetization. It also showed semiconductor‐like behavior at room temperature allowing good compatibility with commercial Si‐based semiconductor. In this regards, Ti2MnAl film is a potential candidate material for spintronics application, especially for the minimization of energy consumption of device. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Resveratrol, sirtuins, and viruses
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Shugang , Zhang Xuming , Pang Xiaowu , Lin Qinlu , Cao Jianzhong
Published: October 2015

Resveratrol is a natural phenolic product found in some plants in response to stress and has been linked to the many health benefits of red wine. Over the past several decades, a great deal of research has identified diverse biological roles associated with resveratrol, including anti‐oxidant, anti‐proliferation, anti‐inflammation, anti‐cancer, anti‐fungal, and antiviral activities. Such biological activities of resveratrol are likely mediated through multiple cellular targets or pathways, such as sirtuins, a family of NAD+‐dependent deacetylases. In this treatise, the literatures focusing on the roles of resveratrol and sirtuins in modulating infections by a broad‐spectrum of viruses are reviewed, with an emphasis on its potential antiviral mechanisms. A working model about the effects of resveratrol on virus infection is proposed to stimulate further researches on this exciting topic. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid, High‐Throughput, and Direct Molecular Beacon Delivery to Human Cancer Cells Using a Nanowire‐Incorporated and Pneumatic Pressure‐Driven Microdevice
Authors: Kim Kyung Hoon , Kim Jung , Choi Jong Seob , Bae Sunwoong , Kwon Donguk , Park Inkyu , Kim Do Hyun , Seo Tae Seok
Published: October 2015

Tracking and monitoring the intracellular behavior of mRNA is of paramount importance for understanding real‐time gene expression in cell biology. To detect specific mRNA sequences, molecular beacons (MBs) have been widely employed as sensing probes. Although numerous strategies for MB delivery into the target cells have been reported, many issues such as the cytotoxicity of the carriers, dependence on the random probability of MB transfer, and critical cellular damage still need to be overcome. Herein, we have developed a nanowire‐incorporated and pneumatic pressure‐driven microdevice for rapid, high‐throughput, and direct MB delivery to human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells to monitor survivin mRNA expression. The proposed microdevice is composed of three layers: a pump‐associated glass manifold layer, a monolithic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane, and a ZnO nanowire‐patterned microchannel layer. The MB is immobilized on the ZnO nanowires by disulfide bonding, and the glass manifold and PDMS membrane serve as a microvalve, so that the cellular attachment and detachment on the MB‐coated nanowire array can be manipulated. The combination of the nanowire‐mediated MB delivery and the microvalve function enable the transfer of MB into the cells in a controllable way with high cell viability and to detect survivin mRNA expression quantitatively after docetaxel treatment.
Ice‐Templated Assembly Strategy to Construct 3D Boron Nitride Nanosheet Networks in Polymer Composites for Thermal Conductivity Improvement
Authors: Zeng Xiaoliang , Yao Yimin , Gong Zhengyu , Wang Fangfang , Sun Rong , Xu Jianbin , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: October 2015

Owing to the growing heat removal issue of modern electronic devices, polymer composites with high thermal conductivity have drawn much attention in the past few years. However, a traditional method to enhance the thermal conductivity of the polymers by addition of inorganic fillers usually creates composite with not only limited thermal conductivity but also other detrimental effects due to large amount of fillers required. Here, novel polymer composites are reported by first constructing 3D boron nitride nanosheets (3D‐BNNS) network using ice‐templated approach and then infiltrating them with epoxy matrix. The obtained polymer composites exhibit a high thermal conductivity (2.85 W m−1 K−1), a low thermal expansion coefficient (24–32 ppm K−1), and an increased glass transition temperature (Tg) at relatively low BNNSs loading (9.29 vol%). These results demonstrate that this approach opens a new avenue for design and preparation of polymer composites with high thermal conductivity. The polymer composites are potentially useful in advanced electronic packaging techniques, namely, thermal interface materials, underfill materials, molding compounds, and organic substrates.
A novel strategy for inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging based on improved compressive sensing
Authors: Ren Xiaozhen , Qiao Lihong
Published: October 2015

In actual applications of inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR), continuous measurements may be impossible or the collection of data during some periods are not valid in a long coherent processing interval (CPI). Hence, it is significant to study the ISAR imaging strategy with a short CPI. Compressive sensing is a recently proposed technique that allows recovering an unknown sparse signal with overwhelming probability from very limited samples. However, the standard compressive sensing framework has been developed for real‐valued signals. One disadvantage of this method is that any prior phase information is not exploited, which may improve the reconstruction quality by applying some extra constraints. In this paper, a new strategy for ISAR imaging based on improved compressive sensing is proposed, which transforms the ISAR imaging problem into a joint optimization problem over the representation of the magnitude and phase of the complex‐valued scatter coefficient. Because of using phase information in the algorithm, the image quality is improved. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Social isolation increases male aggression toward females in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Kuriwada Takashi
Published: October 2015

Social isolation has often been reported to facilitate male aggressiveness in various animal species. If social isolation also escalates male aggressive behavior towards females, the mating success of the aggressive males will be low. This study evaluated the effect of social isolation on mating behavior in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, which has traditionally been considered to be an asocial species. The results showed that social isolation from same‐sex individuals enhanced male aggressiveness to females, and the mating success of aggressive males was reduced under the experimental conditions. More aggressive males exhibited a longer latency to court than less aggressive males. These results suggest that because male aggressiveness causes a delay in courtship, aggressive males may have reduced mating success. This demonstrated that social relationships are a critical factor affecting male mating success, even if the species is normally considered solitary.