bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Institutional Framework in the Relationship between Earnings Management and Corporate Social Performance
Authors: Kyaw Khine , Olugbode Mojisola , Petracci Barbara
Published: May 2017

This study examines the influence of the institutional framework of European countries: more specifically coordinated market economies and liberal market economies on the earnings management and corporate social performance nexus. Employing econometric models impervious to endogeneity, our results show that socially responsible firms (particularly those with high governance scores) in coordinated market economies engage in earnings management. These findings suggest that in countries in which institutional settings enable implicit undertakings of corporate social responsibility in firm policies, firm practices ostensibly related to corporate social performance may serve purposes other than meeting stakeholders' ethical expectations and those of society at large. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Enhancing the Acylation Activity of Acetic Acid by Formation of an Intermediate Aromatic Ester
Authors: Duong Nhung N. , Wang Bin , Sooknoi Tawan , Crossley Steven P. , Resasco Daniel E.
Published: May 2017

Acylation is an effective C−C bond‐forming reaction to condense acetic acid and lignin‐derived aromatic compounds into acetophenones, valuable precursors to fuels and chemicals. However, acetic acid is intrinsically an ineffective acylating agent. Here, we report that its acylation activity can be greatly enhanced by forming intermediate aromatic esters directly derived from acetic acid and phenolic compounds. Additionally, the acylation reaction was studied in the liquid phase over acid zeolites and was found to happen in two steps: 1) formation of an acylium ion and 2) C−C bond formation between the acylium ion and the aromatic substrate. Each of these steps may be rate‐limiting, depending on the type of acylating agent and the aromatic substrate. Oxygen‐containing substituents, such as −OH and −OCH3, can activate aromatic substrates for step 2, with −OH> −OCH3, whereas alkyl substituent −R cannot. At the same time, aromatic esters can rearrange to acetophenones by both an intramolecular pathway and, preferentially, an intermolecular one.
Coatable Li4SnS4 Solid Electrolytes Prepared from Aqueous Solutions for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Young Eun , Park Kern Ho , Kim Dong Hyeon , Oh Dae Yang , Kwak Hi Ram , Lee Young‐Gi , Jung Yoon Seok
Published: May 2017

Bulk‐type all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASLBs) for large‐scale energy‐storage applications have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their superior safety. However, the electrochemical performance of bulk‐type ASLBs is critically limited by the low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes (SEs) and poor ionic contact between the active materials and SEs. Herein, highly conductive (0.14 mS cm−1) and dry‐air‐stable SEs (Li4SnS4) are reported, which are prepared using a scalable aqueous‐solution process. An active material (LiCoO2) coated by solidified Li4SnS4 from aqueous solutions results in a significant improvement in the electrochemical performance of ASLBs. Side‐effects of the exposure of LiCoO2 to aqueous solutions are minimized by using predissolved Li4SnS4 solution.
Laboratory Accuracy Improvement in the UK NEQAS Leucocyte Immunophenotyping Immune Monitoring Program: An Eleven‐Year Review via Longitudinal Mixed Effects Modeling
Authors: Bainbridge John , Rountree Wes , Louzao Raul , Wong John , Whitby Liam , Denny Thomas N. , Barnett David
Published: May 2017

Background

The United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping Immune Monitoring Programme, provides external quality assessment (EQA) to non‐U.S. laboratories affiliated with the NIH NIAID Division of AIDS (DAIDS) clinical trials networks. Selected laboratories are required to have oversight, performance monitoring, and remediation undertaken by Immunology Quality Assessment (IQA) staff under the DAIDS contract. We examined whether laboratory accuracy improves with longer EQA participation and whether IQA remediation is effective.

Methods

Laboratory accuracy, defined by the measurement residuals from trial sample medians, was measured on four outcomes: both CD4+ absolute counts (cells/μL) and percentages; and CD8+ absolute counts (cells/μL) and percentages. Three laboratory categories were defined: IQA monitored (n = 116), United Kingdom/non‐DAIDS (n = 137), and non‐DAIDS/non‐UK (n = 1034). For absolute count outcomes, the groups were subdivided into single platform and dual platform users.

Results

Increasing EQA duration was found to be associated with increasing accuracy for all groups in all four lymphocyte subsets (P < 0.0001). In the percentage outcomes, the typical IQA group laboratory improved faster than laboratories from the other two groups (P < 0.005). No difference in the overall rate of improvement was found between groups for absolute count outcomes. However, in the DPT subgroup the IQA group ultimately showed greater homogeneity.

Conclusions

EQA participation coupled with effective laboratory monitoring and remedial action is strongly associated with improved laboratory accuracy, both incrementally and in the proportion of laboratories meeting suggested standards. Improvement in accuracy provides more reliable laboratory information facilitating more appropriate patient treatment decisions. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Fibroblast growth factor–mediated crosstalk in cancer etiology and treatment
Authors: Clayton N. S. , Wilson A. S. , Laurent E. P. , Grose R. P. , Carter E. P.
Published: May 2017

It is becoming increasingly evident that multiple cell types within the tumor work together to drive tumour progression and impact on both the response to therapy and the dissemination of tumour cells throughout the body. Fibroblast growth factor signalling (FGF) is perturbed in a number of tumors, serving to drive tumor cell proliferation and migration, but also has a central role in orchestrating the plethora of cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on how this family of signalling molecules can influence the interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding environment. Unraveling the complexities of FGF signalling between the distinct cell types of a tumor may identify additional opportunities for FGF‐targeted compounds in therapy and could help combat drug resistance. Developmental Dynamics 246:493–501, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The murine lens: A model to investigate in vivo epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Shirai Kumi , Tanaka Sai‐ichi , Lovicu Frank J. , Saika Shizuya
Published: May 2017

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) produces myofibroblasts that contribute to the formation of fibrotic tissue with an impairment of tissue homeostasis and functionality. The crystalline lens of the eye is a unique transparent and isolated tissue. The lens vesicle becomes isolated from the surface ectoderm, its cells are all contained as they line the inner surface of the lens capsule. Clinically the formation of fibrotic tissue by the lens epithelial cells causes a type of cataract or opacification and contraction of the lens capsule postcataract surgery. Production of EMT in the intact animal lens by using specific gene transfer to the lens or experimental lens injury has been shown to be a powerful tool to investigate EMT processes. It is not easy to uncover whether the origin of the myofibroblast is epithelial cell‐derived or from other cell lineages in fibrotic tissues. However, myofibroblasts that appear in the crystalline lens pathology are totally derived from the lens epithelial cells for the reasons mentioned above. Here, we report on different animal models of lens EMT, using either transgenic approaches or injury to study the biological aspects of EMT. Developmental Dynamics 247:340–345, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists
Time course of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in two phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials in adults with binge‐eating disorder
Authors: McElroy Susan L. , Hudson James I. , Gasior Maria , Herman Barry K. , Radewonuk Jana , Wilfley Denise , Busner Joan
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study examined the time course of efficacy‐related endpoints for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) versus placebo in adults with protocol‐defined moderate to severe binge‐eating disorder (BED).

Methods

In two 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies, adults meeting DSM‐IV‐TR BED criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive placebo or dose‐optimized LDX (50 or 70 mg). Analyses across visits used mixed‐effects models for repeated measures (binge eating days/week, binge eating episodes/week, Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating [Y‐BOCS‐BE] scores, percentage body weight change) and chi‐square tests (Clinical Global Impressions—Improvement [CGI‐I; from the perspective of BED symptoms] scale dichotomized as improved or not improved). These analyses were not part of the prespecified testing strategy, so reported p values are nominal (unadjusted and descriptive only).

Results

Least squares mean treatment differences for change from baseline in both studies favored LDX over placebo (all nominal p values <  .001) starting at Week 1 for binge eating days/week, binge‐eating episodes/week, and percentage weight change and at the first posttreatment assessment (Week 4) for Y‐BOCS‐BE total and domain scores. On the CGI‐I, more participants on LDX than placebo were categorized as improved starting at Week 1 in both studies (both nominal p values <  .001). Across these efficacy‐related endpoints, the superiority of LDX over placebo was maintained at each posttreatment assessment in both studies (all nominal p values <  .001).

Discussion

In adults with BED, LDX treatment appeared to be associated with improvement on efficacy measures as early as 1 week, which was maintained throughout the 12‐week studies.
Phylogeography of a widespread small carnivore, the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis) reveals temporally variable signatures of isolation across western North America
Authors: Ferguson Adam W. , McDonough Molly M. , Guerra Gema I. , Rheude Margaret , Dragoo Jerry W. , Ammerman Loren K. , Dowler Robert C.
Published: May 2017

We analyzed phylogeographic patterns in the western spotted skunk, Spilogale gracilis Merriam, 1890 (Carnivora: Mephitidae) in relation to historical events associated with Pre‐Pleistocene Divergence (PPD) and Quaternary climate change (QCC) using mitochondrial DNA from 97 individuals distributed across Western North America. Divergence times were generated using BEAST to estimate when isolation in putative refugia occurred. Patterns and timing of demographic expansion was performed using Bayesian skyline plot. Putative climatic refugia resulting from Quaternary climate change were identified using paleoecological niche modeling and divergence dates compared to major vicariant events associated with Pre‐Pleistocene conditions. We recovered three major mitochondrial clades corresponding to western North America (California, Baja, and across the Great Basin), east‐central North America (Texas, central Mexico, New Mexico), and southwestern Arizona/northwestern Mexico. Time to most recent common ancestor for S. gracilis occurred ~1.36 Ma. Divergence times for each major clade occurred between 0.25 and 0.12 Ma, with signature of population expansion occurring 0.15 and 0.10 Ma. Ecological niche models identified three potential climatic refugia during the Last Interglacial, (1) west coast of California and Oregon, (2) northwestern Mexico, and (3) southern Texas/northeastern Mexico as well as two refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum, (1) western USA and (2) southern Texas/northeastern Mexico. This study supports PPD in shaping species‐level diversity compared to QCC‐driven changes at the intraspecific level for Spilogale, similar to the patterns reported for other small mammals (e.g., rodents and bats). Phylogeographic patterns also appear to have been shaped by both habitat and river vicariance, especially across the desert southwest. Further, continuing climate change during the Holocene coupled with anthropogenic modifications during the Anthropocene appears to be removing both of these barriers to current dispersal of western spotted skunks.
Population structure in chicory (Cichorium intybus): A successful U.S. weed since the American revolutionary war
Authors: Závada Tomáš , Malik Rondy J. , Kesseli Rick V.
Published: May 2017

Plant invasions are recognized as major drivers of ecosystem change, yet the precise cause of these invasions remains unknown for many species. Frequency and modes of introductions during the first, transport and colonization, stages of the invasion process as well as phenotypic changes due to plasticity or changing genetic diversity and adaptation during later establishment and expansion stages can all influence the “success” of invasion. Here, we examine some of these factors in, and the origin of, a very successful weed, Cichorium intybus (chicory) which was introduced to North America in the 18th century and which now can be found in all 48 continental U.S. states and much of Canada. We genotyped a Eurasian collection of 11 chicory cultivars, nine native populations and a North American collection of 20 introduced wild populations which span the species range (592 individuals in total). To detect the geographic sources of North American chicory populations and to assess the genetic diversity among cultivars, native, and introduced populations, we used both a sequenced cpDNA region and 12 nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR), microsatellite loci. Four cpDNA haplotypes were identified and revealed clear geographic subdivisions in the chicory native range and an interspecific hybrid origin of Radicchio group. Nuclear data suggested that domesticated lines deliberately introduced to North America were major contributors to extant weedy populations, although unintended sources such as seed contaminants likely also played important roles. The high private allelic richness and novel genetic groups were detected in some introduced populations, suggesting the potential for local adaptation in natural sites such as deserts and nature reserves. Our findings suggest that the current populations of weedy U.S. chicory have evolved primarily from several sources of domesticated and weedy ancestors and subsequent admixture among escaped lineages.
Weather, hydroregime, and breeding effort influence juvenile recruitment of anurans: implications for climate change
Authors: Greenberg C. H. , Zarnoch S. J. , Austin J. D.
Published: May 2017

Amphibians that primarily breed in ephemeral wetlands are especially vulnerable to climate change because they rely on rainfall or temperature to initiate breeding and create suitable hydroregimes (water duration, timing, frequency, depth) for reproductive success. Hydroregime effects on reproductive success are likely to differ among species because of differences in reproductive strategies: the length and timing of breeding period, rate of larval development, and timing of metamorphosis. We applied an information‐theoretic approach to 22 consecutive years of continuous amphibian trapping data at eight ephemeral wetlands to test hypotheses regarding environmental (hydroregime, weather) and biological (adult breeding effort) factors affecting juvenile recruitment (JR) by six focal species representing four reproductive strategies. We hypothesized that (1)JRby species with similar reproductive strategies would be influenced by similar variables; (2)JRwould be higher for all species when models encompassed the maximum time span of potential tadpole occurrence and development; and (3)JRrates within individual wetlands and breeding cycles would correlate most closely between species with similar breeding strategies. The best model for all focal species (exceptScaphiopus holbrookii) encompassed the maximum time span and indicated that ≥1 hydroregime variable, total precipitation, or both were important drivers of reproductive success; average air temperature was not. Continuous hydroperiod through peak juvenile emigration was an important predictor ofJRfor species with prolonged breeding periods, slow larval development, and a “fixed” late spring start date for juvenile emigration (regardless of when oviposition occurred, or cohort age;Lithobates capito,Lithobates sphenocephalus), but not for species with rapid larval development and continual emigration as cohorts complete metamorphosis (Anaxyrus terrestris, Anaxyrus quercicus, Gastrophryne carolinensis, S. holbrookii). Total rainfall was positively associated with recruitment for most species; depth characteristics affected species differently. AnnualJRwas positively correlated among species with similar reproductive strategies. Our results indicate that weather and hydroregime characteristics interact with reproductive strategies that differ among amphibian species and influence reproductive plasticity, opportunity, and success. Effects of altered weather patterns associated with climate change on amphibian reproductive success may correspond more closely among species having similar reproductive strategies, with critical implications for population trends and assemblages.
Marine Socio‐Environmental Covariates: queryable global layers of environmental and anthropogenic variables for marine ecosystem studies
Authors: Yeager Lauren A. , Marchand Philippe , Gill David A. , Baum Julia K. , McPherson Jana M.
Published: May 2017

Biophysical conditions, including climate, environmental stress, and habitat availability, are key drivers of many ecological processes (e.g., community assembly and productivity) and associated ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration and fishery production). Furthermore, anthropogenic impacts such as coastal development and fishing can have drastic effects on the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Scientists need to account for environmental variation and human impacts to accurately model, manage, and conserve marine ecosystems. Although there are many types of environmental data available from global remote sensing and open‐source data products, some are inaccessible to potential end‐users because they exist as global layers in high temporal and spatial resolutions which require considerable computational power to process. Additionally, coastal locations often suffer from missing data or data quality issues which limit the utility of some global marine products for coastal sites. Herein we present the Marine Socio‐Environmental Covariates dataset for the global oceans, which consists of environmental and anthropogenic variables summarized in ecologically relevant ways. The dataset includes four sets of environmental variables related to biophysical conditions (net primary productivity models corrected for shallow‐water reflectance, wave energy including sheltered‐coastline corrections) and landscape context (coral reef and land cover within varying radii). We also present two sets of anthropogenic variables, human population density (within varying radii) and distance to large population center, which can serve as indicators of local human impacts. We have paired global, summarized layers available for download with an online data querying platform that allows users to extract data for specific point locations with finer control of summary statistics. In creating these global layers and online platform, we hope to make the data accessible to a wide array of end‐users with the goal of advancing marine ecosystem studies.
Opportunities for building resilience and lessons for navigating risks: Dams and the water energy food nexus
Authors: Matthews Nathanial , McCartney Matthew
Published: May 2017

After a hiatus through the 1990s and the early part of this century, rising energy demand, new private sector financing options and countries pursuing food security, modernization and economic growth have spurred a new era of large dam development. Currently an estimated 3700 dams are planned or under construction globally (Zarfl et al., [2015] 77, 161–170). Many of the challenges faced in the context of the water‐energy‐food nexus are brought into sharp focus by large dam construction. Dams can safeguard food production, provide an important source of income and relatively cheap electricity, and can have direct and indirect benefits for poor people. Too often, however, they have created significant and poorly mitigated environmental and social costs (WCD, [2000] London: Earthscan Publications Ltd). Adverse impacts on ecosystem services caused by dam construction can have profound implications for the health, resilience and livelihoods of the poor. This article explores the challenges facing decision makers with regards to building resilience and navigating risk within the water‐energy‐food nexus and dams. It draws from two progressive case studies, one in Africa and one in Asia, to highlight lessons learned from nexus approaches including the need for meaningful participation, transparency in decision making, and valuing ecosystem services. The case studies examined contain relevant lessons for global agreements including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement because unlike the Millennium Development Goals, they are expected to address interlinkages and tradeoffs across the nexus. The implications of the increasing trend of public private partnerships to finance, build, and operate hydropower dams is discussed. The article concludes by demonstrating that although mitigating impacts across the nexus and social‐ecological resilience presents challenges and requires overcoming complexity, the need to tackle these is greater than ever. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 56–61, 2018
Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments for Binge‐Eating Disorder: Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peat Christine M. , Berkman Nancy D. , Lohr Kathleen N. , Brownley Kimberly A. , Bann Carla M. , Cullen Katherine , Quattlebaum Mary J. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: May 2017

Psychological and pharmacological interventions for binge‐eating disorder have previously demonstrated efficacy (compared with placebo or waitlist control); thus, we aimed to expand that literature with a review of comparative effectiveness. We searched MEDLINE,® EMBASE,® Cochrane Library, Academic OneFile, CINAHL® for binge‐eating disorder treatment articles and selected studies using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were sufficient for network meta‐analysis comparing two pharmacological interventions; psychological interventions were analysed qualitatively. In all, 28 treatment comparisons were included in this review: one pharmacological comparison (second‐generation antidepressants versus lisdexamfetamine) and 26 psychological comparisons. Only three statistically significant differences emerged: lisdexamfetamine was better at increasing binge abstinence than second‐generation antidepressants; therapist‐led cognitive behavioural therapy was better at reducing binge‐eating frequency than behavioural weight loss, but behavioural weight loss was better at reducing weight. The majority of other treatment comparisons revealed few significant differences between groups. Thus, patients and clinicians can choose from several effective treatment options. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Physical‐layer intrusion detection system for smart jamming attacks
Authors: Yousaf Awais , Loan Asim , Babiceanu Radu F. , Yousaf Onaiza
Published: May 2017

In modern electronic warfare, physical‐layer security threats have evolved from traditional jammers to smart jammers. Smart jammers, due to their stealthy nature, make wireless communication systems vulnerable. They can easily deceive a detection system. In this paper, a physical‐layer intrusion detection system (PLIDS) for direct‐sequence spread‐spectrum systems is developed against smart jammers, which is efficient due to its high detection rates, usability, and accuracy. Smart jamming noise is modeled as wide‐sense stationary, additive, and colored. This random process is decomposed into a series expansion of independent and uncorrelated random variables. The decomposition helps in designing a signal processing algorithm for PLIDS. The algorithm is easily implemented via correlators. PLIDS is evaluated using a simulated electronic warfare environment, and its performance is measured in terms of detection capability, precision, and accuracy. It performs error‐free detection by adjusting its tuning parameter. Moreover, different performance tradeoffs are observed for different values of the tuning parameter. Finally, comparisons of PLIDS are done with competitive intrusion detection systems.
The two-fold cost of sex: Experimental evidence from a natural system
Authors: Gibson Amanda K. , Delph Lynda F. , Lively Curtis M.
Published: May 2017

Over four decades ago, John Maynard Smith showed that a mutation causing asexual reproduction should rapidly spread in a dioecious sexual population. His reasoning was that the per-capita birth rate of an asexual population would exceed that of a sexual population, because asexual females do not invest in sons. Hence, there is a cost of sexual reproduction that Maynard Smith called the “cost of males.” Assuming all else is otherwise equal among sexual and asexual females, the cost is expected to be two-fold in outcrossing populations with separate sexes and equal sex ratios. Maynard Smith's model led to one of the most interesting questions in evolutionary biology: why is there sex? There are, however, no direct estimates of the proposed cost of sex. Here, we measured the increase in frequency of asexual snails in natural, mixed population of sexual and asexual snails in large outdoor mesocosms. We then extended Maynard Smith's model to predict the change in frequency of asexuals for any cost of sex and for any initial frequency of asexuals. Consistent with the “all-else equal” assumption, we found that the increase in frequency of asexual snails closely matched that predicted under a two-fold cost.
Integrating viability and fecundity selection to illuminate the adaptive nature of genetic clines
Authors: Wadgymar Susana M. , Daws S. Caroline , Anderson Jill T.
Published: May 2017

Genetically based trait variation across environmental gradients can reflect adaptation to local environments. However, natural populations that appear well-adapted often exhibit directional, not stabilizing, selection on ecologically relevant traits. Temporal variation in the direction of selection could lead to stabilizing selection across multiple episodes of selection, which might be overlooked in short-term studies that evaluate relationships of traits and fitness under only one set of conditions. Furthermore, nonrandom mortality prior to trait expression can bias inferences about trait evolution if viability selection opposes fecundity selection. Here, we leveraged fitness and trait data to test whether phenotypic clines are genetically based and adaptive, whether temporal variation in climate imposes stabilizing selection, and whether viability selection acts on adult phenotypes. We monitored transplants of the subalpine perennial forb, Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae), in common gardens at two elevations over 2–3 years that differed in drought intensity. We quantified viability, and fecundity fitness components for four heritable traits: specific leaf area, integrated water-use efficiency, height at first flower, and flowering phenology. Our results indicate that genetic clines are maintained by selection, but their expression is context dependent, as they do not emerge in all environments. Moreover, selection varied spatially and temporally. Stabilizing selection was most pronounced when we integrated data across years. Finally, viability selection prior to trait expression targeted adult phenotypes (age and size at flowering). Indeed, viability selection for delayed flowering opposed fecundity selection for accelerated flowering; this result demonstrates that neglecting to account for viability selection could lead to inaccurate conclusions that populations are maladapted. Our results suggest that reconciling clinal trait variation with selection requires data collected across multiple spatial scales, time frames, and life-history stages.
Surface‐sampled simulations of turbulent flow at high Reynolds number
Authors: Sandham Neil D. , Johnstone Roderick , Jacobs Christian T.
Published: May 2017

A new approach to turbulence simulation, based on a combination of large eddy simulation (LES) for the whole flow and an array of non–space‐filling quasi‐direct numerical simulations (QDNS), which sample the response of near‐wall turbulence to large‐scale forcing, is proposed and evaluated. The technique overcomes some of the cost limitations of turbulence simulation, since the main flow is treated with a coarse‐grid LES, with the equivalent of wall functions supplied by the near‐wall sampled QDNS. Two cases are tested, at friction Reynolds number Reτ=4200 and 20000. The total grid point count for the first case is less than half a million and less than 2 million for the second case, with the calculations only requiring a desktop computer. A good agreement with published direct numerical simulation (DNS) is found at Reτ=4200, both in the mean velocity profile and the streamwise velocity fluctuation statistics, which correctly show a substantial increase in near‐wall turbulence levels due to a modulation of near‐wall streaks by large‐scale structures. The trend continues at Reτ=20000, in agreement with experiment, which represents one of the major achievements of the new approach. A number of detailed aspects of the model, including numerical resolution, LES‐QDNS coupling strategy and subgrid model are explored. A low level of grid sensitivity is demonstrated for both the QDNS and LES aspects. Since the method does not assume a law of the wall, it can in principle be applied to flows that are out of equilibrium.
Total versus superficial parotidectomy for stage III melanoma
Authors: Wertz Aileen P. , Durham Alison B. , Malloy Kelly M. , Johnson Timothy M. , Bradford Carol R. , McLean Scott A.
Published: May 2017

Background

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the parotid recurrence rates after superficial and total parotidectomy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with cutaneous melanoma metastatic to the parotid gland who underwent parotidectomy from 1998 through 2014. Primary outcome was parotid bed recurrence. Secondary outcomes were facial nerve function postoperatively and at last follow‐up.

Results

One hundred twenty‐nine patients were included in the study. Thirty‐four patients (26%) underwent a total parotidectomy and 95 patients underwent superficial parotidectomy. Twelve patients (13%) developed parotid bed recurrence after superficial parotidectomy alone versus zero after total parotidectomy (P = .035). Facial nerve function, clinically detected disease, stage, and adjuvant treatment were not statistically different between the groups (P = .32, .32, .13, and 0.99, respectively).

Conclusion

Parotid bed melanoma recurrence was more common after superficial parotidectomy compared to total parotidectomy, and recurrence resulted in significant facial nerve functional deficit. Our results support total parotidectomy when metastatic melanoma involves the parotid nodal basin.
Pentamidine blocks hepatotoxic injury in mice
Authors: Zhao Enpeng , Ilyas Ghulam , Cingolani Francesca , Choi Jae Ho , Ravenelle François , Tanaka Kathryn E. , Czaja Mark J.
Published: May 2017

Toxin‐induced liver diseases lack effective therapies despite increased understanding of the role factors such as an overactive innate immune response play in the pathogenesis of this form of hepatic injury. Pentamidine is an effective antimicrobial agent against several human pathogens, but studies have also suggested that this drug inhibits inflammation. This potential anti‐inflammatory mechanism of action, together with the development of a new oral form of pentamidine isethionate VLX103, led to investigations of the effectiveness of this drug in the prevention and treatment of hepatotoxic liver injury. Pretreatment with a single injection of VLX103 in the d‐galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of acute, fulminant liver injury dramatically decreased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, histological injury, the number of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end‐labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells and mortality compared with vehicle‐injected controls. VLX103 decreased GalN/LPS induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) but had no effect on other proinflammatory cytokines. VLX103 prevented the proinflammatory activation of cultured hepatic macrophages and partially blocked liver injury from GalN/TNF. In GalN/LPS‐treated mice, VLX103 decreased activation of both the mitochondrial death pathway and downstream effector caspases 3 and 7, which resulted from reduced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation and initiator caspase 8 cleavage. Delaying VLX103 treatment for up to 3 hours after GalN/LPS administration was still remarkably effective in blocking liver injury in this model. Oral administration of VLX103 also decreased hepatotoxic injury in a second more chronic model of alcohol‐induced liver injury, as demonstrated by decreased serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels and numbers of TUNEL‐positive cells. Conclusion: VLX103 effectively decreases toxin‐induced liver injury in mice and may be an effective therapy for this and other forms of human liver disease. (Hepatology 2017;66:922–935).
Patient monitoring through liquid biopsies using circulating tumor DNA
Authors: Ulz Peter , Heitzer Ellen , Geigl Jochen B. , Speicher Michael R.
Published: May 2017

Tumors release components such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles into the circulation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that molecular information about tumors and metastases can be extracted from these factors, which are therefore frequently referred to as “liquid biopsies.” Liquid biopsies allow the longitudinal monitoring of tumor genomes non‐invasively and may hence ensure that patients receive appropriate treatments that target the molecular features of their disease. Accordingly, the number of studies employing liquid biopsy based assays has been skyrocketing in the last few years. Here, we focus on three important issues, which are of high relevance for monitoring tumor genomes. First, we analyze the relation between the allele frequency of somatic tumor‐specific mutations and the tumor fraction within plasma DNA. Second, we ask how well current tumor evolution models correlate with findings in longitudinal liquid biopsy studies. And, finally, as sensitivity is one of the key challenges of mutation detection, we address the challenge of detecting mutations occurring at very low allele frequencies in plasma DNA.
Loss of H2B monoubiquitination is associated with poor‐differentiation and enhanced malignancy of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Keqiang , Wang Jinhui , Tong Tommy R. , Wu Xiwei , Nelson Rebecca , Yuan Yate‐Ching , Reno Theresa , Liu Zheng , Yun Xinwei , Kim Jae Y. , Salgia Ravi , Raz Dan J.
Published: May 2017

Deregulated monoubiquitination of histone H2B (H2Bub1), mainly catalyzed by E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase RNF20/RNF40 complex, may play an important role in cancer. Here we investigate potential roles of H2Bub1 and the underlying mechanisms through which it contributes to cancer development and progression in lung adenocarcinoma. We show that downregulation of H2Bub1 through RNF20 knockdown dramatically decreases H3K79 and H3K4 trimethylation in both normal and malignant lung epithelial cell lines. Concurrently, global transcriptional profiling analysis reveals that multiple tumor‐associated genes such as CCND3, E2F1/2, HOXA1, Bcl2 modifying factor (BMF), Met, and Myc; and signaling pathways of cellular dedifferentiation, proliferation, adhesion, survival including p53, cadherin, Myc, and anti‐apoptotic pathways are differentially expressed or significantly altered in these lung epithelial cells upon downregulation of H2Bub1. Moreover, RNF20 knockdown dramatically suppresses terminal squamous differentiation of cultured bronchial epithelial cells, and significantly enhances proliferation, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis shows that H2Bub1 is extremely low or undetectable in >70% of 170 lung adenocarcinoma samples. Notably, statistical analysis demonstrates that loss of H2Bub1 is significantly correlated with poor differentiation in lung adenocarcinoma (p = 0.0134). In addition, patients with H2Bub1‐negative cancers had a trend towards shorter survival compared with patients with H2Bub1‐positive cancers. Taken together, our findings suggest that loss of H2Bub1 may enhance malignancy and promote disease progression in lung adenocarcinoma probably through modulating multiple cancer signaling pathways.
Polytetrafluoroethylene topographies determine the adhesion, activation, and foreign body giant cell formation of macrophages
Authors: Lamichhane Sujan , Anderson Jordan A. , Vierhout Thomas , Remund Tyler , Sun Hongli , Kelly Patrick
Published: May 2017

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the commonly used materials in making various cardiovascular implants. However, the success rates of these implants in several occasions are hindered by unwanted immune responses from immune cells, such as macrophages. In this study, we investigated the response of macrophages with different structures (flat, expanded, and electrospun) of PTFE having varied surface topographies: smooth planar surface (flat PTFE), node‐fibrils (ePTFE), and randomly oriented microfibers (electrospun PTFE). The electrospun PTFE showed the least adhesion of macrophages. Also, the morphology of macrophages adhered on electrospun PTFE exhibited minimal activation. The macrophage pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretions showed that the lowest level of TNF‐α was produced on electrospun PTFE whereas IP‐10 was produced in lowest levels on expanded PTFE (ePTFE). The production of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 cytokines was also dependent on the structure of PTFE that the macrophages interacted with, but in a time‐dependent manner. Confocal microscopy images taken at 7, 14, and 21 days showed that the electrospun PTFE resulted in the lowest percentage of macrophage fusion, thus indicating the least possible chance of foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation. Therefore, this study showed that electrospun PTFE with randomly oriented microfibers can provide reduced adhesion, activation, and FBGC formation of macrophages compared to the smooth and planar surface of flat PTFE and node‐fibril structured surface of ePTFE. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2441–2450, 2017.
Effect of HAp and β‐TCP incorporation on the tribological response of Ti6Al4V biocomposites for implant parts
Authors: Dantas T. A. , Costa M. M. , Miranda G. , Silva F. S. , Abreu C. S. , Gomes J. R.
Published: May 2017

Titanium and its alloys have been widely used in many engineering areas due to their properties. Despite having a high implant‐tissue osseointegration time, Ti6Al4V has been extensively used in prosthesis and articular implants. To promote a faster bone ingrowth and consequently reduce the implant fixation time, the addition of a bioactive phase to form a biocomposite seems to be an excellent solution. Because of their bioactivity and similarity in composition with the human bone, HAp and β‐TCP are two of the most widely used calcium phosphates in biomedical applications. To guarantee a strong adhesion of the previous bioactive materials in the implants surface, samples of Ti6Al4V, Ti6Al4V+HAp (10 vol %) and Ti6Al4V+β‐TCP (10 vol %) TCP were processed by the hot pressing technique. Tribological tests against Al2O3, lubricated in PBS at 37°C were carried out on a ball‐on‐flat reciprocating sliding geometry. Loads in the range of 3 N to 30 N were applied and their effect on the friction behavior and wear resistance of the tested materials was evaluated. Values of the coefficient of friction as well as the wear rate tend to increase with the addition of a bioactive phase to the Ti alloy. Micrographs of the worn surfaces showed that abrasion and plastic deformation are the prevailing wear mechanisms in the studied tribosystems. For biocomposites, particularly in the case of Ti6Al4V+HAp, pull‐out of bioactive particle clusters has a determinant role on the tribological response, increasing both the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1010–1016, 2018.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of ARID1A in Endometrium‐Related Gynecological Cancers: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Guangquan , Xu Pengfei , Fu Ziyi , Hua Xiangdong , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Wenqu , Zhang Mi , Wu Jiacong , Wen Juan , Xu Juan , Jia Xuemei
Published: May 2017

The tumor suppressor gene, AT Rich Interactive Domain 1A (ARID1A) mutation has been reported in a variety of cancers, especially the endometrium‐related gynecological cancers, including the ovarian clear cell carcinoma, ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, and uterine endometrioid carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of ARID1A in endometrium‐related gynecological cancers is still inconclusive. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate the clinical significance of ARID1A in endometrium‐related gynecological cancers. By systematically searching all the relevant studies from Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to September 2016, 11 studies with 1,432 patients were included. All the study characteristics and the prognostic data were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the fixed‐effect or random‐effect model. Our results indicated that negative ARID1A expression predicted shorter Progression free survival (PFS, HR, 1.84; 95%CI, 1.32–2.57, P = 0.000) of patients with endometrium related gynecological cancers, especially the patiently with OCCC and the patients in Japan. Besides, a marginal trend towards the same direction was found in the Overall analysis (OS, HR, 1.34; 95%CI, 0.93–1.93, P = 0.112). Furthermore, the significant correlation was achieved between the negative ARID1A expression and the FIGO stage of endometrium‐related gynecological cancers, but not the other characteristics. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4517–4525, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CRISPR Editing in Biological and Biomedical Investigation
Authors: Zhang Han , McCarty Nami
Published: May 2017

The revolutionary technology for genome editing known as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has sparked advancements in biological and biomedical research. The scientific breakthrough of the development of CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has allowed us to recapitulate human diseases by generating animal models of interest ranging from zebrafish to non‐human primates. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system can also be used to delineate the mechanisms underlying the development of human disorders and to precisely correct disease‐causing mutations. Repurposing this technology enables wider applications in transcriptome and epigenome manipulation and holds promise to reach the clinic. In this review, we highlight the latest advances of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system in different platforms and discuss the hurdles and challenges this technology is facing. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4152–4162, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of rAAV2‐mediated SOX2 delivery into neonatal and adult human RPE cells; a comparative study
Authors: Ezati Razie , Etemadzadeh Azadeh , Soheili Zahra‐Soheila , Samiei Shahram , Ranaei Pirmardan Ehsan , Davari Malihe , Najafabadi Hoda Shams
Published: May 2017

Cell replacement is a promising therapy for degenerative diseases like age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Since the human retina lacks regeneration capacity, much attention has been directed toward persuading for cells that can differentiate into retinal neurons. In this report, we have investigated reprogramming of the human RPE cells and concerned the effect of donor age on the cellular fate as a critical determinant in reprogramming competence. We evaluated the effect of SOX2 over‐expression in human neonatal and adult RPE cells in cultures. The coding region of human SOX2 gene was cloned into adeno‐associated virus (AAV2) and primary culture of human neonatal/adult RPE cells were infected by recombinant virus. De‐differentiation of RPE to neural/retinal progenitor cells was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR and ICC for neural/retinal progenitor cells’ markers. Gene expression analysis showed 80‐fold and 12‐fold over‐expression for SOX2 gene in infected neonatal and adult hRPE cells, respectively. The fold of increase for Nestin in neonatal and adult hRPE cells was 3.8‐fold and 2.5‐fold, respectively. PAX6 expression was increased threefold and 2.5‐fold in neonatal/adult treated cultures. Howbeit, we could not detect rhodopsin, and CHX10 expression in neonatal hRPE cultures and expression of rhodopsin in adult hRPE cells. Results showed SOX2 induced human neonatal/adult RPE cells to de‐differentiate toward retinal progenitor cells. However, the increased number of PAX6, CHX10, Thy1, and rhodopsin positive cells in adult hRPE treated cultures clearly indicated the considerable generation of neuro‐retinal terminally differentiated cells.
Transabdominal sonography to measure the total vaginal and mucosal thicknesses
Authors: Balica Adrian , Schertz Katherine , Wald‐Spielman Daniella , Egan Susan , Bachmann Gloria
Published: May 2017

Transabdominal and transvaginal sonography are used to measure bladder wall and detrusor thickness. Only transvaginal sonography has been used to measure the vaginal wall thickness. We describe the use of transabdominal sonography to measure the total vaginal wall thickness and total vaginal mucosal thickness at the bladder trigone. The mean bladder wall thickness and SD from published data were within the 95% confidence interval of our data. Total vaginal and mucosal thicknesses are reliable measurements, which require specific evaluation in a postmenopausal population. They could be used to quantify vaginal atrophy and could correlate to symptoms of atrophy and response to treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:461–464, 2017