bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the On-Line Extraction of Polar Compounds by IT-SPME with Silica Nanoparticles Modified Phases
Authors: Serra-Mora Pascual , Rodríguez-Palma Carlos , Verdú-Andrés Jorge , Herráez-Hernández Rosa , Campíns-Falcó Pilar
Published: February 2018

In the present work the extraction efficiency of in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) for polar herbicides has been evaluated using extractive capillaries coated with different polymeric sorbents. For this purpose, aqueous solutions of herbicides with a wide range of polarities, including some highly polar compounds (log Kow < 1), have been directly processed by IT-SPME coupled on-line to capillary liquid chromatography with UV-diode array detection. For extraction, commercially available capillary columns coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyetilenglicol (PEG)-based phases have been used, and the results have been compared with those obtained with a synthesized tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)-trimethoxyethylsilane (MTEOS) polymer, as well as the same polymer reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). The SiO2 NPs functionalized TEOS-MTEOS coating provided the best results for most herbicides, especially for the most polar compounds. On the basis of the results obtained, conditions for the quantification of the herbicides tested are described using a SiO2 NPs reinforced TEOS-MTEOS coated capillary. The proposed method provided satisfactory linearity up to concentrations of 200 μg/L. The precision was also suitable, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) values ≤9% (n = 3), and the limits of detection (LODs) were within the 0.5–7.5 µg/L range. The method has been applied to different water samples and the extract obtained from an agricultural soil.
Topical and Ingested Cooling Methodologies for Endurance Exercise Performance in the Heat
Authors: Best Russ , Payton Stephen , Spears Iain , Riera Florence , Berger Nicolas
Published: February 2018

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess studies which have investigated cooling methodologies, their timing and effects, on endurance exercise performance in trained athletes (Category 3; VO2max ≥ 55 mL·kg·min−1) in hot environmental conditions (≥28 °C). Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the effects of timings and methods of application, with a narrative review of the evidence also provided. A computer-assisted database search was performed for articles investigating the effects of cooling on endurance performance and accompanying physiological and perceptual responses. A total of 4129 results were screened by title, abstract, and full text, resulting in 10 articles being included for subsequent analyses. A total of 101 participants and 310 observations from 10 studies measuring the effects of differing cooling strategies on endurance exercise performance and accompanying physiological and perceptual responses were included. With respect to time trial performance, cooling was shown to result in small beneficial effects when applied before and throughout the exercise bout (Effect Size: −0.44; −0.69 to −0.18), especially when ingested (−0.39; −0.60 to −0.18). Current evidence suggests that whilst other strategies ameliorate physiological or perceptual responses throughout endurance exercise in hot conditions, ingesting cooling aids before and during exercise provides a small benefit, which is of practical significance to athletes’ time trial performance.
A Nonparametric Statistical Approach to Content Analysis of Items
Authors: Marcondes Diego , Marcondes Nilton
Published: February 2018

In order to use psychometric instruments to assess a multidimensional construct, we may decompose it into dimensions and, in order to assess each dimension, develop a set of items, so one may assess the construct as a whole, by assessing its dimensions. In this scenario, content analysis of items aims to verify if the developed items are assessing the dimension they are supposed to by requesting the judgement of specialists in the studied construct about the dimension that the developed items assess. This paper aims to develop a nonparametric statistical approach based on the Cochran’s Q test to analyse the content of items in order to present a practical method to assess the consistency of the content analysis process; this is achieved by the development of a statistical test that seeks to determine if all the specialists have the same capability to judge the items. A simulation study is conducted to check the consistency of the test and it is applied to a real validation process.
Sustainable Construction Industry in Cambodia: Awareness, Drivers and Barriers
Authors: Durdyev Serdar , Zavadskas Edmundas , Thurnell Derek , Banaitis Audrius , Ihtiyar Ali
Published: February 2018

Although sustainability is of utmost importance, anecdotal evidence suggests that the concept is not adequately implemented in many developing countries. This paper investigates industry stakeholders’ awareness of the current state of, factors driving, and barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable construction (SC) in Cambodia. Using an empirical questionnaire survey targeting local construction professionals, respondents were invited to rate their level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of SC, as well as to rate the level of importance of 31 drivers and 10 barriers identified from the seminal literature. The data set was subjected to the relative importance index method. The results suggest that the industry-wide adoption of SC practices is poor, which is believed to be due to a lack of awareness and knowledge, and reluctance to adopt new sustainable technologies. Furthermore, more efforts must be put into the selection of more durable materials for the extension of buildings’ lives and to minimize material consumption, as well as to develop energy-efficient buildings with minimal environmental impact and a healthy indoor environment, so that the ability of future generations to meet their own needs will not be compromised. The outcomes of this study have enriched knowledge about the current state of, drivers of, and barriers to sustainable construction in a typical developing economy. Although the outcomes of this study were a short scoping exercise, it has formed a significant base for future SC work within Cambodia.
Rural Renewal of China in the Context of Rural-Urban Integration: Governance Fit and Performance Differences
Authors: Wang Rongyu , Tan Rong
Published: February 2018

In recent years, rural-urban integrated development has become a vital national strategy in China. In this context, many regions have implemented rural renewal projects to enhance the vitality and development of rural areas. The objective of this study is to reveal the reasons why different rural renewal modes have emerged in contemporary China and assess their ability to facilitate rural-urban integration. An analytical framework, the Institution of Sustainability (IoS) and a comparative analysis of two cases are used for the rural renewal evaluation. Our findings indicate that the properties of transactions and the characteristics of the actors involved jointly determine the governance structures of rural renewal. Furthermore, different governance structures contribute to performance differences, particularly differences in the physical outcomes, distribution effects and process efficiency. Finally, we suggest relevant policy recommendations.
Decreased Landscape Ecological Security of Peri-Urban Cultivated Land Following Rapid Urbanization: An Impediment to Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Yu Dan , Wang Dongyan , Li Wenbo , Liu Shuhan , Zhu Yuanli , Wu Wenjun , Zhou Yongheng
Published: February 2018

The sustainable management of peri-urban agriculture requires cultivated land to not only be a source of food production, but also contribute ecological resources. This paper presents a method for assessing the landscape ecological security (LES) of peri-urban cultivated land that considers both cultivated landscape and interactions with the surrounding landscape. The situation in Changchun City was assessed at three time nodes. Furthermore, its spatiotemporal variations in several landscape characteristics were also measured. The results suggest that the peri-urban cultivated landscape was affected to varying extents by urbanization. The metrics of PD (patch density), ED (edge density), AWMSI (area-weighted mean shape index), FRAC (fractal dimension) and DIVISION (landscape division index) progressively increased during urbanization for cultivated land within 20 km of the urban gravity center. Elevated fragmentation and vulnerability of the cultivated landscape was also detected. The traditional method for quantifying LES of cultivated land neglects interactions with other landscape types. When the impacts of the ecological and construction landscapes were included, the results better reflected the dynamics of cultivated landscape in a peri-urban area. Decreased LES of cultivated land poses an impediment to the sustainable peri-urban agriculture, and better management practices should be applied for maintaining the LES of peri-urban cultivated land resources.
Validation of a Method for Cylindrospermopsin Determination in Vegetables: Application to Real Samples Such as Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Prieto Ana , Guzmán-Guillén Remedios , Díez-Quijada Leticia , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vitor , Jos Ángeles , Cameán Ana
Published: February 2018

Reports on the occurrence of the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) have increased worldwide because of CYN toxic effects in humans and animals. If contaminated waters are used for plant irrigation, these could represent a possible CYN exposure route for humans. For the first time, a method employing solid phase extraction and quantification by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) of CYN was optimized in vegetables matrices such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The validated method showed a linear range, from 5 to 500 ng CYN g−1 of fresh weight (f.w.), and detection and quantitation limits (LOD and LOQ) of 0.22 and 0.42 ng CYN g−1 f.w., respectively. The mean recoveries ranged between 85 and 104%, and the intermediate precision from 12.7 to 14.7%. The method showed to be robust for the three different variables tested. Moreover, it was successfully applied to quantify CYN in edible lettuce leaves exposed to CYN-contaminated water (10 µg L−1), showing that the tolerable daily intake (TDI) in the case of CYN could be exceeded in elderly high consumers. The validated method showed good results in terms of sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and robustness for CYN determination in leaf vegetables such as lettuce. More studies are needed in order to prevent the risks associated with the consumption of CYN-contaminated vegetables.
Selective Closed-State Nav1.7 Blocker JZTX-34 Exhibits Analgesic Effects against Pain
Authors: Zeng Xiongzhi , Li Pengpeng , Chen Bo , Huang Juan , Lai Ren , Liu Jingze , Rong Mingqiang
Published: February 2018

Jingzhaotoxin-34 (JZTX-34) is a selective inhibitor of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels. In this study, we found that JZTX-34 selectively acted on Nav1.7 with little effect on other sodium channel subtypes including Nav1.5. If the DIIS3-S4 linker of Nav1.5 is substituted by the correspond linker of Nav1.7, the sensitivity of Nav1.5 to JZTX-34 extremely increases to 1.05 µM. Meanwhile, a mutant D816R in the DIIS3-S4 linker of Nav1.7 decreases binding affinity of Nav1.7 to JZTX-34 about 32-fold. The reverse mutant R800D at the corresponding position in Nav1.5 greatly increased its binding affinity to JZTX-34. This implies that JZTX-34 binds to DIIS3-S4 linker of Nav1.7 and the critical residue of Nav1.7 is D816. Unlike β-scorpion toxin trapping sodium channel in an open state, activity of JZTX-34 requires the sodium channel to be in a resting state. JZTX-34 exhibits an obvious analgesic effect in a rodent pain model. Especially, it shows a longer duration and is more effective than morphine in hot pain models. In a formalin-induced pain model, JZTX-34 at dose of 2 mg/kg is equipotent with morphine (5 mg/kg) in the first phase and several-fold more effective than morphine in second phase. Taken together, our data indicate that JZTX-34 releases pain by selectively binding to the domain II voltage sensor of Nav1.7 in a closed configuration.
Control of Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg and Fumonisins by Using a Combination of Crop Protection Products and Fertilization
Authors: Madege Richard , Audenaert Kris , Kimanya Martin , Tiisekwa Bendantukuka , De Meulenaer Bruno , Bekaert Boris , Landschoot Sofie , Haesaert Geert
Published: February 2018

Fusarium verticillioides is the most common fungal pathogen associated with maize ear rot in Tanzania. In a two-year trial, we investigated the efficacy of crop protection (insecticide and/or fungicide) and fertilizer (nitrogen and/or phosphorus) treatments in reducing the occurrence of F. verticillioides and its mycotoxins in maize grown in Tanzania. Seasonal differences were seen to have a substantial influence on the incidence and severity of insect infestation, Fusarium ear and kernel rot, biomass of F. verticillioides and contamination with fumonisins. With regard to the application of fertilizers, it was concluded that the impact on maize stalk borer injury, Fusarium symptoms and fumonisin levels was not significant, whereas crop protection significantly reduced maize damage. The application of an insecticide was most effective in reducing insect injury and as a result of the reduced insect injury the insecticide treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in Fusarium symptoms. In 2014, fumonisin levels were also significantly lower in maize treated with an insecticide. Additionally, significant positive correlations between insect damage and Fusarium symptoms were observed. In conclusion, this study clearly shows that application of an insecticide alone or in combination with a fungicide at anthesis significantly reduces insect damage and consequently reduces F. verticillioides infection and associated fumonisin contamination.
Virus–Bacteria Interactions: Implications and Potential for the Applied and Agricultural Sciences
Authors: Moore Matthew , Jaykus Lee-Ann
Published: February 2018

Eukaryotic virus–bacteria interactions have recently become an emerging topic of study due to multiple significant examples related to human pathogens of clinical interest. However, such omnipresent and likely important interactions for viruses and bacteria relevant to the applied and agricultural sciences have not been reviewed or compiled. The fundamental basis of this review is that these interactions have importance and deserve more investigation, as numerous potential consequences and applications arising from their discovery are relevant to the applied sciences. The purpose of this review is to highlight and summarize eukaryotic virus–bacteria findings in the food/water, horticultural, and animal sciences. In many cases in the agricultural sciences, mechanistic understandings of the effects of virus–bacteria interactions remain unstudied, and many studies solely focus on co-infections of bacterial and viral pathogens. Given recent findings relative to human viral pathogens, further research related to virus–bacteria interactions would likely result in numerous discoveries and beneficial applications.
Responses of Water Level in China’s Largest Freshwater Lake to the Meteorological Drought Index (SPEI) in the Past Five Decades
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Peng Wenqi , Liu Xiaobo , Wu Wenqiang , Chen Xuekai , Zhang Shijie
Published: February 2018

Poyang Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in China, is an important regional water resource and iconic ecosystem that has experienced a period of continuous low water level in recent years. In this paper, the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was applied to analyze the temporal variability and spatial distribution characteristics of meteorological drought over the Poyang Lake Basin during 1961–2015. In addition, correlation analysis was used to investigate the response relationship between lake level and meteorological drought in the basin. The main results showed that: (1) The decline of water level in Poyang Lake since 2000 has been dramatic, especially in autumn, when the downward speed reached 11.26 cm/day. (2) The meteorological drought in the Poyang Lake Basin has obvious seasonal characteristics, and drying tendencies in spring and autumn were relatively obvious. Following the 1960s, this basin entered a new drought period in the 2000s. (3) The results of correlation analysis showed that three- and six-month timescales were the optimum times for the lake level to respond to the SPEI in the Poyang Lake Basin. Seasonally, the correlation was best in winter and worst in autumn. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of correlations was: Hukou < Xingzi < Duchang < Wucheng < Tangyin < Kangshan. Overall, the results of this study quantified the response of lake level to meteorological drought in the context of climate change, and they provide a reliable scientific basis for water resource management in similar basins.
The Total Risk Analysis of Large Dams under Flood Hazards
Authors: Chen Yu , Lin Pengzhi
Published: February 2018

Dams and reservoirs are useful systems in water conservancy projects; however, they also pose a high-risk potential for large downstream areas. Flood, as the driving force of dam overtopping, is the main cause of dam failure. Dam floods and their risks are of interest to researchers and managers. In hydraulic engineering, there is a growing tendency to evaluate dam flood risk based on statistical and probabilistic methods that are unsuitable for the situations with rare historical data or low flood probability, so a more reasonable dam flood risk analysis method with fewer application restrictions is needed. Therefore, different from previous studies, this study develops a flood risk analysis method for large dams based on the concept of total risk factor (TRF) used initially in dam seismic risk analysis. The proposed method is not affected by the adequacy of historical data or the low probability of flood and is capable of analyzing the dam structure influence, the flood vulnerability of the dam site, and downstream risk as well as estimating the TRF of each dam and assigning corresponding risk classes to each dam. Application to large dams in the Dadu River Basin, Southwestern China, demonstrates that the proposed method provides quick risk estimation and comparison, which can help local management officials perform more detailed dam safety evaluations for useful risk management information.
Groundwater Overexploitation and Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Areas of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Alfarrah Nawal , Walraevens Kristine
Published: February 2018

The exploitation of groundwater resources is of high importance and has become very crucial in the last decades, especially in coastal areas of arid and semi-arid regions. The coastal aquifers in these regions are particularly at risk due to intrusion of salty marine water. One example is the case of Tripoli city at the Mediterranean coast of Jifarah Plain, North West Libya. Libya has experienced progressive seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers since the 1930s because of its ever increasing water demand from underground water resources. Tripoli city is a typical area where the contamination of the aquifer in the form of saltwater intrusion is very developed. Sixty-four groundwater samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for certain parameters that indicate salinization and pollution of the aquifer. The results demonstrate high values of the parameters Electrical Conductivity, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl− and SO42−, which can be attributed to seawater intrusion, where Cl− is the major pollutant of the aquifer. The water types according to the Stuyfzand groundwater classification are mostly CaCl, NaCl and Ca/MgMix. These water types indicate that groundwater chemistry is changed by cation exchange reactions during the mixing process between freshwater and seawater. The intensive extraction of groundwater from the aquifer reduces freshwater outflow to the sea, creates drawdown cones and lowering of the water table to as much as 25 m below mean sea level. Irrigation with nitrogen fertilizers and domestic sewage and movement of contaminants in areas of high hydraulic gradients within the drawdown cones probably are responsible for the high NO3− concentration in the region.
Decision Support System for the Design and Planning of Low-Impact Development Practices: The Case of Seoul
Authors: Song Jae-Yeol , Chung Eun-Sung , Kim Soo
Published: February 2018

This study presented the conceptual framework of the water-management analysis module (WMAM) to derive effective physical specifications for the design and planning of low-impact development (LID) practices using the storm-water management model (SWMM). This decision-support system can be used for six LID types and has the following key capabilities: determining relevant LID design parameters within the SWMM that critically influence the hydrological cycle components using a simple sensitivity analysis and determining the best hydrological values for LID planning specification. This study analyzed a highly urbanized university campus as a case study to determine the design and planning specifications for an infiltration trench and permeable pavement. In addition, the performance of different LID practices during high-intensity rainfall events was compared. The results indicate that the WMAM can be very useful in determining many LID design and planning parameters.
Improving the Multi-Objective Performance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems Using Real-Time Control Technology
Authors: Xu Wei , Fletcher Tim , Duncan Hugh , Bergmann David , Breman Jeddah , Burns Matthew
Published: February 2018

Many studies have identified the potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems to simultaneously augment potable water supply and reduce delivery of uncontrolled stormwater flows to downstream drainage networks. Potentially, such systems could also play a role in the controlled delivery of water to urban streams in ways which mimic baseflows. The performance of RWH systems to achieve these three objectives could be enhanced using Real-Time Control (RTC) technology to receive rainfall forecasts and initiate pre-storm release in real time, although few studies have explored such potential. We used continuous simulation to model the ability of a range of allotment-scale RWH systems to simultaneously deliver: (i) water supply; (ii) stormwater retention; and (iii) baseflow restoration. We compared the performance of RWH systems with RTC technology to conventional RWH systems and also systems designed with a passive baseflow release, rather than the active (RTC) configuration. We found that RWH systems employing RTC technology were generally superior in simultaneously achieving water supply, stormwater retention and baseflow restoration benefits compared with the other types of system tested. The active operation provided by RTC allows the system to perform optimally across a wider range of climatic conditions, but needs to be carefully designed. We conclude that the active release mechanism employing RTC technology exhibits great promise; its ability to provide centralised control and failure detection also opens the possibility of delivering a more reliable rainwater harvesting system, which can be readily adapted to varying climate over both the short and long term.
Les Salyens : faciès culturels et populations
Authors: Verdin Florence
Published: February 2018

The Salyens : cultural faciès and populations.

The nature of the territory and the ethnic origins of the Salyens have always produced a large number of hypotheses ; many of the ancient accounts remain ambiguous. However, the comparison of these accounts with new archaeological evidence allows us to propose new interpretations. In progressively studying architectural techniques, funerary rites and the material culture, we can distinguish two cultural spheres within the Aix basin. If at one level this bi-partition reflects the existence of two economically different zones, it also reflects a complicated cultural division ; divided between the Ligurians in the east and the celticised populations in the west. According to Strabon, it seems that the Salyens, of Ligurian origin, expanded their territory as far as the Rhône in Provence during the later Iron Age.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] MicroRNA-18a Targets IRF2 and CBX7 to Promote Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yongyu Zhang , Lewei Yang , Jian Liu , Yuqin Sun
Published: February 2018

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN NOVEMBER 2020.
Phosphoglycerate Mutase 1 (PGAM1) Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Metastasis by Acting as a Novel Downstream Target of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Liu Xinlu , Tan Xiaodong , Liu Peng , Wu Yunhao , Qian Songying , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: February 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive tumors known, with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 6% due to early local invasion and distant metastasis. Exploring suitable therapeutic targets associated with invasion and metastasis is required for improving the prognosis of PDAC. In this study, we investigated the role of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) in PDAC. PGAM1 expression was examined in tissue samples of 54 PDAC patients using immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between clinicopathological expression and PGAM1 expression was determined. A survival curve was generated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. After silencing PGAM1 by siRNA in pancreatic cancer cell lines Aspc-1 and Panc-1, the changes in proliferation, migration, and invasion, and signal pathways were determined. In this study, the expression of PGAM1 was found positively related to poor differentiation, metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and poor survival rate. Silencing PGAM1 decreased the proliferation of Aspc-1 and Panc-1 cells with an S phase arrest, but without influencing cell apoptosis. Migration and invasion also decreased significantly, independent of proliferation. PGAM1 was also found to promote EMT of PDAC cell lines by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PGAM1 itself was modulated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as a novel downstream target and has a positive mutual regulation with HIF-1α. This study indicates that PGAM1 is closely associated with clinical metastasis and poor prognosis of PDAC. PGAM1 is considered as a potential therapeutic target in PDAC metastasis.
B7-Homolog 4 Promotes Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion of Bladder Cancer Cells via Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB
Authors: Wu Haoran , Wang Xugang , Mo Naixin , Zhang Liang , Yuan Xiaoliang , Lü Zhong
Published: February 2018

B7-homolog 4 (B7-H4), a member of the B7 family of costimulatory molecules, has been reported to be upregulated in urothelial cell carcinoma. This study was conducted to explore the biological role of B7-H4 in the aggressiveness of bladder cancer and the associated molecular mechanism.
We found that the mRNA and protein levels of B7-H4 were significantly greater in bladder cancer cell lines than in SV-HUC-1 (normal human urothelial cells). Overexpression of B7-H4 significantly promoted bladder cancer cell migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of B7-H4 exerted an opposite
effect. However, the growth of bladder cancer cells was not altered by B7-H4 overexpression or knockdown. Overexpression of B7-H4 promoted epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin expression. The EMT inducers Twist1 and Snail
were upregulated by B7-H4 overexpression and downregulated by B7-H4 silencing. Mechanistically, overexpression of B7-H4 induced the activation of NF-κB signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB partially prevented B7-H4-mediated bladder cancer cell invasion. Taken together,
B7-H4/NF-κB signaling is involved in the EMT and invasion of bladder cancer cells and represents a new candidate target for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Could be a Predictor of Mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Wang Lai-Liang , Luo Qun , Zhu Bei-Xia , Zhou Fang-Fang
Published: February 2018

Background and objective

Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been associated with higher mortality in the general population, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and hemodialysis patients. However, in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, this association has received little attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between baseline brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) levels and total mortality in PD patients.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 254 incident PD patients with baseline baPWV were followed up from 1 January 2013 to 31 July 2016. Collected baseline data included demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory measurements. The association of baseline baPWV levels with total mortality was assessed using multivariable-adjusted Cox models.

Results

Of 254 patients, mean age was 61.4 (±15.3) years, 61.4% of patients were men, and 22.4% of patients were diabetic. The mean baseline baPWV level was 17.6 (±5.84) m/s. During a mean 31.5 (±20.8) month follow-up period, 45 patients died, of which 13 deaths were caused by cardiovascular disease. After adjusting for sex, age, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin, as well as serum albumin, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), uric acid, and medication use, the highest baPWV tertile was significantly associated with a hazard ratio (HR) for total mortality of 2.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 – 7.16; p = 0.02). Each 1 m/s higher baseline baPWV level was associated with a 7% (95% CI, 1.03 – 1.12; p = 0.001) higher risk of total mortality. In sensitivity analyses, individuals with baPWV > 21.0 m/s had the highest adjusted risk for total death (HR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.71 – 6.08; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher baseline baPWV levels at the commencement of PD were independently associated with total mortality, which suggests that clinicians could use baPWV as a predictor of higher risk of mortality in PD patients.
A Retrospective Analysis of Etiology and Outcomes of Refractory Capd Peritonitis in a Tertiary Care Center from North India
Authors: Thammishetti Venkatesh , Kaul Anupama , Bhadauria D.S. , Balasubramanian Karthikeyan , Prasad Narayan , Gupta Amit , Sharma R.K.
Published: February 2018

Background

Refractory peritonitis is defined as failure of clearance of peritoneal fluid despite 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Catheter removal decreases morbidity and mortality. Data on the outcomes of refractory peritonitis and of reinitiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in this group of patients are sparse. The present study analyzed etiology, outcomes, and prognostic factors of refractory peritonitis as well as survival of the reinitiation of the technique.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study that included 90 patients of refractory continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) peritonitis at a tertiary care center in North India. We collected information regarding symptomatology, causes, prognostic factors, and outcomes of refractory peritonitis.

Results

Ninety patients suffered 93 episodes of refractory peritonitis. Fungal peritonitis was the most common cause of refractory peritonitis. Twenty nine (31%) episodes were culture- negative. We observed no difference between culture-positive and culture-negative peritonitis. Out of 90 patients, 54 (60%) recovered while 36 (40%) died. Septic shock at presentation alone was significantly associated with mortality in our study. The immediate mortality of refractory peritonitis is high. Even in patients who were shifted to permanent hemodialysis, 33% died in the first 3 months. Mean duration of technique survival after reinitiation was 23 months (1 – 85 months). Among the 12 patients who were reinitiated on CAPD, 5 patients had technique failure due to refractory peritonitis or ultrafiltration (UF) failure.

Conclusion

Refractory peritonitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite catheter removal. Reinitiation is confounded by residual infection, which is a concern for poor technique survival, and high immediate mortality.
Influence of Price and Quality to Customer Satisfaction: Neuromarketing Approach
Authors: Dapkevičius Aurimas , Melnikas Borisas
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this article is to analyze literature and find out empirical evidence on product price and quality influence on customer satisfaction through neuromarketing approach. Customers’ satisfaction on their purchase is a significant factor that leads business to success. In recent times, customer satisfaction has gained new attention within the context of the paradigm shift from transactional marketing to relationship marketing. Even it is agreed in the literature that price and quality has high effect on customer satisfaction; still there is little empirical evidence exploring this relation. Almost nothing is known about the human neural mechanisms through which it affects the decisions made by individuals. So, in this article there are reviewed two neuromarketing study cases as neuromarketing provides qualitatively different information, ostensibly better quality comparing to that obtained by traditional methods. The whole article reveals that price and quality is an important factor for customer satisfaction which leads to marketing managers’ decisions complexity nowadays as markets are becoming more and more complex and overloaded.
Compositional Imprints in Density–Distance–Time: A Rocky Composition for Close-in Low-mass Exoplanets from the Location of the Valley of Evaporation
Authors: Jin Sheng , Mordasini Christoph
Published: February 2018

We use an end-to-end model of planet formation, thermodynamic evolution, and atmospheric escape to investigate how the statistical imprints of evaporation depend on the bulk composition of planetary cores (rocky versus icy). We find that the population-wide imprints like the location of the “evaporation valley” in the distance–radius plane and the corresponding bimodal radius distribution clearly differ depending on the bulk composition of the cores. Comparison with the observed position of the valley suggests that close-in low-mass Kepler planets have a predominantly Earth-like rocky composition. Combined with the excess of period ratios outside of MMR, this suggests that low-mass Kepler planets formed inside of the water iceline but were still undergoing orbital migration. The core radius becomes visible for planets losing all primordial H/He. For planets in this “triangle of evaporation” in the distance–radius plane, the degeneracy in composition is reduced. In the observed planetary mass–mean density diagram, we identify a trend to more volatile-rich compositions with an increasing radius (R/R
⊕ ≲ 1.6 rocky; 1.6–3.0 ices, and/or H/He; ≳3: H/He). The mass–density diagram contains important information about formation and evolution. Its characteristic broken V-shape reveals the transitions from solid planets to low-mass core-dominated planets with H/He and finally to gas-dominated giants. Evaporation causes the density and orbital distance to be anticorrelated for low-mass planets in contrast to giants, where closer-in planets are less dense, likely due to inflation. The temporal evolution of the statistical properties reported here will be of interest for the PLATO 2.0 mission, which will observe the temporal dimension.
The Core Mass Function in the Massive Protocluster G286.21+0.17 Revealed by ALMA
Authors: Cheng Yu , Tan Jonathan C. , Liu Mengyao , Kong Shuo , Lim Wanggi , Andersen Morten , Rio Nicola Da
Published: February 2018

We study the core mass function (CMF) of the massive protocluster G286.21+0.17 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array via 1.3 mm continuum emission at a resolution of 1.″0 (2500 au). We have mapped a field of 5.′3 × 5.′3 centered on the protocluster clump. We measure the CMF in the central region, exploring various core detection algorithms, which give source numbers ranging from 60 to 125, depending on parameter selection. We estimate completeness corrections due to imperfect flux recovery and core identification via artificial core insertion experiments. For masses M ≳ 1 M
⊙, the fiducial dendrogram-identified CMF can be fit with a power law of the form dN/dlog M ∝ M
−α
with α ≃ 1.24 ± 0.17, slightly shallower than, but still consistent with, the index of the Salpeter stellar initial mass function of 1.35. Clumpfind-identified CMFs are significantly shallower with α ≃ 0.64 ± 0.13. While raw CMFs show a peak near 1 M
⊙, completeness-corrected CMFs are consistent with a single power law extending down to ∼0.5 M
⊙, with only a tentative indication of a shallowing of the slope around ∼1 M
⊙. We discuss the implications of these results for star and star cluster formation theories.
The BOSS Emission-line Lens Survey. V. Morphology and Substructure of Lensed Lyα Emitters at Redshift Z ≈ 2.5 in the BELLS GALLERY
Authors: Cornachione Matthew A. , Bolton Adam S. , Shu Yiping , Zheng Zheng , Montero-Dorta Antonio D. , Brownstein Joel R. , Oguri Masamune , Kochanek Christopher S. , Mao Shude , Pèrez-Fournon Ismael , Marques-Chaves Rui , Mènard Brice
Published: February 2018

We present a morphological study of the 17 lensed Lyα emitter (LAE) galaxies of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Emission-Line Lens Survey (BELLS) for the GALaxy-Lyα EmitteR sYstems (BELLS GALLERY) sample. This analysis combines the magnification effect of strong galaxy–galaxy lensing with the high resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope to achieve a physical resolution of ∼80 pc for this 2 < z < 3 LAE sample, allowing a detailed characterization of the LAE rest-frame ultraviolet continuum surface brightness profiles and substructure. We use lens-model reconstructions of the LAEs to identify and model individual clumps, which we subsequently use to constrain the parameters of a generative statistical model of the LAE population. Since the BELLS GALLERY sample is selected primarily on the basis of Lyα emission, the LAEs that we study here are likely to be directly comparable to those selected in wide-field, narrowband LAE surveys, in contrast with the lensed LAEs identified in cluster-lensing fields. We find an LAE clumpiness fraction of approximately 88%, which is significantly higher than that found in previous (non-lensing) studies. We find a well-resolved characteristic clump half-light radii of ∼350 pc, a scale comparable to the largest H ii regions seen in the local universe. This statistical characterization of LAE surface-brightness profiles will be incorporated into future lensing analyses using the BELLS GALLERY sample to constrain the incidence of dark-matter substructure in the foreground lensing galaxies.
Spectroscopic Diagnostics of the Non-Maxwellian κ-distributions Using SDO/EVE Observations of the 2012 March 7 X-class Flare
Authors: Dzifčáková Elena , Zemanová Alena , Dudík Jaroslav , Mackovjak Šimon
Published: February 2018

Spectroscopic observations made by the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) during the 2012 March 7 X5.4-class flare (SOL2012-03-07T00:07) are analyzed for signatures of the non-Maxwellian κ-distributions. Observed spectra were averaged over 1 minute to increase photon statistics in weaker lines and the pre-flare spectrum was subtracted. Synthetic line intensities for the κ-distributions are calculated using the KAPPA database. We find strong departures (κ ≲ 2) during the early and impulsive phases of the flare, with subsequent thermalization of the flare plasma during the gradual phase. If the temperatures are diagnosed from a single line ratio, the results are strongly dependent on the value of κ. For κ = 2, we find temperatures about a factor of two higher than the commonly used Maxwellian ones. The non-Maxwellian effects could also cause the temperatures diagnosed from line ratios and from the ratio of GOES X-ray channels to be different. Multithermal analysis reveals the plasma to be strongly multithermal at all times with flat DEMs. For lower κ, the

are shifted toward higher temperatures. The only parameter that is nearly independent of κ is electron density, where we find log

≈ 11.5 almost independently of time. We conclude that the non-Maxwellian effects are important and should be taken into account when analyzing solar flare observations, including spectroscopic and imaging ones.
Dark Matter Limits from Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies with the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory
Authors: Albert A. , Alfaro R. , Alvarez C. , Álvarez J. D. , Arceo R. , Arteaga-Velázquez J. C. , Rojas D. Avila , Solares H. A. Ayala , Bautista-Elivar N. , Becerril A. , Belmont-Moreno E. , BenZvi S. Y. , Bernal A. , Braun J. , Brisbois C. , Caballero-Mora K. S. , Capistrán T. , Carramiñana A. , Casanova S. , Castillo M. , Cotti U. , Cotzomi J. , León S. Coutiño de , León C. De , Fuente E. De la , Hernandez R. Diaz , Dingus B. L. , DuVernois M. A. , Díaz-Vélez J. C. , Ellsworth R. W. , Engel K. , Fiorino D. W. , Fraija N. , García-González J. A. , Garfias F. , González M. M. , Goodman J. A. , Hampel-Arias Z. , Harding J. P. , Hernandez S. , Hernandez-Almada A. , Hona B. , Hüntemeyer P. , Iriarte A. , Jardin-Blicq A. , Joshi V. , Kaufmann S. , Kieda D. , Lauer R. J. , Lennarz D. , Vargas H. León , Linnemann J. T. , Longinotti A. L. , Proper M. Longo , Raya G. Luis , Luna-García R. , López-Coto R. , Malone K. , Marinelli S. S. , Martinez-Castellanos I. , Martínez-Castro J. , Martínez-Huerta H. , Matthews J. A. , Miranda-Romagnoli P. , Moreno E. , Mostafá M. , Nellen L. , Newbold M. , Nisa M. U. , Noriega-Papaqui R. , Pelayo R. , Pretz J. , Pérez-Pérez E. G. , Ren Z. , Rho C. D. , Rivière C. , Rosa-González D. , Rosenberg M. , Ruiz-Velasco E. , Greus F. Salesa , Sandoval A. , Schneider M. , Schoorlemmer H. , Sinnis G. , Smith A. J. , Springer R. W. , Surajbali P. , Taboada I. , Tibolla O. , Tollefson K. , Torres I. , Vianello G. , Weisgarber T. , Westerhoff S. , Wood J. , Yapici T. , Younk P. W. , Zhou H.
Published: February 2018

The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) gamma-ray observatory is a wide field of view observatory sensitive to 500 GeV–100 TeV gamma-rays and cosmic rays. It can also perform diverse indirect searches for dark matter annihilation and decay. Among the most promising targets for the indirect detection of dark matter are dwarf spheroidal galaxies. These objects are expected to have few astrophysical sources of gamma-rays but high dark matter content, making them ideal candidates for an indirect dark matter detection with gamma-rays. Here we present individual limits on the annihilation cross section and decay lifetime for 15 dwarf spheroidal galaxies within the field of view, as well as their combined limit. These are the first limits on the annihilation cross section and decay lifetime using data collected with HAWC. We also present the HAWC flux upper limits of the 15 dwarf spheroidal galaxies in half-decade energy bins.
Polarization of K-shell Dielectronic Recombination Satellite Lines of Fe xix–xxv and Its Application for Diagnostics of Anisotropies of Hot Plasmas
Authors: Shah Chintan , Amaro Pedro , Steinbrügge René , Bernitt Sven , López-Urrutia José R. Crespo , Tashenov Stanislav
Published: February 2018

We present a systematic measurement of the X-ray emission asymmetries in the K-shell dielectronic, trielectronic, and quadruelectronic recombination of free electrons into highly charged ions. Iron ions in He-like through O-like charge states were produced in an electron beam ion trap, and the electron–ion collision energy was scanned over the recombination resonances. Two identical X-ray detectors mounted head-on and side-on with respect to the electron beam propagation recorded X-rays emitted in the decay of resonantly populated states. The degrees of linear polarization of X-rays inferred from observed emission asymmetries benchmark distorted-wave predictions of the Flexible Atomic Code for several dielectronic recombination satellite lines. The present method also demonstrates its applicability for diagnostics of energy and direction of electron beams inside hot anisotropic plasmas. Both experimental and theoretical data can be used for modeling of hot astrophysical and fusion plasmas.
Fast, Collimated Outflow in the Western Nucleus of Arp 220
Authors: Barcos-Muñoz Loreto , Aalto Susanne , Thompson Todd A. , Sakamoto Kazushi , Martín Sergio , Leroy Adam K. , Privon George C. , Evans Aaron S. , Kepley Amanda
Published: February 2018

We present the first spatially and spectrally resolved image of the molecular outflow in the western nucleus of Arp 220. The outflow, seen in HCN (1–0) by the Atacama Large millimeter/sub-millimeter Array, is compact and collimated, with an extension ≲120 pc. Bipolar morphology emerges along the minor axis of the disk, with redshifted and blueshifted components reaching a maximum inclination-corrected velocity of

km s−1. The outflow is also seen in CO and continuum emission, the latter implying that it carries significant dust. We estimate a total mass in the outflow of

, a dynamical time of ∼105 yr, and mass outflow rates of

yr−1 and

yr−1 for the northern and southern lobes, respectively. Possible driving mechanisms include supernovae energy and momentum transfer, radiation pressure feedback, and a central AGN. The latter could explain the collimated morphology of the HCN outflow; however, we need more complex theoretical models, including contributions from supernovae and AGN, to pinpoint the driving mechanism of this outflow.
Why Compositional Convection Cannot Explain Substellar Objects’ Sharp Spectral-type Transitions
Authors: Leconte Jérémy
Published: February 2018

As brown dwarfs and young giant planets cool down, they are known to experience various chemical transitions—for example, fromrich L-dwarfs to methane rich T-dwarfs. Those chemical transitions are accompanied by spectral transitions with sharpness that cannot be explained by chemistry alone. In a series of articles, Tremblin et al. proposed that some of the yet-unexplained features associated with these transitions could be explained by a reduction of the thermal gradient near the photosphere. To explain, in turn, this more isothermal profile, they invoke the presence of an instability analogous to fingering convection—compositional convection—triggered by the change in mean molecular weight of the gas due to the chemical transitions mentioned above. In this Letter, we use existing arguments to demonstrate that any turbulent transport, if present, would in factincreasethe thermal gradient. This misinterpretation comes from the fact that turbulence mixes/homogenizes entropy (potential temperature) instead of temperature. So, while increasing transport, turbulence in an initially stratified atmosphere actually carries energy downward, whether it is due to fingering or any other type of compositional convection. These processes therefore cannot explain the features observed along the aforementioned transitions by reducing the thermal gradient in the atmosphere of substellar objects. Understanding the microphysical and dynamical properties of clouds at these transitions thus probably remains our best way forward.