bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of erosion and settling properties of fine sediments stored in cobble bed rivers: the Arc and Isère alpine rivers before and after reservoir flushing
Authors: Legout C. , Droppo I.G. , Coutaz J. , Bel C. , Jodeau M.
Published: December 2017

Cohesive sediment dynamics in mountainous rivers is poorly understood even though these rivers are the main providers of fine particles to the oceans. Complex interactions exist between the coarse matrix of cobble bed rivers and fine sediments. Given that fine sediment load in such environments can be very high due to intense natural rainfall or snowmelt events and to man‐induced reservoir or dam flushing, a better understanding of the deposition and sedimentation processes is needed in order to reduce ecohydrological downstream impacts. We tested a field‐based approach on the Arc and Isère alpine rivers combining measurements of erosion and settling properties of river bed deposits before and after a dam flushing, with the U‐GEMS (Gust Erosion Microcosm System) and SCAF (System Characterizing Aggregates and Flocs), respectively. These measurements highlight that critical shears, rates of erosion, settling velocities and propensity of particles to flocculate are highly variable in time and space. This is reflective of the heterogeneity of the hydrodynamic conditions during particle settling, local bed roughness, and nature and size of particles. Generally the deposits were found to be stable relative to what is measured in lowland rivers. It was, however, not possible to make a conclusive assessment of the extent to which the dynamics of deposits after reservoir flushing were different from those settled after natural events. The absence of any relationships between erosion and deposition variables, making it impossible to predict one from another, underlined the need to measure all of them to have a full assessment of the fine sediment dynamics and to obtain representative input variables for numerical models. While the SCAF was found to be effective, an alternative to the U‐GEMS device will have to be found for the erodibility assessment in cobble bed rivers, in order to make more rapid measurements at higher shears. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aeolian sediment transport on a recovering storm‐eroded foredune with sand fences
Authors: Jackson Nancy L. , Nordstrom Karl F.
Published: December 2017

Studies of sediment transport on developed coasts provide perspective on how human adjustments alter natural processes. Deployment of sand‐trapping fences is a common adjustment that changes the characteristics of the dune ramp and its role in linking sediment transfers from the backshore to the foredune. Fence effects were evaluated in the field using anemometer arrays and vertical sediment traps placed across a beach and dune at Seaside Park, New Jersey, USA during onshore and longshore winds. The foredune is 18 m wide and 4.5 m above the backshore. The mean speed of onshore winds at 0.5 m elevation decreased by 17% from the berm crest to the upper ramp and 36% in the lee of a fence there. Sediment transport during mean wind speeds up to 8.0 m s−1at 0.5 m elevation was < 0.06 kg m−1 h−1on the berm crest and backshore where fetch distances were < 45 m and surface sediment was relatively coarse (0.74–0.85 mm) but increased to 5.63 kg m−1 h−1on the upper ramp aided by the longer fetch distances (up to 82 m) and finer grain size of the source sediment there (0.52 mm). Sediment transport along the berm crest and backshore during longshore winds, where fetch distances were > 200 m, was up to 58.69 kg m−1 h−1, about three orders of magnitude greater than during the onshore winds. Fences can displace the toe of the ramp farther seaward than would occur under natural conditions. They can create a gentler slope and change the shape of the ramp to a more convex form. A fence on the ramp can cut off a portion of sediment supply to the upper slope. Decisions about fence placement thus should consider these morphologic changes in addition to the effects on dune volume. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An electro‐elastic phase‐field model for nematic liquid crystal elastomers based on Landau‐de‐Gennes theory
Authors: Keip Marc‐André , Nadgir Omkar
Published: December 2017

The present contribution proposes a continuum‐mechanical phase‐field approach to model the electro‐elastic behavior of nematic liquid crystal elastomers. The nemato‐electro‐elastic model is embedded into the fundamental Landau‐de‐Gennes theory for isotropic–nematic phase transition and employs a tensorial order parameter as the phase field. Nematic deformations are incorporated through a constitutive ansatz in terms of the order parameter. The phase‐field formulation is implemented into the finite element method, so that the microstructure evolution of nematic elastomers under different boundary conditions can be studied. We show that the model is capable to capture characteristic features of nematic elastomers including mechanically and electrically induced microstructure evolution as well as the occurrence of stripe domains.
Stimulating neural plasticity with real‐time fMRI neurofeedback in Huntington's disease: A proof of concept study
Authors: Papoutsi Marina , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Langbehn Douglas , Reilmann Ralf , Rees Geraint , Tabrizi Sarah J
Published: December 2017

Novel methods that stimulate neuroplasticity are increasingly being studied to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. We sought to determine whether real‐time fMRI neurofeedback training is feasible in Huntington's disease (HD), and assess any factors that contribute to its effectiveness. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we used this technique to train 10 patients with HD to volitionally regulate the activity of their supplementary motor area (SMA). We collected detailed behavioral and neuroimaging data before and after training to examine changes of brain function and structure, and cognitive and motor performance. We found that patients overall learned to increase activity of the target region during training with variable effects on cognitive and motor behavior. Improved cognitive and motor performance after training predicted increases in pre‐SMA grey matter volume, fMRI activity in the left putamen, and increased SMA–left putamen functional connectivity. Although we did not directly target the putamen and corticostriatal connectivity during neurofeedback training, our results suggest that training the SMA can lead to regulation of associated networks with beneficial effects in behavior. We conclude that neurofeedback training can induce plasticity in patients with Huntington's disease despite the presence of neurodegeneration, and the effects of training a single region may engage other regions and circuits implicated in disease pathology.
Comparative analysis of 2 robotic thyroidectomy procedures: Transoral versus bilateral axillo‐breast approach
Authors: Chai Young Jun , Kim Hoon Yub , Kim Hong Kyu , Jun Sang Ho , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Anuwong Angkoon , Richmon Jeremy D. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: December 2017

Background

The surgical outcomes of a single surgeon's initial cases of transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) were compared with the surgeon's initial cases of a bilateral axillo‐breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy.

Methods

The medical reports were retrospectively reviewed. The BABA robotic thyroidectomies were performed between 2008 and 2009, and TORTs were performed between 2012 and 2016.

Results

Each group comprised 50 patients. Operative time for total thyroidectomy was shorter, the pain scores were lower, and hospital stays were shorter in the TORT group than in the BABA robotic thyroidectomy group. There were no significant differences between groups in either vocal cord palsy or hypoparathyroidism rates. There were 9 cases of mental nerve injury in the first 12 cases of TORT, but none subsequently.

Conclusion

The TORT procedure could be performed safely and showed comparable outcomes with BABA robotic thyroidectomy in selected patients. Therefore, TORT may be an alternative approach for patients who prefer a scar‐free thyroidectomy.
Impaired functional vitamin B6 status is associated with increased risk of lung cancer
Authors: Theofylaktopoulou Despoina , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per M. , Meyer Klaus , Fanidi Anouar , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Prentice Ross , Pettinger Mary , Thomson Cynthia A. , Giles Graham G , Hodge Allison , Cai Qiuyin , Blot William J. , Wu Jie , Johansson Mikael , Hultdin Johan , Grankvist Kjell , Stevens Victoria L. , McCullough Marjorie M. , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius , Ziegler Regina , Freedman Neal D. , Langhammer Arnulf , Hveem Kristian , Næss Marit , Sesso Howard D. , Gaziano J. Michael , Buring Julie E. , Lee I‐Min , Severi Gianluca , Zhang Xuehong , Stampfer Meir J. , Han Jiali , Smith‐Warner Stephanie A. , Zeleniuch‐Jacquotte Anne , Le Marchand Loic , Yuan Jian‐Min , Wang Renwei , Butler Lesley M. , Koh Woon‐Puay , Gao Yu‐Tang , Rothman Nathaniel , Ericson Ulrika , Sonestedt Emily , Visvanathan Kala , Jones Miranda R. , Relton Caroline , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias , Ulvik Arve
Published: December 2017

Circulating vitamin B6 levels have been found to be inversely associated with lung cancer. Most studies have focused on the B6 form pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP), a direct biomarker influenced by inflammation and other factors. Using a functional B6 marker allows further investigation of the potential role of vitamin B6 status in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. We prospectively evaluated the association of the functional marker of vitamin B6 status, the 3‐hydroxykynurenine:xanthurenic acid (HK:XA) ratio, with risk of lung cancer in a nested case–control study consisting of 5,364 matched case–control pairs from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3). We used conditional logistic regression to evaluate the association between HK:XA and lung cancer, and random effect models to combine results from different cohorts and regions. High levels of HK:XA, indicating impaired functional B6 status, were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, the odds ratio comparing the fourth and the first quartiles (OR4th vs. 1st) was 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.41). Stratified analyses indicated that this association was primarily driven by cases diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Notably, the risk associated with HK:XA was approximately 50% higher in groups with a high relative frequency of squamous cell carcinoma, i.e., men, former and current smokers. This risk of squamous cell carcinoma was present in both men and women regardless of smoking status.
Evaluation of osteoblast differentiation and function when cultured on mesoporous bioactive glass adsorbed with testosterone
Authors: Gao Kai , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Qianqian , Chen Wei , Wang Gan , Zhang Dongyi , Liu Long
Published: December 2017

Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), a kind of porous materials with great osteoconductive and osteoinductive ability, shows promising application in bone tissue engineering due to its high specific surface area, orderly channel structure, and large pore volume. Here we reported that the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were promoted in MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on MBG which adsorbed with testosterone (MBG/T). We found that transcriptional activity of Runx2 which is a critical transcription factor is increased in MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on MBG/T. Intriguingly, we observed that ERK phosphorylation was enhanced in MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on MBG/T. We showed that activated Runx2 in MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on MBG/T is through Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Consistent with this result, we also found that the expression of osteoblastic marker genes were increased. Therefore, we concluded that osteoblast differentiation and mineralization was enhanced after cells cultured on MBG/T through Erk1/2‐activated Runx2 pathway. Our findings provided that MBG/T is a potential material in the process of bone repair.
Acute oral dose of sodium nitrite causes redox imbalance and DNA damage in rat kidney
Authors: Ansari Fariheen Aisha , Ali Shaikh Nisar , Khan Aijaz Ahmed , Mahmood Riaz
Published: December 2017

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is widely used as a food additive and preservative in fish and meat products. We have evaluated the effect of a single acute oral dose of NaNO2 on oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant capacity, and DNA in rat kidney. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and given single oral dose of NaNO2 at 20, 40, 60, and 75 mg/kg body weight; untreated rats served as the control group. All animals in NaNO2‐treated groups showed marked alterations in various parameters of oxidative stress as compared to the control group. This included increase in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, hydrogen peroxide levels, and decrease in reduced glutathione content and antioxidant capacity. Administration of NaNO2 also increased DNA damage as evident from release of free nucleotides and confirmed by comet assay. It also led to greater cross‐linking of DNA to proteins. Histological analysis showed marked morphological changes in the kidney of NaNO2‐treated animals. These alterations could be due to increased free radical generation or direct chemical modification by reaction intermediates. Our results suggest that nitrite‐induced nephrotoxicity is mediated through redox imbalance and results in DNA damage.
Ganoderma microsporum immunomodulatory protein induces apoptosis and potentiates mitomycin C‐induced apoptosis in urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma cells
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Yuan , Chien Chih‐Cheng , Hseu Ruey‐Shyang , Huang Victoria Ying Jen , Chiang Shang Ying , Huang Chi‐Jung , Chen Shao‐Kuan , Tsai Ru‐Yin , Lin Hsi‐Ting , Cheng Yu‐Che
Published: December 2017

Current chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments followed by transurethral resection for urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) usually suffer from poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Design and modification of current formulation with the novel adjuvants are needed. A recombinant protein derived from Ganoderma microsporum named as Ganoderma microsporum immunomodulatory protein (GMIP) was used to treat UC cells. We found GMIP elicits a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent anti‐UC cell proliferation effect, with a half‐maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) comparable to mitomycin C (MMC), a commonly used chemotherapy agent. After GMIP treatment, UC cells showed apoptotic phenomenon including cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, elevated sub‐G1 population, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, up‐regulated p21 expression, p21 nuclear translocation, caspase activation, and PARP cleavage in a p53‐independent but p21‐mediated pathways. Unlike lung cancer cells, GMIP treated UC cells showed no autophagic scheme including Beclin‐1, an autophagy to apoptosis switch marker, was not cleaved by caspase 3 and slight LC3B‐II accumulation. Also, the classic autophagic inhibitor, chloroquine had no effect in GMIP‐mediated cell death made us conclude that GMIP induced apoptosis through caspase activation but not autophagy in UC cells. Additionally, GMIP showed synergistic effects with MMC in killing UC cells and thus decreased the concentration of MMC usage to reach the comparable apoptotic effects. Our results delineate novel strategies for treatment of UC by GMIP alone or in combination with MMC application and provide a promising therapeutic cocktail for better treatment of urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma.
Test Dose Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients Receiving Once‐Daily IV Busulfan Conditioning for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Reliable Approach?
Authors: Brooks Kristina M. , Jarosinski Paul , Hughes Thomas , Kang Elizabeth , Shah Nirali N. , Gall John B. Le , Hickstein Dennis D. , De Ravin Suk See , George Jomy M. , Kumar Parag
Published: December 2017

Intravenous (IV) busulfan test dose pharmacokinetics (PK) has been shown to accurately predict once‐daily dose requirements and improve outcomes in adult transplant patients, but there are limited data to support this approach in children. Test doses of busulfan ∼0.8 mg/kg were infused over 2 to 3 hours, followed by serial sampling to 4‐6 hours postinfusion in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (n = 5). Once‐daily busulfan doses were calculated based on a myelosuppressive area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) target of ∼3700 to 4000 μmol·min/L and assumed dose‐proportionality to the test dose. PK analysis was then repeated at full daily doses within 6‐8 days of test dose administration. Plasma PK samples collected under test and full‐dose conditions were analyzed using validated commercial assays and noncompartmental methods. In 4 out of 5 patients, PK estimates after once‐daily IV busulfan administration differed in comparison to test dose estimates (AUC range –38.2% to +49.7%, clearance range –34.3% to +61.8%). Patients 1, 2, and 3 required increases in remaining daily busulfan doses to achieve AUC targets, and no adjustment was required in patient 4. Patient 5's AUC was 49.7% higher than expected, and he subsequently developed fatal sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. In our experience with pediatric patients, test dose PK failed to reliably predict daily dosing requirements with large discrepancies from predicted AUC targets. This article highlights the necessity for therapeutic drug monitoring of IV busulfan and inadvisability of relying solely on test‐dose busulfan PK in pediatric patients. Furthermore, clinicians should consider strategies to expedite dose adjustments in real time.
Cross‐country Evidence of the Relationship Between Resilience and the Subjective Perception of Well‐being and Social Inclusion: Evidence from the Regions of Matam (Senegal) and the Triangle of Hope (Mauritania)
Authors: d'Errico Marco , Grazioli Francesca , Pietrelli Rebecca
Published: December 2017

Resilience, commonly perceived as an unobservable household characteristic, has been defined differently according to each measurement approach utilized. This paper contributes to the literature, both conceptually, by reviewing the link between resilience, subjective well‐being and social inclusion; and analytically, by providing statistical evidence of whether subjective measures of well‐being are associated with higher household resilience. The paper shows that those who perceive themselves and their community to be involved in the decision‐making process related to policies and service provision are associated with greater resilience capacity. The empirical evidence is based on two household surveys in Senegal and Mauritania. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee reactions to talent management: Assumptions versus evidence
Authors: De Boeck Giverny , Meyers Maria Christina , Dries Nicky
Published: December 2017

Two assumptions about employee reactions are currently driving debates around talent management (TM): First, that TM leads to positive outcomes in employees identified as talents; and second, that TM creates differences between talents and employees not identified as talents. This review critically evaluates these assumptions by contrasting theoretical arguments from the non‐empirical literature on employee reactions to TM with the empirical evidence available. Our analysis partly supports both assumptions. Although positive reactions to TM were indeed found in terms of affective, cognitive, and behavioral employee outcomes, our review also found evidence for negative affective reactions in employees identified as talents. Significant differences between talents and non‐talents were found for behavioral reactions, but not for affective and cognitive reactions; for the latter types of reactions, our review found mixed effects. We summarize these findings in an integrative framework on the basis of social exchange theory, which our review shows is the dominant theory underlying assumptions about employee reactions to TM. We propose that 3 elements are missing in our current understanding, which can help explain our review findings: uncertainty, power, and social identity. We conclude with recommendations for TM research and practice.
Proteomic changes of the porcine skeletal muscle in response to chronic heat stress
Authors: Cui Yanjun , Hao Yue , Li Jielei , Gao Yanli , Gu Xianhong
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Heat stress (HS) has an adverse effect on meat quality; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms altering meat quality due to muscle responses to stress remain unclear. Sixteen castrated male crossbreeds between Landrace × Yorkshire sows and Duroc boars (79.00 ± 1.50 kg body weight) were exposed to either thermal neutral (22 °C, n = 8) or HS (30 °C, n = 8) conditions for 3 weeks. Subsequently, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of all pigs was assayed for meat quality parameters and proteome analysis.

RESULTS

HS decreased post mortem (24 h) pH and intramuscular fat, changed ultimate L*, a* and b* values and increased drip loss and shear force. Proteome analysis of the LD was conducted by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. A total of 23 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which three were verified by western blotting analysis. The identified proteins were involved in six types of biological process: carbohydrate metabolism, myofibrillar and cytoskeleton structure, stress response, antioxidant and detoxification, calcium binding and cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, HS induced higher levels of heat shock protein, antioxidants and calcium binding proteins, which are involved in the mechanisms of defense and homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that HS‐induced changes in the expression of myofibrillar proteins, glucose and energy metabolism‐related proteins, heat shock protein and antioxidant enzymes might, at least partly, contribute to increase in meat tenderness. These findings will provide the foundation for developing future mitigating solutions and preventative therapies to reduce the detrimental effects of chronic HS on muscle function, metabolism and meat quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasensitive determination of highly polar trimethyl phosphate in environmental water by molecularly imprinted polymeric fiber headspace solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Cai Cuicui , Zhang Pengcheng , Deng Jiali , Zhou Hongbin , Cheng Jing
Published: December 2017

A sensitive, accurate, and cost effective method for the quantification of trimethyl phosphate, which is highly polar and volatile, in environmental water is presented. Trimethyl phosphate was headspace solid‐phase microextracted on a molecularly imprinted polymeric fiber, and then the fiber was thermally desorbed in the gas chromatograph injector, and the compound was determined. The trimethyl phosphate imprinted polymeric fiber was prepared by copolymerization in a fused silica capillary tube and obtained by removal of the wall of fused silica capillary tube. The monolithic fiber displayed good selectivity toward trimethyl phosphate among its structural analogues. It was thermally stable up to 320°C so that it can withstand the high temperature of the gas chromatograph injector for desorption. The factors influencing the performance of its headspace solid‐phase microextraction were studied. Under the optimal conditions, the method for quantification of trimethyl phosphate in environmental water was well developed. It exhibited significant linearity, the lowest limit of quantification to date, and good recoveries. Using this method, trimethyl phosphate was detected in five out of seven environmental water samples at concentration levels from 0.28 to 1.22 μg/L, illustrating the heavy pollution of trimethyl phosphate in environmental water.
Polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases as halogen bond acceptors: A novel strategy for detection of stereoselective σ‐hole bonds in solution
Authors: Peluso Paola , Mamane Victor , Dallocchio Roberto , Dessì Alessandro , Villano Rosaria , Sanna Daniele , Aubert Emmanuel , Pale Patrick , Cossu Sergio
Published: December 2017

In the last few years, halogen bonds have been exploited in a variety of research areas both in the solid state and in solution. Nevertheless, several factors make formation and detection of halogen bonds in solution challenging. Moreover, to date, few chiral molecules containing electrophilic halogens as recognition sites have been reported. Recently, we described the first series of halogen‐bond‐driven enantioseparations performed on cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Herein the performances of amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) as halogen bond acceptor were also investigated and compared with respect to cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate). With the aim to explore the effect of polysaccharide backbone on the enantioseparations, the thermodynamic parameters governing the halogen‐dependent enantioseparations on both cellulose and amylose polymers were determined by a study at variable temperature and compared. Molecular dynamics were performed to model the halogen bond in polysaccharide‐analyte complexes. Chiral halogenated 4,4′‐bipyridines were used as test compounds (halogen bond donors). On this basis, a practical method for detection of stereoselective halogen bonds in solution was developed, which is based on the unprecedented use of high‐performance liquid chromatography as technical tool with polysaccharide polymers as molecular probes (halogen bond acceptors). The analytical strategy showed higher sensitivity for the detection of weak halogen bonds.
Effect of rural and urban geography on larynx cancer incidence and survival
Authors: Zuniga Steven A. , Lango Miriam N.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Investigate the impact of rural geography on larynx cancer incidence and survival.

Study Design

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database study.

Methods

Incidence and survival rates by Rural–Urban Continuum codes for larynx squamous cell carcinoma patients diagnosed from 2004 to 2012 were evaluated using SEER statistical software and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis.

Results

The lowest age‐adjusted incidence rates for larynx cancer were seen in densely populated urban regions, with mean rates of 2.8 per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7‐2.8); the highest were in the most rural areas, with mean rates of 5.3 per 100,000 person years (95% CI: 4.7‐5.9). Nevertheless, of 23,659 larynx cancer patients diagnosed over this period, 19,556 (82.7%) arose in urban residents, compared with 1,428 or 6% from rural areas. Urban larynx cancer patients more likely lived in counties with an American College of Surgeons–approved cancer center and/or a fourfold greater otolaryngology physician supply. Nevertheless, frequency of advanced stage at initial presentation was similar. Cause‐specific and overall survival were no different, both on univariable and multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

Compared with urban populations, Rural populations are at greater risk of developing larynx cancer, but initial stage and survival after diagnosis are comparable. Priority should be given to prevention strategies to decrease incidence rates.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 1874–1880, 2018
Dialectical mind can be sweet toward crisis‐associated products/brands
Authors: Shi Bing , Wang Haizhong , Liu Wumei
Published: December 2017

Consumers’ thinking style (e.g., dialectical thinking), which is fundamental to cognition, has been paid inadequate attention in the consumer literature. This research explores the impact of dialectical thinking on Chinese consumer responses toward crisis‐associated products/brands. Findings in three experimental studies indicate that, in comparison to those primed with nondialectical thinking, consumers primed with dialectical thinking report higher levels of purchase intention and trust for a crisis‐associated product/brand. This is the case not just for products with Chinese cultural background, but also for products with western cultural background. Consumers’ perceived severity of crises moderates the impact of dialectical thinking, with a stronger impact in a highly severe crisis situation than in a less severe one. A survey study indicates a similar pattern. These findings are important in suggesting ways of encouraging Chinese consumers to be insistent on quality standard in order to better protect their consumer rights, and moreover, for multinational corporations on how best to respond and formulate strategies of handling product‐harm crises in the Chinese market.
Oh my gosh, I got to get out of this place! A qualitative study of vicarious embarrassment in service encounters
Authors: Kilian Thomas , Steinmann Sascha , Hammes Eva
Published: December 2017

Vicarious embarrassment is a negative emotion, which is experienced by an individual when others misbehave. People can feel vicariously embarrassed when observing other people's pratfalls or awkward appearance. For instance, vicarious embarrassment is elicited when watching reality TV or in service encounters where many other customers are present. However, the relevance of vicarious embarrassment in physical service environments has not yet been thoroughly analyzed in the context of service encounters. The objective of the present study is to close this research gap and to introduce the phenomenon of vicarious embarrassment to service research. The findings of 25 in‐depth interviews indicate that vicariously embarrassing incidents mostly occur in service encounters and that these incidents are triggered by the violation of social norms in both customer‐to‐customer and customer‐to‐employee interactions. The authors of the present paper identified closeness of relationship, the service context, and parties involved as important situational variables influencing vicarious embarrassment and further emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences for the observing person. From a managerial point of view, the relevance of vicarious embarrassment in physical service environments is caused by negative spillover effects of the service experience, which lead to decreasing customer satisfaction, negative word‐of‐mouth and purchase intentions, and a negative impact on the overall image of the service provider.
Sohlh1 suppresses glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Gao Qing , Zhao Na , Zhang Xiaoli , Cui Weiwei , Sun Jinhao , Fu Jiang , Hao Jing
Published: December 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and highly invasive type of astrocytic tumors. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis and survival time remain poor. Identifying key mediators of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion is crucial to the development of new and more effective therapies. In this paper, we report the novel role of Spermatogenesis‐ and oogenesis‐ specific basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor1 (Sohlh1) in the inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and aggressive behaviors in GBM cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of Sohlh1 and related proteins in astrocytomas. Human glioblastoma U87 and U251 cellswere transfected with appropriate plasmids and/or siRNAs to evaluate their functions on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Western blot and TOPflash luciferase assay were used to determine the involvement of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in Sohlh1‐mediated cellular activities in glioblastomas. We observed that Sohlh1 was downregulated in astrocytomas. The reduction in Sohlh1 expression was inversely correlated with the degree of malignancy in astrocytomas. In GBM cell lines, cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly enhanced after Sohlh1 knockdown, but significantly inhibited after Sohlh1 overexpression. These functional effects of Sohlh1 were achieved by upregulating GSK3β and inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights of Sohlh1 in malignant progression of astrocytomas, suggesting that the level of Sohlh1 expression may be a predictor of astrocytoma behavior and further, Sohlh1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
Assessing hydrological impacts of climate change using bias‐corrected downscaled precipitation in Mae Klong basin of Thailand
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Babel Mukand S.
Published: December 2017

The objective of the present study was to analyse the impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Mae Klong basin in Thailand using improved daily gridded precipitation data of the ECHAM4/OPYC global climate model. Bias correction and spatial downscaling methods are frequently used to improve global climate model precipitation. For bias correction, gamma−gamma transformation and ratio methods were used to correct the frequency and quantity of raw global circulation model (GCM) precipitation data. Spatial disaggregation, based on a multiplicative random cascade, was applied to downscale coarse resolution climate projected precipitation spatially. A rainfall‐runoff model (Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modelling System, HEC‐HMS) was used to simulate future streamflow scenarios for three 5 year windows: the 2025s, the 2050s and the 2095s. The downscaling model parameters (β and σ2) were estimated separately for each month using the Mandelbrot−Kahane−Peyrière function. Both methods have proved useful in improving the quality, compared to historical trends and rainfall variability, of raw GCM precipitation data by reducing bias. There will not be much impact on water resources and water availability due to climate change in the coming decades in the Mae Klong River. There is some chance that, in the future, the monsoons will start before their regular period. There is also a chance of an increase in streamflow in the dry period and a decrease of streamflow in the wet period in the basin.
Classes of ephemeral continua
Authors: Capriz Gianfranco , Giovine Pasquale
Published: December 2017

The qualifier “ephemeral” was proposed for continuous models of bodies, such as gases, for which the generally tacit axiom of permanence of material elements fails to apply. Consequently, to their scrutiny, a Eulerian (local) approach is mandatory, such as one adopted, eg, in molecular dynamics. Within the scheme of ephemeral continua, we discuss here 3 essential subclasses of bodies: (1) those undergoing energy‐preserving processes (in this sense hyperelastic), (2) hypoelastic bodies inspired by a type proposed by Truesdell, and (3) a number of minor ones. We re‐examine the essential issues of the general format focusing on the proposal of appropriate concepts of strains and strainings.
Extensions, dilations, and spectral problems of singular Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Allahverdiev Bilender P.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we construct a space of boundary values for minimal symmetric 1D Hamiltonian operator with defect index (1,1) (in limit‐point case at a(b) and limit‐circle case at b(a)) acting in the Hilbert space
In terms of boundary conditions at a and b, all maximal dissipative, accumulative, and self‐adjoint extensions of the symmetric operator are given. Two classes of dissipative operators are studied. They are called “dissipative at a” and “dissipative at b.” For 2 cases, a self‐adjoint dilation of dissipative operator and its incoming and outgoing spectral representations are constructed. These constructions allow us to establish the scattering matrix of dilation and a functional model of the dissipative operator. Further, we define the characteristic function of the dissipative operators in terms of the Weyl‐Titchmarsh function of the corresponding self‐adjoint operator. Finally, we prove theorems on completeness of the system of root vectors of the dissipative operators.
The quasi‐reversibility method for a final value problem of the time‐fractional diffusion equation with inhomogeneous source
Authors: Yang Fan , Ren Yu‐Peng , Li Xiao‐Xiao
Published: December 2017

This paper is devoted to discuss a multidimensional backward heat conduction problem for time‐fractional diffusion equation with inhomogeneous source. This problem is ill‐posed. We use quasi‐reversibility regularization method to solve this inverse problem. Moreover, the convergence estimates between regularization solution and the exact solution are obtained under the a priori and the a posteriori choice rules. Finally, the numerical examples for one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional cases are presented to show that our method is feasible and effective.
Physiological gas exchange mapping of hyperpolarized 129Xe using spiral‐IDEAL and MOXE in a model of regional radiation‐induced lung injury
Authors: Zanette Brandon , Stirrat Elaine , Jelveh Salomeh , Hope Andrew , Santyr Giles
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To map physiological gas exchange parameters using dissolved hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe in a rat model of regional radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) with spiral‐IDEAL and the model of xenon exchange (MOXE). Results are compared to quantitative histology of pulmonary tissue and red blood cell (RBC) distribution.

Methods

Two cohorts (n = 6 each) of age‐matched rats were used. One was irradiated in the right‐medial lung, producing regional injury. Gas exchange was mapped 4 weeks postirradiation by imaging dissolved‐phase HP 129Xe using spiral‐IDEAL at five gas exchange timepoints using a clinical 1.5 T scanner. Physiological lung parameters were extracted regionally on a voxel‐wise basis using MOXE. Mean gas exchange parameters, specifically air‐capillary barrier thickness (δ) and hematocrit (HCT) in the right‐medial lung were compared to the contralateral lung as well as nonirradiated control animals. Whole‐lung spectroscopic analysis of gas exchange was also performed.

Results

δ was significantly increased (1.43 ± 0.12 μm from 1.07 ± 0.09 μm) and HCT was significantly decreased (17.2 ± 1.2% from 23.6 ± 1.9%) in the right‐medial lung (i.e., irradiated region) compared to the contralateral lung of the irradiated rats. These changes were not observed in healthy controls. δ and HCT correlated with histologically measured increases in pulmonary tissue heterogeneity (r = 0.77) and decreases in RBC distribution (r = 0.91), respectively. No changes were observed using whole‐lung analysis.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the feasibility of mapping gas exchange using HP 129Xe in an animal model of RILI 4 weeks postirradiation. Spatially resolved gas exchange mapping is sensitive to regional injury between cohorts that was undetected with whole‐lung gas exchange analysis, in agreement with histology. Gas exchange mapping holds promise for assessing regional lung function in RILI and other pulmonary diseases.
NMR elucidation of monomer–dimer transition and conformational heterogeneity in histone‐like DNA binding protein of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Jaiswal Nancy , Raikwal Nisha , Pandey Himanshu , Agarwal Nipanshu , Arora Ashish , Poluri Krishna Mohan , Kumar Dinesh
Published: December 2017

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes under harsh acidic/oxidative stress conditions of human gastrointestinal tract and can survive there for infinitely longer durations of host life. The bacterium expresses several harbinger proteins to facilitate its persistent colonization under such conditions. One such protein in H. pylori is histone‐like DNA binding protein (Hup), which in its homo‐dimeric form binds to DNA to perform various DNA dependent cellular activities. Further, it also plays an important role in protecting the genomic DNA from oxidative stress and acidic denaturation. Legitimately, if the binding of Hup to DNA is suppressed, it will directly impact on the survival of the bacterium, thus making Hup a potential therapeutic target for developing new anti‐H. pylori agents. However, to inhibit the binding of Hup to DNA, it is necessary to gain detailed insights into the molecular and structural basis of Hup‐dimerization and its binding mechanism to DNA. As a first step in this direction, we report here the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assignments and structural features of Hup at pH 6.0. The study revealed the occurrence of dynamic equilibrium between its monomer and dimer conformations. The dynamic equilibrium was found to shifting towards dimer both at low temperature and low pH; whereas DNA binding studies evidenced that the protein binds to DNA in its dimeric form. These preliminary investigations correlate very well with the diverse functionality of protein and will form the basis for future studies aiming to develop novel anti‐H. pylori agents employing structure‐based‐rational drug discovery approach.
Metabolic stress induces modifications in the epigenetic program of preimplantation bovine embryos
Authors: Tremblay Rachele , Dufort Isabelle , Sirard Marc‐Andre
Published: December 2017

The mammalian embryo is sensitive to and adapts to its metabolic environment. The mother's metabolic health and nutrient availability, for example, can modulate the oviductal fluid composition and thus embryo development. In this project, we induced energetic stress in bovine embryos during early culture to observe the epigenetic responses associated with metabolic stress, using a treatment paradigm known to decrease blastocyst rates. Embryos were generated using oocytes from slaughtered cows, and then exposed to an elevated glucose concentration (5 vs. 0.2 mM in control conditions) for the first 3 days post‐fertilization, followed by normal media until the blastocyst stage. The EmbryoGENE platform was then used to identify DNA methylation differences between the two treatments. Probes (450,000) were then analyzed based on their genome location and methylation differences. Our results revealed that elevated glucose led to hypomethylation close to telomeric regions and methylation changes on genomic regions associated with energy metabolism.
A local iterative approach for solving the stochastic Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation (SHJBE) arising in the stochastic control of affine nonlinear systems
Authors: Aliyu M.D.S.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, local iterative methods for solving the stochastic Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation arising in the stochastic optimal control of affine nonlinear systems are discussed. Superquadratic and quadratic convergence of the methods is established under fairly mild assumptions, and an example is solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods. Finally, as a by‐product, an existence result for the solution to the stochastic Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation is also established under the same assumptions.
Morphological aspects of carbon nanofillers and their hybrids for actuators and sensors
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Wu Rui‐Rui , Lee Dong‐Joo
Published: December 2017

Rubber nanocomposites were prepared by mixing room‐temperature‐vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber and nanofillers such as graphitic nanofillers (GRs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon black (CB) for industrial applications. The possible correlations were examined between the properties and morphology of the fillers. The vulcanizates based on the CNT hybrid showed higher reinforcement with as an elastic modulus of ∼5.3 MPa compared to ∼3.2 MPa for GR flakes and ∼3.1 MPa for the CB hybrid at 8 phr. Similarly, lower resistances of 17 kΩ at 4 phr and 0.7 kΩ at 12 phr were obtained for the CNT hybrid. A correlation was determined between the mechanical and electrical properties in enhancing the displacements of the nanocomposites when used in actuators. Such improvements might be useful for flexible electrodes, energy harvesting, or actuators. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E373–E382, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prenatal diagnosis of urinary tract anomalies, a cohort study in the Northern Netherlands
Authors: Bakker Marian K. , Bergman Jorieke E.H. , Fleurke‐Rozema Hanneke , Streefland Esther , Gracchi Valentina , Bilardo Caterina M. , De Walle Hermien E.K.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To describe prevalence, time of diagnosis, and type of birth in children and fetuses with urinary tract (UT) anomalies after the introduction of the anomaly scan in the Netherlands in 2007.

Methods

We selected, from a population‐based congenital anomaly registry, children and fetuses with UT anomalies born between 2008 and 2014. Cases were defined according to type of UT anomaly and whether isolated or with associated anomalies. Information was collected on time of diagnosis and type of birth.

Results

We included 487 cases. Total prevalence increased from 34.0 in 2008 to 42.3 per 10 000 births in 2014, mainly by an increase in anomalies of the collecting system. Almost 70% presented as isolated. Anomalies of the renal parenchyma were more often associated with genetic or other anomalies (47.3%) than anomalies of the collecting system (19.0%). The proportion of prenatally diagnosed cases increased from 59.3% in 2008 to 80.9% in 2014. Termination of pregnancy occurred in 14.8%, of which the majority were UT anomalies associated with a genetic disorder or other anomalies.

Conclusion

In the period after the introduction of the anomaly scan, we observed an increasing prevalence of anomalies of the collecting system, but no increase in termination of pregnancies.
Effect of surfactants on MWNT filled elastomer composites by latex mixing
Authors: Song Sung Ho
Published: December 2017

The recent interest in advanced elastomer composites has led to an intensive study of nanomaterials, which exhibit a range of excellent chemical and physical properties. The advent of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has created attractive opportunities for developing novel high performance nanomaterials. However, due to their strong van der Waals binding energies, CNTs have a tendency to aggregate, and so disaggregation and homogeneous dispersion remain critical challenges to the synthesis of successful elastomer composites. Here, we prepared a non‐covalently functionalized CNT suspension using a surfactant, without degrading the physical and chemical properties of the CNTs. Furthermore, the suspension was mixed with styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex to enhance the dispersion of the CNTs in the elastomer matrix. The eco‐friendly, cost‐effective, and scalable preparation method shows great potential for the production of elastomer nanocomposites. The successful homogenous dispersion of the MWNT in the SBR matrix resulted in composites with outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties at low loadings. Furthermore, to confirm their potential use in green (uncured) tyre applications, we employed them directly as fillers in the tread compounds of a pneumatic tyre, which exhibited enhanced abrasion, wet grip, and rolling resistance performance. This research opens new opportunities for preparing high performance elastomer composites for future industrial applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1843–1848, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers