bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide‐rich hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (LipiGo®) increases fatty acid and neutral sterol excretion in guinea pigs fed with hypercholesterolemic diets
Authors: Santas Jonathan , Rafecas Magda , Cuñé Jordi
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the hypolipidemic properties of a polysaccharide‐rich hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprising β‐glucan‐chitin‐chitosan (BCC). Guinea pigs (n = 8 per group) were fed high‐fat and hypercholesterolemic diets (17 g/100 g of fat, 0.2 g/100 g of cholesterol), containing 12 g/100 g of either cellulose (CEL) as negative control, oat bran as a source of β‐glucan (BOB), or BCC. Food intake and body weight were monitored for 4 weeks and fatty acid (FA), neutral sterol (NS), and bile acid (BA) excretion were determined. BCC, but not BOB, reduced body weight gain and plasma total and LDL‐cholesterol, without altering food consumption. This effect correlated well with the capacity of BCC to reduce apparent FA absorption (78.36 ± 7.41 vs. 89.51 ± 3.93% in control group), mainly due to an increase of saturated fatty acid (SFA) excretion and, to a lower extent of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). NS excretion was also increased by BCC, although no effects were observed on BA excretion. Therefore, results suggest that the hypolipidemic effect of BCC can be mainly ascribed to its capacity to increase FA and NS excretion.

Practical applications: This research provides evidence on the hypolipidemic effect and mechanism of action of Lipigo®, a polysaccharide‐rich hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprising β‐glucan‐chitin‐chitosan (BCC). Particularly, results show that BCC can effectively increase the excretion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and neutral sterols (NS), having a beneficial effect on plasma lipids. This information can be of interest for the development of food supplements in the field of diseases associated with high fat intake such as cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

Supplementation of hypercholesterolemic diets with a polysaccharide‐rich hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprising β‐glucan‐chitin‐chitosan increases the excretion of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and neutral sterols compared to cellulose. This effect is consistent with a reduction in body weight gain and plasma total and LDL‐cholesterol.
Modification of stochastic ground motion models for matching target intensity measures
Authors: Tsioulou Alexandra , Taflanidis Alexandros A. , Galasso Carmine
Published: July 2017

Stochastic ground motion models produce synthetic time‐histories by modulating a white noise sequence through functions that address spectral and temporal properties of the excitation. The resultant ground motions can be then used in simulation‐based seismic risk assessment applications. This is established by relating the parameters of the aforementioned functions to earthquake and site characteristics through predictive relationships. An important concern related to the use of these models is the fact that through current approaches in selecting these predictive relationships, compatibility to the seismic hazard is not guaranteed. This work offers a computationally efficient framework for the modification of stochastic ground motion models to match target intensity measures (IMs) for a specific site and structure of interest. This is set as an optimization problem with a dual objective. The first objective minimizes the discrepancy between the target IMs and the predictions established through the stochastic ground motion model for a chosen earthquake scenario. The second objective constraints the deviation from the model characteristics suggested by existing predictive relationships, guaranteeing that the resultant ground motions not only match the target IMs but are also compatible with regional trends. A framework leveraging kriging surrogate modeling is formulated for performing the resultant multi‐objective optimization, and different computational aspects related to this optimization are discussed in detail. The illustrative implementation shows that the proposed framework can provide ground motions with high compatibility to target IMs with small only deviation from existing predictive relationships and discusses approaches for selecting a final compromise between these two competing objectives.
Regional, individual and political determinants of FOMC members' key macroeconomic forecasts
Authors: Eichler Stefan , Lähner Tom
Published: July 2017

We study Federal Open Market Committee members' individual forecasts of inflation and unemployment in the period 1992–2004. Our results imply that Governors and Bank presidents forecast differently, with Governors submitting lower inflation and higher unemployment rate forecasts than bank presidents. For Bank presidents we find a regional bias, with higher district unemployment rates being associated with lower inflation and higher unemployment rate forecasts. Bank presidents' regional bias is more pronounced during the year prior to their elections or for nonvoting bank presidents. Career backgrounds or political affiliations also affect individual forecast behavior.
Aus der Hand gegeben
Authors: Montag Christian
Published: July 2017

Achtung, Suchtgefahr: Neun von zehn Menschen in Deutschland sind heute online. Nicht nur für die „digital natives“ kann die dauerhafte Nutzung von Smartphone, Laptop und Tablet dabei zum Problem werden. Psychologen fragen jetzt auch nach den molekulargenetischen Grundlagen und Hintergründen internetabhängigen Verhaltens.
A comparison of methods for inferring causal relationships between genotype and phenotype using additional biological measurements
Authors: Ainsworth Holly F. , Shin So‐Youn , Cordell Heather J.
Published: July 2017

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have been very successful over the last decade at identifying genetic variants associated with disease phenotypes. However, interpretation of the results obtained can be challenging. Incorporation of further relevant biological measurements (e.g. ‘omics’ data) measured in the same individuals for whom we have genotype and phenotype data may help us to learn more about the mechanism and pathways through which causal genetic variants affect disease. We review various methods for causal inference that can be used for assessing the relationships between genetic variables, other biological measures, and phenotypic outcome, and present a simulation study assessing the performance of the methods under different conditions. In general, the methods we considered did well at inferring the causal structure for data simulated under simple scenarios. However, the presence of an unknown and unmeasured common environmental effect could lead to spurious inferences, with the methods we considered displaying varying degrees of robustness to this confounder. The use of causal inference techniques to integrate omics and GWAS data has the potential to improve biological understanding of the pathways leading to disease. Our study demonstrates the suitability of various methods for performing causal inference under several biologically plausible scenarios.
Evaluation of water‐use policies for baseflow recovery during droughts in an agricultural intensive karst watershed: Case study of the lower Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint River Basin, southeastern United States
Authors: Singh Sarmistha , Mitra Subhasis , Srivastava Puneet , Abebe Ash , Torak Lynn
Published: July 2017

The lower Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint River Basin in the Southeast United States represents a major agricultural area underlain by the highly productive karstic Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA). During El Niño Southern Oscillation‐induced droughts, intense groundwater withdrawal for irrigation lowers streamflow in the Flint River due to its hydraulic connectivity with the UFA and threatens the habitat of the federally listed and endangered aquatic biota. This study assessed the compounding hydrologic effects of increased irrigation pumping during drought years (2010–2012) on stream–aquifer water exchange (stream–aquifer flux) between the Flint River and UFA using the United States Geological Survey modular finite element groundwater flow model. Principal component and K‐means clustering analyses were used to identify critical stream reaches and tributaries that are adversely affected by irrigation pumping. Additionally, the effectiveness of possible water restriction scenarios on stream–aquifer flux was also analysed. Moreover, a cost–benefit analysis of acreage buyout procedure was conducted for various water restriction scenarios. Results indicate that increased groundwater withdrawal in Water Year 2011 decreased baseflow in the lower Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint River Basin, particularly, in Spring Creek, where irrigation pumping during April, June, and July changed the creek condition from a gaining to losing stream. Results from sensitivity analysis and simulated water restrictions suggest that reducing pumping in selected sensitive areas is more effective in streamflow recovery (approximately 78%) than is reducing irrigation intensity by a prescribed percentage of current pumping rates, such as 15% or 30%, throughout the basin. Moreover, analysis of acreage buyout indicates that restrictions on irrigation withdrawal can have significant impacts on stream–aquifer flux in the Basin, especially in critical watersheds such as Spring and Ichawaynochaway Creeks. The proposed procedure for ranking of stream reaches (sensitivity analysis) in this study can be replicated in other study areas/models. This study provides useful information to policymakers for devising alternate irrigation water withdrawal policies during droughts for maintaining flow levels in the study area.
Integrating cervical cancer screening and preventive treatment with family planning and HIV‐related services
Authors: White Heather L. , Meglioli Alejandra , Chowdhury Raveena , Nuccio Olivia
Published: July 2017

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Sub‐Saharan Africa—in large part because of inadequate coverage of screening and preventive treatment services. A number of programs have begun integrating cervical cancer prevention services into existing family planning or HIV/AIDS service delivery platforms, to rapidly expand “screen and treat” programs and mitigate cervical cancer burden. Drawing upon a review of literature and our experiences, we consider benefits and challenges associated with such programs in Sub‐Saharan Africa. We then outline steps that can optimize uptake and sustainability of integrated sexual and reproductive health services. These include increasing coordination among implementing organizations for efficient use of resources; task shifting for services that can be provided by nonphysicians; mobilizing communities via trusted frontline health workers; strengthening management information systems to allow for monitoring of multiple services; and prioritizing an operational research agenda to provide further evidence on the cost‐effectiveness and benefits of integrated service delivery.
Civic Investment Plan: A Case Study Connecting Civic Engagement and Leadership Development
Authors: Arensdorf Jill , Brungardt Curt
Published: July 2017

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has been actively engaged in civic learning and engagement for over a decade. Despite many successes, our civic education initiative faces substantial challenges. The current paper articulates a series of recommendations and changes, driven by an internal audit and best practice research, to expand efforts to reach all students and institutionalize this important work throughout universities. Civic learning and engagement offers opportunities for leadership students and faculty to practice “doing” leadership. By adopting community engagement as a pedagogy and practice, leadership education programs are preparing the next generation of active and engaged citizens. FHSU’s Civic Investment Plan seeks to encourage a wider conversation among leadership educators about the role of leadership education in the development of civic leaders in an effort permeate the work across the entire academy.
Two roads to effectiveness: CEO feedback seeking, vision articulation, and firm performance
Authors: Ashford Susan J. , Wellman Ned , Sully de Luque Mary , De Stobbeleir Katleen E.M. , Wollan Melody
Published: July 2017

Humble leadership is attracting increased scholarly attention, but little is known about its effects when used in conjunction with less humble leadership behaviors that rely on a perception of the leader as confident and charismatic. This study contrasts the effects on top management team (TMT) potency and organizational performance of a more humble (feedback seeking) and a less humble (vision) CEO leader behavior. We hypothesize that CEO feedback seeking increases TMT potency and firm performance by communicating to TMT members that the organization values their input and encouraging their own feedback seeking, whereas CEO vision articulation influences these outcomes by fostering greater clarity about the firm's direction, and an enhanced ability to coordinate efforts within the TMT. CEOs who have not developed a vision can achieve a similar positive impact on TMT potency and firm performance by seeking feedback. In a sample of CEOs and TMT members from 65 firms, both CEO feedback seeking and vision articulation exhibit positive direct relationships with firm performance. However, only feedback seeking displays an indirect effect on performance via TMT potency. Finally, CEO feedback seeking has its strongest effects on firm performance and TMT potency for CEOs who are not seen as having a vision.
A Simple and Low‐Cost Synthesis of Antibacterial Polyurethane with High Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Pei Danfeng , Wang Jiming , Mu Youbing , Wan Xiaobo
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a simple and low‐cost approach for the preparation of quaternary ammonium salt (QAS)‐containing antibacterial polyurethane (APU) films is described. Epichlorohydrin (ECH), an inexpensive and commercially available chemical, is used to prepare the low‐cost antimicrobial PECH‐QAS. Then PECH‐QAS, three‐armed PPG, linear PPG, and diisocyanate are introduced for the synthesis of the APU prepolymer without any solvent in one pot for the first time. Water and three‐armed PPG act as the cross‐linking initiator and cross‐linker in the preparation of the APU films. Using water as the initiator makes the preparation process more environment‐friendly, and the cross‐linked network guarantees the resistance of the film toward solvent corrosion. The influence of molecule weight of PECH‐QAS, PECH‐QAS concentration, cross‐link density, and diisocyanate types on the mechanical properties and antibacterial properties of the APU films is extensively investigated. The optimized APU films exhibit high mechanical performance and excellent antibacterial properties.
Modification of Polyolefins by Click Chemistry
Authors: Ciftci Mustafa , Wang Dongren , Buchmeiser Michael , Yagci Yusuf
Published: July 2017

Side chain modification of polyolefins applying a copper‐mediated “click chemistry” strategy is described. First, a bromo‐functionalized polyethylene (PE‐Br) are synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of cis‐cyclooctene followed by quantitative hydrobromination. Subsequently, the bromide moieties of the functional PE‐based polymer are converted into azide groups via simple nucleophilic substitution. Success of the click reaction is demonstrated by using low molar mass and polymeric alkyne functional click components, namely pyrene alkyne and polystyrene alkyne, respectively. The intermediates at various stages and final polymers are characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, Gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Microporous Dihydroxyl‐Functionalized Triptycene‐Diamine‐Based Polyimide for Natural Gas Membrane Separation
Authors: Alaslai Nasser , Ma Xiaohua , Ghanem Bader , Wang Yingge , Alghunaimi Fahd , Pinnau Ingo
Published: July 2017

An intrinsically microporous polyimide is synthesized in m‐cresol by a one‐pot high‐temperature condensation reaction of 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and newly designed 2,6 (7)‐dihydroxy‐3,7(6)‐diaminotriptycene (DAT1‐OH). The 6FDA‐DAT1‐OH polyimide is thermally stable up to 440 °C, shows excellent solubility in polar solvents, and has moderately high Brunauer‐Teller‐Emmett (BET) surface area of 160 m2 g−1, as determined by nitrogen adsorption at −196 °C. Hydroxyl functionalization applied to the rigid 3D triptycene‐based diamine building block results in a polyimide that exhibits moderate pure‐gas CO2 permeability of 70 Barrer combined with high CO2/CH4 selectivity of 50. Mixed‐gas permeation studies demonstrate excellent plasticization resistance of 6FDA‐DAT1‐OH with impressive performance as potential membrane material for natural gas sweetening with a CO2 permeability of 50 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 40 at a typical natural gas well partial pressure of 10 atm.
Multi‐target Fragments Display Versatile Binding Modes
Authors: Drwal Malgorzata N. , Bret Guillaume , Kellenberger Esther
Published: July 2017

Promiscuity is an interesting concept in fragment‐based drug design as fragments with low specificity can be advantageous for finding many screening hits. We present a PDB‐wide analysis of multi‐target fragments and their binding mode conservation. Focussing on multi‐target fragments, we found that the majority shows non‐conserved binding modes, even if they bind in a similar conformation or similar protein targets. Surprisingly, fragment properties alone are not able to predict whether a fragment will exhibit a versatile or conserved binding mode, emphasizing the interplay between protein and fragment features during a binding event and the importance of structure‐based modelling.
Network‐based Approaches in Pharmacology
Authors: Boezio Baptiste , Audouze Karine , Ducrot Pierre , Taboureau Olivier
Published: July 2017

In drug discovery, network‐based approaches are expected to spotlight our understanding of drug action across multiple layers of information. On one hand, network pharmacology considers the drug response in the context of a cellular or phenotypic network. On the other hand, a chemical‐based network is a promising alternative for characterizing the chemical space. Both can provide complementary support for the development of rational drug design and better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the multiple actions of drugs. Recent progress in both concepts is discussed here. In addition, a network‐based approach using drug‐target‐therapy data is introduced as an example.
Dual function of Lactobacillus kefiri DH5 in preventing high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity: direct reduction of cholesterol and upregulation of PPAR‐α in adipose tissue
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Jeong Dana , Kang Il‐Byeong , Kim Hyunsook , Song Kwang‐Young , Seo Kun‐Ho
Published: July 2017

Scope

Kefir consumption inhibits the development of obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) in mice fed 60% high‐fat diet (HFD). To identify the key contributor of this effect, we isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kefir and examined their anti‐obesity properties from in vitro screening and in vivo validation.

Methods and results

Thirteen kefir LAB isolates were subjected to survivability test using artificial gastrointestinal environment and cholesterol‐reducing assay. Lactobacillus kefiri DH5 showed 100% survivability in gastrointestinal environments and reduced 51.6% of cholesterol; thus, this strain was selected for in vivo experiment. Compared to the HFD‐saline group, the HFD‐DH5 group showed significantly lower body weight (34.68 versus 31.10 g; p < 0.001), epididymal adipose tissue weight (1.39 versus 1.05 g; p < 0.001), blood triglyceride (38.2 versus 31.0 mg/dL; p < 0.01) and LDL‐cholesterol levels (19.4 versus 15.7 mg/dL; p < 0.01). In addition, L. kefiri DH5 administration significantly modulated gut microbiota of HFD‐fed mice. The hepatic steatosis was significantly milder (Lesion score, 2.1 versus 1.2; p < 0.001) and adipocyte diameter was significantly smaller (65.1 versus 42.2 μm; p < 0.001) in the HFD‐DH5 group. L. kefiri DH5 upregulated PPAR‐α, FABP4, and CPT1 expression in the epididymal adipose tissues (2.29‐, 1.77‐, and 2.05‐fold change, respectively), suggesting a reduction in adiposity by stimulating fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusion

L. kefiri DH5 exerts anti‐obesity effects by direct reduction of cholesterol in the lumen and upregulation of PPAR‐α gene in adipose tissues.
Portable perfusion phantom for quantitative DCE‐MRI of the abdomen
Authors: Kim Harrison , Mousa Mina , Schexnailder Patrick , Hergenrother Robert , Bolding Mark , Ntsikoussalabongui Bernard , Thomas Vinoy , Morgan Desiree E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a portable perfusion phantom and validate its utility in quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen.

Methods

A portable perfusion phantom yielding a reproducible contrast enhancement curve (CEC) was developed. A phantom package including perfusion and static phantoms were imaged simultaneously with each of three healthy human volunteers in two different 3T MR scanners. Look‐up tables correlating reference (known) contrast concentrations with measured ones were created using either the static or perfusion phantom. Contrast maps of image slices showing four organs (liver, spleen, pancreas, and paravertebral muscle) were generated before and after data correction using the look‐up tables. The contrast concentrations at 4.5 min after dosing in each of the four organs were averaged for each volunteer. The mean contrast concentrations (4 organs × 3 volunteers = 12) were compared for the two scanners, and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Also, the ICC of the mean Ktrans values between the two scanners was calculated before and after data correction.

Results

The repeatability coefficient of CECs of perfusion phantom was higher than 0.997 in all measurements. The ICC of the tissue contrast concentrations between the two scanners was 0.693 before correction, but increased to 0.974 after correction using the look‐up tables (LUTs) of perfusion phantom. However, the ICC was not increased after correction using static phantom (ICC: 0.617). Similarly, the ICC of the Ktrans values was 0.899 before correction, but increased to 0.996 after correction using perfusion phantom LUTs. The ICC of the Ktrans values, however, was not increased when static phantom LUTs were used (ICC: 0.866).

Conclusions

The perfusion phantom reduced variability in quantitating contrast concentration and Ktrans values of human abdominal tissues across different MR units, but static phantom did not. The perfusion phantom has the potential to facilitate multi‐institutional clinical trials employing quantitative DCE‐MRI to evaluate various abdominal malignancies.
Impact of tannin as sustainable compatibilizer for wood‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Missio André L. , Mattos Bruno D. , de Cademartori Pedro H.G. , Berger Camila , Magalhães Washington L.E. , Haselein Clovis R. , Gatto Darci A. , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tondi Gianluca
Published: July 2017

Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) are well‐known products which combine the high mechanical properties of wood with the high hydrophobicity and formability of polypropylene (PP). They are largely used for decking, cladding and flooring for outdoor constructions but they still present some drawbacks due to the limited chemical affinity of the two materials. In this paper, the addition of mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) tannin as compatibilizer was tested and these composites were characterized via SEM, TGA, DSC, DMA, mechanical testing, water absorption and contact angle. The tannin‐containing WPC presented lower interspaces between PP and lignocellulosic matrix, higher hydrophobicity and comparable mechanical performances. These results were due to the high compatibilization effect of the tannin, which allow getting similar results with 15% less lignocellulosic material. The lower crystallinity observed for PP in tannin‐containing composites allowed a better contact between the wooden fractions. Although good physical compatibilization was obtained no evidences of chemical bonding were observed by FT‐IR. The enhanced interphase contact and the higher hydrophobicity registered for the tannin‐containing WPCs suggest that this natural, easily available extract can be a cheap and green additive to enhance the service‐life for outdoor applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4275–4284, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Previously undiagnosed risk factors and medication nonadherence are prevalent in young adults with first‐ever stroke
Authors: Sung Sheng‐Feng , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Wu Darren Philbert , Hsieh Cheng‐Yang
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The incidence of stroke and prevalence of traditional vascular risk factors (VRFs) in young adults (age < 55 y) are both increasing. Young patients tend to be unaware of their VRFs and to have lower medication adherence. We examined how age affects the prevalence of previously undiagnosed VRFs and the extent of medication nonadherence among stroke patients.

Methods

Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified consecutive adult patients with first‐ever stroke between 2000 and 2013. Diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia was ascertained using validated methods. We investigated (1) the proportion of patients who had undiagnosed VRFs within 3 years before stroke and (2) the proportion of nonadherence to medications among patients who had a previously diagnosed VRF.

Results

Among stroke patients with hypertension (n = 9722), diabetes (n = 4751), and hyperlipidemia (n = 4486), 24.9%, 20.8%, and 55.0%, respectively, had not been diagnosed before stroke, whereas 56.0%, 66.7%, and 32.5%, respectively, had been diagnosed at least 1 year before stroke. The proportions of medication nonadherence were 71.5%, 64.3%, and 88.4% in patients with previously diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, respectively. In multivariate analysis, younger age was independently associated with undiagnosed hypertension before stroke as well as medication nonadherence in patients with previously diagnosed hypertension or diabetes.

Conclusions

Previously undiagnosed hypertension and nonadherence to treatment of hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent in young adult patients with first‐ever stroke in Taiwan. Interventions targeting young people to promote early detection and adequate control of VRFs should be encouraged.
Modeling of downstream heating in melt electrospinning of polymers
Authors: Mayadeo Nikhil , Morikawa Kai , Naraghi Mohammad , Green Micah J.
Published: July 2017

In this study, both modeling and experimental approaches are used to demonstrate that downstream volumetric heating of electrospun fibers during melt electrospinning can result in markedly decreased fiber diameters. Previous melt electrospinning techniques were limited to production of micron‐sized fibers. This is because high viscosity and low electrical conductivity of the polymer melt coupled with rapid heat loss to the surroundings resulted in solidification of the jet before it had been significantly stretched by the electric field. In our study, we utilize a model for non‐isothermal melt electrospinning in the presence of a volumetric heat source. Our simulation results demonstrate that downstream heating does reduce the fiber diameter, and is therefore a feasible approach for resolving the limitations of melt electrospinning. In addition, our model has also been used to capture the effect of the surrounding temperature, which affects the thinning of the fiber through surface rather than volumetric interactions. Finally, melt electrospinning experiments are utilized to validate the model predictions for downstream heating. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1393–1405
Limitations in the inverse association between psychological resilience and depression in prostate cancer patients experiencing chronic physiological stress
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Christie David R.H. , Bitsika Vicki , Agnew Linda L. , Andronicos Nicholas M. , McMillan Mary E. , Richards Timothy M.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the effect of chronic stress as measured in cortisol concentrations upon the association between psychological resilience (PR) and depression in prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods

A total of 104 men with PCa completed inventories on PR, depression, and background factors, plus gave a sample of their saliva for cortisol assay.

Results

The inverse correlation between PR and depression was present only for PCa patients with low or moderate concentrations of salivary cortisol (when classified as more than 1.0 SD below the mean vs within 1.0 SD of the group mean) but not for those men whose cortisol was >1.0 SD from the group mean. Specific PR factors and behaviours that made the greatest contribution to depression were identified for the low and moderate cortisol groups.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there are particular aspects of PR that are most strongly related to depression, but that PR's inverse association with depression may be absent in participants with extreme chronic physiological stress.
Insights into convective momentum transport and its parametrization from idealized simulations of organized convection
Authors: Badlan Rachel L. , Lane Todd P. , Moncrieff Mitchell W. , Jakob Christian
Published: July 2017

Deep convection is a multiscale process that influences the budgets of heat, moisture and momentum significantly. In global climate models, the thermodynamic effects of convection are normally treated by parametrization schemes, with a separate formulation for convective momentum transport (CMT). The schemes for current thermodynamic and momentum parametrizations are based on upright entraining plume models that do not account for vertically tilted mesoscale circulations, which characterize organized convection in sheared environments. The associated countergradient vertical transport of horizontal momentum fundamentally affects dynamical interactions between the convection and the mean flow. This study examines the CMT properties of simulated idealized mesoscale convective systems, including their sensitivity to horizontal resolution, domain size and lateral boundary conditions. It is found that, even for large domains, the horizontal gradient terms are important, especially the mesoscale pressure gradients, which are neglected in CMT parametrizations. A nonlinear analytic model provides a dynamical foundation for the effects of convective organization, including the role of the horizontal pressure gradient. It is found that a small computational domain affects the convective organization adversely by generating artificially large compensating subsidence and an unrealistic evolution of CMT. Finally, analyses of the cross‐updraught/downdraught pressure gradients expose significant uncertainties in their representation in contemporary CMT parametrization schemes.
A theoretical study for the regioselective Diels–Alder reaction of 5,6‐fulleroid with strained anti‐Bredt olefins
Authors: Ikuma Naohiko
Published: July 2017

Regioselectivity of Diels–Alder reaction of the anti‐Bredt olefin of fulleroid, the 5,6‐methylene‐bridged fullerene derivative, is theoretically clarified by DFT calculations. In transition state calculations, the addition of a noncyclic diene 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene (DMBD) at the anti‐Bredt olefin has considerably lower activation energy than those at the other sixteen olefins, while the reaction of a rigid cyclic diene cyclohexadiene (CHD) has similar activation energy at both anti‐Bredt and another nontwisted olefin. The changes in strain and interaction of the reactants are estimated along its reaction coordinate by activation strain model. Noncyclic diene shows asynchronous CC bond formation with a significant gain of interaction energy, while the rigid cyclic diene shows a large growth of strain energy canceling out the interaction energy between diene and fulleroid.
The effect of metacognitive training and prompting on learning success in simulation‐based physics learning
Authors: Moser Stephanie , Zumbach Joerg , Deibl Ines
Published: July 2017

Computer‐based simulations are of particular interest to physics learning because they allow learners to actively manipulate graphical visualizations of complex phenomena. However, learning with simulations requires supportive elements to scaffold learners’ activities. Thus, our motivation was to investigate whether direct or indirect metacognitive scaffolding (i.e., training and prompting, respectively) or a combination of both during simulation‐based learning leads to better learning outcomes compared to simulation‐based learning alone. Employing a 2 × 2 factorial design (N = 99 Austrian secondary school students), we explored the role of metacognitive training prior to the use of simulations and the role of metacognitive prompting during the learning phase. Four different conditions were compared in relation to knowledge about the principle of energy conservation. A pre‐ and posttest assessing knowledge acquisition, metacognitive behavior, cognitive load, and mental effort was applied. At first glance, the results indicate no main effects for training and prompting, and no interaction effect. A closer look at the actual use of prompting after the empirical data were obtained, however, reveals a significant impact of the metacognitive strategies employed on performance in the posttest, with higher scores in the condition where appropriate prompting was used. This result emphasizes the importance of guidance during simulation‐based learning.
Nanoscale Ultrasound‐Switchable FRET‐Based Liposomes for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Optically Turbid Media
Authors: Zhang Qimei , Morgan Stephen P. , Mather Melissa L.
Published: July 2017

A new approach for fluorescence imaging in optically turbid media centered on the use of nanoscale ultrasound‐switchable FRET‐based liposome contrast agents is reported. Liposomes containing lipophilic carbocyanine dyes as FRET pairs with emission wavelengths located in the near‐infrared window are prepared. The efficacy of FRET and self‐quenching for liposomes with a range of fluorophore concentrations is first calculated from measurement of the liposome emission spectra. Exposure of the liposomes to ultrasound results in changes in the detected fluorescent signal, the nature of which depends on the fluorophores used, detection wavelength, and the fluorophore concentration. Line scanning of a tube containing the contrast agents with 1 mm inner diameter buried at a depth of 1 cm in a heavily scattering tissue phantom demonstrates an improvement in image spatial resolution by a factor of 6.3 as compared with images obtained in the absence of ultrasound. Improvements are also seen in image contrast with the highest obtained being 9% for a liposome system containing FRET pairs. Overall the results obtained provide evidence of the potential the nanoscale ultrasound‐switchable FRET‐based liposomes studied here have for in vivo fluorescence imaging.
Formation of Mo–Polydopamine Hollow Spheres and Their Conversions to MoO2/C and Mo2C/C for Efficient Electrochemical Energy Storage and Catalyst
Authors: Wang Chunli , Sun Lianshan , Zhang Feifei , Wang Xuxu , Sun Qujiang , Cheng Yong , Wang Limin
Published: July 2017

Highly uniform hierarchical Mo–polydopamine hollow spheres are synthesized for the first time through a liquid‐phase reaction under ambient temperature. A self‐assembly mechanism of the hollow structure of Mo–polydopamine precursor is discussed in detail, and a determined theory is proposed in a water‐in‐oil system. Via different annealing process, these precursors can be converted into hierarchical hollow MoO2/C and Mo2C/C composites without any distortion in shape. Owing to the well‐organized structure and nanosize particle embedding, the as‐prepared hollow spheres exhibit appealing performance both as the anode material for lithium‐ion batteries and as the catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Accordingly, MoO2/C delivers a high reversible capacity of 940 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 775 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 with good rate capability and long cycle performance. Moreover, Mo2C/C also exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic performance with a low overpotential for HER in both acidic and alkaline conditions, as well as remarkable stability.
Late Triassic (Julian) conodont biostratigraphy of a transition from reefal limestones to deep‐water environments on the Cimmerian terranes (Taurus Mountains, southern Turkey)
Authors: Chen Yanlong , Lukeneder Alexander
Published: July 2017

Sections at Aşağiyaylabel and Yukariyaylabel, Taurus Mountains, southern Turkey, provide a rare opportunity to investigate conodont faunas in detail across a reef to slope transition. Intensive sampling of limestone beds (wackestones to packstones) through approximately 3 m at these locations has led to the recognition of a new lower Carnian (Julian 1/2) conodont fauna within the Kartoz and Kasimlar formations. Members of the subfamilies Paragondolellinae and Pseudofurnishiinae are recognized. The genus Kraussodontus is reported for the first time from the Taurus Mountains. Mosherella postkockeli and Mosherella praebudaensis sp. nov. occur within the lower Carnian Carbonate Member of the Kasimlar Formation from the Taurus Platform Units. The discovery of the new conodont assemblages from Aşağiyaylabel and Yukariyaylabel facilitates a correlation with faunal assemblages worldwide.
Novel Manganate Cs23Mn16O28 Containing Two Different Types of Quasi One‐Dimensional Polyanions, 1∞[MnO2]n and Unique 1∞[Mn3O5]n
Authors: Nuss Jürgen , Señarís‐Rodríguez María A. , Klemenz Sebastian , Jansen Martin
Published: July 2017

Cs23Mn16O23 was synthesized via the azide/nitrate route from mixtures of Mn2O3, CsNO3, and CsN3. This manganese(II/III) mixed‐valent oxide, which contains only one Mn3+ besides 15 Mn2+ cations, was studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Its crystal structure [P1, Z = 1, a = 1114.26(2), b = 1185.53(2), c = 1205.39(2) pm, α = 70.596(1), β = 80.377(2), γ = 83.072(2)°, R1 = 0.033] is based on a honeycomb‐like arrangement of cesium atoms, providing the space for two different types of one‐dimensional polyoxomanganate anions, illustrated by the syntax Cs23[MnO2]4[Mn3O5]4. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate dominant antiferromagnetic intra‐chain interactions present already at ambient temperature and long range inter‐chain magnetic ordering at 11 K.
The Partisan Politics of Counterterrorism: Reputations, Policy Transparency, and Electoral Outcomes
Authors: Di Lonardo Livio
Published: July 2017

The prevention of terrorist attacks is an important concern for many governments. In democracies, officials also fear the electoral consequences of successful attacks. As a result, counterterrorism policy-making and electoral concerns are tightly intertwined. To understand the implications of this link, I develop a game-theoretic model and show that left-wing incumbents respond to terror threats more aggressively than their right-wing counterparts in order to convince voters that they can be trusted in fighting terrorism. Terrorist attacks improve right-wing incumbents’ reputation, while they worsen the reputation of left-wing incumbents. When the terrorist threat is high, voters ignore right-wing incumbents’ reputation, reelecting them independently of their performance. Finally, I consider the strategic consequences of maintaining counterterrorism policies hidden from the public eye.
Federalism and the Challenge of Applying International Human Rights Law Against Child Marriage in Africa
Authors: Ebobrah Solomon , Eboibi Felix
Published: July 2017

Federalism presents a dilemma for the implementation of international human rights law in those African states that operate federal constitutions. Central governments in these states enjoy international legal personality, make treaties and represent their states as parties to those treaties, yet internal legislative competence over some issues regulated by treaty is commonly shared between central and regional governments. Consequently, while central governments bear responsibility for transforming international standards into national law, challenges arise in areas such as the protection of children from child marriage, where they lack exclusive national legislative competence. How have these states managed to implement international law without violating their own constitutions? Applying a comparative approach, this article argues that African federal states have employed two main models to overcome the dilemma, neither of which has been totally effective. Drawing lessons from federal states outside Africa, the article suggests other mechanisms to perfect Africa's two main models.
Incidental capture ofMyliobatis goodeiandMyliobatis ridensin artisanal fishing in southern Brazil
Authors: Araújo Priscila Rocha Vasconcelos , Marangoni Juliano César , Velasco Gonzalo
Published: July 2017

This study described the myliobatids caught in artisanal beach seine fisheries in southern Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out from spring 2012 to winter 2014 in Cassino Beach (Rio Grande, Brazil). Both retained and discarded specimens were identified to species level, and sex, maturity and disc width (DW in cm) were recorded. A total 359 specimens ofMyliobatisspp. were recorded, of which 43.4% were from fishery discards, 31.5% from beach seine and 25.1% from drifting gill-net (‘lance de praia’, a fishery that has developed recently in the study area). Catches of myliobatids were higher in the spring and autumn. A total of 94Myliobatis goodei(24 males, 69 females (eight pregnant) and one unsexed), and 179Myliobatis ridenswere recorded (24 males, 148 females (17 pregnant) and seven unsexed).Myliobatis goodeiranged in size from 45.0–65.0 cm DW (males) and 43.3–115.0 cm DW (females).Myliobatis ridenswere 45.0–59.0 cm DW (males) and 41.2–98.0 cm DW (females). Both beach seine and gill-net fisheries operated in potential nursery areas for these myliobatid rays, as indicated by the proportionally high number of mature females (including pregnant females) and juveniles found in this study. The rays probably feed and give birth during the warmer seasons of the year (spring and summer) in these areas.
Inverting the Formula: Devising through Adaptation
Authors: Camilleri Frank
Published: July 2017

Adaptation in contemporary performance takes on different forms and engages various strategies. In this article, Frank Camilleri explores the subject in terms of compositional devising via his practice as research in the area. He considers adaptation as a process of adjustment and modification that occurs at the level of format or organization, and which results from a change in context. He proposes terminological and structural frameworks, namely types, movements, modes, and phases of adaption. These taxonomies are then subsequently exemplified through three case studies from the author's performance and pedagogical work. Frank Camilleri is Associate Professor in Theatre Studies at the University of Malta, where he is Director of the School of Performing Arts and leads P21 (Performance 21), the research centre for Twenty-first Century Studies in Performance. He is Artistic Director of Icarus Performance Project and co-edits the Routledge/Icarus ‘Theatre as a Laboratory’ series.
Conselho de Classe: Very Good
Authors: HELIODORA BARBARA
Published: July 2017

One has a feeling of extraordinary pleasure when attending a performance confirming the maturity of Brazil's theatre: Conselho de Classe (Faculty Meeting), by Jô Bilac, performed at the Mezanino of Espaço SESC as part of the commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Companhia dos Atores, is an articulate, relevant play, agreeably modest in its form and even more interesting for being pleasant, without exaggeration or artifice. The text presents a meeting attended by five out of eleven members of a faculty council, which must debate all aspects of public high-school life in the unexpected presence of a new principal.
Influence of sea level rise on discounting, resource use and migration in small-island communities: an agent-based modelling approach
Authors: HENRY ADAM DOUGLAS , CHRISTENSEN ANDREAS EGELUND , HOFMANN REBECCA , STEIMANIS IVO , VOLLAN BJÖRN
Published: July 2017

Time discounting – the degree to which individuals value current more than future resources – is an important component of natural resource conservation. As a response to climate change impacts in island communities, such as sea level rise, discounting the future can be a rational response due to increased stress on natural resources and uncertainty about whether future generations will have the same access to the same resources. By incorporating systematic responses of discount rates into models of resource conservation, realistic expectations of future human responses to climate change and associated resource stress may be developed. This paper illustrates the importance of time discounting through a theoretical agent-based model of resource use in island communities. A discount rate change can dramatically change projections about future migration and community-based conservation efforts. Our simulation results show that an increase in discount rates due to a credible information shock about future climate change impacts is likely to speed resource depletion. The negative impacts of climate change are therefore likely to be underestimated if changes in discount rates and emerging migration patterns are not taken into account.
A cognitive approach to alliteration and conceptualization in medieval English literature
Authors: HARBUS ANTONINA
Published: July 2017

This article investigates alliteration in Old and Middle English poetry as a particular type of discourse-structuring device. It explores the use of this device in the context of a mainly anonymous and oral-formulaic tradition, and – in Construction Grammar terms – as a type of fragment chunker for both local conceptualization at the phrasal level and also one that permits (even encourages) a counterpoint conceptualization across syntactic structures, with an impact on literary meaning. The discussion will encompass the metrical aspects of this device, its role in the proliferation of poetic-only terms for key concepts that recur in extant verse texts, and implications for our understanding of medieval mental grammars.
Framing and the annuitization decision – Experimental evidence from a Dutch pension fund
Authors: BOCKWEG CHRISTIAN , PONDS EDUARD , STEENBEEK ONNO , VONKEN JOYCE
Published: July 2017

We report the effects of framing settings in annuity demand after conducting a survey-based experiment with members of a Dutch occupational pension plan. We gave participants the option to allocate up to 20% of their projected pension accrual to a lump sum. In particular, we investigated the joint effects of consumption and investment frames and gain and loss frames. We present strong evidence for framing effects in annuity demand. Framing effects remain significant when we control for individual characteristics. We also find robust evidence of individual characteristics influencing annuity demand, highlighting the importance of heterogeneity among participants, for example risk aversion, time preference and trust in the pension fund. Gender and long-term debt positions have significant impact how one responds to framing. We conclude that Dutch plan members generally welcome the partial lump sum option over mandatory full annuitization. The application of frames appears to predictively steer annuity demand. The precise effect framing may have, would probably also depend on the institutional environment, which predefines the perspective through which individuals filter annuities.