bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean and intra‐seasonal variability simulated by NCEP Climate Forecast System model (version 2.0) during boreal winter: Impact of horizontal resolution
Authors: Malviya Shilpa , Mukhopadhyay P. , Phani Murali Krishna R. , Dhakate Ashish , Salunke Kiran
Published: March 2018

This study demonstrates the fidelity of Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) in three horizontal resolutions: T62, T126 and T382, during boreal winter. As the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is the major mode of variability during boreal winter, the emphasis of the study is on the fidelity of the models in capturing the MJO variability. CFSv2 shows moderate skill in simulating the intra‐seasonal oscillation and the skill is sensitive to the resolution of the model.

Boreal winter mean precipitation shows the tendency of the model to overdo the double Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) that increases with resolution. Twenty to hundred days band‐pass‐filtered rainfall variances also indicate that the dominant variances are overestimated with increase in resolution. The characteristic eastwards propagation is not captured by the model at all the resolutions. In an attempt to understand the limitation of the model, composites of specific humidity are analysed which show that the model’s moisture profile is rather better represented at lower resolution than the higher ones. Analyses of relative humidity profile as a function of rainfall rates show that all the model resolutions fail to reproduce the lower‐level moistening prior to deep convection. Observational studies have shown shallow convection to be responsible for this low‐level moistening. Furthermore, analysis of mean stratiform rainfall indicates that spectrum of rainfall variability is not simulated by the model and increasing the resolution could not improve the cloud processes. This study therefore indicates that the fundamental moist convective processes do not improve in the model and neither its bias in capturing the intra‐seasonal variability vis‐à‐vis MJO through increasing resolution. This can therefore be a basis for improving the moist convective processes with emphasis on the improvement of the shallow convection within boundary layer and also for the inclusion of scale dependencies in parameterized processes.
Extreme dry spells over the Mediterranean Basin during the wet season: Assessment of HyMeX/Med‐CORDEX regional climate simulations (1979–2009)
Authors: Raymond Florian , Drobinski Philippe , Ullmann Albin , Camberlin Pierre
Published: March 2018

Exceptional dry spells, in this study referred to as very long dry spells (VLDS), are natural hazards to which the Mediterranean region is extremely vulnerable, with socio‐economic and environmental impacts. In this study, they are characterized in terms of location, spatial extent, duration, temporal variability and associated atmospheric circulations. The main objective is to assess the performance of five HyMeX/Med‐CORDEX regional climate simulations to detect and reproduce VLDS in comparison with the E‐OBS observed daily gridded data. Models accurately reproduce the occurrence of precipitation around the Mediterranean Basin, and therefore the occurrence of VLDS, with at least 51% of the E‐OBS VLDS reproduced by the regional simulations. They also accurately simulate the spatio‐temporal characteristics. A second objective is to identify the synoptic atmospheric patterns associated with VLDS. A clustering analysis shows that all models accurately reproduce the main VLDS spatial patterns, associated with anticyclonic conditions above the affected regions. The simulated VLDS occurrence is strongly related to the amplitude of the sea level pressure and 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies as well as the location of the maximum anomalies. All VLDS events are associated with anticyclonic conditions except those occurring in the eastern Mediterranean, where they are generally not associated with a specific meteorological event but with the usual summer weather regime.
Parenteral Lipid Dose Restriction With Soy Oil, Not Fish Oil, Preserves Retinal Function in Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Lansing Marihan , Sauvé Yves , Dimopoulos Ioannis , Field Catherine J. , Suh Miyoung , Wizzard Pamela , Goruk Susan , Lim David , Muto Mitsuru , Wales Paul , Turner Justine
Published: March 2018

Background

A dietary supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) is critical for neonatal retinal development. Both are absent/minimal in parenteral nutrition (PN) using soy‐oil emulsions ([SO] Intralipid®) traditionally used for neonatal intestinal failure. In contrast, fish‐oil emulsions ([FO] Omegaven®) are enriched in DHA/AA. The aim of this study was to compare retinal function and fatty acid content in neonatal piglets fed PN with SO or FO.

Methods

Two–5‐day‐old piglets were randomly allocated to SO (n = 4) or FO (n = 4), provided at equivalent doses (5g/kg/d). After 14 days of PN, retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and retinas were harvested for fatty acid content analysis. Sow‐fed piglets served as a reference (REF).

Results

Light flash–elicited stoppage of cone and rod dark‐currents (a‐waves) and the ensuing postsynaptic activation of cone and rod ON bipolar cells (b‐waves) were comparable between SO and REF. Responses recorded from FO were subnormal (P <0.001) when compared with both SO and REF. Retinal DHA content was similar in both groups (FO, 14.59% vs SO, 12.22%; P = 0.32); while AA was lower in FO (FO, 6.01% vs SO, 8.21%; P = .001).

Conclusion

Paradoxically, FO containing more DHA and AA did not preserve retinal function when compared with the same low dose of SO. This may be due to the reduced AA enrichment in the retina with FO treatment. Further investigation into the ideal amounts of DHA and AA for optimal neonatal retinal function is required.
Determination of apple juice authenticity using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, volt‐ampere and new conductometric methods
Authors: Bocharova Oksana V , Reshta Sentyabrina P , Bocharova Maiia Y , Eshtokin Vasiliy I
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Organoleptic properties and positive health effect on consumers both justify the importance of determining apple juice authenticity with respect to retail and wholesale trade networks worldwide.

RESULTS

Adulteration of apple juice through dilution with water, as well as with ascorbic acid, has been determined. It has been demonstrated that polarization curves of a platinum electrode in apple juice are useful for undeclared antioxidant determination, as a result of the movement of the polarization curve to the left, by 200 mV, when ascorbic acid was added. A difference between the equivalent electrical conductivity of suspended solids of undiluted and diluted (1:1) juices has been substantiated as a new quantitative criterion for determining adulteration through dilution. The criterion values range from 0.030 to 0.034 S m−1 for juices of different apple varieties. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results have shown the presence of (E)‐2‐hexenal and n‐hexanal in all juices tested obtained from different apple varieties.

CONCLUSION

A new conductometric method for the determination of diluted apple juices has been substantiated. It has been established that the volt‐ampere method is useful for the investigation of undeclared ascorbic acid. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of a foliar spray of selenite or selenate at different growth stages on selenium distribution and quality of blueberries
Authors: Li Mingfeng , Zhao Zhuqing , Zhou Jiajie , Zhou Daowen , Chen Boning , Huang Liqiang , Zhang Zhihua , Liu Xinwei
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Foliar spraying of selenium (Se) has increasingly been applied to improve Se concentrations in grain crops, although little information is available about the properties of Se‐enriched fruits. In the present study, selenium distribution in blueberry and Se effect on blueberry quality were investigated by foliar spraying selenite or selenate (200 g ha−1) on two blueberry cultivars (Bluecrop and Northland) during the young fruit or coloring stage.

RESULTS

Selenium concentration in blueberry was mainly affected by cultivar and spray stage relative to the Se source. Northland was 1.3‐ to 1.5‐fold higher than Bluecrop with respect to Se enrichment. Se treatment at the young fruit stage induced a 1.5‐ to 2.3‐fold increase compared to that at the coloring stage with respect to the Se concentration of blueberry. Additionally, selenium was mainly stored in pomace, with an accumulative distribution ratio of 89.3–94.9%. The proportion of organic Se reached up to 77.0% in blueberry. Furthermore, the foliar application of Se significantly increased the anthocyanin concentration and the intact fruit rate of blueberry.

CONCLUSION

Se‐enriched blueberry can be used as a ‘functional food’. Because Se was mainly accumulated in the pomace, the consumption of blueberries as fresh fruit, dried fruit and jam can improve the efficiency of Se supplement. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The potential of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the study and treatment of intervertebral disc pathologies
Authors: Krupkova Olga , Cambria Elena , Besse Lenka , Besse Andrej , Bowles Robert , Wuertz‐Kozak Karin
Published: March 2018

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a powerful tool for mammalian genome engineering. In basic and translational intervertebral disc (IVD) research, this technique has remarkable potential to answer fundamental questions on pathway interactions, to simulate IVD pathologies, and to promote drug development. Furthermore, the precisely targeted CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy holds promise for the effective and targeted treatment of degenerative disc disease and low back pain. In this perspective, we provide an overview of recent CRISPR/Cas9 advances stemming from/with transferability to IVD research, outline possible treatment approaches for degenerative disc disease, and discuss current limitations that may hinder clinical translation.
Facile preparation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective extraction and determination of dexamethasone in skincare cosmetics using HPLC
Authors: Du Wei , Zhang Bilin , Guo Pengqi , Chen Guoning , Chang Chun , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2018

Dexamethasone‐imprinted polymers were fabricated by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles under mild polymerization conditions, which exhibited a narrow polydispersity and high selectivity for dexamethasone extraction. The dexamethasone‐imprinted polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The adsorption performance was evaluated by static adsorption, kinetic adsorption and selectivity tests. The results confirmed the successful construction of an imprinted polymer layer on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles, which benefits the characteristics of high adsorption capacity, fast mass transfer, specific molecular recognition, and simple magnetic separation. Combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography, molecularly imprinted polymers as magnetic extraction sorbents were used for the rapid and selective extraction and determination of dexamethasone in skincare cosmetic samples, with the accuracies of the spiked samples ranging from 93.8 to 97.6%. The relative standard deviations were less than 2.7%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.05 and 0.20 μg/mL, respectively. The developed method was simple, fast and highly selective and could be a promising method for dexamethasone monitoring in cosmetic products.
What drives supportive intentions towards a dark tourism site?
Authors: Wu Hung‐Che , Cheng Ching‐Chan
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to explore the structural relationship between supportive intentions towards a dark tourism site and their 7 drivers—participation, innovation, experiential risk, experiential memorability, experiential satisfaction, experiential trust, and experiential involvement of dark tourism sites. A convenience sample of 546 tourists to the Beichuan earthquake relics was surveyed. The results will assist tourism management in developing and implementing market‐orientated service strategies to increase site participation, site innovation, site experiential memorability, enhance site experiential satisfaction, site experiential trust, and site experiential involvement in order to enable tourists to have intentions to support their dark tourism sites.
Offsetting land degradation through nitrogen and water management during maize cultivation under arid conditions
Authors: Hammad Hafiz Mohkum , Abbas Farhat , Saeed Shafqat , Fahad Shah , Cerdà Artemi , Farhad Wajid , Bernardo Chaves Cordoba , Nasim Wajid , Mubeen Muhammad , Bakhat Hafiz Faiq
Published: March 2018

The best management of soil, irrigation, and crop nutrients is among major components of sustainable agriculture that reduces groundwater contamination, prevents soil degradation, and guarantees the best resource use efficiency. Trials were conducted to optimize maize (Zea mays L.) yield by experimenting various irrigation water regimes, nitrogen (N) application rates, and methods in 96 pots under arid environmental conditions during autumn 2012. Crop hydrological and agronomic characteristics were assessed under a completely randomized design with factorial arrangements. Water and N stress to the plants under observation significantly reduced the water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor pressure of the leaves. Crop growth rate and total dry matter production were significantly improved by an increase in N fertilizer application up to 300 kg ha−1 (equivalent to 4.8 g N pot−1) for all water regimes. Grain per cob, 1,000‐grain weight, and final grain yield were higher at 100% field capacity with the application of 300 kg N ha−1 under the soil N application method than those under foliar N application treatments. The best N rate for optimum grain production was attained by 300 kg ha−1 with 575‐mm supplemental irrigation water ha−1. The quadratic equation fitting revealed that the effect of N on crop growth parameters was higher than that of the supplemental irrigation; therefore, a water deficit may partly be managed by adding N to the soil. These water and N managements may be used in formulating agricultural practices to avoid degradation of lands for soil and environmental conditions similar to those of the current study warranting a field research.
Hospitalizations for Cardiovascular Disease After Liver Transplantation in the United States†
Authors: Khurmi Narjeet S. , Chang Yu‐Hui , Eric Steidley D. , Singer Andrew L. , Hewitt Winston R. , Reddy Kunam S. , Moss Adyr A. , Mathur Amit K.
Published: March 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of post–liver transplant death, and variable care patterns may affect outcomes. We aimed to describe epidemiology and outcomes of inpatient CVD care across US hospitals. Using a merged data set from the 2002‐2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey, we evaluated liver transplant patients admitted primarily with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke (cerebrovascular accident [CVA]), congestive heart failure (CHF), dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest (CA), or malignant hypertension. Patient‐level data include demographics, Charlson comorbidity index, and CVD diagnoses. Facility‐level variables included ownership status, payer‐mix, hospital resources, teaching status, and physician/nursing‐to‐bed ratios. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate patient‐ and hospital‐level factors associated with mortality. There were 4763 hospitalizations that occurred in 153 facilities (transplant hospitals, n = 80). CVD hospitalizations increased overall by 115% over the decade (P < 0.01). CVA and MI declined over time (both P < 0.05), but CHF and dysrhythmia grew significantly (both P < 0.03); a total of 19% of hospitalizations were for multiple CVD diagnoses. Transplant hospitals had lower comorbidity patients (P < 0.001) and greater resource intensity including presence of cardiac intensive care unit, interventional radiology, operating rooms, teaching status, and nursing density (all P < 0.01). Transplant and nontransplant hospitals had similar unadjusted mortality (overall, 3.9%, P = 0.55; by diagnosis, all P > 0.07). Transplant hospitals had significantly longer overall length of stay, higher total costs, and more high‐cost hospitalizations (all P < 0.05). After risk adjustment, transplant hospitals were associated with higher mortality and high‐cost hospitalizations. In conclusion, CVD after liver transplant is evolving and responsible for growing rates of inpatient care. Transplant hospitals are associated with poor outcomes, even after risk adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics, which may be attributable to selective referral of certain patient phenotypes but could also be related to differences in quality of care. Further study is warranted.
Reduction‐Triggered Self‐Cross‐Linked Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Nanogels for Intracellular Delivery of Drugs and Proteins
Authors: Park Haeree , Choi Yeongkyu , Jeena M. T. , Ahn Eungjin , Choi Yuri , Kang Myeong‐Gyun , Lee Chae Gyu , Kwon Tae‐Hyuk , Rhee Hyun‐Woo , Ryu Ja‐Hyoung , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: March 2018

Owing to the unique advantages of combining the characteristics of hydrogels and nanoparticles, nanogels are actively investigated as a promising platform for advanced biomedical applications. In this work, a self‐cross‐linked hyperbranched polyglycerol nanogel is synthesized using the thiol–disulfide exchange reaction based on a novel disulfide‐containing polymer. A series of structural analyses confirm the tunable size and cross‐linking density depending on the type of polymer (homo‐ or copolymer) and the amount of reducing agent, dithiothreitol, used in the preparation of the nanogels. The nanogels retain not only small molecular therapeutics irrespective of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature but also large enzymes such as β‐galactosidase by exploiting the self‐cross‐linking chemistry. Their superior biocompatibility together with the controllable release of active therapeutic agents suggests the applicability of nanogels in smart drug delivery systems.
Self‐Folded Hydrogel Tubes for Implantable Muscular Tissue Scaffolds
Authors: Vannozzi Lorenzo , Yasa Immihan Ceren , Ceylan Hakan , Menciassi Arianna , Ricotti Leonardo , Sitti Metin
Published: March 2018

Programming materials with tunable physical and chemical interactions among its components pave the way of generating 3D functional active microsystems with various potential applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and soft robotics. Here, the development of a recapitulated fascicle‐like implantable muscle construct by programmed self‐folding of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels is reported. The system comprises two stacked layers, each with differential swelling degrees, stiffnesses, and thicknesses in 2D, which folds into a 3D tube together. Inside the tubes, muscle cell adhesion and their spatial alignment are controlled. Both skeletal and cardiac muscle cells also exhibit high viability, and cardiac myocytes preserve their contractile function over the course of 7 d. Integration of biological cells with smart, shape‐changing materials could give rise to the development of new cellular constructs for hierarchical tissue assembly, drug testing platforms, and biohybrid actuators that can perform sophisticated tasks.
Diblock Copolymers with Similar Glass Transition Temperatures in Both Blocks for Comparing Shear Orientation Processes with DPD Computer Simulations
Authors: Heck Matthias , Schneider Ludwig , Müller Marcus , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is the development of phase‐separating diblock copolymer model systems suitable for the comparison between the orientation process under shear and computer simulations of the same process. To do so, the polymer systems have to fulfill certain requirements like similar dynamics of both polymer blocks, which are associated with comparable glass transition temperatures. The development of suitable diblock copolymer systems such as poly(ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) or the tuning of already established polymer systems like polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) via copolymerization with 4‐vinylpyridine is essential. Anionic polymerization is used for the sample synthesis to achieve this goal with the lowest possible polydispersity. Soft, coarse‐grained models are used to study the block dynamics in computer simulations. Within the dissipative particle dynamics methods the remaining differences in the block mobility are addressed. The experimentally determined zero‐shear viscosity η0is used to match the simulation results to the synthesized polymer melts.
Design of Open‐Shell π‐Conjugated Microporous Polymer Film with Super‐High Conductivity
Authors: Xu Lai
Published: March 2018

Polymers with open‐shell π‐conjugated structure and thiophene‐based building blocks are designed for electropolymerization. These systems are expected to electropolymerize and form solution‐processable conjugated microporous polymer films, which can be used for device fabrications. The designed radical structure has a low highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, high electronic hopping rate for the hole transfer and electron transfer, and ultimately high conductivity. The eclipsed dimer has higher conductivities than that of staggered dimer. The designed monomer with substituted groups has lower conductivities due to steric effect. The open‐shell systems designed will be promising materials with various applications. Design principles for open‐shell organic materials can be established based on the trends of this paper.
Surprising Insensitivity of Homogeneous Acetylation of Cellulose Dissolved in Triethyl(n‐octyl)ammonium Chloride/Molecular Solvent on the Solvent Polarity
Authors: Achtel Christian , Jedvert Kerstin , Kostag Marc , El Seoud Omar A. , Heinze Thomas
Published: March 2018

The homogeneous acetylation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride in triethyl(n‐octyl)ammonium chloride (N2228Cl)/molecular solvents (MSs) is investigated. The reaction with both acylating agents shows the expected increase of the degree of substitution (DS) on reaction temperature and time. Under comparable reaction conditions, however, DS is surprisingly little dependent on the MS employed, although the MSs differ in empirical polarity by 7 kcal mol−1 as calculated by use of solvatochromic probes. The empirical polarities of (MCC + N2228Cl + MS) differ only by 0.8 kcal mol−1. The formation a polar electrolyte sheath around cellulose chains presumably contributes to this “leveling‐off” of the dependence DS on the polarity of the parent MS employed. N2228Cl recovery and recycling is feasible.
Changes in soil physicochemical properties and soil bacterial community in mulberry (Morus alba L.)/alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropping system
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Meng , Wang Ning , Hu Yan‐Bo , Sun Guang‐Yu
Published: March 2018

A better understanding of tree‐based intercropping effects on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community has a potential contribution to improvement of agroforestry productivity and sustainability. In this study, we investigated the effects of mulberry/alfalfa intercropping on soil physicochemical properties and soil bacterial community by MiSeq sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The results showed a significant increase in the contents of available nitrogen, available phosphate, available potassium, and total carbon in the rhizosphere soil of the intercropped alfalfa. Sequencing results showed that intercropping improved bacterial richness and diversity of mulberry and alfalfa based on richness estimates and diversity indices. The relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were significantly higher in intercropping mulberry than in monoculture mulberry; and the abundances of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes in the intercropping alfalfa were markedly higher than that in monoculture alfalfa. Bacterial taxa with soil nutrients cycling were enriched in the intercropping system. There were higher relative abundances of Bacillus (0.32%), Pseudomonas (0.14%), and Microbacterium (0.07%) in intercropping mulberry soil, and Bradyrhizobium (1.0%), Sphingomonas (0.56%), Pseudomonas (0.18%), Microbacterium (0.15%), Rhizobium (0.09%), Neorhizobium (0.08%), Rhodococcus (0.06%), and Burkholderia (0.04%) in intercropping alfalfa soil. Variance partition analysis showed that planting pattern contributed 26.7% of the total variation of bacterial community, and soil environmental factors explained approximately 56.5% of the total variation. This result indicated that the soil environmental factors were more important than the planting pattern in shaping the bacterial community in the field soil. Overall, mulberry/alfalfa intercropping changed soil bacterial community, which was related to changes in soil total carbon, available phosphate, and available potassium.
Transcriptional coupling (Mfd) and DNA damage scanning (DisA) coordinate excision repair events for efficient Bacillus subtilis spore outgrowth
Authors: Valenzuela‐García Luz I. , Ayala‐García Víctor M. , Regalado‐García Ana G. , Setlow Peter , Pedraza‐Reyes Mario
Published: March 2018

The absence of base excision repair (BER) proteins involved in processing ROS‐promoted genetic insults activates a DNA damage scanning (DisA)‐dependent checkpoint event in outgrowing Bacillus subtilis spores. Here, we report that genetic disabling of transcription‐coupled repair (TCR) or nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways severely affected outgrowth of ΔdisA spores, and much more so than the effects of these mutations on log phase growth. This defect delayed the first division of spore′s nucleoid suggesting that unrepaired lesions affected transcription and/or replication during outgrowth. Accordingly, return to life of spores deficient in DisA/Mfd or DisA/UvrA was severely affected by a ROS‐inducer or a replication blocking agent, hydrogen peroxide and 4‐nitroquinoline‐oxide, respectively. Mutation frequencies to rifampin resistance (Rifr) revealed that DisA allowed faithful NER‐dependent DNA repair but activated error‐prone repair in TCR‐deficient outgrowing spores. Sequencing analysis of rpoB from spontaneous Rifr colonies revealed that mutations resulting from base deamination predominated in outgrowing wild‐type spores. Interestingly, a wide range of base substitutions promoted by oxidized DNA bases were detected in ΔdisA and Δmfd outgrown spores. Overall, our results suggest that Mfd and DisA coordinate excision repair events in spore outgrowth to eliminate DNA lesions that interfere with replication and transcription during this developmental period.
Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy Type 8 Due to CERS1 Deficiency: A Novel Mutation with Prominent Ataxia
Authors: Godeiro Junior Clécio de Oliveira , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Afonso Cintia Oliveira de Melo , Kok Fernando , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando G.
Published: March 2018

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Seeking distinctiveness through divestments: CEO succession and the effect of demographic similarity on the divestment of predecessor's investments
Authors: Hutzschenreuter Thomas , Kleindienst Ingo , Greger Claas
Published: March 2018

Why do successor CEOs divest those organizational units that they divest shortly after taking office? In order to contribute to this question, we take a behavioral perspective and develop a theoretical framework that draws on pioneering work in social psychology, in particular, research on individuals' need for distinctiveness and argue that demographic similarity to their CEO predecessors may evoke negative affect as it threatens CEO successors' need for distinctiveness. Assuming that CEOs are high need for distinctiveness individuals, we argue that negative emotions associated with similarity to their CEO predecessors are likely to force CEO successors to engage in behavioral coping strategies aimed at restoring a sense of distinctiveness. In particular, we predict and empirically observe that demographic similarity increases the likelihood that in their pursuit of distinctiveness, CEO successors deliberately divest specific organizational units, namely, those that their CEO predecessors had invested in.
Initial cognitive changes in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Tröster Alexander I. , Marras Connie , Stebbins Glenn
Published: March 2018

The focus on cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, is shifting from the dementia stage to earlier stages of impairment, including mild cognitive impairment. This shift is driven primarily by the desire to improve long‐term outcomes by delivering therapeutic interventions earlier in the clinical course, even presymptomatically in those at highest risk, and at the initial stage in the pathophysiological cascade that underpins common dementia syndromes. This article focuses on key findings and challenges in studying earliest stages of cognitive decline in PD, including a detailed examination of neuropsychological testing, cognitive performance in early and prodromal PD, epidemiological research for PD mild cognitive impairment to date, and expert recommendations for assessment. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Role of Non‐Coding RNAs and Isothiocyanates in Cancer
Authors: Martin Samantha L. , Royston Kendra J. , Tollefsbol Trygve O.
Published: March 2018

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortalities in the United States, only exceeded by heart disease. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. Due to the often harsh effects of current cancer therapies, investigators are focusing their efforts on cancer prevention mediated by dietary phytochemicals. Since the discovery that cancer can be initiated by and progressed through both genetic and epigenetic pathways, there has been a significant surge in studies on epigenetic effects mediated by nutritive compounds. Isothiocyanates, naturally occurring molecules found in cruciferous vegetables, have been documented to exhibit many anticarcinogenic activities. Although isothiocyanates have been extensively documented as key players in epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, their effects on non‐coding RNAs is understudied. Non‐coding RNAs are molecules that target mRNA production and repress protein translation and are known to be dysregulated in various human malignancies. Studies have used non‐coding RNAs as novel targets for exploration in cancer therapy. This review focuses on the exploration of isothiocyanates and their effect on non‐coding RNAs in cancer prevention and therapy.
Polyphenol Phase‐II Metabolites are Detectable in Human Plasma after Ingestion of 13C Labeled Spinach—a Pilot Intervention Trial in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Passon Maike , Bühlmeier Judith , Zimmermann Benno F. , Stratmann Anja , Latz Stefan , Stehle Peter , Galensa Rudolf
Published: March 2018

Scope

After intrinsic labeling of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodiaceae) with 13CO2, we investigated if labeled polyphenol metabolites were detectable in human plasma.

Methods and result

In a pilot intervention trial, five healthy men consumed 5 g freeze‐dried 13C labeled spinach, including a total amount of 160 μmol methoxyflavonols, including 70 μmol 5,3′,4′‐trihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐6,7‐methylendioxyflavone‐4′‐glucuronide. Plasma samples of all subjects were analyzed with regard to their 13C/12C ratio. Additionally, 13C labeled metabolites of patuletin, spinacetin, and 5,3′,4′‐trihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐6,7‐methylendioxyflavone (TMM) were analyzed in plasma samples in a subgroup of three subjects. TMM‐glucuronide, TMM‐sulfate, and spinacetin‐glucuronide‐sulfate, the latter as 12C113C16 and 13C17 isotopologs, were tentatively identified. Plasma concentration of TMM‐glucuronide and TMM‐sulfate reached cmax from 19.1–54.3  and 22.5–125.5 nmol L–1, respectively, 7–9 h post‐ingestion.

Conclusion

It seems likely that 13C labeled TMM‐glucuronide and TMM‐sulfate are phase‐II metabolites which were converted after colonic transformation. Variations in plasma kinetics were observed for these two metabolites and may be attributed to the individual composition of the microbiota. We conclude that 13C labeled polyphenol metabolites are detectable and quantifiable in human plasma.
Classification images for localization performance in ramp‐spectrum noise
Authors: Abbey Craig K. , Samuelson Frank W. , Zeng Rongping , Boone John M. , Eckstein Miguel P. , Myers Kyle
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study investigates forced localization of targets in simulated images with statistical properties similar to trans‐axial sections of x‐ray computed tomography (CT) volumes. A total of 24 imaging conditions are considered, comprising two target sizes, three levels of background variability, and four levels of frequency apodization. The goal of the study is to better understand how human observers perform forced‐localization tasks in images with CT‐like statistical properties.

Methods

The transfer properties of CT systems are modeled by a shift‐invariant transfer function in addition to apodization filters that modulate high spatial frequencies. The images contain noise that is the combination of a ramp‐spectrum component, simulating the effect of acquisition noise in CT, and a power‐law component, simulating the effect of normal anatomy in the background, which are modulated by the apodization filter as well. Observer performance is characterized using two psychophysical techniques: efficiency analysis and classification image analysis. Observer efficiency quantifies how much diagnostic information is being used by observers to perform a task, and classification images show how that information is being accessed in the form of a perceptual filter.

Results

Psychophysical studies from five subjects form the basis of the results. Observer efficiency ranges from 29% to 77% across the different conditions. The lowest efficiency is observed in conditions with uniform backgrounds, where significant effects of apodization are found. The classification images, estimated using smoothing windows, suggest that human observers use center‐surround filters to perform the task, and these are subjected to a number of subsequent analyses. When implemented as a scanning linear filter, the classification images appear to capture most of the observer variability in efficiency (r2 = 0.86). The frequency spectra of the classification images show that frequency weights generally appear bandpass in nature, with peak frequency and bandwidth that vary with statistical properties of the images.

Conclusions

In these experiments, the classification images appear to capture important features of human‐observer performance. Frequency apodization only appears to have a significant effect on performance in the absence of anatomical variability, where the observers appear to underweight low spatial frequencies that have relatively little noise. Frequency weights derived from the classification images generally have a bandpass structure, with adaptation to different conditions seen in the peak frequency and bandwidth. The classification image spectra show relatively modest changes in response to different levels of apodization, with some evidence that observers are attempting to rebalance the apodized spectrum presented to them.
Impact of preimplantational oral low‐dose estradiol‐17β exposure on the endometrium: The role of miRNA
Authors: Flöter Veronika L. , Lorenz Anne‐Kathrin , Kirchner Benedikt , Pfaffl Michael W. , Bauersachs Stefan , Ulbrich Susanne E.
Published: March 2018

Porcine conceptuses synthesize estrogens between Day 11 and 12 as signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy. A preimplantational estrogen exposure to pregnant gilts has been associated with embryonic losses and changes in endometrial mRNA expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the mRNA regulation by modulating the expression. Effects of estrogens on endometrial miRNAs have not been investigated in this context so far. Thus, we studied the endometrial expression profile of miRNAs in the pig at gestational Day 10 after daily estradiol‐17β (E2) application starting at fertilization using either 0, 0.05 (ADI—acceptable daily intake), 10 (NOEL—no‐observed‐effect level) and 1,000 (high dose) µg E2/kg body weight/day, respectively. In endometrial homogenates, E2 (p < 0.001) and total estrogen concentrations (p < 0.001) were significantly increased, namely 28‐ and 160‐fold, respectively, in the high dose group as compared to the control. Additionally, total estrogens were sixfold elevated in the NOEL group. Interestingly, high‐throughput sequencing of small non‐coding RNA libraries did not indicate any differentially expressed miRNAs between the treatment groups and the control group. The expression of 12 potential E2 target miRNAs investigated by RT‐qPCR were equally unaffected. Thus, preimplantational E2 exposure resulted in significantly higher endometrial estrogen concentrations, but did not perturb the expression profile of endometrial miRNAs.
Delay in maternal transcript degradation in ovine embryos derived from low competence oocytes
Authors: Masala Laura , Ariu Federica , Bogliolo Luisa , Bellu Emanuela , Ledda Sergio , Bebbere Daniela
Published: March 2018

Oocytes from prepubertal animals have a reduced ability to undergo embryo development and produce viable offspring. The present work used an ovine model consisting of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors to assess the molecular status of oocytes and preimplantation embryos with different developmental competence. The lower potential of oocytes of young donors was confirmed in terms of in vitro developmental capabilities and kinetics. A panel of genes including maternal effect (DPPA3, GDF9, NMP2, ZAR1) and housekeeping genes (ACTB, RPL19, SDHA, YWHAZ, ATP1A1), genes involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B), genomic imprinting (IGF2R), pluripotency (NANOG, POU5F1) and cell cycle regulation (CCNB1, CDK1, MELK) was relatively quantified. Temporal analysis during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development evidenced patterns associated with donor age. With a few gene‐specific exceptions, the differential model showed a reduced transcript abundance in immature prepubertal oocytes that completely reversed trend after fertilization, when higher mRNA levels were consistently observed in early embryos, indicating a delay in maternal transcript degradation. We propose that the molecular shortage in the prepubertal oocyte may affect its developmental potential and impair the early pathways of maternal mRNA clearance in the embryo. While confirming the different potential of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors, our work showed for the first time a consistent delay in maternal transcript degradation in embryos derived from low competence oocytes that interestingly recalls the delayed developmental kinetics. Such abnormal transcript persistence may hinder further development and represents a novel perspective on the complexity of developmental competence.
An audit of the utilization of physiotherapy assistants in the musculoskeletal outpatients setting within a primary care physiotherapy service
Authors: Sarigiovannis Panos , Cropper Steve
Published: March 2018

Background

Physiotherapy assistants account for approximately 20% of the physiotherapy workforce across a community health service in North Staffordshire. Although their job descriptions state that the post is primarily clinical, their role depends heavily on the qualified physiotherapists and how they utilize their clinical skills.

Methods

An audit of the physiotherapy assistants’ tasks was carried out to reveal whether the physiotherapy assistants’ time spent on clinical tasks complied with their job descriptions. Using the audit improvement cycle, pathway mapping of specific anatomical areas was performed to identify which parts of treatment can be carried out by physiotherapy assistants, clarify the physiotherapy assistants’ clinical role and standardize treatments. A competences and training needs analysis was completed and physiotherapy assistants were trained before the pathways were implemented. Finally, the physiotherapy assistants’ practice was re‐audited and job satisfaction questionnaires were redistributed after the pathways were implemented.

Results

The results showed that, following the implementation of the pathways, the amount of working time that physiotherapy assistants spent treating patients increased from 9% to 16%. Their job satisfaction changed from 11% prior to the implementation of the pathways to 100% post‐implementation.

Conclusions

Using defined pathways in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the peripheral joints provides the framework to standardize delegation of clinical tasks from qualified physiotherapists to physiotherapy assistants. However, the utilization of such pathways needs to be examined further, to clarify the clinical and cost effectiveness of delegating clinical work to physiotherapy assistants, and also the perceptions of qualified physiotherapists.
Electrical impedance myography in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mul Karlien , Heatwole Chad , Eichinger Katy , Dilek Nuran , Martens William B. , Van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a noninvasive technique for measuring muscle composition and a potential physiological biomarker for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).Methods: Thirty‐two participants with genetically confirmed and clinically affected FSHD underwent EIM in 7 muscles bilaterally. Correlations between EIM and baseline clinical measures were used to select EIM variables of interest in FSHD, and EIM and clinical measures were followed for 1 year.Results: There were no significant changes in the EIM variables. Although 50‐kHZreactance correlated the strongest with clinical measures at baseline, the 50–211‐kHZphase ratio demonstrated lower within‐subject 12‐month variability, potentially offering sample size savings for FSHD clinical trial planning.Discussion: EIM did not identify significant disease progression over 12 months. It is currently unclear whether this is because of limitations of the technology or the slow rate of disease progression in this cohort of FSHD patients over this period of time.Muscle Nerve58: 213–218, 2018
Effects of Vegetation Density on the Ontogeny to Piscivory of Juvenile Largemouth Bass
Authors: Shoup Daniel E. , Broderius Chance R.
Published: March 2018

First-year overwinter survival is a frequent bottleneck to the recruitment of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Early ontogeny to piscivory provides increased overwinter survival through increased growth and the accumulation of lipids. This ontogeny is thought to be slowed by dense and complex vegetative habitats, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. To address this question, we conducted enclosure experiments for 5 weeks during the typical time that juvenile Largemouth Bass would transition to piscivory (i.e., midsummer). Thirty-two enclosures were constructed across two 0.10-ha ponds and given one of four stem densities of simulated vegetation (0, 50, 250, and 500 stems/m2). Three juvenile Largemouth Bass and 30 juvenile Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus were added to each enclosure. All fish were sampled twice per week. Largemouth Bass growth was measured on all sample dates, and stomach samples were collected to determine diets on one date each week. Bluegill sizes and densities were manipulated to maintain the number of fish at 30 fish that were 25–35% of Largemouth Bass TL after each sampling event. Largemouth Bass stomach contents (percent by weight) were initially dominated by insects, and the bass transitioned to mostly fish prey by the end of the experiment. The use of fish prey, as measured by the presence of surviving Bluegills in the enclosures, significantly increased at the beginning of the second week at all stem densities, but fewer fish prey were eaten by bass in the 250-stems/m2 treatment than in all other treatments throughout the experiment. Largemouth Bass also grew less in the 250-stems/m2 treatment. We concluded that vegetation density does affect the foraging rate of piscivorous juvenile Largemouth Bass, but not necessarily the timing of the ontogeny to piscivory. However, differing results between this experiment and other previously published studies suggests vegetation may have an interactive effect with available prey types.
Simple paths with exact and forbidden lengths
Authors: Dolgui Alexandre , Kovalyov Mikhail Y. , Quilliot Alain
Published: March 2018

We study new decision and optimization problems of finding a simple path between two given vertices in an arc weighted directed multigraph such that the path length is equal to a given number or it does not fall into the given forbidden intervals (gaps). A fairly complete computational complexity classification is provided and exact and approximation algorithms are suggested.
Successful Placement of Nasointestinal Feeding Tubes Using an Electromagnetic Sensor‐Guided Enteral Access System in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Lash Kay , Oppel Rachelle , Hasse Jeanette
Published: March 2018

Technology advances have made it possible to prolong life for patients with heart failure who are not transplant candidates or while awaiting transplant. Many different cardiac devices are available that can be used as a bridge to transplant (temporary support) or as a destination therapy (permanent support). Placement of these devices can cause complications that, if not addressed, could negatively impact the nutrition status of patients. Placement of nasointestinal feeding tubes using an electromagnetic sensor–guided enteral access system (EMS‐EAS) has been difficult in patients with implantable devices because of the potential for interference with the EMS‐EAS and the left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The purpose of this paper was to report the results using a modified method to place nasointestinal tubes in patients with LVADs by elevating the receiver off the xiphoid process. There were 42 feeding tube placements in 25 patients. Results showed a 69% success rate of placement into the small bowel, 13 unsuccessful placements, and no adverse or sentinel events associated with tube placement using this method. Results indicated the modified method is a safe approach to help expedite feeding tube placement in a nutritionally compromised patient. The success rate is comparable with non‐LVAD patient populations requiring nasointestinal tube placement via EMS‐EAS. To our knowledge, this is the first published case series addressing a modified method for nasointestinal tube placement in patients with LVAD. More research is needed to determine ideal separation distances or other techniques to improve the success rate in this patient population.
Extensions of labeling algorithms for multi‐objective uncertain shortest path problems
Authors: Raith Andrea , Schmidt Marie , Schöbel Anita , Thom Lisa
Published: March 2018

We consider multi‐objective shortest path problems in which the edge lengths are uncertain. Different concepts for finding so‐called robust efficient solutions for multi‐objective robust optimization exist. In this article, we consider multi‐scenario efficiency, flimsily and highly robust efficiency, and point‐based and set‐based minmax robust efficiency. Labeling algorithms are an important class of algorithms for multi‐objective (deterministic) shortest path problems. We analyze why it is, for most of the considered concepts, not straightforward to use labeling algorithms to find robust efficient solutions. We then show two approaches to extend a generic multi‐objective label correcting algorithm for these cases. We finally present extensive numerical results on the performance of the proposed algorithms.