bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of social stress on time perception and psychophysiological reactivity
Authors: van Hedger Kathryne , Necka Elizabeth A. , Barakzai Anam K. , Norman Greg J.
Published: January 2017

Time perception is a fundamental component of everyday life. Although time can be measured using standard units, the relationship between an individual's experience of perceived time and a standard unit is highly sensitive to context. Stressful and threatening stimuli have been previously shown to produce time distortion effects, such that individuals perceive the stimuli as lasting for different amounts of time as compared to a standard unit. As a highly social species, humans are acutely sensitive to social stressors; however, time distortion effects have not been studied in the context of social stress. We collected psychophysiological (electrocardiogram and impedance cardiography) and time perception data before, during, and after a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test for 42 participants. Based on prior theories and evidence from the time perception literature, we hypothesized that experiencing a stressful event would result in time distortion. This hypothesis was supported by the data, with individuals on average reproducing short and long duration negative and positive stimuli as lasting longer after experiencing social stress, t(41) = −3.55, p = .001, and t(41) = −4.12, p < .001 for negative stimuli, and t(41) = −2.43, p = .02, and t(41) = −3.07, p = .004 for positive stimuli. However, changes in time perception were largely unrelated to psychophysiological reactivity to social stress. These findings are in line with some other studies of time distortion, and provide evidence for the interoceptive salience model of time perception. Implications for mechanisms of time distortion are discussed.
Structuring an Enterprise Risk Assessment Protocol: Traditional Practice and New Methods
Authors: Abkowitz Mark , Camp Janey
Published: January 2017

In a world that has become increasingly complex, enterprise risk management (ERM) has emerged as a practice for identifying reasonably foreseeable hazards that pose risks to an organization, both its physical and human assets. Due to the breadth and depth of factors that can impact an organization's risk portfolio, it is incumbent that the underlying risk assessment process that supports ERM embodies a holistic and systematic approach. This is easier said than done, however, as much of the effort in self‐acclaimed ERM programs remain entrenched in compartmentalized parts of the organization or ignore threats that are “outside of the box” of the operating environment to which management is accustomed. This environment therefore creates opportunities for key risks to go unnoticed. The authors propose a comprehensive, yet flexible framework for overcoming this challenge, an approach that can be utilized by both the public and private sector. A sample application is provided, using a free, web‐based tool developed as part of the initiative.
LOCATION OF VOLTAGE SAG SOURCE BY USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Wagiman Khairul Rijal , Khalid S. N. , Shareef H.
Published: January 2017

Power quality (PQ) is a major concern for number of electrical equipment such as sophisticated electronics equipment, high efficiency variable speed drive (VSD) and power electronic controller. The most common power quality event is the voltage sag. The objective is to estimate the location of voltage sag source using ANN. In this paper, the multi-monitor based method is used. Based on the simulation results, the voltage deviation (VD) index of voltage sag is calculated and assigned as a training data for ANN. The Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN) is used due to its superior performances (lower training time and errors). The three types of performance analysis considered are coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and sum of square error (SSE). The RBFN is developed by using MATLAB software. The proposed method is tested on the CIVANLAR distribution test system and the Permas Jaya distribution network. The voltage sags are simulated using Power World software which is a common simulation tool for power system analysis. The asymmetrical fault namely line to ground (LG) fault, double line to ground (LLG) fault and line to line (LL) fault are applied in the simulation. Based on the simulation results of voltage sag analysis, the highest VD is contributed by LLG for both test systems. Based on the proposed RBFN results, the best performance analysis are R2, RMSE and SSE of 0.9999, 5.24E-04 and 3.90E-05, respectively. Based on the results, the highest VD shows the location of voltage sag source in that system. The proposed RBFN accurately identifies the location of voltage sag source for both test systems.
An Assessment of the Maintenance Management Effectiveness of Public Hospital Building Through Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Omar Mardhiah Farhana , Ibrahim Fazdliel Aswad , Wan Omar Wan Mohd Sabki
Published: January 2017

The importance of the facility maintenance management in the public hospital building has increased rapidly as many organisations aim to become world class. Maintenance management in hospital buildings recognized as a part of sustainability aspects in reaching optimum performances during at peak efficiency. Maintenance problem not only burden government and consumer but it also gives negative perception among foreigner that are made up investors and tourist from overseas, towards public of maintenance culture in this country. Therefore, aim of this study is to determine the key performance indicator (KPI) to seek the best strategy in maintenance management. A total of 32 questionnaires were distributed to maintenance manager. This survey covered 32 public hospitals including public hospitals in Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Majority of the respondent agrees that all the elements stated as a key performance indicators to maintenance management effectiveness. Ten factors were categorized as a key performance indicator to measure the effectiveness of maintenance management in the public hospital building. Result shows that monitoring and supervision, task planning and scheduling and computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) as a strong factors thus prove that maintenance manager as an important person and responsible to ensure the maintenance services operate with optimum performances. On the other hand, human resource management plays an important role to assist the maintenance team to achieving the objective and policy. Therefore, this discovery can evaluate implementation policy to increase further effectiveness of maintenance management level to any public hospital building.
The Effect of Earnings Management on Dividend Policy in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Faiza , Alifiah Mohd Norfian
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to find out the impact of earnings management on dividend policy of oil and gas companies listed at the Karachi stock exchange. The study uses annual data of oil and gas companies for the period from 2008 to 2015. The dependent and independent variables are dividend policy and earnings management and the three control variables are leverage, return on equity and firm size. Modified cross sectional Jones model (1995) was used for calculating discretionary accruals which has been used as proxy for earnings management whereas measurement of dividend policy has been proxy by dividend payout. The findings from regression analysis indicate that earnings management has insignificant relationship with dividend policy of selected firms in Pakistan. Financial crisis in the world and economic decline period are the main reasons of this relationship. In the decline period the firms try to increase manipulation in earnings as a result the company starts reducing dividend payments. It is concluded that there are some other factors that may influence the pattern of dividend payment in the firms.
Reduction of persistent photoconduction in Ge-Ga-In-O semiconductors by the incorporation of nitrogen
Authors: Lee Hyun-Mo , Ok Kyung-Chul , Jeong Hyun-Jun , Park Jin-Seong , Lim Junhyung , Park Jozeph
Published: January 2017

The effect of nitrogen incorporation in Ge-Ga-In-O (GGIO) semiconductors was investigated with respect to persistent photoconduction (PPC) and the associated thin-film transistor stability under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). As the nitrogen partial pressure [pN2 = N2/(Ar + O2 + N2)] was increased from 0% to 40% during the reactive sputter growth of GGIO layers, the PPC phenomenon became less pronounced and higher device stability under NBIS was observed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses suggest that the concentration of light-sensitive oxygen vacant sites in the GGIO semiconductors decreases as a result of nitrogen incorporation, hence the reduced PPC and higher device stability under NBIS.
Polysaccharide Utilization Loci: Fueling Microbial Communities
Authors: Grondin Julie M. , Tamura Kazune , Déjean Guillaume , Abbott D. Wade , Brumer Harry
Published: January 2017

The complex carbohydrates of terrestrial and marine biomass represent a rich nutrient source for free-living and mutualistic microbes alike. The enzymatic saccharification of these diverse substrates is of critical importance for fueling a variety of complex microbial communities, including marine, soil, ruminant, and monogastric microbiota. Consequently, highly specific carbohydrate-active enzymes, recognition proteins, and transporters are enriched in the genomes of certain species and are of critical importance in competitive environments. In
Bacteroidetes
bacteria, these systems are organized as polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), which are strictly regulated, colocalized gene clusters that encode enzyme and protein ensembles required for the saccharification of complex carbohydrates. This review provides historical perspectives and summarizes key findings in the study of these systems, highlighting a critical shift from sequence-based PUL discovery to systems-based analyses combining reverse genetics, biochemistry, enzymology, and structural biology to precisely illuminate the molecular mechanisms underpinning PUL function. The ecological implications of dynamic PUL deployment by key species in the human gastrointestinal tract are explored, as well as the wider distribution of these systems in other gut, terrestrial, and marine environments.
Treatment strategies for women with WHO group II anovulation: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Rui , Kim Bobae V , van Wely Madelon , Johnson Neil P , Costello Michael F , Zhang Hanwang , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Legro Richard S , Bhattacharya Siladitya , Norman Robert J , Mol Ben Willem J
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of alternative first line treatment options for women with WHO group II anovulation wishing to conceive.

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase, up to 11 April 2016.

Study selection

Randomised controlled trials comparing eight ovulation induction treatments in women with WHO group II anovulation: clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, clomiphene and metformin combined, tamoxifen, gonadotropins, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and placebo or no treatment. Study quality was measured on the basis of the methodology and categories described in the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. Pregnancy, defined preferably as clinical pregnancy, was the primary outcome; live birth, ovulation, miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy were secondary outcomes.

Results

Of 2631 titles and abstracts initially identified, 54 trials reporting on 7173 women were included. All pharmacological treatments were superior to placebo or no intervention in terms of pregnancy and ovulation. Compared with clomiphene alone, both letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin showed higher pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 2.14; 1.71, 1.28 to 2.27; respectively). Letrozole led to higher live birth rates when compared with clomiphene alone (1.67, 1.11 to 2.49). Metformin led to lower multiple pregnancy rates compared with clomiphene alone (0.22, 0.05 to 0.93).

Conclusions

In women with WHO group II anovulation, letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin are superior to clomiphene alone in terms of pregnancy. Compared with clomiphene alone, letrozole is the only treatment showing a significantly higher rate of live birth.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42015027579.

Readers’ note

This is the second version of this paper. The original version was corrected following the retraction of two studies and removal of another which were ineligible (references 40, 41, and 75 of the original paper). These studies are not shown in this version. A tracked changes version of the original version is attached as a supplementary file to the correction notice, which explains the issue further.
Efficiency of physical therapy on postural imbalance after stroke: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hugues A , Di Marco J , Janiaud P , Xue Y , Pires J , Khademi H , Cucherat M , Bonan I , Gueyffier F , Rode G
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Stroke frequently results in balance disorders, leading to lower levels of activity and a diminution in autonomy. Current physical therapies (PT) aiming to reduce postural imbalance have shown a large variety of effects with low levels of evidence. The objectives are to determine the efficiency of PT in recovering from postural imbalance in patients after a stroke and to assess which PT is more effective.

Methods and analysis

We will search several databases from inception to October 2015. Only randomised controlled trials assessing PT to recover from poststroke postural imbalance in adults will be considered.

Outcome measures will be the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), the ‘weight-bearing asymmetry’ (WBA), the ‘centre of pressure’ (COP) and the ‘limit of stability’ (LOS). WBA, COP and LOS are measured by a (sitting or standing) static evaluation on force plate or another device.

Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles, evaluate the risk of bias and will perform data extraction. In addition to the outcomes, measures of independence will be analysed. This study will aim at determining the effects of PT on the function (WBA, COP, LOS), the activity (BBS, PASS) and the independence of patients. Subgroup analyses will be planned according to the location of brain lesion (hemispheric, brainstem or cerebellum), the time since stroke (early, late, chronic), the PT (type, main aim (direct effect or generalisation), overall duration), the type of approaches (top-down or bottom-up) and the methodological quality of studies.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical statement will be required. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This meta-analysis aims at managing the rehabilitation after postural imbalance by PT after a stroke.

Trial registration number

ProsperoCRD42016037966;Pre-results.
Downstream effects of the Three Gorges Dam on larval dispersal, spatial distribution, and growth of the four major Chinese carps call for reprioritizing conservation measures
Authors: Song Yiqing , Cheng Fei , Murphy Brian R. , Xie Songguang
Published: January 2017

Larval drift and dispersal are critical processes that affect recruitment success for many riverine fishes. Hypolimnetic discharge from the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) lowers river temperature and reduces downstream nutrients, inducing distinct shifts in habitat conditions downstream of the dam. The inflow of major tributaries buffers these influences and creates physiochemical gradients according to the distance from the dam. We investigated the abundance, feeding, and growth of larvae of four major Chinese carps in three sections of the middle Yangtze River. Water temperature and transparency showed clear spatial gradients. Larvae in the river section closest to the dam tended to be lower in abundance and temporally delayed peak abundance and showed lower feeding intensity, poorer condition, and slower growth than those further from the dam. Our results demonstrate that physiochemical gradients influenced by the TGD have strong effects on abundance, feeding, and growth of the drifting larvae. We recommend that river sections farther from the TGD, particularly around the mouth of Poyang Lake, should become high-priority conservation areas to enhance protection of critical aquatic species.
Testing conformal mapping with kitchen aluminum foil
Authors: Haas S. , Cooke D.A. , Crivelli P.
Published: January 2017

We report an experimental verification of conformal mapping with kitchen aluminum foil. This experiment can be reproduced in any laboratory by undergraduate students and it is therefore an ideal experiment to introduce the concept of conformal mapping. The original problem was the distribution of the electric potential in a very long plate. The correct theoretical prediction was recently derived by Czarnecki (Can. J. Phys. 92, 1297 (2014)).
Effects of run sprint interval training on healthy, inactive, overweight/obese women: A pilot study
Authors: Rowley Taylor W. , Espinoza Jennifer L. , Akers Jeremy D. , Wenos David L. , Edwards Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2017

This study examined the effects of a 12 week, treadmill-based, run sprint interval training (SIT) protocol compared with that of a moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) protocol in healthy, inactive, overweight/obese women, on cardiovascular disease risk factors. After random assignment, the SIT group completed 4–10 × 30 s maximal sprints, with a 4 min active recovery between sprints, and the MICT group completed 30–60 min at moderate intensity (45–55% heart rate reserve (HRR)). The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded for each session, and perceived enjoyment was quantified every 3 weeks. Clinical and fitness testing were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Twelve female participants (age: 34.1 ± 6.1; body mass index (BMI): 31.3 ± 6.8; VO2peak: 27.0 ± 6.2) completed the intervention. There were significant main effects for time for VO2peak ( p = 0.001), body fat percentage ( p = 0.001), and session RPE ( p = 0.006). VO2peak improved 20.7% in the SIT group ( n = 5) and 24.4% in the MICT group ( n = 7). Body fat percentage reduced by 1.7% in the SIT group and 2.6% in the MICT group. Perceived enjoyment was similarly high between the groups despite higher session RPE in the SIT group ( p = 0.441). SIT training on a motor-driven treadmill elicits similar improvements in oxygen utilization and body composition as moderate-intensity training in this population.
Promoting the APS Chapter Program by sharing its history, best practices, and how-to guide for establishing new chapters
Authors: Hopper Mari K.
Published: January 2017

Early establishment of physiological societies in Oklahoma and Ohio demonstrated the benefits of networking physiologists and paved the way for establishing the APS Chapter Program. Designed to promote the general objectives of the APS, the Chapter Program was officially launched in 1995, with Ohio being the first recognized chapter. There are 13 active chapters regularly engaged in numerous activities designed to advance physiology education and research. In the hopes that others will recognize the important offerings of state chapters and consider organizing one, the aims for this paper are to 1) share a brief history, 2) provide rationale for chapter initiation, and 3) describe the process involved in establishing a chapter. In light of current changes in American Medical Association and Liaison Committee on Medical Education guidelines, the present time may be critical in promoting chapters, as they play a vital role in sustaining recognition and support for the discipline.
Performing international outreach: PhUn Week in an Australian primary school
Authors: Halpin Patricia A.
Published: January 2017

Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week is an annual science outreach program sponsored by the American Physiological Society in which K–12 students learn about physiology through meeting a physiologist and performing an experiment. Performing PhUn Week at an Australian private primary school during a family vacation in 2014 enabled me to receive a fellowship to return the following year for further implementation. To set up the outreach, I contacted the assistant principal of a public primary school, and she connected me with the physical education (PE) teacher. Together, the PE teacher and I planned the event. Over the course of 2 days, I taught eight classes, a total of 176 K–12 students. I started each lesson by explaining the role of a physiologist. The scientific method was described and explained. A hypothesis, “Exercise increases heart rate,” was designed and tested. The students measured their heart rates, exercised, and measured their heart rates again. After data collection, results were reported, and the students all agreed that their hypothesis was supported. We then discussed heart function and why heart rate increases with exercise. The students then performed a pedometer challenge, where they estimated the number of steps during walking, running, and kangaroo hopping. They enjoyed testing their predictions and repeated these experiments several times. The students then made suggestions of ways they could continue this lesson outside of school. This first report of an international PhUn week confirmed that these events form partnerships among educators and inspire K–12 students to think about becoming scientists.
Institutional and technological barriers to the use of open educational resources (OERs) in physiology and medical education
Authors: Hassall Christopher , Lewis David I.
Published: January 2017

Open educational resources (OERs) are becoming increasingly common as a tool in education, particularly in medical and biomedical education. However, three key barriers have been identified to their use: 1) lack of awareness of OERs, 2) lack of motivation to use OERs, and 3) lack of training in the use of OERs. Here, we explore these three barriers with teachers of medical and biomedical science to establish how best to enhance the use of OERs to improve pedagogical outcomes. An online survey was completed by 209 educators, many of whom (68.4%) reported using OERs in their teaching and almost all (99.5%) showing awareness of at least one OER. The results suggest that key problems that prevent educators from adopting OERs in their teaching include suitability for particular classes, time, and copyright. Most (81.8%) educators were somewhat, very, or extremely comfortable with OERs so there is no innate motivational barrier to adoption. A lack of training was reported by 13.9% of respondents, and 40% of respondents stated that there was little or no support from their institutions. OER users were no more comfortable with technology or better supported by departments but tended to be aware of a greater number of sources of OERs. Our study illustrates key opportunities for the expansion of OER use in physiology and medical teaching: increased breadth of awareness, increased institutional support (including time, training, and copyright support), and greater sharing of diverse OERs to suit the range of teaching challenges faced by staff in different subdisciplines.
Dirac Field as a Source of the Inflation in2+1Dimensional Teleparallel Gravity
Authors: Gecim Ganim , Sucu Yusuf
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study early-time inflation and late-time acceleration of the universe by nonminimally coupling the Dirac field with torsion in the spatially flat Friedman-Robertson-Walker (FRW) cosmological model background. The results obtained by the Noether symmetry approach with and without a gauge term are compared. Additionally, we compare these results with that of the3+1dimensional teleparallel gravity under Noether symmetry approach. And we see that the study explains early-time inflation and late-time acceleration of the universe.
Surgical Management of Multijoint Septic Arthritis due to Rat-Bite Fever in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study
Authors: Wegner Adam M. , Look Nicole , Haus Brian M.
Published: January 2017

In the United States, rat-bite fever is a rare systemic illness principally caused byStreptobacillus moniliformis, an organism found in the nasopharyngeal flora of rodents. Infection through direct exposure to rat excreta such as saliva, urine, or feces can lead to fever, rash, and an asymmetric migratory polyarthritis. As rodents are becoming more popular as pets, more pediatric cases are being documented. We report a pediatric case of delayed onset septic arthritis in the left wrist and right knee due toS. moniliformisfrom a rat bite. Previously reported pediatric case studies of suppurative arthritis due toS. moniliformishave only involved the hip. This case study demonstrates the importance of a thorough exposure history and consideration of zoonotic infections as a cause of septic arthritis in a pediatric patient that requires antibiotics and surgical intervention.
CT and MRI Features of Pediatric-Aged Colloid Cysts: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Hamidi Hidayatullah , Faizi Fazel Rahman , Rasouly Najibullah , Hoshang Mer Mahmood Shah
Published: January 2017

A 10-year-old boy with the history of headache, anorexia, and vomiting was referred to our department to undergo a brain CT scan. CT images demonstrated a well-defined, rounded, hyperdense lesion at the level of the foramen of Monro causing moderate dilatation of the lateral ventricles. An 11-year-old girl with a long history of a headache was also referred to undergoing a brain MRI. MR images demonstrated a well-defined round abnormal signal intensity lesion at the level of the foramen of Monro causing moderate dilatation of lateral ventricles. The findings from imaging perspective were consistent with the colloid cyst of the third ventricle. Therefore, the diagnosis of the colloid cyst was made.
A Characterization of Bi‐Jordan Homomorphisms on Banach Algebras
Authors: Zivari-Kazempour Abbas
Published: January 2017

For Banach algebras and , we show that if is unital and commutative, each bi‐Jordan homomorphism from into a semisimple commutative Banach algebra is a bihomomorphism.
Elastoplastic Modelling of an In Situ Concrete Spalling Experiment Using the Ottosen Failure Criterion
Authors: Uotinen Lauri Kalle Tapio , Siren Topias Kalle Aleksi
Published: January 2017

An in situ concrete spalling experiment will be carried out in the ONKALO rock characterization facility. The purpose is to establish the failure strength of a thin concrete liner on prestressed rock surface, when the stress states in both rock and concrete are increased by heating. A cylindrical hole 1.5 m in diameter and 7.2 m in depth is reinforced with a 40 mm thin concrete liner from level −3 m down. Eight 6 m long 4 kW electrical heaters are installed around the hole 1 m away. The experiment setup is described and results from predictive numerical modelling are shown. Elastoplastic modelling using the Ottosen failure criterion predicts damage initiation on week 5 and the concrete ultimate strain limit of 0.0035 is exceeded on week 10. The support pressure generated by the liner is 3.2 MPa and the tangential stress of rock is reduced by −33%. In 2D fracture mechanical simulations, the support pressure is 3 MPa and small localized damage occurs after week 3 and damage process slowly continues during week 9 of the heating period. In conclusion, external heating is a potent way of inducing damage and thin concrete liner significantly reduces the amount of damage.
Elevated Concentrations of SERPINE2/Protease Nexin-1 and Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor in the Serum of Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Stępień Tomasz , Brożyna Mateusz , Kuzdak Krzysztof , Motylewska Ewelina , Komorowski Jan , Stępień Henryk , Ławnicka Hanna
Published: January 2017

Introduction. SERPINE2 and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) are proteins with anticoagulant properties which could promote solid tumor growth. However, their role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer has not been determined. Materials and Methods. The aim of this study was to assess serum SERPINE2 and SLPI concentrations in a group of 36 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and a group of 19 subjects with multinodular nontoxic goiter (MNG). The control group (CG) consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected one day before surgery. Serum SERPINE2 and SLPI concentrations were measured using specific ELISA methods. Results. Significantly higher concentrations of SERPINE2 and SLPI were found in patients with PTC as compared with MNG and controls. Positive correlation was found between SERPINE2 and SLPI concentrations in PTC patients. The levels of SERPINE2 and SLPI did not differ significantly between MNG and healthy controls. Conclusions. Our results indicate that SERPINE2 and SLPI play a significant role in the development of papillary thyroid cancer and imply that the evaluation of serum concentrations of both anticoagulant molecules may be considered as additional marker for the differentiation of malignancies during the preoperative diagnosis of patients with thyroid gland tumors.
The Rapid Effect of Bisphenol-A on Long-Term Potentiation in Hippocampus Involves Estrogen Receptors and ERK Activation
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Wang Yu , Xu Fang , Wei Xiaofei , Zhang Junfang , Wang Chuang , Wei Hua , Xu Shujun , Yan Peiyun , Zhou Wenhua , Mody Istvan , Xu Xiaohong , Wang Qinwen
Published: January 2017

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a widely used synthetic compound in plastics, disrupts endocrine function and interferes with physiological actions of endogenous gonadal hormones. Chronic effects of BPA on reproductive function, learning and memory, brain structure, and social behavior have been intensively investigated. However, less is known about the influence of BPA on long-term potentiation (LTP), one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlie learning and memory. In the present study, for the first time we investigated the effect of different doses of BPA on hippocampal LTP in rat brain slices. We found a biphasic effect of BPA on LTP in the dentate gyrus: exposure to BPA at a low dose (100 nM) enhanced LTP and exposure to BPA at a high dose (1000 nM) inhibited LTP compared with vehicle controls. The rapid facilitatory effect of low-dose BPA on hippocampal LTP required membrane-associated estrogen receptor (ER) and involved activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Coadministration of 17β-estradiol (E2, the primary estrogen hormone) and BPA (100 nM) abolished both the BPA-induced enhancement of LTP and the E2-induced enhancement of baseline fEPSP, suggesting a complex interaction between BPA- and E2-mediated signaling pathways. Our investigation implies that even nanomolar levels of endocrine disrupters (e.g., BPA) can induce significant effects on hippocampal LTP.
Treatment of Antibody-Mediated Renal Allograft Rejection: Improving Step by Step
Authors: Lachmann Nils , Duerr Michael , Schönemann Constanze , Pruß Axel , Budde Klemens , Waiser Johannes
Published: January 2017

Throughout the past years we stepwise modified our immunosuppressive treatment regimen for patients with antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). Here, we describe three consecutive groups treated with different regimens. From 2005 until 2008, we treated all patients with biopsy-proven ABMR with rituximab (500 mg), low-dose (30 g) intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and plasmapheresis (PPH, 6x) (group RLP,n=12). Between 2009 and June 2010, patients received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2, 4x) together with low-dose IVIG and PPH (group BLP,n=11). In July 2010, we increased the IVIG dose and treated all subsequent patients with bortezomib, high-dose IVIG (1.5 g/kg), and PPH (group BHP,n=11). Graft survival at three years after treatment was 73% in group BHP as compared to 45% in group BLP and 25% in group RLP. At six months after treatment median serum creatinine was 2.1 mg/dL, 2.9 mg/dL, and 4.2 mg/dL in groups BHP, BLP, and RLP, respectively (p=0.02). Following treatment, a significant decrease of donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) mean fluorescence intensity from8467±6876to5221±4711(p=0.01) was observed in group BHP, but not in the other groups. Our results indicate that graft survival, graft function, and DSA levels could be improved along with stepwise modifications to our treatment regimen, that is, the introduction of bortezomib and high-dose IVIG treatment.
Inhibition Effect of Phosphorus Flame Retardants on the Fire Disasters Induced by Spontaneous Combustion of Coal
Authors: Tang Yibo
Published: January 2017

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) generally induces fire disasters in underground mines, thus causing serious casualties, environmental pollution, and property loss around the world. By using six P-containing additives to process three typical coal samples, this study investigated the variations of the self-ignition characteristics of the coal samples before and after treatment. The analysis was performed by combining thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and low temperature oxidation. Experimental results showed that P-containing inhibitors could effectively restrain the heat emitted in the combustion of coal samples and therefore the ignition temperature of the coal samples was delayed at varying degrees. The combustion rate of the coal samples was reduced as well. At the temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C, the activation energy of the coal samples after the treatment was found to increase, which indicated that the coal samples were more difficult to be oxidized. After being treated with phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), the content of several active groups represented by the C-O structure in the three coal samples was proved to be obviously changed. This suggested that PFRs could significantly inhibit the content of CO generated by the low temperature oxidation of coal, and the flame-retardant efficiency grew with the increasing temperature. At 200°C, the maximal inhibition efficiency reached approximately 85%.
Pounding Dynamic Responses of Sliding Base-Isolated Rectangular Liquid-Storage Structure considering Soil-Structure Interactions
Authors: Cheng Xuansheng , Jing Wei , Chen Jia , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2017

The soil-structure interaction (SSI) is simulated by an artificial boundary, the pounding that occurs between the sliding base-isolated rectangular liquid-storage structure (LSS) and the surrounding moat wall is considered, the instantaneous pounding is simulated using the Hertz-damp model, and a simplified mechanical model with two particles and four degrees of freedom is established. Dynamic equation is obtained using Hamilton principle; effects of SSI, initial gap, and friction coefficient on the pounding responses under the action of near-field pulse-like Chi-Chi earthquake and far-field Imperial Valley-06 earthquake are studied. The results show that SSI will amplify liquid sloshing height but that structural acceleration and impact force will be reduced because of SSI. The responses caused by Chi-Chi earthquake are far greater than those of Imperial Valley-06 earthquake. Initial gap has a small effect on liquid sloshing height; structural acceleration and impact force first increase as the initial gap increases and then begin to decrease; in the design of moat wall of sliding isolation LSS, a certain gap exists that will more adversely affect the pounding responses of structure. Liquid sloshing height is less affected by coefficient of friction, but structural acceleration and impact force decrease as friction coefficient increases in general.
The Impact of the Expression Level of Intratumoral Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase on Chemotherapy Sensitivity and Survival of Patients in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Cong , Liu Hongpeng , Ma Bin , Song Yongxi , Gao Peng , Xu Yingying , Yu Dehao , Wang Zhenning
Published: January 2017

The potential impact that the intratumoral expression level of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) has on chemotherapy sensitivity and long-term survival for gastric cancer (GC) patients remains controversial; therefore, this study seeks to clarify this issue. Our meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software. In vitro drug sensitivity tests, correlation coefficients between sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and expression levels of intratumoral DPD were used as effective indexes to analyse. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were used as endpoints for patient outcome, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were noted as measures of effect. There were 15 eligible studies including 1805 patients for the final analysis. The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the expression level of intratumoral DPD activity, DPD mRNA levels, and sensitivity to 5-FU in GC patients, with high expression levels of intratumoral DPD resulting in low sensitivity to 5-FU. However, no matter what therapeutic regimens were used, there was no significant difference for patient outcomes between high and low DPD expression groups, either in OS or in PFS. In conclusion, high levels of intratumoral DPD expression have a negative impact on sensitivity to 5-FU in GC patients, but no prognostic value for long-term survival was uncovered.
MET Copy Number Gain Is Associated with Gefitinib Resistance in Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis of EGFR-mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Nanjo Shigeki , Arai Sachiko , Wang Wei , Takeuchi Shinji , Yamada Tadaaki , Hata Akito , Katakami Nobuyuki , Okada Yasunori , Yano Seiji
Published: January 2017

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs frequently in EGFR-mutant lung cancer, and develops acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and seek for a novel therapeutic strategy. We examined EGFR mutations, including the T790M gatekeeper mutation, in 32 re-biopsy specimens from 12 leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and 20 extracranial lesions of EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients who became refractory to EGFR-TKI treatment. All the 32 specimens had the same baseline EGFR mutations, but the T790M mutation was less frequent in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis specimens than in extracranial specimens (8% vs. 55%, P < 0.01). To study molecular mechanisms of acquired EGFR-TKI resistance in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, we utilized our previously developed mouse model of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis with the EGFR-mutant lung cancer cell line PC-9/ffluc cells, in which acquired resistance to gefitinib was induced by continuous oral treatment. Compared with subcutaneously inoculated gefitinib-resistant tumors, the T790M mutation was less frequent in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis that acquired resistance to gefitinib. PC-9/LMC-GR cells were established from the gefitinib-resistant leptomeningeal carcinomatosis model, and they were found to be intermediately resistant to gefitinib and osimertinib (third-generation EGFR-TKI). Although EGFR-T790M was negative, gefitinib resistance of PC-9/LMC-GR cells was related to MET copy number gain with MET activation. Moreover, combined use of EGFR-TKI and crizotinib, a MET inhibitor, dramatically regressed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis with acquired resistance to gefitinib or osimertinib. These findings suggest that combination therapy with MET inhibitors may be promising for controlling leptomeningeal carcinomatosis that acquires resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(3); 506–15. ©2017 AACR.
Postmenopausal Women With Greater Paracardial Fat Have More Coronary Artery Calcification Than Premenopausal Women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Cardiovascular Fat Ancillary Study
Authors: El Khoudary Samar R. , Shields Kelly J. , Janssen Imke , Budoff Matthew J. , Everson‐Rose Susan A. , Powell Lynda H. , Matthews Karen A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Volumes of paracardial adipose tissue (
PAT
) and epicardial adipose tissue (
EAT
) are greater after menopause. Interestingly,
PAT
but not
EAT
is associated with estradiol decline, suggesting a potential role of menopause in
PAT
accumulation. We assessed whether volumes of heart fat depot (
EAT
and
PAT
) were associated with coronary artery calcification (
CAC
) in women at midlife and whether these associations were modified by menopausal status and estradiol levels.

Methods and Results

EAT
and
PAT
volumes and
CAC
were measured using electron beam computed tomography scans.
CAC
was evaluated as (1) the presence of
CAC
(
CAC
Agatston score ≥10) and (2) the extent of any
CAC
(log
CAC
Agatston score >0). The study included 478 women aged 50.9 years (58% pre‐ or early perimenopausal, 10% late perimenopausal, and 32% postmenopausal).
EAT
was significantly associated with
CAC
measures, and these associations were not modified by menopausal status or estradiol. In contrast, associations between
PAT
and
CAC
measures were modified by menopausal status (interaction‐
P
≤0.01). Independent of study covariates including other adiposity measures, each 1‐SD unit increase in log
PAT
was associated with 102% higher risk of
CAC
presence (
P
=0.04) and an 80% increase in
CAC
extent (
P
=0.008) in postmenopausal women compared with pre‐ or early perimenopausal women. Additional adjustment for estradiol and hormone therapy attenuated these differences. Moreover, the association between
PAT
and
CAC
extent was stronger in women with lower estradiol levels (interaction
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that
PAT
is a potential menopause‐specific coronary artery disease risk marker, supporting the need to monitor and target this fat depot for intervention in women at midlife.
Contribution to the knowledge of the aphaenopsian genus Sinaphaenops Uéno et Wang, 1991 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini)
Authors: CHEN JUJIAN , TANG MINGRUO , YANG PINGJING , TIAN MINGYI
Published: January 2017

A revision of the genus Sinaphaenops Uéno et Wang, 1991 is provided, with a modified key to species. Two new species are described and illustrated in southern Guizhou Province: S. yaolinensis sp. n. (from a limestone cave called Yaolin Rongdong, Du’yun Shi) and S. banshanicus sp. n. (from Cave Banshan Dong, Guiding County). Male genital characteristics of S. mochongensis Tian et Huang, 2014 are reported for the first time. New records for other three Sinaphaenops species are given. In addition, an identification key to subgenera and species of Sinaphaenops is provided.
Predictability of Week-3–4 Average Temperature and Precipitation over the Contiguous United States
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Trenary Laurie , Tippett Michael K. , Pegion Kathleen
Published: January 2017

This paper demonstrates that an operational forecast model can skillfully predict week-3–4 averages of temperature and precipitation over the contiguous United States. This skill is demonstrated at the gridpoint level (about 1° × 1°) by decomposing temperature and precipitation anomalies in terms of an orthogonal set of patterns that can be ordered by a measure of length scale and then showing that many of the resulting components are predictable and can be predicted in observations with statistically significant skill. The statistical significance of predictability and skill are assessed using a permutation test that accounts for serial correlation. Skill is detected based on correlation measures but not based on mean square error measures, indicating that an amplitude correction is necessary for skill. The statistical characteristics of predictability are further clarified by finding linear combinations of components that maximize predictability. The forecast model analyzed here is version 2 of the Climate Forecast System (CFSv2), and the variables considered are temperature and precipitation over the contiguous United States during January and July. A 4-day lagged ensemble, comprising 16 ensemble members, is used. The most predictable components of winter temperature and precipitation are related to ENSO, and other predictable components of winter precipitation are shown to be related to the Madden–Julian oscillation. These results establish a scientific basis for making week-3–4 weather and climate predictions.
Diagnosis of 3D Vertical Circulation in the Upwelling and Frontal Zones East of Hainan Island, China
Authors: Xie Lingling , Pallàs-Sanz Enric , Zheng Quanan , Zhang Shuwen , Zong Xiaolong , Yi Xiaofei , Li Mingming
Published: January 2017

Using the generalized omega equation and cruise observations in July 2012, this study analyzes the 3D vertical circulation in the upwelling region and frontal zone east of Hainan Island, China. The results show that there is a strong frontal zone in subsurface layer along the 100-m isobath, which is characterized by density gradient of O(10−4) kg m−4 and vertical eddy diffusivity of O(10−5–10−4) m2 s−1. The kinematic deformation term SDEF, ageostrophic advection term SADV, and vertical mixing forcing term SMIX are calculated from the observations. Their distribution patterns are featured by banded structure, that is, alternating positive–negative alongshore bands distributed in the cross-shelf direction. Correspondingly, alternating upwelling and downwelling bands appear from the coast to the deep waters. The maximum downward velocity reaches −5 × 10−5 m s−1 within the frontal zone, accompanied by the maximum upward velocity of 7 × 10−5 m s−1 on two sides. The dynamic diagnosis indicates that SADV contributes most to the coastal upwelling, while term SDEF, which is dominated by the ageostrophic component SDEFa, plays a dominant role in the frontal zone. The vertical mixing forcing term SMIX, which includes the momentum and buoyancy flux terms SMOM and SBUO, is comparable to SDEF and SADV in the upper ocean, but negligible below the thermocline. The effect of the vertical mixing on the vertical velocity is mainly concentrated at depths with relatively large eddy diffusivity and eddy diffusivity gradient in the frontal zone.