bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality properties of puffed corn snacks incorporated with sesame seed powder
Authors: Hashempour‐Baltork Fataneh , Torbati Mohammadali , Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif , Savage Geoffrey P.
Published: November 2017

Puffed corn snacks are tasty and affordable cereal‐based food products which have a relatively poor nutritional quality. Sesame seed is a rich source of essential amino and fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and antioxidants. In this study, puffed corn snacks were produced by incorporating sesame powder at 0% (control sample), 5%, 10%, and 15% levels in its formulation and stored at room temperature (24°C) for 60 days. Fatty acid composition, tocopherol, sesamin and sesamolin, phenolic compounds, peroxide value (PV), acidity (AV), and sensory evaluation of the samples were determined. The results indicate that oleic acid content increased and palmitic acid decreased significantly (p < .05) in all the samples at 10% and 15% inclusion levels. The content of phenolic compounds, γ‐tocopherols, sesamin, and sesamolin had significant increases in all the formulated samples. PV results indicated that the formulated samples had a higher stability when the ratio of sesame powder was increased, while the AV values showed a significant increase during storage. Incorporation of 10% sesame powder in the snack formulation had a positive effect on the stability, sensory, and nutritional quality of the product. This approach can be used to modify nutritional quality of this food product and introduce to food market as a relatively healthy snack.
Anthocyanin pigment stability of Cornus mas–Macrocarpa under treatment with pH and some organic acids
Authors: Babaloo Farideh , Jamei Rashid
Published: November 2017

The use of colors in food industry is essential for the creation of new products or their improvement. As an important pigment group, anthocyanin could be used as a natural coloring pigment in foods. This study aims at exploring strategies that result in color stability of anthocyanin in pear‐shaped variety of blueberry (Cornus mas–Macrocarpa). In this study, the effects of different pH values (1, 2, 3, 4) as well as various concentrations (0, 120, 240, 480, 960 mg/L) of five copigments, including tannic, caffeic, benzoic, and coumaric acids, on anthocyanin copigment complexes (ratio 1:1) were investigated. The studied copigments were tannic, caffeic, benzoic, and coumaric acids. Anthocyanin was influenced by the highest concentration of 960 mg/L copigment in the presence of different pHs. Five groups were considered, one of which contained anthocyanin without copigment and the rest consisted of copigments. To evaluate the response of copigmentation through spectrophotometer, absorbance from samples was measured after 30 min of adding copigment to anthocyanin in the range of 450–600 nm wavelengths. The results showed that caffeic acid possessed the greatest anthocyanin stability compared to other copigments and it was the best copigment. An increase in the concentrations of copigments led to a higher level of anthocyanin stability and changes in hyperchromic and bathochromic. Moreover, the results revealed that the strongest hyperchromic effect for all organic acids was observed in pH 2, and the strongest bathochromic changes were observed in pH 4.
Orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) composite bread as a significant source of dietary vitamin A
Authors: Awuni Victoria , Alhassan Martha Wunnam , Amagloh Francis Kweku
Published: November 2017

Refining food recipes with orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) has the potential to improve dietary intake of vitamin A. The objectives of this study were to utilize OFSP in the development of two composite bread types and to assess their contribution to dietary intake of vitamin A using the dietary reference intake of lactating mothers. Two composite OFSP–wheat flour bread recipes—vita butter bread and vita tea bread—were developed by incorporating 46% OFSP puree in existing 100% wheat flour bread recipes consumed by Ghanaians. A paired‐preference test was used to profile the appearance, aroma, sweetness, and overall degree of liking of the vita butter bread and vita tea bread and their respective 100% wheat flour bread types. Weighed bread intake by lactating mothers (n = 50) was used to estimate the contribution to dietary vitamin A based on the trans β‐carotene content. The developed vita butter bread and vita tea bread were most preferred by at least 77% (p < .05) of consumers (n = 310) for all the attributes considered. The average daily intake by the lactating mothers for vita butter bread was 247 g, and for vita tea bread was 196 g. The trans β‐carotene content of vita butter bread and vita tea bread were found to be 1.333 mg/100 g and 0.985 mg/100 g, respectively. The estimated trans‐β‐carotene intake was 3,293 μg/day (vita butter) and 1,931 μg/day (vita tea) based on the weighed bread intake, respectively, meeting 21% and 12% of the daily requirement (1,300 μg RAE/day) for lactating mothers, the life stage group with the highest vitamin A requirement. OFSP therefore could composite wheat flour to bake butter and tea bread, and will contribute to significant amount of dietary intake of vitamin A.
Mycofloral profile and the radiation sensitivity (D10 values) of solar dried and gamma irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.Ex. Fr.) Kummer fruitbodies stored in two different packaging materials
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Odamtten George Tawia , Obodai Mary , Wiafe‐Kwagyan Michael
Published: November 2017

The presence of fungi in our foods poses serious health risks as some genera of fungi may produce certain mycotoxins which have carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive effect on humans and animals alike. Fruitbodies of Pleurotus ostreatus were solar dried at a moisture content of 12.5 ± 0.2% and stored in polythene and polypropylene packs, gamma irradiated at doses of 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kGy at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy/hr from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL, 515, Hungary) and stored at room temperature 28–30°C for a period of 12 months. Mycological analyses were done at intervals of 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. A total of eleven (11) fungi belonging to eight fungal genera were isolated on both Cooke's and DRBC media; Aspergillus (A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. tamarii), Rhizopus (R. oligosporus), Mucor (M. racemosus), Fusarium (F. oxysporum), Penicillium (Penicillium sp.), Trichoderma (T. viride), and Rhodotorula sp. were recorded. There was a significant (p < .05) reduction in initial mycofloral population by an average of 2.2 log cycles as well as in species numbers with increasing doses of radiation. Radiation sensitivity (D10 values) also ranged between 1.68–2.78 kGy. Gamma irradiation treatment is one way which can enhance food safety through the reduction in potential pathogens and has been recommended as part of a comprehensive program to enhance food safety.
Harder, better, faster … Yet stronger? Working conditions and self‐declaration of chronic diseases
Authors: Defebvre Éric
Published: November 2017

The role played by working conditions in worker health status has been widely acknowledged in the literature in general but has received less attention in economics, due to the inherent statistical biases and lack of data available to determine the role of simultaneous and chronic exposures. This study aims to estimate the causal impact of detrimental working conditions on the self‐declaration of chronic diseases in France. Using a rebuilt retrospective lifelong panel and defining indicators for physical and psychosocial strains, I implement a mixed econometric strategy that relies on difference‐in‐differences and matching methods to take into account for selection biases as well as unobserved heterogeneity. For men and women, I find deleterious effects of both types of working conditions on the declaration of chronic diseases after exposure, with varying patterns of impacts according to the nature and magnitude of the strains. These results provide insights into the debate on legal retirement age postponement and justify not only policies being enacted early in individuals' careers in order to prevent subsequent midcareer health repercussions, but also schemes that are more focused on psychosocial risk factors.
Free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation after treatment for advanced parotid malignancy
Authors: Faris Callum , Heiser Alyssa , Hadlock Tessa , Jowett Nate
Published: November 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterize the outcomes of free gracilis muscle transfer for delayed smile reanimation after radical parotidectomy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation after radical parotidectomy between 2003 and 2016 was performed. Patient‐reported quality of life (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale [FaCE]), physician‐reported facial function (“eFACE” facial grading scale), and oral commissure excursion were compared preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

Twelve patients were identified with prior surgery and adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy in 6 cases and chemoradiotherapy in 6 cases). Significant postoperative improvements were demonstrated for ipsilateral commissure excursion with smile (preoperatively: −2.2 mm [SD 2.3 mm] vs postoperatively: 7.9 mm [SD 2.5 mm]; P = .002), with meaningful smile achieved in 11 of 12 cases (91.7%). The average duration of facial paralysis before intervention was 72 months (range 12‐204 months).

Conclusion

Free gracilis muscle transfer is an option for dynamic smile reanimation in select patients who have undergone treatment for advanced parotid malignancy.
β‐catenin deficiency in hepatocytes aggravates hepatocarcinogenesis driven by oncogenic β‐catenin and MET
Authors: Liang Yan , Feng Yun , Zong Min , Wei Xu‐Fu , Lee Jin , Feng Yukuan , Li Hairi , Yang Guang‐Shun , Wu Zhong‐Jun , Fu Xiang‐Dong , Feng Gen‐Sheng
Published: November 2017

Both activating and inactivating mutations in catenin β1 (ctnnb1), which encodes β‐catenin, have been implicated in liver tumorigenesis in humans and mice, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, we show that deletion of endogenous β‐catenin in hepatocytes aggravated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development driven by an oncogenic version of β‐catenin (CAT) in combination with the hepatocyte growth factor receptor MET proto‐oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (MET). Although the mitogenic signaling and cell cycle progression was modestly impaired after CAT/MET transfection, the β‐catenin‐deficient livers displayed changes in transcriptomes, increased DNA damage response, expanded Sox9+ cells, and up‐regulation of protumorigenic cytokines, including interleukin‐6 and transforming growth factor β1. These events eventually exacerbated CAT/MET‐driven hepatocarcinogenesis in β‐catenin‐deficient livers, featured by up‐regulation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk), protein kinase B (Akt), and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and cyclin D1 expression. The resultant mouse tumors showed similar transcriptomes to human HCC samples with concomitant CTNNB1 mutations and MET overexpression. Conclusion: These data argue that while dominantly activating mutants of β‐catenin are oncogenic, inhibiting the oncogenic signaling pathway generates a pro‐oncogenic microenvironment that may facilitate HCC recurrence following a targeted therapy of the primary tumor. An effective therapeutic strategy must require disruption of the oncogenic signaling in tumor cells and suppression of the secondary tumor‐promoting stromal effects in the liver microenvironment. (Hepatology 2018;67:1807‐1822)
On the Relationship between Classical Structure Determination and Retrosynthetic Analysis/Total Synthesis†
Authors: Seeman Jeffrey I.
Published: November 2017

The relationship between classical structure determination and retrosynthetic analysis combined with total synthesis is examined in detail. The chemical degradation steps in the former are the counterparts of the retrosynthetic steps in the latter. And the gedankenexperiment, also known as “paper chemistry,” working forward and solving the structure from the degradation data, is the counterpart of the experimental forward steps in a total synthesis. The wide use of genealogic‐like “trees” to organize and illustrate many reaction sets in organic chemistry is discussed. Excerpts from the writings of Sir Robert Robinson, R. B. Woodward, and Carl Djerassi reveal historically important insights about these activities in the 1940s–1960s.
Predicting success of methotrexate treatment by pretreatment HCG level and 24‐hour HCG increment
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Saleh Narjes A. , Haj‐Yahya Rani , Matan Liat S. , Avi Benshushan
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐HCG) level and its 24‐hour increment as predictors of successful methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy.

Methods

Data were retrospectively reviewed from women with ectopic pregnancy who were treated by single‐dose methotrexate (50 mg/m2) at a university hospital in Jerusalem, Israel, between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2015. Serum β‐HCG before treatment and its percentage increment in the 24 hours before treatment were compared between treatment success and failure groups.

Results

Sixty‐nine women were included in the study. Single‐dose methotrexate treatment was successful for 44 (63.8%) women. Both mean β‐HCG level and its 24‐hour increment were lower for women with successful treatment than for those with failed treatment (respectively, 1224 IU\L vs 2362 IU\L, P=0.018; and 13.5% vs 29.6%, P=0.009). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis yielded cutoff values of 1600 IU\L and 14% increment with a positive predictive value of 75% and 82%, respectively, for treatment success. β‐HCG level and its 24‐hour increment were independent predictors of treatment outcome by logistic regression (both P<0.01).

Conclusions

A β‐HCG increment of less than 14% in the 24 hours before single‐dose methotrexate and serum β‐HCG of less than 1600 IU\L were found to be good predictors of treatment success.
Factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory‐Short Version in Ghana
Authors: Adjorlolo Samuel , Watt Bruce D.
Published: November 2017

Studies have shown the existence of psychopathy construct in Western cultures. However, there is a general lack of research on this topical issue in non‐Western countries, specifically sub‐Saharan Africa. Consequently, this study investigated the factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory‐Short Version (YPI‐S) in 327 adolescents in Ghana. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three‐factor structure (interpersonal, behavioural and affective) of psychopathy that was invariant across gender. These results were replicated in a cross‐validation sample comprising 363 adolescents. The YPI‐S factors correlated significantly and positively with reactive and proactive aggression, thus bolstering its construct validity. The YPI‐S and Big‐Five domains were related differently, and where significant correlations were observed, their directions generally confirmed and extended previous studies. All in all, the result generally suggested the existence of psychopathy construct among Ghanaian youth which can be described along interpersonal, affective and behavioural domains. However, the alterations made to the YPI‐S, coupled with its relatively low factor loadings and internal consistency largely, indicate cultural influences on the assessment of cross‐cultural traits. This study illuminated the problem of exporting Western‐based measures and their findings to non‐Western contexts.
A fully automated hybrid methodology using Cuckoo‐based fuzzy clustering technique for magnetic resonance brain image segmentation
Authors: Alagarsamy Saravanan , Kamatchi Kartheeban , Govindaraj Vishnuvarthanan , Thiyagarajan Arunprasath
Published: November 2017

This article aims at developing an automated hybrid algorithm using Cuckoo Based Search (CBS) and interval type‐2 fuzzy based clustering, so as to exhibit efficient magnetic resonance (MR) brain image segmentation. An automatic MR brain image segmentation facilitates and enables a radiologist to have a brief review and easy analysis of complicated tumor regions of imprecise gray level regions with minimal user interface. The tumor region having severe intensity variations and suffering from poor boundaries are to be detected by the proposed hybrid technique that could ease the process of clinical diagnosis and this tends to be the core subject of this article. The ability of the proposed technique is compared using standard comparison parameters such as mean squared error, peak signal to noise ratio, computational time, Dice Overlap Index, and Jaccard Tanimoto Coefficient Index. The proposed CBS combined with interval type‐2 fuzzy based clustering produces a sensitivity of 0.7143 and specificity of 0.9375, which are far better than the conventional techniques such as kernel based, entropy based, graph‐cut based, and self‐organizing maps based clustering. Appreciable segmentation results of tumor region that enhances clinical diagnosis is made available through this article and two of the radiologists who have hands on experience in the field of radiology have extended their support in validating the efficiency of the proposed methodology and have given their consent in utilizing the proposed methodology in the processes of clinical oncology.
EEG source localization using a sparsity prior based onBrodmann areas
Authors: Saha Sajib , Nesterets Yakov , Rana Rajib , Tahtali Murat , de Hoog Frank , Gureyev Timur
Published: November 2017

Localizing the sources of electrical activity in the brain from electroencephalographic (EEG) data is an important tool for noninvasive study of brain dynamics. Generally, the source localization process involves a high‐dimensional inverse problem that has an infinite number of solutions and thus requires additional constraints to be considered to have a unique solution. In this article, we propose a novel method for EEG source localization. The proposed method is based on dividing the cerebral cortex of the brain into a finite number of “functional zones” which correspond to unitary functional areas in the brain. To specify the sparsity profile of human brain activity more concisely, the proposed approach considers grouping of the electrical current dipoles inside each of the functional zones. In this article, we investigate the use of Brodmann's areas as the functional zones while sparse Bayesian learning is used to perform sparse approximation. Numerical experiments are conducted on a realistic head model obtained from segmentation of MRI images of the head and includes four major compartments namely scalp, skull, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain with relative conductivity values. Three different electrode setups are tested in the numerical experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is quite promising in solving the EEG source localization problem. In a noiseless environment with 71 electrodes, the proposed method was found to accurately locate up to 6 simultaneously active sources with accuracy >70%.
Segmentation method for medical image based on improved GrabCut
Authors: Lu Yu‐Wei , Jiang Jian‐Guo , Qi Mei‐Bin , Zhan Shu , Yang Jie
Published: November 2017

Segmentation of medical images has a lot of interferences because of the low contrast and fuzzy boundaries. It's hard to get perfect effect using present image segmentation methods, so we put forward an improved algorithm based on GrabCut and Gaussian mixture model (GMM) in this paper in order to obtain simplify interactive operation and better segmentation precision. We extend the GrabCut approach in 2 respects. Firstly, the initial GMMs of foreground and background were obtained by training sets, which could improve the algorithm's convergence rate. Secondly, the segmentation was restricted by the figure of foreground from training. Experimental results showed that compared with the traditional GrabCut algorithm, our proposed algorithm can simplify interactive operation (t = 14.33, P < .01) and improve the segmentation speed (t = 16.77, P < .01). In addition, in respect of segmentation precision, our proposed algorithm was obviously better than the traditional algorithms such as Graph Cut, GrabCut and Lazy Snapping. (F = 149.546, P < .01). The improved algorithm we proposed in this manuscript is especially suitable for processing large‐scale medical images.
Barriers to Implementing Irrigation and Drainage Policies in An Giang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Tran D. D. , Weger J.
Published: November 2017

Water management in delta floodplains worldwide faces many challenges due to the changing climate and increasing human intervention in the hydrological regimes of rivers. Irrigation and drainage systems are necessary components of a water management strategy that aims to support human habitation and agricultural production, but which need effective coordination in order to adapt to exogenous impacts. However, management of such systems often fails for a variety of reasons. In the floodplain of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, irrigation and drainage systems under dike protection confront ineffective implementation of water management policy, posing a challenge for adaptation to exogenous impacts on the hydrological regime. Over the past two decades, farmers have increasingly cultivated annual triple‐rice crops in high‐dike compartments, ignoring government regulations that call for flood retention. This study analyses interviews with farmers to identify their motivation for not implementing the triennial cropping off‐season advised by the local government (3–3–2 cycle). Our findings show that farmers have avoided implementing the 3–3–2 cycle because of various disadvantages that the system presents for them. Local officials, in turn, have accepted farmers' disregard of the rule. Lessons learnt from this study are considered to explore measures to effectively adapt to future hydrological changes. © 2017 The Authors. Irrigation and Drainage published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage
Doctoral training in clinical psychology across 23 years: Continuity and change
Authors: Norcross John C. , Sayette Michael A. , Pomerantz Andrew M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Doctoral training in clinical psychology has undergone substantial changes in recent decades, especially with the increasing heterogeneity of training models and graduate students. To document these changes, we analyzed program, student, and faculty characteristics of American Psychological Association (APA)‐accredited clinical psychology programs over a 23‐year span.

Method

We surveyed directors of clinical training about their doctoral programs every 2 years from 1991 to 2013, securing 90%–98% response rates. With minimal exceptions, the survey questions remained constant.

Results

Percentages of female and racial/ethnic minority students continued to grow, such that women now comprise about three quarters of trainees and ethnic minorities about one quarter. There has been a decisive shift in faculty theoretical orientation toward cognitive/cognitive‐behavioral and away from psychodynamic/psychoanalytic. Internship match rates were relatively high and stable until the early 2010s but have recently rebounded.

Conclusion

We discuss the limitations of these survey results and their implications for the future of doctoral training in clinical psychology
NEAT1 acts as an inducer of cancer stem cell‐like phenotypes in NSCLC by inhibiting EGCG‐upregulated CTR1
Authors: Jiang Pan , Chen Aochang , Wu Xiaoyue , Zhou Ming , ul Haq Ijaz , Mariyam Zahula , Feng Qing
Published: November 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological function of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been suggested as the main cause of tumor metastasis, tumor recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance. The copper transporter 1 (CTR1) has been the focus of many recent studies because of its correlation with cisplatin (CDDP) resistance. So far, the mechanism of how NEAT1 regulates CSCs in NSCLC remains unknown. In the current study, lung cancer stem cells were enriched from the parental NSCLC cells. We observed that NEAT1 was up‐regulated while copper transporter 1 (CTR1) was down‐regulated in the enriched NSCLC cancer stem cells. Knockdown of NEAT1 was able to decrease the CSC‐like properties in NSCLC cells, while over‐expression of NEAT1 could contribute to the stemness respectively. Meanwhile, appropriate doses of EGCG restrained the stemness triggered by over‐expressing NEAT1 via inducing CTR1 expression. Wnt signal pathway and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were involved in NEAT1‐induced CSCs in NSCLC. These findings may suggest a novel role of NEAT1 for NSCLC treatment.
Baicalein inhibits acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia of pancreatic acinal cell AR42J via improving the inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Pu Wei‐Ling , Luo Ying‐Ying , Bai Ru‐Yu , Guo Ao‐Wei , Zhou Kun , Zhang Yun‐Sha , Miao Lin , Rüegg Curzio , Hottiger Micheal O. , Gao Xiu‐Mei , Sun Li‐Kang
Published: November 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers. Recent research has demonstrated that chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with an increased risk of PDAC, partly due to acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM). Baicalein has been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor effects for CP or PDAC, respectively. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of baicalein, and the putative underlying mechanism, on inflammatory cytokines‐induced ADM of rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR42J. To investigate ADM and baicalein effects in vitro, AR42J were treated with recombinant rat Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (rTNFα) with or without baicalein for 5 days. Results showed that rTNFα‐induced AR42J cells switched their phenotype from dominantly amylase‐positive acinar cells to dominantly cytokeratin 19‐positive ductal cells. Moreover, expression of the transcripts for TNFα or Hes‐1, a Notch target, was up‐regulated in these cells. Interestingly, baicalein reduced the population of ADM as well as cytokines gene expression but not Hes‐1. Baicalein inhibited NF‐κB activation induced by rTNFα in AR42J, but no effect on Notch 1activation. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the secretion of TNFα and Nitric Oxide (NO) in macrophages stimulated with LPS and further inhibited ADM of conditional medium‐treated AR42J cells. Baicalein also suppressed the inflammatory response of LPS‐activated macrophages, thereby inhibited ADM of AR42J by altering their microenvironment. Taken together, our study indicates that baicalein reduces rTNFα‐induced ADM of AR42J cells by inhibiting NF‐κB activation. It also sheds new light on Chinese material medica therapy of pancreatitis and thereby prevention of PDAC.
Inhibition of HSP90α protects cultured neurons from oxygen‐glucose deprivation induced necroptosis by decreasing RIP3 expression
Authors: Wang Zhen , Guo Li‐min , Wang Yong , Zhou Hong‐kang , Wang Shu‐chao , Chen Dan , Huang Ju‐fang , Xiong Kun
Published: November 2017

Heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) maintains cell stabilization and regulates cell death, respectively. Recent studies have shown that HSP90α is involved in receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3)‐mediated necroptosis in HT29 cells. It is known that oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) can induce necroptosis, which is regulated by RIP3 in neurons. However, it is still unclear whether HSP90α participates in the process of OGD‐induced necroptosis in cultured neurons via the regulation of RIP3. Our study found that necroptosis occurs in primary cultured cortical neurons and PC‐12 cells following exposure to OGD insult. Additionally, the expression of RIP3/p‐RIP3, MLKL/p‐MLKL, and the RIP1/RIP3 complex (necrosome) significantly increased following OGD, as measured through immunofluorescence (IF) staining, Western blotting (WB), and immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Additionally, data from computer simulations and IP assays showed that HSP90α interacts with RIP3. In addition, HSP90α was overexpressed following OGD in cultured neurons, as measured through WB and IF staining. Inhibition of HSP90α in cultured neurons, using the specific inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), and siRNA/shRNA of HSP90α, protected cultured neurons from necrosis. Our study showed that the inhibitor of HSP90α, GA, rescued cultured neurons not only by decreasing the expression of total RIP3/MLKL, but also by decreasing the expression of p‐RIP3/p‐MLKL and the RIP1/RIP3 necrosome. In this study, we reveal that inhibition of HSP90α protects primary cultured cortical neurons and PC‐12 cells from OGD‐induced necroptosis through the modulation of RIP3 expression.
Spatial clustering of maximum 24‐h rainfall over Urmia Lake Basin by new weighting approaches
Authors: Dehghan Zohreh , Eslamian Seyed Saeid , Modarres Reza
Published: November 2017

The lack of data in rainfall stations of Iran is one of the main problems in design and management of hydrologic systems. Moreover, the density of these stations network is not sufficient for estimation of rainfall at ungauged regions. Therefore, regionalization can be an essential tool to be applied for clustering the rainfall and spatial pattern analysis of homogeneous regions to quantify regional rainfall patterns. Homogeneous regions are usually defined based on different methods and with consideration of a category of attributes. Selection of attributes as representatives of the study region is an important aspect in clustering of a region, as is the importance degree (or determined weight) that each of these attributes can allocate to themselves. Consequently, the aim of this study is to select a broad category of climatic, geographical, and statistical attributes of the maximum 24‐h rainfall of the Urmia Lake Basin for 63 selected stations for the period 1979–2008 and next to determine an appropriate weight for each of the attributes in each defined category. To investigate the weighting effect in regionalizing and to determine the appropriate weight for each defined attribute, respectively, Ward's clustering technique, principal component analysis, and correlation coefficients matrix methods were used. The homogeneity measure test showed that all identified clusters are homogeneous. The clustering results showed that based on the different attributes categories, different results can be presented in terms of the number of clusters, distribution of stations, and spatial pattern of clusters. Moreover, the performances of the proposed weighting approaches for spatial clustering analysis are better than no‐weight scenario in most modes according to the spatial patterns and homogeneity measurements.
Variations in the start, end, and length of extreme precipitation period across China
Authors: Guo Xiangyu , Wu Zhengfang , He Hongshi , Du Haibo , Wang Lei , Yang Yue , Zhao Weihong
Published: November 2017

Using the daily precipitation records during 1961–2013 from 686 meteorological stations across China and the atmospheric circulation indexes, this study investigates the spatio‐temporal changes in the occurrence time and length of the extreme precipitation period (EPP), as well as their influencing factors. The results show the following aspects: (1) In the last 53 years, the start dates of the extreme precipitation period (EPPS) generally advanced. The end dates of the extreme precipitation period (EPPE) are delayed, which show an increasing trend. The lengths of the extreme precipitation period (EPPL) in most of the China meteorological stations increased. (2) The spatial patterns of the trends in the occurrence time and length of the extreme precipitation period are similar and show obvious clustering. The occurrence time and length of the extreme precipitation period have obvious spatial gradient differences in their average values. In southeastern China, the average EPPS is earlier, EPPE is later than those in other regions, and their EPPL is prolonged. The EPP in northeastern China begins later and ends earlier, and its EPPL is shorter than that in other regions. (3) The western Pacific subtropical high, Northern Hemisphere polar vortex, Antarctic Oscillation, and western Pacific warm pool have significant effects on the occurrence time and length of EPP over China, and different regions show different effects.
Raman scattering studies of graphene under high pressure
Authors: Machon Denis , Bousige Colin , Alencar Rafael , Torres‐Dias Abraao , Balima Félix , Nicolle Jimmy , de Sousa Pinheiro Gardênia , Souza Filho Antonio Gomes , San‐Miguel Alfonso
Published: November 2017

The effect of pressure – by definition a 3‐dimensional concept – on 2‐dimensional systems brings a number of fundamental questions, which have been partly answered through newly engineered samples and experimental setups. In this review of the high‐pressure Raman studies of graphene, we will in particular underline the importance of the presence of a supporting substrate and its role for the production of biaxial strain conditions in high pressure experiments. Raman shifts observed during these experiments may be related to the strain induced by the substrate rather than by the applied pressure, graphene stress, and hydrostatic pressure not being straightforwardly equivalent in this case of a composite 2D‐on‐3D material. We will also consider the effects of the nature of the substrate surface, the nature of the pressure transmitting media, as well as the effect of the number of layers on the high‐pressure response of the 2D–system, by using the phonon behavior as strain probe as pressure is applied. The effects of adhesion and of strain transfer from the substrate to the 2D–system will be at the heart of our discussion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic characterization of historical building materials: The case study of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Venice, Italy)
Authors: Lodi Giulia Carolina , De Ferri Lavinia , Pojana Giulio
Published: November 2017

The building designed by Sansovino in 1532 as the new Mint of Venice underwent a change in its intended use, becoming in 1900 the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. A spectroscopic study concerning the surface stone materials of the current reading room (previously a courtyard) was attempted since the transformation lead to heavy micro‐ and macroclimatic variations.

Many alterations were observed, such as blackening, cracking, incrustations, and mortars powdering. The employed techniques, such as Raman and Fourier Transform InfraRed‐Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy, allowed identifying the substrate main components and their alteration phases, mainly sulfates and nitrates.

These data represent important information when approaching such a famous building because every further intervention must be based on accurate scientific results.
Screening and identification of α‐glucosidase inhibitors from Shenqi Jiangtang Granule by ultrafiltration liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Xiaojing , Jiang Huijie , Xu Cong , Tong Shengqiang , Yan Jizhong
Published: November 2017

Shenqi Jiangtang Granule, a well‐known traditional Chinese herbal preparation, has been widely used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. In this work, an ultrafiltration liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was proposed for the rapid identification of bioactive ingredients from Shenqi Jiangtang Granule using α‐glucosidase as an example. First, the chemical profile of this preparation was clarified, including 37 saponins, 17 flavonoids, 37 lignans, and seven other compounds. After incubation with α‐glucosidase in vitro, the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.19 mg/mL exhibited significant inhibitory activity. Then, 18 specific binding peaks were screened, and 15 peaks were identified. Among these, ten compounds were reported to have potential α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of these active compounds were evaluated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry with p‐nitrophenyl α‐d‐glucopyranoside as a substrate. As a result, gomisin J and gomisin D exhibited stronger α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities than other active compounds with IC50 values of 77.69 and 133.85 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated that the integrated ultrafiltration liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method was an effective and powerful tool for the discovery of active ingredients in Shenqi Jiangtang Granule.
Healthcare disparities in pediatric otolaryngology: A systematic review
Authors: Jabbour Jad , Robey Thomas , Cunningham Michael J.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Multiple studies have reported healthcare disparities in particular settings and conditions within pediatric otolaryngology, but a systematic examination of the breadth of the problem within the field is lacking. This study's objectives are to synthesize the available evidence regarding healthcare disparities in pediatric otolaryngology, highlight recurrent themes with respect to etiologies and manifestations, and demonstrate potential impacts from patient and provider standpoints.

Methods

A qualitative systematic review of the PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases for articles focusing on racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic disparities related to pediatric otolaryngology conditions or settings was conducted. United States‐based studies of any design or publication date with analysis of children 0 to 18 years old were included.

Results

Of 711 abstracts identified, 39 met inclusion criteria. Manual review of references from these articles yielded 22 additional studies, for a total of 61. Disparities were identified in nearly every subspecialty within pediatric otolaryngology, with otologic conditions the most frequently studied (33 of 61). The most commonly cited disparities involved low socioeconomic status (25 of 61), inadequate insurance (23 of 61), nonwhite race (21 of 61), and barriers to accessing care (21 of 61). Only six articles found no disparities regarding the condition examined in their study.

Conclusion

Through a variety of study topics, designs, and settings, a growing body of literature documents disparities across the spectrum of pediatric otolaryngology care. The etiologies and manifestations of such disparities are myriad. This evidence suggests the need for interventions to address these disparities at various professional and institutional levels, ideally with methodological rigor to assess the effectiveness of such interventions. Laryngoscope, 128:1699–1713, 2018
Effect of topical nasal anesthetic on swallowing in healthy adults: A double‐blind, high‐resolution manometry study
Authors: Guiu Hernandez Esther , Gozdzikowska Kristin , Apperley Olivia , Huckabee Maggie‐Lee
Published: November 2017

Objective

Topical nasal anesthetic (TNA) is used when evaluating pharyngeal swallowing with high‐resolution manometry (HRM). It is unclear if desensitizing the nasal mucosa improves procedure tolerability or affects pharyngeal pressure. This study evaluated the effects of TNA on comfort and pharyngeal pressure using HRM.

Methods

A double‐blinded study was conducted with 20 healthy participants (
= 27 years). Participants performed five saliva and five 10‐mL swallows during two exams with ManoScan HRM ESO catheter (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) randomized under placebo (nonanesthetic lubricant) and anesthetized (0.4 mL of 2% viscous lidocaine hydrochloride) conditions. Comfort was rated using a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS). Pharyngeal HRM amplitude and timing were analyzed.

Results

VAS ratings were similar under placebo (mean = 38.4, standard deviation [SD] = 19.92) and TNA conditions (mean = 33.78, SD = 18.9), with no significant differences between placebo and anesthetized conditions (t[19] = 1.23, P = 0.23) or tolerability at first and second procedure (t[19] = 1.38, P = 0.18). Lower maximum and mean pharyngeal pressure were found for the TNA condition when compared to placebo (dry: maximum [−15.45 mmHg, standard error (SE) = 5.06 mmHg, P = 0.021]; mean [−5.22 mmHg, SE = 1.58 mmHg, P = 0.005]), and (liquid: maximum [−14.79 mmHg, SE = 5.01 mmHg, P = 0.010]; mean [−2.79 mmHg, SE = 1.99 mmHg, P = 0.008]).

Conclusion

This double‐blind, randomized study is the first to investigate effects of TNA on tolerability and pharyngeal pressure using HRM. Results indicate TNA offered no significant difference in procedure comfort while affecting the magnitude of pharyngeal swallowing.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1335–1339, 2018
First bite syndrome following transcervical arterial ligation after transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Topf Michael C. , Moritz Ethan , Gleysteen John , Curry Joseph M. , Cognetti David M. , Luginbuhl Adam J.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To assess the incidence of first bite syndrome (FBS) in transoral robotic surgical (TORS) patients undergoing transcervical arterial ligation.

Methods

Retrospective case series of all patients diagnosed with FBS following prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation of branches of the external carotid system between March 2010 and December 2016 at a single academic center.

Results

Six patients with FBS after TORS with transcervical arterial ligation were evaluated, representing 7% of all patients who underwent neck dissection with concomitant transcervical arterial ligation (6 of 83). Median presentation of FBS was 63 days, with an average duration of 66 days. Treatment ranged from observation to botulinum toxin injection.

Conclusion

Patients who undergo transcervical arterial ligation to minimize bleeding complications following TORS are at risk of developing first bite syndrome.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1589–1593, 2018
Exclusive Synthesis of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) with an Ethynyl Group at Only One End for Effective Block Copolymerization
Authors: Zhang Geng , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: November 2017

Well‐controlled synthesis of ethynyl‐functionalized poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is crucial for preparation of block copolymers containing the P3HT segment by means of click coupling reaction. A well‐known chain end modification method, in which Kumada–Tamao catalyst‐transfer polymerization is quenched with ethynylmagnesium chloride, under various conditions is re‐examined, but in all cases not only P3HT with an ethynyl group at one end but also P3HT di‐ethynylated at both ends is obtained. Accordingly, Sonogashira coupling reaction of P3HT having H/Br ends with trimethylsilylacetylene is tried, followed by removal of the trimethylsilyl group, and it is found that this protocol affords exclusively P3HT with an ethynyl group at one end. This post end‐modification method is applied to the synthesis of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer of P3HT and poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEtOx) by means of click reaction between ethynylated P3HT and PEtOx with an azide group at one end, and the product is confirmed to be free from contamination with triblock copolymer. Micellization of this block copolymer is confirmed in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water and THF/methanol mixtures.
Friend or foe? Employee ownership and CEO dismissal
Authors: Hollandts Xavier
Published: November 2017

This paper examines 2 research questions. First, does the level of employee stock ownership impact the likelihood of dismissing poorly performing chief executive officers (CEOs)? Second, does the level of employee stock ownership affect the likelihood of appointing an outsider or an insider after the dismissal of an incumbent CEO? We suggest that employee stock ownership reinforces the firm performance—CEO dismissal link because employee shareholders' welfare consisting of fixed claims (wages, bonuses, etc.), residual claims (dividends, increase in stock value, etc.), and human capital (generic and idiosyncratic) are highly linked to their firm performance. Moreover, under conditions of poor performance, employee shareholders are likely to favor an outsider CEO because he or she is more likely to initiate and implement drastic changes to the strategy of the firm, and therefore, he or she is more likely to improve firm performance. Drawing on a longitudinal sample of French firms, we find that employee stock ownership strengthens the negative relationship between firm performance and CEO dismissal likelihood. We find also that the higher employee ownership, the more likely that the underperforming CEO is replaced by an outsider. In contrast, employee ownership has no moderating impact on the likelihood of insider CEO appointment.
The DNA methylation status of genes encoding Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of Matrix metalloproteinases in endometriosis
Authors: Tang Longying , Xiang Yuqian , Zhou Yaohua , Mu Jian , Zai Meiqing , Xing Qinghe , Zhao Xinzhi , He Lin , Wang Lei , Dong Xi , Li Qiaoli
Published: November 2017

Endometriosis is a benign disease, with malignant properties. A necessary step in the progression of endometriosis is tissue remodeling, which is coordinated by the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). This study evaluated the regulation of abnormal MMP and TIMP gene expression during endometriosis. Among the two genes families, promoter regions of MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, TIMP3, and TIMP4 were significantly altered in proliferative‐phase endometriotic lesions compared to menstrual cycle‐matched eutopic tissue from endometriosis‐free women. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the DNA methylation status of the promoter region and transcript abundance of MMP2. Our findings suggest that changes in DNA methylation at the promoter region of MMP2 could underlie the changes in its expression in the ectopic endometria from patients with endometriosis.
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein suppresses mouse granulosa cell differentiation through disruption of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 pathway
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Liu Yanhong , Shan Yanhong , Jin Xingyi , Shi Qingyang , Jia Chunshu
Published: November 2017

Obesity predisposes women to reproductive disorders. One symptom of obesity in women is higher levels of oxidized Low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in serum and preovulatory follicles. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that oxLDL might impair follicle differentiation and luteinization. Given that Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1) plays crucial roles in supporting follicle differentiation and luteinization in mammals, we focused on oxLDL‐mediated events that may affect the HIF1 pathway. We report that exposure to oxLDL diminished the expression of HIF1α and its target genes and suppressed the differentiation of mouse luteinized granulosa cells following induction by human Chorionic gonadotophin (hCG) under hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen). Significantly, the proteasome inhibitor MG‐132 prevented this oxLDL‐attenuation differentiation phenotype by blocking HIF1α degradation. Together, these findings suggest that suppression of granulosa cell differentiation by oxLDL, via HIF1α down‐regulation, may contribute the negative effects of obesity on female fertility.
3D dynamic response of a transversely isotropic multilayered medium subjected to a moving load
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Mu Jin Jing , Ren Guang Peng
Published: November 2017

The dynamic problem of a transversely isotropic multilayered medium is reducible to quasi‐static problem by introducing a moving system that travels synchronously with the load. Based on the governing equations in the moving system, the ordinary differential equations in the Fourier transformed domain are deduced. An extended precise integration method is adopted to solve the ordinary differential equations, and the solution in the physical domain is recovered by the inverse Fourier transform. Numerical examples are performed to verify the accuracy of the presented method and to analyze the influence of material properties and the load characteristic.