bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the effect of person-organisation fit on turnover intention mediated by job satisfaction? A survey of community health workers in China
Authors: Zhang Mingji , Yan Fei , Wang Wei , Li Guohong
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Person-organisation fit (P-O fit) is a predictor of work attitude. However, in the area of human resource for health, the literature of P-O fit is quite limited. It is unclear whether P-O fit directly or indirectly affects turnover intention. This study aims to examine the mediation effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention based on data from China.

Design and methods

This is a cross-sectional survey of community health workers (CHWs) in China in 2013. A questionnaire of P-O fit, job satisfaction and turnover intention was developed, and its validity and reliability were assessed. Multiple regression and structural equation modelling were used to examine the relationship among P-O fit, job satisfaction and turnover intention.

Setting and participants

Multistage sampling was applied. In total, 656 valid questionnaire responses were collected from CHWs in four provincial regions in China, namely Shanghai, Shaanxi, Shandong and Anhui.

Results

P-O fit was directly related to job satisfaction (standardised β 0.246) and inversely related to turnover intention (standardised β −0.186). In the mediation model, the total effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was −0.186 (p<0.001); the direct effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was −0.094 (p<0.01); the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention was −0.092 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was partially mediated through job satisfaction. It is suggested that more work attitude variables and different dimensions of P-O fit be taken into account to examine the complete mechanism of person-organisation interaction. Indirect measures of P-O fit should be encouraged in practice to enhance work attitudes of health workers.
Role of normal boundary condition in interface shear test for the determination of skin friction along pile shaft
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Liu Su , Cheng Yi Pik
Published: March 2017

This paper presents numerical results from a two-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulation study on the influence of lateral boundary condition on shaft resistance of a pile driven into a crushable sand. The study was conducted by comparing simulation results from the pile penetration test and the interface shear test employing parallel-bonded agglomerates for modeling of the particle breakage. The interface shear test was performed under three different types of normal boundary conditions; namely, constant normal load (CNL), constant normal stiffness (CNS), and constant volume (CV) boundary conditions. For the pile penetration test, a series of sampling windows were identified on the initial ground configuration to monitor the stress–strain, volume change, and particle breakage behavior of particle groups located within the sampling windows. A detailed investigation was then undertaken by comparing the behavior of particle groups with that from the interface shear test to find out which type of normal boundary condition best describes the lateral boundary condition in the pile penetration test. It has been found that the behavior of a particle group reaches the peak state below the pile tip and the critical state after it reaches the pile shaft. The influence of normal boundary condition on the stress ratio at the critical state is not obvious. The conventional interface shear test (i.e., CNL) can provide valuable information on the determination of skin friction along the pile shaft.
PGF2α regulates the basolateral K channels in the distal convoluted tubule
Authors: Wang Lijun , Zhang Chengbiao , Su Xiao-Tong , Lin Dao-Hong , Wu Peng , Schwartzman Michal L. , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: March 2017

Our aim is to examine the role of PGF2α receptor (FP), a highly expressed prostaglandin receptor in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in regulating the basolateral 40-pS K channel. The single-channel studies demonstrated that PGF2α had a biphasic effect on the 40-pS K channel in the DCT–PGF2α stimulated at low concentrations (less than 500 nM), while at high concentrations (above 1 µM), it inhibited the 40-pS K channels. Moreover, neither 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (a metabolite of PGF2α) nor PGE2 was able to mimic the effect of PGF2α on the 40-pS K channel in the DCT. The inhibition of PKC had no significant effect on the 40-pS K channel; however, it abrogated the inhibitory effect of 5 µM PGF2α on the K channel. Moreover, stimulation of PKC inhibited the 40-pS K channel in the DCT, suggesting that PKC mediates the inhibitory effect of PGF2α on the 40-pS K channel. Conversely, the stimulatory effect of PGF2α on the 40-pS K channel was absent in the DCT treated with DPI, a NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor. Also, adding 100 µM H2O2 mimicked the stimulatory effect of PGF2α and increased the 40-pS K channel activity in DCT. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of 500 nM PGF2α and H2O2 was not additive, suggesting the role of superoxide-related species in mediating the stimulatory effect of PGF2α on the 40-pS K channel. The inhibition of Src family tyrosine protein kinase (SFK) not only inhibited the 40-pS K channel in the DCT but also completely abolished the stimulatory effects of PGF2α and H2O2 on the 40-pS K channel. We conclude that PGF2α at low doses stimulates the basolateral 40-pS K channel by a NOX- and SFK-dependent mechanism, while at high concentrations, it inhibits the K channel by a PKC-dependent pathway.
Task-dependent vestibular feedback responses in reaching
Authors: Keyser Johannes , Medendorp W. Pieter , Selen Luc P. J.
Published: March 2017

When reaching for an earth-fixed object during self-rotation, the motor system should appropriately integrate vestibular signals and sensory predictions to compensate for the intervening motion and its induced inertial forces. While it is well established that this integration occurs rapidly, it is unknown whether vestibular feedback is specifically processed dependent on the behavioral goal. Here, we studied whether vestibular signals evoke fixed responses with the aim to preserve the hand trajectory in space or are processed more flexibly, correcting trajectories only in task-relevant spatial dimensions. We used galvanic vestibular stimulation to perturb reaching movements toward a narrow or a wide target. Results show that the same vestibular stimulation led to smaller trajectory corrections to the wide than the narrow target. We interpret this reduced compensation as a task-dependent modulation of vestibular feedback responses, tuned to minimally intervene with the task-irrelevant dimension of the reach. These task-dependent vestibular feedback corrections are in accordance with a central prediction of optimal feedback control theory and mirror the sophistication seen in feedback responses to mechanical and visual perturbations of the upper limb.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Correcting limb movements for external perturbations is a hallmark of flexible sensorimotor behavior. While visual and mechanical perturbations are corrected in a task-dependent manner, it is unclear whether a vestibular perturbation, naturally arising when the body moves, is selectively processed in reach control. We show, using galvanic vestibular stimulation, that reach corrections to vestibular perturbations are task dependent, consistent with a prediction of optimal feedback control theory.
Handling Data Skew in MapReduce Cluster by Using Partition Tuning
Authors: Gao Yufei , Zhou Yanjie , Zhou Bing , Shi Lei , Zhang Jiacai
Published: March 2017

The healthcare industry has generated large amounts of data, and analyzing these has emerged as an important problem in recent years. The MapReduce programming model has been successfully used for big data analytics. However, data skew invariably occurs in big data analytics and seriously affects efficiency. To overcome the data skew problem in MapReduce, we have in the past proposed a data processing algorithm called Partition Tuning-based Skew Handling (PTSH). In comparison with the one-stage partitioning strategy used in the traditional MapReduce model, PTSH uses a two-stage strategy and the partition tuning method to disperse key-value pairs in virtual partitions and recombines each partition in case of data skew. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm were tested on a wide variety of simulated datasets and real healthcare datasets. The results showed that PTSH algorithm can handle data skew in MapReduce efficiently and improve the performance of MapReduce jobs in comparison with the native Hadoop, Closer, and locality-aware and fairness-aware key partitioning (LEEN). We also found that the time needed for rule extraction can be reduced significantly by adopting the PTSH algorithm, since it is more suitable for association rule mining (ARM) on healthcare data.
Total Flavonoids Extracted from Oxytropis falcata Bunge Improve Insulin Resistance through Regulation on the IKKβ/NF‐κB Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Yang Lixia , Wang Zhicheng , Jiang Liangen , Sun Wen , Fan Qiang , Liu Tonghua
Published: March 2017

Background. Insulin resistance (IR) is the main etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It has been known that total flavonoid extracts can markedly improve the hypoglycemic symptoms caused by IR. Nevertheless, the relevant molecular mechanism remains unclarified. Aim. This study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic effects and mechanism of the total flavonoid extract from Oxytropis falcata Bunge. Methods. STZ‐induced T2DM rats (n = 35) were divided into 5 groups: model, low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose total flavonoids, and pioglitazone groups. Ten healthy rats were used as controls. The serum insulin and inflammatory cytokines (MCP‐1, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) level was measured by ELISA. The concentration of IRS‐1, p‐IRS‐1, PKB p‐PKB, PI3Kp85, and p‐PI3K in skeletal muscles was determined by Western blot. The mRNA level of GLUT4, IκB, and NF‐κB in skeletal muscle was detected by qRT‐PCR. Results. The treatment of medium‐ and high‐dose total flavonoids significantly reduced the FPG and P2hPG and enhanced insulin level in T2DM rats (P < 0.05). When compared with controls, the serum level of MCP‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IRS‐1, and p‐IRS‐1 was significantly increased in T2DM rats, but the level of PKB, p‐PKB, PI3Kp85, and p‐PI3K expression was reduced (P < 0.05). The GLUT4 and IκB mRNA expression were significantly decreased, and NF‐κB mRNA level was increased (P < 0.05). The treatment of low‐, medium‐, or high‐dose total flavonoids markedly reversed the changes above (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Our study has confirmed the therapeutic effects of total flavonoids from Oxytropis falcata Bunge on IR. The flavonoids might reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines through downregulation of NF‐κB expression in inflammatory pathway and regulate the IRS‐1‐PI3‐K‐PKB/Akt insulin pathway and thereby increased the GLUT4 expression.
Developing a Sense of Knowing and Acquiring the Skills to Manage Pain in Children with Profound Cognitive Impairments: Mothers’ Perspectives
Authors: Carter Bernie , Arnott Janine , Simons Joan , Bray Lucy
Published: March 2017

Children with profound cognitive impairment (PCI) are a heterogenous group who often experience frequent and persistent pain. Those people closest to the child are key to assessing their pain. This mixed method study aimed to explore how parents acquire knowledge and skills in assessing and managing their child’s pain. Eight mothers completed a weekly pain diary and were interviewed at weeks 1 and 8. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and the quantitative data using descriptive statistics. Mothers talked of learning through a system of trial and error (“learning to get on with it”); this was accomplished through “learning to know without a rule book or guide”; “learning to be a convincing advocate”; and “learning to endure and to get things right.” Experiential and reflective learning was evident in the way the mothers developed a “sense of knowing” their child’s pain. They drew on embodied knowledge of how their child usually expressed and responded to pain to help make pain-related decisions. Health professionals need to support mothers/parents to develop their knowledge and skills and to gain confidence in pain assessment and they should recognise and act on the mothers’ concerns.
Dynamic Coefficients Identification of Water-Lubricated Hybrid Bearings Used in High-Speed Spindles with Different Excitation Methods
Authors: Wang Lin , Xiong Xianzhi , Xu Hua
Published: March 2017

Rotor stability and rotation accuracy, which are highly dependent on the dynamic coefficients of supporting hybrid bearings, are two important issues of high-speed water-lubricated spindles. To improve the spindles’ performance, the dynamic coefficients of high-speed water-lubricated hybrid bearings were experimentally identified by the noncontact harmonic excitation method and the additional unbalance excitation method, respectively. Comparisons between experimental results and theoretical predictions were made. The experimental technique and the identification model were validated to be effective. Besides, the influence of supply pressure and rotating speed on dynamic coefficients was also presented. As for different operating conditions, valuable guides were provided to investigate the dynamic performance of high-speed and ultra-high-speed spindles.
Social, Environmental, and Health Vulnerability to Climate Change: The Case of the Municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Quintão Ana Flávia , Brito Isabela , Oliveira Frederico , Madureira Ana Paula , Confalonieri Ulisses
Published: March 2017

Vulnerability to climate change is a complex and dynamic phenomenon involving both social and physical/environmental aspects. It is presented as a method for the quantification of the vulnerability of all municipalities of Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil. It is based on the aggregation of different kinds of environmental, climatic, social, institutional, and epidemiological variables, to form a composite index. This was named “Index of Human Vulnerability” and was calculated using a software (SisVuClima®) specifically developed for this purpose. Social, environmental, and health data were combined with the climatic scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5, downscaled from ETA-HadGEM2-ES for each municipality. The Index of Human Vulnerability associated with the RCP 8.5 has shown a higher vulnerability for municipalities in the southern and eastern parts of the state of Minas Gerais.
Thiazolopyridines Improve Adipocyte Function by Inhibiting 11 Beta-HSD1 Oxoreductase Activity
Authors: Rathinasabapathy Thirumurugan , Palatini Jackson Kimberly Marie , Thor Yiwen , Buru Ayuba Sunday , Esposito Debora , Li Xu , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Hamzah Ahmad Sazali , Komarnytsky Slavko
Published: March 2017

Background. Glucocorticoid excess has been linked to clinical observations associated with the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. The intracellular glucocorticoid levels are primarily modulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme that is highly expressed in key metabolic tissues including fat, liver, and the central nervous system. Methods. In this study we synthesized a set of novel tetrahydrothiazolopyridine derivatives, TR-01–4, that specifically target 11β-HSD1 and studied their ability to interfere with the glucocorticoid and lipid metabolism in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results. Based on the docking model and structure-activity relationships, tetrahydrothiazolopyridine derivatives TR-02 and TR-04 showed the highest potency against 11β-HSD1 by dose-dependently inhibiting conversion of cortisone to cortisol (IC50 values of 1.8 μM and 0.095 μM, resp.). Incubation of fat cells with 0.1–10 μM TR-01–4 significantly decreased cortisone-induced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and suppressed 11β-HSD1 mRNA expression. Observed reduction in adipocyte fat stores could be partially explained by decreased expression levels of adipogenic markers (PPAR-γ, aP2) and key enzymes of lipid metabolism, including fatty acid synthase (FAS), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Conclusions. The tetrahydrothiazolopyridine moiety served as an active pharmacophore for inhibiting 11β-HSD1 and offered a novel therapeutic strategy to ameliorate metabolic alterations found in obesity and diabetes.
Time-Dependent Behavior of Shrinkage Strain for Early Age Concrete Affected by Temperature Variation
Authors: Qin Yu , Yi Zhijian , Wang Weina , Wang Di
Published: March 2017

Shrinkage has been proven to be an important property of early age concrete. The shrinkage strain leads to inherent engineering problems, such as cracking and loss of prestress. Atmospheric temperature is an important factor in shrinkage strain. However, current research does not provide much attention to the effect of atmospheric temperature on shrinkage of early age concrete. In this paper, a laboratory study was undertaken to present the time-dependent shrinkage of early age concrete under temperature variation. A newly developed Material Deformation Tester (MDT), which can simulate consecutive variation of atmospheric temperature, was used to collect the shrinkage strain of specimens and temperature data. A numerical model was established to describe the thermoelastic strain of a specimen. The results show that (1) there are several sharp shrinkages up to 600 μfor early age concrete in the first 3 days; (2) the absolute value of shrinkage strain is larger than thermal strain; and (3) the difference of shrinkage strain under temperature variation or constant temperature is up to 500 μ.
Large-Scale Demand Driven Design of a Customized Bus Network: A Methodological Framework and Beijing Case Study
Authors: Ma Jihui , Yang Yang , Guan Wei , Wang Fei , Liu Tao , Tu Wenyuan , Song Cuiying
Published: March 2017

In recent years, an innovative public transportation (PT) mode known as the customized bus (CB) has been proposed and implemented in many cities in China to efficiently and effectively shift private car users to PT to alleviate traffic congestion and traffic-related environmental pollution. The route network design activity plays an important role in the CB operation planning process because it serves as the basis for other operation planning activities, for example, timetable development, vehicle scheduling, and crew scheduling. In this paper, according to the demand characteristics and operational purpose, a methodological framework that includes the elements of large-scale travel demand data processing and analysis, hierarchical clustering-based route origin-destination (OD) region division, route OD region pairing, and a route selection model is proposed for CB network design. Considering the operating cost and social benefits, a route selection model is proposed and a branch-and-bound-based solution method is developed. In addition, a computer-aided program is developed to analyze a real-world Beijing CB route network design problem. The results of the case study demonstrate that the current CB network of Beijing can be significantly improved, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Fuzzy Adaptive Prescribed Performance Control for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Dead‐Zone Inputs
Authors: Xiang Wei , Li Ning , Sun Yeguo
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a fuzzy adaptive prescribed performance control scheme for a class of uncertain chaotic systems with unknown control gains and unknown dead‐zone inputs. Firstly, an error transformation is introduced to transform the original constrained system into an equivalent unconstrained one. Then, based on the error transformation technique and the predefined performance technique, a fuzzy adaptive feedback control method is developed. It is shown that all the signals of the resulting closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed technique.
An Analysis of Tropical Cold-Point Tropopause Warming in 1999
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Xie Fei , Zhang Shiyan , Zhang Ruhua , Wang Feiyang , Zhang Jiankai
Published: March 2017

Using reanalysis datasets, the warming of the tropical tropopause in 1999 and its evolution are investigated. It is found that there is a strong rate of increase in tropical cold-point tropopause temperature (CPTT) in June 1999, with negative CPTT anomalies before June (March-April-May) and large positive anomalies after June (July-August-September). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that deep convection, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and tropical upwelling associated with the Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC) largely explain the variations of CPTT in 1999. Before June, enhanced deep convection resulting from increased sea surface temperature (SST) over the western Pacific and enhanced tropical upwelling of the BDC lead to a higher and colder tropopause. Those two factors explain 22% and 17% of the variance in CPTT, respectively. In June, the transformation of the east phase of QBO to the west phase contributes up to more than 50% of the variance in CPTT changes. After June, reduced tropical upwelling induced by weakened wave activity results in the warmer tropical tropopause temperatures to a large extent.
A Moderate Zinc Deficiency Does Not Alter Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition in the Liver of Weanling Rats Fed Diets Rich in Cocoa Butter or Safflower Oil
Authors: Weigand Edgar , Egenolf Jennifer
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to examine whether a moderate zinc deficiency alters hepatic lipid composition. Male weanling rats, assigned to five groups (8 animals each), were fed low-carbohydrate high-fat diets supplemented with 7 or 50 mg Zn/kg (LZ or HZ) and 22% cocoa butter (CB) or 22% safflower oil (SF) for four weeks. One group each had free access to the LZ-CB and LZ-SF diets, one group each was restrictedly fed the HZ-CB and HZ-SF diets in matching amounts, and one group had free access to the HZ-SF diet (ad libitum control). The rats fed the LZ diets had significantly lower energy intakes and final body weights than the ad libitum control group, and lower plasma and femur Zn concentrations than the animals consuming the HZ diets. Hepatic cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipid concentrations, and fatty acid composition of hepatic triacylglycerols and phospholipids did not significantly differ between the LZ and their respective HZ groups, but were greatly affected by dietary fat source. In conclusion, the moderate Zn deficiency did not significantly alter liver lipid concentrations and fatty acid composition.
The Combined Effect of the Initial Cure and the Type of Cement on the Natural Carbonation, the Portlandite Content, and Nonevaporable Water in Blended Cement
Authors: Boualleg Saida , Bencheikh Mohamed , Belagraa Larbi , Daoudi Aziz , Chikouche Mohamed Aziz
Published: March 2017

The aim of this work is to better understand the physical and chemical phenomena involved in hydrated mix (clinker + addition) during the natural carbonation process, to characterize cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) under various curing environment. The prepared cement pastes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed a considerable influence of the environment on the properties of mortars and cement and a perfect correlation between compressive strength, natural carbonation, nonevaporable water, and portlandite content. It was observed that the reduction of the curing period makes the mortars more sensitive. The kinetics of process was evaluated from Ca(OH)2 content and nonevaporable water contained in mortars. These two parameters reflect the hydration progress of the water/cement ratio studied. The weight loss due to Ca(OH)2 decomposition, calculated by DTA/TG analysis, shows the effect of the pozzolanic reaction and the natural carbonation. The supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) play a considerable role in the slowing down of the aggression environment.
Nitrate and Nitrite Promote Formation of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines via Nitrogen Oxides Intermediates during Postcured Storage under Warm Temperature
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Huijuan , Shi Hongzhi , Zhou Jun , Bai Ruoshi , Zhang Mengyue , Jin Tong
Published: March 2017

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are carcinogenic and are present in cured tobacco leaves. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms of TSNAs formation under warm temperature storage conditions. Results showed that nitrogen oxides (NOx) were produced from nitrate and nitrite in a short period of time under 45°C and then reacted with alkaloids to form TSNAs. Nitrite was more effective than nitrate in promoting TSNAs formation during 45°C storage which may be due to the fact that nitrite can produce a large amount of NOx in comparison with nitrate. Presence of activated carbon effectively inhibited the TSNAs formation because of the adsorption of NOx on the activated carbon. The results indicated that TSNAs are derived from a gas/solid phase nitrosation reaction between NOx and alkaloids. Nitrate and nitrite are major contributors to the formation of TSNAs during warm temperature storage of tobacco.
Hypercapnea and Acidemia despite Hyperventilation following Endotracheal Intubation in a Case of Unknown Severe Salicylate Poisoning
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Charbonneau Valérie , Rosenberg Hans
Published: March 2017

Salicylates are common substances for deliberate self-harm. Acute salicylate toxicity is classically associated with an initial respiratory alkalosis, followed by an anion gap metabolic acidosis. The respiratory alkalosis is achieved through hyperventilation, driven by direct stimulation on the respiratory centers in the medulla and considered as a compensatory mechanism to avoid acidemia. However, in later stages of severe salicylate toxicity, patients become increasingly obtunded, with subsequent loss of airway reflexes, and therefore intubation may be necessary. Mechanical ventilation has been recommended against in acute salicylate poisoning, as it is believed to take away the compensatory hyperpnea and tachypnea. Despite the intuitive physiological basis for this recommendation, there is a paucity of evidence to support it. We describe a case of a 59-year-old male presenting with decreased level of consciousness and no known history of ingestion. He was intubated and experienced profound hypercarbia and acidemia despite mechanical ventilation with high minute ventilation and tidal volumes. This case illustrates the deleterious effects of intubation in severe salicylate toxicity.
Cavity-Enhanced Spectroscopy in Condensed Phases: Recent Literature and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Thompson Jonathan E.
Published: March 2017

Recent developments in the field of cavity-enhanced spectroscopy (CES) on liquid samples are presented. The various experimental approaches to achieving the measurements are summarized, and the limitations of each approach are discussed. I conclude CES is most promising for microscale light absorption measurements on submicroliter volumes of fluid.
Focal Muscle Vibration and Physical Exercise in Postmastectomy Recovery: An Explorative Study
Authors: Celletti Claudia , Fara Maria Antonietta , Filippi Guido Maria , La Torre Giuseppe , Tozzi Roberto , Vanacore Nicola , Camerota Filippo
Published: March 2017

Background. Physical activity initiation and maintenance are particular challenges in the postmastectomy recovery and in particular Dragon Boat racing seems to be a useful sport activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of focal muscle vibration as a proprioceptive input to improve upper limb functioning in a group of “paddlers” patients. Methods. A group of paddlers has been evaluated before vibratory treatment (T0), immediately after therapy (T1), after one week (T2), and after one month (T3) with DASH questionnaire, Body Image Scale, McGill pain questionnaire, Constant Scale, and Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results. Fourteen patients showed a significant reduction in disability score (p=0,001) using DASH scale, an improvement of upper limb function (p=0,001) using the Constant scale, and a reduction of pain (p=0,007) at the McGill pain questionnaire. The Mental Composite Score of the Short Form 36 questionnaire showed significant results (p=0,04) while no significant results had been found regarding the physical mental score (p=0,08). Conclusion. Focal muscle vibration may be a useful treatment in a postmastectomy recovery of upper limb functionality.
Distributed Optimization of Multiagent Systems in Directed Networks with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Yan Junxiu , Yu Hui
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses a distributed consensus optimization problem of a first-order multiagent system with time-varying delay. A continuous-time distributed optimization algorithm is proposed. Different from most ways of solving distributed optimization problem, the Lyapunov-Razumikhin theorem is applied to the convergence analysis instead of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals with LMI conditions. A sufficient condition for the control parameters is obtained to make all the agents converge to the optimal solution of the system. Finally, an example is given to validate the effectiveness of our theoretical result.
Renal Function and Death in Older Women: Which eGFR Formula Should We Use?
Authors: Canales Muna T. , Blackwell Terri , Ishani Areef , Taylor Brent C. , Hart Allyson , Beyth Rebecca J. , Ensrud Kristine E.
Published: March 2017

Background. The Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) eGFR equations were developed specifically for aged populations, but their predictive validity compared to standard formulae is unknown in older women.Methods. In a prospective study of 1289 community-dwelling older women (mean age 79.5 years), we compared the performance of the BIS1 SCr-based equation to the CKD-EPIcrand the BIS2 SCr- and Scysc-based equation to the CKD-EPIcr,cyscto predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.Results. Prevalence of specific eGFR category (i.e., ≥75, 60–74, 45–59, and <45) according to eGFR equation was 12.3%, 38.4%, 37.3%, and 12.0% for BIS1; 48.3%, 27.8%, 16.2%, and 7.8% for CKD-EPIcr; 14.1%, 38.6%, 37.6%, and 9.6% for BIS2; and 33.5%, 33.4%, 22.0%, and 11.1% for CKD-EPIcr,cysc, respectively. Over9±4years, 667 (51.8%) women died. For each equation, women with eGFR <45 were at increased risk of mortality compared to eGFR ≥75 [adjusted HR (95% CI): BIS1, 1.5 (1.1–2.0); CKD-EPIcr, 1.7 (1.3–2.2); BIS2, 2.0 (1.4–2.8); CKD-EPIcr,cysc, 1.8 (1.4–2.3);p-trend <0.01]. Net reclassification analyses found no material difference in discriminant ability between the BIS and CKD-EPI equations. Results were similar for cardiovascular death.Conclusions. Compared to CKD-EPI, BIS equations identified a greater proportion of older women as having CKD but performed similarly to predict mortality risk. Thus, the BIS equations should not replace CKD-EPI equations to predict risk of death in older women.
Rheological Properties in Aqueous Solution for Hydrophobically Modified Polyacrylamides Prepared in Inverse Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Carro Shirley , Gonzalez-Coronel Valeria J. , Castillo-Tejas Jorge , Maldonado-Textle Hortensia , Tepale Nancy
Published: March 2017

Inverse emulsion polymerization technique was employed to synthesize hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide polymers with hydrophobe contents near to feed composition. Three different structures were obtained: multisticker, telechelic, and combined. N-Dimethyl-acrylamide (DMAM), n-dodecylacrylamide (DAM), and n-hexadecylacrylamide (HDAM) were used as hydrophobic comonomers. The effect of the hydrophobe length of comonomer, the initial monomer, and surfactant concentrations on shear viscosity was studied. Results show that the molecular weight of copolymer increases with initial monomer concentration and by increasing emulsifier concentration it remained almost constant. Shear viscosity measurements results show that the length of the hydrophobic comonomer augments the hydrophobic interactions causing an increase in viscosity and that the polymer thickening ability is higher for combined polymers.
Intestinal Obstruction in a Patient with Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis
Authors: Obaid Oday , Alhalabi Dawood , Ghonami Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare disorder that is characterized by encapsulation of bowel loops by thick fibrinogenous case. Most patients present with vague abdominal symptoms. It is challenging to diagnose the condition preoperatively. Surgical management is preserved for patients with small bowel obstruction with no improvement on conservative measures or for those with signs of bowel ischemia (Li et al., 2014; Habib et al. 2011). Herein, we discuss the clinical signs and symptoms, the radiological features, the surgical management, and outcome of SEP based on a patient who underwent surgery in our hospital.
Electrochemical and Morphological Investigations of Ga Addition to Pt Electrocatalyst Supported on Carbon
Authors: Paganoto Giordano T. , Santos Deise M. , Evangelista Tereza C. S. , Guimarães Marco C. C. , Carneiro Maria Tereza W. D. , Ribeiro Josimar
Published: March 2017

This paper is consisted in the synthesis of platinum-based electrocatalysts supported on carbon (Vulcan XC-72) and investigation of the addition of gallium in their physicochemical and electrochemical properties toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). PtGa/C electrocatalysts were prepared through thermal decomposition of polymeric precursor method at a temperature of 350°C. Six different compositions were homemade: Pt50Ga50/C, Pt60Ga40/C, Pt70Ga30/C, Pt80Ga20/C, Pt90Ga10/C, and Pt100/C. These electrocatalysts were electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), chronopotentiometry (CP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence and absence of ethanol 1.0 mol L−1. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were also carried out for a physicochemical characterization of those materials. XRD results showed the main peaks of face-centered cubic Pt. The particle sizes obtained from XRD and TEM analysis range from 7.2 nm to 12.9 nm. The CV results indicate behavior typical of Pt-based electrocatalysts in acid medium. The CV, EIS, and CA data reveal that the addition of up to 31% of gallium to the Pt highly improves catalytic activity on EOR response when compared to Pt100/C.
Intrinsic Properties of Brown and White Adipocytes Have Differential Effects on Macrophage Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Dowal Louisa , Parameswaran Pooja , Phat Sarah , Akella Syamala , Majumdar Ishita Deb , Ranjan Jyoti , Shah Chahan , Mogre Saie , Guntur Kalyani , Thapa Khampaseuth , Gesta Stephane , Vishnudas Vivek K. , Narain Niven R. , Sarangarajan Rangaprasad
Published: March 2017

Obesity is marked by chronic, low-grade inflammation. Here, we examined whether intrinsic differences between white and brown adipocytes influence the inflammatory status of macrophages. White and brown adipocytes were characterized by transcriptional regulation of UCP-1, PGC1α, PGC1β, and CIDEA and their level of IL-6 secretion. The inflammatory profile of PMA-differentiated U937 and THP-1 macrophages, in resting state and after stimulation with LPS/IFN-gamma and IL-4, was assessed by measuring IL-6 secretion and transcriptional regulation of a panel of inflammatory genes after mono- or indirect coculture with white and brown adipocytes. White adipocyte monocultures show increased IL-6 secretion compared to brown adipocytes. White adipocytes cocultured with U937 and THP-1 macrophages induced a greater increase in IL-6 secretion compared to brown adipocytes cocultured with both macrophages. White adipocytes cocultured with macrophages increased inflammatory gene expression in both types. In contrast, macrophages cocultured with brown adipocytes induced downregulation or no alterations in inflammatory gene expression. The effects of adipocytes on macrophages appear to be independent of stimulation state. Brown adipocytes exhibit an intrinsic ability to dampen inflammatory profile of macrophages, while white adipocytes enhance it. These data suggest that brown adipocytes may be less prone to adipose tissue inflammation that is associated with obesity.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution Features of Precipitable Water in China during a Recent 65-Year Period (1951–2015)
Authors: Wang Hao , He Jianxin
Published: March 2017

Water vapor in the atmosphere is not only an important greenhouse gas, but also an important factor that significantly affects the variations of global climate and water circulation. This study utilized the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) reanalysis data to probe the temporal and spatial distribution features of atmospheric precipitable water (PW) in China during a recent 65-year period (1951–2015), and the relationship between PW and actual precipitation was also studied. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of PW in China presented an overall decreasing spatial trend from the southeast to northwest direction. The spatial distribution pattern of the first eigenvector demonstrated that the PW in China shows nationwide variation features with a varying amount of PW across different regions. The year 1967 was further identified as an important transition period for the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the PW. We also found that the PW had inherent variability of around 30 years. Regarding the relationship with precipitation, PW was most closely correlated with precipitation in the northeastern region and the upper northwestern region in China. Different regions displayed different efficiencies for converting PW to precipitation. The conclusions are useful for understanding the long-term water vapor evolution and its potential effects on precipitation in China.
Hyperprogressors after Immunotherapy: Analysis of Genomic Alterations Associated with Accelerated Growth Rate
Authors: Kato Shumei , Goodman Aaron , Walavalkar Vighnesh , Barkauskas Donald A. , Sharabi Andrew , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate salutary anticancer effects, including long-term remissions. PD-L1 expression/amplification, high mutational burden, and mismatch repair deficiency correlate with response. We have, however, observed a subset of patients who appear to be “hyperprogressors,” with a greatly accelerated rate of tumor growth and clinical deterioration compared with pretherapy, which was also recently reported by Institut Gustave Roussy. The current study investigated potential genomic markers associated with “hyperprogression” after immunotherapy.

Experimental Design: Consecutive stage IV cancer patients who received immunotherapies (CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or other [investigational] agents) and had their tumor evaluated by next-generation sequencing were analyzed (N = 155). We defined hyperprogression as time-to-treatment failure (TTF) <2 months, >50% increase in tumor burden compared with preimmunotherapy imaging, and >2-fold increase in progression pace.

Results: Amongst 155 patients, TTF <2 months was seen in all six individuals with MDM2/MDM4 amplification. After anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy, four of these patients showed remarkable increases in existing tumor size (55% to 258%), new large masses, and significantly accelerated progression pace (2.3-, 7.1-, 7.2- and 42.3-fold compared with the 2 months before immunotherapy). In multivariate analysis, MDM2/MDM4 and EGFR alterations correlated with TTF <2 months. Two of 10 patients with EGFR alterations were also hyperprogressors (53.6% and 125% increase in tumor size; 35.7- and 41.7-fold increase).

Conclusions: Some patients with MDM2 family amplification or EGFR aberrations had poor clinical outcome and significantly increased rate of tumor growth after single-agent checkpoint (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors. Genomic profiles may help to identify patients at risk for hyperprogression on immunotherapy. Further investigation is urgently needed. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4242–50. ©2017 AACR.
Targeting CD47 and Autophagy Elicited Enhanced Antitumor Effects in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xuyao , Fan Jiajun , Wang Shaofei , Li Yubin , Wang Yichen , Li Song , Luan Jingyun , Wang Ziyu , Song Ping , Chen Qicheng , Tian Wenzhi , Ju Dianwen
Published: March 2017

CD47-specific antibodies and fusion proteins that block CD47–SIRPα signaling are employed as antitumor agents for several cancers. Here, we investigated the synergistic antitumor effect of simultaneously targeting CD47 and autophagy in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SIRPαD1-Fc, a novel CD47-targeting fusion protein, was generated and was found to increase the phagocytic and cytotoxic activities of macrophages against NSCLC cells. During this process, autophagy was markedly triggered, which was characterized by the three main stages of autophagic flux, including formation and accumulation of autophagosomes, fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, and degradation of autophagosomes in lysosomes. Meanwhile, reactive oxygen species and inactivation of mTOR were shown to be involved in autophagy initiation in SIRPαD1-Fc–treated cells, indicating a probable mechanism for autophagy activation after targeting CD47 by SIRPαD1-Fc. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and cytotoxicity against SIRPαD1-Fc–treated NSCLC cells. In addition, simultaneously targeting both CD47 and autophagy in NSCLC xenograft models elicited enhanced antitumor effects, with recruitment of macrophages, activated caspase-3, and overproduction of ROS at the tumor site. Our data elucidated the cytoprotective role of autophagy in CD47-targeted therapy and highlighted the potential approach for NSCLC treatment by simultaneously targeting CD47 and autophagy. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(5); 363–75. ©2017 AACR.

See related Spotlight by Kaufman, p. 355.
Two Novel TEX15 Mutations in a Family with Nonobstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Colombo Roberto , Pontoglio Alessandro , Bini Maurizio
Published: March 2017

Aim: Genetic investigations explain only a small percentage of cases of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), a condition that affects up to 2% of infertile couples. This study aimed to identify further genomic variants that are associated with primary spermatogenic failure within the testis. Methods: One family with 2 infertile siblings affected by NOA was genotyped by whole-exome sequencing. DNA variants were filtered based on quality score, allele frequency, and functional roles of genes in spermatogenesis. Results: Both NOA males were compound heterozygotes for a nonsense mutation and a single nucleotide deletion leading to premature stop codons in the TEX15 gene (c.2419A>T, p.Lys807*, and c.3040delT, p.Ser1014Leufs*5, respectively). The single mutations were identified only on one allele in 6 family members, including 3 fertile males who conceived naturally. Conclusion: This is the second reported case of a TEX15 deleterious mutation cosegregating with NOA in a family in which the infertile phenotype is reminiscent of the one observed in the TEX15-knockout mouse, confirming that TEX15 plays a critical role in normal spermatogenesis and its defects may be responsible for a number of NOA cases.
First record of tapeworm Moniezia (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) infections in Leopards: Coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of wild and captive cats in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kobbekaduwa Vishvapali , Fillieux Caroline , Thududgala Ashan , Rajapakse R.P.V. Jayantha , Rajakaruna Rupika Subashini
Published: March 2017

Sri Lanka is home to four species of wildcats: Leopard, Fishing Cat, Rusty-spotted Cat and Jungle Cat.  All four, except the Jungle Cat, are listed threatened.  A coprological survey was carried out in 2014 to determine the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of wild and captive cats in Sri Lanka.  Parasite eggs and cysts were isolated and morphologically identified using iodine smears and a modified salt flotation.  The intensity of infection was quantified using a McMaster counting technique.  A total of 45 fecal samples were analyzed.  Except for the six captive Rusty-spotted Cats, all cats were infected with one or more GI parasites.  The presence of Moniezia sp. in Leopards in the Horton Plains National Park with an intensity of 150–1850 EPG (eggs per gram of feces) was unexpected.  Moniezia is a common GI parasite of ruminants and before our study it had never been recorded in Leopards.  Cross species infection with Moniezia could be possible due to accidental ingestion of cysticercoid infected oribatid mites, the intermediate host which could have been picked up in the pasture while feeding on carcasses.  Among the other parasitic infections in Leopards Toxocara was most common (61.9%) followed by strongyle infections (15.4%).  Of the fecal samples collected from wild Leopards 80.0% were infected with GI parasites while no GI parasites were found in the captive Leopard samples.  The Jungle Cats and the Rusty-spotted Cats sampled were in captivity and only the Jungle Cats were infected with strongyles.  Toxocara was recorded in Leopards and Fishing Cat both in captivity and in the wild.  It is a common GI infection of cats causing morbidity in all age groups and mortality in young animals.  Although parasitic infections of cats may not be a direct reason for a species’ decline, parasitic infections spreading within a small fragmented population could reduce the vitality and numbers and threaten the population further.  This is the first report of GI parasites of wildcats of Sri Lanka and the first record of Moniezia infections in Leopards.