bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluency in symbolic arithmetic refines the approximate number system in parietal cortex
Authors: Suárez‐Pellicioni Macarena , Booth James R.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate, using a brain measure of approximate number system (ANS) acuity, whether the precision of the ANS is crucial for the development of symbolic numerical abilities (i.e., scaffolding hypothesis) and/or whether the experience with symbolic number processing refines the ANS (i.e., refinement hypothesis). To this aim, 38 children solved a dot comparison task inside the scanner when they were approximately 10‐years old (Time 1) and once again approximately 2 years later (Time 2). To study the scaffolding hypothesis, a regression analysis was carried out by entering ANS acuity at T1 as the predictor and symbolic math performance at T2 as the dependent measure. Symbolic math performance, visuospatial WM and full IQ (all at T1) were entered as covariates of no interest. In order to study the refinement hypothesis, the regression analysis included symbolic math performance at T1 as the predictor and ANS acuity at T2 as the dependent measure, while ANS acuity, visuospatial WM and full IQ (all at T1) were entered as covariates of no interest. Our results supported the refinement hypothesis, by finding that the higher the initial level of symbolic math performance, the greater the intraparietal sulcus activation was at T2 (i.e., more precise representation of quantity). To the best of our knowledge, our finding constitutes the first evidence showing that expertise in the manipulation of symbols, which is a cultural invention, has the power to refine the neural representation of quantity in the evolutionarily ancient, approximate system of quantity representation.
Testing a spatially distributed tracer‐aided runoff model in a snow‐influenced catchment: Effects of multicriteria calibration on streamwater ages
Authors: Piovano Thea I. , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Ala‐aho Pertti , Buttle Jim , Mitchell Carl P. J. , Soulsby Chris
Published: July 2018

Integrating stable isotope tracers into rainfall‐runoff models allows investigation of water partitioning and direct estimation of travel times and water ages. Tracer data have valuable information content that can be used to constrain models and, in integration with hydrometric observations, test the conceptualization of catchment processes in model structure and parameterization. There is great potential in using tracer‐aided modelling in snow‐influenced catchments to improve understanding of these catchments' dynamics and sensitivity to environmental change. We used the spatially distributed tracer‐aided rainfall‐runoff (STARR) model to simulate the interactions between water storage, flux, and isotope dynamics in a snow‐influenced, long‐term monitored catchment in Ontario, Canada. Multiple realizations of the model were achieved using a combination of single and multiple objectives as calibration targets. Although good simulations of hydrometric targets such as discharge and snow water equivalent could be achieved by local calibration alone, adequate capture of the stream isotope dynamics was predicated on the inclusion of isotope data in the calibration. Parameter sensitivity was highest, and most local, for single calibration targets. With multiple calibration targets, key sensitive parameters were still identifiable in snow and runoff generation routines. Water ages derived from flux tracking subroutines in the model indicated a catchment where runoff is dominated by younger waters, particularly during spring snowmelt. However, resulting water ages were most sensitive to the partitioning of runoff sources from soil and groundwater sources, which was most realistically achieved when isotopes were included in the calibration. Given the paucity of studies where hydrological models explicitly incorporate tracers in snow‐influenced regions, this study using STARR is an important contribution to satisfactorily simulating snowpack dynamics and runoff generation processes, while simultaneously capturing stable isotope variability in snow‐influenced catchments.
Role of temporal resolution of meteorological inputs for process‐based snow modelling
Authors: Sohrabi Mohammad M. , Tonina Daniele , Benjankar Rohan , Kumar Mukesh , Kormos Patrick , Marks Danny
Published: July 2018

Accurate snow accumulation and melt simulations are crucial for understanding and predicting hydrological dynamics in mountainous settings. As snow models require temporally varying meteorological inputs, time resolution of these inputs is likely to play an important role on the model accuracy. Because meteorological data at a fine temporal resolution (~1 hr) are generally not available in many snow‐dominated settings, it is important to evaluate the role of meteorological inputs temporal resolution on the performance of process‐based snow models. The objective of this work is to assess the loss in model accuracy with temporal resolution of meteorological inputs, for a range of climatic conditions and topographic elevations. To this end, a process‐based snow model was run using 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐hourly inputs for wet, average, and dry years over Boise River Basin (6,963 km2), which spans rain dominated (≤1,400 m), rain–snow transition (>1,400 and ≤1,900 m), snow dominated below tree line (>1,900 and ≤2,400 m), and above tree line (>2,400 m) elevations. The results show that sensitivity of the model accuracy to the inputs time step generally decreases with increasing elevation from rain dominated to snow dominated above tree line. Using longer than hourly inputs causes substantial underestimation of snow cover area (SCA) and snow water equivalent (SWE) in rain‐dominated and rain–snow transition elevations, due to the precipitation phase mischaracterization. In snow‐dominated elevations, the melt rate is underestimated due to errors in estimation of net snow cover energy input. In addition, the errors in SCA and SWE estimates generally decrease toward years with low snow mass, that is, dry years. The results indicate significant increases in errors in estimates of SCA and SWE as the temporal resolution of meteorological inputs becomes coarser than an hour. However, use of 3‐hourly inputs can provide accurate estimates at snow‐dominated elevations. The study underscores the need to record meteorological variables at an hourly time step for accurate process‐based snow modelling.
Sodium Acetate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, and Citric Acid Impacts on Isolated Peripheral Lymphocyte Viability, Proliferation, and DNA Damage
Authors: Abd‐Elhakim Yasmina M. , Anwar Abeer , Hashem Mohamed M. , Moustafa Gihan G. , Abo‐El‐Sooud Khaled
Published: July 2018

The present study examined the impacts of sodium acetate (SA), sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), and citric acid (CA) on the viability, proliferation, and DNA damage of isolated lymphocytes in vitro. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were adopted to evaluate cell viability, while comet assay was employed to assess the genotoxic effects. The cells were incubated with different levels of SA (50, 100, and 200 mM), SAPP (25, 50, and 100 mM/L), or CA (100, 200, and 300 μg/mL). The lymphocytes treated with the tested food additives showed concentration‐dependent decreases in both cell viability and proliferation. A concentration‐dependent increase in LDH release was also observed. The comet assay results indicated that SA, SAPP, and CA increased DNA damage percentage, tail DNA percentage, tail length, and tail moment in a concentration‐dependent manner. The current results showed that SA, SAPP, and CA are cytotoxic and genotoxic to isolated lymphocytes in vitro.
The role of IL-23/IL-17 axis in human kidney allograft rejection
Authors: Haouami Youssra , Dhaouadi Tarak , Sfar Imen , Bacha Mongi , Gargah Tahar , Bardi Rafika , Abderrahim Ezzeddine , Goucha Rym , Ben Abdallah Taïeb , Gorgi Yousr
Published: July 2018

Th17 cell subset has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, tumor immunity and, transplant rejection. In order to investigate the role of IL-17/IL-23 pathway in allograft outcome, intragraft expression of IL-17 mRNA and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17RC, and IL23R genes were evaluated with a quantification of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23 plasma levels. This study revealed that recipients with acute rejection (AR) had a significant increase in IL-17A mRNA expression levels after transplantation compared to controls (P = 0.037). Moreover, IL-17A plasma levels were significantly higher in AR group; pretransplantation (Day–1 [D–1]): P = 0.00022 and posttransplantation (Day 7 [D7]): P < 10–14. IL-17F and IL-23 plasma levels were significantly higher in AR at D7 only (47.86 vs. 22.99 pg/ml; and 33.82 vs. 18.811 pg/ml; P = 0.015 and P < 10–17, respectively). Using receiver-operating characteristic curves, D7 IL-17A and IL-23 plasma levels exhibited excellent sensitivities and specificities for predicting AR. Genetic study revealed no association between IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17RC, and IL23R studied SNPs and AR. Nevertheless, a significant improvement of graft survival was found in kidney transplant recipients carrying IL-17F-rs763780*A/A, IL-17RC*G/G, and *G/A genotypes. Besides, IL-17A mRNA levels were significantly higher in patients carrying the IL-23R*G/G genotype comparatively to those with *G/A genotype. Based on these findings, significant increase of IL-17A mRNA and protein levels in AR recipients that are genetically controlled highlights the role of this cytokine that can be a useful clinical biomarker to predict early acute renal allograft rejection.

Study showing significant associations between Day 7 plasma IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-23 and AR with good performances for IL-17A and IL-23 in predicting acute rejection (AR) occurrence; significant increase of IL-17A expression in kidney graft in case of AR; a significant improvement of graft survival in recipients carrying IL-17F-rs763780*A/A, IL-17RC*G/G and *G/A genotypes.
Highly divergent Mollicutes symbionts coexist in the scorpion Androctonus australis
Authors: Elmnasri Khaled , Hamdi Chadlia , Ettoumi Besma , Crotti Elena , Guesmi Amel , Najjari Afef , Doudoumis Vangelis , Boudabous Abdellatif , Daffonchio Daniele , Tsiamis George , Cherif Ameur
Published: July 2018

Androctonus australis is one of the most ubiquitous and common scorpion species in desert and arid lands from North Africa to India and it has an important ecological role and social impact. The bacterial community associated to this arachnid is unknown and we aimed to dissect its species composition in the gut, gonads, and venom gland. A 16S rRNA gene culture‐independent diversity analysis revealed, among six other taxonomic groups (Firmicutes, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria), a dominance of Mollicutes phylotypes recorded both in the digestive tract and the gonads. These related Mollicutes include two Spiroplasma phylotypes (12.5% of DGGE bands and 15% of clones), and a new Mycoplasma cluster (80% of clones) showing 16S rRNA sequence identities of 95 and 93% with Mollicutes detected in the Mexican scorpions Centruroides limpidus and Vaejovis smithi, respectively. Such scorpion‐associated Mollicutes form a new lineage that share a distant ancestor with Mycoplasma hominis. The observed host specificity with the apparent phylogenetic divergence suggests a relatively long co‐evolution of these symbionts with the scorpion hosts. From the ecological point of view, such association may play a beneficial role for the host fitness, especially during dormancy or molt periods.
Recent trends reveal decreasing intensity of daily precipitation in Spain
Authors: Serrano‐Notivoli Roberto , Beguería Santiago , Saz Miguel Ángel , de Luis Martín
Published: July 2018

A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of daily precipitation in Spain in the period 1950–2012 was carried out based on the high‐resolution gridded data set SPREAD at a 5 × 5 km spatial resolution. Temporal trends of 12 daily precipitation indices were computed by application of the Sen's slope and the Mann–Kendall tests. The spatial distribution of the trends showed (a) a global slight increase in the duration of the precipitation events, especially along the Mediterranean fringe; (b) an increase of the frequency of low precipitation events and a decrease of the frequency of high and very high events (inverse in the Mediterranean coast); and (c) a slight decrease of the intensity when considering single events (1‐ or 5‐day duration), but a significant negative trend in mean and median precipitation when considering all the precipitation days (p > 0), especially in the Mediterranean coast.
Explaining soil organic matter composition based on associations between OM and polyvalent cations
Authors: Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Gerke Horst H.
Published: July 2018

Site conditions and soil management determine the content and the composition of soil organic matter (SOM). Organic matter (OM) is characterized by functional groups, which preferentially interact with polyvalent cations and soil minerals. These interactions could perhaps explain the site‐specific composition of bulk SOM and a pyrophosphate‐soluble OM fraction (OM‐PY) using basic soil properties. The objective of this study was to test a simplified model for the interactions between OM and polyvalent cations (i.e., Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, and Mn) by using data from soils from long‐term field experiments. The model considered (1) OM–cation, (2) OM–cation‐mineral, and (3) OM–mineral associations and assumed that the availability of the cation's coordination sites for the interaction with OM depends on these three types of associations. The test was carried out using data (topsoil) from differently fertilized plots from three long‐term field experiments (Halle, Bad Lauchstädt, Rotthalmünster). The composition of SOM and OM‐PY was characterized by the relationship of the ratio of the C=O (i.e., here indicating both carbonylic and carboxylic groups) versus C–O–C absorption band intensities obtained from the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra with the content of exchangeable, oxalate‐, and dithionite‐extractable polyvalent cations. The assumed associations between the OM and cations and the availability of the coordination sites explained most of the variations in the C=O/C–O–C ratios of the SOM, and fewer variations in the OM‐PY, when using the site‐specific exchangeable and oxalate‐extractable cation contents. The C=O/C–O–C ratios of the OM‐PY were site‐independent for samples from plots that regularly received farmyard manure. The results suggested that a simplified model that considers the polyvalent cation content weighted by the number of coordination sites per cation according to the type of association could be used to improve the explanation of site‐specific differences in the OM composition of arable soils.
Response of pomegranate arils (cv. Wonderful) to low oxygen stress under active modified atmosphere condition
Authors: Belay Zinash A , Caleb Oluwafemi J , Mahajan Pramod V , Opara Umezuruike L
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Successful characterization of the relationship between respiration rate (RR) and low oxygen (O2) limit is critical for optimizing the modified atmosphere condition. It is well documented that a low O2 atmosphere reduces the RR of fresh produce, but could also lead to abiotic stress due to the accumulation of glycolysis end products. Therefore, this study investigated the response of pomegranate arils exposed to low O2 atmosphere (composed of 2 kPa O2, 18 kPa carbon dioxide, and 80 kPa nitrogen) and identified the low O2 limit at 5 °C and 10 °C. The study aim was achieved by using real‐time RR and respiration quotient (RQ) data, microbial growth, identifying changes in the fermentative volatile organic compounds profile, and the consumption of respiratory metabolites (organic acids and individual sugars).

RESULTS

The gas concentrations changed significantly respective to the storage temperature and resulted in a significant change in the parameters studied. The response of pomegranate arils to low O2 stress involves making alterations to the metabolic composition, especially those involved in anaerobiosis, such as the accumulation of ethanol, and an immediate increase on RQ.

CONCLUSION

Pomegranate arils (cv. Wonderful) can tolerate down to 1.9 kPa O2 and 2.3 kPa O2 concentrations at 5 °C and 10 °C respectively. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, and Any Mental Health Condition Among U.S. Soldiers and Marines, 2001–2011
Authors: Levin‐Rector Alison , Hourani Laurel L. , Van Dorn Richard A. , Bray Robert M. , Stander Valerie A. , Cartwright Joel K. , Morgan Jessica K. , Trudeau James , Lattimore Pamela K.
Published: July 2018

Understanding mental health disorder diagnosis and treatment seeking among active‐duty military personnel is a topic with both clinical and policy implications. It has been well documented in military populations that individual‐level military experience, including deployment history and combat exposure, influences mental health outcomes, but the impact of unit‐level factors is less well understood. In the current study, we used administrative longitudinal data to examine a comprehensive set of unit‐ and individual‐level predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), non‐PTSD anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and overall mental health diagnoses among Army and Marines Corps personnel. Using Cox survival models for time‐dependent variables, we analyzed time from military accession (between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2011) until first mental health diagnosis for 773,359 soldiers and 332,093 Marines. Prior diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder during one's military career, hazard ratios (HRs) = 1.68–3.10, and cumulative time spent deployed,HRs = 1.11–2.04, were the most predictive risk factors for all outcomes. Male sex,HRs = 0.35–0.57, and officer rank,HRs = 0.13–0.23, were the most protective factors. Unit‐level rate of high deployment stress was a small but significant predictor of all outcomes after controlling for individual‐level deployment history and other predictors,HRs = 1.01–1.05. Findings suggest both unit‐ and individual‐level risk and protective factors of mental health diagnoses associated with treatment seeking. Clinical, including mental health assessment and management, and policy implications related to the military environment and the individual as it relates to mental health disorders are discussed.
Long‐term changes in a zooplankton community revealed by the sediment archive
Authors: Vehmaa Anu , Katajisto Tarja , Candolin Ulrika
Published: July 2018

To reconstruct changes in zooplankton communities in response to past anthropogenic perturbations, one possibility is to use the sedimentary records. We analyzed the sediments at a coastal site in the Northern Baltic Sea to relate changes in the zooplankton community to anthropogenic eutrophication and the invasion of a predatory cladoceran, Cercopagis pengoi. We sampled 30‐cm laminated sediment cores and dated the sediment layers back to the 1950s. From each 1‐cm layer, we measured eutrophication indicators (δ13C, δ15N, TC, TN, TP) and identified and counted zooplankton resting eggs (cladoceran, calanoid copepod, rotifer). In addition, we estimated the abundance of the cladoceran Bosmina (Eubosmina) maritima by counting subfossils (carapaces, headshields, and ephippia) and estimated the experienced stress as the relationship between sexual and asexual reproduction. Using redundancy and variance partitioning analyses, we found ∼ 16% of the variation in the zooplankton community to be explained by eutrophication, and 24% of the variation in B. (E.) maritima abundance and reproduction mode to be explained by eutrophication and the introduction of the alien predator. Our results show a long‐term shift from calanoid copepods and predatory cladocerans toward small‐sized zooplankton species, like rotifers. Furthermore, the results indicate that the invasion of C. pengoi induced a short‐term increase in sexual reproduction in B. (E.) maritima. The results indicate that anthropogenic eutrophication since the 1950s has altered the zooplankton community toward smaller species, while the invasion of the predatory cladoceran had only a transitory influence on the community during its expansion phase.
Endemicity and climatic niche differentiation in three marine ciliated protists
Authors: Williams Richard A. J. , Owens Hannah L. , Clamp John , Peterson A. Townsend , Warren Alan , Martín‐Cereceda Mercedes
Published: July 2018

The biogeographic pattern of single‐celled eukaryotes (protists), including ciliates, is poorly understood. Most marine species are believed to have a relatively high dispersal potential, such that both globally distributed and geographically isolated taxa exist. Primary occurrence data for three large, easily identified ciliate species, Parafavella gigantea, Schmidingerella serrata, and Zoothamnium pelagicum, and environmental data drawn from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's World Ocean Atlas were used to estimate each species’ spatial and environmental distributions using Maxent v3.3.3k. The predictive power of the models was tested with a series of spatial stratification studies, which were evaluated using partial receiver operating characteristic (ROC) statistics. Differences between niches occupied by each taxon were evaluated using background similarity tests. All predictions showed significant ability to anticipate test points. The null hypotheses of niche similarity were rejected in all background similarity tests comparing the niches among the three species. This article provides the first quantitative assessment of environmental conditions associated with three species of ciliates and a first estimate of their spatial distributions in the North Atlantic, which can serve as a benchmark against which to document distributional shifts. These species follow consistent, predictable patterns related to climate and environmental biochemistry; the importance of climatic conditions as regards protist distributions is noteworthy considering the effects of global climate change.
Selective ablation of dental caries using coaxial Co2 (9.3‐μm) and near‐IR (1880‐nm) lasers
Authors: Chan Kenneth H. , Fried Daniel
Published: July 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of image‐guided laser ablation of demineralization from tooth occlusal surfaces using coaxial near‐infrared (NIR) and CO2 lasers.

Materials and Methods

A CO2 laser operating at a wavelength of 9.3‐μm was combined with a thulium‐doped fiber laser operating at 1880‐nm for the selective removal of simulated occlusal caries lesions from 10 tooth samples. Serial NIR reflectance images at 1880‐nm were used to guide the CO2 laser for image‐guided laser ablation. Polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) was used to assess the initial depth of the lesions before removal and assess the volume of sound and demineralized tissue removed by the CO2 laser.

Results

PS‐OCT scans indicated that roughly ∼99% of the lesion was removed by image‐guided laser ablation. A mean volume of 0.191‐mm3 or 11.9‐μm/voxel of excess enamel was removed during lesion removal.

Conclusion

A co‐aligned NIR/CO2 laser scanning system has great potential for the highly selective removal of dental decay (demineralization). Lasers Surg. Med. 51:176–184, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy for Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Kim Jong Man , Cho Chan Woo , Rhu Jinsoo , Soo Kim Gaab , Sinn Dong Hyun , Joh Jae‐Won
Published: July 2018

Even after 2 decades of experience in laparoscopic hepatectomy, data on purely laparoscopic approach for donor hepatectomy in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are limited. We report our initial experience of a purely laparoscopic approach for donor hepatectomy for adult recipients to explore its potential application in the management of donors. We did a retrospective data analysis of 54 consecutive patients operated on between May 2013 and February 2015. There were 41 right, 10 extended right, and 3 left hepatectomies. The median operative time was 436 minutes (range 294‐684 minutes), and warm ischemia time was 6 minutes (2‐12 minutes). Estimated blood loss was 300 mL (10‐850 mL), and none of the patients required intraoperative transfusion. Four cases were converted to open laparotomy. The major complication rate was 16.7%, and biliary complication was the most frequent cause. Patients with normal anatomy had a major complication rate of 9.3% as compared with 45.5% in patients with anatomic variations. All patients recovered, and there was no mortality. In conclusion, a purely laparoscopic donor hepatectomy for adult LDLT recipients seems to be a feasible option; with careful patient selection and when performed by experienced surgeons, it may afford results comparable to the open method.
Impact of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Among Liver Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Imaoka Yuki , Ohira Masahiro , Nakano Ryosuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Kuroda Shintaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ide Kentaro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ohdan Hideki
Published: July 2018

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is known as a risk factor of coronary artery disease, stroke, hyperphosphatemia, chronic inflammation, diabetes, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate. However, the clinical implications of incidental AAC findings in liver transplantation (LT) have not been evaluated in terms of posttransplantation survival and complications. Therefore, we analyzed the relationships between the AAC level and the outcomes following LT. A total of 156 consecutive patients who underwent LT between January 2007 and December 2014 were divided into 2 groups according to their AAC level (<100 mm3 or ≥100 mm3), as calculated using the Agatston method. Even after propensity matching, the survival time was significantly longer in the low‐AAC group compared with that in the high‐AAC group (median survival time, 4.5 versus 3.0 years; P < 0.01). A multivariate analysis identified high AAC level (hazard ratio, 2.2) and old donor age (hazard ratio, 2.2) as prognostic factors for overall survival. In conclusion, high AAC is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in LT.
The influence of oxygen amount in oral cavity media on the corrosion behavior of nanostructures formed on anodized Zr
Authors: Buica George‐Octavian , Stoian Andrei Bogdan , Ionita Daniela , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the corrosion behavior of anodized Zr in oral cavity environment simulated by Afnor saliva as a function of the amount of dissolved oxygen. For comparison, non treated Zr was also investigated in the same conditions. In order to study the corrosion behavior at open circuit potential versus time, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) imaging was used to observe the morphology and topography of the modified electrodes. Experimental data show that the decrease of oxygen concentration leads to the inhibition of the corrosion process for non treated Zr and Zr covered with nanotubes. A range of electrochemical stability of zirconia nanotubes in artificial Afnor saliva as a function of oxygen content in simulated oral cavity environment was established.
The spillover effect of downward line extensions on U.S. consumers’ evaluation of a French luxury parent brand: The role of branding strategies, authenticity, and fit
Authors: Boisvert Jean , Ashill Nicholas J.
Published: July 2018

The phenomenon of “masstige brands” has led many luxury brands to launch downward extensions, which come with the risk of diluting the parent brand. The goal of this study is to test the extent to which downward line extensions may impact a French luxury parent brand's evaluation by U.S. consumers through the role of branding strategies, extension authenticity, and fit. Based on an ANOVA design, our results show that different branding strategies, such as direct, sub‐branded, and/or independent/standalone line extensions, have different impacts on the level of dilution of the luxury parent brand. Specifically, an independent/standalone brand scores better for a downward extension than for a horizontal extension. The findings also reveal that extension authenticity and fit play a key role in the process. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided.
The integration of LC‐MS and NMR for the analysis of low molecular weight trace analytes in complex matrices
Authors: Gathungu Rose M. , Kautz Roger , Kristal Bruce S. , Bird Susan S. , Vouros Paul
Published: July 2018

This review discusses the integration of liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in the comprehensive analysis of small molecules from complex matrices. We first discuss the steps taken toward making the three technologies compatible, so as to create an efficient analytical platform. The development of online LC‐MS‐NMR, highlighted by successful applications in the profiling of highly concentrated analytes (LODs 10 μg) is discussed next. This is followed by a detailed overview of the alternative approaches that have been developed to overcome the challenges associated with online LC‐MS‐NMR that primarily stem from the inherently low sensitivity of NMR. These alternative approaches include the use of stop‐flow LC‐MS‐NMR, loop collection of LC peaks, LC‐MS‐SPE‐NMR, and offline NMR. The potential and limitations of all these approaches is discussed in the context of applications in various fields, including metabolomics and natural product discovery.
Remarkable Rituximab Response on Tremor Related to Acute‐Onset Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy in an Antineurofascin155 Immunoglobulin G4–Seropositive Patient
Authors: Demichelis Chiara , Franciotta Diego , Cortese Andrea , Callegari Ilaria , Serrati Carlo , Mancardi Gian Luigi , Schenone Angelo , Leonardi Alessandro , Benedetti Luana
Published: July 2018

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RadAA: A Command‐line Tool for Identification of Radical Amino Acid Changes in Multiple Sequence Alignments
Authors: Seim Inge , Baker Andrew M. , Chopin Lisa K.
Published: July 2018

High‐throughput sequencing has revolutionised biology and medicine. Numerous genomes and transcriptome assemblies are now available, and these genomic data sets lend themselves to comparisons between species, strains, and other strata. Researchers often need to rapidly identify changes, in particular amino acid substitutions that could confer biological function in their system of interest. However, we are not aware of an easy‐to‐use tool that can be used to detect such changes, and researchers currently rely on idiosyncratic computer code. We present RadAA, a command‐line tool which screens multiple sequence alignments for radical amino acid changes in a stratum/strata by classifying residues into groups by charge (with cysteine in its own group). RadAA is easy to use, even for researchers with little experience in computational biology. It can be run on most operating systems – including MacOS, Windows, and Linux – and integrated into high‐performance computing environments. The RadAA source code and executable binaries are freely available at https://github.com/sciseim/RadAA.
The relation of the pelvis and the perineal function in incontinent women: A neglected subject
Authors: Lemos Amanda Q. , Brasil Cristina A. , Alvares Cecília M. , Passos Jaqueline C. G. , Lordêlo Patrícia , Sá Katia N.
Published: July 2018

Aims

To Compare the angular parameters of the pelvis of continents and incontinent women and to correlate them with the electrical activity and the function of the pelvic floor muscles.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Incontinent and continent women, aged between 18 and 59 years. The anatomical points were marked following the SAPO protocols, the photographic records were made and analyzed through the SAPO Software. The evaluation of the function of the MPF was performed by bidigital vaginal palpation, using the PERFECT scheme. Surface electromyographic analysis was performed in dorsal decubitus and orthostasis.

Results

The sample consisted of 40 women, 20 with SUI (IG) and 20 continents (CG), matched by age. The mean age in the CG was 43.5 years (SD 8.4), while in the IG it was 47.1 years (SD 7.8) (P = 0.16). The pelvic angle in the CG presented a mean of −14.3 ± 4.6 and the IG −16.6 ± 4.4 (P = 0.02). When compared to normality, IG presented an accentuation of anterior slope in both analyzed views (P = 0.01). There was a moderate correlation in the IG between the electrical activity of the basal pelvis in orthostasis and the anterior pelvic tilt angles in the right lateral views r = 0.51 (P = 0.02) and left lateral r = 0.46 (P = 0.04). No correlation was found in the CG.

Conclusions

In the present sample, incontinent women have a greater anterior slope of the pelvis, and the greater the degree of anterior slope, the greater the electrical activity of the PFM, during rest, and in orthostasis.
In vivo diffusion MRI detects early spinal cord axonal pathology in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gatto Rodolfo G. , Li Weiguo , Gao Jin , Magin Richard L.
Published: July 2018

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibits contrast that identifies macro‐ and microstructural changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown that MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can observe changes in spinal cord white matter in animals and humans affected with symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The goal of this preclinical work was to investigate the sensitivity of DTI for the detection of signs of tissue damage before symptoms appear. High‐field MRI data were acquired using a 9.4‐T animal scanner to examine the spinal cord of an ALS mouse model at pre‐ and post‐symptomatic stages (days 80 and 120, respectively). The MRI results were validated using yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) via optical microscopy of spinal cord tissue slices collected from the YFP,G93A‐SOD1 mouse strain. DTI maps of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) signal intensity, mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were computed for axial slices of the lumbar region of the spinal cord. Significant changes were observed in FA (6.7% decrease, p < 0.01), AD (19.5% decrease, p < 0.01) and RD (16.1% increase, p < 0.001) at postnatal day 80 (P80). These differences were correlated with changes in axonal fluorescence intensity and membrane cellular markers. This study demonstrates the value of DTI as a potential tool to detect the underlying pathological progression associated with ALS, and may accelerate the discovery of therapeutic strategies for patients with this disease.
Assessing high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment of prostate cancer with hyperpolarized 13C dual‐agent imaging of metabolism and perfusion
Authors: Lee Jessie E. , Diederich Chris J. , Bok Robert , Sriram Renuka , Santos Romelyn Delos , Noworolski Susan M. , Salgaonkar Vasant A. , Adams Matthew S. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Kurhanewicz John
Published: July 2018

The goal of the study was to establish early hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI metabolic and perfusion changes that predict effective high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation and lead to improved adjuvant treatment of partially treated regions. To accomplish this a combined HP dual‐agent (13C pyruvate and 13C urea) 13C MRI/multiparametric 1H MRI approach was used to measure prostate cancer metabolism and perfusion 3–4 h, 1 d, and 5 d after exposure to ablative and sub‐lethal doses of HIFU within adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate tumors using a focused ultrasound applicator designed for murine studies. Pathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of the ablated tumor demonstrated fragmented, non‐viable cells and vasculature consistent with coagulative necrosis, and a mixture of destroyed tissue and highly proliferative, poorly differentiated tumor cells in tumor tissues exposed to sub‐lethal heat doses in the ablative margin. In ablated regions, the intensity of HP 13C lactate or HP 13C urea and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI area under the curve images were reduced to the level of background noise by 3–4 h after treatment with no recovery by the 5 d time point in either case. In the tissues that received sub‐lethal heat dose, there was a significant 60% ± 12.4% drop in HP 13C lactate production and a significant 30 ± 13.7% drop in urea perfusion 3–4 h after treatment, followed by recovery to baseline by 5 d after treatment. DCE MRI Ktrans showed a similar trend to HP 13C urea, demonstrating a complete loss of perfusion with no recovery in the ablated region, while having a 40%–50% decrease 3–4 h after treatment followed by recovery to baseline values by 5 d in the margin region. The utility of the HP 13C MR measures of perfusion and metabolism in optimizing focal HIFU, either alone or in combination with adjuvant therapy, deserves further testing in future studies.
Pilot randomized controlled trial of auricular point acupressure for sleep disturbances in women with ovarian cancer
Authors: Kuo Hui‐Chen , Tsao Ying , Tu Hua‐You , Dai Zih‐Huei , Creedy Debra K.
Published: July 2018

Sleep disturbance is a significant problem affecting around 50% of cancer patients. Non‐pharmacological interventions can be used to improve sleep quality in cancer patients, but little is known about the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of auricular point acupressure (APA) to reduce sleep disturbance in women with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted at a publicly funded hospital in southern Taiwan. Fifty‐five eligible women were approached and 47 women participated. Women randomly assigned to the control group (n = 24) received sleep hygiene practices alone. Women in the intervention group (n = 23) received sleep hygiene practices and APA treatment which involved gentle fingertip pressure at acupoints on the external ear. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was completed at four time points. Forty women completed the trial giving a retention rate of 85%. Women receiving the intervention reported a 65% reduction in sleep disturbance according to PSQI global scores from Time 1 (mean = 13.2) to Time 2 (mean = 4.65) after 4 weeks of APA treatment. There was a further 10% decrease in PSQI scores at Time 3 (mean = 4.21) after 6 weeks of APA treatment. Compared to controls, women receiving APA had significantly lower PSQI mean global scores at both Time 2 and Time 3 (p < .001). APA treatment for women with ovarian cancer produced significantly improved sleep. Participants found the procedure easy to perform. Pilot findings support the feasibility of a longitudinal study with a larger, representative sample.
Transverse basilar cleft: Two more probable familial cases in an archaeological context
Authors: Tur Svetlana Semenovna , Svyatko Svetlana Vladimirovna , Rykun Marina Petrovna
Published: July 2018

Transverse basilar cleft (TBC) is a very rare congenital anomaly representing a coronal fissure completely or partially intersecting the basioccipital at the level of the pharyngeal tubercle. It is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be part of a syndrome. Population frequencies of this anomaly are no more than 1%, with few exceptions. Two skulls with TBC were found in the Ayrydash 1 cemetery of Altai Mountains nomads, Russia, attributed to the Hunno‐Sarmatian period (2nd c. BC–5th c. AD). In this paper, we test the possibility of a familial relationship between the individuals who shared by this condition, using the Alt and Vach method for nonspatial analysis of skeletal kinship based on cranial and dental nonmetric traits. Results of the study show that the frequency of TBC is significantly higher in the Ayrydash 1 sample than in the rest of the skeletal population from the Hunno‐Sarmatian period (p < 0.05). This suggests that the individuals affected by TBC were most likely genetic relatives. The observed clustering of TBC and some other rare anomalies within local groups of Altai Mountains nomads appears to be due to parental consanguinity in their community.
Intrinsic Dynamic Nature of Neutral Hydrogen Bonds Elucidated with QTAIM Dual Functional Analysis: Role of the Compliance Force Constants and QTAIM‐DFA Parameters in Stability
Authors: Nishide Taro , Hayashi Satoko , Nakanishi Waro
Published: July 2018

Invited for this month's cover picture is Professor Satoko Hayashi's group from the Faculty of Systems Engineering at Wakayama University (Japan). The cover picture shows Japanese lanterns for the Bon festival dance dangling on two ropes, and several molecular graphs with contour maps for hydrogen bonds (HBs) emerging from the lanterns. The curves of the ropes may correspond to the ΔE (energy of formation) and Cij (compliance constant) values for HBs, for which the product will be constant. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201800051.
The impact of morphology on thermal properties and aerobic biodegradation of physically compatibilized poly (lactic acid)/co‐plasticized thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Esmaeili Mohsen , Pircheraghi Gholamreza , Bagheri Reza , Altstädt Volker
Published: July 2018

Recently, the use of biodegradable polymers became the applicable solution to reduce the environmental concerns, which are created by plastic wastes as well as restrictions of petroleum‐based synthetic polymers. By this point of view, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biodegradable and bio‐based polymer is resolving both aforementioned issues. While, the high cost of PLA and its slow biodegradation rate make researchers to blend it with a faster one, for instance, thermoplastic starch (TPS). Adding TPS into PLA can influence on the morphological structure, thermal stability, and biodegradability. In this study, the well‐tuned co‐plasticized TPS via sorbitol/glycerol mixture was melt mixed with PLA for achieving the physically compatibilized PLA/TPS blend. Thermal properties and aerobic biodegradation behavior of samples were discussed in detail considering the morphology development in each blend composition. Thermogravimetric analysis of PLA/TPS blends showed the single degradation peaks, which indicated the fine interdependence between 2 phases. The continuity and content of TPS phase were strongly influenced on moisture absorption and biodegradability of PLA/TPS samples. Also, the presence of TPS accelerated the biodegradation rate of PLA/TPS samples.
Remotely Close Associations: Openness to Experience and Semantic Memory Structure
Authors: Christensen Alexander P. , Kenett Yoed N. , Cotter Katherine N. , Beaty Roger E. , Silvia Paul J.
Published: July 2018

Openness to experience—the enjoyment of novel experiences and ideas—has many connections to cognitive processes. People high in openness to experience, for example, tend to be more creative and have broader general knowledge than people low in openness to experience. In the current study, we use a network science approach to examine if the organization of semantic memory differs between high and low groups of openness to experience. A sample of 516 adults completed measures of openness to experience (from the NEO Five–Factor Inventory–3 and Big Five Aspect Scales) and a semantic verbal fluency task. Next, the sample was split into half to form high ( n = 258) and low ( n = 258) openness to experience groups. Semantic networks were then constructed on the basis of their verbal fluency responses. Our results revealed that the high openness to experience group's network was more interconnected, flexible, and had better local organization of associations than the low openness to experience group. We also found that the high openness to experience group generated more responses on average and provided more unique responses than the low openness to experience group. Taken together, our results indicate that openness to experience is related to semantic memory structure. © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Salt and oxidative stresses uniquely regulate tomato cytokinin levels and transcriptomic response
Authors: Keshishian Erika A. , Hallmark H. Tucker , Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Plačková Lenka , Sundararajan Anitha , Schilkey Faye , Novák Ondřej , Rashotte Aaron M.
Published: July 2018

Cytokinins are well‐known to be involved in processes responsible for plant growth and development. More recently, these hormones have begun to be associated with stress responses as well. However, it is unclear how changes in cytokinin biosynthesis, signaling, or transport relate to stress effects. This study examines in parallel how two different stresses, salt, and oxidative stress, affect changes in both cytokinin levels and whole plant transcriptome response. Solanum lycopersicum seedlings were given a short‐term (6 hr) exposure to either salt (150 mM NaCl) or oxidative (20 mM H2O2) stress and then examined to determine both changes in cytokinin levels and transcriptome. LC‐MS/MS was used to determine the levels of 22 different types of cytokinins in tomato plants including precursors, active, transported, and conjugated forms. When examining cytokinin levels we found that salt treatment caused an increase in both active and inactive cytokinin levels and oxidative stress caused a decrease in these levels. RNA‐sequencing analyses of these same stress‐treated tissues revealed 6,643 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Although many DEGs are similar between the two stresses, approximately one‐third of the DEGs in each treatment were unique to that stress. Several cytokinin‐related genes were among the DEGs. Examination of photosystem II efficiency revealed that cytokinins affect physiological response to stress in tomato, further validating the changes in cytokinin levels seen in planta.
Is the UK shingles vaccination programme fit for the future?
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: July 2018

The shingles vaccine has been part of the vaccination schedule in the UK since September 2013. It is available for adults aged over 70 years who meet the eligibility criteria. But the programme has not been without its teething problems: this article gives an overview of the evolving shingles vaccination programme and how it is making itself fit for the future.
Early diagnosis and management of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hughes Michael
Published: July 2018

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening rheumatological condition with a wide range of signs and symptoms. This article describes the GP's key role in the early diagnosis of SSc and discusses the current and emerging treatment options.
Smart OLED Lighting on Electrochromic Glass
Authors: Lu Xun , Liu Guo‐Jun , Li Yi‐Huan , Ma Yu‐Yang , Fan Jian , Fung Man‐Keung
Published: July 2018

Smart organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) prepared on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)‐based electrochromic glass is demonstrated for the first time. In this work, electrochromic glass based on PEDOT is adopted as a substrate for OLED and used for tuning the light‐emitting direction. The color of the glass changes from pale blue to dark blue upon the application of an external voltage. The coloration or discoloration is due to reaction of the redox solution with PEDOT. Therefore, the utilization of this coloration or discoloration of the glass substrate can adjust the light‐emitting direction of OLED. When the glass is tuned to semi‐transparent, it causes the dual‐side emitting device to display a graceful spatial impression. When the glass becomes highly opaque, the device exhibits top emission with a significantly enhanced luminance efficiency, in which the current efficiencies can be increased twice compared with those when the smart glass was switched off. For the green device, the current efficiency increases from 9.5 to 19.0 cd A−1. For the white device, it increases from 7.5 to 15.5 cd A−1. The authors believe that the combination of smart glass and OLED is a new concept for future OLED lighting applications.