bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared spectroscopy of the merger candidate KIC 9832227
Authors: Pavlenko Ya. V. , Evans A. , Banerjee D. P. K. , Southworth J. , Shahbandeh M. , Davis S.
Published: April 2018

Context. It has been predicted that the object KIC 9832227 – a contact binary star – will undergo a merger in 2022.2 ± 0.7. We describe the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum of this object as an impetus to obtain pre-merger data.

Aims. We aim to characterise (i) the nature of the individual components of the binary and (ii) the likely circumbinary environment, so that the merger – if and when it occurs – can be interpreted in an informed manner.

Methods. We use infrared (IR) spectroscopy in the wavelength range 0.7–2.5 μm, to which we fit model atmospheres to represent the individual stars. We use the binary ephemeris to determine the orbital phase at the time of observation.

Results. We find that the IR spectrum is best fitted by a single component with effective temperature 5920 K, log[g] = 4.1, and solar metallicity, consistent with the fact that the system was observed at conjunction.

Conclusions. The strength of the IR H lines is consistent with a high value of logg, and the strength of the Ca II triplet indicates the presence of a chromosphere, as might be expected from rapid stellar rotation. The He I absorption we observe likely arises in He excited by coronal activity in a circumstellar envelope, suggesting that the weakness of the Ca II triplet is also likely chromospheric in origin.
The effect of some pre-roasting treatments on quality characteristics of pumpkin seed oil
Authors: Aktaş Nesimi , Gerçekaslan Kamil Emre , Uzlaşır Türkan
Published: April 2018

In this study, the pumpkin seed oils used were obtained from roasted and unroasted seeds of the two varieties called “Nevşehir Çerçevelisi” and “Ürgüp Sivrisi”, belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo. Oil extraction, from seeds subjected to three different pretreatments (unsalted, dry salted and wet salted) before roasting and sun-dried unroasted seeds, was carried out by means of a screw press. Pumpkin seed oils were analyzed for quality and antioxidant characteristics. The p-anisidine, peroxide and TBARS (thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances) values of oils obtained from sun-dried unroasted seeds and roasted seeds after wet salting process were lower than the other sample groups (p < 0.05). The obtained oils were rich in Zn, Fe, Mg, Se, Ca, K and Na minerals, and palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic fatty acids. In the oils, β + γ tocopherols content ranged from 131.78 to 881.77 mg/kg oil, δ-tocopherol content ranged from 3.22 to 8.67 mg/kg oil. Total phenolic matter content ranged from 1.35 to 3.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (EAG)/g. ABTS+ radical scavenging activity of the oils obtained from sun-dried-unroasted seeds and roasted seeds after wet salting process was determined higher than the other oil samples (p < 0.05).
Shikonin Prevents Early Phase Inflammation Associated with Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colon Cancer and Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Andújar Isabel , Martí-Rodrigo Alberto , Giner Rosa , Ríos José , Recio María
Published: April 2018

Shikonin is the main active principle in the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Recent research highlights shikoninʼs antitumor properties and capacity to prevent acute ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of shikonin to prevent, in vivo, the early phases of colorectal cancer development, with special focus on its cytotoxic mechanism in vitro. We employed the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium model of colitis in Balb/C mice. Body weight and drinking were monitored throughout the experiment, and length of colon and lesions of the colon were recorded on termination of the experiment in all of the experimental groups. Colons underwent histological evaluation and biochemical analyses [myeloperoxidase activity assay, measurement of interleukin-6, evaluation of proinflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase), and nuclear factor-κB activation by Western blot]. Caco-2 cells were used to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of shikonin on proliferation, cytotoxicity, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Our results reveal that shikonin significantly protected the intestinal tissue of our animals by preventing the shortening of the colorectum and ulcer formation in a dose-dependent manner. Shikonin attenuated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and myeloperoxidase activity, and inhibited the production of interleukin-6 and activation of nuclear factor-κB. It induced Bcl-2 and inhibited caspase 3. In conclusion, shikonin acts as a chemopreventive agent in the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium model through inhibition of the proinflammatory milieu generated during the disease, an important risk factor in cancer development.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Novel Symmetrical 2,10-Bis-Styryl-1-Benzopyrylium Dye
Authors: Cruz Luís , Gomes Vânia , Mateus Nuno , de Freitas Victor
Published: April 2018

A novel symmetrical 2,10-bis-styryl-1-benzopyrylium dye was synthesized through two steps: In the first reaction an aldol condensation between 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxy­methylstyrylketone gave 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium; and in the second step this latter reacted with the same ketone by a cycloaddition reaction yielding the symmetrical 2,10-bis(3,4-di­hydroxystyryl)-pyrano-7-hydroxy-1-benzopyrylium. The dye was fully characterized by LC-DAD/ESI-MS and NMR 1D and 2D techniques, and a formation pathway was proposed. The novel dye obtained revealed extended π-conjugation (λmax 556 nm) and catechol groups in its composition, which is very important for applications as a photosensitizer for dye-sensitive solar cells (DSSCs).
Preterm Pulmonary Hemorrhage Is Associated with Multiple Births but Not with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Cohort Study on Medical Records
Authors: Stierling Stefanie , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Trepels-Kottek Sonja , Heimann Konrad , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Schoberer Mark
Published: April 2018

Objective Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a severe complication in preterm neonates. This study aims to identify risk factors and comorbidities of PH.

Study Design A single-center cohort study on medical records including all preterm neonates of <30 weeks' gestational age was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Germany. The occurrence of PH served as a primary end point. Gestational age, birthweight, sex, multiple births, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intubation, surfactant, antenatal steroids, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), amniotic infection syndrome, and persistent ductus arteriosus were studied as risk factors.

Results In this study, 344 preterm neonates were included, of whom 36 suffered from PH (10.5%). The mean time of the first occurrence was the third day of life (standard deviation [SD]: 1.2). On average, the patients suffered from 1.5 incidents (SD: 0.8) of PH, of whom 50% were severe. Preterm neonates born as multiples (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1, 26.9) and those who suffered from IVH (95% CI: 2.7, 18.9) had a significantly increased risk of PH. ICSI was not an independent risk factor.

Conclusion PH is significantly associated with IVH and multiple births but not with ICSI. The identification of patients at risk allows to apply prophylactic strategies of ventilation and pharmacological treatment.
Two novel bursting patterns in the Duffing system with multiple-frequency slow parametric excitations
Authors: Han Xiujing , Zhang Yi , Bi Qinsheng , Kurths Jürgen
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to report two novel bursting patterns, the turnover-of-pitchfork-hysteresis-induced bursting and the compound pitchfork-hysteresis bursting, demonstrated for the Duffing system with multiple-frequency parametric excitations. Typically, a hysteresis behavior between the origin and non-zero equilibria of the fast subsystem can be observed due to delayed pitchfork bifurcation. Based on numerical analysis, we show that the stable equilibrium branches, related to the non-zero equilibria resulted from the pitchfork bifurcation, may become the ones with twists and turns. Then, the novel bursting pattern turnover-of-pitchfork-hysteresis-induced bursting is revealed accordingly. In particular, we show that additional pitchfork bifurcation points may appear in the fast subsystem under certain parameter conditions. This creates multiple delay-induced hysteresis behavior and helps us to reveal the other novel bursting pattern, the compound pitchfork-hysteresis bursting. Besides, effects of parameters on the bursting patterns are studied to explore the relation of these two novel bursting patterns.
The charge-discharge characteristics and diffusion mechanism of Ti-Si-Al thin film anode using an electrically induced crystallization process
Authors: Chen Yen-Ting , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng
Published: April 2018

In this study, an Al-Si-Ti multilayer thin film structure is designed as the anode of a lithium ion battery. The novel structure restricts the expansion of Si during charge-discharge, and its battery capacity can reach 1112 mA h g−1 after a 100-cycle charge-charging test under a 0.2 C charge-discharge rate without annealing. Notably, after a 200 °C vacuum annealing process, the cyclic capacity of the anode rises to 1208 mA h g−1 through crystallization of the Al and Ti buffer layer. However, its thermal diffusion behavior in the Al/Si or Ti/Si interfaces seriously reduces the performance and restricts the expansion of Si. The electrically induced crystallization (EIC) process not only performs crystallization but also controls the interfacial stability, after which its capacity can obviously improve to 1602 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles. Using EIC, the electron flow drives the Cu and Al atoms to endow the Si matrix with doping properties and further increases the electron conductivity of the anode. This result demonstrates that the EIC process is a suitable post-treatment process for multilayer anodes and provides a reference for future battery designs.
Experimental oscillation death in two mutually coupled light-controlled oscillators
Authors: Conde-Saavedra Gabriela , Ramírez-Ávila Gonzalo Marcelo
Published: April 2018

We characterized the synchronous behavior of two mutually coupled light-controlled oscillators to determine their relevant parameters allowing validation of our model that predicts oscillation death for strong coupling. We experimentally verified the predictions mentioned above and identified the critical coupling (distance) for which oscillation death starts to manifest itself.
The influence of anode position and structure on cusped field thruster
Authors: Niu Xiang , Liu Hui , Yang Chiyu , Jiang Wenjia , Yu Daren , Ning Zhongxi
Published: April 2018

A cusped field thruster is a kind of electric propulsion device using multi-stage cusped fields to realize plasma discharges and produce thrust. A previous study showed that plasma discharges in this thruster are non-uniform. In this work, a multi-annulus anode is used to measure the radial distribution of anode current density at different anode positions. The experimental results reveal that some electrons may reach the anode along the axis after they accelerate from the final cusp regardless of the anode positions. To further validate this idea and find out the mechanism of this central path along the axis, the central part of the anode is replaced with ceramics. This results in an increase in the total current with larger contributions at larger radii. The current oscillations also get larger. This brief letter is helpful to further understand the movement of electrons in cusped field thrusters and provide guidance on reducing the non-uniform degree of current density.
Measurement of Ti–6Al–4V alloy ignition temperature by reflectivity detection
Authors: Wang C. , Hu J. , Wang F. , Jiang J. , Zhang Z. Z. , Yang Y. , Ding J. X. , Jiang H. C. , Wang Y. M. , Wei H. Y.
Published: April 2018

Fires resulting from titanium combustion are complex and violent processes which can instantly burn a titanium alloy once ignited. The occurrence of titanium combustion is a disaster for aircraft. Accurate measurement of the ignition temperature of titanium alloys is of significance in preventing such fires and in investigating combustion-resistance properties. In this study, monochromatic temperature and emissivity measurement methods based on reflectivity detection were used to determine the ignition temperature of a titanium alloy. Experiments were carried out using a titanium burning apparatus. The temperatures of titanium in the oxidation stage before ignition and in the combustion stage during the ignition process were measured using wavelengths of 1050 nm and 940 nm, respectively. Experimental results showed that the ignition temperature of the titanium alloy could be measured by reflectivity detection and that measurement precision during thermal oxidation (500–900 °C) was ±1 °C. The temperature of the ignition process ranged between 1653 and 1857 °C, and the ignition temperature was around 1680 °C.
Five- and six-electron harmonium atoms: Highly accurate electronic properties and their application to benchmarking of approximate 1-matrix functionals
Authors: Cioslowski Jerzy , Strasburger Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

Electronic properties of several states of the five- and six-electron harmonium atoms are obtained from large-scale calculations employing explicitly correlated basis functions. The high accuracy of the computed energies (including their components), natural spinorbitals, and their occupation numbers makes them suitable for testing, calibration, and benchmarking of approximate formalisms of quantum chemistry and solid state physics. In the case of the five-electron species, the availability of the new data for a wide range of the confinement strengths ω allows for confirmation and generalization of the previously reached conclusions concerning the performance of the presently known approximations for the electron-electron repulsion energy in terms of the 1-matrix that are at heart of the density matrix functional theory (DMFT). On the other hand, the properties of the three low-lying states of the six-electron harmonium atom, computed at ω = 500 and ω = 1000, uncover deficiencies of the 1-matrix functionals not revealed by previous studies. In general, the previously published assessment of the present implementations of DMFT being of poor accuracy is found to hold. Extending the present work to harmonically confined systems with even more electrons is most likely counterproductive as the steep increase in computational cost required to maintain sufficient accuracy of the calculated properties is not expected to be matched by the benefits of additional information gathered from the resulting benchmarks.
Large-scale coherent structures of suspended dust concentration in the neutral atmospheric surface layer: A large-eddy simulation study
Authors: Zhang Yangyue , Hu Ruifeng , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: April 2018

Dust particles can remain suspended in the atmospheric boundary layer, motions of which are primarily determined by turbulent diffusion and gravitational settling. Little is known about the spatial organizations of suspended dust concentration and how turbulent coherent motions contribute to the vertical transport of dust particles. Numerous studies in recent years have revealed that large- and very-large-scale motions in the logarithmic region of laboratory-scale turbulent boundary layers also exist in the high Reynolds number atmospheric boundary layer, but their influence on dust transport is still unclear. In this study, numerical simulations of dust transport in a neutral atmospheric boundary layer based on an Eulerian modeling approach and large-eddy simulation technique are performed to investigate the coherent structures of dust concentration. The instantaneous fields confirm the existence of very long meandering streaks of dust concentration, with alternating high- and low-concentration regions. A strong negative correlation between the streamwise velocity and concentration and a mild positive correlation between the vertical velocity and concentration are observed. The spatial length scales and inclination angles of concentration structures are determined, compared with their flow counterparts. The conditionally averaged fields vividly depict that high- and low-concentration events are accompanied by a pair of counter-rotating quasi-streamwise vortices, with a downwash inside the low-concentration region and an upwash inside the high-concentration region. Through the quadrant analysis, it is indicated that the vertical dust transport is closely related to the large-scale roll modes, and ejections in high-concentration regions are the major mechanisms for the upward motions of dust particles.
Entangled trajectories Hamiltonian dynamics for treating quantum nuclear effects
Authors: Smith Brendan , Akimov Alexey V.
Published: April 2018

A simple and robust methodology, dubbed Entangled Trajectories Hamiltonian Dynamics (ETHD), is developed to capture quantum nuclear effects such as tunneling and zero-point energy through the coupling of multiple classical trajectories. The approach reformulates the classically mapped second-order Quantized Hamiltonian Dynamics (QHD-2) in terms of coupled classical trajectories. The method partially enforces the uncertainty principle and facilitates tunneling. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by studying the dynamics in symmetric double well and cubic metastable state potentials. The methodology is validated using exact quantum simulations and is compared to QHD-2. We illustrate its relationship to the rigorous Bohmian quantum potential approach, from which ETHD can be derived. Our simulations show a remarkable agreement of the ETHD calculation with the quantum results, suggesting that ETHD may be a simple and inexpensive way of including quantum nuclear effects in molecular dynamics simulations.
Three-dimensional imaging of ferroelectric domain structure in periodically poled lithium niobate using digital holographic tomography
Authors: Mokrý Pavel , Psota Pavel , Václavík Jan , Sládek Juraj , Steiger Kateřina , Lédl Vít
Published: April 2018

An experimental method for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of ferroelectric domain patterns using digital holographic tomography is presented. The implementation of this method employs the curvilinear filtered back-projection. Our experimental method has been demonstrated on the imagining of the domain structure in a periodically poled lithium niobate single crystal. The developed method allows fast and accurate 3D observations of ferroelectric domain structures in the whole volume of the ferroelectric single crystals on the millimeter scale.
Improving accuracy of electrochemical capacitance and solvation energetics in first-principles calculations
Authors: Sundararaman Ravishankar , Letchworth-Weaver Kendra , Schwarz Kathleen A.
Published: April 2018

Reliable first-principles calculations of electrochemical processes require accurate prediction of the interfacial capacitance, a challenge for current computationally efficient continuum solvation methodologies. We develop a model for the double layer of a metallic electrode that reproduces the features of the experimental capacitance of Ag(100) in a non-adsorbing, aqueous electrolyte, including a broad hump in the capacitance near the potential of zero charge and a dip in the capacitance under conditions of low ionic strength. Using this model, we identify the necessary characteristics of a solvation model suitable for first-principles electrochemistry of metal surfaces in non-adsorbing, aqueous electrolytes: dielectric and ionic nonlinearity, and a dielectric-only region at the interface. The dielectric nonlinearity, caused by the saturation of dipole rotational response in water, creates the capacitance hump, while ionic nonlinearity, caused by the compactness of the diffuse layer, generates the capacitance dip seen at low ionic strength. We show that none of the previously developed solvation models simultaneously meet all these criteria. We design the nonlinear electrochemical soft-sphere solvation model which both captures the capacitance features observed experimentally and serves as a general-purpose continuum solvation model.
Valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer MoS2 probed by low-field magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy at room temperature
Authors: Wu Y. J. , Shen C. , Tan Q. H. , Shi J. , Liu X. F. , Wu Z. H. , Zhang J. , Tan P. H. , Zheng H. Z.
Published: April 2018

The valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer two-dimensional (2D) materials in the magnetic field plays an important role in the valley and spin manipulations. In general, a high magnetic field (6–65 T) and low temperature (2–30 K) were two key measurement conditions to observe the resolvable valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer 2D materials in current reported experiments. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate an effective measurement scheme by employing magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, which enables us to distinguish the valley Zeeman splitting under a relatively low magnetic field of 1 T at room temperature. MCD peaks related to both A and B excitonic transitions in monolayer MoS2 can be clearly observed. Based on the MCD spectra under different magnetic fields (−3 to 3 T), we obtained the valley Zeeman splitting energy and the g-factors of A and B excitons, respectively. Our results show that MCD spectroscopy is a high-sensitive magneto-optical technique to explore the valley and spin manipulation in 2D materials.
Estimating the area burned by agricultural fires from Landsat 8 Data using the Vegetation Difference Index and Burn Scar Index
Authors: Wang Shudong , Baig Muhammad Hasan Ali , Liu Suhong , Wan Huawei , Wu Taixia , Yang Yingying
Published: April 2018

Obtaining an accurate estimate of the area of burned crops through remote sensing provides extremely useful data for the assessment of fire-induced trace gas emissions and grain loss in agricultural areas. A new method, incorporating the Vegetation Difference Index (VDI) and Burn Scar Index (BSI) models, is proposed for the extraction of burned crops area. The VDI model can greatly reduce the confounding effect of background information pertaining to green vegetation (forests and grasslands), water bodies and buildings; subsequent use of the BSI model could improve the accuracy of burned area estimations because of the reduction in the influence of background information. The combination of VDI and BSI enables the VDI to reduce the effect of non-farmland information, which in turn improves the accuracy and speed of the BSI model. The model parameters were established, and an effects analysis was performed, using a normalized dispersion value simulation based on a comparison of different types of background information. The efficacy of the VDI and BSI models was tested for a winter wheat planting area in the Haihe River Basin in central China. In comparison with other models, it was found that this method could effectively extract burned area information.
Nucleus-specific expression in the multinuclear mushroom-forming fungus
Agaricus bisporus
reveals different nuclear regulatory programs
Authors: Gehrmann Thies , Pelkmans Jordi F. , Ohm Robin A. , Vos Aurin M. , Sonnenberg Anton S. M. , Baars Johan J. P. , Wösten Han A. B. , Reinders Marcel J. T. , Abeel Thomas
Published: April 2018

Significance

Fungi are a broad class of organisms that play crucial roles in a wide variety of natural and industrial processes. Some are also harmful, destroying crops or infecting immunocompromised patients. Many fungi, at some point during their life cycle, contain two different nuclei, each with different genetic content. We examine the regulation of genes from these nuclei in a mushroom-forming fungus. We find that these nuclei contribute differently to the regulation of the fungal cells, and may therefore have a different impact on their environment. Furthermore, these differences change throughout the development of different tissues. This work contributes to our understanding of fungal physiology by examining this process.
­­Mitochondrial ATP synthase dimers spontaneously associate due to a long-range membrane-induced force­
Authors: Anselmi Claudio , Davies Karen M. , Faraldo-Gómez José D.
Published: April 2018

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthases populate the inner membranes of mitochondria, where they produce the majority of the ATP required by the cell. From yeast to vertebrates, cryoelectron tomograms of these membranes have consistently revealed a very precise organization of these enzymes. Rather than being scattered throughout the membrane, the ATP synthases form dimers, and these dimers are organized into rows that extend for hundreds of nanometers. The rows are only observed in the membrane invaginations known as cristae, specifically along their sharply curved edges. Although the presence of these macromolecular structures has been irrefutably linked to the proper development of cristae morphology, it has been unclear what drives the formation of the rows and why they are specifically localized in the cristae. In this study, we present a quantitative molecular-simulation analysis that strongly suggests that the dimers of ATP synthases organize into rows spontaneously, driven by a long-range attractive force that arises from the relief of the overall elastic strain of the membrane. The strain is caused by the V-like shape of the dimers, unique among membrane protein complexes, which induces a strong deformation in the surrounding membrane. The process of row formation is therefore not a result of direct protein–protein interactions or a specific lipid composition of the membrane. We further hypothesize that, once assembled, the ATP synthase dimer rows prime the inner mitochondrial membrane to develop folds and invaginations by causing macroscopic membrane ridges that ultimately become the edges of cristae. In this way, mitochondrial ATP synthases would contribute to the generation of a morphology that maximizes the surface area of the inner membrane, and thus ATP production. Finally, we outline key experiments that would be required to verify or refute this hypothesis.
Slopes for higher rank Artin–Schreier–Witt towers
Authors: Ren Rufei , Wan Daqing , Xiao Liang , Yu Myungjun
Published: April 2018

We fix a monic polynomial

f
¯

(
x
)
∈

F

q

[
x
]

\bar f(x) \in \mathbb {F}_q[x]

over a finite field of characteristic

p
p

of degree relatively prime to

p
p

, and consider the

Z

p

ℓ

\mathbb {Z}_{p^{\ell }}

-Artin–Schreier–Witt tower defined by

f
¯

(
x
)

\bar f(x)

; this is a tower of curves

⋯
→

C
m

→

C

m
−
1

→
⋯
→

C
0

=

A

1

\cdots \to C_m \to C_{m-1} \to \cdots \to C_0 =\mathbb {A}^1

, whose Galois group is canonically isomorphic to

Z

p
ℓ

\mathbb {Z}_{p^\ell }

, the degree

ℓ
\ell

unramified extension of

Z

p

\mathbb {Z}_p

, which is abstractly isomorphic to

(

Z

p

)
ℓ

(\mathbb {Z}_p)^\ell

as a topological group. We study the Newton slopes of zeta functions of this tower of curves. This reduces to the study of the Newton slopes of

L
L

-functions associated to characters of the Galois group of this tower. We prove that, when the conductor of the character is large enough, the Newton slopes of the

L
L

-function asymptotically form a finite union of arithmetic progressions. As a corollary, we prove the spectral halo property of the spectral variety associated to the

Z

p

ℓ

\mathbb {Z}_{p^{\ell }}

-Artin–Schreier–Witt tower (over a large subdomain of the weight space). This extends the main result in a 2016 work of Davis, Wan, and Xiao from rank one case

ℓ
=
1

\ell =1

to the higher rank case

ℓ
≥
1

\ell \geq 1

.
How Do Consumers’ Cultural Backgrounds and Values Influence Their Coupon Proneness? A Multimethod Investigation
Authors: Lalwani Ashok K , Wang Jessie J
Published: April 2018

Although coupons are very effective in increasing sales, a major challenge marketers face with coupons is the low redemption rates. Consequently, marketers are continuously trying to identify consumers who are more or less likely to respond to couponing efforts, in order to better direct coupons to segments high in coupon proneness and hence increase redemption rates. The current research identifies consumers’ cultural backgrounds and values as important determinants of their likelihood of redeeming coupons. Across five studies, we find that Asians (vs. Caucasians), Indians (vs. Americans), and, more generally, consumers with an interdependent (vs. independent) self-construal are more likely to use coupons because they are more motivated to engage in self-regulation, which is proposed to enhance coupon proneness. We conclude with the implications of these findings for marketers, such as for their segmentation and targeting endeavors. We also provide specific tools that marketers could use, both inside and outside the store, to influence consumers’ use of coupons.
Trending on Pinterest: an examination of pins about skin tanning
Authors: Banerjee Smita C , Rodríguez Vivian M , Greene Kathryn , Hay Jennifer L
Published: April 2018

Rates of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers are on the rise in the USA with data revealing disproportionate increase in female young adults. The popularity of intentional skin tanning among U.S. adolescents is attributed to several factors, including prioritization of physical appearance, media images of tanned celebrities, ease of availability of artificial tanning facilities, and more recently, the prevalence and celebration of tanned skin on social media. Pinterest, as the third most popular social media platform, was searched for “pins” about skin tanning. The resultant “pins” were examined to understand the extent and characteristics of skin tanning portrayed on Pinterest. We analyzed pins on Pinterest about skin tanning (n = 501) through a quantitative content analysis. Overall, results indicated an overwhelmingly protanning characteristic of pins about skin tanning on Pinterest, with over 85% of pins promoting tanning behavior. The pins were generally characterized by the portrayal of a female subject (61%) and provided positive reinforcement for tanning (49%). Use of tanning for enhancing appearance was the main positive outcome expectancy portrayed in the pins (35%), and nudity or exposure of skin on arms (32%) and legs (31%) was evident in about a third of pins. With overwhelmingly positive pins promoting tanning, use of female subjects, exhibiting nudity, and appearance enhancement, there seems be to a consistent targeting of female users to accept tanning as a socially acceptable and popular behavior. The findings indicate a need for developing sun protection messages and the leveraging of social media for dissemination of skin cancer prevention and detection messages.
Outpatient Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Following Surgical Debridement: Results and Complications
Authors: Tamir Eran , Finestone Aharon S. , Wiser Itay , Anekstein Yoram , Agar Gabriel
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To present results and complications in a case series of outpatients with diabetic and neuropathic foot ulcers with exposed bone following surgical debridement treated with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

METHODS:

Retrospective data were obtained from digital medical records from the Maccabi Health Services High Risk Foot Clinic in Tel Aviv, Israel, between 2009 and 2014. Medical records examined were those of clinic outpatients with exposed bone following partial foot amputation or selective bone debridement (University of Texas grade III-A) treated with NPWT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Wound area, closure rate, and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS:

There were 66 patients provided NPWT in a total of 77 treatment courses. Mean patient age was 62 ± 10 years, 82% were male, and mean diabetes mellitus duration was 14 ± 8 years. Mean HbA1C levels were 8.1% ± 1.7%. Mean treatment course duration was 16 days (range, 2–42 days). Wound area decreased significantly (from 11.3 ± 16.8 cm2 to 8.0 ± 13.3 cm2, P < .0001). Ulcer curing was noted in 7% of the cases, and healing progression was noted in 54%. Seven serious adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS:

Outpatient NPWT is a relatively safe and effective adjuvant to surgical debridement of neuropathic foot ulcers. In an outpatient setting, one can expect serious adverse events to occur in 10% of cases, but this seems unavoidable in patients with diabetic foot ulcers when taking into account their comorbidities and patient resources. Strict protocols to promote early recognition of complications and appropriate response to minimize deterioration must be implemented.
Association Between the 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Criteria and Multisite Pain Sensitivity in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Neville Stephen J. , Clauw Andrew D. , Moser Stephanie E. , Urquhart Andrew G. , Clauw Daniel J. , Brummett Chad M. , Harte Steven E.
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

The present study evaluated the relationship between the 2011 American College of Rheumatology fibromyalgia (FM) survey criteria and quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Materials and Methods:

Patients with knee osteoarthritis scheduled to undergo knee arthroplasty completed the FM survey criteria and self-report measures assessing clinical symptoms. Patients also underwent a battery of QST procedures at the surgical knee and remote body sites, including pressure algometry, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation. All assessments were completed before surgery. FM survey criteria were used to calculate a continuous FM score indicating FM severity.

Results:

A total of 129 patients were analyzed. Of these, 52.7% were female, 93.8% were Caucasian, and 3.8% met the FM survey criteria for FM classification. Mean age for females (63.6 y) and males (64.7 y) was similar. Females and males differed significantly in nearly every outcome, including FM severity, clinical pain, anxiety, depression, and pressure pain sensitivity. In females, FM scores significantly correlated with pressure pain sensitivity, but not conditioned pain modulation or temporal summation, such that increased sensitivity was associated with greater FM severity at all body sites examined. In addition, as FM scores increased, the association between pain sensitivity at the surgical knee and pain sensitivity at remote body sites also increased. No relationship between FM score and QST was observed in males.

Discussion:

We demonstrated an association between diffuse hyperalgesia as measured by QST and FM severity in females with knee osteoarthritis. These results suggest that the FM survey criteria may represent a marker of pain centralization in females with potential utility in clinical decision making.
Vertebral Augmentation can Induce Early Signs of Degeneration in the Adjacent Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Feng Zhiyun , Chen Lunhao , Hu Xiaojian , Yang Ge , Chen Zhong , Wang Yue
Published: April 2018

Study Design.

An experimental study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation on the adjacent disc.

Summary of Background Data.

Vertebral augmentation with PMMA reportedly may predispose the adjacent vertebra to fracture. The influence of PMMA augmentation on the adjacent disc, however, remains unclear.

Methods.

Using a retroperitoneal approach, PMMA augmentation was performed for 23 rabbits. For each animal, at least one vertebra was augmented with 0.2 to 0.3 mL PMMA. The disc adjacent to the augmented vertebra and a proximal control disc were studied using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, histological and molecular level evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Marrow contact channels in the endplate were quantified in histological slices and number of invalid channels (those without erythrocytes inside) was rated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to determine disc cell apoptosis.

Results.

On MR images, the signal and height of the adjacent disc did not change 6 months after vertebral augmentation. Histological scores of the adjacent disc increased over time, particularly for the nucleus pulposus. The adjacent disc had greater nucleus degeneration score than the control disc at 3 months (5.7 vs. 4.5, P < 0.01) and 6 months (6.9 vs. 4.4, P < 0.001). There were more invalid marrow contact channels in the endplate of augmented vertebra than the control (43.3% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.01). mRNA of ADAMTS-5, MMP-13, HIF-1α, and caspase-3 were significantly upregulated in the adjacent disc at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, there were more TUNEL-positive cells in the adjacent disc than in the control disc (43.4% vs. 24.0%, P < 0.05) at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion.

Vertebral augmentation can induce early degenerative signs in the adjacent disc, which may be due to impaired nutrient supply to the disc.

Level of Evidence: N/A
The Effect of Spiritual Care on Adolescents Coping With Cancer
Authors: Torabi Faeze , Rassouli Maryam , Nourian Manighea , Borumandnia Nasrin , Shirinabadi Farahani Azam , Nikseresht Fatemeh
Published: April 2018

People's experiences of living with cancer suggest that spirituality creates purpose and meaning in life for patients. Strengthening spirituality has positive effects on coping, mental health, and symptoms of the disease. This study examines the effect of spiritual care on adolescents coping with cancer. This research is a single-group, quasi-experimental, pre-/poststudy conducted on 32 adolescents. The spiritual care program was presented individually and face to face over six 45-minute sessions held on the admission days. Data were collected using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire by Lazarus and Folkman. A significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest mean values in all the coping subscales, which suggests the effect of spiritual care on adolescents' coping with cancer, but no significant differences were observed between the posttest and follow-up mean values, which shows the importance of the continuity of spiritual care in adolescent patients. According to the results, spirituality-based care programs offered by nurses can positively affect adolescents' coping with cancer and improve their overall coping.
Designing Minimally Invasive Preocular Contact Tips for Potential Application in Tear Collection
Authors: Lee Seung Ho , Cho Yong Chan , Nam Dong Yeon , Huh Beom Kang , Kim Se-Na , Lee Dong Hoon , Park Chun Gwon , Choy Young Bin
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

Basal tear fluid has drawn great attention as a medium for many disease markers and, hence, for its potential to be used in self-diagnosis. However, collection of basal tear fluid is difficult because a conventional tear collector, such as a glass capillary tube, may inflict irritation or damage on the sensitive ocular surface. Therefore, we sought to design a tip for contact with the preocular surface [a preocular contact tip (PCT)] that minimizes damage to the ocular surface.

Methods:

We designed the shape of the tip to have rounded boundaries and no sharp edges. We then tested different tip areas, each of which was contacted with the inferior palpebral conjunctiva of rabbit eyes at varying depths to demonstrate their feasibility in vivo. The area of damaged tissue and the time required for tissue recovery were monitored according to the pressure applied through the tips.

Results:

Our findings revealed that a contact area of the PCT greater than 2.36 mm2 caused relatively little damage to the inferior palpebral conjunctival tissue, which could recover within 4 hours after contact at all pressing depths. In contrast, a glass capillary tube caused relatively severe damage, which did not recover for more than 8 hours. The PCT (3.14 mm2) was embedded with a microchannel as a prototype tear collector, which could collect 0.3 μL of tears with minimal tissue damage.

Conclusions:

The PCT proposed in this study can be a promising tool for minimally invasive collection of basal tears from the inferior palpebral conjunctiva.
Selected Children With Complicated Acute Urinary Tract Infection May Be Treated With Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy at Home Directly From the Emergency Department
Authors: Scanlan Barry T. , Ibrahim Laila F. , Hopper Sandy M. , Babl Franz E. , Davidson Andrew , Bryant Penelope A.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy offers the option of treating children requiring intravenous antibiotics for acute urinary tract infection (UTI)/pyelonephritis at home. We aimed to determine the outcomes of treating patients with UTI/pyelonephritis using outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy directly from the emergency department (ED) without admission to hospital.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study (August 2012–July 2016) of children with UTI/pyelonephritis treated with parenteral antibiotics via a peripheral cannula directly from ED to home under a hospital-in-the home (HITH) program. Data collection included demographics, clinical features, length of stay, complications, and readmissions to hospital.

Results:

There were 62 patient episodes of UTI/pyelonephritis transferred directly from ED to HITH. Fifty-eight (94%) had systemic features including fever, vomiting and/or tachycardia. Eighteen (29%) patients had an underlying condition. Nine (15%) received intravenous fluids and 8 (13%) antiemetics in ED. The outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy course was successfully completed in 56 (90%) patients. Of 6 (10%) patients who were readmitted, 2 were discharged within 24 hours, and none were severely unwell. Two (3%) had a blocked cannula, with no antibiotic complications. HITH patients were treated for a combined total of 142 days at home resulting in a cost saving of Australian dollar 108,914 (US dollar 82,775). However, only 8% of children deemed to require a course of intravenous antibiotics were transferred directly home from ED. Compared with patients concurrently admitted to hospital, fewer on HITH were less than 1 year of age (13% vs. 33%; odds ratio: 0.3; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Selected patients presenting to ED with UTI/pyelonephritis may be treated directly via HITH, including some with underlying conditions and/or systemic features.
Ophthalmic Pyogenic Granulomas Treated With Topical Timolol—Clinical Features of 17 Cases
Authors: DeMaria Lauren N. , Silverman Nora K. , Shinder Roman
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

Topical timolol has been increasingly demonstrated to be an effective treatment for pyogenic granulomas (PG). The authors review the treatment outcomes of 17 patients with ocular PG treated with topical timolol.

Methods:

Retrospective interventional study of 17 patients with ocular PGs treated with timolol 0.5% solution. Patient demographics, clinical features, treatment response, and recurrence were noted.

Results:

Nine females and 8 males with a mean age of 23 years (range, 3–67 years) were included. Mean duration of disease prior to treatment was 3.81 months (range, 0.25–11 months). Etiologies included chalazia (12 cases, 71%), postsurgical (4, 24%) and trauma (1, 6%). Five patients (29%) had treatment with topical steroids prior to presentation. Fifteen patients (88%) had PG located on the palpebral conjunctiva and 2 (12%) involving the bulbar conjunctiva. Mean lesion size was 5.06 × 6.06 mm (range, 3–8 × 3–18 mm). Fifteen patients (88%) had complete lesion resolution with a mean treatment duration of 3.07 weeks (range, 2–5 weeks) and no adverse events or recurrences with a mean follow up of 9.47 months (range, 6–27 months). Two patients (12%) underwent lesion excision after 6 weeks of timolol failed to yield resolution.

Conclusion:

Topical timolol appears to be a well-tolerated nonsurgical treatment of ocular PG in both children and adults. Clinicians may wish to consider topical timolol to treat PG as opposed to topical steroids, given the inherent risk of steroid response ocular hypertension and the difficulty to measure intraocular pressure in younger children who require general anesthesia for excision.
Does Lifestyle Exercise After a Cardiac Event Improve Metabolic Syndrome Profile in Older Adults?
Authors: Wright Kathy D. , Moore-Schiltz Laura , Sattar Abdus , Josephson Richard , Moore Shirley M.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Exercise is a common recommendation to reduce the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, yet there are limited data on the influence of lifestyle exercise after cardiac events on metabolic syndrome factors.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether lifestyle exercise improves metabolic syndrome profile in older adults after a cardiac event.

Methods:

Participants were from a post–cardiac-event lifestyle exercise study. Five metabolic syndrome factors were assessed: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipids, glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Objective measures of exercise were obtained from heart rate monitors over a year. Logistic regression was used to determine whether participants who engaged in the minimum recommendation of 130 hours of exercise or greater during the 12-month period improved their metabolic syndrome profile by improving at least 1 metabolic syndrome factor.

Results:

In the sample of 116 participants (74% men; average age, 67.5 years), 43% exercised at the recommended amount (≥130 h/y) and 28% (n = 33) improved their metabolic syndrome profile. After controlling for confounding factors of age, gender, race, diabetes, functional ability, and employment, subjects who exercised at least 130 hours a year were 3.6 times more likely to improve at least 1 metabolic syndrome factor (95% confidence interval, 1.24–10.49). Of the 28% who improved their metabolic syndrome profile, 72% increased their high-density lipoprotein and 60.6% reduced their waist circumference and glucose.

Conclusions:

After a cardiac event, older patients who engage in lifestyle exercise at the recommended amount have improvement in their metabolic syndrome profile.
Clinical Outcome After Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in an Adolescent Baseball Player: A Case Report
Authors: Saper Michael G. , Andrews James R.
Published: April 2018

Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction is a commonly used surgical procedure to treat posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow. We report a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher with symptomatic PLRI after an injury to his LUCL during a baseball game. Having failed 8 months of conservative treatment, a LUCL reconstruction using the modified O'Driscoll technique was performed with the contralateral gracilis autograft. At 5-year follow-up, an excellent patient-reported outcome was achieved and the patient continued to play baseball at the recreational level. This type of injury is rarely reported in adolescent baseball players, and improving our knowledge of the long-term outcomes is crucial to assist clinicians in counseling patients about expectations after surgery.