bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency‐dependent anisotropic modeling and analysis using mfEIT: A computer simulation study
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Li Rihui , Potter Thomas , Seo Jin Keun , Li Guanglin , Zhang Yingchun
Published: March 2018

Electrical properties of human tissues are usually linked with structure of thin insulating membranes and thereby reflect physiological function of the tissues or organs. It is clinically important to characterize electrical properties of tissues in vivo. Electrical impedance tomography is a recently developed medical imaging technique, which has been exploited to characterize electrical properties (conductivity and permittivity) of human tissues by injecting currents and measuring the resulting voltages at boundary electrodes. The electrical characteristic of a majority of human tissues, such as bones, muscles, and brain white matter, exhibits an anisotropic property. The anisotropic phenomenon of human tissues is frequency dependent that vanishes at high frequencies. Previous electrical impedance tomography studies that aimed at the reconstruction of anisotropic subject tissues have been focused on the theoretical analysis of uniqueness up to a diffeomorphism or the establishment of an accurate forward model by using an anisotropic conductivity tensor. However, effects of the current frequency on the accuracy of the reconstructions of anisotropic subjects remain poorly studied. The goal of this study is to examine the feasibility of multifrequency electrical impedance tomography by using it in a simulation study to recover the frequency‐dependent anisotropic properties of a phantom subject composed of alternating insulating and conductive layers. The anisotropic properties of the subject were analyzed by an effective admittivity tensor, and the responses of the current flow pathways and voltages were investigated at various applied current frequencies in the forward model. The linear reconstruction was performed following the sensitivity matrix approach at multiple frequencies. Simulation results achieved at various frequencies revealed that the anisotropy of the model was effectively reconstructed at low frequencies and disappeared at high frequencies, from which we validated the feasibility of multifrequency electrical impedance tomography method in reconstructing the anisotropic directions of the considered object.
A computational modeling of blood flow in asymmetrically bifurcating microvessels and its experimental validation
Authors: Lee Tae‐Rin , Hong Ji‐Ah , Yoo Sung Sic , Kim Do Wan
Published: March 2018

Microvascular transport is complex due to its heterogeneity. Many researchers have been developing mathematical and computational models in predicting microvascular geometries and blood transport. However, previous works were focused on developing simulation models, not on validating suggested models with microvascular geometry and blood flow in the real microvasculature. In this paper, we suggest a computational model for microvascular transport with experimental validation in its geometry and blood flow. The geometry is generated by controlling asymmetric conditions of microvascular network. Also, the blood flow in microvascular networks is predicted by considering in vivo viscosity, Poiseuille flow model, and hematocrit redistribution by plasma skimming. The suggested model is validated by the measured data in rat mesentery. Also, the microvascular transport in a case of mouse cortex is predicted and compared against experimental data to check applicability of the suggested model.
Efficient estimation of personalized biventricular mechanical function employing gradient‐based optimization
Authors: Finsberg Henrik , Xi Ce , Tan Ju Le , Zhong Liang , Genet Martin , Sundnes Joakim , Lee Lik Chuan , Wall Samuel T.
Published: March 2018

Individually personalized computational models of heart mechanics can be used to estimate important physiological and clinically‐relevant quantities that are difficult, if not impossible, to directly measure in the beating heart. Here, we present a novel and efficient framework for creating patient‐specific biventricular models using a gradient‐based data assimilation method for evaluating regional myocardial contractility and estimating myofiber stress. These simulations can be performed on a regular laptop in less than 2 h and produce excellent fit between measured and simulated volume and strain data through the entire cardiac cycle. By applying the framework using data obtained from 3 healthy human biventricles, we extracted clinically important quantities as well as explored the role of fiber angles on heart function. Our results show that steep fiber angles at the endocardium and epicardium are required to produce simulated motion compatible with measured strain and volume data. We also find that the contraction and subsequent systolic stresses in the right ventricle are significantly lower than that in the left ventricle. Variability of the estimated quantities with respect to both patient data and modeling choices are also found to be low. Because of its high efficiency, this framework may be applicable to modeling of patient specific cardiac mechanics for diagnostic purposes.
Study of color perceptibility of gonio‐apparent panels with curvature angle
Authors: Chorro Elísabet , Perales Esther , Viqueira Valentín , Martínez‐Verdú Francisco M.
Published: March 2018

Color tolerances of curved gonio‐apparent panels have been studied in this work. To achieve that, an experimental set‐up of the illumination and tilt variation of two identical coated panels was designed for simulation of curved panels with both concave and convex borders and with and without effect pigments (perceived as solid and gonio‐apparent colors, respectively). Finally, visual and instrumental measures were collected with both curvatures. The results show that the relationship of the instrumental color difference with the tilt angle can be modeled by a second‐order and the vertex did not depend on illumination, but on coating type. The critical angles (the angle marked when the color discrepancy between two identical samples is merely perceived) assessed by the observers showed that they were not equal according to border, nor according to coating type. The color tolerances at these angles were clearly higher than the conventional chromatic thresholds of industrial color comparisons.
Synthesis of Zeolite W from Potassic Rocks Activated by KOH Sub‐molten Salt Method
Authors: Meng Yanrui , Zhao Bin , Zhang Hongqi , Liu Xiuwu , Cao Jilin
Published: March 2018

Potassic rocks are decomposed to active amorphous material via KOH sub‐molten salt method. Zeolite W is successfully synthesized using amorphous precursor from potassic rocks as raw material. Effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, mass concentration of KOH and mass ratio of KOH‐to‐ore on the decomposition of potassic rocks are investigated. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) is used to characterize the precursors and as‐prepared zeolites. The results indicate that the active amorphous precursor is obtained in KOH sub‐molten salt medium with 75% alkali mass concentration and an alkali‐to‐ore mass ratio of 3.5:1 at 200 °C for 7 h. The exchange capacities of modified zeolite W in KCl solution and simulated seawater are 156.8 mgK+/g and 38.39 mgK+/g, respectively. After synthesis of zeolite W, the mother liquor can be recycled.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Idiosyncratic Risk in Different Market States
Authors: Chen Roger C.Y. , Hung Shih‐Wei , Lee Chen‐Hsun
Published: March 2018

This study explored the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on idiosyncratic risk. Referring to an approach used by Pagan and Sossounov, we separated the sample period into up‐market, down‐market, and correction conditions and observed the changes in the influence of CSR on idiosyncratic risk in different market states. The results find that firms with better CSR performance can reduce their idiosyncratic risk. Furthermore, in different market states, CSR can significantly decrease idiosyncratic risk, whereas firms with poorer CSR performance have more idiosyncratic risk. Our findings are beneficial for firms that can use CSR engagement to adjust their business strategy and reduce operational uncertainty. Therefore, CSR engagement can function as a tool for risk management. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Environmental policy disclosures and sustainable development: Determinants, measure and impact on firm value for ADX listed companies
Authors: Kolsi Mohamed Chakib , Attayah Osama F
Published: March 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures have gained great attention in both the media and the academic community for many decades. In this paper, we shed light on three aspects of CSR disclosures, namely the determinants, measure and impact on firm value. Using a sample of 61 firms listed on the ADX for the period 2010–2014 and computing an eight‐item index, our results are conclusive and show that listing history, governmental sector, board size, financial leverage and firm size have a positive impact on CSR disclosures. By contrast, firm profitability, industrial sector and ownership concentration have no impact on the extent of CSR disclosures. Finally, CSR disclosures have no impact on firm value as proxied by market‐to‐book ratio. Our results remain unchanged using additional robustness checks. Our study highlights the three aspects of social disclosures (i.e. determinants, measure and impact) in an emerging stock market (ADX). Our findings will help investors when assessing firm value and policy makers when issuing CSR disclosure rules.
A Hybrid Mineral Battery: Energy Storage and Dissolution Behavior of CuFeS2 in a Fixed Bed Flow Cell
Authors: Deen Kashif Mairaj , Asselin Edouard
Published: March 2018

The development of a hybrid system capable of storing energy and the additional benefit of Cu extraction is discussed in this work. A fixed bed flow cell (FBFC) was used in which a composite negative electrode containing CuFeS2 (80 wt %) and carbon black (20 wt %) in graphite felt was separated from a positive (graphite felt) electrode by a proton‐exchange membrane. The anolyte (0.2 m H2SO4) and catholyte (0.5 m Fe2+ in 0.2 m H2SO4 with or without 0.1 m Cu2+) were circulated in the cell. The electrochemical activity of the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox couple over graphite felt significantly improved after the addition of Cu2+ in the catholyte. Ultimately, in the CuFeS2∥Fe2+/Cu2+ (CFeCu) FBFC system, the specific capacity increased continuously to 26.4 mAh g−1 in 500 galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) cycles, compared to the CuFeS2∥Fe2+ (CFe) system (13.9 mAh g−1). Interestingly, the specific discharge energy gradually increased to 3.6 Wh kg−1 in 500 GCD cycles for the CFeCu system compared to 3.29 Wh kg−1 for the CFe system in 150 cycles. In addition to energy storage, 10.75 % Cu was also extracted from the mineral, which is an important feature of the CFeCu system as it would allow Cu extraction and recovery through hydrometallurgical methods.
FMD: A DoS mitigation scheme based on flow migration in software‐defined networking
Authors: Wu Pengpeng , Yao Lin , Lin Chi , Wu Guowei , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: March 2018

Software‐defined networking (SDN) emerges as the next generation of networking architecture, aiming to improve the network manageability and adaptability. However, because of the centralized control policy, SDN is liable to suffering from the denial of service attack in both the data plane and the control plane. To resist the attack and prevent the network from being paralyzed, we propose a novel mitigation scheme named flow migration defense, which uses a slave controller as a substitution to endure flooding requests mitigated from the master controller. Considering the special case that the normal requests may be regarded as the malicious ones, these requests are reforwarded back to the master controller on the basis of the round‐robin scheduling. To prevent the master controller from being flooded by the reforwarded requests, we design the adaptive rate adjustment method to adjust the reforwarding rate. Compared with multilevel feedback queue and FloodDefender, simulations demonstrate that flow migration defense can mitigate the SDN‐aimed denial of service attack efficiently with a better performance in terms of request response time, packet loss rate, and mitigation time.
Adaptive video streaming testbed design for performance study and assessment of QoE
Authors: Taha Miran , Lloret Jaime , Ali Aree , Garcia Laura
Published: March 2018

Hypertext Transfer Protocol adaptive streaming switches between different video qualities, adapting to the network conditions, and avoids stalling streamed frames over high‐oscillation client's throughput improving the users' quality of experience (QoE). Quality of experience has become the most important parameter to lead the service providers to know about the end‐user feedback. Implementing Hypertext Transfer Protocol adaptive streaming applications to find out QoE in real‐life scenarios of vast networks becomes more challenging and complex task regarding to cost, agile, time, and decisions. In this paper, a virtualized network testbed to virtualize various machines to support implementing experiments of adaptive video streaming has been developed. Within the test study, the metrics which demonstrate performance of QoE are investigated, respectively, including initial delay (ie, startup delay at the beginning of playback a video), frequency switches (ie, number of times the quality is changed), accumulative video time (ie, number and length of stalls), CPU usage, and battery energy consumption. Furthermore, the relation between effective parameters of QoS on the aforementioned metrics for different segment length is investigated. Experimental results show that the proposed virtualized system is agile, easy to install and use, and costs less than real testbeds. Moreover, the subjective and objective performance studies of QoE evaluation in the system have proven that the segment lengths of 6 to 8 seconds were faired and more efficient than others according to the investigated parameters.
Effects of neonatal handling on play and anxiety in F344 and Lewis rats
Authors: Siviy Stephen M.
Published: March 2018

Play is an important part of normal childhood development and seen in many mammals, including rats. To better understand the interplay between genotype and postnatal experiences, the effects of neonatal handling on play were assessed in Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats. Handled litters experienced brief periods of separation during the first two postnatal weeks. F344 rats were less likely to direct nape contacts toward an untreated Sprague–Dawley (SD) partner and less likely to rotate to a supine position in response to a nape contact. When compared to rats from control litters, handled LEW, and F344 rats were more likely to respond to nape contacts with complete rotations, suggesting that handling increased playful responsiveness to a comparable extent in both strains. SD rats paired with handled inbred rats had more nape contacts than those paired with non‐handled rats. While handled LEW rats also tended to direct more nape contacts to the SD partner than non‐handled LEW rats there was no difference between handled and non‐handled F344 rats. These results could not be readily explained by handling‐induced changes in either maternal care or anxiety. These data suggest that the behavioral consequences of neonatal handling may not depend to a great extent on the genetic platform that these manipulations are acting on. These data also suggest that the ability to maintain the ebb and flow between playful solicitation and playful responsiveness may be compromised in F344 rats and may contribute to the lower levels of play in this strain.
A death in the family: Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) avoidance of confamilial alarm cues diminishes with phylogenetic distance
Authors: Hume John B. , Wagner Michael
Published: March 2018

Alarm signals released after predator attack function as reliable public information revealing areas of high risk. The utility of this information can extend beyond species boundaries, benefiting heterospecifics capable of recognizing and responding appropriately to the signal. Nonmutually exclusive hypotheses explaining the acquisition of heterospecific reactivity to cues suggest it could be conserved phylogenetically following its evolution in a common ancestor (a species‐level effect) and/or learned during periods of shared risk (a population‐level effect; e.g., shared predators). Using a laboratory‐based space‐use behavioral assay, we tested the response of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) to the damage‐released alarm cues of five confamilial (sympatric and allopatric) species and two distantly related out‐groups: a sympatric teleost (white sucker Catostomus commersonii) and an allopatric agnathan (Atlantic hagfish Myxine glutinosa). We found that sea lamprey differed in their response to conspecific and heterospecific odors; exhibiting progressively weaker avoidance of cues derived from more phylogenetically distant confamilials regardless of current overlap in distribution. Odors from out‐groups elicited no response. These findings suggest that a damage‐released alarm cue is at least partially conserved within the Petromyzontidae and that sea lamprey perceives predator attacks directed to closely related taxa. These findings are consistent with similar observations from gastropod, amphibian and bony fish taxa, and we discuss this in an eco‐evo context to provide a plausible explanation for the acquisition and maintenance of the response in sea lamprey.
Performance of the MAGGIC heart failure risk score and its modification with the addition of discharge natriuretic peptides
Authors: Sawano Mitsuaki , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Nagai Toshiyuki , Goda Ayumi , Mizuno Atsushi , Sujino Yasumori , Nagatomo Yuji , Kohno Takashi , Anzai Toshihisa , Fukuda Keiichi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2018

Aims

Predictive models for heart failure patients are widely used in the clinical practice to stratify patients' mortality and enable clinicians to tailor and intensify their approach. However, such models have not been validated internationally. In addition, biomarkers are now frequently measured to obtain prognostic information, and the implications of this practice are not known. In this study, we aimed to validate the model performance of the Meta‐analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score in a Japanese acute heart failure registry and further explore the incremental prognostic value of discharge B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level.

Methods and Results

In this study, we evaluated the registered data of 2215 consecutive acute HF patients (with 694 119 person‐years follow‐up) from a prospective multicentre registry (the West Tokyo Heart Failure) conducted in Japan from April 2006 to August 2016. The mean age was 73.0 ± 13.0, and 61.2% were male. The MAGGIC score demonstrated modest discrimination (c‐index = 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.74) and good calibration (R2 value = 0.97); there was constant overestimation for 1 year mortality. However, when the BNP level was added to the original MAGGIC variables, the model demonstrated good discrimination (c‐index = 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.70–0.78) with adequate calibration (R2 value = 0.91). The modified MAGGIC BNP score was externally validated in a separate Japanese registry (NaDEF) and demonstrated moderate discrimination (c‐index = 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.73) and calibration (R2 value = 0.85).

Conclusion

The original MAGGIC score performed modestly in Japanese patients, but the addition of discharge BNP level enhanced model performance. The addition of objective biomarkers may result in effective modification of preexisting internationally recognized risk models and aid in multinational comparisons of heart failure patients' outcomes.
Edible Oil Production From Microalgae: A Review
Authors: Xue Zhaohui , Wan Fang , Yu Wancong , Liu Jing , Zhang Zhijun , Kou Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

Microalgae are considered an interesting candidate for the sustainable production of edible oils. Because microalgae contain abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and have high photosynthetic rates and high oil productivity, they are superior to terrestrial oleaginous crops for producing edible oils. Microalgae are cultivated in aquatic environments, and thus, oil extraction methods for microalgae must consider the influence of water. This paper provides an overview of the suitability of microalgal lipid compositions and proposes a selection of species for edible oil production. The numerous technologies currently available for pretreatment, wet extraction and the refining of edible oils from microalgae are collated and presented, with a primary focus on the key parameters influencing process performance. Furthermore, the paper presents a proposed solution for a microalgae integrated system for edible oil production, which is a possible future direction to develop an economical and environmentally friendly process for the resource utilization of microalgal biomass.

Practical Application: Microalgae might be the most promising source of edible oils, with potential applications in food industrialization, due to its rich oil content and its characteristic fatty acid composition. The review provides a selection criterion of microalgal species to help researchers exploit microalgae to produce superior edible oils for human consumption. Various process parameters and wet extraction methods are discussed that may be conducive to improving process performance and achieving high oil recovery yields. By considering the maximum utilization of microalgal biomass, an integrated system in this review would assist in economical production during further studies.

Microalgae are the most promising candidates for edible oil production. Cell disruption, extraction, and refining are important processes for microalgal oils and on this basis, wet extraction and resource utilization can further promote the economic feasibility of microalgal process.
High Pressure Elicits Unexpected Transformations of Plain Nitroaromatics with 4‐(Cyclohex‐1‐en‐1‐yl)morpholine
Authors: Diab Sonia , Noël‐Duchesneau Ludovik , Sanselme Morgane , Kondo Yoshinori , De Paolis Michael , Chataigner Isabelle
Published: March 2018

An unexpected reaction sequence occurs when simple nitroarenes and the readily available enamine 4‐(cyclohex‐1‐en‐1‐yl)morpholine are placed under high pressure. This one‐pot transformation leads to the generation of highly substituted compounds and presents different advantages such as (1) a rapid increase of molecular complexity through converting simple, cheap, and seldom exploited starting materials into polycyclic structures never described before, (2) the absence of chemical catalysts, (3) a very low energy input.
Broadening the individual differences lens on party support and voting behavior: Cynicism and prejudice as relevant attitudes referring to modern‐day political alignments
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , Van Hiel Alain , Dhont Kristof , Roets Arne
Published: March 2018

Social‐cultural and economic‐hierarchical ideological attitudes have long been used to explain variation in political partisanship. We propose two additional, stable attitudes (political cynicism and ethnic prejudice) that may help in explaining contemporary political alignments. In a Belgian (N = 509) and Dutch sample (N = 628), we showed that party support can be segmented into four broad families: left, libertarian, traditionalist, and far‐right parties. Both studies revealed that social‐cultural and economic‐hierarchical right‐wing attitudes were negatively related to left party support and positively to libertarian, traditionalist and far‐right support. Importantly, additional variance was consistently explained by political cynicism (lower libertarian and traditionalist support), ethnic prejudice (lower left support), or both (higher far‐right support). Study 2 additionally demonstrated these patterns for self‐reported voting.
Exploring the social side of self‐compassion: Relations with empathy and outgroup attitudes
Authors: Fuochi Giulia , Veneziani Chiara A. , Voci Alberto
Published: March 2018

Self‐compassion is a disposition involving compassionate attitudes toward the self when facing difficulties. We argued that specific self‐compassion components might influence indicators of openness to others, such as empathy and outgroup attitudes. We hypothesized that the component called common humanity versus isolation, involving the acknowledgement that one's sufferings are shared with all the other humans, would be positively related to the other‐oriented aspects of empathy, perspective taking and empathic concern, and to improved outgroup attitudes. We also hypothesized that the mindfulness versus over‐identification component, i.e., having a balanced view of one's situation avoiding exaggerations, would be associated with lowered personal distress. In three studies, with three independent samples, we regressed empathy and outgroup attitudes on self‐compassion components, while controlling for concurrent predictors such as self‐construal and attachment styles. Results supported our hypotheses, suggesting that improvements in empathy and outgroup attitudes may be fostered by positive individual dispositions.
When and how social movements mobilize action within and across nations to promote solidarity with refugees
Authors: Thomas Emma F. , Smith Laura G.E. , McGarty Craig , Reese Gerhard , Kende Anna , Bliuc Ana‐Maria , Curtin Nicola , Spears Russell
Published: March 2018

When and how do social movements form to mobilize action across national boundaries? In the context of the 2015 movement to support Syrian refugees, we develop an integrative model of transnational social movement formation shaped by pre‐existing world‐views (social dominance orientation and right‐wing authoritarianism) and social media exposure to iconic events, resulting in an emergent group consciousness (“we are”, “we believe”, “we feel”). Group consciousness is, in turn, the proximal predictor of solidarity with refugees. Participants were from six countries: Hungary (N = 267), Romania (N = 163), Germany (N = 190), the United Kingdom (N = 159), the United States (N = 244) and Australia (N = 344). Multi‐group structural equation models confirmed that group consciousness, shaped by individual differences and exposure to events through social media, was the proximal predictor of solidarity. The subjective meaning of group consciousness varied across samples, reflecting national differences. Results support the importance of considering individual and national differences, and group processes in understanding emergent social movements.
Method for evaluation of concrete containment structure subjected to earthquake excitation and internal pressure increase
Authors: Huang Xu , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Bentz Evan , Tcherner Julia
Published: March 2018

This study evaluates capabilities of the VecTor4 computer program to assess the seismic performance of a concrete containment structure subjected to both design‐basis and beyond design‐basis earthquakes. Based on a detailed nonlinear finite element model of the nuclear power plant containment structure, the seismic performance in terms of stress and strain distributions, cracks, yielding of reinforcement bars and tendons, as well as overall failure mechanism, is thoroughly reviewed. In addition, the post‐seismic performance of the containment structure subjected to a subsequent pressure increase is also investigated. Consideration is also given to the time‐dependent parameters of creep, shrinkage, and relaxation of prestressing tendons. It is found that the time‐dependent parameters and earthquake have a non‐negligible impact on pressure‐induced structural performance but that this impact can be predicted for a given earthquake. The proposed method is useful for assessing the progressive failure behaviour of containment structure under chain events.
Soil water dynamics under different forest vegetation cover: Implications for hillslope stability
Authors: Hayati Elyas , Abdi Ehsan , Saravi Mohsen Mohseni , Nieber John L. , Majnounian Baris , Chirico Giovanni B. , Wilson Bruce , Nazarirad Moharramali
Published: March 2018

Though it is well known that vegetation affects the water balance of soils through canopy interception and evapotranspiration, its hydrological contribution to soil hydrology and stability is yet to be fully quantified. To improve understanding of this hydrological process, soil water dynamics have been monitored at three adjacent hillslopes with different vegetation covers (deciduous tree cover, coniferous tree cover, and grass cover), for nine months from December 2014 to September 2015. The monitored soil moisture values were translated into soil matric suction (SMS) values to facilitate the analysis of hillslope stability. Our observations showed significant seasonal variations in SMS for each vegetation cover condition. However, a significant difference between different vegetation covers was only evident during the winter season where the mean SMS under coniferous tree cover (83.6 kPa) was significantly greater than that under grass cover (41 kPa). The hydrological reinforcing contribution due to matric suction was highest for the hillslope with coniferous tree cover, while the hillslope with deciduous tree cover was second and the hillslope with grass cover was third. The greatest contributions for all cover types were during the summer season. During the winter season, the wettest period of the monitoring study, the additional hydrological reinforcing contributions provided by the deciduous tree cover (1.5 to 6.5 kPa) or the grass cover (0.9 to 5.4 kPa) were insufficient to avoid potential slope failure conditions. However, the additional hydrological reinforcing contribution from the coniferous tree cover (5.8 to 10.4 kPa) was sufficient to provide potentially stable hillslope conditions during the winter season. Our study clearly suggests that during the winter season the hydrological effects from both deciduous tree and grass covers are insufficient to promote slope stability, while the hydrological reinforcing effects from the coniferous tree cover are sufficient even during the winter season. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of landform variation on vegetation patterning and related sediment dynamics
Authors: Baartman Jantiene E.M. , Temme Arnaud J.A.M. , Saco Patricia M.
Published: March 2018

Semi‐arid ecosystems are often spatially self‐organized in typical patterns of vegetation bands with high plant cover interspersed with bare soil areas, also known as ‘tiger bush’. In modelling studies, most often, straight planar slopes were used to analyse vegetation patterning. The effect of slope steepness has been investigated widely, and some studies investigated the effects of microtopography and hillslope orientation. However, at the larger catchment scale, the overall form of the landscape may affect vegetation patterning and these more complex landscapes are much more prevalent than straight slopes. Hence, our objective was to determine the effect of landform variation on vegetation patterning and sediment dynamics. We linked two well‐established models that simulate (a) plant growth, death and dispersal of vegetation, and (b) erosion and sedimentation dynamics. The model was tested on a straight planar hillslope and then applied to (i) a set of simple synthetic topographies with varying curvature and (ii) three more complex, real‐world landscapes of distinct morphology. Results show banded vegetation patterning on all synthetic topographies, always perpendicular to the slope gradient. Interestingly, we also found that movement of bands – a debated phenomenon – seems to be dependent on curvature. Vegetation banding was simulated on the slopes of the alluvial fan and along the valley slopes of the dissected and rolling landscapes. In all landscapes, local valleys developed a full vegetation cover induced by water concentration, which is consistent with observations worldwide. Finally, banded vegetation patterns were found to reduce erosion significantly as compared to other vegetation configurations. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Improving antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of colla corii asini hydrolysates using ginkgo biloba extracts
Authors: Xu Xiaobing , Guo Shangwei , Hao Xianghui , Ma Hui , Bai Yanping , Huang Yaqin
Published: March 2018

Colla corii asini hydrolysates (ACCH) and ginkgo biloba extracts (EGb) possess more potent antioxidant effects when used in combination than when used alone. The mixture of ACCH and EGb at a dose ratio of 20:4(w:w) showed the highest radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 0.17 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.02 and 1.52 ± 0.07 mg/ml against DPPH, ABTS and HO· free radicals, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibition of breast cancer cells MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 proliferation increased when these cell lines were treated with a combination of ACCH and EGb for 72 hr, with IC50 of 4.32 ± 0.12 mg/ml and 0.39 ± 0.01 mg/ml, respectively. The findings indicated that the mixtures of ACCH and EGb could be used to prevent and treat some diseases caused by the excessive free radicals, especially cancer. Therefore, the mixtures of ACCH and EGb might serve as a natural source of desirable antioxidant and anticancer agents for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Geographical discrimination of palm oils (Elaeis guineensis) using quality characteristics and UV‐visible spectroscopy
Authors: Jolayemi Olusola S. , Ajatta Mary A. , Adegeye Abimbola A.
Published: March 2018

This preliminary study demonstrated the possibility of discriminating geographical origin of palm oils using conventional quality characteristics and UV‐visible spectroscopy. A total of 60 samples, 20 from each region (North (N), South (S), and Central (C)) of Ondo State Nigeria, were analyzed for their quality characteristics and UV‐visible spectra. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were applied to elaborate the data. Models were built on the most informative portion of the spectra (250–550 nm) as: untreated (without pretreatment) and standard normal variate—second‐derivative‐treated (SNV+2der) data matrices. OPLS‐DA classification models were validated by independent prediction sets and cross‐validation. PCA score plots of both chemical and spectral data matrices revealed geographical distinction between the palm oil samples. Significantly high carotene content, free fatty acids, acid value, and peroxide value distinguished Central palm oils. K extinction values, color density, and chlorophyll content were the most important quality parameters separating North oil samples. In the discriminant models, over 95% and 85% percent correct classification were recorded for spectral and chemical data, respectively. These results cannot be considered exhaustive because of the limited sample size used. However, the study suggested a potential analytical technique suitable for geographical origin authentication of palm oils with additional advantages that include the following: speed, low cost, and minimal waste.
Mining online activity data to understand food consumption behavior: A case of Asian fish sauce among Japanese consumers
Authors: Nakano Mitsutoshi , Sato Hiroaki , Watanabe Toshihiro , Takano Katsumi , Sagane Yoshimasa
Published: March 2018

Internet search engines and online recipe repositories have become increasingly popular resources among households for recipes and meal planning. Meanwhile, fish sauce's distinct flavor makes it a popular condiment in Southeast Asian countries. Although fish sauce is used as a condiment for traditional cuisine in Japan, it is not popular for general household use. To understand the consumption behavior regarding fish sauce in Japanese households, we analyzed search trends for the wordsnampla(Thai fish sauce),nuoc mam(Vietnamese fish sauce), andshottsuru(Japanese fish sauce) using Google's search engine and the Japanese online recipe site Cookpad. The results clearly indicatenampla's rising popularity due to the rapid spread of Thai cuisine and an annually increasing traditional consumption of Japanese fish sauce. These results provide insights into the household demand for fish sauce.
Evaluation of MLH1 variants of unclear significance
Authors: Köger Nicole , Paulsen Lea , López‐Kostner Francisco , Della Valle Adriana , Vaccaro Carlos Alberto , Palmero Edenir Inêz , Alvarez Karin , Sarroca Carlos , Neffa Florencia , Kalfayan Pablo German , Gonzalez Maria Laura , Rossi Benedito Mauro , Reis Rui Manuel , Brieger Angela , Zeuzem Stefan , Hinrichsen Inga , Dominguez‐Valentin Mev , Plotz Guido
Published: March 2018

Inactivating mutations in the MLH1 gene cause the cancer predisposition Lynch syndrome, but for small coding genetic variants it is mostly unclear if they are inactivating or not. Nine such MLH1 variants have been identified in South American colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (p.Tyr97Asp, p.His112Gln, p.Pro141Ala, p.Arg265Pro, p.Asn338Ser, p.Ile501del, p.Arg575Lys, p.Lys618del, p.Leu676Pro), and evidence of pathogenicity or neutrality was not available for the majority of these variants. We therefore performed biochemical laboratory testing of the variant proteins and compared the results to protein in silico predictions on structure and conservation. Additionally, we collected all available clinical information of the families to come to a conclusion concerning their pathogenic potential and facilitate clinical diagnosis in the affected families. We provide evidence that four of the alterations are causative for Lynch syndrome, four are likely neutral and one shows compromised activity which can currently not be classified with respect to its pathogenic potential. The work demonstrates that biochemical testing, corroborated by congruent evolutionary and structural information, can serve to reliably classify uncertain variants when other data are insufficient.
Interaction of a genetic risk score with physical activity, physical inactivity, and body mass index in relation to venous thromboembolism risk
Authors: Kim Jihye , Kraft Peter , Hagan Kaitlin A. , Harrington Laura B. , Lindstroem Sara , Kabrhel Christopher
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is highly heritable. Physical activity, physical inactivity and body mass index (BMI) are also risk factors, but evidence of interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors is limited.

Methods

Data on 2,134 VTE cases and 3,890 matched controls were obtained from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II), and Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS). We calculated a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) using 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with VTE risk in published genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Data on three risk factors, physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET] hours per week), physical inactivity (sitting hours per week) and BMI, were obtained from biennial questionnaires. VTE cases were incident since cohort inception; controls were matched to cases on age, cohort, and genotype array. Using conditional logistic regression, we assessed joint effects and interaction effects on both additive and multiplicative scales. We also ran models using continuous wGRS stratified by risk‐factor categories.

Results

We observed a supra‐additive interaction between wGRS and BMI. Having both high wGRS and high BMI was associated with a 3.4‐fold greater risk of VTE (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.69, p = 0.046). However, we did not find evidence for a multiplicative interaction with BMI. No interactions were observed for physical activity or inactivity.

Conclusion

We found a synergetic effect between a genetic risk score and high BMI on the risk of VTE. Intervention efforts lowering BMI to decrease VTE risk may have particularly large beneficial effects among individuals with high genetic risk.
Schwann cells regulate sensory neuron gene expression before and after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Poplawski Gunnar , Ishikawa Tetsuhiro , Brifault Coralie , Lee‐Kubli Corinne , Regestam Robert , Henry Kenneth W. , Shiga Yasuhiro , Kwon HyoJun , Ohtori Seiji , Gonias Steven L. , Campana Wendy M.
Published: March 2018

Sensory neurons in the PNS demonstrate substantial capacity for regeneration following injury. Recent studies have identified changes in the transcriptome of sensory neurons, which are instrumental for axon regeneration. The role of Schwann cells (SCs) in mediating these changes remains undefined. We tested the hypothesis that SCs regulate expression of genes in sensory neurons before and after PNS injury by comparing mice in which LDL Receptor‐related Protein‐1 (LRP1) is deleted in SCs (scLRP1−/− mice) with wild‐type (scLRP1+/+) littermates. LRP1 is an endocytic and cell‐signaling receptor that is necessary for normal SC function and the SC response to nerve injury. scLRP1−/− mice represent a characterized model in which the SC response to nerve injury is abnormal. Adult DRG neurons, isolated from scLRP1−/− mice, with or without a conditioning nerve lesion, demonstrated increased neurite outgrowth when cultured ex vivo, compared with neurons from wild‐type mice. Following sciatic nerve crush injury, nerve regeneration was accelerated in vivo in scLRP1−/− mice. These results were explained by transcriptional activation of RAGs in DRG neurons in scLRP1−/− mice prior to nerve injury. Although the presence of abnormal SCs in scLRP1−/− mice primed DRG neurons for repair, nerve regeneration in scLRP1−/− mice resulted in abnormalities in ultrastructure, principally in Remak bundles, and with the onset of neuropathic pain. These results demonstrate the importance of SCs in controlling RAG expression by neurons and the potential for this process to cause chronic pain when abnormal. The SC may represent an important target for preventing pain following PNS injury.
Functional segregation loss over time is moderated by APOE genotype in healthy elderly
Authors: Ng Kwun Kei , Qiu Yingwei , Lo June Chi‐Yan , Koay Evelyn Siew‐Chuan , Koh Woon‐Puay , Chee Michael Wei‐Liang , Zhou Juan
Published: March 2018

We investigated the influence of the apolipoprotein E‐ɛ4 allele (APOE‐ɛ4) on longitudinal age‐related changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) and cognition, in view of mixed cross‐sectional findings. One hundred and twenty‐two healthy older adults (aged 58–79; 25 APOE‐ɛ4 carriers) underwent task‐free fMRI scans at baseline. Seventy‐eight (16 carriers) had at least one follow‐up (every 2 years). Changes in intra‐ and internetwork FCs among the default mode (DMN), executive control (ECN), and salience (SN) networks, as well as cognition, were quantified using linear mixed models. Cross‐sectionally, APOE‐ɛ4 carriers had lower functional connectivity between the ECN and SN than noncarriers. Carriers also showed a stronger age‐dependent decrease in visuospatial memory performance. Longitudinally, carriers had steeper increase in inter‐ECN‐DMN FC, indicating loss of functional segregation. The longitudinal change in processing speed performance was not moderated by APOE‐ɛ4 genotype, but the brain–cognition association was. In younger elderly, faster loss of segregation was correlated with greater decline in processing speed regardless of genotype. In older elderly, such relation remained for noncarriers but reversed for carriers. APOE‐ɛ4 may alter aging by accelerating the change in segregation between high‐level cognitive systems. Its modulation on the longitudinal brain–cognition relationship was age‐dependent.
Combined human papillomavirus typing and TP53 mutation analysis in distinguishing second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Daher Tamas , Tur Mehmet Kemal , Brobeil Alexander , Etschmann Benjamin , Witte Biruta , Engenhart‐Cabillic Rita , Krombach Gabriele , Blau Wolfgang , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Klussmann Jens Peter , Bräuninger Andreas , Gattenlöhner Stefan
Published: March 2018

Background

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the occurrence of concurrent lung malignancies poses a significant diagnostic challenge because metastatic HNSCC is difficult to discern from second primary lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, this differentiation is crucial because the recommended treatments for metastatic HNSCC and second primary lung SCC differ profoundly.

Methods

We analyzed the origin of lung tumors in 32 patients with HNSCC using human papillomavirus (HPV) typing and targeted next generation sequencing of all coding exons of tumor protein 53 (TP53).

Results

Lung tumors were clearly identified as HNSCC metastases or second primary tumors in 29 patients, thus revealing that 16 patients had received incorrect diagnoses based on clinical and morphological data alone.

Conclusion

The HPV typing and mutation analysis of all TP53 coding exons is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with HNSCC and concurrent lung SCC, which can help to ensure that patients receive the most suitable treatment.
Treatment with anti‐Sclerostin antibody to stimulate mandibular bone formation
Authors: Tamplen Matthew , Fowler Tristan , Markey Jeffery , Knott P. Daniel , Suva Larry J. , Alliston Tamara
Published: March 2018

Background

Anti‐Sclerostin antibody (Scl‐Ab) is a promising new bone anabolic therapy. Although anti‐Scl‐Ab stimulates bone formation and repair in the appendicular and axial skeleton, its efficacy in the craniofacial skeleton is still poorly understood.

Methods

Using an established model of Down syndrome‐dependent bone deficiency, 10 Ts65Dn mice and 10 wild‐type mice were treated weekly via i.v. tail vein injection with vehicle or anti‐Sclerostin for 3 weeks and euthanized 1 week after.

Results

Wild‐type mice treated with the anti‐Scl‐Ab had increased mandibular bone, trabecular thickness, and alveolar height compared with controls. Anti‐Scl‐Ab increased Ts65Dn mandibular bone parameters such that they were statistically indistinguishable from those in vehicle‐treated wild‐type mandibles.

Conclusion

Treatment with anti‐Scl‐Ab significantly increased mandibular bone mass and alveolar height in wild type mice and normalized mandibular bone mass and alveolar height in Ts65Dn mice. The anti‐Scl‐Ab therapy represents a novel method for increasing mandibular bone formation.
Second primary squamous cell carcinoma in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy‐Predictors and prognostic factors
Authors: Wang Xi , Li Yin , Gao Yunfei , Ouyang Dian , Guo Zhuming
Published: March 2018

Background

We investigated risk and prognostic factors for second primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

A total of 49 021 patients with NPC were treated at Sun Yat‐Sen Cancer Center between January 1970 and December 2009. The incidence and management of second primary SCCs were analyzed.

Results

A total of 142 patients (0.29%) developed second primary SCC, with 78.2% in the upper aerodigestive tract. Older age, smoking, and chemotherapy were associated with an increased rate of second primary SCC. The 3, 5, and 10‐year overall survival (OS) rates for second primary SCC were 47.18%, 31.69%, and 11.97%, respectively. Advanced age, family history of cancer, and treatment modality were independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusion

Second primary tumors rarely develop in patients with NPC treated with RT, but when this occurs, second primary SCC comprises a majority of these. Intensity‐modulated RT may shorten the latency to second primary SCC. Surgery as the first‐line treatment may improve survival and prognosis.