bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The tripartite model of aberrant purchasing: A theory to explain the maladaptive pursuit of consumption
Authors: Harnish Richard J. , Roster Catherine A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The goal of this study was to differentiate maladaptive consumer purchasing behaviors through the use of a triangular conceptual framework to understand aberrant purchasing behavior. The tripartite model of aberrant purchasing (T‐MAP) draws upon classic tripartite attitude models as a heuristic to propose how cognitive (i.e., self‐regulation), affective (i.e., pain of paying), and behavioral (i.e., acquisitiveness) components of attitudes may serve to differentiate closely related but distinctive types of consumers exhibiting aberrant purchasing behaviors, including compulsive buyers, compulsive collectors, frugalists, and materialists.

Methods

Data were obtained from 500 respondents (n = 495 complete and eligible) recruited throughProlific Academicwho participated in an Internet survey created and hosted on the Qualtrics survey platform. Measures for assessing the three triangular aspects of the T‐MAP, self‐regulation, pain of paying, and acquisitiveness, along with the four aberrant purchasing behaviors, compulsive buying, compulsive collecting, frugality, and materialism, were measured. Hypotheses were posited for each of the aberrant purchasing behaviors based on distinctive combinations of the three attitudinal components.

Results

All four study hypotheses were supported by discriminant function analysis. Compulsive buyers exhibited lower levels of pain of paying and lower levels of self‐regulation than noncompulsive buyers. Compulsive collectors scored higher on both pain of paying and acquisitiveness than noncollectors. Frugalists exhibited high levels of self‐regulation coupled with low acquisitiveness. Materialists scored low on both self‐regulation and pain of paying but scored high on acquisitiveness.

Conclusions

Collectively, the T‐MAP model differentiates various aberrant consumer purchasing behaviors that have been identified, but yet to be fully distinguished in the consumer literature.
When pride meets envy: Is social superiority portrayal in luxury advertising perceived as prestige or arrogance?
Authors: Sung Billy , Phau Ian
Published: September 2018

This paper draws on the theoretical underpinnings of envy and pride in examining the effectiveness of social superiority portrayal in luxury advertising. Across two studies, benign (malicious) envy led consumers to perceive social superiority portrayal as an expression of authentic (hubristic) pride and, in turn, increased (reduced) luxury perception and positive brand attitude. These findings were replicated for both dispositional (Study 1 and 2) and state feeling of envy (Study 2), regardless of whether envy was self‐reported or manipulated. These findings were found to be consistent in a comparison between luxury and premium brands. Taken together, this paper is the first to examine: (a) consumer responses toward social superiority portrayal in luxury advertising, (b) the interactive effect of envy and pride perceptions on luxury perception and brand attitude, and (c) the effectiveness of using social superiority portrayal as an advertising strategy for luxury and premium brands.
Chronic Liquid Fructose, but not Glucose, Supplementation Selectively Induces Visceral Adipose Tissue Leptin Resistance and Hypertrophy in Female Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Sangüesa Gemma , Roglans Núria , Montañés José Carlos , Baena Miguel , Velázquez Ana Magdalena , Sánchez Rosa María , Alegret Marta , Laguna Juan Carlos
Published: September 2018

Scope

The effect of chronic supplementation with simple‐sugar solutions on leptin signaling in liver, hypothalamus, and visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) is studied, which is designed to mimic the temporal pattern of consumption by humans.

Methods and Results

Solutions of fructose or glucose are isocalorically supplemented (7 months) in female Sprague‐Dawley rats consuming ad libitum rodent chow. After sacrifice, plasma and tissue samples (liver, hypothalamus, and vWAT) are collected. Zoometric parameters, plasma analytes, and the tissue expression and activity of markers of leptin signaling are determined by biochemical and molecular biological methods. The two sugars cause different types of adiposopathy. Both sugars induce increases in plasma nonesterified fatty acids, and leptin resistance in the liver and the hypothalamus. Only fructose‐supplemented rats show hyperleptinemia, and increased body weight due to a hypertrophy of vWAT, with no signs of leptin‐mediated lipolysis. Glucose‐supplemented rats show no significant changes in these parameters but present elevated plasma adiponectin concentrations, lipolysis, and inflammatory markers in vWAT, indicating a shift to a nonexpandable adipose tissue phenotype.

Conclusion

Chronic consumption of fructose places a greater burden on metabolic homeostasis than equivalent consumption of glucose, inducing hyperleptinemia, generalized leptin resistance, and increased body weight due to expanded, hypertrophic vWAT.
Dry skin and the use of leave‐on products in nursing care: A prevalence study in nursing homes and hospitals
Authors: Lechner Anna , Lahmann Nils , Lichterfeld‐Kottner Andrea , Müller‐Werdan Ursula , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan
Published: September 2018

Aims

To describe the prevalence of dry skin in nursing homes and hospitals and to describe relationships between topical skincare interventions and dry skin.

Design

Two multicentre descriptive cross‐sectional prevalence studies.

Methods

The studies were performed in German nursing homes and hospitals in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected by trained nurses based on a standardized data collection form. The severity of dry skin was measured using the Overall Dry Skin Score.

Results

In total, 1,662 nursing home residents and 1,486 hospital patients participated. The prevalence of dry skin was 41.2% in nursing homes and 55.2% in hospitals. In case of skincare dependency, the proportions of participants with dry skin were higher, particularly in hospitals (70.2%). In both institutions, the application of leave‐on products increased when dry skin was present but remained lower in hospitals. Considering the high amount of skin dryness in skincare‐dependent participants, interventions seem not to be successful. Results indicate a need for skincare improvement in future.
Microparticle miRNAs as Biomarkers of Vascular Function and Inflammation Response to Aerobic Exercise in Obesity?
Authors: Dimassi Saloua , Karkeni Esma , Laurant Pascal , Tabka Zouhair , Landrier Jean‐François , Riva Catherine
Published: September 2018

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of nine microRNAs (miRNAs) in microparticles (MPs) on the efficacy of aerobic exercise in the regulation of inflammation and vascular function in obesity.

Methods

Sedentary women with normal weight (n = 6, BMI < 25 kg/m2) and women with obesity (n = 9, BMI > 30 kg/m2) were recruited at F. Hached Hospital (Sousse, Tunisia) and enrolled in an 8‐week aerobic program. Vascular function was assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry/iontophoresis, circulating MPs by flow cytometry, miRNAs by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and inflammation by ELISA, before and after exercise.

Results

Women with obesity presented with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and a higher circulating MP level compared with healthy subjects. The MP miRNA profile was significantly different in the two groups. Exercise reduced BMI and inflammation in both groups and significantly improved endothelial‐dependent response (acetylcholine cutaneous vascular conductance) for healthy subjects, with a trend for women with obesity. Circulating MP level was increased after exercise, and miRNA expression was differentially modulated in both populations. Pearson analysis revealed a correlation between MPs miR‐124a and miR150 and adiponectin, TNFα, or IL‐6 levels.

Conclusions

The relation between MPs and miRNA profile, inflammation, vascular function, and exercise is of particular interest for defining “miRNA biomarker signature” in patients with cardiovascular disease who are potentially susceptible to respond to exercise.
Neural correlates of future‐oriented coping: Preliminary evidence from a resting‐state functional connectivity study
Authors: Zhang Rui‐ting , Yang Tian‐xiao , Wang Yi , Sui Yu‐xiu , Yao Jing‐jing , Yang Zhuo‐ya , Lui Simon S. Y. , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: September 2018

Future‐oriented coping is a strategy for coping with events that may happen in the future, including efforts to ensure positive outcome and protection from potential threats. Appropriate future‐oriented coping is essential for well‐being and influences mental health and life satisfaction. However, little is known about the neural mechanism of future‐oriented coping. We examined the neural basis of this coping strategy using resting‐state functional connectivity analysis. Thirty healthy volunteers underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and completed the Future‐Oriented Coping Inventory. Seed‐based functional connectivity analysis was used to investigate potentially correlated regions, with 11 nodes in the default mode network defined as regions of interest. Multiple regression analysis was performed to measure the correlation between coping behavior and functional connectivity. We found that proactive coping was significantly correlated with the functional connectivity strength between the parahippocampal cortex (PHC) and the claustrum/insula. These novel findings suggest that cooperation between the PHC and the claustrum/insula plays an important role in proactive coping. Moreover, cognitive components, such as future thinking (the PHC) and sensory judgment (the claustrum/insula) could be important process factors in proactive coping.
Assessing the Detonation Performance of New Tetrazole Base High Energy Density materials
Authors: Jafari Mohammad , Ghani Kamal , Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Derikvandy Fatemeh
Published: September 2018

Tetrazole derivatives containing energetic groups can be considered as high energy density materials due to their high positive standard enthalpies of formation and high densities. The effects of two energetic groups −NO2 and −N3 as well as stabilizing group −NH2 and methyl group are investigated for assessment of detonation performance of 50 tetrazole derivatives where 12 derivatives have been synthesized. The velocities of detonation and detonation pressures are estimated on the basis of two new predictive methods, which require the condensed phase standard enthalpy of formation (ΔfH°c) and crystal density (ρ). Quantum mechanical and quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) methods are used for calculation of ΔfH°c. In order to calculate the ρ values, the electrostatic potentials mapped onto the 0.001 a.u. isosurface of electron densities of isolated molecules is used. Detonation performances of tetrazole derivatives are compared to three common high explosives, i. e. TNT, RDX, and HMX. Among many tetrazole derivatives, four new tetrazole derivatives are introduced as new potential high energy density materials.
Intergenerational and interethnic mental health: An analysis for the United Kingdom
Authors: Dorsett Richard , Rienzo Cinzia , Weale Martin
Published: September 2018

This paper uses a nationally representative data set to examine the extent to which family migration history helps explains interethnic variations in mental health in the United Kingdom. We confirm that there is significant variation in mental health across ethnic group and generation of migration. Furthermore, we show how these dimensions interact. The analysis explores the extent to which neighbourhood, personal characteristics, and migration experience are related to mental health. We find evidence that all are important. Our results are consistent with a dynamic view of migration and settlement whereby individuals' circumstances and how they might contribute to mental health change over time and across generations.
“Where are we going to go now?” European Union migrants' experiences of hostility, anxiety, and (non‐)belonging during Brexit
Authors: Guma Taulant , Dafydd Jones Rhys
Published: September 2018

This paper examines the impact of the 2016 European Union (EU) referendum and its aftermath from the perspective of European migrants living in Wales. Drawing on interviews conducted with EU nationals in 2016 and 2017, the article highlights various examples of hostility and violence encountered by these migrants during and after the referendum campaign, demonstrating the longstanding nature of hostile experiences. It further outlines the uncertainty and insecurity experienced during this period, noting how Brexit affected not only EU migrants' rights and entitlements but also their settlement and sense of identity and belonging. The analysis sheds light on various negative emotions and reactions triggered by the referendum, illustrating the diversity of migrants' experiences. Highlighting the multiple and complex ways in which the referendum affected the migrants, the article argues that Brexit should be understood as an ongoing process of “othering” and unsettling.
Between disruptions and connections: “New” European Union migrants in the United Kingdom before and after the Brexit
Authors: Lulle Aija , King Russell , Dvorakova Veronika , Szkudlarek Aleksandra
Published: September 2018

This paper examines the pre‐ and post‐Brexit experiences and perspectives of migrants from three “new” European Union (EU) countries—Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia—who are living and working or studying in the London area. Deploying the key concepts of power‐geometry and relational space, the analysis explores the way that Brexit impacted the migrants' connections to the U.K. “bounded space” and their ongoing mobility behaviour and plans. Empirical evidence comes from 35 in‐depth interviews with migrants, most of whom were interviewed both before and after the referendum of June 23, 2016. We find that migrants are unequally positioned socio‐spatially to deal with the new power‐geometries resulting from Brexit, and we detect diverging trajectories between the more highly skilled and high‐achieving EU citizens and the more disadvantaged low‐skilled labour migrants. First, we probe the uncertainties brought about by juridical status, related to the length of stay in Britain. Second, we explore personal and professional connections and disruptions. Third, we question how the power‐geometries of time, juridical status, and personal/professional connections/disruptions shape future mobility plans.
(Un)settling home during the Brexit process
Authors: Miller Rebekah Grace
Published: September 2018

Building upon extensive literature on the concept of home, this article uses narrative interviews to argue that home can be (un)settled. The process of (un)settling home can occur in relation to various circumstances such as widowhood, ill health, or geopolitical changes. This article presents (un)settling home as a process constituted by three intertwined dimensions; practical and material, emotional, and temporal. This article explores how the Brexit process is (un)settling home for older British migrants, a population of lifestyle migrants, living in Spain. This geopolitical event has an ongoing destabilising and unsettling effect upon individual's sense of home and belonging. Brexit is a process experienced simultaneously by older British migrants living across the European Union. Consequently, this article provides useful insights into how these relatively privileged migrants negotiate an unprecedented shift in their status, their uncertain future as lifestyle migrants, and their understandings of home in this shifting geopolitical context.
Characteristics of He Ion Implanted Layers on Single‐Crystal Diamond
Authors: Valentin Audrey , De Feudis Mary , Brinza Ovidiu , Tardieu André , William Ludovic , Tallaire Alexandre , Achard Jocelyn
Published: September 2018

Ohmic contact formation on lightly doped or intrinsic diamond is highly desirable particularly for detection application. Nevertheless, good quality of such contacts is difficult to obtain and the production of a thin graphitic layer underneath diamond surface can be an interesting approach. In this paper, intrinsic freestanding single‐crystal CVD samples are implanted with 10 keV He ions at different fluences. Simulations are performed to show that the used fluences are high enough to ensure the creation of an amorphous layer. The implanted layers are characterized before and after annealing by a combination of photoluminescence imaging, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), resistivity measurements, and Raman spectroscopy. After annealing, the layer resistivity and the layer density decrease. The values measured after annealing are close to the values measured on graphite. Raman spectroscopy results show that the implantation leads to the creation of a highly disordered graphite layer which quality improves after annealing to reach that of nanocrystalline graphite. It also shows that the use of light ions at relatively low energy makes possible the formation of this graphitic layer at the surface of the sample. These promising results pave the way for ohmic contact fabrication on lightly doped diamond.
Large Linear Magnetoresistance from Neutral Defects in Bi2Se3 Single Crystal
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Lakhani Archana
Published: September 2018

The presence of large linear magnetoresistance in a Bi2Se3 single crystal is reported. The magnetoresistance has quadratic form at low fields which crosses over to linear dependence above 4 T. The temperature dependence of magnetoresistance scales with carrier mobility and inverse of carrier concentration while the crossover field scales with inverse of mobility. The magnetoresistance scaling shows that fluctuations in carrier mobility and carrier concentration cause the linear magnetoresistance. This analysis suggests that scattering of charge carriers from neutral crystalline defects is the main source of mobility fluctuation. Further, the carrier concentration exhibits a strong temperature dependence which is attributed to the thermal activation of charge carriers from defect states having activation energy ≈13 meV.
Low Temperature Fabrication of Transparent Conductive Electrode With High Ultraviolet Transmittance Down to Wavelength of 250 nm
Authors: Safaei Javad , Rosli Nurul Nazli , Mohamad Noh Mohamad Firdaus , Mohamed Nurul Aida , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri
Published: September 2018

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a broadly deployed transparent conductive electrode (TCE) with various applications in solar energy harvesting and optoelectronics. However, the low transmittance of ITO in the ultraviolet range has motivated researchers to opt for alternative materials as TCE. In this paper, the fabrication of a hybrid TCE made up of silver nanowire (AgNW) and peroxo‐constructed amorphous strontium stannate (pcaSS) is reported, employing facile spin coating solution‐processed method at 150 °C. The fabricated TCE demonstrated low sheet resistance of 32.8 Ω sq−1 and high transmittance of 88.2% at 550 nm. Furthermore, benefitting from the ultra‐high band gap of as‐synthesized pcaSS (4.5 eV), this TCE maintained its high transmittance (above 80%) inside ultraviolet range down to wavelength of 250 nm. This research contributes to the fabrication of more efficient solar energy and ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
Influence of Electrolyte on the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Using Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Tomisaki Mai , Natsui Keisuke , Ikemiya Norihito , Nakata Kazuya , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to useful compounds have been actively investigated. The faradaic efficiency and selectivity for products of CO2 reduction depend on some factors, such as electrode materials and electrolytes. Recently, boron‐doped diamond (BDD) was found to be a promising electrode material for production of formic acid by CO2 reduction, but the influence of electrolytes has not been sufficiently elucidated. Here, we studied the impact of various cations and anions on CO2 reduction using BDD electrodes. The faradaic efficiency for producing formic acid became higher by using larger alkali metal cations, because these hydrated cations would keep the pH near the cathode suitable for CO2 reduction by their buffer effect. Moreover, formic acid was efficiently obtained by using specifically‐adsorbed anions such as halides and sulfate. Finally, we achieved the maximum faradaic efficiency for producing formic acid as high as 95% in RbBr aqueous solution.
Selective and Sensitive Colorimetric Recognition of Ba2+ Ion Using Guanine‐Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Patel Krishna , Bhamore Jigna R. , Park Tae Jung , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: September 2018

Herein, a novel silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) based colorimetric method was explored for selective recognition of Ba2+ ion in water samples using guanine‐Ag NPs as a sensor. The colorimetric recognition strategy was based on the significant change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of guanine‐Ag NPs with Ba2+ ion. The electron‐rich groups (‐NH2, ‐CO‐NH and ‐NH‐) on the surfaces of guanine‐Ag NPs allow to act as an excellent probe for selective colorimetric recognition of Ba2+ ion. The absorption ratio at A504/A420 was shown linear response with Ba2+ ion concentration (0.005‐0.5 μM), with limit of detection of 0.003 μM (3.0 nM). The color change of guanine‐Ag NPs in water samples is ascertained facile, rapid, selective and sensitive recognition of Ba2+ ion at trace levels (nanomolar) without use of sophisticated analytical technique. The developed probe simplifies the sample preparations and provides a rapid analytical tool for sensing of Ba2+ ion environmental samples at minimal volume of samples.
A Novel Approach for Water‐Insoluble Ammonium Polyphosphate Crystal Form II and V
Authors: Pan Detao , Wu Yanyang , Wu Bin , Kui Chen , Ji Lijun , Zhu Jiawen
Published: September 2018

Water‐insoluble ammonium polyphosphates (n‐APPs) are very important intumescent flame retardants for polymer materials. In this study, a novel preparation for n‐APPs has been proposed by using diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) and dicyandiamide (DICY). In comparison to the reported processes, the synthesis in this paper has the following advantages such as more economic and energy‐saving, mild reaction conditions with less gas release. The preparation can be divided into two steps, the reaction and the crystallization. The reaction pathway has been studied by FTIR techniques. Relatively pure crystal form II and crystal form V were obtained under their specific conditions. Finally, TG analysis has shown that the products have high thermal stability; the linear structure of the n‐APPs products has been confirmed by the liquid NMR techniques; the element and solubility analysis have been conducted and they conform to the requirements of the HG/T 2770–2008 industrial standard.
Theoretical study on the formation mechanisms, dynamics and the effective catalysis of the nitrophenols
Authors: Ma Yuan , Jia Zi‐man , Bai Feng‐yang , Pan Xiu‐mei , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2018

The hydrogen abstraction reactions of mono‐substituted phenols and nitrogen dioxide may be the sources of HONO and phenoxy radical. Further addition reaction of NO2 and phenoxy radical can form 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP) and 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). The specific formation mechanisms and dynamics of NPs have drawn significant attention in recent days. The promoted reaction mechanisms by water, phenol and intermediate have also been studied. Compared with the naked reaction, the catalytic pathways can reduce the energy barrier from 48.40 kcal/mol to 18.23, 23.03 and 18.87 kcal/mol to form 2‐NP, respectively. Water molecules are the most effective catalysts, and the energy barrier could be further reduced to 8.20 kcal/mol when three water molecules are participating in the reaction. Water molecules can not only promote the formation of 4‐NP, but also simplify the reaction steps. In general, the water molecules serve as catalysts in the formation of NPs. The rate constants of 2‐NP and its hydrates have been predicted. The results are listed as follows: k2‐NP =3.82×10−13; k2‐NP‐1W =2.43×10−7; k2‐NP‐2W =3.39×10−4 cm3molecule−1s−1. The rate constants of mono‐substituted phenols (methylamino phenol, aminophenol and hydroquinone) and NO2 are also predicted by the traditional transitional state theory and variational transition state theory using the B3LYP/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//6‐311++G(d). For the most dominant path, the rate constants for o/m/p‐methylaminophenol are 1.91×10−14, 4.28×10−20 and 8.78×10−15 cm3molecule−1s−1, respectively.
A secret key establishment in frequency division duplex communication systems under active attacker
Authors: Allam Ali M.
Published: September 2018

Most of the current research on generating a secret key from wireless fading channels relies on the channel reciprocity feature of the time division duplex link between legitimate entities so that they can acquire related information from the joint wireless connection. This paper investigates the challenge of generating a shared secret key in frequency division duplex communication systems, in which there is no reciprocity between the two nodes, in the presence of an active opponent. We suggest a key generation algorithm that depends on the product of two fading coefficients. We additionally look at the effects of an interfering adversary on the suggested key establishment scheme and solve the problem of evaluating the key rate for a scheme depending on virtual channel gain. We illustrate an adversary model using an optimal attacking strategy to minimize the rate of generating a shared secret key for our suggested algorithm. Additionally, we identify the suitable channel conditions for the non‐zero rate in the existence of an interfering adversary using simulation results.
Effects of dihydromyricetin on ARPE‐19 cell migration through regulating matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression
Authors: Wang Kai , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chang Yuan‐Yen , Yu Nuo‐Yi , Lin Hui‐Wen , Lin Hung‐Yu
Published: September 2018

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavanonol compound in Ampelopsis grossedentata, possesses several biological activities. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of DHM on human proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains unclear. We explored the effects of DHM on cell migration and the metastasis‐promoting proteins in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells (ARPE‐19 cells). Our results revealed that DHM attenuated ARPE‐19 cell invasion and migration by reducing matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) expression. Furthermore, a Western blot analysis revealed that DHM significantly reduced levels of phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2, but not those of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38. In conclusion, our findings shown that DHM inhibits human RPE cell migration through the inhibition of MMP‐2 expression; therefore, DHM may have potential therapeutic value in treating PVR as adjuvant therapy.
Enniatin B1 exerts embryotoxic effects on mouse blastocysts and induces oxidative stress and immunotoxicity during embryo development
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsun , Wang Fu‐Ting , Chan Wen‐Hsiung
Published: September 2018

Enniatins are mycotoxins of Fusarium fungi that naturally exist as mixtures of cyclic depsipeptides. Previous reports have documented hazardous effects of enniatins on cells, such as apoptosis. However, their effects on pre‐ and post‐implantation embryonic development require further clarification. Here, we showed for the first time that enniatin B1 (ENN B1) exerts cytotoxic effects on mouse blastocyst‐stage embryos and induces intracellular oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in mouse fetuses. Co‐incubation of blastocysts with ENN B1 triggered significant apoptosis and led to a decrease in total cell number predominantly through loss of inner cell mass. In addition, ENN B1 appeared to exert hazardous effects on pre and postimplantation embryo development potential in an in vitro development assay. Treatment of blastocysts with 1‐10 μM ENN B1 led to increased resorption of post‐implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight in the embryo transfer assay in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, in an in vivo model, intravenous injection with ENN B1 (1, 3, and 5 mg/kg body weight/d) for 4 days resulted in apoptosis of blastocyst‐stage embryos and impairment of embryonic development from the zygote to blastocyst stage, subsequent degradation of embryos, and further decrease in fetal weight. Intravenous injection with 5 mg/kg body weight/d ENN B1 additionally induced a significant increase in total reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and transcription levels of genes encoding antioxidant proteins in mouse fetal liver. Moreover, ENN B1 triggered apoptosis through ROS generation and strategies to prevent apoptotic processes effectively rescued ENN B1‐mediated hazardous effects on embryonic development. Transcription levels of CXCL1, IL‐1β, and IL‐8 related to innate immunity were downregulated after intravenous injection of ENN B1. These results collectively highlight the potential of ENN B1 to exert cytotoxic effects on embryos as well as oxidative stress and immunotoxicity during mouse embryo development.
Antimetastatic effects of Terminalia catappa leaf extracts on cervical cancer through the inhibition of matrix metalloprotein‐9 and MAPK pathway
Authors: Lee Chung‐Yuan , Yang Shun‐Fa , Wang Po‐Hui , Su Chun‐Wen , Hsu Hua‐Fen , Tsai Hsiu‐Ting , Hsiao Yi‐Hsuan
Published: September 2018

The effects of Terminalia catappa leaf extracts (TCE) have been widely investigated, including its antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic activity, as well as its antimetastatic effects on several types of human cancer. However, no study has examined the antimetastatic potential of TCE in cervical cancer cells. This study aimed to elucidate the potential antimetastatic properties of ethanol extracts of Terminalia catappa in 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate treated human cervical cancer cells and investigate the signaling pathway of this process. We demonstrated that TCE elicited very low cytotoxicity and significantly inhibited cellular migration and invasion in human HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells. Moreover, the gelatin zymography, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and real‐time PCR analysis revealed that the activity and mRNA level of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) were inhibited by TCE in a concentration‐dependent manner. The Western blot results demonstrated that the highest concentration of TCE (100 μg/ml) reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) by 46% in the HeLa cell lines. In conclusion, it was revealed that TCE exerted antimetastatic effects on cervical cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of MMP‐9 through the ERK1/2 pathway.
Long‐term exposure to extremely low‐dose of nicotine and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) induce non‐malignant breast epithelial cell transformation through activation of the a9‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor‐mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Fararjeh Abdul‐Fattah Salah , Tu Shih‐Hsin , Chen Li‐Ching , Cheng Tzu‐Chun , Liu Yun‐Ru , Chang Hang‐Lung , Chang Hui‐Wen , Huang Chi‐Cheng , Wang Hwa‐Chain Robert , Hwang‐Verslues Wendy W. , Wu Chih‐Hsiung , Ho Yuan‐Soon
Published: September 2018

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide and has been associated with active tobacco smoking. Low levels of nicotine (Nic) and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK), have been detected in cases of second‐hand smoke (SHS). However, the correlation between SHS and BC risk remains controversial. In this study, we investigated whether the physiological SHS achievable dose of Nic and tobacco specific nitrosamine, NNK act together to induce breast carcinogenesis using an in vitro breast cell carcinogenesis model. Immortalized non‐tumorigenic breast epithelial cell line, HBL‐100 used for a time‐course assay, was exposed to very low levels of either Nic or NNK, or both. The time‐course assay consisted of 23 cycles of nitrosamines treatment. In each cycle, HBL‐100 cells were exposed to 1pM of Nic and/or 100 femtM of NNK for 48 hours. Cells were passaged every 3 days and harvested after 10, 15, and 23 cycles. Our results demonstrated that the tumorigenicity of HBL‐100, defined by soft agar colony forming, proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, was enhanced by co‐exposure to physiologically SHS achievable doses of Nic and NNK. In addition, α9‐nAChR signaling activation, which plays an important role in cellular proliferation and cell survival, was also observed. Importantly, an increase in stemness properties including the prevalence of CD44+/CD24− cells, increase Nanog expression and mammosphere‐forming ability were also observed. Our results indicate that chronic and long term exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, may induce breast cell carcinogenesis even at extremely low doses.
Near‐wake flow simulation of a vertical axis turbine using an actuator line model
Authors: Mendoza Victor , Bachant Peter , Ferreira Carlos , Goude Anders
Published: September 2018

In the present work, the near‐wake generated for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) was simulated using an actuator line model (ALM) in order to validate and evaluate its accuracy. The sensitivity of the model to the variation of the spatial and temporal discretization was studied and showed a bigger response to the variation in the mesh size as compared with the temporal discretization. The large eddy simulation (LES) approach was used to predict the turbulence effects. The performance of Smagorinsky, dynamic k‐equation, and dynamic Lagrangian turbulence models was tested, showing very little relevant differences between them. Generally, predicted results agree well with experimental data for velocity and vorticity fields in representative sections. The presented ALM was able to characterize the main phenomena involved in the flow pattern using a relatively low computational cost without stability concerns, identified the general wake structure (qualitatively and quantitatively), and the contribution from the blade tips and motion on it. Additionally, the effects of the tower and struts were investigated with respect to the overall structure of the wake, showing no significant modification. Similarities and discrepancies between numerical and experimental results are discussed. The obtained results from the various simulations carried out here can be used as a practical reference guideline for choosing parameters in VAWTs simulations using the ALM.
O-folds. Orientifolds and orbifolds in exceptional field theory
Authors: Blair Chris D. A. , Malek Emanuel , Thompson Daniel C.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We describe conventional orientifold and orbifold quotients of string and M-theory in a unified approach based on exceptional field theory (ExFT). Using an extended spacetime, ExFT combines all the maximal ten and eleven dimensional supergravities into a single theory manifesting a global symmetry corresponding to the exceptional series of Lie groups. Here we will see how this extends to half-maximal theories by showing how a single ℤ2generalised orbifold(or O-fold), of ExFT gives rise to M-theory on an interval, type II with orientifold planes and the heterotic theories in an elegant fashion. We study in more detail such orbifold and orientifold actions preserving half-maximal supersymmetry, and show how the half-maximal structure of ExFT permits the inclusion of localised non-Abelian vector multiplets located at the orbifold fixed points. This allows us to reproduce for the ℤ2example the expected modifications to the gauge transformations, Bianchi identities and actions of the theories obtained from the single ExFT starting point. We comment on the prospects of studying anomaly cancellation and more complicated, non-perturbative O-folds in the ExFT framework.
Effect of Substrate Chemistry on Prenucleation
Authors: Fang C. M. , Men H. , Fan Z.
Published: September 2018

Understanding atomic ordering in a metallic liquid adjacent to a solid substrate is of both scientific and technological importance. In this study, we used ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate systematically the effect of substrate chemistry on atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to artificially created substrates that have the same crystal structure as the solid phase upon solidification but different chemical characteristics. We found that for a given liquid, an attractive chemical interaction (negative heat of mixing) between the liquid and the substrate strengthens atomic ordering in the liquid at the interface, while a repulsive interaction (positive heat of mixing) weakens atomic ordering. It is realized that although both structure and chemistry of the substrate affect atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to the liquid/substrate interface, the structural effect dominates the atomic ordering process, while the chemical effect is but a secondary factor and affects atomic ordering through either strengthening or weakening the structural templating. Such knowledge of atomic ordering may help us to understand both prenucleation and heterogeneous nucleation, and to develop more effective approaches to grain refinement during solidification through effective manipulation of the interplay between structural and chemical effects of the substrate on atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to the interface.
Neuropsychological comparison of incident MCI and prevalent MCI
Authors: Hansen Allison , Caselli Richard J. , Schlosser‐Covell Gretchen , Golafshar Michael A. , Dueck Amylou C. , Woodruff Bryan K. , Stonnington Cynthia M. , Geda Yonas E. , Locke Dona E.C.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Little empirical work has been done to examine differences between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed in research settings with longitudinal data (incident MCI) and MCI diagnosed in clinical settings (prevalent MCI). Because Alzheimer's disease progresses over a clinicopathological continuum, we examined the cognitive differences between these two different sources of MCI patients.

Methods

We compared 52 consecutively identified patients with prevalent amnestic MCI with 53 incident amnestic MCI participants from the Arizona APOE study. Neuropsychological data from common tests were compared encompassing four cognitive domains and one global indicator.

Results

Prevalent MCI cases performed significantly worse than incident MCI cases on global as well as domain‐specific measures.

Discussion

By the time patients seek evaluation for memory loss, they have more severe single domain, amnestic MCI than research subjects with incident MCI. Studies of MCI should distinguish incident and prevalent not just single‐ and multiple‐domain MCI.
Early posttraumatic changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis systems in isolated severe traumatic brain injury patients and its influence on immediate outcome
Authors: Albert Venencia , Arulselvi Subramanian , Agrawal Deepak , Pati Hara Prasad , Pandey Ravindra Mohan
Published: September 2018

Objective/background:

Early coagulopathy in isolated severe traumatic brain injury occurs despite the lack of severe bleeding, shock, and fluid administration. We aimed to correlate coagulation activation/inhibition, thrombin generation and fibrinolysis with the development of acute trauma induced coagulopathy (TIC) and its effects on early mortality in isolated severe traumatic brain injury (iSTBI) patients.

Methods:

A prospective screening of iSTBI patients was done for two years. History of anticoagulants, liver disease, hypotension, extracranial injuries, transfusion, brain death were excluded. TIC was defined as international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 1.27 and/or prothrombin time (PT) ≥ 16.7 seconds and/or activated partial thromboplastin Time (aPTT) ≥ 28.8 seconds on admission following iSTBI. Analysis of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), thrombin/antithrombin complex (TAT), soluble fibrin monomer (sFM), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was done. Cases were categorized as presence or absence of TIC and 20 healthy controls participants were included.

Results:

A total of 120 cases met the inclusion criteria, aged 35.7 ± 12.12 years, 96% males. TIC was identified in 50 (41.6%). TIC occurred independently of age, sex, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) but was associated with acidosis (60%; p = .01). Following iSTBI significant decline was seen in coagulation activation. Thrombin generation and fibrinolysis were markedly increased. TF, TFPI, PC and PS were low in TIC compared with control. Significant depletion of PS was seen in TIC versus No-TIC. TBI patients with depleted PS had an odds ratio (OR) of 7.10 (1.61–31.2) for TIC. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis depicted area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.84) with a cut-off of ≥74 of PS (specificity 63.9%, sensitivity 72.7%). In-hospital mortality was higher in TIC group (44%) compared with no-TIC (20%) with OR of 4.73 (95% CI 1.68–13.3) and hazard ratio [HR] of 2.8 (95 % CI 1.2–6.4).

Conclusion:

Incidence of TIC in iSTBI is 41.6%, with 4.7 times odds for mortality. Traumatic brain injury causes enhanced coagulation activation, inadequate inhibition, exacerbation of thrombin generation, and subsequent increased fibrinolysis. ROC curve analysis revealed a cut-off of PS ≤ 74 with specificity 63.8%, sensitivity 72.7% for development of TIC.
Is Technology for Orthostatic Hypotension Ready for Primetime?
Authors: Sarafis Zoe K. , Monga Aaron K. , Phillips Aaron A. , Krassioukov Andrei V.
Published: September 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in the devastating loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function. After SCI, the interruption of descending sympathoexcitatory pathways disrupts supraspinal control of blood pressure (BP). A common clinical consequence of cardiovascular dysfunction after SCI is orthostatic hypotension (OH), a debilitating condition characterized by rapid profound decreases in BP when assuming an upright posture. OH can result in a diverse array of insidious and pernicious health consequences. Acute effects of OH include decreased cardiac filling, cerebral hypoperfusion, and associated presyncopal symptoms such as lightheadedness and dizziness. Over the long term, repetitive exposure to OH is associated with a drastically increased prevalence of heart attack and stroke, which are leading causes of death in those with SCI. Current recommendations for managing BP after SCI primarily include pharmacologic interventions with prolonged time to effect. Because most episodes of OH occur in less than 3 minutes, this delay in action often renders most pharmacologic interventions ineffective. New innovative technologies such as epidural and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation are being explored to solve this problem. It might be possible to electrically stimulate sympathetic circuitry caudal to the injury and elicit rapid modulation of BP to manage OH. This review describes autonomic control of the cardiovascular system before injury, resulting cardiovascular consequences after SCI such as OH, and the clinical assessment tools for evaluating autonomic dysfunction after SCI. In addition, current approaches for clinically managing OH are outlined, and new promising interventions are described for managing this condition.
Brain Computer Interfaces in Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors: Bockbrader Marcia A. , Francisco Gerard , Lee Ray , Olson Jared , Solinsky Ryan , Boninger Michael L.
Published: September 2018

One innovation currently influencing physical medicine and rehabilitation is brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. BCI systems used for motor control record neural activity associated with thoughts, perceptions, and motor intent; decode brain signals into commands for output devices; and perform the user's intended action through an output device. BCI systems used for sensory augmentation transduce environmental stimuli into neural signals interpretable by the central nervous system. Both types of systems have potential for reducing disability by facilitating a user's interaction with the environment. Investigational BCI systems are being used in the rehabilitation setting both as neuroprostheses to replace lost function and as potential plasticity‐enhancing therapy tools aimed at accelerating neurorecovery. Populations benefitting from motor and somatosensory BCI systems include those with spinal cord injury, motor neuron disease, limb amputation, and stroke. This article discusses the basic components of BCI for rehabilitation, including recording systems and locations, signal processing and translation algorithms, and external devices controlled through BCI commands. An overview of applications in motor and sensory restoration is provided, along with ethical questions and user perspectives regarding BCI technology.
Motorized Biomechatronic Upper and Lower Limb Prostheses—Clinically Relevant Outcomes
Authors: Lechler Knut , Frossard Bertrand , Whelan Lynsay , Langlois David , Müller Roy , Kristjansson Kristleifur
Published: September 2018

People with major limb amputations are severely impaired when it comes to activity, body structure and function, as well as participation. Demographic statistics predict a dramatic increase of this population and additional challenges with their increasing age and higher levels of amputation. Prosthetic use has been shown to have a positive impact on mobility and depression, thereby affecting the quality of life. Biomechatronic prostheses are at the forefront of prosthetic development. Actively powered designs are now regularly used for upper limb prosthetic fittings, whereas for lower limbs the clinical use of actively powered prostheses has been limited to a very low number of applications. Actively powered prostheses enhance restoration of the lost physical functions of an amputee but are yet to allow intuitive user control. This paper provides a review of the status of biomechatronic developments in upper and lower limb prostheses in the context of the various challenges of amputation and the clinically relevant outcomes. Whereas most of the evidence regarding lower limb prostheses addresses biomechanical issues, the evidence for upper limb prostheses relates to activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL through diverse outcome measures and tools.
New Treatment Approaches on the Horizon for Spastic Hemiparesis
Authors: Mayer Nathaniel H.
Published: September 2018

This article presents 2 recent articles that propose novel interventions for treating spastic hemiparesis by changing biological infrastructure. In 18 patients with unilateral spastic arm paralysis due to chronic cerebral injury greater than 5 years' duration, Zheng et al transferred the C7 nerve from the nonparalyzed side to the side of the arm that was paralyzed. Over a follow‐up period of 12 months, they found greater improvement in function and a reduction of spasticity compared to rehabilitation alone. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, they also found evidence for physiological connectivity between the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere and the paralyzed hand. In the second article, Raghavan et al examine the concept of stiffness, a common symptom in patients with spastic hemiparesis, as a physical change in the infrastructure of muscle. Raghavan's non‐neural hyaluronan hypothesis postulates that an accumulation of hyaluronan within spastic muscles promotes the development of muscle stiffness in patients with an upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). In a case series of 20 patients with spastic hemiparesis, Raghavan et al report that upper limb intramuscular injections of hyaluronidase increased passive and active joint movement and reduced muscle stiffness. Interventions that change biological infrastructure in UMNS is a paradigm on the horizon that bears watching.