bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition effects of flavonoids on 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline and 2‐amino‐3,7,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline formation and alkoxy radical scavenging capabilities of flavonoids in a model system
Authors: Shao Zeping , Han Zhonghui , Zhang Jinhui , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) have been considered as carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals generated during thermal processing of protein‐rich foods that can be inhibited by some flavonoids. Free radical scavenging is a major characteristic of flavonoids.

RESULTS

The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of nine flavonoids were determined by evaluating their capacity to inhibit 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2‐amino‐3,7,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (7,8‐DiMeIQx) formation in a model system. The results of the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) test validated that MeIQx and 7,8‐DiMeIQx formed via a free radical pathway. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopic analysis with spin trapping (α‐(4‐pyridyl N‐oxide)‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone (POBN) spin adduct, aN = 15.2 G and aH = 2.7 G) revealed that an alkoxy radical was the generated intermediate. The scavenging capacities of the nine flavonoids on alkoxy radicals were then evaluated based on the ESR spectra of the POBN spin adducts.

CONCLUSION

The weak correlation between the alkoxy radical scavenging capacities and IC50 of the flavonoids suggested that their inhibitory activity against MeIQx and 7,8‐DiMeIQx formation operates by a more complex mechanism than simply scavenging alkoxy radicals. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Using spatial demographic network models to optimize habitat management decisions
Authors: Peterman William E. , Anderson Thomas L. , Ousterhout Brittany H. , Drake Dana L. , Burkhart Jacob J. , Rowland Freya , Semlitsch Raymond D.
Published: November 2017

Conservation and management activities are always constrained by finite resources. Therefore, decisions such as which sites to protect, whether existing habitat should be restored or whether new habitat should be created, and where on the landscape management efforts should be focused present difficult challenges. An overarching goal of many conservation or management plans is the long‐term persistence of populations, which is often dependent on functional connectivity and the maintenance of metapopulation dynamics. Graph theory and network approaches are frequently used tools for modeling functional connections between populations and between habitats. Less often, graph models are used to guide conservation or management decisions. We used spatial networks derived for an amphibian population to determine optimal locations to create new habitat, prioritize existing habitat for restoration, and determine the habitat most critical for maintaining connectivity within the existing metapopulation within Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, USA, 2012–2014. Using data collected at 206 breeding ponds over 3 years, we constructed demographic networks representing the functional connectivity between ponds by dispersing ringed salamanders (Ambystoma annulatum). We incorporated uncertainty in key model parameters through Monte Carlo simulation, and used a graph‐theoretical parameterization of the metapopulation mean lifetime model to assess how changes in network structure affect persistence of the network. We conducted addition and removal experiments within our Monte Carlo simulations to rank and prioritize locations for pond creation, ponds for restoration, and ponds for preservation. Salamanders bred in 106 ponds in ≥1 year; 2.4% of ponds functioned predominantly as sources and 51% of occupied ponds functioned predominantly as sinks. The importance of a pond to the network was correlated with the number of emigrants dispersing from a pond, the number of ponds reached by these dispersers, and the frequency a pond functioned as a source. Creating new ponds at optimal locations increased the persistence of the network an average of 15.4% compared to randomly selected locations, whereas selective restoration of currently unoccupied ponds resulted in an average increase of 31.4% in network persistence, as compared to randomly selected unoccupied ponds. Through Monte Carlo simulation, we constructed biologically informed demographic connectivity networks for use as a spatial conservation or management planning tool. Although our approach was implemented with an amphibian and a breeding pond network, it is generalizable to any species occupying discrete habitat patches. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The theta‐Galerkin finite element method for coupled systems resulting from microsensor thermistor problems
Authors: Mbehou Mohamed
Published: November 2017

This paper is devoted to the analysis of a linearized theta‐Galerkin finite element method for the time‐dependent coupled systems resulting from microsensor thermistor problems. Hereby, we focus on time discretization based on θ‐time stepping scheme with
including the standard Crank‐Nicolson (
) and the shifted Crank‐Nicolson (
, where δ is the time‐step) schemes. The semidiscrete formulation in space is presented and optimal error bounds in L2‐norm and the energy norm are established. For the fully discrete system, the optimal error estimates are derived for the standard Crank‐Nicolson, the shifted Crank‐Nicolson, and the general case where
with k=0,1 . Finally, numerical simulations that validate the theoretical findings are exhibited.
A class of microscopic individual models corresponding to the macroscopic logistic growth
Authors: Lachowicz Mirosław
Published: November 2017

We study a class of microscopic models corresponding to the standard macroscopic logistic equation. The models at microscale refer to a number of interacting individuals and are in terms of linear evolution equations related to Markov jump processes. The asymptotic large time behavior for the microscopic models is obtained. Moreover, it is shown that any, even nonfactorized, initial probability density tends in the evolution to a factorized equilibrium probability density.
Optimal harvesting of a Gompertz population model with a marine protected area and interval‐value biological parameters
Authors: You Liang , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2017

To protect fishery populations on the verge of extinction and sustain the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem, marine protected areas (MPA) are established to provide a refuge for fishery resource. However, the influence of current harvesting policies on the MPA is still unclear, and precise information of the biological parameters has yet to be conducted. In this paper, we consider a bioeconomic Gompertz population model with interval‐value biological parameters in a 2‐patch environment: a free fishing zone (open‐access) and a protected zone (MPA) where fishing is strictly prohibited. First, the existence of the equilibrium is proved, and by virtue of Bendixson‐dulac Theorem, the global stability of the nontrivial steady state is obtained. Then, the optimal harvesting policy is established by using Pontryagin's maximum principle. Finally, the results are illustrated with the help of some numerical examples. Our results show that the current harvesting policy is advantageous to the protection efficiency of an MPA on local fish populations.
A deep learning method for classifying mammographic breast density categories
Authors: Mohamed Aly A. , Berg Wendie A. , Peng Hong , Luo Yahong , Jankowitz Rachel C. , Wu Shandong
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Mammographic breast density is an established risk marker for breast cancer and is visually assessed by radiologists in routine mammogram image reading, using four qualitative Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI‐RADS) breast density categories. It is particularly difficult for radiologists to consistently distinguish the two most common and most variably assigned BI‐RADS categories, i.e., “scattered density” and “heterogeneously dense”. The aim of this work was to investigate a deep learning‐based breast density classifier to consistently distinguish these two categories, aiming at providing a potential computerized tool to assist radiologists in assigning a BI‐RADS category in current clinical workflow.

Methods

In this study, we constructed a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model coupled with a large (i.e., 22,000 images) digital mammogram imaging dataset to evaluate the classification performance between the two aforementioned breast density categories. All images were collected from a cohort of 1,427 women who underwent standard digital mammography screening from 2005 to 2016 at our institution. The truths of the density categories were based on standard clinical assessment made by board‐certified breast imaging radiologists. Effects of direct training from scratch solely using digital mammogram images and transfer learning of a pretrained model on a large nonmedical imaging dataset were evaluated for the specific task of breast density classification. In order to measure the classification performance, the CNN classifier was also tested on a refined version of the mammogram image dataset by removing some potentially inaccurately labeled images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to measure the accuracy of the classifier.

Results

The AUC was 0.9421 when the CNN‐model was trained from scratch on our own mammogram images, and the accuracy increased gradually along with an increased size of training samples. Using the pretrained model followed by a fine‐tuning process with as few as 500 mammogram images led to an AUC of 0.9265. After removing the potentially inaccurately labeled images, AUC was increased to 0.9882 and 0.9857 for without and with the pretrained model, respectively, both significantly higher (P < 0.001) than when using the full imaging dataset.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated high classification accuracies between two difficult to distinguish breast density categories that are routinely assessed by radiologists. We anticipate that our approach will help enhance current clinical assessment of breast density and better support consistent density notification to patients in breast cancer screening.
Evaluating performance of a user‐trained MR lung tumor autocontouring algorithm in the context of intra‐ and interobserver variations
Authors: Yip Eugene , Yun Jihyun , Gabos Zsolt , Baker Sarah , Yee Don , Wachowicz Keith , Rathee Satyapal , Fallone B. Gino
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Real‐time tracking of lung tumors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a potential strategy to mitigate the ill‐effects of breathing motion in radiation therapy. Several autocontouring methods have been evaluated against a “gold standard” of a single human expert user. However, contours drawn by experts have inherent intra‐ and interobserver variations. In this study, we aim to evaluate our user‐trained autocontouring algorithm with manually drawn contours from multiple expert users, and to contextualize the accuracy of these autocontours within intra‐ and interobserver variations.

Methods

Six nonsmall cell lung cancer patients were recruited, with institutional ethics approval. Patients were imaged with a clinical 3 T Philips MR scanner using a dynamic 2D balanced SSFP sequence under free breathing. Three radiation oncology experts, each in two separate sessions, contoured 130 dynamic images for each patient. For autocontouring, the first 30 images were used for algorithm training, and the remaining 100 images were autocontoured and evaluated. Autocontours were compared against manual contours in terms of Dice's coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff distances (dH). Intra‐ and interobserver variations of the manual contours were also evaluated.

Results

When compared with the manual contours of the expert user who trained it, the algorithm generates autocontours whose evaluation metrics (same session: DC = 0.90(0.03), dH = 3.8(1.6) mm; different session DC = 0.88(0.04), dH = 4.3(1.5) mm) are similar to or better than intraobserver variations (DC = 0.88(0.04), and dH = 4.3(1.7) mm) between two sessions. The algorithm's autocontours are also compared to the manual contours from different expert users with evaluation metrics (DC = 0.87(0.04), dH = 4.8(1.7) mm) similar to interobserver variations (DC = 0.87(0.04), dH = 4.7(1.6) mm).

Conclusions

Our autocontouring algorithm delineates tumor contours (<20 ms per contour), in dynamic MRI of lung, that are comparable to multiple human experts (several seconds per contour), but at a much faster speed. At the same time, the agreement between autocontours and manual contours is comparable to the intra‐ and interobserver variations. This algorithm may be a key component of the real time tumor tracking workflow for our hybrid Linac‐MR device in the future.
Constrained optimization for position calibration of an NMR field camera
Authors: Chang Paul , Nassirpour Sahar , Eschelbach Martin , Scheffler Klaus , Henning Anke
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Knowledge of the positions of field probes in an NMR field camera is necessary for monitoring the B0 field. The typical method of estimating these positions is by switching the gradients with known strengths and calculating the positions using the phases of the FIDs. We investigated improving the accuracy of estimating the probe positions and analyzed the effect of inaccurate estimations on field monitoring.

Methods

The field probe positions were estimated by 1) assuming ideal gradient fields, 2) using measured gradient fields (including nonlinearities), and 3) using measured gradient fields with relative position constraints.

The fields measured with the NMR field camera were compared to fields acquired using a dual‐echo gradient recalled echo B0 mapping sequence. Comparisons were done for shim fields from second‐ to fourth‐order shim terms.

Results

The position estimation was the most accurate when relative position constraints were used in conjunction with measured (nonlinear) gradient fields. The effect of more accurate position estimates was seen when compared to fields measured using a B0 mapping sequence (up to 10%–15% more accurate for some shim fields).

The models acquired from the field camera are sensitive to noise due to the low number of spatial sample points.

Conclusion

Position estimation of field probes in an NMR camera can be improved using relative position constraints and nonlinear gradient fields. Magn Reson Med 80:380–390, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Transit time mapping in the mouse brain using time‐encoded pCASL
Authors: Hirschler Lydiane , Munting Leon P. , Khmelinskii Artem , Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Suidgeest Ernst , Warnking Jan M. , van der Weerd Louise , Barbier Emmanuel L. , van Osch Matthias J.P.
Published: November 2017

The cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a potential biomarker for neurological disease. However, the arterial transit time (ATT) of the labeled blood is known to potentially affect CBF quantification. Furthermore, ATT could be an interesting biomarker in itself, as it may reflect underlying macro‐ and microvascular pathologies. Currently, no optimized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence exists to measure ATT in mice. Recently, time‐encoded labeling schemes have been implemented in rats and humans, enabling ATT mapping with higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and shorter scan time than multi‐delay arterial spin labeling (ASL). In this study, we show that time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (te‐pCASL) also enables transit time measurements in mice. As an optimal design that takes the fast blood flow in mice into account, time encoding with 11 sub‐boli of 50 ms is proposed to accurately probe the inflow of labeled blood. For perfusion imaging, a separate, traditional pCASL scan was employed. From the six studied brain regions, the hippocampus showed the shortest ATT (169 ± 11 ms) and the auditory/visual cortex showed the longest (284 ± 16 ms). Furthermore, ATT was found to be preserved in old wild‐type mice. In a mouse with an induced carotid artery occlusion, prolongation of ATT was shown. In conclusion, this study shows the successful implementation of te‐pCASL in mice, making it possible, for the first time, to measure ATT in mice in a time‐efficient manner.
Semianalytical minimum‐time solution for the optimal control of a vehicle subject to limited acceleration
Authors: Bertolazzi Enrico , Frego Marco
Published: November 2017

A semianalytic solution of the minimum‐time optimal control problem of a carlike vehicle is herein presented. The vehicle is subject to the effect of laminar (linear) and aerodynamic (quadratic) drag, taking into account the asymmetric bounded longitudinal accelerations. This yields a nonlinear differential equation of the Riccati kind. The associated analytic solution exists in closed form, but it is numerically ill conditioned in some situations; hence, it is reformulated using asymptotic expansions that keep the numerical computations accurate and robust in all cases. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is designed to be fast and robust in sight to be the fundamental module of a more extended optimal control problem that considers a given clothoid curve as the trajectory and the presence of a constraint on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The numerical stability of the computation for limit values of the parameters is essential, as shown in the numerical tests.
State and parameter estimation in solenoid nonlinear equations
Authors: Da Pelo Paolo , Mazzia Francesca , Mininni Rosa Maria
Published: November 2017

We propose a model‐based method that allows to estimate the magnetic force accurately, hence the armature displacement of linear solenoids. The nonlinear electrodynamical model of solenoids is used. The unscented Kalman filter is applied to analyze the current transient response, and the dynamics of the solenoid is estimated at each time instant. Furthermore, a new approach to estimate the varying internal solenoid reluctance, from the nonlinear model of solenoids, is proposed. The estimation is performed for each value of the current and predicted while the armature is moving. This leads to an accurate computation of the electromotive magnetic force related to the velocity of the moving actuator's component, thus permitting to know the system dynamics accurately.
IGF1R signalling in testicular germ cell tumour cells impacts on cell survival and acquired cisplatin resistance
Authors: Selfe Joanna , Goddard Neil C , McIntyre Alan , Taylor Kathryn R , Renshaw Jane , Popov Sergey D , Thway Khin , Summersgill Brenda , Huddart Robert A , Gilbert Duncan C , Shipley Janet M
Published: November 2017

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most frequent malignancy and cause of death from solid tumours in the 20‐ to 40‐year age group. Although most cases show sensitivity to cis‐platinum‐based chemotherapy, this is associated with long‐term toxicities and chemo‐resistance. Roles for receptor tyrosine kinases other than KIT are largely unknown in TGCT. We therefore conducted a phosphoproteomic screen and identified the insulin growth factor receptor‐1 (IGF1R) as both highly expressed and activated in TGCT cell lines representing the nonseminomatous subtype. IGF1R was also frequently expressed in tumour samples from patients with nonseminomas. Functional analysis of cell line models showed that long‐term shRNA‐mediated IGF1R silencing leads to apoptosis and complete ablation of nonseminoma cells with active IGF1R signalling. Cell lines with high levels of IGF1R activity also showed reduced AKT signalling in response to decreased IGF1R expression as well as sensitivity to the small‐molecule IGF1R inhibitor NVP‐AEW541. These results were in contrast to those in the seminoma cell line TCAM2 that lacked IGF1R signalling via AKT and was one of the two cell lines least sensitive to the IGF1R inhibitor. The dependence on IGF1R activity in the majority of nonseminomas parallels the known role of IGF signalling in the proliferation, migration, and survival of primordial germ cells, the putative cell of origin for TGCT. Upregulation of IGF1R expression and signalling was also found to contribute to acquired cisplatin resistance in an in vitro nonseminoma model, providing a rationale for targeting IGF1R in cisplatin‐resistant disease. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Study of the design of cooling channels for polymers injection molds
Authors: Marin Felipe , de Miranda Jackson Roberto , de Souza Adriano Fagali
Published: November 2017

The development of additive manufacturing using metallic materials, such as the selective laser melting, has allowed the manufacture of free form cooling channels inside the molds for plastic injection. Reduction on the injection cycle time and product quality are expected using such cooling channels (also known as conformal cooling channels). The knowledge to design such cooling system are limited today. This work aims to collaborate with this issue. A new design of cooling channels using series and parallel concept are proposed and its efficiency were analyzed against some conformal cooling geometry found on the literature today. The analyses were carried out by a Computer Aided Engineering software using an automotive component as a workpiece. The results show that the design of the new approach of conformal cooling channels has an influence on the cooling performance and if the conformal cooling was not carefully designed, it cannot achieve the expected benefits. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:552–559, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Associations between observed temperament in preschoolers and parent psychopathology
Authors: Kryski Katie R. , Olino Thomas M. , Dyson Margaret W. , Durbin C. Emily , Klein Daniel N. , Hayden Elizabeth P.
Published: November 2017

Parent history of psychopathology is an established marker of children's own risk for later disorder and can therefore be used as a means of validating other risks, such as child temperament. While associations between children's temperament and parent psychopathology have been reported, few studies have used observational measures of child temperament or examined trait interactions, particularly between children's affective and regulatory traits such as effortful control (EC). In this bottom‐up family study of 968 three‐year‐olds and their parents, we examined interactions between preschoolers' observed positive and negative affectivity (NA) and EC as predictors of a known marker of psychopathology risk: parent history of disorder. Children with lower positive affectivity had an increased probability of paternal depression history in the context of higher child NA. In addition, children with lower EC and higher NA had an increased probability of maternal anxiety. Findings shed new light on the main effects and interactions that account for associations between child temperament and parent history of disorder, one of the best‐established markers of an individual's own risk for future disorder, implicating reactive and regulatory traits that merit special consideration in future longitudinal work. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions of effects of host plant resistance and seed treatments on soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)
Authors: Clifton Eric H , Tylka Gregory L , Gassmann Aaron J , Hodgson Erin W
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, and soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, are invasive, widespread and economically important pests of soybean, Glycine max, in North America. Management of these pests relies primarily on use of pesticides and soybean germplasm with genetic resistance. A 3‐year field study and complementary greenhouse experiment were conducted to determine the benefits of host plant resistance (HPR) and pesticidal seed treatments for managing pest populations and preserving soybean yield.

RESULTS

Host plant resistance significantly decreased the abundance of A. glycines and, in most study sites, suppressed H. glycines. Neonicotinoid seed treatment reduced A. glycines abundance on the cultivar that was susceptible to both aphids and nematodes, but abamectin nematicide seed treatment had no effect on H. glycines populations in the field or greenhouse.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the seed treatments included in our experiments may suppress pests, but not consistently for all soybean cultivars or study sites. Ultimately, HPR more consistently reduced pest numbers compared with the use of pesticidal seed treatments. The planting of HPR cultivars should be a primary tool for integrated pest management of both soybean pests. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
On the photochemistry of Fe2(edt)(CO)4(PMe3)2, a [FeFe]‐hydrogenase model: A DFT/TDDFT investigation
Authors: Bertini Luca , Alberto Marta Erminia , Arrigoni Federica , Vertemara Jacopo , Fantucci Piercarlo , Bruschi Maurizio , Zampella Giuseppe , De Gioia Luca
Published: November 2017

The photochemistry of the [FeFe] hydrogenases model [Fe2(edt)(CO)4(PMe3)2] (edt = 1‐2 ethane‐dithiolate, (1) is investigated at Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) level, focusing on the effect of the phosphine ligands on the early stages of the photodynamic of the system compared to that of the all CO model Fe2(pdt)(CO)6 (2) (pdt = 1‐3 propanedithiolate). We observed a role of the Fe→S charge transfer for the lower energy singlet transitions, unveiling a photoisomerization pathway between the lowest energy forms while the higher energy excitations are likely involved in the CO dissociation pathways. TDDFT shows that the average Fe‐CO bond elongation in 1 is shorter than that observed in 2, providing the electronic structure rationale on the observation that diiron dithiolates are more photo‐stable with respect to the CO photolysis than the all CO model. This is relevant for catalyst photo‐stability and is an advantageous and thus desirable feature for practical applications of photo‐hydrogen evolution.
Becoming science learners: A study of newcomers’ identity work in elementary school science
Authors: Gamez Rebeca , Parker Carolyn A.
Published: November 2017

This study investigates how two newcomer students, Elena and Martin, identified with and in science within the context of a classroom utilizing a reform‐based science curriculum where instruction occurred only in English. Using ethnographic case study methods, we drew from anthropological theories on identity development and sociocultural perspectives on language development to argue that as English language proficiency mediated the newcomers’ access to academic content, the viability of the newcomers’ authored science‐related identities in practice were contingent on the dynamics generated within their small groups. We conceptualized the small groups as microfigured worlds and show how these spaces, in particular the kinds of patterned activities and practices that emerged in relation to the use of language brokering and/or code switching, mediated the kinds of identities in practices that the newcomers were able to author. We end the article by interpreting our results in relation to how Ms. Hall, the teacher, structured her classroom and discuss the relevance of race/ethnicity and gender. We conclude with suggestions about how focusing on group, or peer networks, might inform both theory and practice around how newcomers, and emergent bilinguals more broadly, engage in science.
Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Islet Cotransplantation: Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Strange Charlie , Nietert Paul J. , Wang Jingjing , Turnbull Taylor L. , Cloud Colleen , Owczarski Stefanie , Shuford Betsy , Duke Tara , Gilkeson Gary , Luttrell Louis , Hermayer Kathie , Fernandes Jyotika , Adams David B. , Morgan Katherine A.
Published: November 2017

Islet engraftment after transplantation is impaired by high rates of islet/β cell death caused by cellular stressors and poor graft vascularization. We studied whether cotransplantation of ex vivo expanded autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with islets is safe and beneficial in chronic pancreatitis patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. MSCs were harvested from the bone marrow of three islet autotransplantation patients and expanded at our current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility. On the day of islet transplantation, an average dose of 20.0 ± 2.6 ×106 MSCs was infused with islets via the portal vein. Adverse events and glycemic control at baseline, 6, and 12 months after transplantation were compared with data from 101 historical control patients. No adverse events directly related to the MSC infusions were observed. MSC patients required lower amounts of insulin during the peritransplantation period (p = .02 vs. controls) and had lower 12-month fasting blood glucose levels (p = .02 vs. controls), smaller C-peptide declines over 6 months (p = .01 vs. controls), and better quality of life compared with controls. In conclusion, our pilot study demonstrates that autologous MSC and islet cotransplantation may be a safe and potential strategy to improve islet engraftment after transplantation. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT02384018).
Cantharidic acid induces apoptosis through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng I‐Che , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Chen Pei‐Ni , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Ho Hsin‐Yu , Yang Shun‐Fa , Yeh Chao‐Bin
Published: November 2017

Cantharidin analogs exhibit anticancer activities, including apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of cantharidic acid (CA), a cantharidin analog, on apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are unclear. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the anticancer activities of CA by investigating its ability to trigger apoptosis in SK‐Hep‐1 cells. Our data demonstrated that CA effectively inhibited the proliferation of SK‐Hep‐1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, CA effectively triggered cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometric analysis. Western blotting revealed that CA significantly activated proapoptotic signaling including caspase‐3, −8, and −9 in SK‐Hep‐1 cells. Moreover, treatment of SK‐Hep‐1 cells with CA induced the activation of ERK, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. Moreover, the inhibition of p38 by specific inhibitors abolished CA‐induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our results indicated that CA induces apoptosis in SK‐Hep‐1 cells through a p38‐mediated apoptotic pathway and could be a new HCC therapeutic agent.
Audit committees’ independence and the information content of earnings announcements in Western Europe
Authors: Poretti Cédric , Schatt Alain , Bruynseels Liesbeth
Published: November 2017

We examine whether the percentage of independent members sitting on the audit committee, in different institutional settings, impacts the market reaction (measured by the abnormal stock returns variance and the abnormal trading volume) to earnings announcements. For our sample composed of more than 7'600 earnings announcements made by European firms from 15 countries between 2006 and 2014, we find that the market reactions to earnings announcements are significantly larger when the audit committee is more independent in countries with weak institutional setting. Our results generally hold after controlling for numerous methodological issues. We conclude that more independent audit committees are substitutes for weak institutions to increase the credibility of earnings announcements. Our results should be of great interest for European regulators who recently introduced new requirements for public firms regarding audit committees’ independence.
Recurrence pattern of rectal cancer after surgical treatment. Analysis of 122 patients in a tertiary care center
Authors: Sevá-Pereira Gustavo , Cypreste Roberta Nascimento , Oliveira Filho Joaquim José , Moraes Sandra Pedroso de , Tarabay Paula Buozzi
Published: November 2017

Survival in rectal cancer has been related mainly to clinical and pathological staging. Recurrence is by far the most challenging issue when surgical treatment of rectal cancer is concerned. This study aims to establish a recurrence pattern for rectal adenocarcinoma submitted to surgical treatment between March 2003 and July 2016. After exclusion criteria were applied, one hundred twenty two patients were analyzed. Global recurrence was found in 22% of them, while 13.1% have had local recurrence. Disease-free survival was 23.9 months, in average, and medium follow-up was 34.13 months, varying from 6 to 115 months. Recurrence, in literature, is usually between 3 and 35% in 5 years, and shows a 5-years survival rate of only 5%. Around 50% of cases, recurrence is local, confined to pelvis. This data followed literature in most aspects evaluated, although finding a high rate of local recurrence remains a challenge in the seek for better surgical outcomes.
A Longitudinal Study of Motivations Before and Psychosexual Outcomes After Genital Gender-Confirming Surgery in Transmen
Authors: van de Grift Tim C. , Pigot Garry L.S. , Boudhan Siham , Elfering Lian , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Gijs Luk A.C.L. , Buncamper Marlon E. , Özer Müjde , van der Sluis Wouter , Meuleman Eric J.H. , Bouman Mark-Bram , Mullender Margriet G.
Published: November 2017

Background

Genital dissatisfaction is an important reason for transmen to undergo genital gender-confirming surgery (GCS; phalloplasty or metoidioplasty). However, little is known about motives for choosing specific techniques, how transmen benefit postoperatively, and whether psychosexual outcomes improve.

Aim

To evaluate motivations for and psychosexual outcomes after GCS.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 21 transmen at least 1 year after GCS was conducted. Participants were recruited through their surgeon. Data were collected when they applied for surgery and at least 1 year after surgery.

Outcomes

Data collection included semistructured questionnaires on motivations for surgery, postoperative experiences, and standardized measures of psychological symptoms, body image, self-esteem, sexuality, and quality of life (pre- and postoperative). Information on surgical complications and corrections was retrieved from medical records.

Results

Most participants underwent phalloplasty with urethral lengthening using a radial forearm flap. Although problematic voiding symptoms were prevalent, many participants were satisfied with their penile function. The strongest motivations to pursue penile surgery were confirmation of one's identity (100%), enabling sexual intercourse (78%), and voiding while standing (74%). No significant differences between postoperative and reference values were observed for standardized measures. After surgery, transmen were more sexually active (masturbation and with a partner) and used their genitals more frequently during sex compared with before surgery (31–78%).

Clinical Implications

The present study provides input for preoperative decision making: (i) main motives for surgery include identity confirmation, voiding, and sexuality, (ii) surgery can result in more sexual activity and genital involvement during sex, although some distress can remain, but (iii) complications and voiding symptoms are prevalent.

Strength and Limitations

Study strengths include its longitudinal design and the novelty of the studied outcomes. The main limitations include the sample size and the nature of the assessment.

Conclusion

Counseling and decision making for GCS in transmen should be a highly personalized and interdisciplinary practice.
Modelling, design and experimental implementation of non-linear attitude tracking with disturbance compensation using adaptive-sliding control based on quaternion algebra
Authors: Alipour M. Reza , Saberi F. Fani , Kabganian M.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a non-linear tracking control algorithm is extended. The control objective of this research is to track a desired time-varying attitude of a satellite in the presence of inertia uncertainties and external disturbances, in order to be more suitable for implementation in a real-world application. In this investigation, the actuators are reaction wheels and the actuator dynamics are modelled in addition to the spacecraft dynamics. Thus, the control signal is DC motor voltage which is the most fundamental control variable and can be generated easily by a motor driver in practical cases. To achieve robust tracking of the desired time-varying attitude, a sliding mode controller is designed, and adaptive techniques are developed based on sliding mode control to overcome the inertia uncertainties and to estimate and compensate external disturbances. The kinematic equations of the satellite are expressed using quaternion parameters, and a novel control law will be derived by using a new facilitating approach in controller design, which is based on quaternion algebra, because of quaternion advantages, such as singularity rejection. Using this approach it will be more comfortable to deal with tedious mathematical operations, and on contrary with most of the previous studies, the terms corresponding to derivatives of the desired attitude are not neglected, and tracking capability is retained. The global stability of both methods (Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and adaptive sliding) is investigated using Lyapunov’s stability theorem. In order to validate the control methods, first, Simulink-ADAMS co-simulation of a 3-DOF attitude control is used to verify the algorithm performance and integrity, and finally, the control strategy is implemented on the Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT) 3-DOF attitude simulator for different types of non-linear attitudes. Both co-simulation and implementation results clearly illustrate the designed attitude control algorithm’s excellent performance in the various manoeuvres.
The Shadow of Sophocles: Tragedy and the Ethics of Leadership
Authors: Amiridis Kostas
Published: November 2017

This article explores how the idea of tragedy can highlight some of the complex and paradoxical aspects of the relationship between ethics and leadership. First, it offers a comparative analysis of the way in which questions of leadership are addressed as a practical and theoretical concern when leaders are confronted with situations of moral crisis. The context is provided by a critical reading of the MBA oath, a student-led pledge that tries to establish a higher moral standard for leaders, and by Norman Bowie’s attempt to develop a Kantian theory of leadership. Second, it introduces a novel philosophical approach based upon Hegel’s interpretation of tragedy and ethical life developed in his theory of aesthetics. Through the idea of tragedy, the concept of ethical leadership could also encompass those ambiguous situations when good conflicts with good and when a possible reconciliation of a moral conflict might require the sacrifice of otherwise legitimate ends.
A Systems-Based Approach to Fostering Robust Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Authors: Grand James A. , Rogelberg Steven G. , Allen Tammy D. , Landis Ronald S. , Reynolds Douglas H. , Scott John C. , Tonidandel Scott , Truxillo Donald M.
Published: November 2017

Credibility and trustworthiness are the bedrock upon which any science is built. The strength of these foundations has been increasingly questioned across the sciences as instances of research misconduct and mounting concerns over the prevalence of detrimental research practices have been identified. Consequently, the purpose of this article is to encourage our scientific community to positively and proactively engage in efforts that foster a healthy and robust industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology. We begin by advancing six defining principles that we believe reflect the values of robust science and offer criteria for evaluating proposed efforts to change scientific practices. Recognizing that the contemporary scientific enterprise is a complex and diverse network of actors and institutions, we then conclude by identifying 12 stakeholders who play important roles in achieving a culture of robust science in I-O psychology and offer recommendations for actions we can take as members of these groups to strengthen our science.
Self-Sacrificial Leadership and Followers’ Affiliative and Challenging Citizenship Behaviors: A Relational Self-Concept Based Study in China
Authors: He Wei , Zhou Ru-Yi , Long Li-Rong , Huang Xu , Hao Po
Published: November 2017

Drawing from self-concept and implicit leadership theories, we propose a multilevel model to examine whether, why, and when self-sacrificial leadership motivates followers’ affiliative and challenging citizenship behaviors in China. Data from 329 full-time employees in 83 work groups provide support for the hypothesized model. Specifically, we demonstrated that self-sacrificial leadership was positively related to followers’ relational self-concept constructs of leader identification and leader-based self-esteem, which had differential, downstream implications for followers’ two types of citizenship behavior. Whereas leader identification was found to mediate the positive relationship between self-sacrificial leadership and affiliative citizenship behavior only, leader-based self-esteem mediated the positive relationships of self-sacrificial leadership with both affiliative and challenging citizenship behaviors. We further demonstrated individual power distance orientation as a significant cultural contingency in the above mediation relationships, which were found to exist among followers with low rather than high power distance orientations. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
POST-TRANSITIONAL FERTILITY: THE ROLE OF CHILDBEARING POSTPONEMENT IN FUELLING THE SHIFT TO LOW AND UNSTABLE FERTILITY LEVELS
Authors: Sobotka Tomáš
Published: November 2017

This study discusses fertility trends and variation in countries that completed the transition from high to around-replacement fertility in the 1950s to 1980s, especially in Europe, East Asia and North America, and summarizes the key relevant findings for those countries with a more recent experience of fertility decline towards replacement level. A central finding is that there is no obvious theoretical or empirical threshold around which period fertility tends to stabilize. Period fertility rates usually continue falling once the threshold of replacement fertility is crossed, often to very low levels. While cohort fertility rates frequently stabilize or change gradually, period fertility typically remains unstable. This instability also includes marked upturns and reversals in Total Fertility Rates (TFRs), as experienced in many countries in Europe in the early 2000s. The long-lasting trend towards delayed parenthood is central for understanding diverse, low and unstable post-transitional fertility patterns. In many countries in Europe this shift to a late childbearing pattern has negatively affected the TFR for more than four decades. Many emerging post-transitional countries and regions are likely to experience a similar shift over the next two to three decades, with a depression of their TFRs to very low levels.
A miniaturized evanescent mode HMSIW humidity sensor
Authors: Chen Chang-Ming , Xu Jun
Published: November 2017

A passive evanescent mode half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) resonator loaded with a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) is designed and fabricated for humidity sensing applications. The use of the CSRR which is etched on the top plane of the HMSIW can significantly reduce the size of the device. Without any sensing material, the sensor which has a compact size of 0.17λg × 0.17λg can provide high humidity sensitivity up to 5.82 MHz/%relative humidity (RH) at high RH region (>84.3%). The results indicate that the proposed structure is a promising candidate for radio and microwave humidity sensing applications.
THE ALPHABET OF WORDSIN THE DURHAM COLLECTAR AN EDITION WITH TWO NEW MANUSCRIPT WITNESSES
Authors: WRIGHT CHARLES D. , PELLE STEPHEN
Published: November 2017

The Alphabet of Words(AW), a Latin alphabet text with an interlinear Old English gloss, occurs among the additions made to the Durham Collectar (D) by the priest Aldred in the tenth century. Previously thought to be extant only inD, and possibly by Aldred himself,AWalso survives (without the OE gloss) in a Kassel manuscript (K) from the second half of the eighth century, as well as in a defective twelfth-century copy in Karlsruhe (Kr). Most ofAWis also incorporated in a Latin treatise on the alphabet (“Audiuimus multos”: AM) compiled probably in the ninth century.AWbelongs to the genre of “parenetic alphabet,” widely attested in Greek but also sporadically in Latin, including in a ninth-century Paris manuscript (P: BNF, lat. 2796) that shares lemmata and glosses withAWfor the letters X, Y, and Z. We provide the first critical edition and translation ofAWfromD, K, andKr, with variants from AM andP, together with a discussion ofAW’s genre and relation to other alphabetical texts as well as a full commentary on the biblical, apocryphal, and patristic lore transmitted byAW’s lemmata and glosses on each letter.
PATRVM VESTIGIA SEQVENSTHE TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION OF AUGUSTINE'S EXEGESIS OF EPH. 3:17–18 IN THE VENERABLE BEDE'SCOLLECTIO EX OPVSCVLIS SANCTI AVGVSTINI IN EPISTVLAS PAVLI APOSTOLI
Authors: DE MAEYER NICOLAS , DUPONT ANTHONY
Published: November 2017

TheCollectio ex opusculis sancti Augustini in epistulas Pauli apostoliis an exegetical commentary on the Pauline letters that consists of 457 fragments from the works of Augustine of Hippo. TheCollectiowas compiled by the Northumbrian scholar Beda Venerabilis (672/73–735), whose biblical commentaries heavily rely on patristic exegesis and theology, and, as such, function as an important mediator between patristic and medieval exegesis and theology. Though many scholars have stressed the importance of theCollectiofor the study of the transmission and reception of Augustine's writings and thinking in Anglo-Saxon England, the commentary has never been edited nor have its contents been thoroughly studied. The following contribution offers the first detailed study of theCollectio’scontents by analysing the ways in which Bede presents Augustine's Pauline exegesis in his own commentary on Paul's letters. Specifically, this article will study Bede's compilation methods by means of a close analysis of one of theCollectio’sfragments, fr. 315, which offers an exegetical commentary of Eph. 3:17–18. By studying the textual channels through which Bede had access to Augustine's writings as well as by considering other passages in Bede's biblical commentaries that discuss Eph. 3:17–18, this contribution seeks to demonstrate how Bede uses, adapts, and presents Augustine's exegesis of this pericope.