bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor suppression effect of targeting periostin with siRNA in a nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ye Dong , Zhou Chongchang , Wang Sijia , Deng Hongxia , Shen Zhisen
Published: July 2018

Background

The incidence of laryngeal carcinoma is increasing, however, the mechanism is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of periostin gene silencing by siRNA on tumor inhibition, in a novel nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and to explore possible inhibitory mechanisms.

Methods

Tumors were established in nude mice by transplantation of LSCC AMC‐HN‐8 cell line. Forty‐eight nude mice were randomly divided into groups of eight each, and treated with high (1.0 OD) or low (0.5 OD) doses of periostin‐siRNA or appropriate control solutions. Tumor growth was observed and used to calculate an inhibition rate (%). Routine pathological and electron microscopic examination were used to determine tumor apoptosis and proliferation. Changes in periostin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed.

Results

Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice treated by high dose periostin‐siRNA compared to untreated and those treated with low dose periostin‐siRNA (P < 0.05). Pathological examination showed increased tumor necrosis and apoptotic changes in treated mice, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. Periostin mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in tumors from mice treated with high dose periostin‐siRNA, compared to controls and low‐dose periostin‐siRNA treatment groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Periostin silencing was associated with growth inhibition of tumor cells in a nude mouse model of LSCC. The underlying mechanism may be due to receptor‐mediated induction of relevant signal transduction pathways that modulate the microenvironment needed for cancer cell survival. Periostin is expected to become a new target for cancer therapy.
Validation of the Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form and the dual continua model of well‐being and psychopathology in an adult mental health setting
Authors: Franken Katinka , Lamers Sanne M.A. , Ten Klooster Peter M. , Bohlmeijer Ernst T. , Westerhof Gerben J.
Published: July 2018

Objective

The growing evidence for the dual continua model of psychopathology and well‐being has important implications for measuring outcomes in mental health care. The aim of the current study is to validate a measure of well‐being as well as the dual continua model in adults with mood, anxiety, personality, and developmental disorders.

Methods

472 adult psychiatric outpatients filled out the Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form (MHC‐SF) and the Outcome Questionnaire before start of treatment.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) confirmed the three‐factor structure of emotional, psychological, and social well‐being of the MHC‐SF. The dual continua model had the best fit in the complete sample and the different diagnostic groups.

Conclusion

The MHC‐SF is a reliable and valid instrument to measure well‐being in the psychiatric population. Although relatively high correlations between psychopathology and well‐being exist, the results underline the importance to measure well‐being in addition to psychopathology in mental health care.
Quinoline Derivatives with Potential Activity Against Multidrug‐resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Bi , Li Fen , Zhou Ting , Tang Xiu‐Qin , Hu Guo‐Wen
Published: July 2018

Tuberculosis (TB), which affects primarily the lungs (pulmonary TB) apart from other vital organs, is a life‐threatening chronic deadliest infectious disease caused by members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex and mainly by MTB itself. The emergence of MTB new virulent forms that are resistant to some or all first‐line and second‐line anti‐TB agents, including multidrug‐resistant (MDR), extensively drug‐resistant, and totally drug‐resistant strains has further aggravated the spread of this disease and was increased up to an alarming level in the recent decades. More than ever, it is imperative to develop novel, high effective, and fast acting anti‐TB drugs to prevent the spread of TB, particularly in its hard‐to‐kill MDR‐TB, extensively drug‐resistant‐TB, and totally drug‐resistant‐TB strains. In recent years, numerous compounds have been synthesized for this purpose, but only a handful of compounds have entered human trials after the discovery of rifampicin, reflecting the inherent difficulties of developing new anti‐TB agents. Despite of bedaquiline and delamanid have received approval from many countries for treatment of MDR‐TB infected patients, both drugs are associated with serious side effects and are only recommended for those MDR‐TB patients without other treatment options. All these aforementioned facts make it an urgent need to develop novel drugs. Quinoline‐based derivatives including quinolones ex biological activities, and some of them displayed excellent in vitro and in vivo activities against MDR‐TB. This review outlines the recent developments of quinoline‐based derivatives with potential activity against MDR‐TB as well as the structure–activity relationship.
XANAP: A real‐world, prospective, observational study of patients treated with rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation in Asia
Authors: Kim Young‐Hoon , Shim Jaemin , Tsai Chia‐Ti , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Vilela Gilbert , Muengtaweepongsa Sombat , Kurniawan Mohammad , Maskon Oteh , Li Fern Hsu , Nguyen Thang Huy , Thanachartwet Thititat , Sim Kenneth , Camm A. John ,   the XANAP investigators
Published: July 2018

Background

ROCKET AF and its East Asian subanalysis demonstrated that rivaroxaban was non‐inferior to warfarin for stroke/systemic embolism (SE) prevention in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with a favorable benefit–risk profile. XANAP investigated the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in routine care in Asia‐Pacific.

Methods

XANAP was a prospective, real‐world, observational study in patients with NVAF newly starting rivaroxaban. Patients were followed at ~3‐month intervals for 1 year, or for ≥30 days after permanent discontinuation. Primary outcomes were major bleeding events, adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and all‐cause mortality; secondary outcomes included stroke/SE. Major outcomes were adjudicated centrally.

Results

XANAP enrolled 2273 patients from 10 countries: mean age was 70.5 years and 58.1% were male. 49.8% of patients received rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (od), 43.8% 15 mg od and 5.9% 10 mg od. Mean treatment duration was 296 days, and 72.8% of patients had received prior anticoagulation therapy. Co‐morbidities included heart failure (20.1%), hypertension (73.6%), diabetes mellitus (26.6%), prior stroke/non‐central nervous system SE/transient ischemic attack (32.8%) and myocardial infarction (3.8%). Mean CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLED scores were 2.3, 3.7 and 2.1, respectively. The rates (events/100 patient‐years [95% confidence interval]) of treatment‐emergent major bleeding, stroke and all‐cause mortality were 1.5 (1.0‐2.1), 1.7 (1.2‐2.5) and 2.0 (1.4‐2.7), respectively. Persistence was 66.2% at the study end.

Conclusions

The real‐world XANAP study demonstrated low rates of stroke and bleeding in rivaroxaban‐treated patients with NVAF from Asia‐Pacific. The results were consistent with the real‐world XANTUS study and ROCKET AF.
Trends of photosynthetically active radiation over China from 1961 to 2014
Authors: Hu Bo , Tang Liqin , Liu Hui , Zhao Xiujuan , Liu Zirui , Wang Yuesi , Wang Lunche
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to reveal the long‐term variation properties of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) over China. A series of reliable empirical PAR estimation equations suitable for all‐sky conditions were developed using data measured in situ from 2005 to 2014, which were obtained from the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN). These equations were then combined with a hybrid model to reconstruct the PAR from 1961 to 2014 for 724 weather stations belonging to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). There was a decreasing linear trend in the PAR (with an amplitude of −0.009 mol m−2 day−1 year−1) from 1961 to 1981 and a steady low level of −0.003 mol m−2 day−1 year−1 during 1981–2014 for all of China. The PAR over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region increased from 1961 to 1984; then, this linear trend slightly changed. The breakpoint years for the northwest China (NWC), southwest China (SWC), north China (NC), northeast China (NEC) and east China (EC) regions were 1985, 1981, 1996, 1998 and 1979, respectively. In addition, the aerosol optical depth, ozone column concentration, cloud cover and water vapour content attenuated the PAR that would otherwise have reached the earth’s surface by approximately 7.59, 1.12, 18.13 and 6.20%, respectively.
Role of corrosion in taper failure and head disassociation in total hip arthroplasty of a single design
Authors: Martin Audrey J. , Jenkins Derek R. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: July 2018

Modular junctions have been associated with corrosion in total hip arthroplasty. In a small number of cases, disassociation of the femoral head from the stem following gross wear of the taper has been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of corrosion in the development of mechanical changes leading to disassociation. Twenty‐one retrieved stems and heads of one design previously reported with head disassociation were identified in an IRB‐approved database. Components were scored for corrosion and measured for material loss. Stem alloy hardness was measured. Parametric and non‐parametric statistics were performed (α < 0.05). Seven of twenty‐one stems demonstrated gross material loss of the stem taper and head disassociation. The maximum linear depth (MLD) of material loss on stem tapers without dissociation and all head bores was 7.63 ± 6.04 and 63.76 ± 60.83 μm, respectively. Hardness of the stem material was statistically distinct, but similar to other stem materials. Results suggest material loss via corrosion at the head bore loosens the taper lock, allowing relative motion leading to abrasive wear of the stem taper. All cases of disassociation occurred at greater than 65 months with a minimum of 50 μm of loss at on the head bore. It may be warranted to survey patients with systems reporting head disassociation; for this system, including recalled heads, risk appears to begin after 6 years in vivo. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2996–3003, 2018.
Decision‐making in non‐cooperative games with conflicting self‐objectives
Authors: Eisenstadt Erella , Moshaiov Amiram
Published: July 2018

This paper concerns multicriteria decision making by players in a conflict situation. The considered situation is modelled as a non‐cooperative game. Moreover, the player has a conflict not only with the opponent, but also she is faced with her own conflicting objectives. Hence, selecting a strategy is dependent on both objective preferences and the inherent uncertainty about the opponent selection. In contrast to most studies on such multiobjective games (MOGs), which employed a scalarization approach, it has recently been suggested to pose such games as MOGs with undecided objective preferences. As in Pareto optimization, the novel solution method to the considered MOGs reveals tradeoff information, which is commonly hindered when using a classical scalarization approach. To complement and highlight the significance of the aforementioned approach, two decision analysis techniques are suggested. The proposed techniques are compared with weighted‐sum utility‐based analysis, as well as with the Pareto‐optimal security strategy approach. The comparison is done using a MOG with two competing travelling salesperson. It is concluded that the suggested techniques allow incorporating tradeoff information to justify the selection of a strategy.
Functional Effects of the Buckwheat Iminosugar d‐Fagomine on Rats with Diet‐Induced Prediabetes
Authors: Ramos‐Romero Sara , Hereu Mercè , Atienza Lidia , Casas Josefina , Taltavull Núria , Romeu Marta , Amézqueta Susana , Dasilva Gabriel , Medina Isabel , Torres Josep L.
Published: July 2018

Scope

The goals of this work are to test if d‐fagomine, an iminosugar that reduces body weight gain, can delay the appearance of a fat‐induced prediabetic state in a rat model and to explore possible mechanisms behind its functional action.

Methods and results

Wistar Kyoto rats were fed a high‐fat diet supplemented with d‐fagomine (or not, for comparison) or a standard diet (controls) for 24 weeks. The variables measured were fasting blood glucose and insulin levels; glucose tolerance; diacylglycerols as intracellular mediators of insulin resistance in adipose tissue (AT), liver, and muscle; inflammation markers (plasma IL‐6 and leptin, and liver and AT histology markers); eicosanoids from arachidonic acid as lipid mediators of inflammation; and the populations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Enterobacteriales, and Bifidobacteriales in feces. It was found that d‐fagomine reduces fat‐induced impaired glucose tolerance, inflammation markers, and mediators (hepatic microgranulomas and lobular inflammation, plasma IL‐6, prostaglandin E2, and leukotriene B4) while attenuating the changes in the populations of Enterobacteriales and Bifidobacteriales.

Conclusion

d‐Fagomine delays the development of a fat‐induced prediabetic state in rats by reducing low‐grade inflammation. We suggest that the anti‐inflammatory effect of d‐fagomine may be linked to a reduction in fat‐induced overpopulation of minor gut bacteria.
Body mass index and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Apple R. , Samuels L. R. , Fonnesbeck C. , Schlundt D. , Mulvaney S. , Hargreaves M. , Crenshaw D. , Wallston K. A. , Heerman W. J.
Published: July 2018

Objective

There are conflicting data regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), especially among certain population subgroups and for mental and physical health domains.

Methods

This study analysed the relationship between BMI and HRQoL (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System mental and physical health scales) using ordinary least squares regression. Each model allowed for the possibility of a non‐linear relationship between BMI and the outcome, adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, diet and physical activity.

Results

A total of 10,133 respondents were predominantly female (71.7%), White (84.1%), median age of 52.1 years (interquartile range 37.2–63.3) and median BMI of 27.9 (interquartile range 24.0–33.2). In adjusted models, BMI was significantly associated with physical and mental HRQoL (p < 0.001). For physical HRQoL, there was a significant interaction with age (p = 0.02). For mental HRQoL, there was a significant interaction with sex (p = 0.0004) but not age (p = 0.7).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a non‐linear association of variable clinical relevance between BMI and HRQoL after adjusting for demographic factors and comorbidities. The relationship between BMI and HRQoL is nuanced and impacted by gender and age. These findings challenge the idea of obesity as a main driver of reduced HRQoL, particularly among women and with respect to mental HRQoL.
Synthesis, characterization, and DFT studies of novel spiroacenaphthylene‐1,3‐oxazines
Authors: Yavari Issa , Khajeh‐Khezri Aliyeh , Aliveisi Rahman , Halvagar Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2018

The novel spirocyclic 1,3‐oxazino and 1,2′‐pyrido systems were synthesized by [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between Huisgen 1,4‐dipoles (isoquinoline‐acetylenic esters and quinoline‐acetylenic esters) with the C═O and C═C (CN)2 double bonds of acenaphthoquinone‐malononitrile adduct. The major product was the 1,3‐oxazino derivative. The structure of a typical product was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The B3LYP/6‐31G(d) density functional theory calculations for carbon atom charge of keto‐carbonyl group and its adjacent carbon atoms show that the carbonyl group is much more electrophilic. The major and minor products possess 2 stereogenic centers; thus, 2 diastereomers are possible for each compound. The calculated energy difference between [(1R,11bS)/(1S,11bR)] and [(1R,11bR)/(1S,11bS)] diastereomers of major product is 8.8 kcal/mol, while the more stable diastereomer of minor product [(1S,11bS)/(1R,11bR)] is calculated to have 9.9 kcal/mol lower energy than [(1S,11bR)/(1R,11bS)] isomer. The diastereoselectivity, good yields, and lack of activator or metal promoters are the main advantages of this approach.
From evidence to implementation: The global challenge for psychosocial oncology
Authors: Rodin Gary
Published: July 2018

The human dimensions of medical care were highlighted by such pioneering figures as Cicely Saunders, Elizabeth Kubler‐Ross, and Jimmie Holland and their tireless advocacy helped to build an evidence base for psychosocial and palliative interventions. In that spirit, we studied physical and psychological distress in advanced cancer and modeled pathways to distress in this population. We considered acute stress disorder as the prototype for psychological disturbances following the acute onset of life‐threatening disorders, showing that it occurred in one‐third of patients after the diagnosis of acute leukemia. To treat and prevent these symptoms, we developed Emotion and Symptom‐focused Engagement (EASE), an integrated psychotherapeutic and early palliative intervention. We showed that EASE reduced both traumatic stress and physical suffering in these patients and a large multi‐center trial is now underway. We also identified symptoms of depression and hopelessness n one quarter of patients with metastatic and advanced cancer, with worsening toward the end of life. To alleviate this distress, we developed a brief supportive‐expressive therapy, referred to as Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM). We showed in a large RCT that CALM improves depression, distress related to dying and death, and preparation for the end of life. We have now launched a global initiative involving 20 sites to date across North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia to have CALM implemented routinely in cancer care. Such initiatives are needed to move psychosocial care in cancer from evidence to implementation and to fulfill the dream of Jimmie Holland that cancer care be as humanistic as it is effective.
Reevaluating approaches to cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations
Authors: Schechter Michael S.
Published: July 2018

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by intermittent acute episodes of worsening signs, symptoms, and pulmonary function; these so‐called pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) appear to be important drivers of long‐term declines in lung function, quality of life, and life expectancy. Surveillance for development of PEx and their treatment is a fundamental component of chronic CF management, and the merits of novel CF therapies are often judged based on their ability to reduce the frequency of PEx. Given the central role that they play, it is surprising how poorly PEx are understood, how thin is the evidence base for their treatment and how often they are left unrecognized and untreated in clinical practice. This paper reviews what is known and what is unknown regarding the nature of PEx, and discusses the impact of missed recognition and treatment of these episodes as well as the apparent variation in practice across CF care centers. The arguments supporting a liberal, highly sensitive approach to the diagnosis of PEx are presented, as well as recommendation for how care programs can achieve consistency in their early recognition and treatment. A stepwise approach to personalized treatment supported by close follow‐up to ensure the successful resolution of all signs and symptoms will lead to the stabilization of patients’ lung function and quality of life. Recommendations are made regarding important priorities for research into evidence‐based approaches to improving the care of PEx.
Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its three main metabolites; impact of CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 genotype
Authors: Haage Pernilla , Kronstrand Robert , Josefsson Martin , Calistri Simona , van Schaik Ron H. N. , Green Henrik , Kugelberg Fredrik C.
Published: July 2018

Tramadol is a complex drug, being metabolized by polymorphic enzymes and administered as a racemate with the (+)‐ and (−)‐enantiomers of the parent compound and metabolites showing different pharmacological effects. The study aimed to simultaneously determine the enantiomer concentrations of tramadol, O‐desmethyltramadol, N‐desmethyltramadol, and N,O‐didesmethyltramadol following a single dose, and elucidate if enantioselective pharmacokinetics is associated with the time following drug intake and if interindividual differences may be genetically explained. Nineteen healthy volunteers were orally administered either 50 or 100 mg tramadol, whereupon blood samples were drawn at 17 occasions. Enantiomer concentrations in whole blood were measured by LC‐MS/MS and the CYP2D6, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 genotype were determined, using the xTAG CYP2D6 Kit, pyrosequencing and real‐time PCR, respectively. A positive correlation between the (+)/(−)‐enantiomer ratio and time following drug administration was shown for all four enantiomer pairs. The largest increase in enantiomer ratio was observed for N‐desmethyltramadol in CYP2D6 extensive and intermediate metabolizers, rising from about two to almost seven during 24 hours following drug intake. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers showed metabolic profiles markedly different from the ones of intermediate and extensive metabolizers, with large area under the concentration curves (AUCs) of the N‐desmethyltramadol enantiomers and low corresponding values of the O‐desmethyltramadol and N,O‐didesmethyltramadol enantiomers, especially of the (+)‐enantiomers. Homozygosity of CYP2B6 *5 and *6 indicated a reduced enzyme function, although further studies are required to confirm it. In conclusion, the increase in enantiomer ratios over time might possibly be used to distinguish a recent tramadol intake from a past one. It also implies that, even though (+)‐O‐desmethyltramadol is regarded the enantiomer most potent in causing adverse effects, one should not investigate the (+)/(−)‐enantiomer ratio of O‐desmethyltramadol in relation to side effects without consideration for the time that has passed since drug intake.
Charge Transfer Induced Caloric Effects
Authors: de Oliveira Nilson A.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the entropy change and the caloric effects induced by charge transfer are discussed. According to the general discussion based on simple physical arguments in the framework of itinerant electrons, large caloric effects can be induced by the charge transfer mechanism even in non‐magnetic materials. This fact, which can be very important to build solid state refrigerators with high performance, opens a new horizon in this area of research. We also suggest some compounds which are good candidates to exhibit caloric effects induced by the physical mechanism of charge transfer in a wide range of temperatures.
A DFT Study of Single‐Atom Catalysis of CO Oxidation Using Carbon‐Embedded Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayer
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Rad Farzad Arjomandi
Published: July 2018

The catalytic oxidation of CO by O2 molecule under mild conditions is one of the attractive processes in chemistry and industry. In the present study, by means of periodic density functional theory calculations, the potential of experimentally available carbon‐doped hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets as a metal‐free catalyst for the CO oxidation is investigated. It is found that C‐doping induces high spin density into BN monolayer which is mainly localized over the C and its neighboring N or B atoms. Both Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) and Eley–Rideal (ER) mechanisms are considered for the CO oxidation reaction. The calculated reaction barriers reveal that the CO oxidation proceeds first via the LH mechanism CO + O2 → OCOO → CO2 + O* and then via the ER mechanism CO + O* → OCO* → CO2. Our results suggest that the CO oxidation catalyzed by the C‐doped h‐BN sheets is likely to occur at the normal condition.
Three-forms, dualities and membranes in four-dimensional supergravity
Authors: Bandos Igor , Farakos Fotis , Lanza Stefano , Martucci Luca , Sorokin Dmitri
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We consider four-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

supergravity models of a kind appearing in string flux compactifications. It has been recently shown that, by using double three-form multiplets instead of ordinary chiral multiplets, one can promote to dynamical variables (part of) the quantized numbers appearing in the flux-induced superpotential. We show that double three-form multiplets naturally transform under symplectic dualities associated with the special Kähler structure that characterizes their scalar sector. Furthermore, we discuss how to couple membranes which carry arbitrary ‘electric-magnetic’ charges. The complete action is supersymmetric, kappa-symmetric and duality covariant. As an application, we derive the flow equations for BPS domain walls sourced by membranes and give simple analytic examples of their solution.
Testing large non-standard neutrino interactions with arbitrary mediator mass after COHERENT data
Authors: Denton Peter B. , Farzan Yasaman , Shoemaker Ian M.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In the presence of neutrino Non-Standard Interactions (NSI) with matter, the derivation of neutrino parameters from oscillation data must be reconsidered. In particular, along with the standard solution to neutrino oscillation, another solution known as “LMA-Dark” is compatible with global oscillation data and requires both θ
12 > π/4 and a certain flavor pattern of NSI with an effective coupling comparable to G

F
. Contrary to conventional expectations, there is a class of models based on a new U(1)
X
gauge symmetry with a gauge boson of mass of few MeV to few 10 MeV that can viably give rise to such large NSI. These models can in principle be tested by Coherent Elastic ν-Nucleus Scattering (CEνNS) experiments such as COHERENT and the upcoming reactor neutrino experiment, CONUS. We analyze how the recent results from the COHERENT experiment constrain these models and forecast the discovery potential with future measurements from COHERENT and CONUS. We also derive the constraints from COHERENT on lepton flavor violating NSI.
Horizontal Monitoring in Austria: subjective representations by tax officials and company employees
Authors: Enachescu Janina , Zieser Maximilian , Hofmann Eva , Kirchler Erich
Published: July 2018

The implementation of Horizontal Monitoring (HM) in Austria represents a shift in the prevailing command-and-control paradigm towards enhanced cooperation between taxpayers and tax authorities. In the present paper, we assess how HM is perceived by different stakeholder groups when it was introduced as a pilot project embedded in the “Fair Play Initiative” launched by the Austrian Ministry of Finance. We collected quantitative and qualitative data from tax auditors and staff of tax offices responsible for large-scale enterprises who were either directly involved or not involved in the HM pilot project, from employees of participating enterprises as well as from employees of enterprises which did not participate in the project. Results show that representations of HM were most positive among employees from HM companies and tax officials directly involved, whereas participants from the tax administration who did not take part in the project were skeptical at the beginning and remained skeptical over time. As shown in organizational change studies, the acceptance or resistance regarding the paradigm change represented by HM may originate from uncertainty and misperceptions of its goals and strategies and from speculations, particularly by poorly informed members.
Information overload in the information age: a review of the literature from business administration, business psychology, and related disciplines with a bibliometric approach and framework development
Authors: Roetzel Peter Gordon
Published: July 2018

In the light of the information age, information overload research in new areas (e.g., social media, virtual collaboration) rises rapidly in many fields of research in business administration with a variety of methods and subjects. This review article analyzes the development of information overload literature in business administration and related interdisciplinary fields and provides a comprehensive and overarching overview using a bibliometric literature analysis combined with a snowball sampling approach. For the last decade, this article reveals research directions and bridges of literature in a wide range of fields of business administration (e.g., accounting, finance, health management, human resources, innovation management, international management, information systems, marketing, manufacturing, or organizational science). This review article identifies the major papers of various research streams to capture the pulse of the information overload-related research and suggest new questions that could be addressed in the future and identifies concrete open gaps for further research. Furthermore, this article presents a new framework for structuring information overload issues which extends our understanding of influence factors and effects of information overload in the decision-making process.
Synergistic effects of hydro extract of jujube fruit in combination with Mesalazine (orally) and Asacol (intra-colonic) administration in ameliorating animal model of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gheibi Shahsanam , Hashemi Seyyed Rahim , Karimipour Mojtaba , Motlagh Bahman Mansouri , Ghaleh Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin
Published: July 2018

This study was done to investigate the synergistic impacts hydro extract of jujube fruit in combination with Mesalazine (orally) and Asacol (intra-colonic) administration in ameliorating animal model of ulcerative colitis (UC). After the induction of UC and with the development of signs, the treatment groups daily received the hydro extract of jujube fruit (200 mg/kg, orally, enema), Mesalazine (30 mg/kg, orally) and Asacol (10 mg/kg, enema). After 10 days, rats were euthanized and were studied. Findings indicated a significant increase in Myeloperoxidase (161.66 ± 10.40), Nitric oxide (216.01 ± 17.55), IL-6 (138.54 ± 7.02), and TNF-α (123.87 ± 9.80) colon tissue levels and pathological damage of positive control group compared with the negative control group. Hydro extract of jujube fruit in combination with Mesalazine (orally) and Asacol (intra-colonic) group represented a higher capability in significantly decreasing Myeloperoxidase (73.33 ± 9.07), Nitric oxide (81.66 ± 10.50), IL-6 (51.69 ± 5.19), TNF-α (30.59 ± 5.50) levels and pathological damage in compared with the other treatment groups. Considering accessibility and affordability of jujube fruit and the side effects of routine drugs, taking a combination of jujube fruit with low doses of routine pharmaceutical drugs can improve and cure ulcerative colitis disease.
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a Community Engagement Advisory Board: Strategies for maximizing success
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Newman Susan , Anderson Emily E. , Castillo Amparo , Willis Marilyn , Choure Wendy
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to describe the formation, operation, and evaluation of a Community Engagement Advisory Board (CEAB) that serves as a resource of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS).

Methods

Current CEAB roles and functions, operating procedures for research consultations and program evaluation strategies were described. Investigators receiving a consultation from 2009 to 2017 (n=91, response rate 78%) were surveyed via an online survey immediately after the consultation and at 12-month follow-up.

Results

Overall, CEAB members were viewed as having sufficient information (92%) and expertise (79%) to provide consultation. Satisfaction levels with the specific consultation received and the overall consultation service were high. The majority of investigators indicated that they would come back to the CEAB for a future consultation, if needed, and would recommend a consultation to others (93% and 96%, respectively). At 12-months, 87% of respondents indicated they had implemented at least some of the recommendations received and 93% said that the consultation influenced their subsequent research.

Conclusions

Data from recent annual evaluations highlight the benefits of CEAB for consulting investigators. Our model can be used to inform the development of future CEAB boards.
Invasive Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) Eradication and Native Crab Recovery
Authors: Tang Long , Li Bo , Zhao Bin , Li Peng , Li Zhanbin , Gao Yang
Published: July 2018

Invasive smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel) eradication is important for the health of many coastal ecosystems. An integrated regime of continuous submergence after clear mowing, with three interval levels between mowing and submergence (5, 10, and 15 d) and three submergence depths (20, 30, and 50 cm), was implemented in cofferdams enclosing invader populations along a Chinese coast. In July of the following year, after the roots of mowed S. alterniflora had been submerged for 12 mo, some ramets grew under the regime with an interval of 15 d and the regime with a submergence depth of 20 cm, but no ramets occurred under the regimes with submergence depths of 30 or 50 cm and intervals of 5 or 10 d. Four crab species were documented: Helice tridens tientsinensis Rathbun, Sesarma dehaani H. Milne-Edwards, Ocypode stimpsoni Ortmann, and Chiromantes haematocheir de Haan. Biomass and abundance values of crab species in the cofferdams were similar to those in the mudflats but different from those in smooth cordgrass populations. Thus, the treatment of submergence after mowing, which was implemented in the cofferdams, can control S. alterniflora and provide a mudflat-like habitat that promotes crab recovery if this treatment uses the proper combination of submergence depth and interval between mowing and submergence.
Rome and the Tzani in late antiquity: a historical and archaeological review
Authors: Intagliata Emanuele E.
Published: July 2018

Compared to other stretches of the eastern frontier, northeastern Anatolia has rarely attracted the attention of scholars of the Roman and late antique periods. The region is known, through late antique written sources, to have housed a belligerent confederation of tribes, the Tzani, who lived off raids conducted against their neighbours. Until the fifth century AD, the Roman approach to the Tzanic problem was one of quiet co-existence, but, in the early sixth century AD, after war broke out again with Persia, necessity moved the emperor Justinian (r. AD 527–565) to intervene more actively against the Tzani. According to the sixth-century historian Procopius, the Tzani were subdued and a chain of forts was constructed in their lands to protect access to the Black Sea coast. The remains of these forts, as well as those of other sixth-century AD infrastructure allegedly built under Justinian, are still elusive. Nonetheless, evidence on the ground and in the written sources can still help investigate the nature of the Justinianic frontier defensive system.
Assessing epidemiology of leprosy and socio-economic distribution of cases
Authors: Matos A. M. F. , Coelho A. C. O. , Araújo L. P. T. , Alves M. J. M. , Baquero O. S. , Duthie M. S. , Teixeira H. C.
Published: July 2018

Leprosy still represents a serious health problem in a number of countries, including Brazil. Although leprosy has been associated with poverty for a long time, it is still difficult to accurately define this relationship. Here, we evaluated in an endemic municipality the progress from 1995 to 2015 of epidemiological indicators to establish if there were any strong associations between social indicators and the occurrence of leprosy. An ecological study was conducted using the SINAN database (Brazilian leprosy-national notifiable diseases information system) in combination with georeferencing of leprosy cases. The georeferencing used the ArcGis programme and occurrence of cases was evaluated in relation to the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI), an indicator that categorises socio-economic and sanitation factors. The data identified a marked decrease in the overall prevalence of leprosy, a reduction in the new case-detection rate and a reduction in the number of cases with grade 2 disabilities (albeit with transient peaks in 2007 and 2015). Logistic regression analysis showed association of detection rates with elevated HVI. Thus, while the epidemiological indicators point to the elimination of leprosy, there is evidence of hidden cases and an association between higher rates of leprosy detection and greater social vulnerability remain.
Multi‐Instrumental Observations of Nonunderdense Meteor Trails
Authors: Kozlovsky A. , Shalimov S. , Kero J. , Raita T. , Lester M.
Published: July 2018

Using data from the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (67°22′N, 26°38′E, Finland) meteor camera from the whole year 2015, we identified and investigated 28 optical meteors with accompanying ionization trails unambiguously detected by the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory ionosonde, which sounded the ionosphere once per minute with frequency rising from 0.5 to 16 MHz. These ionosonde reflections were obtained from heights around 90 km. The electron line densities of the trails were found to be between 1014 and 1016 m−1, which characterize the trails as nonunderdense (i.e., transitional and overdense). The ionosonde reflections were observed for a few minutes, with decreasing maximal frequency of the return. During the first 250 s, for the trails with initial line density about (2–3) · 1015 m−1 the return frequency decreased with time corresponding to the diffusional expansion of cylindrical meteor trails, that is, f ∝ t−γ, where the exponent γ = 0.5, whereas less dense trails decayed slower (γ ≈ 0.2) and more dense trails decayed faster (γ ≈ 1). In many cases the meteor events were accompanied by nonspecular long‐lived detections using a colocated all‐sky interferometric meteor radar with operating frequency 36.9 MHz. As a rule the meteor radar echo durations were longer than expected from diffusional expansion of cylindrical meteor trails and their amplitudes were highly variable. We suggest that the slower frequency decrease of the ionosonde echoes and the nonspecular long‐lived meteor radar echoes might be associated with the presence of meteoric dust.
The Chemical Remagnetization of Ediacaran Dolomite in the Taishan Paleo‐Reservoir, South China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Jia Dong , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Li Yongxiang , Xia Bin , Xie Zengye , Hu Jing , Zi Jinping , Liu Weiliang
Published: July 2018

To understand the origin of chemical remagnetization in carbonate reservoir rocks and associated chemical processes, we have conducted detailed petrologic, geochemical, and magnetic studies of the hydrocarbon‐impregnated Ediacaran dolomite in the Taishan Paleo‐reservoir, south China. Samples were collected across a continuous outcrop consisting of oil‐free dolomite, transition zone dolomite, and highly hydrocarbon‐impregnated reservoir dolomite. Paleomagnetic results show that dolomite from the reservoir and transition zone were remagnetized and carries a possible Cambrian‐Ordovician direction (Dec = 163.7°, Inc = 10.6°, and α95 = 1.9°), and the oil‐free dolomite shows unstable magnetizations. Hematite is the magnetic mineral in the oil‐free dolomite, whereas the hydrocarbon‐impregnated reservoir dolomite contains no hematite but mainly pyrrhotite nanoparticles. Transition‐zone dolomite contains both hematite and pyrrhotite. In addition, the natural remanent magnetization intensities decrease from the reservoir dolomite, through the transition zone, and into the oil‐free dolomite, and a similar trend was observed in the total organic carbon and bitumen contents. The results suggest that the magnetic mineral assemblage and magnetic intensity in dolomite appear to be closely related to the degree of hydrocarbon impregnation and that remagnetization of the Ediacaran dolomite was likely caused by hydrocarbon migration into the dolomite. Pyrrhotite nanoparticles, magnetite, and barite are suggested to be formed during hydrocarbon migration, by the reduction of detrital hematite in the dolomite and sulfur species in the hydrocarbons. The new findings into the origin of pervasive remagnetization have the potential to guide future hydrocarbon exploration within Ediacaran dolomite that is host to the largest single carbonate gas reservoir in China.
On Shear Stresses, Temperatures, and the Maximum Magnitudes of Earthquakes at Convergent Plate Boundaries
Authors: England Philip
Published: July 2018

Apparent coefficients of friction,, on nine subduction interfaces for which surface heat flux constraints exist fall in the range. Surface heat flux above the maximum depth of thrust‐faulting earthquakes adjusted for radiogenic heat production,QT, falls in a narrow range, implying that the transition from seismic to aseismic slip on the interface takes place at a temperature,TT, that depends upon its depth,zT. For the mean value ofQT∼40 mW/m2,TT∼zT×12°C/km. The maximum depth of thrust‐faulting earthquakes, determined from a further 82 profiles of seismicity across subduction zones, exhibits a systematic dependence on convergence rate and the age of the descending plate, which is consistent with a narrow range inQTfor these zones also. An analytical expression linkstozT,QT, and the subduction parameters. Application of this relation to the 82 profiles gives. The narrowness of that range can be explained if the primary source of heat on the subduction interface is frictional heating during earthquakes with shear stresses limited by thermal pressurization of pore fluids. Apparent coefficients of friction exhibit insignificant variation with the fraction of the relative motion that is expressed in earthquakes. Either the apparent coefficients of friction for seismic and aseismic slip are indistinguishable or zones with historically low rates of seismicity are prone to large earthquakes that have not been recorded.
Modeling the Response of Daily Evapotranspiration and its Components of a Larch Plantation to the Variation of Weather, Soil Moisture, and Canopy Leaf Area Index
Authors: Liu Zebin , Wang Yanhui , Tian Ao , Webb Ashley A. , Yu Pengtao , Xiong Wei , Xu Lihong , Wang Yarui
Published: July 2018

An accurate prediction of forest evapotranspiration (ET) based on its components in response to a changing environment is essential for understanding interactions between the atmosphere, soil, and vegetation and for integrated forest‐water management. The ET components of a pure larch plantation and the environment were monitored over 2 years in northwest China. The response functions of each ET component to individual driving factors were determined using upper boundary lines, then coupled to form the ET component modules, fitted with measured data in 2016 (May–September), and validated with measured data in 2015 (June–September). Results showed that (1) the response of daily transpiration (T) to potential ET (ETref) followed a binomial equation, and the response of T to relative extractable water (REW) of the 0‐ to 60‐cm soil layer and canopy leaf area index (LAI) followed a saturated exponential growth function. The module was T = (−5.766 × 10−4ETref2 + 0.005ETref–0.002) × (18.769 + 46.990 (1–exp(−8.555REW))) × (−14.662 + 17.428 (1–exp(−1.414LAI))). (2) The response of daily forest floor evapotranspiration (FE) to ETref, volumetric soil moisture (VSM) of the 0‐ to 30‐cm soil layer, and LAI followed positive linear, saturated exponential growth and saturated exponential decay function. The module was FE = (6.697ETref–2.770) × (6.927–11.243exp(−1.959VSM)) × (0.032 + 1.162exp(−2.407LAI)). (3) The canopy interception (Ic) of individual rainfall events was mainly affected by precipitation amount (P) and LAI. The module was Ic = 0.446 LAI (1–exp(−0.112P)) + 0.097P. (4) The daily ET model was built up as ET = T + FE + Ic, which had good performance in both the calibration and validation period. It can be concluded that the variation of daily forest ET can be accurately predicted using the easily measurable driving factors of weather, soil, and vegetation.
Liquid‐Vapor‐Air Flow in the Frozen Soil
Authors: Yu Lianyu , Zeng Yijian , Wen Jun , Su Zhongbo
Published: July 2018

Accurate representing freeze‐thaw (FT) process is of great importance in cold region hydrology and climate studies. With the STEMMUS‐FT model (Simultaneous Transfer of Energy, Mass and Momentum in Unsaturated Soil), we investigated the coupled water and heat transfer in the variably saturated frozen soil and the mechanisms of water phase change along with both evaporation and FT process, at a typical meadow ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau. The STEMMUS‐FT showed its capability of depicting the simultaneous movement of soil moisture and heat flow in frozen soil. The comparison of different parameterizations of soil thermal conductivity indicated that the de Vries parameterization performed better than others in reproducing the hydrothermal dynamics of frozen soils. The analysis of water/vapor fluxes indicated that both the liquid water and vapor fluxes move upward to the freezing front and highlighted the crucial role of vapor flow during soil FT cycles as it connects the water/vapor transfer beneath the freezing front and above the evaporation front. The liquid/vapor advective fluxes make a negligible contribution to the total mass transfer. Nevertheless, the interactive effect of soil ice and air can be found on the spatial and temporal variations of advective fluxes in frozen soils.
Wet Dust Deposition Across Texas During the 2012 Drought: An Overlooked Pathway for Elemental Flux to Ecosystems
Authors: Ponette‐González A. G. , Collins J. D. , Manuel J. E. , Byers T. A. , Glass G. A. , Weathers K. C. , Gill T. E.
Published: July 2018

Airborne dust can alter ecosystem productivity and biogeochemical cycling by enhancing atmospheric nutrient and pollutant deposition. Wet dust deposition (dust‐in‐rain) is less frequently quantified than dry deposition but represents a potentially significant flux to ecosystems. We quantified dust‐in‐rain event frequency, dust influence on rainwater ionic and elemental composition, and wet dissolved and particulate deposition during weeks affected by dust‐in‐rain and all other weeks (background samples) at two sites across Texas (one arid, Guadalupe Mountains, and one humid, Gulf coastal prairie) during the centennial‐scale 2012 drought. Although dust‐in‐rain was sporadic, a clear dust signature was evident in rainwater. Compared to background samples, crustal species (Fe and Mn) were more prevalent than anthropogenic species (Cu and Zn) in dust‐in‐rain. Volume‐weighted mean rainwater concentrations of K+, Na+, and Cl− and of all particulate elements were also significantly greater in dust‐in‐rain than in background samples. In the Guadalupe Mountains, West Texas, dust‐in‐rain contributed nearly 50% of annual wet dissolved Na+ and Cl− and 22–35% of dissolved Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and PO43− deposition. In the Gulf coastal prairie, East Texas, dust‐in‐rain delivered 19%, 13%, and 9% of annual wet dissolved PO43−, Ca2+, and K+ deposition, respectively. A major proportion of annual wet particulate deposition (>56% in Guadalupe Mountains and ~30% in Gulf coastal prairie) similarly occurred with dust‐in‐rain. Our findings show that infrequent dust‐in‐rain events constitute an important but overlooked pathway for elemental flux to ecosystems in arid source and humid receptor sites during severe drought. Quantifying these fluxes is crucial to determine dust impacts on ecosystem processes.