The Influence of Grit on Life Satisfaction: Self-Esteem as a Mediator.

Improving people's life satisfaction has become an important goal for many individuals and societies. In this study we investigate how grit influences life satisfaction. We propose that individuals' self-esteem mediates the relationship between grit and life satisfaction. Study 1, with a sample of 243 employees enrolled in a business training course, found that an individual's grit was positively related to life satisfaction and that self-esteem fully mediated this relationship. In Study 2, with 218 full-time employees, self-efficacy, self-control, and self-consciousness were included as mediators, but they did not exceed the power of self-esteem in explaining the relationship between grit and life satisfaction. Implications, limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Electrochemical Dynamics of a Single Platinum Nanoparticle Collision Event for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Chronoamperometry was used to study the dynamics of Pt nanoparticle (NP) collision with an inert ultramicroelectrode via electrocatalytic amplification (ECA) in the hydrogen evolution reaction. ECA and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results reveal that the NP colloid remains stable only at low proton concentrations (1.0 mm) under a helium (He) atmosphere, ensuring that the collision events occur at genuinely single NP level. Amperometry of single NP collisions under a He atmosphere shows that each discrete current profile of the collision event evolves from spike to staircase at more negative potentials, while a staircase response is observed at all of the applied potentials under hydrogen-containing atmospheres. The particle size distribution estimated from the diffusion-controlled current in He agrees well with electron microscopy and DLS observations. These results shed light on the interfacial dynamics of the single nanoparticle collision electrochemistry.

Need for uniqueness as a mediator of the relationship between face consciousness and status consumption in China.

Strong economic development in China has led to a surge in status consumption as a means of gaining face. In Eastern culture, people interpret uniqueness as status distinction rather than separateness or deviance. This type of uniqueness can be used to meet others' expectations and gain social approval. Thus its relationship with face consciousness and status consumption is to be expected. This study investigates 2 hypotheses: (a) Face consciousness has a positive effect on status consumption and (b) Consumer need for uniqueness mediates the relationship between face consciousness and status consumption. Two-hundred and forty-six working respondents in eastern China completed a survey. Regression analysis of the results supported both hypotheses.

Impact of perioperative blood transfusion on immune function and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impacts of perioperative blood transfusion on the immune function and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CC) patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 1404 CC patients, including 1223 sporadic colorectal cancer (SCC) patients and 181 hereditary colorectal cancer (HCC) patients. Among them, 701 SCC and 102 HCC patients received perioperative blood transfusion. The amount of T lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells was measured. All patients received a 10-year follow-up and relapse, metastasis and curative conditions were recorded. RESULTS: In SCC group, mortality, local recurrence and distant metastasis rate of transfused patients were significantly higher than non-transfused patients (all P <0.05). In HCC group, mortality was apparently higher in transfused patients than non-transfused patients (P = 0.002). SCC patients transfused with ≥3 U of blood had significantly higher mortality than patients transfused with <3 U (P = 0.006). The amount of T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells showed statistical differences before and after perioperative blood transfusion in SCC and HCC patients (all P <0.05). Also, there existed statistical differences in CD4+/CD8+ ratio among SCC patients before and after the perioperative blood transfusion (P <0.05). CC patients who received perioperative blood transfusion had markedly lower 10-year survival rates as compared with those who did not receive (both P <0.05). SCC patients transfused with ≥3 U of blood had remarkably lower survival rates compared with SCC patients transfused with <3 U (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative blood transfusion could impact immune function, increased postoperative mortality, local recurrence rate and distant metastasis rate in CC patients; and survival rate of CC patients is negatively related to blood transfusion volume.

Effects of perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis in hereditary and sporadic colon cancer.

We investigated the effects of perioperative blood transfusion in the prognosis of hereditary and sporadic colon cancer. There are 1075 colon cancer patients, including 936 sporadic colon cancer and 139 with hereditary colon cancer undergoing surgery at our hospital. All patients underwent 10 years of follow-up. In the sporadic group, mortality, local recurrence rate and distant metastases rate of transfused patients were significantly higher than non-transfused patients. The 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients receiving blood transfusions compared to non-transfused patients. In the hereditary group, mortality was higher in transfused patients compared to non-transfused patients.

Effects of "face" consciousness on status consumption among Chinese consumers: perceived social value as a mediator.

Chinese consumers are interested in status consumption, i.e., in striving to enhance their social standings through the consumption of luxury products. This study investigates how face consciousness, one's social self-esteem, and desire to be respected influences status consumption behavior in China. The Consciousness of Social Face Scale, the Social Value Scale, and the Status Consumption Scale were administered to 192 MBA students from a university in east China (117 men, 69 women, 6 unreported sex). The results revealed that face consciousness was positively related to Chinese consumers' status consumption. Moreover, the results showed that the effects of face consciousness on status consumption were partly mediated by consumer social value. The findings highlight the importance of face consciousness in understanding Chinese consumer behaviors.

Clinical characteristics of peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures in myopic children.

AIM: To describe the characteristics of peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structure (PHOMS) in myopic children and to investigate factors associated with PHOMS. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 101 eyes of 101 children (age ≤17y) with myopia. All included patients underwent comprehensive clinical examination. Optic nerve canal parameters, including disc diameter, optic nerve head (ONH) tilt angle, and border tissue angle were measured using serial enhanced-depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Based on the optic disc drusen consortium's definition of PHOMS, eyes were classified as PHOMS group and non-PHOMS group. PHOMS was categorized according to height. RESULTS: Sixty-seven (66.3%) eyes were found with PHOMS. Small PHOMS could only be detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Medium PHOMS could be seen with blurred optic disc borders corresponding to OCT. The most frequent location of PHOMS was at the nasosuperior (91%, 61 of 67 eyes) to ONH disc. The axial length and spherical equivalent were more myopic in the PHOMS group than in the non-PHOMS group (both P<0.001). ONH tilt angle was also significantly greater in PHOMS group than in non-PHOMS group [8.90 (7.16-10.54) vs 3.93 (3.09-5.25), P<0.001]. Border tissue angle was significantly smaller in PHOMS group than in non-PHOMS group [29.70 (20.90-43.81) vs 45.62 (35.18-60.45), P<0.001]. In the multivariable analysis, spherical equivalent (OR=3.246, 95%CI=1.209-8.718, P=0.019) and ONH tilt angle (OR=3.275, 95%CI=1.422-7.542, P=0.005) were significantly correlated with PHOMS. There was no disc diameter associated with PHOMS. In the linear regression analysis, border tissue angle was negatively associated with PHOMS height (ß=-2.227, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: PHOMS is associated with optic disc tilt and optic disc nasal shift in myopia. Disc diameter is not a risk factor for PHOMS. The changes in ONH caused by axial elongation facilitated an understanding of the mechanism of PHOMS.

Optimization of reaction conditions towards multiple types of framework isomers and periodic-increased porosity: luminescence properties and selective CO2 adsorption over N2.

Three new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared by solvo(hydro)thermolysis and further characterized as framework isomers. The structural transformation from non-porous to porous MOFs and the purity of these products can be modulated by controlling the reaction temperature. The periodic-increased porosity observed was further confirmed by CO2 adsorption isotherms. Owing to the presence of acylamide groups in the pore walls and the flexible nature of the skeleton of these MOFs, highly selective CO2 adsorption over N2 was observed, as well as structure-dependent periodic varieties in luminescence properties.

Exploring work-life balance among professional women in mainland China: A qualitative study.

This article introduces a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews to explore the barriers and resources of professional women to attain work-life balance (WLB) in the context of mainland China. Interviews were conducted with full-time employed women who had received higher education and possessed professional qualifications (N = 20). The findings reveal underlying factors in work and non-work domains which influence the achievement of work-life balance among Chinese professional women. Participants were found to perceive and attain their work-life balance differently according to their personal traits. The findings also highlight social and family support resources for Chinese professional women from the perspective of Confucianism. This study contributes to current knowledge on work and life issues through the lens of professional women's work-life balance perceptions and experiences in mainland China.

The Effects of Traditional Concepts on Personal Values Among University Students in China.

It is widely agreed that China is experiencing a substantial transition toward modernization. However, both business behavior and day-to-day life in China are still greatly influenced and regulated by the traditional culture that has been embedded in Chinese society for thousands of years. Therefore, when studying social phenomena in China, researchers must take the indigenous cultural context into account. Focusing on the young generation in China, the authors explore the relationships between the most fundamental traditional concepts and various value dimensions. Three hundred and thirty-two university students in Southeast China took part in the survey and data were analyzed with SPSS. The result might help both scholars and practitioners to better understand the contemporary Chinese culture. The discussion and implications are also offered.

Values Evolution in Transitional China: An Institutional Perspective.

The values are greatly affected by the social and economic environment of a country. Thus, social transformation can lead to the values evolution. China has been experiencing a huge social, political, and economic transition in the past four decades. The previous studies that explore the value changes in China mainly compare the values across the regions or generation cohorts. This research investigates the issue from an institutional perspective. Specifically, we propose that the diversification of ownership types-the essence of the economic and institutional reform since 1978 may result in value change. By surveying 327 participants from the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and 220 respondents from the privately owned enterprises (POEs), the comparisons between SOEs and POEs on four value dimensions-individualism, power distance, risk aversion, and money orientation-were performed. The results basically support cross-vergence theory in the values evolution. The implications and limitations are presented as well.

The Influence of Face on Online Purchases: Evidence From China.

This study examines the influence of an indigenous concept - face on online purchases in China. Specifically, we test the mediating role of materialism and the moderating role of price consciousness. We conduct a survey of 315 Chinese consumers. The results demonstrate that consumers tend to make online purchases to satisfy some facets of their materialistic needs and then gain face, especially for those highly conscious of price. The current research can help both scholars and practitioners better understand Chinese consumers and their decision-making processes. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also provided.

The Influence of Face Loss on Impulse Buying: An Experimental Study.

In this research, the effect of face loss on impulsive buying is examined under the background of Chinese culture. Using experimental studies, we examined the mediating effect of emotion and the moderating effect of self-control. The results indicate that individuals who lost their face are more likely to purchase impulsively. For individuals high in self-control, face loss has no significant impact on their impulsive consumption. While for those with low self-control, face loss will significantly enhance their impulsive buying tendency. Finally, implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Quantitative analysis of retinal vasculature in normal eyes using ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography.

AIM: To quantify the area and density of retinal vascularity by ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA). METHODS: In a retrospective study, UWFA images were obtained using an ultra-widefield imaging device in 42 normal eyes of 42 patients. Central and peripheral steered images were used to define the edge of retinal vasculature by a certified grader. The length from the center of the optic disc to the edge of retinal vascularity (RVL) in each quadrant and the total retinal vascular perfusion area (RVPA) were determined by the grader using OptosAdvance software. The density of retinal vascularity (RVD) was quantified in different zones of central-steered images using Image J software. RESULTS: Among 42 healthy eyes, the values for mean RVL in each quadrant were 19.007±0.781 mm (superior), 18.467±0.869 mm (inferior), 17.738±0.622 mm (nasal) and 24.241±1.336 mm (temporal). The mean RVPA was 1140.117±73.825 mm2. The mean RVD of the total retina was 4.850%±0.638%. RVD varied significantly between different retina zones (P<0.001), and significant differences existed in the RVD values for total retinal area in patients over 50 years old compared to those under 50 years old (P=0.033). No gender difference was found. CONCLUSION: The UWFA device can be a promising tool for analyzing the overall retinal vasculature and may provide a better understanding of retinal vascular morphology in normal eyes. Aging may be related to lower RVD.

Novel regioselectivity: three-component cascade synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,4- and 1,2-dihydropyridines.

The three-component sequential reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, amines, and enaminones proceeded smoothly to give 1,3,4-trisubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridines in aqueous DMF. Moreover, the unexpected regioselective formation of 1,2-dihydropyridines has been observed for the first time in such an approach. On the basis of a systematic study, the novel regioselectivity could be assigned both to steric and electronic effects originating from the amine partner.

[Studies on the Herba Plantaginis of different kinds and habitats by FTIR reflection spectroscopy-chemometrics analysis].

In the present paper, FTIR of different species obtained from different regions of sibling plantaginis were determined by Fourier transform infrared reflection spectroscopy (FTIRS), and thirty-five comparatively typical absorption peaks were selected and used to study genetic relationship, combined with chemometric methods. The phylogenetic cluster analysis revealed that three species could be divided into two groups based on the distance of 0.036, among which Plantago depressa Willd. was clustered with Plantago asiatica L. based on distance of 0.033, while clustered with Plantago virginica L. based on distance of 0.042, and the result was consistent with that of traditional taxology. The principal component analysis result revealed that the distances of Plantago asiatica L. in the similar environment are similar in three-dimensional FTIR chart, however, it is dispersive when obtained from different regions. This method is scientific, simple and direct, and has important theoretical and practical application value.

Construction of a cDNA library and preliminary analysis of the expressed sequence tags of the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826).

Earthworms are useful indicator organisms of soil health and Eisenia fetida have been extensively used as test organisms in ecotoxicological studies. In order to gain insight into the gene expression profiles associated with physiological functions of earthworms, a full­length enriched cDNA library of the Eisenia fetida genome was successfully constructed using Switching Mechanism at 5'End of RNA Template technology. Construction of a cDNA library and analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are efficient approaches for collecting genomic information and identifying genes important for a given biological process. Furthermore, analysis of the expression abundance of ESTs was performed with the aim of providing genetic and transcriptomic information on the development and regenerative process of earthworms. Phrep and Crossmatch were used to process EST data and a total of 1,140 high­quality EST sequences were determined by sequencing random cDNA clones from the library. Clustering analysis of sequences revealed a total of 593 unique sequences including 225 contiguous and 368 singleton sequences. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database resulted in 593 significant hits (P­value <1x10­8), of which 168 were annotated through Gene Ontology analysis. The STRING database was used to determine relationships among the 168 ESTs, identifying associated genes involved in protein­protein interactions and gene expression regulation. Based on nucleic acid and protein sequence homology, the mutual relationships between 287 genes could be obtained, which identified a portion of the ESTs as known genes. The present study reports on the construction of a high­quality cDNA library representative of adult earthworms, on a preliminary analysis of ESTs and on a putative functional analysis of ESTs. The present study is expected to enhance our understanding of the molecular basis underlying the biological development of earthworms.

[Ethanol electrooxidation on carbon supported PtSn catalyst: in situ TRFTIR study].

Carbon supported PtSn catalyst (PtSn/C) was prepared by a modified polyol method and characterized by means of XRD. It was showed that the metal particle size was 2.2 nm and the unit cell parameter increased compared with Pt/C. In situ time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TRFTIRS) was used to study the electrooxidation of ethanol on PtSn/C catalyst. COL was the main poison species adsorbed on the active sites to inhibit the further reaction of ethanol electrooxidation. Acetaldehyde and acetic acid were found to be the products of ethanol electrooxidation as competing reactions with ethanol dissociation when the potential was up to 0.3 V, which reduced the poisoning effect. The selectivity of acetic acid among the products was improved with the increase in the potential and reaction time. CO2, which appeared at 0.4 V, was the final product and yielded from the oxidation of COL. The catalytic mechanism of PtSn/C towards ethanol electrooxidation was analyzed based on the results.

Achievement goals and life satisfaction: the mediating role of perception of successful agency and the moderating role of emotion reappraisal.

Achievement goals are cognitive representations that guide behavior to a competence-related future end state. Existing theories and empirical findings suggest that achievement goals are potentially related to life satisfaction. However, the relationship between achievement goals and life satisfaction remains relatively unexplored in the psychology literature. In this study, we examined how, why, and when achievement goals affect life satisfaction using original survey data from China. The results suggest that achievement goals were positively related to life satisfaction (R2 = .20, 90% CI [.11, .26]), that the perception of successful agency fully mediated the relationship between achievement goals and life satisfaction (R2 = .22, 90% CI [.12, .27]), and that emotion reappraisal moderated the relationship between achievement goals and life satisfaction (R2 = .34, 90% CI [.23, .39]). Our study indicates that achievement goals have a positive influence on life satisfaction and help to elucidate the mechanism and boundary condition of this influence.

WITHDRAWN: SEPT9 DNA methylation as an early diagnostic marker in colorectal cancer.

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