bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory properties of Olea europaea leaf extract in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Vezza Teresa , Algieri Francesca , Rodríguez‐Nogales Alba , Garrido‐Mesa José , Utrilla M Pilar , Talhaoui Nassima , Gómez‐Caravaca Ana María , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Rodríguez‐Cabezas M Elena , Monteleone Giovanni , Gálvez Julio
Published: July 2017

Scope

Extracts from olive (Olea europaea) leaves are used in Mediterranean traditional medicine as anti‐inflammatory agents. They contain antioxidant phenolic compounds, such as oleuropeoside, which could be interesting for the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress in humans, including inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods and results

The anti‐inflammatory effects of olive leaf extract (0.5–25 mg/kg) were studied in two mice models of colitis (DSS and DNBS). Olive leaf extract (0.1–100 μg/mL) immunomodulatory effects were also investigated in different cell types and in ex vivo organ cultures of mucosal explants of healthy donors and Crohn's disease (CD) patients. The extract showed effect in both colitis models reducing the expression of proinflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and iNOS), and improving the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity restoring the expression of ZO‐1, MUC‐2, and TFF‐3. These effects were confirmed in vitro. Furthermore, it reduced the production of proinflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α) in intestinal mucosal samples from CD patients.

Conclusion

Olive leaf extract presented intestinal anti‐inflammatory activity in colitis mouse models, maybe be related to its immunomodulatory properties and the capacity to restore the intestinal epithelial barrier. Besides, the extract could also regulate the activity of cells involved in the inflammatory response.
Efficacy and safety of sugarcane policosanol on dyslipidemia: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gong Jing , Qin Xin , Yuan Fen , Hu Meilin , Chen Guang , Fang Ke , Wang Dingkun , Jiang Shujun , Li Jingbin , Zhao Yan , Huang Zhaoyi , Dong Hui , Lu Fuer
Published: July 2017

Scope

This study aimed to systematically investigate whether sugarcane policosanol was effective and safe on dyslipidemia.

Methods and results

A total of 11 databases including the PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane library and SinoMed databases were searched for available studies investigating the effects of policosanol on dyslipidemia. A total of 22 studies including 1886 subjects were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that compared with placebo, sugarcane policosanol could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.30 mmol/L) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c, 95% CI: −1.02 to −0.40 mmol/L) and increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol; however, no significant effects were observed on triglyceride (TG) and body weight. Subgroup analysis suggested the studies from Cuba obtained more effective data than those outside this country, and the effects were not proportional to the dose. The adverse effects analysis demonstrated that sugarcane policosanol was safer than the control agents.

Conclusion

The pooled results supported the lipid‐lowering effects and safety of policosanol. Because of the high heterogeneity, the better treatment effects observed in the Cuban studies and the inconsistent dose‐response relationship, more clinical trials are needed to further confirm the efficacy of policosanol on dyslipidemia.
Inulin‐type fructans and whey protein both modulate appetite but only fructans alter gut microbiota in adults with overweight/obesity: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reimer Raylene A. , Willis Holly J. , Tunnicliffe Jasmine M. , Park Heekuk , Madsen Karen L. , Soto‐Vaca Adriana
Published: July 2017

Scope

Independently, prebiotics and dietary protein have been shown to improve weight loss and/or alter appetite. Our objective was to determine the effect of combined prebiotic and whey protein on appetite, body composition and gut microbiota in adults with overweight/obesity.

Methods and results

In a 12 week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, 125 adults with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to receive isocaloric snack bars of: (1) Control; (2) Inulin‐type fructans (ITF); (3) Whey protein; (4) ITF + Whey protein. Appetite, body composition and gut microbiota composition/genetic potential were assessed. Compared to Control, body fat was significantly reduced in the Whey protein group at 12 wks. Hunger, desire to eat and prospective food consumption were all lower with ITF, Whey protein and ITF + Whey protein compared to Control at 12 wks. Microbial community structure differed from 0 to 12 wks in the ITF and ITF +Whey Protein groups (i.e. increased Bifidobacterium) but not Whey Protein or Control. Changes in microbial genetic potential were seen between Control and ITF‐containing treatments.

Conclusion

Adding ITF, whey protein or both to snack bars improved several aspects of appetite control. Changes in gut microbiota may explain in part the effects of ITF but likely not whey protein.
Deep learning of the sectional appearances of 3D CT images for anatomical structure segmentation based on an FCN voting method
Authors: Zhou Xiangrong , Takayama Ryosuke , Wang Song , Hara Takeshi , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

Purpose

We propose a single network trained by pixel‐to‐label deep learning to address the general issue of automatic multiple organ segmentation in three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images. Our method can be described as a voxel‐wise multiple‐class classification scheme for automatically assigning labels to each pixel/voxel in a 2D/3D CT image.

Methods

We simplify the segmentation algorithms of anatomical structures (including multiple organs) in a CT image (generally in 3D) to a majority voting scheme over the semantic segmentation of multiple 2D slices drawn from different viewpoints with redundancy. The proposed method inherits the spirit of fully convolutional networks (FCNs) that consist of “convolution” and “deconvolution” layers for 2D semantic image segmentation, and expands the core structure with 3D‐2D‐3D transformations to adapt to 3D CT image segmentation. All parameters in the proposed network are trained pixel‐to‐label from a small number of CT cases with human annotations as the ground truth. The proposed network naturally fulfills the requirements of multiple organ segmentations in CT cases of different sizes that cover arbitrary scan regions without any adjustment.

Results

The proposed network was trained and validated using the simultaneous segmentation of 19 anatomical structures in the human torso, including 17 major organs and two special regions (lumen and content inside of stomach). Some of these structures have never been reported in previous research on CT segmentation. A database consisting of 240 (95% for training and 5% for testing) 3D CT scans, together with their manually annotated ground‐truth segmentations, was used in our experiments. The results show that the 19 structures of interest were segmented with acceptable accuracy (88.1% and 87.9% voxels in the training and testing datasets, respectively, were labeled correctly) against the ground truth.

Conclusions

We propose a single network based on pixel‐to‐label deep learning to address the challenging issue of anatomical structure segmentation in 3D CT cases. The novelty of this work is the policy of deep learning of the different 2D sectional appearances of 3D anatomical structures for CT cases and the majority voting of the 3D segmentation results from multiple crossed 2D sections to achieve availability and reliability with better efficiency, generality, and flexibility than conventional segmentation methods, which must be guided by human expertise.
Better arthritis care: Patients' expectations and priorities, the competencies that community‐based health professionals need to improve their care of people with arthritis?
Authors: Erwin J. , Edwards K. , Woolf A. , Whitcombe S. , Kilty S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify the competencies that patients think non‐specialist community‐based nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) need to enable them to assess, care for and manage arthritis appropriately.

Methods

Four face‐to‐face focus groups were held with a total of 16 women and nine men with arthritis, to discuss the care they received from community‐based health professionals, the skills and knowledge they expected from community‐based health professionals and what they prioritized.

Results

People with arthritis wanted health providers to have an understanding of the difference between inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA), of how serious OA can be, and of the unpredictability of IA and flares. They emphasized the need for nurses and AHPs to understand the psychosocial impact of arthritis on individuals, family and friends, and the psychological adjustment needed when diagnosed with IA. They wanted community‐based health professionals to have some knowledge of the types of drug treatments that people with IA receive and the implications of taking immunosuppressive drugs. They also wanted them to understand the pain associated with arthritis, particularly OA, which participants felt was not taken seriously enough. They wanted nurses and AHPs in the community to be able to give basic advice on pacing and pain management, to make multidisciplinary referrals, to communicate effectively between referral points and to be able to signpost people to sources of help and good, reliable sources of education and information (especially for OA). They also wanted them to understand that patients who have had a diagnosis for a long time are the experts in their own disease. Other areas which were emphasized as being important were good communication skills and taking a holistic approach to caring for people with arthritis.

Conclusions

OA and IA differ significantly, both in their nature and their management. However, patients with arthritis want health professionals working in the community to be able to take a holistic approach to arthritis, with an understanding not just of the physical effects, but also their impact on the lives of patients, their family and their wider social circle, and on their ability to participate. People with OA want their condition to be taken seriously and to be offered appropriate management options, while people with IA want professionals to understand the unpredictability of their condition and to have a basic understanding of the drugs used for its treatment.
A Medieval/Early Modern Alpine Population from Zweisimmen, Switzerland: A Comparative Study of Anthropology and Palaeopathology
Authors: Somers J. , Cooper C. , Alterauge A. , Lösch S.
Published: July 2017

To date, anthropological comparative studies from Switzerland are rare. Therefore, this research aims to make a comparison between the alpine individuals from Zweisimmen (ca. 14th–19th), and 17 other rural and urban populations from Switzerland all dating to the medieval and early modern period. An osteoarchaeological analysis was carried out on the rural population of Zweisimmen, consisting of 134 skeletons. For each individual, the arm position and orientation were observed in the field, while preservation, representation, sex, age, stature, trauma and pathologies were recorded in the laboratory. These results were compared with data from published and grey literature in order to gain a better understanding of chronological and regional patterns in Switzerland. A chronological development was observed in the orientation, arm position and use of a coffin, which suggests a change in burial practices and beliefs throughout time. The demographic profile represents a natural mortality; however, children and especially neonates are underrepresented in this sample. Some individuals were buried in groups, suggesting simultaneous burial during a period of increased mortality. The palaeopathological findings suggest that the living conditions in rural alpine Zweisimmen were similar to those of other contemporaneous populations, as well as those living in an urban setting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Label‐Free Direct Electrical Detection of a Histidine‐Rich Protein with Sub‐Femtomolar Sensitivity using an Organic Field‐Effect Transistor
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Sasaki Yui , Tokito Shizuo , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Dr. Tsuyoshi Minami at the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo (Japan). Easy‐to‐use sensing systems for on‐site biomarker testing have been researched numerously, because conventional approaches for biomarker detection (e.g. enzyme linked‐immunosorbent assays, etc.) are too complicated. In that regard, organic filed‐effect transistors (OFETs) are some of the most promising platforms for construction of on‐site testing systems. As OFETs can be easily fabricated on flexible substrates using wet processes, these are not only valuable transducers for chemo‐/biosensors, but also the prospective device for rollable displays and low‐cost radio frequency identification tags. Thus, the components of the sensing system could be integrated into a single chip by using OFET‐based circuits. For more details, see the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/open.201700070.
Bezlotoxumab: A Novel Agent for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Kufel Wesley D. , Devanathan Aaron S. , Marx Ashley H. , Weber David J. , Daniels Lindsay M.
Published: July 2017

During the past decade, the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have significantly increased, leading to a rise in CDI‐associated hospitalizations, health care costs, and mortality. Although treatment options exist for CDI, recurrence is frequent following treatment. Furthermore, patients with at least one CDI recurrence are at an increased risk of developing additional recurrences. A novel approach to the prevention of recurrent CDI is the use of monoclonal antibodies directed against the toxins responsible for CDI as an adjunct to antibiotic treatment. Bezlotoxumab, a human monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes C. difficile toxin B, is the first therapeutic agent to receive United States Food and Drug Administration approval for the prevention of CDI recurrence. Clinical studies have demonstrated superior efficacy of bezlotoxumab in adults receiving antibiotic therapy for CDI compared with antibiotic therapy alone for the prevention of CDI recurrence. Bezlotoxumab was well tolerated in clinical trials, with the most common adverse effects being nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pyrexia, headache, and diarrhea. The demonstrated efficacy, safety, and characteristics of bezlotoxumab present an advance in prevention of CDI recurrence.
Incorporating Comprehensive Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants into Anticoagulation Clinics
Authors: Mohammad Insaf , Korkis Bianca , Garwood Candice L.
Published: July 2017

Anticoagulation clinics emerged as a means to optimize warfarin effectiveness and minimize bleeding risks. Anticoagulation clinics have traditionally been warfarin‐based models due to the need for frequent blood‐level monitoring, drug interactions, dietary considerations, and periprocedural management with warfarin. These models have demonstrated improved anticoagulation control and reduced bleeding complications for patients taking warfarin. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) emerged with the perception of improved convenience due to the lack of blood‐level monitoring and lack of dietary considerations. Despite the advantages of DOAC therapy, new challenges exist with their management, warranting ongoing monitoring. Such challenges include prescribing and dosing issues, drug adherence, drug interactions, and high drug cost. Comprehensive anticoagulation centers are needed to manage and monitor all oral anticoagulants including DOACs. The objectives of this review are to describe the challenges and opportunities that exist in the management of DOACs and to describe a practice model that integrates a DOAC management service into the traditional anticoagulation clinic.
A novel free fatty acid receptor 1 (GPR40/FFAR1) agonist, MR1704, enhances glucose‐dependent insulin secretion and improves glucose homeostasis in rats
Authors: Tsuda Naoto , Kawaji Atsuko , Sato Toshihiro , Takagi Mitsuhiro , Higashi Chika , Kato Yutaka , Ogawa Kumiko , Naba Hiroyasu , Ohkouchi Munetaka , Nakamura Masaki , Hosaka Yoshitaka , Sakaki Junichi
Published: July 2017

Activation of G protein‐coupled receptor 40/Free fatty acid receptor 1 (GPR40/FFAR1), which is highly expressed in pancreatic β cells, is considered an important pharmacologic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of MR1704, a novel GPR40/FFAR1 agonist, on glucose homeostasis in rats. MR1704 is a highly potent and selective, orally bioavailable agonist with similar in vitro potencies among humans, mice, and rats. Treatment of rat islets with MR1704 increased glucose‐dependent insulin secretion. Augmentation of glucose‐dependent insulin secretion was abolished by adding a GPR40/FFAR1 antagonist. In mouse, insulinoma MIN6 cells, palmitic acid induced the activity of caspase 3/7 after a 72‐h exposure, while pharmacologically active concentrations of MR1704 did not. In an oral glucose tolerance test in normal Sprague‐Dawley rats, orally administered MR1704 (1–10 mg·kg−1) reduced plasma glucose excursion and enhanced insulin secretion, but MR1704 did not induce hypoglycemia, even at 300 mg·kg−1, in fasted Sprague‐Dawley rats. In addition, orally administered MR1704 reduced plasma glucose excursion and enhanced insulin secretion in diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats. Oral administration of MR1704 once daily to Goto‐Kakizaki rats reduced their blood glucose levels during a 5‐week treatment period without reducing pancreatic insulin content; as a result, hemoglobin A1C levels significantly decreased. These results suggest that MR1704 improves glucose homeostasis through glucose‐dependent insulin secretion with a low risk of hypoglycemia and pancreatic toxicity. MR1704 shows promise as a new, glucose‐lowering drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of combinatorial electrodeposition of Ni‐Cu material library using modified Hull cell
Authors: Palli Srinivas , Dey Suhash R.
Published: July 2017

Numerical simulation of single run electrodeposition of Ni‐Cu material library fabricated from citrate plating bath in a modified Hull cell is carried out at an applied average current density of 2 mA cm−2 by considering multiple electrode reactions. These electrode reactions include reduction of copper ions and nickel ions and hydrogen generation reaction along with influence of diffusion of metal species and Butler–Volmer kinetic rate equations. From the model, partial and total current densities, alloy compositions, and current efficiencies during codeposition of Ni‐Cu alloy as a function of position on the working electrode is predicted. Ni‐Cu thin film combinatorial material library is also fabricated experimentally under similar conditions used in the simulation. An acceptable agreement is noticed from the comparison of the simulated results with experimental data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveal the distinct changes in the surface morphology of the films at different positions on the substrate. The measured room temperature electrical resistivity values for the fabricated material library at 2 mA cm−2 are compared with the reported data of the metallurgical processed bulk Ni‐Cu alloys and found that there is a relatively good match between them.

Combinatorial strategy used for fabrication of Ni‐Cu material library through electrodeposition.
Electron irradiation of near‐UV GaN/InGaN light emitting diodes
Authors: Lee In‐Hwan , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Shchemerov I. V. , Shmidt N. M. , Tal'nishnih N. A. , Shabunina E. I. , Cho Han‐Su , Hwang Sung‐Min , Zinovyev R. A. , Didenko S. I. , Lagov P. B. , Pearton S. J.
Published: July 2017

Irradiation with 6 MeV electrons of near‐UV (peak wavelength 385–390 nm) multi‐quantum‐well (MQW) GaN/InGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) causes an increase in density of deep electron traps near Ec−0.8 and Ec−1 eV, and correlates to a 90% decrease of electroluminescence (EL) efficiency after a fluence of 1.1 × 1016 cm−2. The likely origin of the EL efficiency decrease is this increase in concentration of the Ec −0.8 eV and Ec −1 eV traps.
The Potential Impact of Radix Paeoniae Alba in Embryonic Development of Mice
Authors: Xu Wei , Xu Ling , Deng Bin , Leng Jing , Tang Nong , Zhao Li Chun , Zhou Hong Hai , Zhao Zhong Zhen , Yang Zhi Jun , Xiao Ting Ting , Tian Xiao Ying , Ho Alan H.M. , Chan Nickie W.K. , Chow Yeuk Lung , Chow Chi Yi , Xu Min
Published: July 2017

Although Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) has been ranked as one of the top 6 herbs used frequently to prevent and treat miscarriages clinically, there is no clear evidence regarding its safety in embryonic development. This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of RPA on embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and pregnant mice. Cytotoxicity assays of the extract were performed in ESCs and 3T3 cells. Pregnant ICR mice were orally treated with RPA extracts at dosages of 0 (G1 group as negative controls), 2, 8 and 32 g/kg/day (G2, G3 and G4 groups) respectively from the gestation day (Gd) 6–15. On Gd 18, there was no significant difference in the IC50 values between ESCs and 3T3 cells (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the maternal and fetal evaluations among four groups (p > 0.05). Fetal IL‐2, IL‐2r, TNF‐α, TNF‐αr, IL‐4, IL‐4r, IL‐10r, IL‐17 and IL‐17r of G4 group were significantly lower than G1 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RPA at dosage of 32 g/kg/day (16‐folds of human daily dosage) did not cause adverse impact in cultured ESCs and pregnant mice. RPA might down‐regulate fetal Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and receptors maybe beneficial to embryonic survival and development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nephroprotective Effects of Anthocyanin from the Fruits of Panax ginseng (GFA) on Cisplatin‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Qi Zhen‐Lan , Wang Zi , Li Wei , Hou Jin‐Gang , Liu Ying , Li Xin‐Dian , Li Hui‐Ping , Wang Ying‐Ping
Published: July 2017

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer chemotherapeutic agent, but the use of cisplatin in the clinic is severely limited by side effects. Nephrotoxicity is a major factor that contributes to the side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy. The aim of this research was to survey the nephroprotective effects of anthocyanin from the fruits of Panax ginseng (GFA) in a murine model of cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury. We observed that pretreatment with GFA attenuated cisplatin‐induced elevations in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and histopathological injury induced by cisplatin. The formation of kidney malondialdehyde, heme oxygenase‐1, cytochrome P450 E1 and 4‐hydroxynonenal with a concomitant reduction in reduced glutathione was also inhibited by GFA, while the activities of kidney superoxide dismutase and catalase were all increased. GFA also inhibited the increase in serum tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β induced by cisplatin. In addition, the levels of induced nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 were suppressed by GFA. Furthermore, GFA supplementation inhibited the activation of apoptotic pathways by increasing B cell lymphoma 2 and decreasing Bcl2‐associated X protein expression. In conclusion, the findings from the present investigation demonstrate that GFA pre‐administration can significantly prevent cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity, which may be related to its antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic and antiinflammatory effects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticandidal Activity of Extracts and a Novel Compound, Amnomopin, Isolated From Petriella setifera
Authors: Awaad Amani S. , Al‐Aonazi Nour K. , Al‐Othman Monerah R. , Zain Mohamed E. , El‐Meligy Reham M. , El‐Sayed Nabil
Published: July 2017

A novel triterpenoidal compound named ‘amnomopin’ (3β‐diglucoside‐5,12‐28‐oic acid), which is named IUPAC as 3‐O‐(2′ ➔ 1″diglucoside)1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,6b,7,9,10,11,12,12a,12b,13,14b‐octadecahydro‐10‐hydroxy‐2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a‐heptamethylpicene‐4a‐carboxylic acid, was isolated from the extract Petriella setifera. The total alcoholic extract of P. setifera showed a great activity against clinically isolated Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida famata, Candida glabrata, Candida inconspicua, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida norvegensis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. Also, the new compound amnomopin was active against all the investigated Candida species. The highest anticandidal activity of P. setifera extract was obtained against C. kefyr (22.6 ± 1.5 mm), C. albicans and C. norvegensis (21.3 ± 0.63 mm) and C. krusei (20.6 ± 1.5 mm). Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of both the total extract and the isolated compound were low. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the compound isolated from P. setifera was 0.49 μg/mL against C. kefyr, 0.98 μg/mL against C. albicans and C. norvegensis and 1.95 μg/mL against C. krusei. The oral dosing of the extract and the isolated compound did not show any significant effect on the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspirate aminotransferase and the levels of blood urea and serum creatinine. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) detection efficiency by comparison to the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS)
Authors: Bürgesser Rodrigo E.
Published: July 2017

In this study, strokes detected by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) were compared to the flashes detected by the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) between the years 2012 and 2014. To evaluate the WWLLN detection efficiency, the strokes detected by WWLLN in the field of view of LIS were determined and matched with the flashes detected by LIS. The spatial and time distribution of the strokes detected by WWLLN show a good correlation with the flashes detected by LIS despite the low detection efficiency reported for WWLLLN. The analysis shows that WWLLN is capable of detecting more than one stroke per flash with a global multiplicity of 1.5. However, not all strokes detected by WWLLN in the field of view of LIS could be assigned to a flash. These unmatched strokes show a spatial and time distribution, as well as an energy distribution, similar to those of the matched strokes. The unmatched strokes seem to correspond to cloud‐to‐ground flashes which are not well detected by LIS. Based on matched flashes and multiplicity, a correction of the WWLLN data was derived. With this correction, a global lightning flash rate of 60 fl s‐1 was obtained and a map of the corrected flash density detected by WWLLN was performed. The spatial distribution of WWLLN multiplicity and detection probability are available for the community.
A literature review on planning and analysis of accelerated testing for reliability assessment
Authors: Limon Shah , Yadav Om Prakash , Liao Haitao
Published: July 2017

Accelerated testing has been widely used for several decades. Started with accelerated life tests with constant‐stress loadings, more interest has been focused prominently on accelerated degradation tests and time‐varying stress loadings. Because accelerated testing is crucial to the assessment of product reliability and the design of warranty policy, it is important to develop an efficacious test plan that encompasses and addresses important issues, such as design of stress profiles, sample allocation, test duration, measurement frequency, and budget constraint. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the optimal design of accelerated testing plans, and the consideration of multiple stresses with interactions has become a big challenge in such experimental designs. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of important methods for statistical inference and optimal design of accelerated testing plans by compiling the existing body of knowledge in the area of accelerated testing. In this work, different types of test planning strategies are categorized, and their drawbacks and the research trends are provided to assist researchers and practitioners in conducting new research in this area.
Voluntary Sustainability Standards: A Squandered Opportunity to Improve Workers' Wages
Authors: Bennett Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2017

The sustainable development agenda has long been linked with social justice, income equality, and workers' rights. This article argues that voluntary sustainability standards‐setting organizations (VSSSOs) can contribute to these goals by requiring employers to pay living wages and actively support collective bargaining. Examining the content of 25 voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) set by 16 systematically selected VSSSOs, this study finds that only 32% of VSS mandate a living wage, and only 16% rigorously support collective bargaining. It argues that supporting national minimum wages is helpful but not sufficient, examines sources of downward pressure on VSS, identifies potential explanations for variation among standards, and briefly describes a new initiative promoting living wage standards. While VSS are not a silver bullet for sustainable development or wage equity, VSSSOs are overlooking a significant opportunity to be a transformative part of a broader solution. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Enzymatic extraction of starch from broken rice using freeze‐thaw infusion with food‐grade protease
Authors: Choi Jung‐Min , Park Cheon‐Seok , Baik Moo‐Yeol , Kim Hyun‐Seok , Choi Yun‐Sang , Choi Hyun‐Wook , Seo Dong‐Ho
Published: July 2017

Despite the abundance of rice crops, rice starch is not widely utilized owing to the low yield and high cost of industrial production. The objective of this study was to increase the efficiency of starch extraction from broken rice using a freeze‐thaw infusion method, which can rapidly infuse food materials with enzymes, combined with food‐grade proteases. Because the freeze‐thaw infusion method facilitates the rapid entry of enzymes into substrates, enzymatic reactions occur efficiently both inside and outside the substrate. The starch extraction efficiencies were 66.81, 61.74, and 69.31% for the alkaline method, protease treatment, and freeze‐thaw infusion method, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the starches, including shape, pasting, and thermal transition, were not affected by the extraction method. These results indicated that the freeze‐thaw infusion method is efficient for starch extraction from broken rice.
Films from corn, wheat, and rice starch ghost phase fractions display overall superior performance than whole starch films
Authors: Gómez‐Luría Daniel , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose
Published: July 2017

In a previous study, gelatinized corn starch dispersions (GSD) containing different (∼7–59.6%) ghost phase fractions (GPF), i.e., insoluble amylopectin‐rich remnants with glycerol added as plasticizer were cast and dried to obtain films. GPF had both positive and negative effects on the films’ properties, but GPF of around 20–30%, provided films with good and balanced overall properties ((elongation‐at‐break (EB), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), opacity, and water vapor permeability (WVP)). Here, corn, wheat, and rice GSD were prepared containing GPF of 63.6, 61.3, and 58.2%. The GPF was separated from GSD, and films were prepared with solely the GPF and with the whole GSD. Ghost phase fraction films (GPFF) exhibited higher hydrophobicity and EB, lower WVP and retrogradation than those obtained from the whole gelatinized starch dispersion films (GSDF), with only UTS exhibiting lower values. It was postulated that the underlying reason for the improved overall performance displayed by the GPFF was that they practically did not retrograde, due to the depletion of the amylose‐rich viscous continuous phase, and that the ghosts played an important role as physical fillers imparting elasticity and as physical barriers hindering the transport of water. The ghosts’ particle size and concentration affected the surface morphology, accounting for the differences in properties found between the corn, wheat, and rice GPFF.
No Excuses: Against the Knowledge Norm of Belief
Authors: Hughes Nick ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2017

Recently it has been increasingly popular to argue that knowledge is the norm of belief. I present an argument against this view. The argument trades on the epistemic situation of the subject in the bad case. Notably, unlike with other superficially similar arguments against knowledge norms, knowledge normers preferred strategy of appealing to the distinction between permissibility and excusability cannot help them to rebut this argument.
Tricetin suppresses human oral cancer cell migration by reducing matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Chung Tsung‐Te , Chuang Chun‐Yi , Teng Ying‐Hock , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Lai Ji‐Ching , Chuang Yi‐Ting , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: July 2017

Tricetin is a flavonoid derivative and a potent anti‐inflammatory and anticancer agent. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of tricetin on human oral cancer cell migration remains unclear. The cell migration and invasion abilities of three oral cancer cell lines (SCC‐9, HSC‐3, and OECM‐1) were analyzed using Boyden chamber migration assays. Our results demonstrated that tricetin attenuates 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced SCC‐9, HSC‐3, and OECM‐1 cell invasiveness and migration by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 enzyme activity. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and luciferase reporter assay revealed that tricetin downregulates the mRNA expression and promoter activity of MMP‐9. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that tricetin significantly reduced the levels of phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 and p38 levels but not those of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that tricetin suppresses MMP‐9 enzymatic activity by downregulating the p38/JNK1/2 pathway and might be a beneficial chemopreventive agent.
Methodologies and approaches for the analysis of cell–nanoparticle interactions
Authors: Ivask Angela , Mitchell Andrew J. , Malysheva Anzhela , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Lombi Enzo
Published: July 2017

How to study nanoparticle–cell interactions is the key question that puzzles researchers in the fields of nanomedicine as well as in nanotoxicology. In nanotoxicology, the amount of nanoparticles internalized by the cells or bound to the external surfaces of cells determines the toxic profile of those particles. In medical applications, cellular uptake and binding of medically effective nanoparticles decides their efficacy. Despite the importance of understanding the extent and mode of nanoparticle–cell interactions, these processes are underinvestigated, mainly due to the lack of suitable user‐friendly methodologies. Here we discuss the advantages and limitations of currently available (and most advanced) microscopic, spectroscopic, and other bioanalytical methods that could be used to assess cell‐nanoparticle interactions either qualitatively or quantitatively. Special emphasis is given to the methods that enable analysis and identification of nanoparticles at single‐cell level, and allow intracellular localization and speciation analysis of nanoparticles.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Identification by phenotypic and genetic approaches of an indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strain with high desiccation tolerance
Authors: Zambuto Marianna , Romaniello Rossana , Guaragnella Nicoletta , Romano Patrizia , Votta Sonia , Capece Angela
Published: July 2017

During active dry yeast (ADY) production process, cells are exposed to multiple stresses, such as thermal, oxidative and hyperosmotic shock. Previously, by analysing cells in exponential growth phase, we selected an indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strain, namely CD‐6Sc, for its higher tolerance to desiccation and higher expression of specific desiccation stress‐related genes in comparison to other yeast strains. In this study, we performed a desiccation treatment on stationary phase cells by comparing the efficacy of two different methods: a ‘laboratory dry test’ on a small scale (mild stress) and a treatment by spray‐drying (severe stress), one of the most appropriate preservation method for yeasts and other micro‐organisms. The expression of selected desiccation‐related genes has been also assessed in order to validate predictive markers for desiccation tolerance. Our data demonstrate that the ‘mild’ and the ‘severe’ desiccation treatments give similar results in terms of cell recovery, but the choice of marker genes strictly depends on the growth phase in which cells undergo desiccation. The indigenous CD‐6Sc was ultimately identified as a high dehydration stress‐tolerant indigenous strain suitable for ADY production. This study highlights the exploitation of natural yeast biodiversity as a source of hidden technological features and as an alternative approach to strain improvement by genetic modifications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CuTiPS5 – A New Structure Type with a Corrugated Layered Network Structure
Authors: Dressel Carina B. , Klein Wilhelm , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: July 2017

The reaction of the binary sulfides TiS2 and P4S10 with the elements Cu and S for 10 h at 750 °C and subsequent annealing at 550 °C for 21 d result in the novel compound CuTiPS5, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 6.8381(12), b = 6.9905(12), c = 14.612(3) Å, α = 90.057(6)°, β = 101.771(7)°, γ = 103.165(7)°, Z = 4, R1 = 1.87 %, wR2 = 4.74 % (all reflections) and represents the first quaternary copper titanium thiophosphate. The crystal structure contains 1∞[Cu2Ti2(PS4)2S2] chains built from TiS6 octahedra and PS4 and CuS4 tetrahedra, which are connected by common edges and linked via common vertices to form layers. The anionic [TiPS5]– partial structure has been found previously, whereas the distinct 2D extension of the network is observed for the first time in compounds with such a MTiPS5 composition. The structure resembles sections of the TiS2 and Cu3PS4 structures, which were found in the reaction as by‐products.
The Hollywood Sequel
Authors: Henderson Stuart
Published: July 2017

This illuminating study charts the changing role of the Hollywood film sequel over the past century. Considering a range of sequels in their industrial, historical and aesthetic contexts, from The Son of a Sheik (1926) to Toy Story 3 (2010), this book provides a comprehensive history of this critically-neglected yet commercially-dominant art form.
Copper (II) complexes of bidentate ligands exhibit potent anti-cancer activity regardless of platinum sensitivity status
Authors: Wehbe Mohamed , Lo Cody , Leung Ada W. Y. , Dragowska Wieslawa H. , Ryan Gemma M. , Bally Marcel B.
Published: July 2017

Insensitivity to platinum, either through inherent or acquired resistance, is a major clinical problem in the treatment of many solid tumors. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), pyrithione (Pyr), plumbagin (Plum), 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ), clioquinol (CQ) copper complexes in a panel of cancer cell lines that differ in their sensitivity to platins (cisplatin/carboplatin) using a high-content imaging system. Our data suggest that the copper complexes were effective against both platinum sensitive (IC50 ~ 1 μM platinum) and insensitive (IC50 > 5 μM platinum) cell lines. Furthermore, copper complexes of DDC, Pyr and 8-HQ had greater therapeutic activity compared to the copper-free ligands in all cell lines; whereas the copper-dependent activities of Plum and CQ were cell-line specific. Four of the copper complexes (Cu(DDC)2, Cu(Pyr)2, Cu(Plum)2 and Cu(8-HQ)2) showed IC50 values less than that of cisplatin in all tested cell lines. The complex copper DDC (Cu(DDC)2) was selected for in vivo evaluation due to its low nano-molar range activity in vitro and the availability of an injectable liposomal formulation. Liposomal (Cu(DDC)2) was tested in a fast-growing platinum-resistant A2780-CP ovarian xenograft model and was found to achieve a statistically significant reduction (50%; p < 0.05) in tumour size. This work supports the potential use of copper-based therapeutics to treat cancers that are insensitive to platinum drugs.
Metal nanoparticle induced hormetic activation: a novel mechanism of homeopathic medicines
Authors: Chikramane Prashant S. , Suresh Akkihebbal K. , Kane Shantaram G. , Bellare Jayesh R.
Published: July 2017

Background: High-potency homeopathic remedies, 30c and 200c have enormous dilution factors of 1060 and 10400 respectively. Therefore, the presence of physical entities in them is inconceivable. As a result, their efficacy is highly debated and often dismissed as a placebo. Despite several hypotheses postulated to explain the claimed homeopathic efficacy, none have satisfactorily answered the qualms of the sceptics. Against all beliefs and principles of conventional dilution, we have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) of the starting metals are unequivocally found in the 30c and 200c remedies at concentrations of a few pg/ml. In this paper, our aim was to answer the important question of whether such negligible metal concentrations elicit a biological response.

Methods: Metal-based homeopathic medicines (30c and 200c) were analysed at doses between 0.003%v/v and 10%v/v in in-vitro HepG2 cell-line. Upon treatment, cell response was estimated by MTT assay, FACS and total intracellular protein. Experiments were performed to discern whether the hormesis was a cell-activation or a proliferation effect.

Results: Remedies at doses containing a few femtograms/ml levels of the starting metals induced a proliferation-independent hormetic activation by increasing the intracellular protein synthesis. The metal concentrations (at fg/ml) were a billion-fold lower than the studies with synthetic NPs (at μg/ml). Further, we also highlight a few plausible mechanisms initiating a hormetic response at a billion-fold lower dose.

Conclusions: Hormetic activation has been shown for the first time with standard homeopathic high-potency remedies. These findings should have a profound effect in understanding these extreme dilutions from a biological perspective.
New developments in carbon fiber
Authors: Smith Matthew
Published: July 2017

Carbon fiber, or simply carbon for short, goes by many different names and acronyms: carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CRP) or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP). It is a composite material, a type of a fiber-reinforced plastic, and it is used in industries and areas whose products demand high levels of strength-to-weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber is extremely light but at the same time extremely strong, rigid and durable. Some of the areas and industries where those characteristics and features are very needed and sought after are aerospace, civil engineering, automotive, marine, construction, and many others are also starting to discover the good, useful and attractive uses of carbon fiber.
L-arginine Attenuates Hypobaric Hypoxia-Induced Increase in Ornithine Decarboxylase 1
Authors: Yuhong Li , Zhengzhong Bai , Feng Tang , Quanyu Yang , Ge Ri-Li
Published: July 2017

Background

Chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling have been shown to be associated with ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1). However, few animal studies have investigated the role of ODC1 in acute hypoxia.

Objectives

We investigated ODC1 gene expression, morphologic and functional changes, and the effect of L-arginine as an attenuator in lung tissues of rats exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia at a simulated altitude of 6000 m.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to simulated hypobaric hypoxia (6000 m) for 24, 48, or 72 hours were treated with L-arginine (L-arginine group, 20 mg/100 g intraperitoneal; n=15) or untreated (non–L-arginine group, n=15). Control rats (n=5) were maintained at 2260 m in a normal environment for the same amount of time but were treated without L-arginine. The mean pulmonary artery pressure was measured by PowerLab system. The morphologic and immunohistochemical changes in lung tissue were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein levels of ODC1 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western-blot, respectively.

Results

Hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary interstitial hyperemia and capillary expansion in the lungs of rats exposed to acute hypoxia at 6000 m. The mean pulmonary artery pressure and the mRNA and protein levels of ODC1 were significantly increased, which could be attenuated by treatment with L-arginine.

Conclusions

L-arginine attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia-induced increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure and ODC1 gene expression in lung tissues of rats. ODC1 gene contributes to the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Dancing in the Blood
Authors: Dickinson Edward Ross
Published: July 2017

This is a remarkable account of the revolutionary impact of modern dance on European cultural life in the early twentieth century. Edward Ross Dickinson uncovers modern dance's place in the emerging 'mass' culture of the modern metropolis, sufficiently ubiquitous and high-profile to spark media storms, parliamentary debates, and exasperated denunciations even from progressive art critics. He shows how modern dance spoke in multiple registers - as religious and as scientific; as redemptively chaste and scandalously sensual; as elitist and popular. He reveals the connections between modern dance and changing gender relations and family dynamics, imperialism, racism, and cultural exchanges with the wider non-European world, and new conceptions of selfhood. Ultimately the book finds in these complex and often contradictory connections a new way of understanding the power of modernism and modernity and their capacity to revolutionize and transform the modern world in the momentous, creative, violent middle decades of the twentieth century.
Constitutional Courts as Positive Legislators
Authors: Brewer-Carías Allan R.
Published: July 2017

During the past decade the role of constitutional courts has dramatically changed. Today, constitutional courts condition their decisions with the presumption of constitutionality of statutes, opting to interpret them according to or in harmony with the Constitution in order to preserve them, instead of deciding their annulment or declaring them unconstitutional. More frequently, constitutional courts, instead of dealing with existing legislation, assume the role of assistants or auxiliaries to the legislator, creating provisions they deduct from the Constitution when controlling the absence of legislation or legislative omissions. In some cases they act as 'positive legislators', issuing temporary or provisional rules to be applied pending the enactment of legislation. This book analyzes this new role of the constitutional courts, conditioned by the principles of progressiveness and of prevalence of human rights, particularly regarding the important rediscovery of the right to equality and non-discrimination.