bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological fine tuning of the feeding apparatus to proboscis length in Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Krenn Harald W. , Bauder Julia A.‐S.
Published: December 2017

The form and function of the hesperiid feeding apparatus was studied in detail. The butterflies in the family Hesperiidae are of particular interest because the longest proboscis ever recorded in Papilionoidea was found in the Neotropical genus Damas. We focused on the functional morphology by comparing proboscis morphology as well as size and composition of both the stipes pump and the cibarial suction pump in skippers with short and extremely long proboscis. Results revealed that all studied Hesperiidae have the same proboscis micromorphology and sensilla endowment regardless of the proboscis length. However, the numbers of internal muscles of the proboscis, the morphology of the stipes pump as well as the pumping organs for nectar uptake are related to the proboscis length. We conclude that the low number of tip sensilla compared to proboscis length is responsible for remarkably longer manipulation times of long‐proboscid species during flower visits. The organs for proboscis movements and nectar uptake organs are well tuned to the respective proboscis length and are accordingly bigger in species with a proboscis that measures twice the body length.
Explosive detection using a novel dielectric barrier discharge ionisation source for mass spectrometry
Authors: Fletcher Carl , Sleeman Richard , Luke John , Luke Peter , Bradley James W.
Published: December 2017

The detection of explosives is of great importance, as is the need for sensitive, reliable techniques that require little or no sample preparation and short run times for high throughput analysis. In this work, a novel ionisation source is presented based on a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). This not only affects desorption and ionisation but also forms an ionic wind, providing mass transportation of ions towards the mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the design incorporates 2 asymmetric alumina sheets, each containing 3 DBDs, so that a large surface area can be analysed. The DBD operates in ambient air, overcoming the limitation of other plasma‐based techniques which typically analyse smaller surface areas and require solvents or gases. A range of explosives across 4 different functional groups was analysed using the DBD with low limits of detection for cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) (100 pg), pentaerythritol trinitrate (PETN) (100 pg), hexamethylene triperoxide diamide (HMTD) (1 ng), and trinitrotoluene (TNT) (5 ng). Detection was achieved without any sample preparation or the addition of reagents to facilitate adduct formation.
Classification of precipitation regimes in Pakistan using wet and dry spells
Authors: Nabeel A. , Athar H.
Published: December 2017

Wet (dry) spells can cause extreme climatic conditions, such as floods (droughts) which can adversely influence the natural resources. A spatio‐temporal analysis of observed wet and dry spells is carried out for vulnerable and data sparse region of Pakistan (24°–38°N and 61°–78°E). Observed monthly precipitation data sets from 46 weather station are used for a length of consecutive 32 years (1976−2007). Additionally, after bias adjustment, the Asian Precipitation Highly‐Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE) precipitation data set, abbreviated as APH, is utilized to corroborate the findings. For both data sets, a threshold of 1 mm is used to define a wet spell. Decadal variability of precipitation for observed and APH data sets indicates that there is gradual decrease in wet spell length for arid and humid regimes, as compared to semi‐arid regimes where there is no change in wet spell length. Monthly dry and wet slope difference (SD), on a log–log plot between number of spells and spell length, is used to classify precipitation regimes in Pakistan, for the first time. A weather station is categorized as humid if SD is less than −2.38 in units of number of spells per length of spells. If SD lies between −2.37 and −0.51, then the weather station is classified as semi‐arid and if SD is greater than −0.51, then it is classified as arid. Thus, according to SD classification, 66% of area in Pakistan is arid, whereas 30% (4%) is semi‐arid (humid). Comparison of precipitation regimes based upon observed and APH data sets with other climate classification schemes that involve both precipitation and temperature is presented.
Using carboxylated cellulose nanofibers to enhance mechanical and barrier properties of collagen fiber film by electrostatic interaction
Authors: Wang Wenhang , Zhang Xiuling , Li Cong , Du Guanhua , Zhang Hongjie , Ni Yonghao
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Collagen‐based films including casings with a promising application in meat industry are still needed to improve its inferior performance. In the present study, the reinforcement of carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF) for collagen film, based on inter‐/intra‐ molecular electrostatic interaction between cationic acid‐swollen collagen fiber and anionic carboxylated CNF, was investigated.

RESULTS

Adding CNF decreased the zeta‐potential but increased particle size of collagen fiber suspension, with little effect on pH. Furthermore, CNF addition led to a higher tensile strength but a lower elongation, and the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties were improved remarkably. Because the CNF content was 50 g kg–1 or lower, the films had a homogeneous interwoven network, and CNF homogeneously embedded into collagen fiber matrix according to the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis. Additionally, CNF addition increased film thickness and opacity, as well as swelling rate.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of CNF endows collagen fiber films good mechanical and barrier properties over a proper concentration range (≤ 50 g kg–1 collagen fiber), which is closely associated with electrostatic reaction of collagen fiber and CNF and, subsequently, the form of the homogenous, compatible spatial network, indicating a potential applications of CNF in collagenous protein films, such as edible casings. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of deficit irrigation and crop load on the yield and fruit quality in Wonderful and Mollar de Elche pomegranates
Authors: Cano‐Lamadrid Marina , Galindo Alejandro , Collado‐González Jacinta , Rodríguez Pedro , Cruz Zulma N , Legua Pilar , Burló Francisco , Morales Donaldo , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A , Hernández Francisca
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The working hypothesis of the present study was that, by proper simultaneous control of irrigation (hydroSOStainable products) and crop load (thinning), it is possible to promote the accumulation of bioactive compounds and improve fruit appearance (size and weight). The effects of (i) irrigation status [T0, 120% ETc (estimated crop evapotranspiration); T1, 60% ETc during fruit growth and ripening] and (ii) crop load (A0, no thinning; A1, thinning) on yield and fruit quality were evaluated in two pomegranate cultivars (Wonderful, Wond and Mollar de Elche, ME).

RESULTS

Thinning was effective in increasing the size and weight of fruits. Unfortunately, neither punicalagin, nor total polyphenolic content were positively affected by irrigation and thinning. T1A1 Wond fruits were characterized by high sugar content (glucose and fructose), together with high fruit size and weight. Furthermore, T1A1 ME fruits were characterized by high contents of alcohols and monoterpenoids (providing vegetal and citric flavor notes) and key sensory attributes (color, fruity and fresh pomegranate).

CONCLUSION

The final recommendation was to use the treatment T1A1 [simultaneous combination of deficit irrigation during fruit growth and ripening (T1) and thinning (A1)], although the positive results were cultivar‐dependent. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement of physico‐chemical properties and phenolic compounds bioavailability by concentrating dietary fiber of peach (Prunus persica) juice by‐product
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Sarahí , Pérez‐Ramírez Iza F , Castaño‐Tostado Eduardo , Amaya‐Llano Silvia , Rodríguez‐García Mario E , Reynoso‐Camacho Rosalía
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to concentrate dietary fiber (DF) from peach (Prunus persica) juice by‐product (PJBP), to improve its functional properties, and its polyphenols bioavailability. The dietary fiber concentrates (DFCs) were obtained from PJBP using water/ethanol treatments (100:0, 20:80, 50:50, 80:20, and 0:100, v/v) at 1:5 ratio (wet weight/solvent, w/v) for 5 and 20 min at 21 °C.

RESULTS

All treatments concentrated condensed tannins, total and insoluble DF, with the highest content found with 100% H2O treatment. The major polyphenols of DFC were 4‐O‐caffeoylquinic, chlorogenic, and 1,5‐di‐O‐caffeoylquinic acids. Water and oil retention capacity and maximum glucose diffusion rate were improved mainly with 100% H2O treatment. Healthy rats were fed with a standard diet supplemented with 8% of PJBP, DFC obtained with 100% H2O for 5 min, or DFC obtained with 20% EtOH for 5 min. Gastrointestinal digesta weight and viscosity were increased in animals supplemented with 100% H2O DFC. Moreover, the urinary excretion of polyphenol metabolites, mainly glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, was increased with this treatment, indicating a greater bioavailability of PJBP polyphenols, which was associated with an increased dietary fiber porosity.

CONCLUSION

Water treatment could be used to potentiate PJBP functional properties and polyphenols bioavailability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection of allergen coding sequences of kiwi, peach, and apple in processed food by qPCR
Authors: Graziano Sara , Gullì Mariolina , Marmiroli Nelson
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Food traceability becomes lifesaving for persons suffering severe allergy or intolerance, and therefore need a complete avoidance of the immune‐trigger food. This paper describes how to fingerprint the presence of some allergenic species (kiwi, peach, and apple) in foods by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR).

RESULTS

Five DNA extraction procedures were tested on fruits and foods. The results were statistically evaluated, and discussed. Analysis by qPCR with SYBR Green was developed to detect traces of these allergenic species in foods. Plasmids containing the target sequences of kiwi, peach and apple were employed as internal reference standard. Analysis of spiked food samples showed a limit of detection of 25 mg kg−1 for kiwi, 20 mg kg−1 for peach and 50 mg kg−1 for apple.

CONCLUSION

The qPCR method here developed, combined with the use of internal plasmid reference standard, represents a specific system for the quick detection of allergenic species in complex food matrices, with a limit of detection comparable with those reported using more time‐consuming methods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxygen dynamics control the burial of organic carbon in a eutrophic reservoir
Authors: Carey Cayelan C. , Doubek Jonathan P. , McClure Ryan P. , Hanson Paul C.
Published: December 2017

Organic carbon (OC) mineralization in freshwaters is dependent on oxygen availability near the sediments, which controls whether OC inputs will be buried or respired. However, oxygen dynamics in waterbodies are changing globally due to land use and climate, and the consequences of variable oxygen conditions for OC burial are unknown. We manipulated hypolimnetic oxygen availability in a whole‐reservoir experiment and used a mass balance OC model to quantify rates of OC burial. Throughout summer stratification, we observed that OC burial rates were tightly coupled to sediment oxygen concentrations: oxic conditions promoted the mineralization of “legacy” OC that had accumulated over years of sedimentation, resulting in negative OC burial. Moreover, our study demonstrates that fluctuating oxygen conditions can switch ecosystem‐scale OC burial in a reservoir between positive and negative rates. Consequently, changing oxygen availability in freshwaters globally will likely have large implications for the role of these ecosystems as OC sinks.
Stakeholder perspectives regarding alternate approaches to informed consent for comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , Tambor Ellen , Moloney Rachael , Kass Nancy E. , Tunis Sean , Hallez Kristina , Faden Ruth R.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Traditional informed consent approaches, involving separate discussions and lengthy consent forms, may be an imperfect fit for comparative effectiveness research (CER) that is integrated into usual care and compares non‐investigational treatments. However, systematic efforts to collect broad stakeholder perspectives about alternative streamlined approaches to disclosure and consent in this context have been limited.

Methods

We used a deliberative engagement method to solicit the views of a multi‐stakeholder group regarding 3 alternative models of disclosure, consent, and authorization in CER studies: Opt‐In, Opt‐Out, and “General Approval”. Participants considered the acceptability of these 3 models for observational and randomized CER studies of hypertension medications and for alternative treatments for spinal stenosis, all conducted in the context of a learning health care system.

Results

Fifty‐eight stakeholders participated in the all‐day deliberative engagement session. Following deliberation, a majority of stakeholders (67%) liked the General Approval model for the observational hypertension study, more than the number who reported liking Opt‐Out or Opt‐In (45% and 36%, respectively). Support was lower for General Approval model in the context of a randomized hypertension study, with 80% liking a traditional Opt‐In approach, compared with 54% liking Opt‐Out, and 11% liking General Approval. Similarly, for the spinal stenosis CER studies, while most stakeholders preferred a streamlined Opt‐Out approach for the observational design, most preferred a traditional Opt‐In approach for the randomized version.

Conclusions

This multi‐stakeholder group was more favorable towards streamlined models for disclosure and authorization for observational CER than randomized designs. These findings are consistent with arguments that informed consent requirements should be tailored to the context of the research design, rather than a standard “one size fits all” approach.
Impact of aberrant left hepatic artery ligation on the outcome of liver transplantation
Authors: Montalti Roberto , Benedetti Cacciaguerra Andrea , Nicolini Daniele , Ahmed Emad Alì , Coletta Martina , De Pietri Lesley , Risaliti Andrea , Troisi Roberto Ivan , Mocchegiani Federico , Vivarelli Marco
Published: December 2017

The preservation of a graft's aberrant left hepatic artery (LHA) during liver transplantation (LT) ensures optimal vascularization of the left liver but can also be considered a risk factor for hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). In contrast, ligation of an aberrant LHA may lead to hepatic ischemia with the potential risk of graft dysfunction and biliary complications. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyze the impact on the surgical strategy for LT of 5 tests performed to establish whether an aberrant LHA was an accessory or a replaced artery, thus leading to the design of a decisional algorithm. From August 2005 to December 2016, 395 whole LTs were performed in 376 patients. Five parameters were evaluated to determine whether an aberrant LHA was an accessory or a replaced artery. On the basis of our decision algorithm, an aberrant LHA was ligated during surgery when assessed as accessory and preserved when assessed as replaced. A total of 138 anatomical variants of hepatic arterial vascularization occurred in 120/395 (30.4%) grafts. Overall, the incidence of an aberrant LHA was 63/395 (15.9%). The LHA was ligated in 33 (52.4%) patients and preserved in 30 (47.6%) patients. After a mean follow‐up period of 50.9 ± 39.7 months, the incidence of HAT, primary nonfunction, early allograft dysfunction, biliary stricture or leaks, and overall survival was similar in the 2 groups. In conclusion, once shown to be an accessory, an LHA can be safely ligated without clinical consequences on the outcome of LT. Liver Transplantation 24 204–213 2018 AASLD.
Electrospun Sandwich‐Structure Composite Membranes for Wound Dressing Scaffolds with High Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Li Jinzhen , Hu Yang , He Ting , Huang Mengwen , Zhang Xiangchao , Yuan Jinying , Wei Yen , Dong Xianming , Liu Wei , Ko Frank , Zhou Wuyi
Published: December 2017

In this study, the sandwich‐structured composite (SSC) membranes with well‐antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which have the promising application as wound dressing, are successfully fabricated by combining an electrospinning process. The SSC membranes are composed of three layers, including the bottom polyvinylidene fluoride fibrous layer, the middle curcumin/polylactic acid (PLA) microsphere layer, and the top enrofloxacin/PLA fibrous layer, respectively. The obtained SSC membranes are characterized in terms of morphology, component, and mechanical property using scanning electronic microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and universal electronic testing machine, respectively. Moreover, in vitro drug release, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility of the SSC membranes are also evaluated. The results showed that the obtained composite membranes indeed possess the sandwich structure, where the middle microsphere layer is located between two fibrous surface layers. It is found that the drug‐loaded SSC membranes show excellent antioxidant activity against•OH and DPPH free radicals and antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Streptococcus pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andCandida albicans. The combination of electrospinning and electrospraying opens up a new way to fabricate a variety of composite membranes with a sandwich structure, which have promising potential application as wound dressing scaffolds.
Multicompartment Vesicles Formation by Emulsification‐Induced Assembly of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Their Dual‐Loading Capability
Authors: Jin Seon‐Mi , Jeon Jongseol , Park Mi‐Kyoung , Kim Geon Hee , Lee Eunji
Published: December 2017

Emulsification‐induced assembly is employed to allow structural diversity in nanoaggregates of a biocompatible amphiphilic polymer, poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone). Onion‐like vesicles are efficiently produced by tuning the interfacial instability of the oil‐in‐water emulsion. The increase in the polymer concentration and use of the organic solvents with a low interfacial tension between water and the oil phase lead to a strong tendency of emulsion droplets to generate the onion‐like vesicles. The vesicular networks and fibers are also obtained by controlling the concentration and type of the surfactant, respectively. Interestingly, the onion‐like vesicles composed of alternating walls and water channels and the vesicular networks originated from a string of vesicles show dual‐loading ability for hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes but slightly different loading capacities. This result indicates that the development of a methodology to fabricate well‐defined, unique nanostructures, such as multivesicular and multilamellar nanostructures, and subsequent elucidation of their structure–property relationships can provide useful guidance in the design of novel biomedical materials.
Custom 3D Printable Silicones with Tunable Stiffness
Authors: Durban Matthew M. , Lenhardt Jeremy M. , Wu Amanda S. , Small Ward , Bryson Taylor M. , Perez‐Perez Lemuel , Nguyen Du T. , Gammon Stuart , Smay James E. , Duoss Eric B. , Lewicki James P. , Wilson Thomas S.
Published: December 2017

Silicone elastomers have broad versatility within a variety of potential advanced materials applications, such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and metamaterials. A series of custom 3D printable silicone inks with tunable stiffness is developed, formulated, and characterized. The silicone inks exhibit excellent rheological behavior for 3D printing, as observed from the printing of porous structures with controlled architectures. Herein, the capability to tune the stiffness of printable silicone materials via careful control over the chemistry, network formation, and crosslink density of the ink formulations in order to overcome the challenging interplay between ink development, post‐processing, material properties, and performance is demonstrated.
4D Printed Actuators with Soft‐Robotic Functions
Authors: López‐Valdeolivas María , Liu Danqing , Broer Dick Jan , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos
Published: December 2017

Soft matter elements undergoing programed, reversible shape change can contribute to fundamental advance in areas such as optics, medicine, microfluidics, and robotics. Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers have demonstrated huge potential to implement soft responsive elements; however, the complexity and size of the actuators are limited by the current dominant thin‐film geometry processing toolbox. Using 3D printing, stimuli‐responsive liquid crystalline elastomeric structures are created here. The printing process prescribes a reversible shape‐morphing behavior, offering a new paradigm for active polymer system preparation. The additive character of this technology also leads to unprecedented geometries, complex functions, and sizes beyond those of typical thin‐films. The fundamental concepts and devices presented therefore overcome the current limitations of actuation energy available from thin‐films, thereby narrowing the gap between materials and practical applications.
Developing an MCS index using the climatology of South America
Authors: Rasera Gustavo , Anabor Vagner , Scremin Puhales Franciano , Dal Piva Everson
Published: December 2017

Even though mesoscale convective systems (MCS) are of great importance in precipitation regimes besides being related to severe weather events, they are still not easy to predict. This study builds an objective index for South American MCS based on synoptic features present before the initiation of the MCS between 2005 and 2010. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) product is used to access environmental conditions near the MCS‐initiation centroid and in unorganized convective environments to obtain a South American MCS index (SA‐MCS index). Upper and middle atmospheric levels presented the main patterns used to identify the MCS environments and unorganized convection, with the jet streak downstream of a short trough at medium levels frequently present in the convectively organized environment. The SA‐MCS index is shown to depend on a vertical wind shear between 0 and 6 km high, temperature advection at 775 hPa, lifted index (LI) and vertical velocity omega at 800 hPa. When compared with the MCS index developed through the United States MCS climatology, the SA‐MCS index was able to predict more than twice as many MCS at a distance of less than 1° from the point of maximum intensity of the index.
Phytoceuticals in Fenugreek Ameliorate VLDL Overproduction and Insulin Resistance via the Insig Signaling Pathway
Authors: Khound Rituraj , Shen Jing , Song Yongyan , Santra Dipak , Su Qiaozhu
Published: December 2017

Scope

This study aims to characterize the effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) seed and its phytoceutical trigonelline in antimetabolic inflammation and ameliorating overproduction of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in insulin resistance.

Methods and Results

Two groups of genetic hyperlipidemic mice generated by depletion of cAMP responsive element binding protein H (CREBH) are fed either a chow containing 2% fenugreek seed or vehicle for 7 weeks. Q‐RT‐PCR and immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that fenugreek seed containing diet inhibits hepatic SREBP‐1c activation and the subsequent de novo lipogenesis by enhancing expression of insulin‐inducible gene‐1 (Insig‐1) and gene‐2 (Insig‐2). mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes that are involved in fatty acid β‐oxidation are also upregulated in the fenugreek seed fed‐mice which is accompanied by significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and VLDL secretion, improved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and ameliorated metabolic inflammation. These actions enhance insulin sensitivity and improve hyperlipidemia. In vitro, treating a rat hepatoma cell line, McA‐RH7777 (McA), with trigonelline is able to recapitulate the results observed in vivo.

Conclusions

This study unveils a novel mechanism of fenugreek seed and trigonelline in countering hepatic VLDL overproduction and insulin resistance by enhancing the Insig signaling pathways and ameliorating metabolic inflammatory stress in the liver.
Regulatory Efficacy of Brown Seaweed Lessonia nigrescens Extract on the Gene Expression Profile and Intestinal Microflora in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhao Chao , Yang Chengfeng , Chen Mingjun , Lv Xucong , Liu Bin , Yi Lunzhao , Cornara Laura , Wei Ming‐Chi , Yang Yu‐Chiao , Tundis Rosa , Xiao Jianbo
Published: December 2017

Scope

In this study, the antidiabetic activity of Lessonia nigrescens ethanolic extract (LNE) is investigated in streptozotocin (SZT)‐induced type 2 diabetic mice fed with a high‐sucrose/high‐fat diet.

Methods and results

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo‐DAD and electospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) is employed to analyze the major compounds in LNE. The components of the intestinal microflora in type 2 diabetic mice are analyzed by high‐throughput next‐generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice are significantly decreased after LNE administration. The histology reveals that LNE could protect the cellular architecture of liver and kidney. LNE treatment significantly increases Bacteroidetes and decreases Firmicutes populations in intestinal microflora. Specifically, It could selectively enrich the amounts of beneficial bacteria, Barnesiella, as well as reduce the abundances of Clostridium and Alistipes. The increased gene and protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) in the liver are observed in LNE treatment groups, while the expressions of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) are significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

The above findings suggest that LNE could be considered as a functional food for reducing blood glucose and regulating intestinal microflora.
ANATOLIA: NMR software for spectral analysis of total lineshape
Authors: Cheshkov D.A. , Sheberstov K.F. , Sinitsyn D.O. , Chertkov V.A.
Published: December 2017

In this paper we present a new fast and free open‐source software package ANATOLIA for the total lineshape analysis of NMR spectra. It performs fitting of experimental 1D NMR spectra based on quantum mechanical formalism. The program serves for the determination of J‐coupling constants and elucidation of complicated multiplet structures including strongly coupled systems. The program utilizes the Lorentzian broadening approach for local minima suppression. It is developed in the C++ language for standard personal computers. ANATOLIA is adapted to work with the Bruker NMR spectral format and could be conveniently integrated into the TopSpin software package. This tutorial contains a program description, 2 demonstration examples, and general recommendations for NMR spectra analysis.
An efficient flexible membrane boundary condition for DEM simulation of axisymmetric element tests
Authors: Khoubani Ali , Evans T. Matthew
Published: December 2017

The mechanical response of an assembly of particles depends on the applied boundary conditions. Robust calibration of numerical discrete systems to laboratory results is also a primary step in many studies of granular materials. In this study, a new membrane model was developed for simulating axisymmetric element tests. This membrane model uses a simple algorithm of an array of independently controlled walls and is computationally efficient. The effect of boundary flexibility on the system response was investigated by simulating a series of triaxial tests on dense and loose specimens. At the specimen scale, differences in shear strength and volume change of specimens were observed. It was shown that localization pattern depends on the applied boundary conditions. At the particle scale, particle‐membrane contact forces, coordination number, local void ratio, and anisotropy of fabric were all affected by the boundary flexibility.
Young Americans' ethnic identity toward disaster advertising: The effects of disaster location and message types
Authors: Moriuchi Emi , Chung Christina
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine young American donors' perspectives toward disaster ad messages. Attitude toward helping others, social responsibility, ethnic identity on donation behavior, attitude toward ad, and advertising effectiveness were examined using 2 experimental variables (disaster location and message types). The findings explain that the constructs are positively related to each other and the 2 experimental variables significantly influence young Americans' attitudes toward ads and advertising effectiveness. In addition, young Americans expressed stronger feelings concerning attitude toward charity ads, and a higher level of advertising effectiveness was demonstrated when the disaster occurred domestically. Further, emotional messages were considered more persuasive than factual messages. As managerial suggestions, when charities work for domestic disasters, emphasizing patriotism and an emotional message can increase the positive attitude toward ads and advertising effectiveness. On the contrary, when charities work for international disasters, the messages should focus on diminishing distinctions between in‐group and out‐group perceptions.
Segmenting the Belgian charitable sector: The impact of environmental factors on households' generosity
Authors: Denis Etienne , Pecheux Claude , Decrop Alain
Published: December 2017

Research on charitable giving has known a renewed interest over the last years. Despite a recent evolution, the literature remains predominantly Anglo‐Saxon, and studies are consequently conducted in societies marked by a strong charitable giving culture. In that respect, donors are generally considered as isolated individuals, and the impact of social and environmental factors such as public policies, institutional specificities, and punctual events is often underestimated. Moreover, research on generosity often suffers from the absence of reliable data, free of desirability bias. Based on fiscal data of tax returns and gift tax returns provided by the official Belgian statistics bureau, this research investigates individual donating behaviors while considering the influence of environmental determinants on generosity. More specifically, we empirically assess the generosity of Belgian households over a period of 8 years marked by natural disasters, massive calls for public generosity, and changes in tax policies. Among other things, we qualify the results of previous research on the role of age and open the debate on the role of household composition as a variable for segmenting donors. Finally, we propose leads for future research in order to stimulate further academic effort on the topic.
Interleukin‐17 regulates matrix metalloproteinase activity in human pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Shivani , Maniakis‐Grivas George , Singh Utpal K , Asher Radha M , Mauri Francesco , Elkington Paul T , Friedland Jon S
Published: December 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is characterized by extensive pulmonary matrix breakdown. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is key in host defence in TB but its role in TB‐driven tissue damage is unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that respiratory stromal cell matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in TB is regulated by T‐helper 17 (TH‐17) cytokines. Biopsies of patients with pulmonary TB were analysed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and patient bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) MMP and cytokine concentrations were measured by Luminex assays. Primary human airway epithelial cells were stimulated with conditioned medium from human monocytes infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and TH‐17 cytokines. MMP secretion, activity, and gene expression were determined by ELISA, Luminex assay, zymography, RT‐qPCR, and dual luciferase reporter assays. Signalling pathways were examined using phospho‐western analysis and siRNA. IL‐17 is expressed in TB patient granulomas and MMP‐3 is expressed in adjacent pulmonary epithelial cells. IL‐17 had a divergent, concentration‐dependent effect on MMP secretion, increasing epithelial secretion of MMP‐3 (p < 0.001) over 72 h, whilst decreasing that of MMP‐9 (p < 0.0001); mRNA levels were similarly affected. Both IL‐17 and IL‐22 increased fibroblast Mtb‐dependent MMP‐3 secretion but IL‐22 did not modulate epithelial MMP‐3 expression. Both IL‐17 and IL‐22, but not IL‐23, were significantly up‐regulated in BALF from TB patients. IL‐17‐driven MMP‐3 was dependent on p38 MAP kinase and the PI3K p110α subunit. In summary, IL‐17 drives airway stromal cell‐derived MMP‐3, a mediator of tissue destruction in TB, alone and with monocyte‐dependent networks in TB. This is regulated by p38 MAP kinase and PI3K pathways. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Drug exposure and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Yong Heather Y. , McKay Kyla A. , Daley Cole G. J. , Tremlett Helen
Published: December 2017

Background

Several environmental and lifestyle factors have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, including some pharmacological treatments. We systematically reviewed the literature on prescription drug exposure and MS risk.

Methods

Six databases were searched for original observational studies reporting drug exposure and MS risk published before 2017.

Results

Thirteen articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. Exposure to neither amiloride nor valproic acid was associated with MS (adjusted hazard ratio (adj.HR = 1.34;95% CI:0.81–2.20; adj.HR = 1.30;95%CI:0.44–3.80, respectively). Four studies explored oral contraceptive exposure and reported no association with MS; while a single study found an increased risk (odds ratio [adj.OR] = 1.52;95%CI:1.21–1.91). While penicillin exposure was associated with reduced risk of developing MS (adj.OR = 0.5;95%CI:0.3–0.9), a later study observed an elevated risk for penicillin (adj.OR = 1.21;95%CI:1.10–1.27) and all antibiotics (adj.OR = 1.41;95%CI:1.29–1.53), which was potentially attributed to underlying infection. Anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) was not associated with MS risk in persons with inflammatory bowel disease (standard morbidity ratio = 4.2;95%CI:0.1–23.0) and arthritis (standardized incidence ratio = 1.38;95%CI:0.69–2.77); however, men exposed to anti‐TNFα who also had arthritis and individuals with ankylosing spondylitis were at an increased risk (standardized incidence ratios = 3.91;95%CI:1.47–10.42 and 3.48;95%CI:1.45–8.37, respectively). A reduced risk of MS was observed with exposure to the beta2‐adrenergic agonist fenoterol (adj.OR = 0.58;95%CI:0.45–0.76), and the sedating histamine 1‐receptor antagonists (adj.OR = 0.2;95%CI:0.1–0.8), but not the non‐sedating equivalent (adj.OR = 0.8;95%CI:0.4–1.6).

Conclusions

The suggestion that some drugs may prevent MS is intriguing and warrants further study. In addition, further pharmacovigilance is needed to assess the safety of anti‐TNFα drugs in specific populations in the context of MS risk.
Hair nicotine at 15 months old, tobacco exposure and wheeze or asthma from 15 months to 6 years old
Authors: Pattemore Philip K. , Silvers Karen M. , Frampton Chris M. , Wickens Kristin , Ingham Tristram , Fishwick David , Crane Julian , Town G. Ian , Epton Michael J. ,   on behalf of the New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study Group
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate the relationship between hair nicotine levels at 15 months of age and prior parent‐reported smoking exposure, and the risk of wheezing and current asthma from 15 months to 6 years of age.

Study Design

We measured hair nicotine levels at 15 months of age in 376 of 535 infants enrolled in a prospective birth cohort in Christchurch, New Zealand. We obtained detailed information from parents about smoking exposure during pregnancy and in the home at 3 and 15 months of age. Data for demographics, wheezing, and asthma were obtained from yearly questionnaires up to age 6 years. We assessed hair nicotine levels in relation to reported smoke exposure in pregnancy and up to age 15 months, and the association between high levels of hair nicotine and annual reports of current wheeze and current asthma using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Hair nicotine increased with numbers of smokers and daily cigarettes smoked at home, and was also strongly associated with smoking in pregnancy. High level of hair nicotine was associated with increased risk of wheeze (Odds ratio 2.30, P = 0.001) and, though not significant, of current asthma (Odds ratio 2.02, P = 0.056) at 15 months of age, after controlling for socio‐economic status, ethnicity, body mass index, respiratory infections in the first 3 months of life, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. At older ages the associations were non‐significant.

Conclusion

In children aged 15 months hair nicotine level was related to smoking exposure, and was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma.
Effect of Pb2+ Ions on Photoluminescence of ZnS‐Coated AgInS2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Podgurska Iryna , Rachkov Alexandre , Borkovska Lyudmyla
Published: December 2017

The effect of quenching of photoluminescence (PL) intensity of thiol‐stabilized water‐soluble ZnS‐coated AgInS2 nanocrystals (NCs) in the presence of Pb2+ ions is investigated. The factors influencing the efficiency of quenching process such as NCs dilution, pH value, composition, and concentration of working buffer solution are studied. It is found that the increasing of NCs dilution as well as the acidity of buffer solution promotes PL quenching by Pb2+ ions. In all media used, the decrease of PL intensity in the presence of Pb2+ ions is accompanied by a red shift of the PL band. In 0.5 × 10–3 m citrate buffer solution, the red shift reached almost 5 nm. The degradation of the PL intensity is attributed to formation of some substances at the NC surface acting as the centers of nonradiative recombination. The red shift is ascribed to different quenching effect of Pb2+ ions on the PL intensity of NCs of different sizes. The bimodal distribution of the NCs is proved by the PL study of NC fractions separated by ultracentrifugation. The obtained results could be useful for development of novel methods for detection of heavy metal ions.
A Simulation Study of Surface Plasmons in Metallic Nanoparticles: Dependence on the Properties of an Embedding a‐Si:H Matrix
Authors: Fantoni Alessandro , Fernandes Miguel , Vygranenko Yuri , Louro Paula , Vieira Manuela , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Ribeiro Ana , Texeira Daniela
Published: December 2017

The development and realization of a plasmonic structure based on the LSP interaction of metal nanoparticles with an embedding matrix of amorphous silicon is proposed. As a planned application, this structure will need to be usable as the basis for a sensor device applied in biomedical applications, after proper functionalization with selective antibodies. The final sensor structure needs to be low‐cost, compact, and disposable. The study reported in this paper aims to analyze varied materials for nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silico matrix. Metals of interest for nanoparticles composition are aluminum and gold. As a comparison term, a non‐plasmonic material like alumina, resulting from oxidation of Al nanoparticles, is also considered. As a preliminary approach to this device, we study in this work the optical properties of spherical metal nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix, as a function of size and metal type. Following an analysis based on the exact solution of the Mie theory, experimental measurements realized with arrays of metal nanoparticles are compared with the simulations.
A novel herbal composition containing extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos fruit alleviates symptoms of asthma in a placebo controlled double‐blind clinical study
Authors: Yugandhar Pothina , Rao Konda Manikyeswara , Sengupta Krishanu
Published: December 2017

LI13109F is a novel herbal composition containing the extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos fruit. This composition dampens leukotriene dependent inflammatory reactions via inhibiting 5‐lipoxygenase pathway. In a Sephadex LH‐20 induced airway inflammation model of Sprague Dawley rats, LI13109F significantly reduced infiltrated granulocyte population in the bronco‐alveolar lavage fluid and normalized Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Further, a 56‐day placebo‐controlled and randomized double blind study (Clinical Trial Registration No. CTRI/2016/10/007393) on subjects with mild to moderate asthma has evaluated the clinical efficacy of LI13109F. The study subjects received either 200 mg/day of LI13109F (n = 18) or a similar dosage of placebo (n = 18). At the end of the trial period, LI13109F conferred significant improvements in the clinical parameters; the emotional function (p = .0305) and asthma symptoms scores (p = .0002) were improved even at 14 days, compared with the placebo. Further, 56 days supplementation of LI13109F resulted in significant increase in serum IFN‐γ (p = .0014) and reduction in IL‐4 (p = .0497), compared with placebo. LI13109F supplementation did not yield any serious adverse events or any abnormal observations in routine laboratory examinations during the study. Together, these observations suggest that LI13109F (AlvioLife®) is tolerable and an effective intervention for management of mild to moderate asthma such as airway inflammation.
Proanthocyanidin‐rich Pinus radiata bark extract inhibits mast cell‐mediated anaphylaxis‐like reactions
Authors: Choi Yun Ho , Song Chang Ho , Mun Sung Phil
Published: December 2017

Mast cells play a critical role in the effector phase of immediate hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Pinus radiata bark extract exerts multiple biological effects and exhibits immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. However, its role in mast cell‐mediated anaphylactic reactions has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of proanthocyanidin‐rich water extract (PAWE) isolated from P. radiata bark on compound 48/80‐induced or antidinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated anaphylaxis‐like reactions in vivo. In addition, we evaluated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of PAWE on mast cell activation, with a specific focus on histamine release, using rat peritoneal mast cells. PAWE attenuated compound 48/80‐induced or anti‐DNP IgE‐mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis‐like reactions in mice, and it inhibited histamine release triggered by compound 48/80, ionophore A23187, or anti‐DNP IgE in rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. Moreover, PAWE suppressed compound 48/80‐elicited calcium uptake in a concentration‐dependent manner and promoted a transient increase in intracellular cyclic adenosine‐3′,5′‐monophosphate levels. Together, these results suggest that proanthocyanidin‐rich P. radiata bark extract effectively inhibits anaphylaxis‐like reactions.
Quantum chemical prediction for complex organic molecules
Authors: Philipp Dean M. , Watson Mark A. , Yu Haoyu S. , Steinbrecher Thomas B. , Bochevarov Art D.
Published: December 2017

Numerous types of quantum chemical calculations and protocols have been successfully applied to computing
of small, uncomplicated organic molecules. Here, we argue for the need to shift attention to more challenging molecules that are marked by an interplay of complicating factors such as conformational, tautomeric, steric, and other effects. The challenge is not in choosing the right quantum chemical method and solvation model but in combining the existing methods to simultaneously and accurately describe the breadth of chemical and physical phenomena that give rise to the experimentally observed
. The complexity of the phenomena that must be considered begs for the need for a greater automation of
prediction workflows. We review our experience with these challenges and outline paths for future progress in the direction of tackling
prediction of complex organic molecules.
Ionization probability of the hydrogen atom suddenly released from confinement
Authors: Morcillo Milagros F. , Alcaraz‐Pelegrina José M. , Sarsa Antonio
Published: December 2017

The problem of the stability of a confined atom when it is extracted from the confining cavity has been investigated, modeled by a spherical hard wall potential. The ionization probability when the atom is released from confinement has been obtained. The dependence of the ionization probability on the confinement radius and on the quantum numbers of the initial confined state has been studied. The probability density function of the ionization energy of the ejected electron has been obtained for the different cases considered. The oscillatory structure of this distribution function, with a principal maximum located in the neighborhood of the energy of the initial state and minima very close to zero has been elucidated. The sudden approximation has been applied and the analytic continuation method has been used to calculate the different stationary states.
Dengue in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: 2014 to 2016
Authors: Gregianini Tatiana Schaffer , Tumioto‐Giannini Gabriela Luchiari , Favreto Cátia , Plentz Luciana Ciarelli , Ikuta Nilo , da Veiga Ana B. Gorini
Published: December 2017

The first autochthonous dengue case in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Southern Brazil, occurred in 2007. In 2008 and 2009, only imported cases were reported in RS, but from 2010 to 2013, reports of autochthonous infections increased significantly. This study analyzes and discusses laboratory, demographic, and clinical data regarding dengue cases in RS, from 2014 to 2016. This study analyzed 13,420 serum samples from notified patients with suspicion of dengue fever in RS from 2014 to 2016. Seasonality of positive cases, viral serotypes, and clinical and epidemiological aspects were analyzed. There was no difference in gender (P = .4); dengue fever occurred mainly in adults, with similar distribution among age groups. The number of dengue virus (DENV) cases increased from 89 cases in 2014 to 2518 in 2016. Dengue virus 1 was the most prevalent circulating serotype during this period (97.5% of cases). Dengue virus infections show peaks in March and April (late summer and early autumn), after periods of high temperatures and rainfall. In 2014, dengue cases were concentrated in the northwestern and eastern regions of RS, and in 2015 and 2016, the northern region also confirmed a high number of cases. With increase in DENV circulation in RS, a rise in the number of autochthonous infections was also observed, mainly in highly urbanized areas. This study revealed that circulation of DENV in RS increased significantly in 2015 and 2016, with a rise in the number of autochthonous infections and cocirculation with Chikungunya and Zika viruses, recently introduced into RS.