bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Antitumor Activities of Chiral Dipeptide Thioureas Containing an Alpha-Aminophosphonate Moiety
Authors: Liu Jingzi , Liao Peng , Hu Junfeng , Zhu Hong , Wang Yonglin , Li Yongjun , Li Yan , He Bin
Published: February 2017

Thiourea derivatives demonstrate potent cytotoxic activity against various leukemias and many tumor cell lines. In our previous study, the combination of thiourea and phosphonate has been proven as an effective strategy for developing antitumor agents. Herein, we synthesized and evaluated a series of novel chiral dipeptide thioureas containing an α-aminophosphonate moiety as antitumor agents. Finally, we developed novel dipeptide thioureas 11d and 11f that showed comparable inhibition with that of Cisplatin against BGC-823 and A-549 cells, respectively.
Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of the Triterpenic Mixture α,β-Amyrenone
Authors: Ferreira Rosilene , Silva Júnior Walter , Veiga Junior Valdir , Lima Ádley , Lima Emerson
Published: February 2017

α-Amyrenone and β-amyrenone are triterpenoid isomers that occur naturally in very low concentrations in several oleoresins from Brazilian Amazon species of Protium (Burseraceae). This mixture can also be synthesized by oxidation of α,β-amyrins, obtained as major compounds from the same oleoresins. Using a very simple, high yield procedure, and using a readily commercially available mixture of α,β-amyrins as substrate, the binary compound α,β-amyrenone was synthesized and submitted to physico-chemical characterization using different techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C), mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biological effects were also evaluated by studying the inhibition of enzymes involved in the carbohydrate and lipid absorption process, such as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and their inhibitory concentration values of 50% of activity (IC50) were also determined. α,β-Amyrenone significantly inhibited α-glucosidase (96.5% ± 0.52%) at a concentration of 1.6 g/mL. α,β-Amyrenone, at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, showed an inhibition rate on lipase with an IC50 value of 82.99% ± 1.51%. The substances have thus shown in vitro inhibitory effects on the enzymes lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. These findings demonstrate the potential of α,β-amyrenone for the development of drugs in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases.
Green Microwave-Assisted Combustion Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad: Characterization and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Azizi Susan , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Mahdavi Shahri Mahnaz
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a green microwave-assisted combustion approach to synthesize ZnO-NPs using zinc nitrate and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (fruit, seed and pulp) extracts as bio-fuels is reported. The structure, optical, and colloidal properties of the synthesized ZnO-NP samples were studied. Results illustrate that the morphology and particle size of the ZnO samples are different and depend on the bio-fuel. The XRD results revealed that hexagonal wurtzite ZnO-NPs with mean particle size of 27–85 nm were produced by different bio-fuels. The optical band gap was increased from 3.25 to 3.40 eV with the decreasing of particle size. FTIR results showed some differences in the surface structures of the as-synthesized ZnO-NP samples. This led to differences in the zeta potential, hydrodynamic size, and more significantly, antioxidant activity through scavenging of 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. In in vitro cytotoxicity studies on 3T3 cells, a dose dependent toxicity with non-toxic effect of concentration below 0.26 mg/mL was shown for ZnO-NP samples. Furthermore, the as-synthesized ZnO-NPs inhibited the growth of medically significant pathogenic gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aurous) and gram-negative (Peseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria. This study provides a simple, green and efficient approach to produce ZnO nanoparticles for various applications.
Ag Nanoparticles‐Modified 3D Graphene Foam for Binder‐Free Electrodes of Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Han Tao , Jin Jianli , Wang Congxu , Sun Youyi , Zhang Yinghe , Liu Yaqing
Published: February 2017

Ag nanoparticles‐modified 3D graphene foam was synthesized through a one‐step in‐situ approach and then directly applied as the electrode of an electrochemical sensor. The composite foam electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity towards Hg(II) oxidation with high limit of detection and sensitivity of 0.11 μM and 8.0 μA/μM, respectively. Moreover, the composite foam electrode for the sensor exhibited high cycling stability, long‐term durability and reproducibility. These results were attributed to the unique porous structure of the composite foam electrode, which enabled the surface of Ag nanoparticles modified reduced graphene oxide (Ag NPs modified rGO) foam to become highly accessible to the metal ion and provided more void volume for the reaction with metal ion. This work not only proved that the composite foam has great potential application in heavy metal ions sensors, but also provided a facile method of gram scale synthesis 3D electrode materials based on rGO foam and other electrical active materials for various applications.
Lipoic Acid Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Organic Compounds as Bioactive Materials
Authors: Turcu Ioana , Zarafu Irina , Popa Marcela , Chifiriuc Mariana , Bleotu Coralia , Culita Daniela , Ghica Corneliu , Ionita Petre
Published: February 2017

Water soluble gold nanoparticles protected by lipoic acid were obtained and further functionalized by standard coupling reaction with 1-naphtylamine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ether. Derivatives of lipoic acid with 1-naphtylamine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ether were also obtained and characterized. All these were tested for their antimicrobial activity, as well as for their influence on mammalian cell viability and cellular cycle. In all cases a decreased antimicrobial activity of the obtained bioactive nanoparticles was observed as compared with the organic compounds, proving that a possible inactivation of the bioactive groups could occur during functionalization. However, both the gold nanoparticles as well as the functionalized bioactive nanosystems proved to be biocompatible at concentrations lower than 50 µg/mL, as revealed by the cellular viability and cell cycle assay, demonstrating their potential for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
Oxyresveratrol Supplementation to C57bl/6 Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet Ameliorates Obesity-Associated Symptoms
Authors: Tan Hui , Tse Iris , Li Edmund , Wang Mingfu
Published: February 2017

Oxyresveratrol has been proven effective in inhibiting adipogenesis in a 3T3-L1 cell model. We investigated the preventive effect of oxyresveratrol supplementation on obesity development in high-fat diet-fed mice. Male C57bl/6 mice were randomly subjected to control (5% fat by weight, LF), high-fat (30% fat by weight, HF), and high-fat supplemented with 0.25% and 0.5% oxyresveratrol (OXY1 and OXY2, respectively) diet groups for eight weeks. Oxyresveratrol supplementation effectively alleviated obesity-associated symptoms such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed mice. Compared to the high-fat diet group, oxyresveratrol supplementation suppressed expression of glucose-6-phosphatase, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1, fatty acid synthase and CCAAT/Enhancer-binding proteins α, and elevated AMP-activated protein kinase (α2-catalytic subunit) level in liver, upregulated insulin-dependent glucose transporter type 4 level in adipose tissue, and increased expression of insulin receptor substrate 1, insulin-dependent glucose transporter type 4, AMP-activated protein kinase α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, and sirtuin 1 in muscle to regulate lipid and glucose homeostasis in these tissues. This study demonstrated that oxyresveratrol supplementation effectively ameliorated obesity-associated symptoms in high-fat diet-fed mice, presumably attributed to mediating critical regulators involved in lipid and glucose homeostasis in liver, visceral fat, and muscle.
Developing a Model for Pharmaceutical Palliative Care in Rural Areas—Experience from Scotland
Authors: Akram Gazala , Corcoran Emma , MacRobbie Alison , Harrington Gill , Bennie Marion
Published: February 2017

Palliative care is increasingly delivered in the community but access to medicines, particularly ‘out of hours’ remains problematic. This paper describes the experience of developing a model to deliver pharmaceutical palliative care in rural Scotland via the MacMillan Rural Palliative Care Pharmacist Practitioner (MRPP) project. The focus of the service was better integration of the MRPP into different care settings and professional teams, and to develop educational resources for the wider MDT including Care Home and Social Care staff on medicine related issues in palliative care. A variety of integration activities are reported in the paper with advice on how to achieve this. Similarly, many resources were developed, including bespoke training on pharmaceutical matters for Care Home staff. The experience allowed for a three step service and sustainability model for community pharmacy palliative care services to be developed. Moving through the steps, the key roles and responsibilities of the MRPP gradually shift towards the local Community Pharmacist(s), with the MRPP starting from a locality-based hands-on role to a wider supportive facilitating role for local champions. It is acknowledged that successful delivery of the model is dependent on alignment of resources, infrastructure and local community support.
Algorithm Development for Land Surface Temperature Retrieval: Application to Chinese Gaofen-5 Data
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Duan Si-Bo , Ren Huazhong , Labed Jelila , Li Zhao-Liang
Published: February 2017

Land surface temperature (LST) is a key variable in the study of the energy exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere. Among the different methods proposed to estimate LST, the quadratic split-window (SW) method has achieved considerable popularity. This method works well when the emissivities are high in both channels. Unfortunately, it performs poorly for low land surface emissivities (LSEs). To solve this problem, assuming that the LSE is known, the constant in the quadratic SW method was calculated by maintaining the other coefficients the same as those obtained for the black body condition. This procedure permits transfer of the emissivity effect to the constant. The result demonstrated that the constant was influenced by both atmospheric water vapour content (W) and atmospheric temperature (T0) in the bottom layer. To parameterize the constant, an exponential approximation between W and T0 was used. A LST retrieval algorithm was proposed. The error for the proposed algorithm was RMSE = 0.70 K. Sensitivity analysis results showed that under the consideration of NEΔT = 0.2 K, 20% uncertainty in W and 1% uncertainties in the channel mean emissivity and the channel emissivity difference, the RMSE was 1.29 K. Compared with AST 08 product, the proposed algorithm underestimated LST by about 0.8 K for both study areas when ASTER L1B data was used as a proxy of Gaofen-5 (GF-5) satellite data. The GF-5 satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2017.
An Electromagnetic Sensor for the Autonomous Running of Visually Impaired and Blind Athletes (Part II: The Wearable Device)
Authors: Pieralisi Marco , Di Mattia Valentina , Petrini Valerio , De Leo Alfredo , Manfredi Giovanni , Russo Paola , Scalise Lorenzo , Cerri Graziano
Published: February 2017

Currently, the availability of technology developed to increase the autonomy of visually impaired athletes during sports is limited. The research proposed in this paper (Part I and Part II) focuses on the realization of an electromagnetic system that can guide a blind runner along a race track without the need for a sighted guide. In general, the system is composed of a transmitting unit (widely described in Part I) and a receiving unit, whose components and main features are described in this paper. Special attention is paid to the definition of an electromagnetic model able to faithfully represent the physical mechanisms of interaction between the two units, as well as between the receiving magnetic sensor and the body of the user wearing the device. This theoretical approach allows for an estimation of the signals to be detected, and guides the design of a suitable signal processing board. This technology has been realized, patented, and tested with a blind volunteer with successful results and this paper presents interesting suggestions for further improvements.
A Low-G Silicon Inertial Micro-Switch with Enhanced Contact Effect Using Squeeze-Film Damping
Authors: Peng Yingchun , Wen Zhiyu , Li Dongling , Shang Zhengguo
Published: February 2017

Contact time is one of the most important properties for inertial micro-switches. However, it is usually less than 20 μs for the switch with rigid electrode, which is difficult for the external circuit to recognize. This issue is traditionally addressed by designing the switch with a keep-close function or flexible electrode. However, the switch with keep-close function requires an additional operation to re-open itself, causing inconvenience for some applications wherein repeated monitoring is needed. The switch with a flexible electrode is usually fabricated by electroplating technology, and it is difficult to realize low-g switches (<50 g) due to inherent fabrication errors. This paper reports a contact enhancement using squeeze-film damping effect for low-g switches. A vertically driven switch with large proof mass and flexible springs was designed based on silicon micromachining, in order to achieve a damping ratio of 2 and a threshold value of 10 g. The proposed contact enhancement was investigated by theoretical and experimental studies. The results show that the damping effect can not only prolong the contact time for the dynamic acceleration load, but also reduce the contact bounce for the quasi-static acceleration load. The contact time under dynamic and quasi-static loads was 40 μs and 570 μs, respectively.
An Expert-Based Assessment Model for Evaluating Habitat Suitability of Pond-Breeding Amphibians
Authors: Juang Shin-Ruoh , Chen Szu-Hung , Wu Chen-Fa
Published: February 2017

Farm ponds are important habitats for amphibians, birds, and other wildlife. In Taiwan, artificial ponds were originally created on farmlands for irrigation purposes and the needs of the domestic water supply. Although pond creation is a typical farming practice, it also provides habitats for pond-breeding amphibians. Thus, it is essential to understand the current status of habitats and their vulnerability regarding urgent conservation needs for target species. Günther’s frog (Hylarana guentheri), a pond-breeding amphibian, has a high sensitivity towards surrounding environmental changes, and can be used as an indicator species to assess habitat suitability. The purpose of this study is to establish a systematic framework to assess the habitat suitability of pond-breeding amphibians by using Günther’s frog as a pilot-study species. First, we collected frog survey data from Chiayi, Taiwan, from winter 2013 to spring 2015, and investigated the present status of the environmental conditions around the ponds. Next, expert questionnaires and the fuzzy Delphi method were applied to establish the hierarchical evaluation criteria regarding the habitat suitability assessment. Four indicators: the aquatic environments of farm ponds; the terrestrial environments around ponds; landscape connectivity; and the conservation perceptions of the residents, were determined as first-layer factors in the assessment criteria, while ten other indicators were defined as second-layer factors. Based on the established assessment criteria, we performed in situ habitat suitability evaluations on 69 selected sites and surveyed the perceptions of the residents using questionnaires. Results revealed that 19% of locations were rich in frog species with a high habitat suitability. However, 67% of locations showed signs of habitat degradation, which may imply a higher need in practicing habitat improvement or restoration. The Kappa value was 0.6061, which indicated a high reliability of the habitat suitability assessment model. In brief, the proposed method can be applied, not only to assess the sustainability of frog habitats and degradation risks, but also to determine which locations may require future attention regarding conservation implementation. Furthermore, findings in this study provide useful background knowledge to all associated stakeholders when designing and implementing plans of wildlife habitat management and restoration at farm ponds.
The Singularity Problem in Brane Cosmology
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Cotsakis Spiros
Published: February 2017

We review results about the development and asymptotic nature of singularities in “brane–bulk” systems. These arise for warped metrics obeying the five-dimensional Einstein equations with fluid-like sources, and including a brane four-metric that is either Minkowski, de Sitter, or Anti-de Sitter. We characterize all singular Minkowski brane solutions, and look for regular solutions with nonzero curvature. We briefly comment on matching solutions, energy conditions, and finite Planck mass criteria for admissibility, and we briefly discuss the connection of these results to ambient theory.
Applicability of Zero-Inflated Models to Fit the Torrential Rainfall Count Data with Extra Zeros in South Korea
Authors: Lee Cheol-Eung , Kim Sang
Published: February 2017

Several natural disasters occur because of torrential rainfalls. The change in global climate most likely increases the occurrences of such downpours. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the characteristics of the torrential rainfall events in order to introduce effective measures for mitigating disasters such as urban floods and landslides. However, one of the major problems is evaluating the number of torrential rainfall events from a statistical viewpoint. If the number of torrential rainfall occurrences during a month is considered as count data, their frequency distribution could be identified using a probability distribution. Generally, the number of torrential rainfall occurrences has been analyzed using the Poisson distribution (POI) or the Generalized Poisson Distribution (GPD). However, it was reported that POI and GPD often overestimated or underestimated the observed count data when additional or fewer zeros were included. Hence, in this study, a zero-inflated model concept was applied to solve this problem existing in the conventional models. Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) model, Zero-Inflated Generalized Poisson (ZIGP) model, and the Bayesian ZIGP model have often been applied to fit the count data having additional or fewer zeros. However, the applications of these models in water resource management have been very limited despite their efficiency and accuracy. The five models, namely, POI, GPD, ZIP, ZIGP, and Bayesian ZIGP, were applied to the torrential rainfall data having additional zeros obtained from two rain gauges in South Korea, and their applicability was examined in this study. In particular, the informative prior distributions evaluated via the empirical Bayes method using ten rain gauges were developed in the Bayesian ZIGP model. Finally, it was suggested to avoid using the POI and GPD models to fit the frequency of torrential rainfall data. In addition, it was concluded that the Bayesian ZIGP model used in this study provided the most accurate results for the count data having additional zeros. Moreover, it was recommended that the ZIP model could be an alternative from a practical viewpoint, as the Bayesian approach used in this study was considerably complex.
Restoration of Eutrophic Lakes with Fluctuating Water Levels: A 20-Year Monitoring Study of Two Inter-Connected Lakes
Authors: Beklioğlu Meryem , Bucak Tuba , Coppens Jan , Bezirci Gizem , Tavşanoğlu Ü. , Çakıroğlu A. , Levi Eti , Erdoğan Şeyda , Filiz Nur , Özkan Korhan , Özen Arda
Published: February 2017

Eutrophication continues to be the most important problem preventing a favorable environmental state and detrimentally impacting the ecosystem services of lakes. The current study describes the results of analyses of 20 year monitoring data from two interconnected Anatolian lakes, Lakes Mogan and Eymir, receiving sewage effluents and undergoing restoration. The first step of restoration in both lakes was sewage effluent diversion. Additionally, in hypertrophic Lake Eymir, biomanipulation was conducted, involving removal of benthi-planktivorous fish and prohibition of pike fishing. The monitoring period included high (H) and low (L) water levels (WL) enabling elucidation of the effects of hydrological changes on lake restoration. In shallower Lake Mogan, macrophyte abundance increased after the sewage effluent diversion in periods with low water levels even at turbid water. In comparatively deeper Lake Eymir, the first biomanipulation led to a clear water state with abundant macrophyte coverage. However, shortly after biomanipulation, the water clarity declined, coinciding with low water level (LWL) periods during which nutrient concentrations increased. A second biomanipulation was conducted, mostly during high water level (HWL) period, resulting in a major decrease in nutrient concentrations and clearer water, but without an expansion of macrophytes. We conclude that repetitive fish removal may induce recovery but its success may be confounded by high availability of nutrients and adverse hydrological conditions.
Les « grands deniers » de Tours, un exemple local de l’apparition du monnayage d’argent mérovingien
Authors: Sarah Guillaume , Schiesser Philippe
Published: February 2017

Quelques rares monnaies d’argent mérovingiennes présentent un diamètre sensiblement plus grand que les autres deniers de la même époque. Toutes celles qui portent une mention de lieu d’émission peuvent être rattachées à la cité de Tours. Regroupées sous l’appellation «grands deniers » , dix de ces pièces ont été recensées, auxquelles s’ajoutent deux exemplaires hybrides que leur diamètre et leur lieu de frappe incitent à intégrer dans ce groupe des «grands deniers » mérovingiens tourangeaux. La compilation des connaissances disponibles sur ces pièces et l’apport de nouveaux exemplaires permettent de mieux cerner leur émission et de les insérer dans une chrono-typologie consécutive à la mise en place de la frappe de l’argent au haut Moyen Âge, autour de 675 pour la Touraine.
Distal border synovial invaginations of the equine distal sesamoid bone communicate with the distal interphalangeal joint
Authors: Videau Marine , Olive Julien
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Macroscopic studies have suggested a link between distal border synovial invaginations of the navicular bone and the distal interphalangeal joint. However, many practitioners consider that these invagi-nations are directly and solely related to navicular disease. The objective was to investigate the communication pattern of these synovial invaginations with the synovial compartments of the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa, using minimally invasive imaging techniques.

Methods: In a prospective observational study, 10 cadaveric limbs with radiographically evident distal border synovial invagi-nations were randomly assigned to computed tomography arthrography or bursography groups, using iopamidol.

Results: In 5/5 limbs, contrast medium filled the invaginations following distal interphalangeal arthrography. In the other five limbs, no contrast medium filled the invaginations following bursography.

Clinical significance: Contrary to existing beliefs, these invaginations are more likely associated with distal interphalangeal joint synovitis and may not be directly linked to primary navicular bone pathology, but might reflect distal interphalangeal arthropathy. Therefore, the rationale for assessment of these invaginations in stallion selection or pre-purchase examinations as a predictive sign for navicular disease is questionable. Nonetheless, comorbidities are frequent in the equine distal limb. Enlarged synovial invaginations may also be seen in limbs with concomitant primary navicular disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate possible inter-related pathological processes.
Losing one's touch: Evolution of the touch‐sensitive stigma in the Mimulus guttatus species complex
Authors: Friedman Jannice , Hart Katherine S. , den Bakker Meghan C.
Published: February 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The stigmas of several species are touch sensitive and respond to pressure by closing. Previous research suggests that stigma closure could prevent self pollination within a flower during a pollinator's visit or enhance male function by increasing pollen export. Both factors could be favored in outcrossers, and neither would be beneficial in selfers.

METHODS:

We investigated variation in stigma‐closing and the duration of closure in annual and perennial populations of the variable species Mimulus guttatus and whether four closely related selfing species (M. cupriphilus, M. laciniatus, M. nasutus, and M. pardalis) have lost their touch sensitivity. We grew plants in a controlled environment and performed experiments with and without the addition of pollen to the stigma.

KEY RESULTS:

In M. guttatus, the speed of stigma‐closing was rapid and unaffected by the deposition of pollen. Populations varied significantly in closing speed, which may reflect their geographic location. For annual populations only, anther–stigma separation significantly affected closing speed. Also, stigmas that closed quickly stayed closed longer, and stigmas that received pollen remained closed longer. Finally, in the selfing species, stigma‐closing was more variable; some populations have entirely lost the ability to respond to touch.

CONCLUSIONS:

We discuss our results in the context of traits that promote outcrossing and traits that are under selection during the evolution of selfing. This is the first characterization of variation in touch responses across multiple populations within a species and the first to demonstrate the loss of touch sensitivity in selfing lineages.
Entire plastid phylogeny of the carrot genus (Daucus, Apiaceae): Concordance with nuclear data and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA insertions to the plastid
Authors: Spooner David M. , Ruess Holly , Iorizzo Massimo , Senalik Douglas , Simon Philipp
Published: February 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

We explored the phylogenetic utility of entire plastid DNA sequences in Daucus and compared the results with prior phylogenetic results using plastid and nuclear DNA sequences.

METHODS:

We used Illumina sequencing to obtain full plastid sequences of 37 accessions of 20 Daucus taxa and outgroups, analyzed the data with phylogenetic methods, and examined evidence for mitochondrial DNA transfer to the plastid (DcMP).

KEY RESULTS:

Our phylogenetic trees of the entire data set were highly resolved, with 100% bootstrap support for most of the external and many of the internal clades, except for the clade of D. carota and its most closely related species D. syrticus. Subsets of the data, including regions traditionally used as phylogenetically informative regions, provide various degrees of soft congruence with the entire data set. There are areas of hard incongruence, however, with phylogenies using nuclear data. We extended knowledge of a mitochondrial to plastid DNA insertion sequence previously named DcMP and identified the first instance in flowering plants of a sequence of potential nuclear genome origin inserted into the plastid genome. There is a relationship of inverted repeat junction classes and repeat DNA to phylogeny, but no such relationship with nonsynonymous mutations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data have allowed us to (1) produce a well‐resolved plastid phylogeny of Daucus, (2) evaluate subsets of the entire plastid data for phylogeny, (3) examine evidence for plastid and nuclear DNA phylogenetic incongruence, and (4) examine mitochondrial and nuclear DNA insertion into the plastid.
Inconsistent intraspecific pattern in leaf life span along nitrogen‐supply gradient
Authors: Oikawa Shimpei , Suno Koya , Osada Noriyuki
Published: February 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Leaf life span (LLS) has long been hypothesized to plastically increase with decreasing nitrogen (N) supply from soil to maximize N retention, carbon assimilation, and fitness; however, accumulating evidence shows no consistent trend. The apparent inconsistencies are explained by a recent model that assumes LLS has a hump‐shaped quadratic response to the N‐supply gradient. The available evidence mostly originates from comparisons of LLS at only two levels of N availability, and the hypothesis remains unanswered.

METHODS:

We investigated LLS of two asteraceous forbs (Adenocaulon himalaicum and Xanthium canadense) experimentally grown at eight levels of N supply, which covered a range of N supply in their natural habitats. We additionally conducted a literature search to retrieve studies reporting LLS response along an N‐supply gradient.

KEY RESULTS:

The LLS of neither species showed a hump‐shaped response along the N‐supply gradient. Past studies examining the LLS of an aquatic forb and terrestrial shrubs and trees along the N‐supply gradient (more than four levels of N supply) also refuted the hypothesis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The LLS of a single species exhibited neither an increase nor a hump‐shaped response to decreased N supply in a variety of life forms. Comparisons at only a few N levels are misleading with regard to LLS response to N supply.
Study of the surface properties of ZnO nanocolumns used for thin-film solar cells
Authors: Neykova Neda , Stuchlik Jiri , Hruska Karel , Poruba Ales , Remes Zdenek , Pop-Georgievski Ognen
Published: February 2017

Densely packed ZnO nanocolumns (NCs), perpendicularly oriented to the fused-silica substrates were directly grown under hydrothermal conditions at 90 °C, with a growth rate of around 0.2 μm/h. The morphology of the nanostructures was visualized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface properties of ZnO NCs and the binding state of present elements were investigated before and after different plasma treatments, typically used in plasma-enhanced CVD solar cell deposition processes, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) was used to investigate the optical and photoelectrical characteristics of the ZnO NCs, and the changes induced to the absorptance by the plasma treatments. A strong impact of hydrogen plasma treatment on the free-carrier and defect absorption of ZnO NCs has been directly detected in the PDS spectra. Although oxygen plasma treatment was proven to be more efficient in the surface activation of the ZnO NC, the PDS analysis showed that the plasma treatment left the optical and photoelectrical features of the ZnO NCs intact. Thus, it was proven that the selected oxygen plasma treatment can be of great benefit for the development of thin film solar cells based on ZnO NCs.
A chemoselective and continuous synthesis of m-sulfamoylbenzamide analogues
Authors: Verlee Arno , Heugebaert Thomas , van der Meer Tom , Kerchev Pavel I , Van Breusegem Frank , Stevens Christian V
Published: February 2017

For the synthesis of m-sulfamoylbenzamide analogues, small molecules which are known for their bioactivity, a chemoselective procedure has been developed starting from m-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoyl chloride. Although a chemoselective process in batch was already reported, a continuous-flow process reveals an increased selectivity at higher temperatures and without catalysts. In total, 15 analogues were synthesized, using similar conditions, with yields ranging between 65 and 99%. This is the first automated and chemoselective synthesis of m-sulfamoylbenzamide analogues.
IGR J17062–6143 Is an Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsar
Authors: Strohmayer Tod , Keek Laurens
Published: February 2017

We present the discovery of 163.65 Hz X-ray pulsations from IGR J17062−6143 in the only observation obtained from the source with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. This detection makes IGR J17062−6143 the lowest-frequency accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar presently known. The pulsations are detected in the 2–12 keV band with an overall significance of 4.3σ and an observed pulsed amplitude of 5.54% ± 0.67% (in this band). Both dynamic power spectral and coherent phase timing analysis indicate that the pulsation frequency is decreasing during the ≈1.2 ks observation in a manner consistent with orbital motion of the neutron star. Because the observation interval is short, we cannot precisely measure the orbital period; however, periods shorter than 17 minutes are excluded at 90% confidence. For the range of acceptable circular orbits the inferred binary mass function substantially overlaps the observed range for the AMXP population as a whole.
Effect of Gender and Age on the Relative Bioavailability of Doravirine: Results of a Phase I Trial in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Behm Martin O , Yee Ka L , Fan Li , Fackler Paul
Published: February 2017

Background

Doravirine is a potent, once-daily, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a distinct resistance profile in Phase III development for the treatment of HIV-1. As doravirine may be administered to women and the elderly, we investigated the effect of gender and age in doravirine pharmacokinetics.

Methods

In this Phase I, open-label, single-period, parallel-group investigation, doravirine 100 mg was administered to 36 healthy subjects in three groups: elderly men ( n=12, 65–80 years), elderly women ( n=12, 65–80 years) and young women ( n=12, 18–50 years). Data for young men ( n=6, 18–50 years) from a previous study were included as a comparator. Doravirine plasma pharmacokinetics and safety were assessed.

Results

No clinically meaningful effect on pharmacokinetics was observed in association with gender or age. Gender effects were assessed using combined data from elderly and young men versus elderly and young women because the datasets met predefined pooling criteria. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs; women/men [90% CIs]) of doravirine AUC0-∞, Cmax and C24h were 1.20 (1.03, 1.40), 1.42 (1.23, 1.64) and 1.02 (0.84, 1.24), respectively. Age effects were assessed separately in men and women because the datasets did not meet pooling criteria. The AUC0-∞, Cmax, and C24h GMRs (elderly/young) were 0.85 (0.67, 1.10), 0.92 (0.73, 1.16), 0.81 (0.59, 1.11), respectively for men and 0.97 (0.79, 1.19), 1.18 (0.98, 1.42), 0.94 (0.72, 1.21), respectively, for women. Doravirine was well-tolerated throughout the trial.

Conclusions

Neither gender nor age affects the bio-availability of single-dose doravirine 100 mg in healthy subjects, thus supporting administration of doravirine 100 mg in elderly and adult women without dose adjustment.
Anti-HMGCR Autoantibodies in Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies Identify a Rare but Clinically Important Subset of Patients
Authors: Tansley Sarah L. , Betteridge Zoe E. , Simou Stefania , Jacques Thomas S. , Pilkington Clarissa , Wood Mark , Warrier Kishore , Wedderburn Lucy R. , McHugh Neil J.
Published: February 2017

Objective.

We aimed to establish the prevalence and clinical associations of anti-HMG-CoA-reductase (anti-HMGCR) in a large UK cohort with juvenile myositis.

Methods.

There were 381 patients investigated for anti-HMGCR using ELISA.

Results.

Anti-HMGCR autoantibodies were detected in 4 patients (1%). These children had no or minimal rash and significant muscle disease. Muscle biopsies were considered distinctive, with widespread variation in fiber size, necrotic fibers, and chronic inflammatory cell infiltrates; all had prolonged elevation of creatine kinase and all ultimately received biologic therapies.

Conclusion.

Anti-HMGCR in UK children with myositis are associated with severe disease that is poorly responsive to standard treatment.
Plasma Levels of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Are Associated with Anti-TNF Responsiveness in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inhibit the Etanercept-driven Rise in Th17 Cell Differentiationin Vitro
Authors: Jeffery Louisa , Fisk Helena L. , Calder Philip C. , Filer Andrew , Raza Karim , Buckley Christopher D. , McInnes Iain , Taylor Peter C. , Fisher Benjamin A.
Published: February 2017

Objective.

To determine whether levels of plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with response to antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and whether this putative effect may have its basis in altering anti-TNF–driven Th17 cell differentiation.

Methods.

Plasma was collected at baseline and after 3 months of anti-TNF treatment in 22 patients with established RA, and fatty acid composition of the phosphatidylcholine (PC) component was measured. CD4+CD25− T cells and monocytes were purified from the blood of healthy donors and cocultured in the presence of anti-CD3, with or without etanercept (ETN), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or the control fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA). Expression of interleukin 17 and interferon-γ was measured by intracellular staining and flow cytometry.

Results.

Plasma PC EPA levels and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio correlated inversely with change in the Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) at 3 months (−0.51, p = 0.007 and −0.48, p = 0.01, respectively), indicating that higher plasma EPA was associated with a greater reduction in DAS28. Plasma PC EPA was positively associated with European League Against Rheumatism response (p = 0.02). An increase in Th17 cells post-therapy has been associated with nonresponse to anti-TNF. ETN increased Th17 frequenciesin vitro. Physiological concentrations of EPA, but not LA, prevented this.

Conclusion.

EPA status was associated with clinical improvements to anti-TNF therapyin vivoand prevented the effect of ETN on Th17 cellsin vitro. EPA supplementation might be a simple way to improve anti-TNF outcomes in patients with RA by suppressing Th17 frequencies.
Adolescence et adoption : la dette à vif
Authors: Flavigny Christian
Published: February 2017

L’adoption avive l’enjeu psychique de la dette propre à toute filiation, dette vécue comme insupportable à l’adolescence. D’où une spécificité de la contestation adolescente dans les filiations adoptives, mettant à plat de manière radicale le thème de la vérité et posant celui de la légitimité parentale, non sans conséquences sur le protocole de l’adoption.
Crevice Corrosion of Duplex Stainless Steels by Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization and Potentiostatic Techniques
Authors: Srisungsitthisunti Pornsak , Daopiset Siriporn , Kanjanaprayut Noparat
Published: February 2017

Crevice corrosions of duplex stainless steels were investigated under the aggressive condition of sea water pumps in offshore petroleum platforms. The study aims to compare crevice corrosion behavior of three grades of duplex stainless steels, UNS S32101 (2101), UNS S31803 (2205) and UNS S32750, in seawater with 200 ppm of hypochlorite. Duplex steels were compared with a widely used austenitic steel UNS S31603 (316). Specimens were tested under synthetic sea water prepared at pH4, pH6 and pH8 by the cyclic potentiodynamics polarization technique and the potentiostatic technique. The results show that the duplex stainless steels had higher corrosion resistance compared with the 316. The released charges and the corrosion rates of the 2101 and the 2205 were similar, but much lower than those of the 2507especially after 3 months period.
Study on Physical and Photoluminescence Properties of Er3+Doped Zinc Barium Tellurite Glasses
Authors: Yasaka Patarawagee , Ruangtaweep Yotsakit , Kaewkhao Jakrapong
Published: February 2017

Er3+-doped ZnO – BaO – TeO2 glasses with the formula (80-x)TeO2–15ZnO–5BaO–xEr2O3 were fabricated using melt quenching technique. The 5 glass samples with different concentrations of Er2O3 were prepared under atmospheric pressure. The samples were investigated on their properties: density, molar volume, absorption spectra and photoluminescence. Density was increased with an increase in Er3+ content. The molar volume trend is in the opposite way to that of the density. The absorption bands are assigned as absorptions from the 4I15/2 ground state to the 4F7/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2, 4F9/2, 4I9/2, 4I11/2 and 4I13/2 levels. All absorption bands are increase with increasing content of Er3+. The photoluminescence spectra were measured with 980 nm light pumped by flash lamp. The spectra trends to increase with increasing concentration of the dopant.
Chromia Evaporation of Ferritic Stainless Steel AISI430 Coated by (La,Sr)CrO3 Perovskite and Mn-Co Oxide Spinel
Authors: Siripongsakul Thamrongsin , Thublaor Thammaporn , Prajakesakul Vatit , Kachaban Sorana , Chandra-Ambhorn Somrerk
Published: February 2017

A ferritic stainless steel has been intensively studied for its potential in application as an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). However, at such a high operating temperature chromia in the gaseous phase can contaminate the cathode of the SOFC, and consequently the performance of the device degrades rapidly. To overcome this problem, two kind of ceramics, (La,Sr)CrO3 perovskite and Mn-Co oxide spinel were prepared as coatings on the stainless steel AISI 430 to investigate on chromia evaporation at 800°C. In this present work, the (La,Sr)CrO3 and Co-Mn layers were formed by a sol-gel dip coating and an electrodeposition technique, respectively. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), rates of oxidation and rates of chromia evaporation. The coated specimens exhibited the protective behavior with a lower rate of oxidation, as well as a lower rate of chromium evaporation than the uncoated specimen both in the atmosphere of dry and humidified oxygen. But the reduction of the chromia evaporation rates of (La,Sr)CrO3 coatings was insignificant due to the presence of Cr2O3 phase in the coatings.
Influence of Spray Drying Conditions on Particle Size and Morphology of Al2O3/ZrO2(3Y) Composite Particles
Authors: Chiangka Saowaluk , Watcharamaisakul Sukasem , Golman Boris
Published: February 2017

Zirconia toughened alumina materials are frequently used in biomedical applications due to their enhanced toughness, strength and wear resistance compared to monolithic alumina. In this work, the influence of spray drying conditions is studied on the characteristics of spray-dried Al2O3/ZrO2(3Y) composite particles. The SEM images of composite particles confirm the formation of dense composite particles of round shape without internal holes. The particles of the best morphology of the median diameter of 44 µm were produced by drying the slurry of 70 wt.% solid content with feed rate of 15 ml/min using the drying air with inlet temperature of 210 °C and spraying air with flow rate of 357 l/h.
Effect of SeO2 on Coloration in Gold Nanoparticles Glass System
Authors: Ruangtaweep Yotsakit , Kaewkhao Jakrapong
Published: February 2017

In this work, the effect of SeO2 concentrations on coloration in glass containing gold nanoparticle (AuNP) have been investigated in self-striking process. The glass samples were prepared in composition (63.97-x)SiO2 : 15Na2O : 10CaO : 10K2O : 0.5Sb2O3 : 0.5SnO2: 0.03AuNP : xSeO2 (where x is 0.000, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004 and 0.005 wt%). The glasses were fabricated by conventional melt-quench technique at 1500°C in normal atmosphere. Purple- and red-tinted specimens were immediately obtained by the process. The absortion spectra and CIE L*a*b* color coordinate calculation were consistent with the color of the obtained glasses.
Humidity Sensor Based on Graphene Oxide Film Prepared by Simple Drop-Casting Process
Authors: Songkeaw Potiyan , Onlaor Korakot , Tunhoo Benchapol
Published: February 2017

In this work, the film of graphene oxide was deposited by drop-casting process for humidity sensor device. The structural property of graphene oxide film was performed by Raman spectroscopy. The humidity device was fabricated onto the indium-tin oxide transparent electrode. The device exhibited the adsorption and desorption behavior of humidity in range of 23-93%RH. The complex impedance measurement was used to explain the mechanisms of the humidity device. The equivalent circuit model of the device has been demonstrated.
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on Structural Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Precipitation Method
Authors: Chaithanatkun Natpasit , Onlaor Korakot , Tunhoo Benchapol
Published: February 2017

In the present work, the precipitation method was applied to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of zinc nitrate and potassium hydroxide as precursor solutions. The influence of annealing temperature on the properties such as structural and morphological of zinc oxide nanoparticles were performed by X-ray diffraction technique, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of annealing temperature on the crystallite size of zinc oxide nanoparticles have investigated. The XRD results represented that the zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibits high crystallinity of hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles increased from 18 to 31 nm when the annealing temperature had increased. The morphology images show that the nanoparticles in this work were spherical in shape. Raman and FT-IR spectra confirm that the quality of Zn-O vibrational mode is stronger at higher annealing temperature.
Investigation of Friction and Wear Behavior of Polyoxymethylene/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends
Authors: Mathurosemontri Suchalinee , Thumsorn Supaphorn , Nagai Satoshi , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Friction and wear behavior of Polyoxymethylene/Poly (lactic acid) blends (POM/PLA) was investigated to study effect of PLA content on friction and wear properties. The sliding experiments were carried out by Frictoron EFM-III machine. POM blends sliding against the carbon steel (AISI 1045) counterpart under 200 N of pressure load, 100 mm/s of sliding speed for 60 minutes. The wear weigh loss was measured after wear experiment. Wear profile and worn surface were observed by SEM. It was found that friction coefficient of neat POM is lower than neat PLA. However, the incorporation of PLA into POM led to an increment of friction coefficient of POM blends both of 40% and 60% PLA content that over than neat POM and PLA. While wear weigh loss resulted the increasing with increasing of PLA content, which were supported by wear prolife photographs. The deformation of neat PLA and blends on worn surface originated from adhesive due to the thermal softening and melting behavior, while neat POM reveals the plough action behavior.