bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A framework for treating DSM‐5 alternative model for personality disorder features
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J.
Published: April 2018

Despite its demonstrated empirical superiority over the DSM‐5 Section 2 categorical model of personality disorders for organizing the features of personality pathology, limitations remain with regard to the translation of the DSM‐5 Section 3 alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) to clinical practice. The goal of this paper is to outline a general and preliminary framework for approaching treatment from the perspective of the AMPD. Specific techniques are discussed for the assessment and treatment of both Criterion A personality dysfunction and Criterion B maladaptive traits. A concise and step‐by‐step model is presented for clinical decision making with the AMPD, in the hopes of offering clinicians a framework for treating personality pathology and promoting further research on the clinical utility of the AMPD. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Focusing on cancer patients' intentions to use psychooncological support: A longitudinal, mixed‐methods study
Authors: Tondorf T. , Grossert A. , Rothschild S.I. , Koller M.T. , Rochlitz C. , Kiss A. , Schaefert R. , Meinlschmidt G. , Hunziker S. , Zwahlen D.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Distress screening programs aim to ensure appropriate psychooncological support for cancer patients, but many eligible patients do not use these services. To improve distress management, we need to better understand patients' supportive care needs. In this paper, we report the first key finding from a longitudinal study that focused on patients' intentions to use psychooncological support and its association with distress and uptake of the psychooncology service.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study in an Oncology Outpatient Clinic and assessed distress, intention to use psychooncological support, and uptake of the psychooncology service by using the Distress Thermometer, a semistructured interview, and hospital records. We analyzed data with a mixed‐methods approach.

Results

Of 333 patients (mean age 61 years; 55% male; 54% Distress Thermometer ≥ 5), 25% intended to use the psychooncology service (yes), 33% were ambivalent (maybe), and 42% reported no intention (no). Overall, 23% had attended the psychooncology service 4 months later. Ambivalent patients reported higher distress than patients with no intention (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [1.06‐1.32]) but showed significantly lower uptake behavior than patients with an intention (odds ratio = 14.04, 95% confidence interval [6.74‐29.24]). Qualitative analyses revealed that ambivalent patients (maybe) emphasized fears and uncertainties, while patients with clear intentions (yes/no) emphasized knowledge, attitudes, and coping concepts.

Conclusions

We identified a vulnerable group of ambivalent patients with high distress levels and low uptake behavior. To optimize distress screening programs, we suggest addressing and discussing patients' supportive care needs in routine clinical practice.
Effect of pulse width on streamer propagation of underwater corona discharge
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhang Haoqin , Gong Chao , Huang Guosong , Tu Yalong
Published: April 2018

The propagation of pulsed negative corona discharges in water as a function of electrical pulse width ranging from 100 ns to 100 μs has been studied experimentally. Using point‐to‐plane electrodes, it is demonstrated that the propagation of streamers exhibits different behavior under excitations with different pulse width. For pulses with width shorter than 1 µs, the average velocity stays relatively constant at about 1000 m s−1. For pulses with width longer than 1 µs, the average velocity decreases dramatically with increasing pulse width. Numerical fitting shows that the relationship between the velocity and pulse width follows u ∝ τ−0.72. Two different mechanisms are proposed to explain the different discharge characteristics observed at different time scales. At the initial stage before the generation of any significant heat, we show that the electrostatic force may play a major role in supplying the driving force. As the pulse width increases, the gas temperature rises, and the pressure caused by evaporation may become the dominant force to push the head of the filament to propagate. The transition time between two modes was estimated to be in the order of microseconds. Our quantitative predictions are in reasonable agreement with experimental results.
Effect of Bulk Density on the Combustion Property of Nitrocellulose with Isopropanol Humectant
Authors: Liu Jia Hao , Wang Jian , Xie Qi Miao , Wang Jin Hui , Tao Chang Fa , Yuen Richard
Published: April 2018

This paper experimentally examined the effect of bulk density on the combustion behaviour of nitrocellulose with isopropanol humectant. Experimental findings reveal that when the bulk density varies within 120.5∼171.5 kg m−3, the fuel regression rate in the quasi‐steady stage changes slightly, with an average value of 0.41 mm s−1, while it will decrease visibly as the bulk density increases within 171.5∼209.7 kg m−3. The overall regression rate follows the similar variation trend. The measurements of thermocouples mounted inside the sample also support the findings above, and further indicate the flame temperature of nitrocellulose‐isopropanol is about 600∼800 °C. Considering the measured radiative heat flux and flame height determined from flame intermittent contour, the radiation fraction of nitrocellulose‐isopropanol is quantitatively ascertained, i. e. roughly equivalent to 0.3. It is expected that the findings could provide insights into the fire risks of nitrocellulose products with different bulk densities and further offer guidance on their safety management.
Size‐dependent Effect on Thermal Decomposition and Hazard Assessment of TKX‐50 under Adiabatic Condition
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Chen Shusen , Jin Shaohua , Wang Junying , Niu Hu , Zhang Guangyuan , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Dongxu
Published: April 2018

The thermal decomposition of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (TKX‐50) with three different particle sizes were studied under adiabatic condition by using accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). The adiabatic experiment revealed that TKX‐50 had two decomposition stages. Based on the experimental results, the decomposition parameters including the thermal data and pressure data of three kinds of TKX‐50 were used as the hazard assessment indicators. The results revealed that the decomposition of TKX‐50 nanoparticles was the mildest among all of the samples in the first decomposition stage. In addition, the SADT of three kinds of TKX‐50 with different sizes were predicted when stored in the wooden cylinder, and the results showed that TKX‐50 milliparticles exhibited the best thermal stability.
A weed resistance management game: a teaching tool
Authors: Frisvold George B
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

This article provides instructions and materials to moderate an interactive resistance management game. The game is designed to generate discussion about the challenges and possibilities of coordinating resistance management activities among groups of farmers. The game has been successfully applied in classroom settings, extension workshops, and at professional weed science meetings. Research has found farmers often perceive the success of their own resistance management may be thwarted if their neighbors are not adequately managing resistance as well. This can lead to negative ‘tragedy of the commons’ outcomes.

RESULTS

In past applications of the game exercise, participants have often responded in ways consistent with similar studies in experimental and behavioral economics. This includes dividing benefits evenly (even though this is not a requirement of the game) or treating one‐time transactions as potentially repeated exchanges. Player behavior may also be greatly influenced by their attitudes toward monetary risks.

CONCLUSION

The game allows participants to explore ways to overcome the tragedy of the commons and illustrates the roles of information sharing and economic incentives in finding solutions. It also allows participants to experiment with bottom‐up voluntary approaches toward resistance management as an alternative to top‐down regulatory approaches. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Juvenile hormone mediates the positive effects of nitrogen fertilization on weight and reproduction in pea aphid
Authors: Gao Jing , Guo Hui Juan , Sun Yu Cheng , Ge Feng
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The positive effects of nitrogen fertilization on the performance of phytophagous insects have been reported extensively; the physiological and molecular basis involved, however, is largely unclear. Here, we test experimentally whether enhancement of juvenile hormone (JH) is responsible for the increased weight and fecundity of pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) under nitrogen fertilization.

RESULTS

Aphids fed on Medicago truncatula with nitrogen fertilization have a greater amino acid content, higher weight at the fourth instar and adult stage, and produce more offspring than those without nitrogen fertilization. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilization upregulates the transcripts of JH biosynthesis‐related genes and increases JH titre at the fourth instar and adult stage, suggesting that JH is involved in the positive responses of aphids to nitrogen fertilization. Application of 100 ng JH increases adult weight and fecundity in aphids fed on M. truncatula without nitrogen fertilization. Conversely, impairing JH signalling by pharmacologically inhibiting the target of rapamycin pathway or by knocking down JH biosynthetic gene decreases adult weight and fecundity in aphids fed on M. truncatula with nitrogen fertilization, whereas application of JH rescued the phenotype.

CONCLUSION

The increased JH titre at the fourth instar and adult stage is required for the increases of weight and fecundity of A. pisum under nitrogen fertilization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy of three different steamers for control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.)
Authors: Wang Desen , Wang Changlu , Wang Guohong , Zha Chen , Eiden Amanda L , Cooper Richard
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L., have become one of the most difficult urban pests to control. Steam treatment is reported to be an effective method to kill bed bugs and is considered to be an important component of bed bug integrated pest management (IPM). We evaluated and compared the efficacies of two affordable consumer‐grade commercial steamers and a commonly used professional‐grade steamer for killing bed bugs.

RESULTS

In laboratory experiments, the consumer‐grade steamers at affordable prices achieved the same high control efficacy as the professional‐grade steamer for treating bed bugs exposed on mattresses (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers), located beneath a fabric cover (>89% bed bug mortality for all steamers), or hiding in cracks (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers). Bed bugs located behind a leather cover did not suffer significant mortality from steam treatment regardless of the type of steamers used and the treatment duration.

CONCLUSION

Proper use of steamers can kill all life stages of bed bugs. Affordable consumer‐grade steamers are as effective as professional‐grade steam machines for eliminating bed bugs resting on mattresses and hiding behind fabric materials or in cracks. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement and application of the PCPF‐1@SWAT2012 model for predicting pesticide transport: a case study of the Sakura River watershed
Authors: Tu Le Hoang , Boulange Julien , Iwafune Takashi , Yadav Ishwar Chandra , Watanabe Hirozumi
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool combined with Pesticide Concentration in Paddy Field (PCPF‐1@SWAT) model was previously developed to simulate the fate and transport of rice pesticides in watersheds. However, the current model is deficient in characterizing the rice paddy area and is incompatible with the ArcSWAT2012 program. In this study, we modified the original PCPF‐1@SWAT model to develop a new PCPF‐1@SWAT2012 model to address the deficiency in the rice paddy area and utilizing the ArcSWAT2012 program. Next, the new model was applied to the Sakura River watershed, Ibaraki, Japan in order to simulate the transport of four herbicides: mefenacet, pretilachlor, bensulfuron‐methyl and imazosulfuron.

RESULTS

The results showed that the water flow rate simulated by PCPF1@SWAT2012 was similar with the observed data. The calculated Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) (0.73) and percent bias (PBIAS) (–20.38) suggested satisfactory performance of the model. In addition, the concentrations of herbicides simulated by the PCPF‐1@SWAT2012 model were in good agreement with the observed data. The statistical indices NSE and root mean square error (RMSE) estimated for mefenacet (0.69 and 0.18, respectively), pretilachlor (0.86 and 0.18, respectively), bensulfuronmethyl (0.46 and 0.21, respectively) and imazosulfuron (0.64 and 0.28, respectively) indicated satisfactory predictions.

CONCLUSION

The PCPF‐1@SWAT2012 model is capable of simulating well the water flow rate and transport of herbicides in this watershed, comprising different land use types, including a rice paddy area. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative CYP‐omic analysis between the DDT‐susceptible and ‐resistant Drosophila melanogaster strains 91‐C and 91‐R
Authors: Seong Keon Mook , Coates Brad S , Berenbaum May R , Clark John M , Pittendrigh Barry R
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are involved in the biosynthesis of endogenous intracellular compounds and the metabolism of xenobiotics, including chemical insecticides. We investigated the structural and expression level variance across all P450 genes with respect to the evolution of insecticide resistance under multigenerational dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) selection.

RESULTS

RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) and reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) indicated that the transcript levels of seven P450 genes were significantly up‐regulated and three P450 genes were down‐regulated in the DDT‐resistant strain 91‐R, as compared to the control strain 91‐C. The overexpression of Cyp6g1 was associated with the presence of an Accord and an HMS‐Beagle element insertion in the 5′ upstream region in conjunction with copy number variation in the 91‐R strain, but not in the 91‐C strain. A total of 122 (50.2%) fixed nonsynonymous (amino acid‐changing) mutations were found between 91‐C and 91‐R, and 20 (8.2%) resulted in amino acid changes within functional domains. Three P450 proteins were truncated as a result of premature stop codons and fixed between strains.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that a combination of changes in P450 protein‐coding regions and transcript levels are possibly associated with DDT resistance, and thereby suggest that selection for variant function may occur within this gene family in response to chronic DDT exposure. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro and in vivo characterization of an interleukin‐15 antagonist peptide by metabolic stability, 99mTc‐labeling, and biological activity assays
Authors: Rodríguez‐Álvarez Yunier , Cabrales‐Rico Ania , Perera‐Pintado Alejandro , Prats‐Capote Anais , Garay‐Pérez Hilda E. , Reyes‐Acosta Osvaldo , Pérez‐García Erik , Chico‐Capote Araceli , Santos‐Savio Alicia
Published: April 2018

Interleukin (IL)–15 is an inflammatory cytokine that constitutes a validated therapeutic target in some immunopathologies, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we identified an IL‐15 antagonist peptide named [K6T]P8, with potential therapeutic application in RA. In the current work, the metabolic stability of this peptide in synovial fluids from RA patients was studied. Moreover, [K6T]P8 peptide was labeled with 99mTc to investigate its stability in human plasma and its biodistribution pattern in healthy rats. The biological activity of [K6T]P8 peptide and its dimer was evaluated in CTLL‐2 cells, using 3 different additives to improve the solubility of these peptides. The half‐life of [K6T]P8 in human synovial fluid was 5.88 ± 1.73 minutes, and the major chemical modifications included peptide dimerization, cysteinylation, and methionine oxidation. Radiolabeling of [K6T]P8 with 99mTc showed a yield of approximately 99.8%. The 99mTc‐labeled peptide was stable in a 30‐fold molar excess of cysteine and in human plasma, displaying a low affinity to plasma proteins. Preliminary biodistribution studies in healthy Wistar rats suggested a slow elimination of the peptide through the renal and hepatic pathways. Although citric acid, sucrose, and Tween 80 enhanced the solubility of [K6T]P8 peptide and its dimer, only the sucrose did not interfere with the in vitro proliferation assay used to assess their biological activity. The results here presented, reinforce nonclinical characterization of the [K6T]P8 peptide, a potential agent for the treatment of RA and other diseases associated with IL‐15 overexpression.
Elimination of Oxidation‐Induced Stacking Faults in Silicon Single Crystals Using the Kyropoulos Crystal Growth Method
Authors: Nouri Ahmed , Chichignoud Guy , Albaric Mickael , Brize Virginie , Zaidat Kader
Published: April 2018

Oxidation‐induced stacking faults (OSF rings) is a detrimental recurrent defect that appears along the silicon monocrystalline ingot obtained by Czochralski method. Most of the prior studies, related to Czochralski, focus on the increase of pulling rate to reduce this defect; the present work puts forward the low thermal gradient as an efficient parameter to avoid its formation. A modified Kyropoulos configuration is used to grow silicon crystals at low thermal gradient. Experiment shows that even a low pull‐up velocity, slower than the growth rate, is sufficient to completely eliminate this defect. The top part of the crystal, grown without any pull up has OSF rings. On the other hand, the parts of the crystal obtained with considerably low pull‐up velocity, in order to keep the growth below the free surface of the melt, do not have OSF rings. Even at low pull‐up velocity, the OSF defect can be avoided thanks to the controlled low thermal gradient in the crystal.
Thermoelectric Power Factor in Nanostructured Materials With Randomized Nanoinclusions
Authors: Vargiamidis Vassilios , Foster Samuel , Neophytou Neophytos
Published: April 2018

Here, the electric and thermoelectric transport coefficients of nanocomposites are investigated using the Non‐Equilibrium Green's Function (NEGF) method, which can accurately capture the details of geometry and disorder in these structures. Two‐dimensional (2D) channels with embedded nanoinclusions (NIs) are considered, which are modelled as potential barriers of cylindrical shape and height . The effect of randomness of the NIs on the thermoelectric power factor is investigated by varying the positions, diameter, and heights of the barriers according to a Gaussian probability distribution. It is found that the power factor shows indications of tolerance to variations in the parameters of the NIs when the Fermi level is placed into the bands and . These results could be experimentally relevant in the design of nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications.
Surface Plasmon Enhanced Emission From Defects in Gallium Doped ZnO
Authors: Hou Yaonan , Mei Zengxia , Tang Aihua , Liang Huili , Du Xiaolong
Published: April 2018

In this work, the optical properties of defects coupled with surface plasmons (SPs) in gallium‐doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have been explored. The photoluminescence intensity is enhanced by up to 4.9 times as a result of SPs coupling by decorating the sample with silver nanospheres (Ag NSs), with a fast plasmonic decay lifetime of 0.1 ns compared with the defect‐assisted carrier recombination lifetime of 3.77 ns in the as‐grown sample. The enhanced emission intensity depends on the plasmonic modes determined by the diameter of Ag NSs, verified by power‐dependent photoluminescence measurements. Confocal mapping reveals that the plasmonic “hot‐spots”, that is, enhanced emission around the Ag NSs, exhibit a highly optical stability with reduced photoluminescence blinking. This work demonstrates that a defect coupled with SPs in ZnO is a promising high‐efficiency emitter for applications in nanophotonics.
Stability and Pressure Dependent Properties of Ternary Lithium Borides of Gold and Silver
Authors: Aydin Sezgin , Şimşek Mehmet
Published: April 2018

The structural, electronic, and mechanical properties, and dynamic stabilities of LiAu3B and LiAg3B ternary borides, and those of related LixAu9B3 (x = 0, 1, 2) sub‐structures have been investigated by density functional first‐principles calculations. By using ultrasoft and norm‐conserving pseudopotentials, it is presented that LiAu3B is thermodynamically, mechanically, and dynamically stable at the ambient conditions, while LiAg3B is mechanically stable only. Pressure‐dependent properties of LiAu3B are also studied, and it is shown that the mechanical stability is maintained in the whole pressure range (0–50 GPa), but the dynamic stability diminishes at about 20 GPa. Due to the extraordinary deviation of the lattice parameters (a and c) in the range of 25–30 GPa and the dynamic instability, a pressure‐induced phase transition may be expected. By comparing the structural, electronic and mechanical properties of LixAu9B3 (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) structures, the effects of the Li‐concentration on the physical properties of the structure are discussed.
Lithium Hexastannate: A Potential Material for Energy Storage
Authors: Zulueta Yohandys A. , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: April 2018

The prediction of a new lithium compound, Li2Sn6O13, is made from a combined first‐principles and classical force‐field approach. The electronic, structural, and mechanical properties of monoclinic Li2SnO3, Li2Ti6O13, and Li2Sn6O13 are explored. The calculated results for the equilibrium lattice parameters are in agreement with the available experimental data. The thermodynamic stabilities of Li2Ti6O13 and Li2Sn6O13 are evaluated. Both compounds are demonstrated to be thermodynamically stable with standard molar formation enthalpies of −5553 and −6740 kJ mol−1, respectively. Reaction energies for delithiation of 6.41 and 6.90 eV atom−1 are also determined for Li2Sn6O13 and Li2Ti6O13, respectively. The predicted voltage of Li insertion/extraction process per Li+/Li is 1.6 V for Li2Sn6O13, comparable to its isostructural counterpart Li2Ti6O13. Electronic band structure calculations indicate the insulating character of Li2SnO3 with an indirect band gap of 4.4 eV, whereas both Li2Ti6O13 and Li2Sn6O13 appear to be semiconductor compounds with band gaps of 3.1 and 3.0 eV, respectivley. The energy barriers for Li+ migration amount to ≈0.5 eV for both materials. Elastic stiffness coefficients and bulk, shear and Young's moduli were also calculated. The Li2Sn6O13 derivative is mechanically stable and can be predicted to be a brittle compound that is more resistant to volume change than Li2Ti6O13. If the Li2Sn6O13 compound could experimentally be prepared by using ion exchange, it could potentially be an efficient material for anodes in lithium‐ion batteries.
Electronic Structure of Titania Nanosheets With Vacancies Based on Nonadiabatic Quantum Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Uchida Yuichi , Hara Masahiro , Funatsu Asami , Shimojo Fuyuki
Published: April 2018

Titania nanosheets (TNSs) are expected to be applied to new, flexible, and high‐performance photocatalytic materials utilizing their two‐dimensional structure. Although it has been indicated that an experimentally synthesized TNS has more than a few Ti vacancies, the effects of these vacancies on the photocatalytic activity of a TNS have not yet been elucidated. Here, we present the results of first‐principles molecular dynamics simulations for various TNS structural models, both with and without a Ti vacancy. The calculated electronic density of states and bandgap energies of the TNSs are compared with those of bulk anatase. Provided that proper models are utilized, we confirm that TNSs have larger bandgap energies than anatase, as is observed experimentally, regardless of the existence of a Ti vacancy. Non‐adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations show that a Ti vacancy induces a spatial separation of the photogenerated electron and hole, and increases their recombination time. Accordingly, there are large differences in photocatalytic activity among the structural models. We therefore conclude that it is crucial to consider the effects of Ti vacancies in order to evaluate the photochemical properties of TNSs precisely.
Theoretical Design of the Absorber for Intermediate Band Solar Cells from Group‐IV (Si, Ge, and Sn)‐Doped AgAlSe2
Authors: Jiang Jingwen , Cen Xiaoxia , Dong Wenquan , Zhou Wenzheng , Liang Xianqing , Liu Yixin , Guo Jin , Huang Dan
Published: April 2018

Recently, chalcopyrite compounds have been extensively studied as the absorber for solar cells. Inserting an intermediate band in the main band gap of the absorber has been proposed to exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit on single band solar cells. In this paper, the group‐IV elements Si, Ge, and Sn substituting at Al site in AgAlSe2 to form an intermediate band in the main band gap has been studied by first‐principles calculations. The half‐filled intermediate bands from the antibonding state of group‐IV s state and Se‐p state show delocalized characteristics and just shift from each other in Si, Ge, and Sn‐doped AgAlSe2. Based on the analysis on the position of the intermediate band and defect formation energy, Si‐doped AgAlSe2 has been excluded and Ge and Sn‐doped AgAlSe2 have been suggested as promising absorber for the intermediate band solar cell. A heterojunction based on CuAlTe2, AgAlSe2:Sn, and CdS has been proposed as a suitable device for intermediate band solar cells after considering the lattice mismatch and band alignment.
Combination of artemisinin‐based natural compounds from Artemisia annua L. for the treatment of malaria: Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Chao , Gong Muxin , Wang Manyuan
Published: April 2018

Currently, the most effective antimalarial is artemisinin, which is extracted from the leaves of medicinal herb Artemisia annua L. (A. annua). Previous studies showed that the complex chemical matrix of A. annua could enhance both the bioavailability and efficacy of artemisinin. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties of a combination therapy based on artemisinin and 3 components from A. annua with high content (arteannuin B, arteannuic acid, and scopoletin). In vivo antimalarial activity was assessed following a 4‐day treatment in murine malaria models (Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei). Results showed that a much sharper reduction in parasitemia (~93%) was found in combination therapy compared with pure artemisinin (~31%), indicating pharmacodynamic synergism occurring between artemisinin and arteannuin B, arteannuic acid, and scopoletin. Multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics further demonstrated that combination therapy results in increased area under the curve (AUC0→∞), Cmax, and t1/2 by 3.78‐, 3.47‐, and 1.13‐fold in healthy mice, respectively, and by 2.62‐, 1.82‐, and 1.22‐fold in P. yoelii‐infected mice, respectively. The calculated oral clearance of combination therapy in healthy and P. yoelii‐infected mice was also reduced. These findings imply that specific components in A. annua might offer a possibility to develop new artemisinin‐based natural combination therapy for malaria treatment.
Evaluation of antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and gastroprotective properties of Rubus fruticosus L. fruit juice
Authors: Monforte Maria Teresa , Smeriglio Antonella , Germanò Maria Paola , Pergolizzi Simona , Circosta Clara , Galati Enza Maria
Published: April 2018

The juice of R. fruticosus (RFJ) fruits grown in Sicily was analysed for polyphenol compounds and tested to evaluate in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antiinflammatory and gastroprotective effects. RFJ, containing mainly anthocyanins, such as cyanidin derivatives, significant amounts of phenolic acids, and smaller amounts of flavonoids, showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical) (4,147.194 ± 17.199 mg trolox equivalent [TE]/100 ml), TE antioxidant capacity (8,312.444 ± 43.055 mg TE/100 ml), ferric reducing antioxidant power (2,177.830 ± 21.015 mg TE/100 ml), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (95,377.674 ± 616.194 μmol TE/100 ml juice), and β‐carotene bleaching (72% ± 4.58) assay. In vivo studies showed that RFJ inhibit significantly the carrageenan‐induced paw oedema (63–71%) in rats and possess antiinflammatory effects particularly significant in association with phenylbutazone (94–96%). In addition, RFJ pretreatment was able to prevent the ethanol‐induced ulcerogenic effect in rats. All in vivo results were corroborated by histopathological observations and are in good agreement with antioxidant activity, confirming the relationships between biological effects observed and radical scavenging properties of RFJ.
Experimental and clinical antihypertensive activity of Matricaria chamomilla extracts and their angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity
Authors: Awaad Amani A. , El‐Meligy Reham M. , Zain Ghada M. , Safhi Amal A. , AL Qurain Noura A. , Almoqren Shekhah S. , Zain Yara M. , Sesh Adri Vidya D. , Al‐Saikhan Fahad I.
Published: April 2018

Three different extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. were evaluated for their antihypertensive activity, these extracts were total alcohol extract (Extract 1), oil extracted (Extract 2), and water lifted after oil extraction (Extract 3). Quantitative and Qualitative analyses were carried out for all extracts. The 3 extracts were proved to be safe for human use. A single oral administration of the plant extracts (200 mg/kg) decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of normotensive rats after 1, 1.5, and 2 hr. Furthermore, groups treated with the evaluated extracts (100 & 200 mg/kg) or Captopril (20 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in the elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Extract 3 showed the most antihypertensive activity. Serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile levels of treated groups were improved in comparison with induced‐hypertensive untreated rats. In evaluation of oxidative damage parameters Glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in some organs, the investigated extracts or captopril restored the amount of reduced Glutathione in tissues in addition to an increase in the activity of the SOD after a significant depletion of SOD activity. In the clinical study, there was a significant dose dependent decrease in Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate compared with their basal values in both normotensive and hypertensive human volunteers after oral administration of Matricaria chamomilla beverages.
A review on current status of antiviral siRNA
Authors: Qureshi Abid , Tantray Vaqar Gani , Kirmani Altaf Rehman , Ahangar Abdul Ghani
Published: April 2018

Viral diseases like influenza, AIDS, hepatitis, and Ebola cause severe epidemics worldwide. Along with their resistant strains, new pathogenic viruses continue to be discovered so creating an ongoing need for new antiviral treatments. RNA interference is a cellular gene‐silencing phenomenon in which sequence‐specific degradation of target mRNA is achieved by means of complementary short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. Short interfering RNA technology affords a potential tractable strategy to combat viral pathogenesis because siRNAs are specific, easy to design, and can be directed against multiple strains of a virus by targeting their conserved gene regions. In this review, we briefly summarize the current status of siRNA therapy for representative examples from different virus families. In addition, other aspects like their design, delivery, medical significance, bioinformatics resources, and limitations are also discussed.
Competition in growth and urns
Authors: Ahlberg Daniel , Griffiths Simon , Janson Svante , Morris Robert
Published: April 2018

We study survival among two competing types in two settings: a planar growth model related to two‐neighbor bootstrap percolation, and a system of urns with graph‐based interactions. In the planar growth model, uncolored sites are given a color at rate 0, 1 or , depending on whether they have zero, one, or at least two neighbors of that color. In the urn scheme, each vertex of a graph G has an associated urn containing some number of either blue or red balls (but not both). At each time step, a ball is chosen uniformly at random from all those currently present in the system, a ball of the same color is added to each neighboring urn, and balls in the same urn but of different colors annihilate on a one‐for‐one basis. We show that, for every connected graph G and every initial configuration, only one color survives almost surely. As a corollary, we deduce that in the two‐type growth model on , one of the colors only infects a finite number of sites with probability one. We also discuss generalizations to higher dimensions and multi‐type processes, and list a number of open problems and conjectures.
MMR Deficiency Does Not Sensitize or Compromise the Function of Hematopoietic Stem Cells to Low and High LET Radiation
Authors: Patel Rutulkumar , Qing Yulan , Kennedy Lucy , Yan Yan , Pink John , Aguila Brittany , Desai Amar , Gerson Stanton L. , Welford Scott M.
Published: April 2018

One of the major health concerns on long-duration space missions will be radiation exposure to the astronauts. Outside the earth's magnetosphere, astronauts will be exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events that are principally composed of protons and He, Ca, O, Ne, Si, Ca, and Fe nuclei. Protons are by far the most common species, but the higher atomic number particles are thought to be more damaging to biological systems. Evaluation and amelioration of risks from GCR exposure will be important for deep space travel. The hematopoietic system is one of the most radiation-sensitive organ systems, and is highly dependent on functional DNA repair pathways for survival. Recent results from our group have demonstrated an acquired deficiency in mismatch repair (MMR) in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with age due to functional loss of the MLH1 protein, suggesting an additional risk to astronauts who may have significant numbers of MMR deficient HSCs at the time of space travel. In the present study, we investigated the effects gamma radiation, proton radiation, and 56Fe radiation on HSC function in Mlh1+/+ and Mlh1−/− marrow from mice in a variety of assays and have determined that while cosmic radiation is a major risk to the hematopoietic system, there is no dependence on MMR capacity.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and risk of osteoporosis: A nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Huang Wei‐Sheng , Hsu Ju‐Wei , Huang Kai‐Lin , Bai Ya‐Mei , Su Tung‐Ping , Li Cheng‐Ta , Lin Wei‐Chen , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Liou Ying‐Jay , Chen Mu‐Hong
Published: April 2018

Several studies suggested a relationship between stress and related mental illnesses, such as depression and osteoporosis. However, it was unclear whether patients with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were at risk of developing osteoporosis in later life. In this study, 6,041 patients with PTSD and 24,164 age‐ or sex‐matched controls were enrolled between 2002 and 2009 in our study and followed up to the end of 2011. Cases of osteoporosis were identified during the follow‐up. Patients with PTSD had an elevated likelihood of developing osteoporosis (HR: 2.66, 95% CI [1.91, 3.71]) in later life compared with the controls. Sensitivity tests after excluding the first year observation (HR: 2.46, 95% CI [1.72, 3.53]) and the first 3‐year observation (HR: 1.88, 95% CI [1.18, 3.01]) were consistent. Patients with PTSD had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis at an earlier age compared with those without PTSD. Further studies would be necessary to clarify the pathophysiology between PTSD and osteoporosis.
Are People Equally Other‐Regarding When Selecting a Match Versus Choosing an Allocation?
Authors: Belot Michèle , Fafchamps Marcel
Published: April 2018

There are many assignment processes in which agents are given the opportunity to unilaterally select a match. Resulting allocations can be inefficient if agents do not internalize the consequences of their choice on others. To test this formally, we study how other‐regarding behaviors vary across two decision contexts: when subjects make a pure allocation decision; and when they select a partner. In both settings each subject's decision is final and it affects their payoff and that of other subjects in the same way. We find that subjects are more likely to sacrifice their own material well‐being to increase that of others when dividing a pie than when selecting a partner in a large anonymous setting—even though the consequences on the material payoffs of others are identical. These findings suggest that in assignment processes with unilateral selection, efficiency can be improved by presenting the selection process as a choice between outcomes involving multiple individuals, instead of simply selecting a match for themselves.
When Does Economic Growth Reduce Poverty and Strengthen the Middle Class? A State‐Level, Sector‐Specific Analysis of Peru
Authors: Canavire‐Bacarreza Gustavo , Jetter Michael , Robles Marcos
Published: April 2018

Using novel state‐level data of Peru from 1997 to 2010, we investigate how growth in different sectors affects poverty rates and the middle class. Our results indicate that only the manufacturing sector seems to robustly decrease poverty. Growth in the service sector emerges as a meaningful predictor of a rising middle class. Allowing for regional differences, we find substantial variation across the 25 Peruvian states with large shifts in magnitudes, signs, and statistical importance. Beyond the immediate implications for Peru, these findings highlight the importance of analyzing the link between economic performance and poverty rates on a subnational level. Policy implications are likely to differ substantially, depending on the source of economic growth and regional particularities.
Tetra‐Propyl‐Substituted Copper (II) Phthalocyanine as Dopant‐Free Hole Transporting Material for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoyuan , Wang Yulong , Rezaee Ehsan , Chen Qian , Feng Yaomiao , Sun Xize , Dong Lei , Hu Qikun , Li Chen , Xu Zong‐Xiang
Published: April 2018

Solution‐processed hole transporting materials (HTMs) that are dopant‐free show promise for use in low‐cost, high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a new HTM of copper (II) phthalocyanine with tetra‐propyl‐substituted function groups (CuPrPc) is reported. It is found that CuPrPc could form face‐on molecular orientation when spin‐coated on perovskite, resulting in high hole mobility and hydrophobic surface. These properties are more favorable for hole transport and moisture resistance applications in PSCs. Solution‐processed planar PSCs utilizing CuPrPc as HTM are fabricated and tested. PSC with CuPrPc exhibited highest power conversion efficiency of 17.8%. Furthermore, beneficial from the hydrophobic nature of CuPrPc, the devices with CuPrPc as HTM show improved stability and retain over 94% of their initial efficiency even after storage in humidity about 75% for 800 h without encapsulation, which is much better than the performance of PSCs based on Spiro‐OMeTAD HTM.
Effect of Grain Size and Residual Strain on the Dynamic Transformation of Austenite under Plate Rolling Conditions
Authors: Rodrigues Samuel F. , Aranas Clodualdo , Sun Binhan , Siciliano Fulvio , Yue Stephen , Jonas John J.
Published: April 2018

When austenite is deformed within the austenite phase field, that is, above the equilibrium transformation temperature Ae3, it partially transforms dynamically into ferrite. Here, rough rolling simulations are conducted at 1100 °C on an X70 steel to study the influence of grain size and residual strain on this type of transformation. Three simulated roughing passes are applied with pass strains of 0.4 at a strain rate of 1.0 s−1. The resulting stress–strain curves are recorded and analyzed. The volume fractions of ferrite and martensite (prior austenite) are determined on quenched samples by means of metallographic techniques. It is observed that dynamic transformation took place during the first roughing pass and that the volume fraction of transformed ferrite increases with the cumulative strain. Both the critical strain to the onset of dynamic transformation as well as the grain size decrease with pass number.
Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Heat‐Resistant Austenitic Cast Steels at 950 °C
Authors: Zhao Hailong , Li Mei , Engler‐Pinto Carlos C. , Godlewski Larry A. , Zindel Jacob W. , Li Longfei , Feng Qiang
Published: April 2018

Exhaust manifolds are frequently subjected to severe thermal cycling due to startup and shutdown of automobile engines; consequently, high‐temperature fatigue is the predominant failure mode for these components. The research about the relationship between high‐temperature fatigue properties and as‐cast microstructure in austenitic cast steels, which are the most popular materials for exhaust manifolds, is limited. In this study, strain‐controlled low cycle fatigue tests are conducted at 950 °C on two lab‐cast and one commercial‐cast austenitic cast steels with different morphology of primary Nb(C,N). The results indicate that decreasing the lamellar spacing of primary Nb(C,N) is an effective way to increase the LCF lifetime at the high strain range, hence the “Chinese‐script” primary Nb(C,N) is a more desirable morphology. The combination of cracking and prior oxidation of the dispersed plate‐like and blocky primary Nb(C,N) can result in the reduction of LCF lifetime. The influence of the primary Nb(C,N) morphology on the LCF lifetime is negligible at a low strain range, hence lowering the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) to less than 30 μm significantly extends the LCF lifetime of austenitic cast steels. Additionally, the plastic strain energy density is an effective parameter to predict the LCF lifetime at 950 °C in austenitic cast steels.
Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells Expressing Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor into the Motor Cortex as a Strategy to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Thomsen Gretchen M. , Avalos Pablo , Ma Annie A. , Alkaslasi Mor , Cho Noell , Wyss Livia , Vit Jean-Philippe , Godoy Marlesa , Suezaki Patrick , Shelest Oksana , Bankiewicz Krystof S. , Svendsen Clive N.
Published: April 2018

Early dysfunction of cortical motor neurons may underlie the initiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As such, the cortex represents a critical area of ALS research and a promising therapeutic target. In the current study, human cortical-derived neural progenitor cells engineered to secrete glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were transplanted into the SOD1G93A ALS rat cortex, where they migrated, matured into astrocytes, and released GDNF. This protected motor neurons, delayed disease pathology and extended survival of the animals. These same cells injected into the cortex of cynomolgus macaques survived and showed robust GDNF expression without adverse effects. Together this data suggests that introducing cortical astrocytes releasing GDNF represents a novel promising approach to treating ALS.
Deservingness, Deadbeat Dads, and Responsible Fatherhood: Child Support Policy and Rhetorical Conceptualizations of Poverty, Welfare, and the Family
Authors: Battle Brittany Pearl
Published: April 2018

Since 1974, the U.S. federal government has passed more than 30 pieces of legislation related to child support. Such policies have significant implications for children and their custodial and noncustodial parents. I examine the evolution of these policies since the 1970s through cultural conceptualizations of poverty, welfare, and the family in presidential rhetoric. Using written and oral presidential statements from 1970 to 2011 as a symbolic representation of the nation's collective attention, I identify three themes—deservingness, deadbeat dads, and responsible fatherhood. These themes correspond with major shifts in child support policy through periods of welfare reform, the criminalization of the noncustodial father, and the strengthening of families, and helped to legitimize substantial shifts in child support policy over time.
Effect of Hypoxia on Diet of Atlantic Bumpers in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Glaspie Cassandra N. , Clouse Melissa A. , Adamack Aaron T. , Cha YoonKyung , Ludsin Stuart A. , Mason Doran M. , Roman Michael R. , Stow Craig A. , Brandt Stephen B.
Published: April 2018

Cultural eutrophication is a global problem that often leads to hypoxic conditions in coastal systems. Although improving, our understanding of the impacts of hypoxia on trophic interactions in pelagic and benthopelagic food webs is limited. Toward this end, we evaluated diet composition of and mass‐specific consumption by the Atlantic Bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus, a numerically dominant planktivorous fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico, relative to dissolved oxygen concentration and fish size. Atlantic Bumper CPUE was similar in hypoxic and normoxic areas. Mean mass‐specific consumption by small Atlantic Bumpers in hypoxic areas was greater than that of both small and large individuals in normoxic areas. The most commonly ingested prey type for both large and small Atlantic Bumpers was shrimp larvae. Large quantities of fish larvae were consumed by adult Atlantic Bumpers in hypoxic regions. These findings demonstrate that hypoxic conditions can alter feeding of dominant fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, which may influence energy flow in the region.
Multimodality in the New Content Standards Era: Implications for English Learners
Authors: Grapin Scott
Published: April 2018

New content standards in English language arts and literacy, mathematics, and science expect all students, including English learners (ELs), to use multiple modes beyond language. Traditionally, conceptualizations of multimodality in EL education and the content areas have differed considerably. To acknowledge and begin confronting these differences, the author proposes weak and strong versions of multimodality. Whereas the weak version privileges language and takes nonlinguistic modes as scaffolds for language development with ELs, the strong version views multiple modes as essential to engaging in disciplinary practices. Adopting the strong version, the author analyzes work samples from a fourth‐grade science classroom to illustrate how students deploy multiple modes strategically as they engage in scientific modeling. This analysis also shows how a multimodal lens can shed light on the unique affordances and limitations of language, a mode of particular relevance to ELs. The author argues that embracing the strong version of multimodality is not only necessary but transformative for ELs in the new content standards era, because it allows them to draw from the meaning‐making resources at their disposal while engaging in disciplinary practices. In light of divergent conceptualizations of multimodality, the article ends with a call to action for closer collaboration between language and content educators.