bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco‐nanocomposites with epoxidized natural rubber for improved mechanical properties essential to unmanned aerial vehicles propeller applications
Authors: Pithaksareetham Nattapon , Hongkarnjanakul Natthawat , Suchat Sunisa
Published: March 2018

The epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was prepared via in situ epoxidation reaction to contain 50 mol% epoxide groups (ENR 50). The fraction of ENR 50 in the blends was 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 parts per hundred (phr) relative to the epoxy resin. Also, the silica nanoparticle content of epoxy resin was tested for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 phr. The results show that the impact strength of epoxy resin can be improved by blending in ENR 50 mixed with nanosilica, relative to the baseline epoxy and epoxy resin mixed with epoxide. The optimal ENR 50 content of the composite was 3 phr. Also, the impact and tensile strength of the nanocomposite containing 3 phr nanosilica were improved. In addition, the tear strength of the nanocomposite slightly decreased with the addition of nanofiller. The mechanical properties were assessed relative to morphology from SEM micrographs. In epoxy resin blends with ENR 50, nanosilica can improve the impact strength required in unmanned aerial vehicles propeller applications.
Job strain associated with increases in ambulatory blood and pulse pressure during and after work hours among female hotel room cleaners
Authors: Feaster Matt , Krause Niklas
Published: March 2018

Background

Previously documented elevated hypertension rates among Las Vegas hotel room cleaners are hypothesized to be associated with job strain.

Methods

Job strain was assessed by questionnaire. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was recorded among 419 female cleaners from five hotels during 18 waking hours. Multiple linear regression models assessed associations of job strain with ABP and pulse pressure for 18‐h, work hours, and after work hours.

Results

Higher job strain was associated with increased 18‐h systolic ABP, after work hours systolic ABP, and ambulatory pulse pressure. Dependents at home but not social support at work attenuated effects. Among hypertensive workers, job strain effects were partially buffered by anti‐hypertensive medication.

Conclusions

High job strain is positively associated with blood pressure among female hotel workers suggesting potential for primary prevention at work. Work organizational changes, stress management, and active ABP surveillance and hypertension management should be considered for integrated intervention programs.
The Convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods: From the Metropolis Method to Hamiltonian Monte Carlo
Authors: Betancourt Michael
Published: March 2018

From its inception in the 1950s to the modern frontiers of applied statistics, Markov chain Monte Carlo has been one of the most ubiquitous and successful methods in statistical computing. The development of the method in that time has been fueled by not only increasingly difficult problems but also novel techniques adopted from physics. Here, the history of Markov chain Monte Carlo is reviewed from its inception with the Metropolis method to the contemporary state‐of‐the‐art in Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, focusing on the evolving interplay between the statistical and physical perspectives of the method.
Metal‐Ion‐Mediated Supramolecular Chirality of l‐Phenylalanine Based Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Fang , Feng Chuan‐Liang
Published: March 2018

For chiral hydrogels and related applications, one of the critical issues is how to control the chirality of supramolecular systems in an efficient way, including easy operation, efficient transfer of chirality, and so on. Herein, supramolecular chirality of l‐phenylalanine based hydrogels can be effectively controlled by using a broad range of metal ions. The degree of twisting (twist pitch) and the diameter of the chiral nanostructures can also be efficiently regulated. These are ascribed to the synergic effect of hydrogen bonding and metal ion coordination. This study may develop a method to design a new class of electronically, optically, and biologically active materials.
Durable flame‐retardant and antidroplet finishing of polyester fabrics with flexible polysiloxane and phytic acid through layer‐by‐layer assembly and sol–gel process
Authors: Jiang Zhenlin , Wang Chaosheng , Fang Shuying , Ji Peng , Wang Huaping , Ji Chengchang
Published: March 2018

A three‐layer functional coating was prepared through layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly and a sol–gel process. The multilayered coating was composed of a phytic acid (PA) coating dipped between two layers of flexible polysiloxane coatings and was deposited on the polyester fabric by LbL assembly. Flammability tests indicated that the multilayer coating prevented droplet generation during combustion. The PA also absorbed the reactive free radicals to reduce the flame‐burning rate. After being soaked for only 20 min in PA solution, the fabric exhibited self‐extinguishing properties and antidroplet effect during the vertical flame test, while cone calorimetry confirmed that the coated fabric exhibited a 65% decrease in the peak heat release rate and reduced the total amount of smoke released by 72%. After washing the coated fabric 45 times, there was no significant decrease in the phosphorus content and the limiting oxygen index of coated fabrics. Thus, the coating synthesized in this study is an effective method of constructing durable, functional coatings on the surface of fabrics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46414.
Molecular and functional characterization of three odorant binding proteins from the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricide)
Authors: Chen Xiu‐Lin , Su Li , Li Bo‐Liao , Li Guang‐Wei , Wu Jun‐Xiang
Published: March 2018

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) act in recognizing odor molecules and their most well‐studied functions are transporting odors across the sensillum lymph to olfactory receptor neurons within the insect antennal sensillum. The adults of Grapholita molesta highly depend on olfactory cues in locating host plants and selecting oviposition sites, in which OBPs play an important role in perceiving and recognizing host plant volatiles. Exploring the physiological function of OBPs could facilitate our understanding of their importance in insects’ chemical communication. In this study, three OBP genes were cloned and named GmolOBP4, GmolOBP5, and GmolOBP10. Quantitative real‐time PCR results indicated that GmolOBP4 and GmolOBP10 were predominantly expressed in adult antennae and GmolOBP5 was expressed in multiple tissues, including head, legs, and wings in addition to antennae. The binding affinities of the three recombinant GmolOBPs (rGmolOBPs) with four sex pheromone components and twenty‐nine host plant volatiles were measured using 1‐N‐Phenyl‐naphthylamine as a fluorescence probe. The three rGmolOBPs exhibited specific binding properties to potential ligands, GmolOBP4 and GmolOBP10 bound to minor sex pheromone components, such as (Z)‐8‐dodecenyl alcohol and dodecanol, respectively. rGmolOBP4 showed intermediate binding ability with hexanal, benzyl alcohol, and pear ester, rGmolOBP5 had a weak affinity for benzaldehyde, pear ester and, methyl jasmonate, and rGmolOBP10 showed strong binding capacity toward hexanol, decanol, and α‐ocimene. We speculate that the GmolOBP4 and GmolOBP10 have dual functions in perception and recognition of host plant volatiles and sex pheromone components, while GmolOBP5 may serve other function(s).
Maintenance of redox balance by antioxidants in hemolymph of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae during encapsulation response
Authors: Grizanova Ekaterina V. , Semenova Alexandra D. , Komarov Denis A. , Chertkova Ekaterina A. , Slepneva Irina A. , Dubovskiy Ivan M.
Published: March 2018

The lipid peroxidation process in hemocytes, activities of phenoloxidase and key enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, catalase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (thiols, ascorbate) in hemolymph of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were studied during the encapsulation process of nylon implants. It has been established that as soon as 15 min after piercing a cuticle with the implant, a capsule is formed on its surface. Active melanization of the capsule has been shown to last for 4 h. During the first hours after incorporating the implant, an increase in phenoloxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in the insect hemocytes has been revealed. Adhesion and degranulation on the surface of foreign object lead to the depletion of total hemocytes count (THC). Our results indicated that thiols and ascorbate molecules take part in the immediate antioxidant response, during later stages of encapsulation process hemolymph glutathione‐S‐transferase detoxifies and protects insect organism thereby restoring the internal redox balance. We suggest that nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants of hemolymph plasma play a key role in the maintenance of redox balance during encapsulation of foreign targets.
Cloning, expression profiling, and acetylation identification of alpha‐tubulin N‐acetyltransferase 1 from Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhou Huaixiang , Cheng Xusheng , Xu Xiaoyuan , Jiang Tianlong , Zhou Haimeng , Sheng Qing , Nie Zuoming
Published: March 2018

Alpha‐tubulin N‐acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1) is an acetyltransferase specific to α‐tubulin and performs important functions in many cellular processes. Bombyx mori is an economic insect and also known as a model lepidoptera insect. In this study, we cloned a B. mori ATAT1 gene (BmATAT1) (Gen Bank accession number: XP_004932777.1). BmATAT1 contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,065 bp encoding 355 amino acids (aa). Expression profiling of BmATAT1 protein showed that the expression levels of BmATAT1 at different developmental stages and different tissues in fifth‐instar larvae differ. BmATAT1 was highly expressed at the egg stage and in the head of the fifth‐instar larvae. Subcellular localization showed that BmATAT1 was distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, BmATAT1 may lead to time‐dependent induction of cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by flow cytometry analysis. Interestingly, using site‐specific mutation, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting, we further found a BmATAT1 acetylated site at K156, suggesting that this acetyltransferase could be regulated by acetylation itself.
Interleukin‐25 Axis Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Human Primary and Experimental Murine Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Guggino Giuliana , Lin Xiang , Rizzo Aroldo , Xiao Fan , Saieva Laura , Raimondo Stefania , Di Liberto Diana , Candore Giuseppina , Ruscitti Piero , Cipriani Paola , Giacomelli Roberto , Dieli Francesco , Alessandro Riccardo , Triolo Giovanni , Lu Liwei , Ciccia Francesco
Published: March 2018

Objective

To investigate the role of the interleukin‐25 (IL‐25)/IL‐17 receptor B (IL‐17RB) axis in experimental Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and in patients with primary SS and primary SS–associated lymphoma.

Methods

Expression of IL‐25, IL‐17RB, IL‐17B, and tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was analyzed on minor salivary gland (SG) samples from patients with primary SS and on parotid gland samples from patients with primary SS–associated B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). IL‐17RB expression and the frequencies of natural group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), inflammatory ILC2s, and M2‐polarized macrophages were assessed by flow cytometry in SG mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Tissue distribution of ILC2s was studied by confocal microscopy. The role of recombinant IL‐25 and of rituximab in modulating IL‐25 expression was investigated in in vitro studies. IL‐25/IL‐17RB and TRAF6 expression and the role of IL‐25 inhibition were also studied in the experimental murine model of SS.

Results

Activation of the IL‐25/IL‐17RB/TRAF6 axis correlated with the focus score and was observed in patients with primary SS and in patients with primary SS–associated NHL. A significant increase in the frequency of inflammatory ILC2s was observed both in SG mononuclear cells and in PBMCs. IL‐25 stimulation of isolated SG mononuclear cells and PBMCs from patients and controls resulted both in inflammatory ILC2 expansion and in increased autoantibody production. Rituximab modulated expression of inflammatory ILC2s and IL‐25 in primary SS. SG protein–immunized mice developed overt SS symptoms with increased IL‐25 expression and increased frequency of CD4+IL‐17RB+TRAF6+ cells. IL‐25 neutralization attenuated disease progression and tissue pathology in mice with experimental SS.

Conclusion

IL‐25 may promote the inflammatory state in primary SS and may be a potential target for novel disease‐modifying therapeutic strategies in patients with primary SS.
Abuse Characteristics, Multiple Victimisation and Resilience among Young Adult Males with Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Ressel Madelaine , Lyons Jennifer , Romano Elisa
Published: March 2018

Although researchers now concede that one in six men experiences childhood sexual abuse (CSA), this population remains understudied in both the empirical and clinical literature. Little is known about the characteristics of males' CSA experiences (e.g. duration, child‐perpetrator relationship) and about resilient functioning. This study described young adult males' abuse experiences during childhood and their current adaptive functioning. Participants were recruited from across North America through websites geared specifically for males with CSA histories. The sample included 46 males aged 17–25 years who anonymously completed an online questionnaire. Findings indicated that males tended to experience severe CSA, including early age of onset, invasive sexual acts and the use of perpetrator force. Males also reported the co‐occurrence of other forms of childhood maltreatment and adversity, including parental conflict, neglect, physical abuse and emotional maltreatment. Finally, males reported lower rates of resilience on standardised measures, compared with adult community samples in North America. However, scores were consistent with clinical age‐based norms for adolescents with trauma histories. This study contributes to the growing awareness of male CSA, multiple victimisation and its diverse outcomes. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are considered. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Contributes to the growing awareness of male CSA, multiple victimisation and its diverse outcomes’

Key Practitioner Messages

The experiences of CSA among males were found to be severe and to occur alongside other forms of victimisation and adversity.

Males with CSA histories experienced difficulties in their adaptation, in terms of coping with stress and functioning across work, school and interpersonal spheres.

It is important that practitioners consider the serious impact of male CSA across multiple areas of functioning and inquire about other forms of victimisation when working with this population.
TRPC1/3/6 inhibition attenuates the TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer via the Ras/Raf1/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Ge Pengbo , Wei Linting , Zhang Mingkai , Hu Baoguang , Wang Kai , Li Yanbin , Liu Shuaichen , Wang Jianping , Li Yuming
Published: March 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. TGF‐β1 induces the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC, mainly through Smad‐dependent pathways. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the activation of non‐canonical transduction pathways. TRPC, Ca2+ entry channels, are ubiquitously expressed in various cell types and are involved in many cellular functions. However, their roles in GC are not well elucidated. This study aimed to determine whether TRPC participates in the TGF‐β1‐induced EMT of GC and to investigate the potential mechanisms. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine the distribution and expression of TRPCs and EMT‐related proteins in SGC‐7901 cells incubated with or without TGF‐β1. The expression of TRPC1/3/6 and EMT‐related molecules, including E‐cadherin, vimentin, and α‐SMA, was detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. Additionally, the underlying mechanism was determined by treating cells with pharmacological inhibitors and examining the levels of proteins involved in the main signaling cascades using Western blotting. TRPC1/3/6 were expressed at high levels in SGC‐7901 cells. Following TGF‐β1 stimulation, the expression of vimentin, α‐SMA, and TRPC1/3/6 increased and E‐cadherin expression decreased, accompanied by activation of the Ras/Raf1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Notably, activation of the Ras/Raf1/ERK1/2 signaling cascade was suppressed by SKF96365 and 2‐APB. Both TRPC and ERK inhibitors mitigated EMT progression. Based on these results, TRPC1/3/6 inhibition attenuated the TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in GC by suppressing Ras/Raf1/ERK signal transduction.
Propofol prevents IL‐13‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Xu Kejia , Tao Weimin , Su Zhe
Published: March 2018

Accumulating evidence showed that cytokines are involved in the development of cancer. IL‐13 was showed to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition and promote metastasis in colorectal cancer, providing a promising therapeutic target for cancer patients. Interestingly, recent studies showed that propofol, one of most common intravenous anesthetic agent, may have antitumor function in different cancer type. However, the impact of propofol on colorectal cancer and IL‐13 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition remains unknown. Herein, we found that propofol can effectively suppress cell proliferation in colorectal cell lines RKO and SW480 cells by using MTT assay. Furthermore, wound healing assay and migration assay demonstrated that propofol has the ability to inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition that induced by IL‐13 in RKO and SW480 cells. Mechanistically, we found propofol treatment causes up‐regulation of miR‐361 and miR‐135b, that suppress expression of STAT6 and thereafter leads to the inhibition of IL‐13/STAT6/ZEB1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrated that propofol may serve as a novel therapeutic drug for targeting IL‐13. The aggressive function of IL‐13/STAT6/ZEB1 axis in colorectal cancer was impaired by propofol through miR‐361 and miR‐135b.
Improving Physical Adsorption of CO2 by Ionic Liquids‐Loaded Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Mirzaei Mojtaba , Mokhtarani Babak , Badiei Alireza , Sharifi Ali
Published: March 2018

CO2 sorption capacities of the neat and silica‐supported 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were measured under atmospheric pressure. The silica‐supported ILs were synthesized by the impregnation‐vaporization method and charactrized by N2 adsorption/desorption and thermogravimeteric analysis (TGA). Evaluation of the effects of influential factors on sorption capacity demonstrated that by increase of the temperature, flow rate, and the weight percentage of ILs in sorbents, the sorption capacity decreases. Among the sorbents, [Bmim][TfO] and SiO2‐[Bmim][BF4](50) had the highest capacity. By increasing the IL portion in SiO2‐[Bmim][BF4], the selectivity for CO2 to CH4 could be improved. The CO2‐rich sorbents could be easily recycled.
Structuring of Batch Mixer Loading to Improve Mixing Time and Mixture Quality of Solids
Authors: Mizonov Vadim , Balagurov Ivan , Berthiaux Henri , Gatumel Cendrine
Published: March 2018

A simple yet informative model was built to estimate the influence of the initial distribution of dissimilar particulate solids to be mixed on the mixing time and mixture quality, and a way was searched to reduce the negative influence of segregation on the mixing process. The influence of segregation is particularly strong when it is necessary to mix a small amount of a key component with a large amount of a basic one. It is shown that the mixing time and mixture quality can be noticeably improved by introducing a premixing stage that consists in loading the key component in layers distributed over the basic component. A possible technical solution for such loading is also proposed. Experimental tests of such lab‐scale vibration mixer proved its efficiency.
Metallothermic Reduction of Silica Nanoparticles to Porous Silicon for Drug Delivery Using New and Existing Reductants
Authors: Lai Yiqi , Thompson Jonathan R. , Dasog Mita
Published: March 2018

In this study, the influence of metals (Mg, Al, and Ca) and reaction conditions (time, temperature, and metal grain size) on the metallothermic reduction of Stöber silica nanoparticles (NPs) to form porous Si has been explored. Mg metal was found to be an effective reducing agent even at temperatures below its melting point; however, it also induced a high degree of structural damage and morphology change. Al was effective in reducing silica NPs only at its melting point or above, but the resulting particles retained a higher degree of structural morphology as compared to those reduced using Mg. Ca was found to be ineffective in reducing silica. A new reductant, a mixture of 70 % Mg and 30 % Al, was found to induce the least amount of morphology change, and the reactions proceeded at a temperature (450 °C) lower than those required with Mg or Al individually. Furthermore, porous Si NPs obtained using Mg, Al, and the mixture of 70 % Mg and 30 % Al as reductants have been investigated as carriers for ibuprofen loading and release. Porous Si obtained from reductions with Mg and the Mg/Al mixture showed higher drug loading and a sustained drug release profile, whereas porous Si obtained from Al reduction had lower loading and showed a conventional release profile over 24 h.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Bay‐Substituted Perylene Diimide Gemini‐Type Surfactants as Off‐On Fluorescent Probes for Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Schill Jurgen , van Dun Sam , Pouderoijen Maarten J. , Janssen Henk M. , Milroy Lech‐Gustav , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Brunsveld Luc
Published: March 2018

Interest in bay‐substituted perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimides (PDIs) for solution‐based applications is growing due to their improved solubility and altered optical and electronic properties compared to unsubstituted PDIs. Synthetic routes to 1,12‐bay‐substituted PDIs have been very demanding due to issues with steric hindrance and poor regioselectivity. Here we report a simple one‐step regioselective and high yielding synthesis of a 1,12‐dihydroxylated PDI derivative that can subsequently be alkylated in a straightforward fashion to produce nonplanar 1,12‐dialkoxy PDIs. These PDIs show a large Stokes shift, which is specifically useful for bioimaging applications. A particular cationic PDI gemini‐type surfactant has been developed that forms nonfluorescent self‐assembled particles in water (“off state”), which exerts a high fluorescence upon incorporation into lipophilic bilayers (“on state”). Therefore, this probe is appealing as a highly sensitive fluorescent labelling marker with a low background signal for imaging artificial and cellular membranes.
Enantioselective resolution of Rac‐terbutaline and evaluation of optically pure R‐terbutaline hydrochloride as an efficient anti‐asthmatic drug
Authors: Beng Huimin , Zhang Hao , Jayachandra R. , Li Junxiao , Wu Jie , Tan Wen
Published: March 2018

Terbutaline is a β2‐adrenoceptor agonist for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among the two isomers of terbutaline (TBT 2), R‐isomer was found to be the potent enantiomer in generating therapeutic effect, while S‐isomer has been reported to show side effects. In this study, R‐terbutaline hydrochloride (R‐TBH 6) was synthesized through chiral resolution from the racemic terbutaline sulfate (rac‐TBS 1) with 99.9% enantiomeric excess (ee) in good overall yield (53.6%). Further, R‐TBH 6 nebulized solution was prepared in half dosage of Bricanyl®, which is a marketed product of racemic terbutaline and evaluated in vitro aerosol performance and in vivo anti‐asthmatic effect on guinea pigs via. pulmonary delivery. From the investigation, it is evident that R‐TBH 6 nebulized solution of half dosage performed similar fine aerosol characteristics and anti‐asthmatic effect with Bricanyl®.
Using triangles and latent factor cosine similarity prior to improve community detection in multi‐relational social networks
Authors: Zhan Jianzhou , Sun Mei , Wu Huidan , Sun Haojun
Published: March 2018

Community detection is a key to understanding the structure of complex networks. Communities, or clusters, are groups of vertices having higher probability of being connected to each other than to the members in other groups. Considering the importance of triangle structures, we first propose σ‐tensor to model ordinary relationships and triangle relationships simultaneously. Then, we propose a simple but effective latent factor prior, ie, latent factor cosine similarity prior, to improve community detection. The latent factor cosine similarity prior is a kind of statistics of the well‐defined synthetic multi‐relational social networks. It is based on a key observation that most latent feature factors of intra‐group members in these networks are highly similar according to cosine similarity measure. Using this prior along with the RESCAL tensor factorization model, we can obtain a superior latent feature factor matrix. Moreover, N‐RESCAL model, a variant of RESCAL model, and its corresponding algorithm N‐RESCAL‐ALS are proposed for the simplicity and the removal of the limit of cosine similarity. Once the latent factor matrix is obtained by factorizing σ‐tensor using N‐RESCAL model, we apply agglomerative clustering algorithm for community discovery. We call this framework as TNRA. Experiment results on several real‐world datasets are surprisingly promising, clearly demonstrating the power of the proposed prior and the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
CCN: A novel energy efficient greedy routing protocol for green computing
Authors: Siddiqa Ayesha , Qureshi Faisal Fayyaz , Shah Munam Ali , Iqbal Rahat , Wahid Abdul , Chang Victor
Published: March 2018

We proposed a novel Energy Efficient Greedy Routing Protocol (EEGRP) in CCN for MANETs to achieve the gaps in the existing infrastructure of Green Cloud Computing. Initially, the consumer node broadcasts the interest packet; each relay node verifies if it is already satisfied, and then it drops the packet. Otherwise, the provider node selects shortest path to unicast data packet within minimum delay. Each relay node receives a data packet, stores its content in content store, and forwards it to next node according to path mention in the hop‐count field. If the data packet custodian node does not find path mention in the hop‐count field, then it searches the routing table entries to choose the second best path to unicast the data packet. EEGRP is implemented in three scenarios using ns2 and compare its performance with AIRDrop routing protocol on bases of three performance parameters like packet delivery ratio, delay, and energy consumption. EEGRP achieves high PDR with minimum delay and less energy consumption as compared to AIRDrop. Therefore, EEGRP is feasible to use on green computing and cloud technology. This can save energy issue to secure energy for Green Computing and Cloud before moving to full‐scale virtualization and Cloud services.
Long‐Range Corrected DFT Calculations of First Hyperpolarizabilities and Excitation Energies of Metal Alkynyl Complexes
Authors: Kodikara Mahesh S. , Stranger Rob , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: March 2018

The performance of the CAM‐B3LYP, ωB97X and LC‐BLYP long‐range corrected density functional theory methods in the calculation of molecular first hyperpolarizabilities (β) and low‐lying charge transfer (CT) excitation energies of the metal alkynyl complexes M(C≡C‐4‐C6H4‐1‐NO2)(κ2‐dppe)(η5‐C5H5) [M=Fe (1), Ru (2), Os (3)] and trans‐[Ru{C≡C‐(1,4‐C6H4C≡C)n‐4‐C6H4‐1‐NO2}Cl(κ2‐dppm)2] [n=0 (4), 1 (5), 2 (6)] was assessed. The BLYP, B3LYP and PBE0 standard exchange‐correlation functionals and the Hartree‐Fock method were also examined. The BLYP functional was shown to perform poorly in the calculation of β and low‐energy CT transitions. The hybrid functionals (B3LYP and PBE0) showed significant improvement over the pure functional BLYP, but overestimated the hyperpolarizability ratios and the wavelengths of the lowest energy metal‐to‐ligand CT transitions for 5 and 6. The effect of long‐range corrections is noteworthy, particularly for the larger complexes, improving the calculation of β ratios for 4–6. However, CAM‐B3LYP, ωB97X, and LC‐BLYP considerably overestimated the low‐lying CT energies. PBE0 was found to give the best transition energy match for 4. The influence of the phenylene ring orientation in the alkynyl ligand on the calculated properties is substantial, particularly for the larger complexes. For these types of calculations, a basis set with diffuse functions (at least 6‐31+G(d)) for the heavy elements is recommended.
The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis: Origins and Recommendations
Authors: Madras Bertha K.
Published: March 2018

The United States has the ignominious distinction of leading the world in opioid prescribing,1 and in opioid‐related overdose deaths. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 40,000 people died of an opioid‐related overdose, with fentanyl‐related deaths exceeding those of heroin or prescription opioids.2 Opioid overdoses are now the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the US and of declining lifespan expectancies.3 With a worsening crisis, agencies of the US government and others produced an array of reports on the opioid crisis. Yet the death rate escalated further from 2010 to the present.
Low hair cortisol concentration and emerging attention‐deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in preschool age
Authors: Schloß Susan , Ruhl Isabelle , Müller Viola , Becker Katja , Skoluda Nadine , Nater Urs M. , Pauli‐Pott Ursula
Published: March 2018

Previous research demonstrated hypoactivity of the HPA axis in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or externalizing symptoms. We analyzed the predictive association between the long‐term HPA axis activity and increasing symptoms of ADHD in the preschool period. The sample consisted of n = 125 4‐year‐old children and their families (including n = 64 children with elevated ADHD symptoms). ADHD symptoms were assessed by a structured clinical interview with the mother and by parent‐ and teacher‐report questionnaires. The long‐term HPA axis activity was assessed by the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) (over a 3‐month period). After controlling for potential confounders, low HCC predicted an increase in ADHD symptoms between the age of 4 and 5 years. Exploration of gender effects revealed that cross‐sectional and predictive associations were significant in boys but not in girls. Low HCC might thus be regarded as an early marker of a possibly gender‐related developmental pathway to ADHD.
Unexpected involvement of IL‐13 signalling via a STAT6 independent mechanism during murine IgG2a development following viral vaccination
Authors: Hamid Megat Abd , Jackson Ronald James , Roy Sreeja , Khanna Mayank , Ranasinghe Charani
Published: March 2018

In this study, recombinant pox viral vaccination was shown to induce highly elevated IgG2a and low IgG1 antibody expression in mice lacking IL‐4 or STAT6, whilst IL‐13−/− mice exhibited elevated IgG1, but very low IgG2a. These findings revealed that IL‐13 and IL‐4 differentially regulated antibody development. To understand this further, when STAT6−/− mice were given a vaccine co‐expressing IL‐13Rα2 that temporarily sequestered IL‐13, significantly reduced IgG2a expression, was detected. These findings for the first time demonstrated that IL‐13 regulated IgG2a differentiation utilising an alternative IL‐13R signalling pathway independent of STAT6 (IL‐13Rα2 pathway). This was further corroborated by the (i) elevated IL‐13Rα2 expression detected on STAT6−/− lung MHCII+ CD11c+ cells 24 h post IL‐13 inhibitor vaccination and ii) significant up‐regulation of IL‐13Rα2 expression on spleen and lung derived MHCII+CD11c+ following inhibition of STAT6 signalling in vitro, or vaccination with IL‐4R/STAT6 antagonist in vivo. When T follicular helper (Tfh) cells which regulate antibody differentiation were assessed post vaccination, although no difference in IL‐4 expression was observed, greatly reduced IFN‐γ expression was detected in IL‐13−/− and STAT6−/− mice compared to wild‐type. These findings support the notion that the balance of IL‐13 level at the vaccination site can differentially regulate T and B‐cell immune outcomes.
Photoswitchable π‐Extended Dithienylethenes with an Attached Molecular Recognition Site
Authors: Bittner Iris , Lüning Ulrich
Published: March 2018

Photoswitchable dithienylethenes have been extended in positions 5 and 5′ with π‐systems resulting in absorptions of light with longer wavelengths when electrocyclization and ‐reversion are carried out. The extended π‐systems also improve conductivities potentially. cis‐Orientation of the thienyl rings was accomplished by integrating the central double bond into maleic imides. The nitrogen atoms of the imides were substituted by a Hamilton receptor allowing supramolecular binding of complementary guests such as barbiturates. Both, a stiff and a flexible connection between photoswitch and receptor was realized. The resulting photoswitches showed reversible switching over several cycles and were able to bind diethyl barbiturate with binding constants of > 104 m–1.
Determination of phenolic compounds in ancient and modern durum wheat genotypes
Authors: Di Loreto Alessandro , Bosi Sara , Montero Lidia , Bregola Valeria , Marotti Ilaria , Sferrazza Rocco Enrico , Dinelli Giovanni , Herrero Miguel , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: March 2018

Due to its significant amount of antioxidants, durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) could potentially contribute to the protection against a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The increasing interest toward healthy food among both consumers and scientists has moved the focus toward the phytochemical content of whole wheat grains. The aim of this study was to identify the phytochemical composition of 22 cultivars belonging to old and modern durum wheat genotypes, including antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP tests). In addition, five phenolic acids involved in the vanillin biosynthesis pathway and in the defence mechanism of plants were screened using UHPLC‐MS/MS. Remarkable quantitative differences in the amount of the five phenolic acids analysed (p < 0.05) were detected among the wheat genotypes investigated. Results showed that among the investigated phenolic compounds, trans‐ferulic acid was the most abundant, ranging from 13.28 to 324.69 μg/g; all the other identified compounds were present at lower concentrations. Moreover, significant differences on the antioxidant activity were observed. Collected data suggested possible differences between biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites among durum wheat genotypes.
Quinine‐modified polymer monolithic column with reversed‐phase /strong anion‐exchange mixed‐mode for pressurized capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Wang Jiabin , Ding Changying , Xiao Jianhua , Jia Wenchao , Chen Yongxuan , Lin Xucong , Xie Zenghong
Published: March 2018

Via the facile ring‐opening reaction of epoxy groups with quinine, a novel polymer monolith with quaternary ammonium for reversed‐phase/strong anion‐exchange mixed‐mode has been fabricated for pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC). Optimization on the preparation of quinine‐modified monoliths has been investigated, and characteristics including morphology, permeability, mechanical stability, reproducibility, and column performance have been also studied. Active quaternary ammonium groups were conveniently produced to generate cationic action sites and stable anodic electroosmotic flow. Multiple interactions including reversed‐phase, strong anion‐exchange, electrostatic repulsion and π–π stacking interactions were obtained. Satisfactory separation capability of various analytes such as alkylbenzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzoic acid and its homologs, and β2‐receptor excitants has been achieved. Applied to the real sample, the good resolution of three alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo were achieved by pCEC with the quinine‐modified monolith. The results light a potential access to facilely fabricating quaternary ammonium‐functionalized polymer monolith with multiple interactions for efficient electrochromatography profiling of various compounds.
Method to characterize the fire behavior of materials assemblies
Authors: Vincent C. , Ferry L. , Longuet C. , Aprin L. , Rambaud G.
Published: March 2018

The fire behavior of various large samples polymers assemblies is an under‐researched topic. In fire risk assessment, the resultant heat release rate of burning different combustibles has to be known. To highlight interactions between components, 2 types of configurations were tested: juxtaposed and layered materials, using a specific radiant panel setup. For juxtaposed assemblies, results indicated that the more flammable component acted as an accelerator for the global combustion kinetics. For layered assemblies, 2 main phenomena were evidenced: the front material acted as a shield delaying the combustion of the backside material and the presence of a backside material induced a thermal thickening that slowed down the combustion of the front material. The experimental burning behaviors of the assembly were compared with a simulated one calculated from the superposition principle. This method was described by introducing a time offset and/or a slowdown factor in the model, confirmed with the use of different assemblies.
Morphometric analysis, bedload sediments, and weathering intensity in the Khurar River Basin, central India
Authors: Kanhaiya S. , Singh B. P. , Singh S. , Mittal Preeti , Srivastava V. K.
Published: March 2018

The present study is an attempt to investigate the regional topography and drainage dynamics of the Khurar River, central India, along with the textural, mineralogical, and geochemical behaviour of the bedload sediments. The morphometric analysis was carried out using SRTM data with the help of ArcGIS 10 software. The area of the basin is 309.57 km2 with its perimeter 83.24 km and maximum length 32.06 km. Drainage patterns are dendritic to subdendritic with stream orders ranging from first to third order. Drainage density is 0.34 per km2, while the bifurcation ratio is 4.5 for the river. The Khurar River Basin is an elongated basin of small size showing ENE‐WSW trend analogous to the Son lineament. This basin might have originated during the Quaternary Period as a result of major tectonic activities in the region. The textural analysis indicates that the samples are bimodal to polymodal in nature ranging from very coarse to coarse grained and poorly to moderately well sorted in all the geomorphic units. The skewness value suggests coarse to fine‐skewed values, while kurtosis value shows platykurtic to very leptokurtic nature of the sediments. The quartz, microcline, and albite are the chief minerals in the sediment samples with negligible variation from source to confluence of the river. The major oxide geochemistry of the sediments indicate that the dominant oxide is SiO2 followed by Al2O3 and other oxides that suggests felsic‐dominated source for the sediments. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), weathering index of Parker (WIP), Vogt S. residual index (V), Ruxton ratio (R), and silica‐titania index (STI) reveal moderate weathering conditions and immature nature of the sediments in the basin. These suggest that the sediments experienced a moderate amount of weathering in the river catchment under subhumid climatic conditions.
Anterior insula hyperactivation in ADHD when faced with distracting negative stimuli
Authors: Vetter Nora C. , Buse Judith , Backhausen Lea L. , Rubia Katya , Smolka Michael N. , Roessner Veit
Published: March 2018

Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) suffer from poor emotion regulation that might arise from problems in the distribution of attentional resources when confronted with emotional distractors. Previous studies investigating the neurocognitive basis of these problems remain inconclusive. Moreover, most of these studies did not exclude participants with comorbidity, particularly of conduct or oppositional defiant disorder. The aim of this study was to assess alterations in fronto‐limbic activation in ADHD adolescents specifically during negative distractors in an emotional attention task. For this purpose, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess 25 boys with noncomorbid ADHD and 25 typically developing (TD) boys while they performed an emotional attention task with positive, negative, and neutral emotional distractors. Boys with ADHD had increased activation relative to TD boys specifically during the negative valenced stimuli in an emotional processing network comprising left anterior insula reaching into the inferior frontal gyrus. The findings suggest altered salience processing in ADHD of negative valenced emotional stimuli that may lead to higher distractibility in ADHD specifically when faced with negative emotional distractors.
Effects of a novel neck balance system on neuromuscular fatigue of neck muscles during repeated flexions and extensions
Authors: Quinzi Federico , Giombini Arrigo , Pigozzi Fabio , Macaluso Andrea
Published: March 2018

This study aimed at investigating the effects of a novel neck balance system (NBS), which is a baseball cap with counterweights in the occipital part, on neuromuscular fatigue of neck muscles during and after a full‐range repeated neck flexion‐extension task. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and semispinalis capitis (SC) muscles was recorded in 15 healthy individuals during full‐range flexion‐extension movements of the neck lasting 5 min at a fixed pace (1 Hz), with or without NBS. Maximal isometric force and sEMG were recorded before and after the fatiguing task. During the fatiguing task, the SC muscle showed a higher decline in amplitude of sEMG with NBS than without NBS, while no differences in the SCM muscle emerged between the two conditions. Maximal isometric force of both neck flexor and extensor muscles decreased significantly after the fatiguing task, both with NBS (p < .05) and without NBS (p < .05), with no differences between the two conditions. In conclusion, adopting the NBS promotes an increase of the activation of neck extensor muscles, possibly leading to earlier decline of the neuromuscular performance and to diminished ability to actively stabilize neck structures. For these reasons, the adoption of the NBS during dynamic, fatiguing contractions may not be appropriate.
Expansion of airway basal epithelial cells from primary human non‐small cell lung cancer tumors
Authors: Hynds Robert E. , Ben Aissa Assma , Gowers Kate H.C. , Watkins Thomas B.K. , Bosshard‐Carter Leticia , Rowan Andrew J. , Veeriah Selvaraju , Wilson Gareth A. , Quezada Sergio A. , Swanton Charles ,   on behalf of the TRACERx Consortium, Janes Sam M.
Published: March 2018

Pre‐clinical non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) models are poorly representative of the considerable inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity of the disease in patients. Primary cell‐based in vitro models of NSCLC are therefore desirable for novel therapy development and personalized cancer medicine. Methods have been described to generate rapidly proliferating epithelial cell cultures from multiple human epithelia using 3T3‐J2 feeder cell culture in the presence of Y‐27632, a RHO‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, in what are known as “conditional reprograming conditions” (CRC) or 3T3 + Y. In some cancer studies, variations of this methodology have allowed primary tumor cell expansion across a number of cancer types but other studies have demonstrated the preferential expansion of normal epithelial cells from tumors in such conditions. Here, we report our experience regarding the derivation of primary NSCLC cell cultures from 12 lung adenocarcinoma patients enrolled in the Tracking Cancer Evolution through Therapy (TRACERx) clinical study and discuss these in the context of improving the success rate for in vitro cultivation of cells from NSCLC tumors.
Increased serum levels of high mobility group protein B1 and calprotectin in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Huang Lifeng , Wang Shuzhen , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine whether women with pre‐eclampsia have serum levels of biomarkers indicative of an elevated systemic inflammatory response.

Method

The present cross‐sectional study was conducted among pregnant women either with pre‐eclampsia or without pre‐eclampsia who were recruited at a single Chinese hospital between August 1, 2016, and April 30, 2017. Eligible women had no history of acute or chronic inflammation. Serum concentrations of high mobility group protein B1 (HMG‐1), calprotectin, and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) were measured and compared.

Results

There were 55 patients included (25 with pre‐eclampsia and 30 without). The mean serum concentration of calprotectin was 2656.76 ± 1724.56 μg/L in the pre‐eclampsia group versus 1877.33 ± 905.69 μg/L in the control group (P=0.036). Among patients with pre‐eclampsia, elevated calprotectin levels were positively associated with the duration of hypertension in pregnancy (P=0.031) and were negatively associated with pregnancy duration at delivery (P=0.035). The mean serum concentration of HMG‐1 was 72.48 ± 27.57 μg/L in the pre‐eclampsia group versus 57.57 ± 20.07 μg/L in the control group (P=0.017). The mean serum concentration of TLR4 was 22.83 ± 8.46 μg/L in the pre‐eclampsia group versus 18.83 ± 6.79 μg/L in the control group (P=0.057).

Conclusion

Elevated levels of HMG‐1 and calprotectin could reflect an excessive systemic inflammatory response in pre‐eclampsia.
Simultaneous release of melatonin and methylprednisolone from an injectable in situ self‐crosslinked hydrogel/microparticle system for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Naghizadeh Ziba , Karkhaneh Akbar , Khojasteh Arash
Published: March 2018

Recently, injectable hydrogel/microparticle systems have so considered for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, we produced an injectable in situ self‐crosslinked hydrogel/microparticle system for simultaneous dual drug delivery. First, melatonin conjugated chitosan microparticle loaded with methylprednisolone (MCC‐MP) microparticle was fabricated by the covalent linkage of melatonin to chitosan by N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)1‐Ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylamino propyl)‐carbodiimide (EDC) followed by an ionic gelation of MCC and MP using tripolyphosphate (TPP). Second, the hydrogel was prepared by the connection between the aldehyde group of alginate oxide (AD) and the amine group belonging to carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) via Schiff base reaction. Finally, microparticle was incorporated into the AD‐CMC hydrogel to produce a hydrogel/microparticle system. Hydrogel/microparticle was assessed by many techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, particle size measurements, mechanical analysis, injectability, rheological analyses to ascertain hydrogel/microparticle properties. The biological assays of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) culture, 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI), and 4, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) to assess cell viability and dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) to evaluate proteoglycan content were done. The release profiles of melatonin and MP showed acceptable release after 60 and 20 days, respectively. The hydrogel/microparticle system has the ability to sustain cells alive. A higher rate of proteoglycan content was observed in hydrogel/microparticle as compared with hydrogel. With appropriate biocompatibility and adequate properties, this system can be a proper alternative for cartilage tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1932–1940, 2018.