bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of local biotic neighbors and habitat heterogeneity on seedling survival in a spruce‐fir valley forest, northeastern China
Authors: Pu Xucai , Zhu Yu , Jin Guangze
Published: May 2017

Seedlings are vulnerable to many biotic and abiotic agents, and studying seedling dynamics helps understand mechanisms of species coexistence. In this study, the relative importance of biotic neighbors and habitat heterogeneity to seedling survival was examined by generalized linear mixed models for 33 species in a spruce‐fir valley forest in northeastern China. The results showed that the relative importance of these factors varied with species and functional groups. Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) was important to the survival of Abies nephrolepis and Picea koraiensis seedling, whereas phylogenetic negative density dependence (PNDD) was critical to Pinus koraiensis and Betula platyphylla, as well as functional groups of tree, deciduous, and shade‐intolerant seedlings. For shrubs and Acer ukurunduense, habitat heterogeneity was significant. Despite of the significance of CNDD, PNDD, and habitat heterogeneity on seedling survival, large proportions of the total variance were not accounted for by the studied variables, suggesting the needs to examine the influences of other factors such as pests, diseases, herbivores, forest structure, species functional traits, and microclimatic conditions on seedling survival in the future.
Phase Selective Alternating Current Voltammetric Signalling Protocol: Application in Dendritic Co‐polymer Sensor for Anthracene
Authors: Makelane Hlamulo , John Suru V. , Yonkeu Anne L. Djoumessi , Waryo Tesfaye , Tovide Oluwakemi , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

A sensitive anthracene (AN) sensor was developed with a gold electrode modified with a dendritic star‐copolymer film by in situ electrochemical co‐polymerization of generation 3 propylenethiophenoimine and 3‐hexylthiophene. The sensor's {Au/G3PPT‐co‐P3HT: i. e. gold‐generation 3 poly(propylenethiophenoimine)‐co‐poly(3‐hexylthiophene)} analytical response for anthracene was obtained by phase selective alternating current voltammetric (PSACV) signal transduction. An in‐phase angle of 0° yielded the most sensitive stripping signal and produced the best discrimination between the Faradaic and capacitive currents. The PSACV sensor exhibited a linear range (LR) of 3.48–56.4 nmol/L AN and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.62 nmol/L AN. The LOD is comparable to the value of 4.4 nmol/L AN reported for glassy carbon electrode modified with graphenated polyaniline sensor. The low LOD value suggests that the AN sensor has promise for monitoring compliance to World Health Organisation (WHO) approved limit for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wastewater (3.93 nmol/L). The Au/G3PPT‐co‐P3HT sensor is not as sensitive as gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) and reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) methods. However, the advantage of the PSACV signalling protocol is that real sample test results indicate that the sensor can be used for the determination of AN in oil‐polluted wastewater.
Highly Sensitive Molecularly Imprinted Sensor Based on Platinum Thin‐film Microelectrode for Detection of Chloramphenicol in Food Samples
Authors: Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhang Qimei , Chen Haiguang , Liu Gongliang , Bai Weidong
Published: May 2017

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biomimetic sensor was fabricated for fast detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey and milk samples. Platinum thin‐film microelectrode (Pt TFME), which could provide unique electrochemical properties and achieve measurement using very limited solution volumes, was surface‐modified by electropolymerizing o‐phenylenediamine. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the preparation process of CAP‐imprinted poly(o‐phenylenediamine) film and rebinding ability of CAP into the imprinted cavities. The electrochemical properties of the sensor were further investigated with square wave voltammetry (SWV) by using K3Fe(CN)6 as an electroactive probe. The current difference of oxidation peaks of K3Fe(CN)6 had a good linear relationship with the concentration of CAP in the range of 0.9–10 nM. The detection limit was 0.39 nM based on the signal to noise ratio of 3. The developed sensor was successfully applied to determine CAP in honey and milk samples, and the result was in good agreement with that obtained by high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). The sensor showed high sensitivity and excellent selectivity to CAP in comparison to other structurally related and/or normally existing antibiotics, and demonstrated great promise for the rapid quantification of CAP in real food samples and field analysis.
Electrochemical Determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ Using NSAID‐mefenamic Acid Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Thinakaran N. , Subramani S. E. , Priya T. , Dhanalakshmi N. , Vineesh T. V. , Kathikeyan V.
Published: May 2017

This paper describes the electrochemical behaviors of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on the proposed mesoporous carbon microspheres/mefenamic acid/nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (MC/MA/Nafion/GC) studied by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The prepared material is characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, RAMAN and BET analysis. Experimental parameters, such as the deposition potential and time, the pH value of buffer solution were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the electrode responded linearly to Cd2+ and Pb2+ in the concentration range from 50 to 300 nM, and the detection limits were 24.2 and 11.26 nM respectively. The sensitivity determined was 0.0623 μA/nM (Cd2+) and 0.192 μA/nM (Pb2+). Multiple metal ion detection with clear demarcation of peaks was produced by the electrode. Moreover, the modified electrode has possessed good selectivity and reproducibility of Cd2+ and Pb2+ detection. We also investigated the interference of various anions and surfactants for the detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions. Finally the modified electrode was used to detect the presence of metal ions in practical samples and the results obtained are comparatively good with respect to AAS.
Coupling of Biomolecular Logic Gates with Electronic Transducers: From Single Enzyme Logic Gates to Sense/Act/Treat Chips
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Poghossian Arshak , Keusgen Michael , Katz Evgeny , Schöning Michael J.
Published: May 2017

The integration of biomolecular logic principles with electronic transducers allows designing novel digital biosensors with direct electrical output, logically triggered drug‐release, and closed‐loop sense/act/treat systems. This opens new opportunities for advanced personalized medicine in the context of theranostics. In the present work, we will discuss selected examples of recent developments in the field of interfacing enzyme logic gates with electrodes and semiconductor field‐effect devices. Special attention is given to an enzyme OR/Reset logic gate based on a capacitive field‐effect electrolyte‐insulator‐semiconductor sensor modified with a multi‐enzyme membrane. Further examples are a digital adrenaline biosensor based on an AND logic gate with binary YES/NO output and an integrated closed‐loop sense/act/treat system comprising an amperometric glucose sensor, a hydrogel actuator, and an insulin (drug) sensor.
Fabrication techniques enabling ultrathin nanostructured membranes for separations
Authors: Mireles Marcela , Gaborski Thomas R.
Published: May 2017

The fabrication of nanostructured materials is an area of continuous improvement and innovative techniques that fulfill the demand of many fields of research and development. The continuously decreasing size of the smallest patternable feature has expanded the catalog of methods enabling the fabrication of nanostructured materials. Several of these nanofabrication techniques have sprouted from applications requiring nanoporous membranes such as molecular separations, cell culture, and plasmonics. This review summarizes methods that successfully produce through‐pores in ultrathin films exhibiting an approximate pore size to thickness ratio of one, which has been shown to be beneficial due to high permeability and improved separation potential. The material reviewed includes large‐area, parallel, and affordable approaches such as self‐organizing polymers, nanosphere lithography, anodization, nanoimprint lithography as well as others such as solid phase crystallization and nanosphere lens lithography. The aim of this review is to provide a set of inexpensive fabrication techniques to produce nanostructured materials exhibiting pores ranging from 10 to 350 nm and a pore size to thickness ratio close to one. The fabrication methods described in this work have reported the successful manufacture of nanoporous membranes exhibiting the ideal characteristics to improve selectivity and permeability when applied as separation media in ultrafiltration.
Weathering and erosion of fractured bedrock systems
Authors: Lebedeva Marina I. , Brantley Susan L.
Published: May 2017

We explore the contribution of fractures (joints) in controlling the rate of weathering advance for a low‐porosity rock by using methods of homogenization to create averaged weathering equations. The rate of advance of the weathering front can be expressed as the same rate observed in non‐fractured media (or in an individual block) divided by the volume fraction of non‐fractured blocks in the fractured parent material. In the model, the parent has fractures that are filled with a more porous material that contains only inert or completely weathered material. The low‐porosity rock weathers by reaction‐transport processes. As observed in field systems, the model shows that the weathering advance rate is greater for the fractured as compared to the analogous non‐fractured system because the volume fraction of blocks is < 1. The increase in advance rate is attributed both to the increase in weathered material that accompanies higher fracture density, and to the increase in exposure of surface of low‐porosity rock to reaction‐transport. For constant fracture aperture, the weathering advance rate increases when the fracture spacing decreases. Equations describing weathering advance rate are summarized in the ‘List of selected equations’.

If erosion is imposed at a constant rate, the weathering systems with fracture‐bounded bedrock blocks attain a steady state. In the erosional transport‐limited regime, bedrock blocks no longer emerge at the air‐regolith boundary because they weather away. In the weathering‐limited (or kinetic) regime, blocks of various size become exhumed at the surface and the average size of these exposed blocks increases with the erosion rate. For convex hillslopes, the block size exposed at the surface increases downslope. This model can explain observations of exhumed rocks weathering in the Luquillo mountains of Puerto Rico. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Direct decomposition of CO2 using self‐cooling dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Zhou Amin , Chen Dong , Dai Bin , Ma Cunhua , Li Panpan , Yu Feng
Published: May 2017

As a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the major causes of global warming. The effective control of CO2 emission has become a major global concern. To reduce CO2 emission in the environment and to maximize the use of CO2, a self‐cooling wire‐cylinder dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor was used to decompose CO2 at ambient conditions, and the results were compared with a common wire‐cylinder DBD reactor. Results indicated that in the said plasma reactor, circulating water could obviously improve discharge efficiency through taking away heat that was generated during plasma discharge process, and a more stable and homogeneous discharge was easier to obtain. The CO2 decomposition rate was 26.1% without using any catalysts and discharge mediums or modifying electrodes, and this value was significantly higher than that in the common wire‐cylinder DBD reactor (10.1% CO2 decomposition rate). Moreover, the CO2 decomposition rate could reach up to 35.8% when N2 was added (volume ratio ). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton MR spectroscopy of lesion evolution in multiple sclerosis: Steady‐state metabolism and its relationship to conventional imaging
Authors: Kirov Ivan I. , Liu Shu , Tal Assaf , Wu William E. , Davitz Matthew S. , Babb James S. , Rusinek Henry , Herbert Joseph , Gonen Oded
Published: May 2017

Although MRI assessment of white matter lesions is essential for the clinical management of multiple sclerosis, the processes leading to the formation of lesions and underlying their subsequent MRI appearance are incompletely understood. We used proton MR spectroscopy to study the evolution of N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), and myo‐inositol (mI) in pre‐lesional tissue, persistent and transient new lesions, as well as in chronic lesions, and related the results to quantitative MRI measures of T1‐hypointensity and T2‐volume. Within 10 patients with relapsing‐remitting course, there were 180 regions‐of‐interest consisting of up to seven semi‐annual follow‐ups of normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM, n = 10), pre‐lesional tissue giving rise to acute lesions which resolved (n = 3) or persisted (n = 3), and of moderately (n = 9) and severely hypointense (n = 6) chronic lesions. Compared with NAWM, pre‐lesional tissue had higher Cr and Cho, while compared with lesions, pre‐lesional tissue had higher NAA. Resolving acute lesions showed similar NAA levels pre‐ and post‐formation, suggesting no long‐term axonal damage. In chronic lesions, there was an increase in mI, suggesting accumulating astrogliosis. Lesion volume was a better predictor of axonal health than T1‐hypointensity, with lesions larger than 1.5 cm3 uniformly exhibiting very low (<4.5 millimolar) NAA concentrations. A positive correlation between longitudinal changes in Cho and in lesion volume in moderately hypointense lesions implied that lesion size is mediated by chronic inflammation. These and other results are integrated in a discussion on the steady‐state metabolism of lesion evolution in multiple sclerosis, viewed in the context of conventional MRI measures. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4047–4063, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin combination regimen in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and cardiac comorbidity. Results of the HEART01 phase II trial conducted by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi
Authors: Luminari Stefano , Viel Elda , Ferreri Andrés José Maria , Zaja Francesco , Chimienti Emanuela , Musuraca Gerardo , Tucci Alessandra , Balzarotti Monica , Tani Monica , Salvi Francesca , Pesce Emanuela A. , Ferrari Angela , Liberati Anna M. , Spadea Antonio , Marino Dario , Bruno‐Ventre Maria , Volpetti Stefano , Bottelli Chiara , Ravaioli Elena , Merli Francesco , Spina Michele
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this phase 2, multicenter study was to determine the activity and safety of nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin as part of “R‐COMP” combination in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and coexisting cardiac disorders. The study was conducted using a Bayesian continuing assessment method using complete remission rate and rate of cardiac events as study endpoints. Between November 2009 and October 2011, 50 evaluable patients were enrolled (median age, 76 years). Median baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 60%. Ischemic cardiopathy was the most frequent preexisting cardiac disorder (35%), followed by atrial fibrillation (15%), left ventricular hypertrophy (13%), and baseline LVEF <50% (12%). Based on the intent to treat analysis, overall response rate was 72%, including 28 patients in complete remission (complete remission rate, 56%), and 8 in partial remission (16%). At the end of treatment, grades 3 to 4 cardiac events were observed in 6 patients. No significant modifications from baseline values of LVEF were observed during treatment and follow‐up. Nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin instead of doxorubicin in the R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen is a feasible option for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting with concomitant cardiac disorders.
Partitioning 3‐arcs into Steiner Triple Systems
Authors: Caliskan Cafer
Published: May 2017

In this article, it is shown that there is a partitioning of the set of 3‐arcs in a projective plane of order three into nine pairwise disjoint Steiner triple systems of order 13.
Kripalu Yoga for Military Veterans With PTSD: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Reinhardt Kristen M. , Noggle Taylor Jessica J. , Johnston Jennifer , Zameer Abida , Cheema Seetal , Khalsa Sat Bir S.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial of yoga for military veterans and active duty personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated the efficacy of a 10‐week yoga intervention on PTSD.

Method

Fifty‐one participants were randomized into yoga or no‐treatment assessment‐only control groups. Primary outcome measures included questionnaires and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale.

Results

Both yoga (n = 9) and control (n = 6) participants showed significant decreases in reexperiencing symptoms, with no significant between‐group differences. Secondary within‐group analyses of a self‐selected wait‐list yoga group (n = 7) showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after yoga participation, in contrast to their control group participation. Consistent with current literature regarding high rates of PTSD treatment dropout for veterans, this study faced challenges retaining participants across conditions.

Conclusion

These results are consistent with recent literature indicating that yoga may have potential as a PTSD therapy in a veteran or military population. However, additional larger sample size trials are necessary to confirm this conclusion.
Cost effective recovery of lithium from lithium ion battery by reverse osmosis and precipitation: a perspective
Authors: Swain Basudev
Published: May 2017

Production of lithium from primary resources is lagging behind demand (12% versus 16% in 2016), cost of lithium is increasing (between 40 and 60% in 2016), battery energy density rapidly increasing versus declining cost, and estimated lithium ion battery (LIB) markets size ($77.42 billion by 2024) driven by projected demands for plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) clearly justifies recycling. PEV technology and projected demand raise several challenges, including lithium demand/scarcity and future technology to recover lithium from LIB waste. To address the circular economy, steady supply chain security, self‐reliance, environment safety, environment directive, energy security, resources conservation, futuristic carbon footprint, WEEE directives and waste crime, recycling of LIB is an absolute essential. During the last decade, LIB recycling research and industrial recycling of LIB have attracted the interest of researchers, industrialists, and environmentalists. All have reported progress in the recovery of valuable metals like Co, but have rarely focused on lithium recovery. Hence, this paper addresses logical hypothesis and application of available technology in a fashion where lithium recycling from LIB can be addressed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
On an anti‐Ramsey threshold for sparse graphs with one triangle
Authors: Kohayakawa Y. , Konstadinidis P. B. , Mota G. O.
Published: May 2017

For graphs G and H, let  denote the property that for every proper edge‐coloring of G (with an arbitrary number of colors) there is a rainbow copy of H in G, that is, a copy of H with no two edges of the same color. The authors (2014) proved that, for every graph H, the threshold function  of this property for the binomial random graph  is asymptotically at most , where denotes the so‐called maximum 2‐density of H. Nenadov et al. (2014) proved that if H is a cycle with at least  seven vertices or a complete graph with at least 19 vertices, then . We show that there exists a fairly rich, infinite family of graphs F containing a triangle such that if for suitable constants and , where , then almost surely. In particular, for any such graph F.
A short proof of the wonderful lemma
Authors: Chudnovsky Maria
Published: May 2017

The Wonderful Lemma, that was first proved by Roussel and Rubio, is one of the most important tools in the proof of the Strong Perfect Graph Theorem. Here we give a short proof of this lemma.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2‐substituted‐6‐(morpholinyl/piperidinyl)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones as Potent and Safer Anti‐inflammatory and Analgesic Agents
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Sharma Deepika , Bansal Ranju
Published: May 2017

A series of 2‐substituted‐6‐(morpholinyl/piperidinyl)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones was synthesized and the structures were established using various spectroscopic techniques. The target compounds were screened for anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities at 20 and 40 mg/kg. The safety of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated by assessing anti‐platelet activity and ulcer index. The obtained pharmacological data revealed that 6‐morpholinyl derivatives 4a–12a were found to be somewhat more potent than 6‐piperidinyl derivatives 4b–6b. The 6‐morpholinyl substituted pyridazinone 12a exhibited maximum anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities. Homoveratrylamine substituted compounds 6a and 6b emerged as promising leads in both the series with good anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities without any ulcerogenicity. Anti‐platelet activity results of the compounds of both the series showed significantly low bleeding time in comparison with standard drug aspirin indicating the cardiovascular safety of new pyridazinones.
Bringing modelled and observed surface winds together
Authors: van den Brink Henk W. , Bosveld Fred C.
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The 10 m‐wind over flat terrain in models is often lower than observations indicate. Here we show that this negative bias is mainly caused by the larger roughness lengths that models use than the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)‐advised roughness length of short grass (0.03 m). The concept of potential wind, which transforms the original wind to the theoretical wind under the assumption of a local roughness of 0.03 m, is well suited to distinguish this effect from other causes. It shows that the yearly averaged bias in Hirlam Aladin Research on Meso‐scale Operational NWP (numerical weather prediction) in Euromed (HARMONIE) is largely due to roughness effects. The year‐to‐year variations are caused by misrepresentations of the weather situations by HARMONIE. This can be concluded from the analysis of the geostrophic wind, which is insensitive for roughness effects.

Although the yearly averaged potential wind speed is well represented, HARMONIE reveals a strong seasonal cycle in the bias, being too low in summer, and slightly too high in winter. This is mainly caused by a too strong seasonal cycle in the representation of the leaf area index.

The HARMONIE data set points out to underestimate the average wind over The Netherlands up to 10% in the period before 1995. Even after correction for roughness effects, an underestimation of 6% remains. It is likely that the disappearance of the bias after 1995 is caused by the gradually improved quality of the ERA‐Interim data set with time.
Onset of the Bay of Bengal summer monsoon and the seasonal timing of ENSO's decay phase
Authors: Sun Shuyue , Ren Rongcai , Wu Guoxiong
Published: May 2017

Based on multiple sources of atmospheric and oceanic data, this study demonstrates a close relationship between the onset of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) summer monsoon (BOBSM) and the seasonal timing of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)'s decay phase. Through distinguishing ‘later‐decay’ and ‘normal‐decay’ ENSO events, it is found that a later/earlier onset of the BOBSM following El Niño/La Niña is mainly caused by later‐decay ENSO events, while no significant changes in BOBSM onset can be identified between normal‐decay El Niño and normal‐decay La Niña events. Diagnosis of the related dynamic and thermodynamic processes further confirms that, for later‐decay ENSO events that remain active until mid‐April, persistent ENSO‐induced ‘atmospheric‐bridge’ processes can yield a stronger vertical coupling of circulation between the upper and lower troposphere, and thus an anomalously earlier (later) BOBSM onset following a later‐decay La Niña (El Niño). In the lower troposphere, the persisting zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient between the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific following later‐decay ENSO events can significantly modulate the lower tropospheric barotropic instability over the northern BOB, which in turn overwhelms the local SST conditions to dominate the development of monsoon convections. In the upper troposphere, later‐decay ENSO alters the position of the South Asian high and the upper atmospheric divergence‐pumping through the anomalous Walker circulation. In contrast, due to the earlier damping of normal‐decay ENSO, the BOBSM onset processes are barely modulated.
Feasibility of near infrared transmittance spectroscopy to predict fatty acid composition of commercial processed meat
Authors: De Marchi Massimo , Manuelian Carmen L , Ton Sofia , Cassandro Martino , Penasa Mauro
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The new European Regulation 1169/2011 concerning nutrition declaration of food products compels the addition of saturated fatty acids, whereas the declaration of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids remains voluntary. Therefore, the industry is interested in a more rapid, easy and less cost‐effective analysis method for accomplishing this labelling regulation. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of near infrared transmittance spectroscopy (wavelengths between 850 and 1050 nm) to predict the fatty acid (FA) composition of commercial processed meat samples (n = 310).

RESULTS

Good predictions were achieved for the absolute content of saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, as well as ω‐6 groups, and also for a few individual FA (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9, C18:2n6 and 18:1n7), with the coefficient of determination in cross‐validation being > 0.90 and the residual prediction deviation being > 3.15. Unsatisfactory models were obtained for the relative content of FA.

CONCLUSION

Near infrared transmittance spectroscopy can be considered as a reliable method for predicting the main groups of FA in processed meat products, whereas predictions of individual FA are less reliable. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary supplementation of l‐arginine and chromium picolinate in sows during gestation affects the muscle fibre characteristics but not the performance of their progeny
Authors: Shi Zhan , Song Wentao , Sun Yuecheng , Wang Liansheng , Shi Baoming , Shan Anshan , Bi Zhongpeng
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of l‐arginine and chromium picolinate (CrP) in sows during gestation on muscle fibre characteristics, performance and carcass characteristics of their progeny. Sixty healthy sows were randomly divided into four groups as a 2 × 2 factorial experiment design: one group received the control diet, another received the control diet + 10 g kg−1 l‐arginine, the third group received the control diet + 400 ppb CrP, and the fourth group received the control diet + 10 g kg−1 l‐arginine and 400 ppb CrP.

RESULTS

The results showed that sows fed the diet supplemented with CrP produced progeny with higher muscle fibre numbers at birth, weaning and slaughter compared to sows fed the control diet. For mean fibre areas, the same result was found at weaning. For progeny of sows fed diets supplemented with l‐arginine, only higher muscle fibre numbers at slaughter was observed. Almost no differences were observed regarding average daily gains, average daily feed intake, gain‐to‐feed ratios, carcass and meat traits.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that dietary supplementation of l‐arginine and particularly CrP in sows during gestation alters muscle fibre numbers in their offspring, although not their performance or carcass characteristics. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Augmented low index waveguide for confining light in low index media
Authors: Alam Muhammad Z. , Sun Xiao , Mojahedi Mo , Aitchison J. Stewart
Published: May 2017

Guiding light in the low index region of a high refractive index contrast waveguide can be beneficial for many applications including sensing, nonlinear optics and electro‐optics. Existing methods to achieve this goal suffer from fabrication complexity, large loss, or poor optical confinement. We propose a simple structure to achieve a significant enhancement of light confinement in the low index medium. We explain the guiding principle of this structure using geometrical optics, and suggest a number of applications where this guiding structure can provide significant performance benefits. The combination of simplicity, ease of fabrication, and good confinement makes this waveguide an attractive choice for a wide range of applications. To illustrate this, we consider the integration of a nonlinear polymer with a silicon photonic waveguide, and show that significantly better performance with an easier fabrication process can be achieved using this new scheme.

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Investigating the effect of carbon source on rabies virus glycoprotein production inPichia pastorisby a transcriptomic approach
Authors: Ben Azoun Safa , Kallel Héla
Published: May 2017

Several factors affect protein expression inPichia pastoris, one among them is the carbon source. In this work, we studied the effect of this factor on the expression level of rabies virus glycoprotein (RABV‐G) in two recombinant clones harboring seven copies of the gene of interest. The expression was driven either by the constitutive glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP) promoter or the inducible alcohol oxidase1(AOX1) promoter. Clones were compared in terms of cell physiology and carbon source metabolism. The transcription levels of 16 key genes involved in the central metabolic pathway, the methanol catabolism, and the oxidative stress were investigated in both clones. Cell size, as a parameter reflecting cell physiological changes, was also monitored. Our results showed that when glucose was used as the sole carbon source, large cells were obtained. Transcript levels of the genes of the central metabolic pathway were also upregulated, whereas antioxidative gene transcript levels were low. By contrast, the use of methanol as a carbon source generated small cells and a shift in carbon metabolism toward the dissimilatory pathway by the upregulation of formaldehyde dehydrogenase gene and the downregulation of those of the central metabolic. These observations are in favor of the use of glucose to enhance the expression ofRABV‐G inP. pastoris.
Statistical Model Based HPLC Analytical Method Adjustment Strategy to Adapt to Different Sets of Analytes in Complicated Samples
Authors: Yan Binjun , Bai Xue , Sheng Yunjie , Li Fanzhu
Published: May 2017

Introduction

On account of the complicated compositions of the products like traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and functional foods, it is a common practice to determine different sets of analytes in the same product for different purposes.

Objective

To efficiently develop the corresponding HPLC methods, a statistical model based analytical method adjustment (SMB‐AMA) strategy was proposed.

Methods

In this strategy, the HPLC data acquired with design of experiments methodology were efficiently utilised to build the retention models for all the analytes and interferences shown in the chromatograms with multivariate statistical modelling methods. According to the set of analytes under research, Monte‐Carlo simulations were conducted based on these retention models to estimate the probability of achieving adequate separations between all the analytes and their interferences. Then the analytical parameters were mathematically optimised to the point giving a high value of this probability to compose a robust HPLC method. Radix Angelica Sinensis (RAS) and its TCM formula with Folium Epimedii (FE) were taken as the complicated samples for case studies.

Results

The retention models for the compounds in RAS and FE were built independently with correlation coefficients all above 0.9799. The analytical parameters were tactfully adjusted to adapt to six cases of different sets of analytes and different sample matrices. In the validation experiments using the adjusted analytical parameters, satisfactory separations were acquired.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the SMB‐AMA strategy was able to develop HPLC methods rationally and rapidly in the adaption of different sets of analytes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of direct patient reported ADRs to drug safety signals in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2015
Authors: van Hunsel Florence , de Waal Susan , Härmark Linda
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of patient reports to signals sent by the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb to the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board and to determine if there are certain types of signals where patient report add a distinct contribution.

Method

All signals from 2010 until 2015 were included. First, we investigated how many patient reports were present in the signals and the characteristics of these reports compared to the health care professional and marketing authorization holders' reports.

In addition to source, the analysis included ATC code of the drug, MedDRA® system organ class and preferred term for the adverse drug reaction (ADR), seriousness of the ADR, and 7 other factors like reports on over‐the‐counter medication, and how often an ADR listed in the important medical event terms list was present.

Secondly, we determined the proportion of reports submitted by the individual groups to signals, in a cross‐sectional manner.

Results

A total of 150 signals were included, including 1691 ADR reports. Our results show that 26.3% of all ADR reports in Dutch drug safety signals were reported by patients, and 30.5% of the patient reports in the signals contained one or more terms listed as important medical events. The proportion of reports by patients which were included the signals was 2% and 3.9% for health care professional reports and 0.2% for marketing authorization holders reports.

Conclusion

Patients had an important contribution to signals overall, but especially for ADRs related to generic drug substitution and psychiatric ADRs.
Ubiquitin specific peptidase 5 mediates Histidine‐rich protein Hpn induced cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through P14‐P53 signaling
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Wei‐mao , Zou Li‐yi , Li Li , Feng Lu , Pan Ming‐zhu , Lv Min‐yi , Cao Ying , Wang Hua , Kung Hsiang‐fu , Pang Jian‐xin , Fu Wei‐ming , Zhang Jin‐fang
Published: May 2017

Hpn is a small histidine‐rich cytoplasmic protein from Helicobacter pylori and has been recognized as a high‐risk factor for several cancers including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and MALT lymphoma. However, the relationship between Hpn and cancers remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that Hpn protein effectively suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry‐based comparative proteomics was performed to find the molecular targets of Hpn in HCC cells. It was identified that twelve proteins were differentially expressed, with USP5 being one of the most significantly downregulated protein. The P14ARF‐P53 signaling was activated by USP5 knockdown in HCC cells. Furthermore, USP5 overexpression significantly rescued the suppressive effect of Hpn on the viability of HCC cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that Hpn plays apoptosis‐inducing roles through suppressing USP5 expression and activating the P14ARF‐P53 signaling. Therefore, Hpn may be a potential candidate for developing novel anti‐HCC drugs.
Clinical trial allocation in multinational pharmaceutical companies – a qualitative study on influential factors
Authors: Dombernowsky Tilde , Haedersdal Merete , Lassen Ulrik , Thomsen Simon F.
Published: May 2017

Clinical trial allocation in multinational pharmaceutical companies includes country selection and site selection. With emphasis on site selection, the overall aim of this study was to examine which factors pharmaceutical companies value most when allocating clinical trials. The specific aims were (1) to identify key decision makers during country and site selection, respectively, (2) to evaluate by which parameters subsidiaries are primarily assessed by headquarters with regard to conducting clinical trials, and (3) to evaluate which site‐related qualities companies value most when selecting trial sites. Eleven semistructured interviews were conducted among employees engaged in trial allocation at 11 pharmaceutical companies. The interviews were analyzed by deductive content analysis, which included coding of data to a categorization matrix containing categories of site‐related qualities. The results suggest that headquarters and regional departments are key decision makers during country selection, whereas subsidiaries decide on site selection. Study participants argued that headquarters primarily value timely patient recruitment and quality of data when assessing subsidiaries. The site‐related qualities most commonly emphasized during interviews were study population availability, timely patient recruitment, resources at the site, and site personnel's interest and commitment. Costs of running the trials were described as less important. Site personnel experience in conducting trials was described as valuable but not imperative. In conclusion, multinational pharmaceutical companies consider recruitment‐related factors as crucial when allocating clinical trials. Quality of data and site personnel's interest and commitment are also essential, whereas costs seem less important. While valued, site personnel experience in conducting clinical trials is not imperative.
Cost–benefit analysis of controlling the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura)) spread and infestation of soft fruits in Trentino, Northern Italy
Authors: Del Fava Emanuele , Ioriatti Claudio , Melegaro Alessia
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

We assessed the economic impact of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) on the soft fruit industry (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) in Trentino, Northern Italy, using cost–benefit analysis. A conventional integrated pest management (IPM) based on insecticide, mass trapping and cultural measures is compared with an upgraded IPM strategy based on exclusion netting. Costs and benefits associated with the change between the two are estimated to evaluate the most profitable strategy from a societal point of view. The robustness of the results to uncertainty in parameter values is assessed through probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

In a period of low pest pressure, the conventional IPM strategy would likely be more profitable than no management. However, with higher pest pressure levels, the upgraded IPM strategy would increasingly be more profitable than conventional IPM as pest damage levels increase.

CONCLUSION

For the problem considered in this study, insecticide‐based management is expected to prove less and less profitable as rising pest pressure levels lead to an intensification of the insecticide applications. Conversely, exclusion netting, despite being more expensive, is expected to be much more profitable, in terms of both its effectiveness in reducing pest pressure and its lower societal impact. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Design of a candidate vibrational signal for mating disruption against the glassy‐winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis
Authors: Mazzoni Valerio , Gordon Shira D , Nieri Rachele , Krugner Rodrigo
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The glassy‐winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca vitripennis, is an important pest of grapevines due to its ability to transmit Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce's disease. GWSS mating communication is based on vibrational signals; therefore, vibrational mating disruption could be an alternative to insecticides for suppression of the GWSS population. Our objectives were to identify spectral features of the female signal that elicit male signaling, design disruptive signals able to alter male perception and acceptance of a female, and determine the signal intensity required for future field applications.

RESULTS

Male responses to playback of modified female signals were significantly reduced by 60–75% when part of the female signal spectral components above or below 400 Hz were deleted. Playback bioassays showed that transmission of an 80 Hz pure frequency tone to plants completely suppressed male signaling to female signal playback, even if the disruptive signal amplitude was 10 dB lower than the female signal playback.

CONCLUSION

Although the mechanism underlying cessation of male signaling activity in the presence of disruption is not yet understood, results suggest that an 80 Hz vibrational signal should be tested in laboratory and field experiments to assess its efficacy in disrupting mating of GWSS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Migration destinations in the urban hierarchy in China: Evidence from Jiangsu
Authors: Hao Pu , Tang Shuangshuang
Published: May 2017

Over the past quarter century, the mobilization of the human resources stored in China's rural hinterland has propelled the country's economic boom and urban explosion. Whereas the “first‐tier” cities and a couple dozen provincial capitals exert a strong pull on rural citizens, towns and cities in the middle and lower orders of the urban hierarchy also attract tens of millions of rural migrants. The pattern of migration and the settlement intention of the migrants who currently float between the urban and rural realms critically determine where and how China's urbanization is yet to progress. This paper explores the destination choice of rural migrants in the Jiangsu province. A multinomial logit model of intraprovincial migration is estimated, in which rural migrants choose from the 4 tiers in the urban hierarchy: large and extralarge cities, medium‐sized cities, small cities, and townships. Regression results suggest that rural migrants with different backgrounds and origins are attracted to different tiers of urban destinations. Culture, gender, educational attainment, occupation, and rural landholdings together function as a selection mechanism to sort rural migrants into various cities and towns. Other factors such as age, marital status, and income disparities, which typically drive migration, are not influential factors in deciding the destination choice. Among the migrant population, the choices of those who take up jobs (migrant workers) and those who seize business opportunities (migrant entrepreneurs) are dissimilarly affected by their socioeconomic characteristics and rural landholdings.
Antifungal Activity of Gallic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Li Zhi‐Jian , Liu Meng , Dawuti Gulina , Dou Qin , Ma Yu , Liu Heng‐Ge , Aibai Silafu
Published: May 2017

Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenol natural compound found in many medicinal plant species, including pomegranate rind (Punica granatum L.), and has been shown to have antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties. Pomegranate rind is used to treat bacterial and fungal pathogens in Uyghur and other systems of traditional medicine, but, surprisingly, the effects of GA on antifungal activity have not yet been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of GA on fungal strains both in vitro and in vivo. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the NCCLS (M38‐A and M27‐A2) standard method in vitro, and GA was found to have a broad spectrum of antifungal activity, with MICs for all the tested dermatophyte strains between 43.75 and 83.33 μg/mL. Gallic acid was also active against three Candida strains, with MICs between 12.5 and 100.0 μg/mL. The most sensitive Candida species was Candida albicans (MIC = 12.5 μg/mL), and the most sensitive filamentous species was Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 43.75 μg/mL), which was comparable in potency to the control, fluconazole. The mechanism of action was investigated for inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis using an HPLC‐based assay and an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Gallic acid reduced the activity of sterol 14α‐demethylase P450 (CYP51) and squalene epoxidase in the T. rubrum membrane, respectively. In vivo model demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection administration of GA (80 mg/kg d) significantly enhanced the cure rate in a mice infection model of systemic fungal infection. Overall, our results confirm the antifungal effects of GA and suggest a mechanism of action, suggesting that GA has the potential to be developed further as a natural antifungal agent for clinical use. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identity Work, Techniques of Neutralization, and Deviance: Exploring the Relationship Among Older Adult Gamblers
Authors: Wagner Jascha , Hamilton D'Janna , Anderson Tammy L. , Rempusheski Veronica F.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the value of techniques of neutralization in understanding how people involved in marginal to widely deviant behaviors perform identity work. Based on 33 in‐depth interviews with older adult gamblers, we show how techniques of neutralization are used to align personal and social identities. We describe the techniques of neutralizations our participants use along a continuum of gambling involvement, showing how techniques differ in variety and content and are contingent on larger narratives about appropriate behaviors, identities, and selves operating in contemporary society. Our research helps to refine sociologists' understandings of relationships between levels of involvement in deviant behaviors and identity work.
Advancing the Sociology of Empathy: A Proposal
Authors: Ruiz‐Junco Natalia
Published: May 2017

Empathy is an increasingly popular term in the public sphere and in academia. Although the common belief is that empathy is a “psychological” topic, sociologists have made important contributions to this conversation. The goal of this article is to provide a theoretical effort in advancing the sociology of empathy. In the first part of the paper, I review classical and contemporary statements on empathy. I identify Charles H. Cooley as an important precursor of the sociology of empathy, and discuss how contemporary interactionists have further developed this notion. Based on these previous insights, I next propose a preliminary framework for the study of the social construction of empathy. This framework is presented in two steps. First, I introduce a vocabulary based on interpretivist concepts: empathy frames, empathy rules, and empathy performances. Next, I coin the idea of empathy paths. I theorize three ideal‐typical empathy paths: self‐transcendent, therapeutic, and instrumental. Throughout this presentation, I use empirical cases to illustrate the applicability of this framework. In the conclusion, I show how sociologists can inform public understandings of the meaning of empathy.