bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonparametric Bayesian basket trial design
Authors: Xu Yanxun , Müller Peter , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Berry Donald
Published: May 2018

Targeted therapies on the basis of genomic aberrations analysis of the tumor have shown promising results in cancer prognosis and treatment. Regardless of tumor type, trials that match patients to targeted therapies for their particular genomic aberrations have become a mainstream direction of therapeutic management of patients with cancer. Therefore, finding the subpopulation of patients who can most benefit from an aberration‐specific targeted therapy across multiple cancer types is important. We propose an adaptive Bayesian clinical trial design for patient allocation and subpopulation identification. We start with a decision theoretic approach, including a utility function and a probability model across all possible subpopulation models. The main features of the proposed design and population finding methods are the use of a flexible nonparametric Bayesian survival regression based on a random covariate‐dependent partition of patients, and decisions based on a flexible utility function that reflects the requirement of the clinicians appropriately and realistically, and the adaptive allocation of patients to their superior treatments. Through extensive simulation studies, the new method is demonstrated to achieve desirable operating characteristics and compares favorably against the alternatives.
Tissue distribution study of periplocin and its two metabolites in rats by a validated LC–MS/MS method
Authors: Liu Huaming , Zhang Dandan , Tang Zhidan , Sun Mengjie , Azietaku John Teye , Ouyang Huizi , Chang Yanxu , Wang Meng , He Jun , Gao Xiumei
Published: May 2018

Periplocin is a cardiac glycoside and has been used widely in the clinic for its cardiotonic, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor effects. Although it is taken frequently by oral administration in the clinic, there have been no reports demonstrating that periplocin could be detected in vivo after an oral administration, so there is an urgen need to determine the characteristics of periplocin in vivo after oral administration. In this study, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to identify and quantify periplocin and its two metabolites in rat tissue after a single dosage of perplocin at 50 mg/kg. The results demonstrated that periplocin and its two metabolites were detected in all of the selected tissues; periplocin could reach peak concentration quickly after administration, while periplocymarin and periplogenin reached maximum concentration > 4.83 h after administration. The tissue distribution of analytes tended to be mostly in the liver, and higher analyte concentrations were found in the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney, but a small amount of chemical constituents was distributed into the brain. The consequences obtained using this method might provide a meaningful insight for clinical investigations and applications.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Multiphenyl‐Substituted 1,3‐Butadiene Derivatives: Synthesis, Properties and Application
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Mao Huiling , Xu Weiquan , Shi Jianbing , Cai Zhengxu , Tong Bin , Dong Yuping
Published: May 2018

Organic functional materials, including conjugated molecules and fluorescent dyes, have been intensely developed in recent years because they can be applied in many fields, such as solar cells, biosensing and bioimaging, and medical adjuvant therapy. Organic functional materials with aggregation‐induced emission or aggregation‐enhanced emission (AIE/AEE) characteristics have increasingly attracted attention due to their high quantum efficiency in the aggregated or solid state. A large variety of AIE/AEE materials have been designed and applied during the exponential growth of research interest in the abovementioned fields. Multiphenyl‐substituted 1,3‐butadiene (MPB), as a core structure that includes tetraphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene, hexaphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene and their derivatives, show a typical AIE/AEE feature and can be potentially used in all the above‐mentioned fields. This review summarizes the design principles, the corresponding syntheses, and the structure–property relationships of MPBs, as well as their excellent innovative functionalities and applications. This review will be useful for scientists conducting chemistry, materials, and biomedical research in AIE/AEE‐related fields.
Multicore Artificial Metalloenzymes Derived from Acylated Proteins as Catalysts for the Enantioselective Dihydroxylation and Epoxidation of Styrene Derivatives
Authors: Leurs Melanie , Dorn Bjoern , Wilhelm Sascha , Manisegaran Magiliny , Tiller Joerg. C.
Published: May 2018

Artificial metalloenzymes (AME′s) are an interesting class of selective catalysts, where the chiral environment of proteins is used as chiral ligand for a catalytic metal. Commonly, the active site of an enzyme is modified with a catalytically active metal. Here we present an approach, where the commercial proteins lysozyme (LYS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) can be converted into highly active and enantioselective AME′s. This is achieved by acylation of the proteins primary amino groups, which affords the metal salts in the core of the protein. A series of differently acylated LYS and BSA were reacted with K2OsO2(OH)4, RuCl3, and Ti(OMe)4, respectively, and the conjugates were tested for their catalytic activity in dihydroxylation and epoxidation of styrene and its derivatives. The best suited system for dihydroxylation is fully acetylated LYS conjugated with K2OsO2(OH)4, which converts styrene to 1,2‐phenylethanediol with an enantioselectivity of 95 % ee (S). BSA fully acylated with hexanoic acid and conjugated with three moles RuCl3 per mole protein shows the highest ee values for the conversion of styrene to the respective epoxide with enenatioselectivities of over 80 % ee (R), a TON of more than 2500 and a yield of up to 78 % within 24 h at 40 °C. LYS has two favored selective binding sites for the metal catalyst and BSA has even three. The AME′s with titanate in the active center invert the enantioselectivity of styrene epoxidation.
Self‐Assembled, Fluorine‐Rich Porous Organic Polymers: A Class of Mechanically Stiff and Hydrophobic Materials
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Zeng Zhixin , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Samanta Partha , Chaudhari Abhijeet K. , Tan Jin‐Chong , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: May 2018

Fluorous organic building blocks were utilized to develop two self‐assembled, hydrophobic, fluorinated porous organic polymers (FPOPs), namely, FPOP‐100 and FPOP‐101. Comprehensive mechanical analyses of these functionalised triazine network polymers marked the introduction of mechanical stiffness among all porous organic network materials; the recorded stiffnesses are analogous to those of their organic–inorganic hybrid polymer congeners, that is, metal–organic frameworks. Furthermore, this study introduces a new paradigm for the simultaneous installation of mechanical stiffness and high surface hydrophobicity into polymeric organic networks, with the potential for transfer among all porous solids. Control experiments with non‐fluorinated congeners underlined the key role of fluorine, in particular, bis‐trifluoromethyl functionalization in realizing the dual features of mechanical stiffness and superhydrophobicity.
Peripherally Cyanated Subphthalocyanines as Potential n‐Type Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Zango Germán , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Urones Beatriz , Saeki Hidenori , Matsuda Wakana , Martínez‐Díaz M. Victoria , Seki Shu , Torres Tomás
Published: May 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the groups of M. V. Martínez‐Díaz and T. Torres at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and S. Seki at the Kyoto University. The image depicts a subphthalocyanines vortex with strong electron‐attraction ability. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201801190.
Exploration of Thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole Linkages in Conjugated Porous Organic Polymers for Chemoselective Molecular Sieving
Authors: Biswal Bishnu P. , Becker Daniel , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Seenath Jensheer Shamsudeen , Paasch Silvia , Machill Susanne , Hennersdorf Felix , Brunner Eike , Weigand Jan J. , Berger Reinhard , Feng Xinliang
Published: May 2018

Porous organic polymers (POPs) have attracted significant attention towards molecular adsorption in recent years due to their high porosity, diverse functionality and excellent chemical stability. In this work, we present a systematic case study on the formation of thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TzTz) linkages through model compounds and its integration to synthesize a set of three novel, thermo‐chemically stable TzTz‐linked POPs, namely TzTz‐POP‐3, TzTz‐POP‐4, and TzTz‐POP‐5 with triphenylbenzene, tetraphenylpyrene and tetra(hydroxyphenyl)methane cores, respectively. Interestingly, the integrated TzTz moiety of the represented TzTz‐POP‐3 renders chemoselective removal of organic dye fluorescein (FL) from a mixture with parafuchsine (FU) in aqueous solution. The TzTz‐POP‐3 offered excellent chemoselectivity of ≈1:7 (FL:FU), compared to alike porous materials demonstrated for similar applications due to the presence of multiple active anchoring sites coupled with permanent porosity and appropriate pore window.
Separation of Starter Cultures After High‐Pressure Homogenization
Authors: Häffele Florian , Jaros Doris , Mende Susann , Rohm Harald , Nirschl Hermann
Published: May 2018

Die Auswirkungen einer mittels Hochdruck‐Homogenisator induzierten Scherbehandlung auf die Separationseigenschaften von Exopolysaccharid‐bildenden bakteriellen Starterkulturen wird untersucht. Neben Änderungen seitens der Medienviskosität und der Sinkgeschwindigkeit der Bakterienzellen konnten auch deutliche Unterschiede bei der Kompaktheit des Sediments festgestellt werden. Zusätzlich wird die Skalierbarkeit der im Labor mittels analytischer Zentrifugation gewonnenen Ergebnisse in den Technikums‐Maßstab mit einem Tellerseparator gezeigt.
Recent progress and challenges in process optimization: Review of recent work at ECUST
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Han Dong , Lin Yuefeng , Du Wenli
Published: May 2018

Optimization is an eternal topic in chemical processes due to limited resources and various safety and environment constraints. The highly intense market competition has led to the realistic significance of optimizing chemical processes. Chemical processes in China have achieved considerable development in recent years, and new challenges to improve operations have emerged along with this development. This paper briefly overviews recent progress made by our laboratory and existing challenges in chemical process optimization. The process optimization is introduced from the perspective of automation hierarchy and its coordination, followed by our major work with emphasis on real‐time optimization and advanced control layers. Several cases of comprehensive optimization in typical chemical processes are highlighted in this paper. On the basis of these theoretical and industrial practices, challenges in process operations are discussed. Finally, opportunities for future research directions are proposed for high efficient operations and control of chemical processes.
Design, Synthesis, and in vitro Biological Evaluation of 3,5‐Dimethylisoxazole Derivatives as BRD4 Inhibitors
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Zhang Jian , Zhao Leilei , Yang Yifei , Zhang Huibin , Zhou Jinpei
Published: May 2018

BRD4 has been identified as a potential target for blocking proliferation in a variety of cancer cell lines. In this study, 3,5‐dimethylisoxazole derivatives were designed and synthesized with excellent stability in liver microsomes as potent BRD4 inhibitors, and were evaluated for their BRD4 inhibitory activities in vitro. Gratifyingly, compound 11 h [3‐((1‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐6‐(3,5‐dimethylisoxazol‐4‐yl)‐4‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydroquinazolin‐2(1H)‐one] exhibited robust potency for BRD4(1) and BRD4(2) inhibition with IC50 values of 27.0 and 180 nm, respectively. Docking studies were performed to illustrate the strategy of modification and analyze the conformation in detail. Furthermore, compound 11 h was found to potently inhibit cell proliferation in the BRD4‐sensitive cell lines HL‐60 and MV4‐11, with IC50 values of 0.120 and 0.09 μm, respectively. Compound 11 h was further demonstrated to downregulate c‐Myc levels in HL‐60 cells. In summary, these results suggest that compound 11 h is most likely a potential BRD4 inhibitor and is a lead compound for further investigations.
How I treat older patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Arellano Martha , Carlisle Jennifer Wilkinson
Published: May 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the elderly represents a challenge to the clinician due to AML‐related and patient‐related factors that place patients at an increased risk of induction toxicity and limit treatment options. To make gains in the management of the elderly patient with AML, clinicians must focus on improved risk stratification and develop better‐tolerated active regimens.
The Influence of Modularity, Seeding, and Product Inhibition on Peptide Autocatalytic Network Dynamics
Authors: Hordijk Wim , Shichor Shira , Ashkenasy Gonen
Published: May 2018

Chemical networks often exhibit emergent, systems‐level properties that cannot be simply derived from the linear sum of the individual components. The design and analysis of increasingly complex chemical networks thus constitute a major area of research in Systems Chemistry. In particular, much research is focused on the emergence of functional properties in prebiotic chemical networks relevant to the origin and early evolution of life. Here, we apply a formal framework known as RAF theory to study the dynamics of a complex network of mutually catalytic peptides. We investigate in detail the influence of network modularity, initial template seeding, and product inhibition on the network dynamics. We show that these results can be useful for designing new experiments, and further argue how they are relevant to origin of life studies.
Structure‐Based Optimization of Bisphosphonate Nucleoside Inhibitors of Human 5′(3′)‐deoxyribonucleotidases
Authors: Pachl Petr , Šimák Ondřej , Buděšínský Miloš , Brynda Jiří , Rosenberg Ivan , Řezáčová Pavlína
Published: May 2018

Cellular 5′‐nucleotidases, enzymes regulating nucleotide/nucleoside pools, are capable of dephosphorylating phosphomonoesters of important nucleoside analogue drugs, thus decreasing their therapeutic efficacy. Human cytosolic (cdN) as well as mitochondrial (mdN) variants of this enzyme represent interesting targets for development of inhibitory compounds. In this work, bisphosphonate nucleoside derivatives were designed by using a structure‐based approach. A second phosphonate group was attached onto a base moiety and by optimization of the linker an increased inhibitor potency towards mdN and cdN was attained. The best compound exhibited inhibition of both enzymes in a nanomolar range, making it the most potent inhibitor of these enzymes prepared to date. In addition, the compounds showed selectivity towards the cdN variant. A series of crystal structures were solved for several inhibitors in the complex with mdN or cdN that provided a structural basis for understanding the inhibition profile of bisphosphonate compounds.
Improving intergroup relations between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland via E‐contact
Authors: White Fiona A. , Turner Rhiannon N. , Verrelli Stefano , Harvey Lauren J. , Hanna Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2018

Northern Ireland is characterised by extensive segregation between its predominantly Catholic and Protestant communities. With the aim of overcoming this segregation, the current study experimentally evaluated the effectiveness of electronic or E‐contact as a novel indirect contact and prejudice‐reduction strategy. Here, Catholic and Protestant participants were not required to meet physically but were involved in a collaborative and goal‐orientated online interaction with a member of the other community. As predicted, E‐contact improved both Catholics’ and Protestants’ outgroup attitudes via improved contact expectancies and reduced intergroup anxiety. These findings provide support for the contemporary role of online interactions in actively overcoming the physical and psychological barriers that often prevent prejudice reduction in segregated communities.
Description of Complex Fluids Electrochemical Data in the Frame of Percolation Model
Authors: R. Nigmatullin Raoul , Sidelnikov Artem V. , Budnikov Herman C. , Maksyutova Elza I.
Published: May 2018

In the paper, the percolation model (PM) developed earlier for description of data associated with complex fluids was successfully applied. As an example, we analyzed the virgin olive oil electrochemical data. In spite of the fact that this complex fluid as olive oil contains more than 100 different chemical components, it becomes possible to describe the dependencies J(U) (defined in electrochemistry as the voltammograms (VAGs)) in terms of the percolation model. This model takes into account the behavior of the conducting/percolation currents in meso‐region and dependencies of the fractal dimension versus applied potential U. It was proved that this model was applicable for three basic regions: cathode region (where positive charges are mainly concentrated), capacitor (Faraday) region and anode region (where negative charges were mainly located). For these three basic conventional regions known in electrochemistry, we obtained the excellent coincidence of the fitting function obtained in the frame of PM with experimental data. These results prove that this meso‐model can be applicable for description of wide set of data including different complex solutions and fluids.
Rapid and sensitive double‐label based immunochromatographic assay for zearalenone detection in cereals
Authors: Wang Du , Zhang Zhaowei , Zhang Qi , Wang Zhongzheng , Zhang Wen , Yu Li , Li Hui , Jiang Jun , Li Peiwu
Published: May 2018

A double‐label immunochromatographic based assay (DL‐ICA) was developed to monitor zearalenone (ZEN) levels in cereals, based on Eu3+ nanoparticles (EuNP). The DL‐ICA exhibited excellent sensitivity, reliability and selectivity in real samples. It showed low limits of detection (0.21–0.25 μg/kg) and broad analytical ranges (up to 120 μg/kg). The total analytical time, including sample preparation and DL‐ICA execution, was reduced by 15 min compared with HPLC. The recovery rates ranged from 95.0–118.4%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) <11.6%. Inter‐ and intra‐day validations were assessed, recovery rates of 89.3–106.9% and RSD of 2.3–9.7% were obtained, suggesting considerable stability and reliability for the assay. An excellent correlation was observed between DL‐ICA and a reference HPLC method (R2 = 0.9899). Compared to current immunoassays, the current DL‐ICA is inexpensive, highly sensitive, and rapid. Therefore, DL‐ICA constitutes a novel tool for monitoring mycotoxins in food and feed to ensure safety.
Substrate specificity of α‐humulene synthase from Zingiber zerumbet Smith and determination of kinetic constants by a spectrophotometric assay
Authors: Alemdar Semra , König Jan Christoph , Seidel Katja , Kirschning Andreas , Scheper Thomas , Beutel Sascha
Published: May 2018

Terpene synthases are the key enzymes in terpene biosynthesis that provide a structurally complex and highly diverse product spectrum. A suitable and reliable analytical assay is indispensable to measure terpene synthase activity accurately and precisely. In this study, a malachite green assay (MG) was adapted to rapidly assay terpene synthase activity and was validated in comparison to an already established gas chromatography assay. A linear correlation between both assays was observed. Kinetic properties for the previously described sesquiterpene synthase α‐humulene synthase (HUM) from Zingiber zerumbet Smith were investigated for the bioconversion of the monoterpene precursors geranyl pyrophosphate (2E‐GPP) and neryl pyrophosphate (2Z‐NPP) as well as for the sesquiterpene precursor farnesyl pyrophosphate (2E,6E‐FPP). Also, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS‐MS) was carried out to identify the products of the bioconversion of (2E)‐GPP and (2Z)‐NPP.
Mutual fitness benefits arise during coevolution in a nematode-defensive microbe model
Authors: Rafaluk-Mohr Charlotte , Ashby Ben , Dahan Dylan A. , King Kayla C.
Published: May 2018

Species interactions can shift along the parasitism-mutualism continuum. However, the consequences of these transitions for coevolutionary interactions remain unclear. We experimentally coevolved a novel species interaction between Caenorhabditis elegans hosts and a mildly parasitic bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis, with host-protective properties against virulent Staphylococcus aureus. Coinfections drove the evolutionary transition of the C. elegans–E. faecalis relationship toward a reciprocally beneficial interaction. As E. faecalis evolved to protect nematodes against S. aureus infection, hosts adapted by accommodating greater numbers of protective bacteria. The mutualism was strongest in pairings of contemporary coevolved populations. To generally assess the conditions under which these defensive mutualisms can arise and coevolve, we analyzed a model that showed that they are favored when mild parasites confer an intermediate level of protection. Our results reveal that coevolution can shape the transition of animal-parasite interactions toward defensive symbioses in response to coinfections.
Geochemistry and geochronology of the Shihuiyao ophiolite from the Kelameili suture in East Junggar: Constraint on the tectonic evolution of the Kelameili Ocean
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Xu Xiaoyi , Wang Lei , Li Yong
Published: May 2018

The Kelameili suture located between the eastern Tianshan Junggar Plate and the Harlik island arc in east Tianshan. This suture is well known as identifying the Kelameili ophiolite and the Tucker Takezale ophiolitic melange. This paper first reports a new discovery of the Shihuiyao ophiolite, which is 70 km away from the Takezale ophiolitic mélange to the east. It is mainly composed of the variable serpentinized peridotite, metagabbro, and minor siliceous rocks. The serpentinite and gabbros are characterized by high content of Al2O3 and normal mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐type rare earth element compositions. These rocks also show a typical characteristic of origin of island arc setting with depletion of high‐field strength element (HFSE) and enrichment of large‐ion lithophile element (LILE). The LA‐ICP‐MS dating of zircon grains from gabbros gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 352 Ma, which was interpreted to represent the age of the Kelameili Ocean. This paper provided an important constraint on the tectonic evolution of the Kelameili Ocean.
Stochastic modelling of a diffusive wave for flood propagation using the random walk particle tracking method in a hypothetical city
Authors: Noor Kashif , Elfeki Amro M. M.
Published: May 2018

Deterministic numerical schemes have been widely used for the solution of the diffusive wave (DW) equation, however, these schemes are computationally costly and suffer instability issues. This paper presents a stochastic random walk particle tracking (RWPT) method to solve such an equation for a dam‐break flow problem. Three different wave duration scenarios are presented for simulations of the DW for flood flows in a hypothetical city. The hypothetical city is represented by a domain of size 2,000 m by 500 m in x and y directions, respectively. The domain is divided into 25 m by 25 m cells. A dam is located at the upstream of the hypothetical city. Each scenario has a distinct propagation pattern after the dam is breached. Analysed and presented are 18 different simulations, which are composed of three different building configurations, two different bed slopes, and three different shapes of hydrographs. In this method, the flood volume is divided into a large number of particles where each particle carries a fixed amount of the flood volume. These particles undergo convective and diffusive movements, and their superposition represents propagation of the DW in the flow domain. The solution algorithm of the RWPT‐based equations is used to compute flood inundation depths in the hypothetical city. Comparison is drawn among the simulated results from three different shapes of the inflow hydrographs. The proposed stochastic method has two major advantages over traditional deterministic schemes: (a) greater efficiency, thus lesser computational costs, and (b) no instability issues.
Electrochemical lactonization of trisialic acid
Authors: Chen Chien‐Sheng , Xu Lai , Lee Wei‐Jen
Published: May 2018

A sensitive method using high‐performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) is employed to study the electrochemical lactonization of α2,8‐trisialic acid. Analysis shows that the sialyl lactonization of trisialic acid in an acidic aqueous solution (pH 4.2–6) is highly enhanced by a supporting electrical current (30–100 μA). CE results indicate that this electrochemical lactonization with a supporting current is faster than the acid‐catalyzed lactonization in acetic acid. This acceleration in the reaction suggests that the acidity increases close to the Pt electrode and assists the sialyl lactonization during electrolysis. Three lactone species of trisialic acid formed in the acidic aqueous solution were detected with HPCE, and the fully lactonized species were examined with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The elution order of the lactone isomers obtained from previous report and from this study together reveals a regioselective lactoziation in which the sialyl residue close to the reducing end was more reactive than that close to the nonreducing end.
Small arrays of maximum coverage
Authors: Das Shagnik , Mészáros Tamás
Published: May 2018

Given a set S of symbols, and integers and , an array is said to cover a t‐set of columns if all sequences in appear as rows in the corresponding subarray of A. If A covers all t‐subsets of columns, it is called an ‐covering array. These arrays have a wide variety of applications, driving the search for small covering arrays. Here, we consider an inverse problem: rather than aiming to cover all t‐sets of columns with the smallest possible array, we fix the size N of the array to be equal to and try to maximize the number of covered t‐sets. With the machinery of hypergraph Lagrangians, we provide an upper bound on the number of t‐sets that can be covered. A linear algebraic construction shows this bound to be tight; exactly so in the case when v is a prime power and divides k, and asymptotically so in other cases. As an application, by combining our construction with probabilistic arguments, we match the best‐known asymptotics of the covering array number , which is the smallest N for which an ‐covering array exists, and improve the upper bounds on the almost‐covering array number .
“A unique little microcosm”: Exploring a self‐sustaining community project which harnessed social action in a public space
Authors: Waters Hannah C. , Davidson Sarah
Published: May 2018

Government policy in England encourages communities to capacity build from within. Community psychology has explored the role of community resilience in this process. But what happens if a community appears to lack formalized resources? This article considers such a community in which a grassroots community center thrives outside the boundaries of formalized community organizations. It aimed to find out how this community mobilized, the benefits for those connected, and how the center survives. A grounded theory ‘center as a living organism’ was constructed from the accounts of eleven participants. Results indicate how community centers play a role in promoting individual and community level well‐being and preventing distress. The importance of learning from progressive community initiatives and more partnership working between National Health Service, statutory, voluntary, and community groups is indicated. Effective engagement with and across communities to promote resilience and well‐being is also a theme of the responses to recent events in England, such as the terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire.
A potential antiapoptotic regulation: The interaction of heat shock protein 70 and apoptosis‐inducing factor mitochondrial 1 during heat stress and aestivation in sea cucumber
Authors: Wang Shasha , Li Xingke , Chen Muyan , Storey Kenneth B. , Wang Tianming
Published: May 2018

The sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) has become a good model organism for studying environmentally induced aestivation in marine invertebrates. A characteristic feature of aestivation in this species is the degeneration of the intestine. In the current study, we hypothesized that energy conservation and cytoprotective strategies need to be coordinated in the intestine to ensure long‐term survival during aestivation, and there was potential relationship between heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and apoptosis‐inducing factor mitochondrial 1 (AIFM1) during extreme environmental stress. AIFM1 is a bifunctional flavoprotein that is involved in the caspase‐independent activation of apoptosis. The gene and protein expression profiles of AjAIFM1 and AjHSP70 in intestinal tissue during aestivation were analyzed and results showed an inverse correlation between them, AjAIFM1 being suppressed during aestivation whereas AjHSP70 was strongly upregulated. Comparable responses were also seen when intestinal cells were isolated and analyzed in vitro for responses to heat stress at 25°C (a water temperature typical during aestivation), compared with 15°C control cells. Combined with co‐immunoprecipitation studies in vivo and in vitro, our results suggested that AjHSP70 protein may have potential interaction with AjAIFM1. To determine the influence of heat stress on apoptotic rate of intestinal cells, we also assessed the DNA fragmentation by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assay, and results also supported a potential antiapoptotic response in sea cucumber during heat stress. This type of cytoprotective mechanism could be used to preserve the existing cellular components during long‐term aestivation in sea cucumber.
A numerical model for solving time delay and phase inconsistency problem in the data acquisition system of very long baseline interferometry
Authors: Wan Guo Chun , Liu Wen Jing , Yin Gui Zhu , Tong Mei Song
Published: May 2018

We developed an advanced data acquisition system for the very long baseline interferometry used for deep‐space detection in recent years. However, there are serious time delay and phase inconsistency problems in the data acquisition system, which greatly increase the complexity of subsequent processors and reduce measurement accuracy. To solve the problem, we establish a numerical model to analyze the specific reasons and propose a novel scheme to achieve a much better performance by optimizing the mixed digital direct synthesizer (DDS) for frequencies. We find that the DDS module cannot output an accurate phase and correct this inaccuracy by changing the original design of DDS module. Simulation and measurement results show that the redesign of DDS can remove the inconsistency of time delay and phases and improve the mixed performance.
Foliar application of selenium for protection against the first stages of mycotoxin infection of crop plant leaves
Authors: Kornaś Andrzej , Filek Maria , Sieprawska Apolonia , Bednarska‐Kozakiewicz Elżbieta , Gawrońska Katarzyna , Miszalski Zbigniew
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of selenium (Se) ions directly to the leaf surface can protect plants against infection by the fungal toxin zearalenone (ZEA). The experiments were performed for the most common and agronomically important crops such as wheat, oat, and barley (both tolerant and sensitive varieties) because mycotoxin accumulation in plants is the cause of many diseases in animals and people.

RESULTS

ZEA at a concentration of 10 µmol L–1 either alone or in combination with Se (5 µmol L–1 Na2SeO4) was applied to the second leaf of seedlings. Visualization of leaf temperature profiles by infrared thermography demonstrated a decrease in temperature at the location of ZEA infection that was more noticeable in sensitive genotypes. The presence of Se significantly suppressed changes at the site of ZEA application in all tested plants, especially the tolerant genotypes. Microscopic observations confirmed that foliar administration of ZEA resulted in its penetration to deeper localized cells and that damage induced by ZEA (mainly to chloroplasts) decreased after Se application. Analyses of antioxidant enzymes demonstrated the involvement of Se in antioxidation mechanisms, in particular by activating SOD and CAT under ZEA‐induced stress conditions.

CONCLUSION

The foliar application of Se to seedling leaves may be a non‐invasive method of protecting crops against the first steps of ZEA infection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Microencapsulated betacyanin from colored organic quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): optimization, physicochemical characterization and accelerated storage stability
Authors: Aguilar‐Tuesta Silvana , Mamani‐Navarro Wile , Espinoza‐Silva Clara , Basilio‐Atencio Jaime , Condezo‐Hoyos Luis
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Betalains are presently gaining popularity as pigments for use as natural colorants and/or bioactive compounds in functional foods. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been recognized as an extremely nutritious grain and has recently been found to be a novel and good betalain source. Microencapsulation has been studied as a protected‐delivery procedure to stabilize betalains. There are no studies about microencapsulation of betacyanins extracted from quinoa using spray‐drying technology.

RESULTS

Optimal microencapsulation was obtained at a drying temperature of 165 °C, a rotameter air flow rate of 47 mm (940 L h−1) and 10% w/w maltodextrin, which produced good encapsulation yield (58.1%) and efficiency (100%). Optimized maltodextrin–betacyanin microcapsules (diameter 4.4 μm) have low moisture (1.64 ± 0.08%) and water activity (0.127 ± 0.006), a betacyanin content of 0.1995 ± 0.0017 g kg−1 and saponin content <0.080 mg kg−1. The oxygen consumption rate by betacyanin was −4.373 × 10−5 bar min−1 at 80 °C and −6.67 × 10−5 bar min−1 at 90 °C, which was accompanied by fading of the color.

CONCLUSION

Microencapsulated betacyanin was optimized by response surface methodology, and its stability was measured under accelerated conditions by oxygen consumption. Microencapsulations contain betacyanin and low saponin concentration, which might confer unique health‐promoting properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of production process and information on quality expectations and perceptions of sparkling wines
Authors: Vecchio Riccardo , Lisanti Maria T , Caracciolo Francesco , Cembalo Luigi , Gambuti Angelita , Moio Luigi , Siani Tiziana , Marotta Giuseppe , Nazzaro Concetta , Piombino Paola
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

This study, by combining sensory and experimental economics techniques, aims to analyse to what extent the production process, and the information about it, may affect consumer preferences. Sparkling wines produced by Champenoise and Charmat methods were the object of the study. A quantitative descriptive sensory analysis with a trained panel and non‐hypothetical auctions combined with hedonic ratings involving young wine consumers (N = 100), under different information scenarios (Blind, Info and Info Taste), were performed.

RESULTS

The findings show that the production process impacts both the sensory profile of sparkling wines and consumer expectations. In particular, the hedonic ratings revealed that when tasting the products, both with no information on the production process (Blind) and with such information (Info Taste), the consumers preferred the Charmat wines. On the contrary, when detailed information on the production methods was given without tasting (Info), consumers liked the two Champenoise wines more.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that sensory and non‐sensory attributes of sparkling wines affect consumers' preferences. Specifically, the study suggests that production process information strongly impacts liking expectations, while not affecting informed liking. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Process‐Driven Microstructure Control in Melt‐Extrusion‐Based 3D Printing for Tailorable Mechanical Properties in a Polycaprolactone Filament
Authors: Liu Fengyuan , Vyas Cian , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan , Pape Ian , Hinduja Srichand , Mirihanage Wajira , Bartolo Paulo J.
Published: May 2018

3D printing techniques are utilized to produce biomaterial scaffolds with porous architectures that enable cell attachment, biological factors, and appropriate mechanical strength. As the basic building block of a scaffold, the individual filaments should have sufficient mechanical properties, comprising high compressive loading, and fracture resistance to mimic the natural tissue organisation. In this contribution, process–structure–property relationships in melt extruded polycaprolactone filaments are investigated by considering crystalline features, tensile properties, and an array of processing parameters. The tensile properties of the filaments are improved significantly with relatively higher screw rotational speed and relatively lower processing temperature resulting in considerable increase in Young's modulus. The favorable properties are attributed to the increased crystal volume fraction and anisotropy. Thus, this study provides initial pathways for the potential control of mechanical properties of bioscaffolds via engineering crystalline structural features in printed filaments.
Small‐molecule inhibitors of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 and related processes: A historic approach and recent advances
Authors: Stefan Sven Marcel , Wiese Michael
Published: May 2018

Multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) is an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transport protein. This efflux pump uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to export structurally diverse antineoplastic agents in human cancers. The upregulation of MRP1 (either inherent or acquired) is one major reason for the occurrence of the phenomenon called multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR is characterized by a reduced outcome of chemotherapy due to the active intracellular clearance of cytostatic drugs below the necessary effect concentration. Much effort has been made to overcome MDR, which implied high‐throughput screenings of already known pharmacological and natural compounds, modification of intrinsic substrates, as well as design and synthesis of new inhibitors. This review is meant not only to summarize the most recent results over the past 10 years, but also to highlight major achievements regarding reversal of MRP1‐mediated MDR, from the time of its discovery until today. The focus lies on small‐molecule compounds that feature either direct MRP1 inhibition/transport blockage, toxicity against MRP1‐overexpressing cells, inhibition/modification of intracellular processes necessary for MRP1 function, or modification of MRP1‐related metabolic and genomic mechanisms. Considering all aspects, this review might be useful to (re)consider possible strategies to overcome MRP1‐mediated MDR. Furthermore, it may be the basis for developing new, even better, highly potent, less toxic, and selective (as well as broad‐spectrum) MRP1 inhibitors that will enter clinical evaluations in different malignancies and finally conduce to overcome MDR in general.
Lie group analysis of 2‐dimensional space‐fractional model for flow in porous media
Authors: Belevtsov Nikita S. , Lukashchuk Stanislav Yu.
Published: May 2018

Using the Lie group analysis approach, we study the symmetry properties of 2‐dimensional space‐fractional filtration equation with the Riesz potential. This equation is derived by a fractional generalization of Darcy law and permits to describe the pressure evolution during 1‐phase fluid flow through naturally fractured porous medium. We construct the prolongation of the point transformation group on the Riesz potential and obtain a generalization of the Leibniz rule for the Riesz potential, which are necessary for investigating symmetry properties using the invariance principle. The Lie group of linearly autonomous point transformations is constructed for the considered equation. In a limiting case of zero‐order potential, the obtained symmetry group coincides with the group of point transformations admitted by the classical integer‐order 2‐dimensional linear heat equation. Also, the asymptotic behavior of a group invariant solution is investigated.
Characterizing gold nanoparticles by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Chengchen , Yarger Jeffery L.
Published: May 2018

Gold nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in recent research because of their wide applications in various fields such as material science, electrical engineering, physical science, and biomedical engineering. Researchers have developed many methods for synthesizing different kinds of gold nanoparticles, where the sizes and surface chemistry of the nanoparticles are considered to be the two key factors. Traditionally, the sizes of nanoparticles are determined by electron microscopy whereas the surface chemistry is characterized by optical spectroscopies such as infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Compared with that, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a more advanced and convenient way for size determination and surface chemistry investigations by combining one‐ and multiple‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy and diffusion‐order NMR spectroscopy. Here, we show a thorough study that NMR spectroscopy can be applied to characterize small thiol‐protected gold nanoparticles, including size determination, surface chemistry investigation, and structural study. The results show that the nanoparticles' sizes determined by NMR agree well with transmission electron microscopy results. Furthermore, the ligand densities of nanoparticles were determined by quantitative NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of ligands capped on the surfaces were studied thoroughly by one‐ and multiple‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. In this work, we establish a general method for researchers to characterize nanostructures by using NMR spectroscopy.
Effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life following osteoporotic vertebral fractures—A feasibility trial
Authors: Palmer Shea , Barnett Sue , Cramp Mary , Berry Alice , Thomas Amanda , Clark Emma M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are common and present a significant burden to patients and healthcare services. Poor posture can increase vertebral pressure, pain and the risk of further fractures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life when used in addition to usual care.

Methods

A feasibility randomized, controlled trial was carried out in men and women with at least one clinically diagnosed painful OVF. Participants were randomly allocated to use an adhesive postural taping device at home for 4 weeks or to continue with usual care. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 4 weeks included pain at rest and on movement (visual analogue scales [VASs]), and function and quality of life (Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis [QUALEFFO]). Health resource use and acceptability were explored using a specifically designed questionnaire.

Results

Twenty‐four participants completed the trial (taping, n = 13; control, n = 11). Groups were comparable in age, although the control group contained more men (n = 3 versus n = 0) and scored slightly lower on most outcome measures at baseline. Descriptive analysis favoured the taping group for most outcome measures. Effect sizes were small to medium (0.37, 0.45 and 0.66 for VAS rest, VAS movement and QUALEFFO, respectively).

Conclusions

The taping device demonstrated potential to improve pain and function. However, the findings need to be replicated in an appropriately powered study. The study procedures were largely acceptable. A more extensive pilot trial is recommended prior to a definitive trial.
Effect of statins in preventing hospitalizations for infections: A population study
Authors: Policardo Laura , Seghieri Giuseppe , Gualdani Elisa , Franconi Flavia
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To investigate whether the hospitalization rate for bacterial infections was modified by statin therapy in a population retrospectively followed up, over years 2011 to 2015.

Methods

By using administrative databases, the 5‐year hospitalization rate due to bacterial infections in population living in Tuscany, Italy exposed to statin therapy (n = 52,049) was stratified by 5 prescribed daily doses classes (0%‐20%, 20%‐50%, 50%‐80%, 80%‐100%, ≥100% of DDD) and subsequently compared with that of a population of untreated individuals (n = 3 300 ,675), matched through a propensity score accounting for all available covariates potentially able to modulate risk of infections such as age, gender, previous hospitalizations for infections, cardiovascular events, previous co‐morbidities, diabetes, as well as general practitioners' proactive behaviour of care delivery according to current guidelines.

Results

Unmatched individuals of each treatment‐class had significantly more hospitalizations than controls, while matched treated people, apart from those in class 0% to 20%, had a decrease of hospitalizations, as large as the increase in prescribed drug. Statin effect in reducing hospitalizations translated into a number needed to treat (NNT) ranging across treatment strata from 102 to 54.

Conclusions

Compliance to statin prescribed daily doses above the threshold 20% of DDD, along a 5‐year follow‐up, prevented hospitalizations due to infectious diseases in a large unselected population, after adjusting for covariates able to modulate baseline risk of infections. The NNTs to avoid 1 hospitalization for infections resulted on average not too dissimilar from a value lying between the 95% CI of NNTs previously found for primary prevention of 1 incident coronary ischemic event (72 to 119).
Educational psychologists’ support roles regarding the implementation of inclusive education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nkoma Elliott , Hay Johnnie
Published: May 2018

This article focuses on a phenomenological study of trainee/educational psychologists’ lived experiences regarding the support roles in the implementation of inclusive education practices in Zimbabwe. In‐depth phenomenological interviews were done with 16 purposely selected participants (13 trainee/educational psychologists located at three administrative offices and three experts on inclusion from three universities) and data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Monthly/annual reports from trainee/educational psychologists were used as reference material. Three major themes emerged from the support roles: (1) diverse views on inclusion; (2) critical roles, successful and unsuccessful experiences in implementing inclusive education; and (3) impact of experiences on rendering support services. Key findings indicate that advocacy and consultation, assessment and placement, and in‐service training were viewed as critical and successful experiences, whereas negative teacher attitudes and limited resources were viewed as barriers toward the implementation of inclusive education practices. The impact of experiences indicates inadequacy in the provision of support services. Annual reports of trainee/educational psychologists indicated inadequate ongoing training on inclusive education practices. These findings are discussed in relation to the inclusive education literature.