bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of 2-Year Cognitive–Motor Dual-Task Training on Cognitive Function and Motor Ability in Healthy Elderly People: A Pilot Study
Authors: Morita Emiko , Yokoyama Hisayo , Imai Daiki , Takeda Ryosuke , Ota Akemi , Kawai Eriko , Suzuki Yuta , Okazaki Kazunobu
Published: May 2018

We aimed to examine the effect of 2-year cognitive–motor dual-task (DT) training on cognitive functions and motor ability of healthy elderly people without marked cognitive impairment. From the 25 participants of our 12-week DT trial conducted in 2014, we recruited 8 subjects who voluntarily participated in a new DT training program once a week for 2 years (exercise (EX) group). Their cognitive functions were evaluated by the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) examination and the Trail Making Test, and results were compared with those of the 11 subjects who discontinued the training and did not perform any types of exercise for 2 years (non-exercise (NO) group). Subjects in the NO group showed deterioration in the 3MS examination results, especially in the cognitive domain of attention. Meanwhile, participation in DT training maintained the scores in almost all domains of cognitive function, as well as the total 3MS scores. However, both groups had impaired quadriceps muscle strength and motor ability after the 2-year observation period. These results suggest that participating in exercise program comprising DT training for 2 years may be beneficial for maintaining the broad domains of cognitive function in healthy elderly people, although further verification is needed.
Association between Actual and Perceived Obesity Weaker among Black than White Children
Authors: Moghani Lankarani Maryam , Assari Shervin
Published: May 2018

Although actual obesity is expected to be associated with perceived overweight, some recent studies in adults have suggested that this link may be smaller for Blacks than Whites. It is unknown, however, whether the same trend holds for children or not. This study explored the heterogeneity of the association between actual and perceived obesity in a national sample of American children by race, gender, and their intersection. Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC), 2009–2010, is a national study of children 17 years or less in the United States. This analysis included a total number of 8860 children, including 6581 (74.28%) White and 2279 (25.72%) Black children. Actual obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 95% of the age- and gender-percentile, was the independent variable. Perceived overweight was the main outcome. We ran linear regression models with and without interaction terms between race, gender, and actual obesity. We also ran race- and gender-specific linear regression models. In the pooled sample, actual obesity was positively associated with perceived overweight. We found an interaction between race and obesity, suggesting stronger association between actual obesity and perceived overweight for White than Black children. Gender or intersection of race and gender did not alter the association between actual obesity and perceived overweight. The link between actual obesity and perceived overweight depends on race of the child. Inaccurately perceived weight may be one of many mechanisms behind the disproportionately higher rate of obesity burden among Black children in the United States. As perceived overweight plays a salient role for weight control behaviors, Black children with obesity may need some help to perceive themselves as obese. Training programs should target Blacks to increase the accuracy of their weight and body size evaluation and perception as an essential step for reducing the burden of obesity among Black children.
Improvement Effect of Ni to Pd-Ni/SBA-15 Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde to Hydrocinnamaldehyde
Authors: Han Shiying , Liu Yunfei , Li Jiang , Li Rui , Yuan Fulong , Zhu Yujun
Published: May 2018

A series of Pd-Ni bimetallic catalysts supported on SBA-15 (0.2%Pd-x%Ni/SBA-15, x = 0.4, 0.7, and 1.2) were prepared through the impregnation method combined with the NaBH4 reduction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the prepared catalysts. All the synthesized catalysts were evaluated for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL). The addition of Ni obviously enhanced the CAL conversion and selectivity of C=C hydrogenation to hydrocinnamaldehyde (HALD) over the 0.2%Pd-x%Ni/SBA-15 catalysts. Meanwhile, 0.2%Pd-1.2%Ni/SBA-15 showed the best performance with 96.3% conversion and 87.8% selectivity toward HALD. This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effect between the Pd and Ni nanoparticles, enhancing the dispersion of Pd metal particles and increasing the content of surface Pd0 species. In addition, the influences of a few reaction factors including H2 pressure, reaction temperature, and reaction time were studied over 0.2%Pd-1.2%Ni/SBA-15.
Lattice Parameters of Optical Damage Resistant In-Doped LiNbO3 Crystals
Authors: Sulyanov Serguei , Volk Tatyana
Published: May 2018

The lattice parameters in optical damage resistant crystal LiNbO3-In were measured for the first time using the X-ray powder method with an internal standard, which provides a high accuracy of the results. The lattice parameters vs. In concentration were obtained in the concentration range from 0.24 to 3.2 at % In in the crystal. The results are discussed in the framework of currently accepted model of the LiNbO3 intrinsic defect structure.
Multiscale Distribution Entropy and t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding-Based Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings
Authors: Tu Deyu , Zheng Jinde , Jiang Zhanwei , Pan Haiyang
Published: May 2018

As a nonlinear dynamic method for complexity measurement of time series, multiscale entropy (MSE) has been successfully applied to fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. However, the MSE algorithm is sensitive to the predetermined parameters and depends heavily on the length of the time series and MSE may yield an inaccurate estimation of entropy or undefined entropy when the length of time series is too short. To improve the robustness of complexity measurement for short time series, a novel nonlinear parameter named multiscale distribution entropy (MDE) was proposed and employed to extract the nonlinear complexity features from vibration signals of rolling bearing in this paper. Combining with t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) for feature dimension reduction and Kriging-variable predictive models based class discrimination (KVPMCD) for automatic identification, a new intelligent fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings was proposed. Finally, the proposed approach was applied to analyze the experimental data of rolling bearings and the results indicated that the proposed method could distinguish the different fault categories of rolling bearings effectively.
A Hybrid De-Noising Algorithm for the Gear Transmission System Based on CEEMDAN-PE-TFPF
Authors: Bai Lili , Han Zhennan , Li Yanfeng , Ning Shaohui
Published: May 2018

In order to remove noise and preserve the important features of a signal, a hybrid de-noising algorithm based on Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN), Permutation Entropy (PE), and Time-Frequency Peak Filtering (TFPF) is proposed. In view of the limitations of the conventional TFPF method regarding the fixed window length problem, CEEMDAN and PE are applied to compensate for this, so that the signal is balanced with respect to both noise suppression and signal fidelity. First, the Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) of the original spectra are obtained using the CEEMDAN algorithm, and the PE value of each IMF is calculated to classify whether the IMF requires filtering, then, for different IMFs, we select different window lengths to filter them using TFPF; finally, the signal is reconstructed as the sum of the filtered and residual IMFs. The filtering results of a simulated and an actual gearbox vibration signal verify that the de-noising results of CEEMDAN-PE-TFPF outperforms other signal de-noising methods, and the proposed method can reveal fault characteristic information effectively.
Thermodynamics at Solid–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Frank Michael , Drikakis Dimitris
Published: May 2018

The variation of the liquid properties in the vicinity of a solid surface complicates the description of heat transfer along solid–liquid interfaces. Using Molecular Dynamics simulations, this investigation aims to understand how the material properties, particularly the strength of the solid–liquid interaction, affect the thermal conductivity of the liquid at the interface. The molecular model consists of liquid argon confined by two parallel, smooth, solid walls, separated by a distance of 6.58 σ. We find that the component of the thermal conductivity parallel to the surface increases with the affinity of the solid and liquid.
An Exploratory Study on Coopetitive Behavior in Oil and Gas Distribution
Authors: Ceptureanu Sebastian , Ceptureanu Eduard , Olaru Marieta , Vlad Liviu
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this article is to analyze coopetitive behavior of companies operating in oil and gas distribution networks, enhancing both conceptual clarity of the concept and understanding of its specifics in oil and gas industry. We developed a model based on six factors: intensity, functionality, formalism, benefits, tension and stability to investigate 10 research hypothesis on a sample consisting of 154 subjects from 39 companies. By its conceptualization and results, our study is one of the first focusing on coopetitive behavior in oil and gas distribution and contributes to shape coopetition as a distinct subject for research.
Dietary Differences in Male Workers among Smaller Occupational Groups within Large Occupational Categories: Findings from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Tanaka Rie , Tsuji Mayumi , Senju Ayako , Kusuhara Koichi , Kawamoto Toshihiro ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: May 2018

Studies examining workers’ diet according to smaller occupational groups within “large occupational categories” are sparse. The aim of this study was to examine the potential differences in workers’ diets based on the classification of workers into smaller occupational groups that comprise “large occupational categories”. The subjects of this study were working fathers who had participated in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (N = 38,656). Energy and nutrient intake were calculated based on data collected from the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Occupations were classified according to the Japanese Standard Occupational Classification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the adherence to current dietary recommendations within smaller occupational groups. In particular, significant differences were observed among the categorical groups of “professional and engineering workers”, “service workers”, and “agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers”. In “professional and engineering workers”, teachers showed higher odds of adherence to calcium intake recommendations compared with nurses (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.02–3.14; p < 0.001). In “agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers”, agriculture workers showed higher odds of adherence to calcium (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.46–3.15; p < 0.001) and vitamin C (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.31–2.74, p = 0.001) intake recommendations compared with forestry and fishery workers. These findings may be beneficial from a research perspective as well as in the development of more effective techniques to improve workers’ diet and health.
The Relative Contribution of Dietary Habits, Leisure-Time Exercise, Exercise Attitude, and Body Mass Index to Self-Rated Health among College Students in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Huey-Hong , Chang Chia-Ming , Liu Li-Wei , Huang Hsiu-Chin
Published: May 2018

Background: Self-rated health (SRH) is consistent with objective health status and can serve as a global measure of health status in the general population. The purpose of this study is to find the connections of dietary habits, leisure-time exercise, exercise attitude, and body mass index (BMI) to SRH among college students. Methods: The “dietary–exercise attitude and SRH” questionnaire was developed to investigate college students in Taiwan through the Internet. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the relationship among them. Results: The reliability and validity were confirmed using PLS-SEM. The results found exercise habits, dietary habits, and BMI explained 26.5% of SRH. Poor dietary habits and being overweight led to bad health status (negative path coefficients to SRH). Additionally, the study found that positive exercise attitude had a positive relationship with exercise habits. Conclusions: Based on the results, college students should be well-informed of the potential threat of poor dietary habits and being overweight to health and should improve their attitude with respect to exercise so as to prevent overweight-related diseases.
Application of 3D-QSAR, Pharmacophore, and Molecular Docking in the Molecular Design of Diarylpyrimidine Derivatives as HIV-1 Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Genyan , Wang Wenjie , Wan Youlan , Ju Xiulian , Gu Shuangxi
Published: May 2018

Diarylpyrimidines (DAPYs), acting as HIV-1 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), have been considered to be one of the most potent drug families in the fight against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). To better understand the structural requirements of HIV-1 NNRTIs, three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR), pharmacophore, and molecular docking studies were performed on 52 DAPY analogues that were synthesized in our previous studies. The internal and external validation parameters indicated that the generated 3D-QSAR models, including comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA, q 2 = 0.679, R 2 = 0.983, and r pred 2 = 0.884) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA, q 2 = 0.734, R 2 = 0.985, and r pred 2 = 0.891), exhibited good predictive abilities and significant statistical reliability. The docking results demonstrated that the phenyl ring at the C4-position of the pyrimidine ring was better than the cycloalkanes for the activity, as the phenyl group was able to participate in π–π stacking interactions with the aromatic residues of the binding site, whereas the cycloalkanes were not. The pharmacophore model and 3D-QSAR contour maps provided significant insights into the key structural features of DAPYs that were responsible for the activity. On the basis of the obtained information, a series of novel DAPY analogues of HIV-1 NNRTIs with potentially higher predicted activity was designed. This work might provide useful information for guiding the rational design of potential HIV-1 NNRTI DAPYs.
A New Venue of TNF Targeting
Authors: Steeland Sophie , Libert Claude , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E.
Published: May 2018

The first Food and Drug Administration-(FDA)-approved drugs were small, chemically-manufactured and highly active molecules with possible off-target effects, followed by protein-based medicines such as antibodies. Conventional antibodies bind a specific protein and are becoming increasingly important in the therapeutic landscape. A very prominent class of biologicals are the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs that are applied in several inflammatory diseases that are characterized by dysregulated TNF levels. Marketing of TNF inhibitors revolutionized the treatment of diseases such as Crohn’s disease. However, these inhibitors also have undesired effects, some of them directly associated with the inherent nature of this drug class, whereas others are linked with their mechanism of action, being pan-TNF inhibition. The effects of TNF can diverge at the level of TNF format or receptor, and we discuss the consequences of this in sepsis, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Recently, researchers tried to design drugs with reduced side effects. These include molecules with more specificity targeting one specific TNF format or receptor, or that neutralize TNF in specific cells. Alternatively, TNF-directed biologicals without the typical antibody structure are manufactured. Here, we review the complications related to the use of conventional TNF inhibitors, together with the anti-TNF alternatives and the benefits of selective approaches in different diseases.
The Maxi-K (BK) Channel Antagonist Penitrem A as a Novel Breast Cancer-Targeted Therapeutic
Authors: Goda Amira A. , Siddique Abu Bakar , Mohyeldin Mohamed , Ayoub Nehad M. , El Sayed Khalid A.
Published: May 2018

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes. The high conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK, Maxi-K channels) play an important role in the survival of some BC phenotypes, via membrane hyperpolarization and regulation of cell cycle. BK channels have been implicated in BC cell proliferation and invasion. Penitrems are indole diterpene alkaloids produced by various terrestrial and marine Penicillium species. Penitrem A (1) is a selective BK channel antagonist with reported antiproliferative and anti-invasive activities against multiple malignancies, including BC. This study reports the high expression of BK channel in different BC subtypes. In silico BK channel binding affinity correlates with the antiproliferative activities of selected penitrem analogs. 1 showed the best binding fitting at multiple BK channel crystal structures, targeting the calcium-sensing aspartic acid moieties at the calcium bowel and calcium binding sites. Further, 1 reduced the levels of BK channel expression and increased expression of TNF-α in different BC cell types. Penitrem A (1) induced G1 cell cycle arrest of BC cells, and induced upregulation of the arrest protein p27. Combination treatment of 1 with targeted anti-HER drugs resulted in synergistic antiproliferative activity, which was associated with reduced EGFR and HER2 receptor activation, as well as reduced active forms of AKT and STAT3. Collectively, the BK channel antagonists represented by penitrem A can be novel sensitizing, chemotherapeutics synergizing, and therapeutic agents for targeted BC therapy.
Valuable Metal Recycling
Authors: Cho Bong-Gyoo , Lee Jae-chun , Yoo Kyoungkeun
Published: May 2018

As the global economy grows, demand for metal continues to increase. Unfortunately, metal resources are in limited supply [...]
Template-Assisted Fabrication of Nanostructured Tin (β-Sn) Arrays for Bulk Microelectronic Packaging Devices
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Srivastava Ashok , Jeon Yongho , Ahn Byungmin
Published: May 2018

In this study, uniform and ordered nanostructured arrays of pure tin (Sn) were produced by the chemical pulse plating method in potentiostatic mode. Bottom metalized anodic aluminium oxide templates were used as the substrates for holding nanostructures during deposition. The plating bath consists of stannous sulfate (SnSO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and glutaraldehyde as a surfactant. The effect of potentiostatic potential ranging from −0.5 to −3.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode was studied on the growth morphology of nanostructures that were formed. The characterization studies were accomplished by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. It was found that several nanostructures were of different shapes and size when the potential was varied. Nanorods were prominent at the deposition potentials of −0.5 and −1.1 V, while a combination of nanostructures (nanorods, nanoplates, and nanoparticles) was predominant at −3.2 V. XRD results show that the nanostructures that were obtained consisted of tetragonal (Sn) structure with a crystallite size of about 20 nm. This process is economically viable and it can be scaled to produce various nanostructures through a careful control of deposition parameters.
High-Temperature Behavior of High-Pressure Diecast Alloys Based on the Al-Si-Cu System: The Role Played by Chemical Composition
Authors: Gariboldi Elisabetta , Lemke Jannis , Rovatti Ludovica , Baer Oksana , Timelli Giulio , Bonollo Franco
Published: May 2018

Al-Si-Cu foundry alloys are widely applied in the form of high-pressure diecast components. They feature hypo- or nearly eutectic compositions, such as AlSi9Cu3(Fe), AlSi11Cu2(Fe), and AlSi12Cu1(Fe) alloys, which are used in the present study. Diecast specimens, with a thickness of 3 mm, were used for tension tests. The short-term mechanical behavior was characterized at temperatures from 25 up to 450 °C. At temperatures above 200 °C, the tensile strength properties (YS and UTS) of the investigated alloys were severely affected by temperature, and less by chemical differences. Material hardness and ductility indexes better highlighted the differences in the mechanical behavior of these age-hardenable alloys and allowed us to relate them to the microstructure and its changes that took place at test temperatures. Thermodynamic calculations were found to be useful tools to predict phases formed during solidification, as well as those related to precipitation strengthening. By means of the performed comprehensive material characterization, deeper knowledge of the microstructural changes of Al-Si-Cu foundry alloys during short-term mechanical behavior was obtained. The gained knowledge can be used as input data for constitutive modeling of the investigated alloys.
Dissolution of M23C6 and New Phase Re-Precipitation in Fe Ion-Irradiated RAFM Steel
Authors: Yang Zheng , Jin Shuoxue , Song Ligang , Zhang Weiping , You Li , Guo Liping
Published: May 2018

The M23C6 precipitate plays a major role in preventing the sliding of the grain boundary and strengthens the matrix in the reduced-activation ferritic/martensic (RAFM) steel. However, its stability might be reduced under irradiation. The microstructural instability of the M23C6 precipitates in the RAFM steels irradiated at 300 °C with Fe ions up to a peak dose of 40 dpa was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A “Core/Shell” morphology was found for the pre-existing M23C6 and a large number of new small phases appeared in parallel near the periphery of the precipitates after irradiation. The loss of crystallinity of the M23C6 periphery due to the dissolution of carbon atoms into the interface (C-rich “Shell”) actually decreased the size of the Cr-rich “Core”. The new phase that formed around the pre-existing precipitates was M6C (Fe3W3C), which was formed through the carbide transformation of M23C6 to M6C.
Side-Group Effect on Electron Transport of Single Molecular Junctions
Authors: Huang Miao-Ling , Zhang Fan , Wang Chen , Zheng Ju-Fang , Mao Hui-Ling , Xie Hu-Jun , Shao Yong , Zhou Xiao-Shun , Liu Jin-Xuan , Zhuang Jin-Liang
Published: May 2018

In this article, we have investigated the influence of the nitro side-group on the single molecular conductance of pyridine-based molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy break junction. Single molecular conductance of 4,4′-bipyridine (BPY), 3-nitro-4-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridine (BPY-N), and 3-nitro-4-(3-nitropyridin-4-yl)pyridine (BPY-2N) were measured by contact with Au electrodes. For the BPY molecular junction, two sets of conductance were found with values around 10−3.1 G0 (high G) and 10−3.7 G0 (low G). The addition of nitro side-group(s) onto the pyridine ring resulted in lower conductance of 10−3.8 G0 for BPY-N and 10−3.9 G0 for BPY-2N, respectively, which can be attributed to the twist angle of two pyridine rings. Moreover, the steric hindrance of nitro group(s) also affects the contacting configuration of electrode-molecule-electrode. As a consequence, only one set of conductance value was observed for BPY-N and BPY-2N. Our work clearly shows the important role of side-groups on the electron transport of single-molecule junctions.
Fast Profiling of Natural Pigments in Different Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Dietary Supplements by DI-FT-ICR and Evaluation of their Antioxidant Potential by Pre-Column DPPH-UHPLC Assay
Authors: Sommella Eduardo , Conte Giulio Maria , Salviati Emanuela , Pepe Giacomo , Bertamino Alessia , Ostacolo Carmine , Sansone Francesca , Prete Francesco Del , Aquino Rita Patrizia , Campiglia Pietro
Published: May 2018

Arthrospira platensis, better known as Spirulina, is one of the most important microalgae species. This cyanobacterium possesses a rich metabolite pattern, including high amounts of natural pigments. In this study, we applied a combined strategy based on Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) for the qualitative/quantitative characterization of Spirulina pigments in three different commercial dietary supplements. FT-ICR was employed to elucidate the qualitative profile of Spirulina pigments, in both direct infusion mode (DIMS) and coupled to UHPLC. DIMS showed to be a very fast (4 min) and accurate (mass accuracy ≤ 0.01 ppm) tool. 51 pigments were tentatively identified. The profile revealed different classes, such as carotenes, xanthophylls and chlorophylls. Moreover, the antioxidant evaluation of the major compounds was assessed by pre-column reaction with the DPPH radical followed by fast UHPLC-PDA separation, highlighting the contribution of single analytes to the antioxidant potential of the entire pigment fraction. β-carotene, diadinoxanthin and diatoxanthin showed the highest scavenging activity. The method took 40 min per sample, comprising reaction. This strategy could represent a valid tool for the fast and comprehensive characterization of Spirulina pigments in dietary supplements, as well as in other microalgae-based products.
Novel Neuroprotective Lead Compound Ligustrazine Derivative Mass Spectrometry Fragmentation Rule and Metabolites in Rats by LC/LTQ-Orbitrap MS
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhao Rui , Chen Meng , Ma Tao , Wu Gaorong , Xue Nannan , Li Guoliang , Wang Hui , Fang Kang , Zhang Wenxi , Wang Penglong , Lei Haimin
Published: May 2018

The neuroprotective evaluation of ligustrazine derivatives has become a research focus all over the world. A novel ligustrazine derivative, (3,5,6-Trimethylpyrazin-2-yl)methyl(E)-3-(4-((3,5,6-trimethylpyrazin-2-l)methoxy)phenyl)acrylate (T-CA), has shown protective effects against CoCl2-induced neurotoxicity in a differentiated PC12 cell model and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in our previous studies. However, nearly none of the parent drugs existed after rapid metabolism due to uncertain reasons. Thus, the fragmentation regularities of mass spectra, and metabolites, of T-CA in rats were examined using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionizationion trap mass spectrometry (LC/LTQ-Orbitrap MS) in this research. The main fragment ion, mass spectrum characteristics, and the structural information were elucidated. When compared with a blank sample, we identified five kinds of T-CA metabolites, including three phase I metabolites and two phase II metabolites. The results showed that the metabolic pathways of T-CA in rats via oral administration were hydrolysis (ether bond rupture, ester bond rupture), oxidation, reduction, glucose aldehyde acidification, etc. In addition, three main metabolites were synthesized and their structures were identified by superconducting high-resolution NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HR-MS). The neuroprotective activity of these metabolites was validated in a PC12 cell model. One of the metabolites (M2) showed significant activity (EC50 = 9.67 μM), which was comparable to the prototype drug T-CA (EC50 = 7.97 μM). The current study provides important information for ligustrazine derivatives, pertaining to the biological conversion process in vivo.
Rapid Characterization of Components in Bolbostemma paniculatum by UPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap MSn Analysis and Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Herb Discrimination
Authors: Zeng Yanling , Lu Yang , Chen Zhao , Tan Jiawei , Bai Jie , Li Pengyue , Wang Zhixin , Du Shouying
Published: May 2018

Bolbostemma paniculatum is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) showed various therapeutic effects. Owing to its complex chemical composition, few investigations have acquired a comprehensive cognition for the chemical profiles of this herb and explicated the differences between samples collected from different places. In this study, a strategy based on UPLC tandem LTQ-Orbitrap MSn was established for characterizing chemical components of B. paniculatum. Through a systematic identification strategy, a total of 60 components in B. paniculatum were rapidly separated in 30 min and identified. Then based on peak intensities of all the characterized components, principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to classify 18 batches of B. paniculatum into four groups, which were highly consistent with the four climate types of their original places. And five compounds were finally screened out as chemical markers to discriminate the internal quality of B. paniculatum. As the first study to systematically characterize the chemical components of B. paniculatum by UPLC-MSn, the above results could offer essential data for its pharmacological research. And the current strategy could provide useful reference for future investigations on discovery of important chemical constituents in TCM, as well as establishment of quality control and evaluation method.
Electrochemically Triggered Co-Conformational Switching in a [2]catenane Comprising a Non-Symmetric Calix[6]arene Wheel and a Two-Station Oriented Macrocycle
Authors: Zanichelli Valeria , Dallacasagrande Luca , Arduini Arturo , Secchi Andrea , Ragazzon Giulio , Silvi Serena , Credi Alberto
Published: May 2018

Catenanes with desymmetrized ring components can undergo co-conformational rearrangements upon external stimulation and can form the basis for the development of molecular rotary motors. We describe the design, synthesis and properties of a [2]catenane consisting of a macrocycle—the ‘track’ ring—endowed with two distinct recognition sites (a bipyridinium and an ammonium) for a calix[6]arene—the ‘shuttle’ ring. By exploiting the ability of the calixarene to thread appropriate non-symmetric axles with directional selectivity, we assembled an oriented pseudorotaxane and converted it into the corresponding oriented catenane by intramolecular ring closing metathesis. Cyclic voltammetric experiments indicate that the calixarene wheel initially surrounds the bipyridinium site, moves away from it when it is reduced, and returns in the original position upon reoxidation. A comparison with appropriate model compounds shows that the presence of the ammonium station is necessary for the calixarene to leave the reduced bipyridinium site.
First Metal-Free Synthesis of Tetracyclic Pyrido and Pyrazino Thienopyrimidinone Molecules
Authors: Aounzou Mohammed , Campos Joana , Loubidi Mohammed , Berteina-Raboin Sabine
Published: May 2018

We report herein a new metal free synthetic pathway to generate tetracyclic compounds from 3-aminothieno[3,2-b]pyridine-2-carboxylate. To enlarge the molecular diversity, we studied the Suzuki coupling of 9-chloro-6H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrido[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-6-one and several boronic acids were easily introduced.
(−)-Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate Synthetic Analogues Inhibit Fatty Acid Synthase and Show Anticancer Activity in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Crous-Masó Joan , Palomeras Sònia , Relat Joana , Camó Cristina , Martínez-Garza Úrsula , Planas Marta , Feliu Lidia , Puig Teresa
Published: May 2018

(−)-Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) is a natural polyphenol from green tea with reported anticancer activity and capacity to inhibit the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN), which is overexpressed in several human carcinomas. To improve the pharmacological profile of EGCG, we previously developed a family of EGCG derivatives and the lead compounds G28, G37 and G56 were characterized in HER2-positive breast cancer cells overexpressing FASN. Here, diesters G28, G37 and G56 and two G28 derivatives, monoesters M1 and M2, were synthesized and assessed in vitro for their cytotoxic, FASN inhibition and apoptotic activities in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. All compounds displayed moderate to high cytotoxicity and significantly blocked FASN activity, monoesters M1 and M2 being more potent inhibitors than diesters. Interestingly, G28, M1, and M2 also diminished FASN protein expression levels, but only monoesters M1 and M2 induced apoptosis. Our results indicate that FASN inhibition by such polyphenolic compounds could be a new strategy in TNBC treatment, and highlight the potential anticancer activities of monoesters. Thus, G28, G37, G56, and most importantly M1 and M2, are anticancer candidates (alone or in combination) to be further characterized in vitro and in vivo.
Comparative in Silico Analysis of Ferric Reduction Oxidase (FRO) Genes Expression Patterns in Response to Abiotic Stresses, Metal and Hormone Applications
Authors: Muhammad Izhar , Jing Xiu-Qing , Shalmani Abdullah , Ali Muhammad , Yi Shi , Gan Peng-Fei , Li Wen-Qiang , Liu Wen-Ting , Chen Kun-Ming
Published: May 2018

The ferric reduction oxidase (FRO) gene family is involved in various biological processes widely found in plants and may play an essential role in metal homeostasis, tolerance and intricate signaling networks in response to a number of abiotic stresses. Our study describes the identification, characterization and evolutionary relationships of FRO genes families. Here, total 50 FRO genes in Plantae and 15 ‘FRO like’ genes in non-Plantae were retrieved from 16 different species. The entire FRO genes have been divided into seven clades according to close similarity in biological and functional behavior. Three conserved domains were common in FRO genes while in two FROs sub genome have an extra NADPH-Ox domain, separating the function of plant FROs. OsFRO1 and OsFRO7 genes were expressed constitutively in rice plant. Real-time RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of OsFRO1 was high in flag leaf, and OsFRO7 gene expression was maximum in leaf blade and flag leaf. Both genes showed vigorous expressions level in response to different abiotic and hormones treatments. Moreover, the expression of both genes was also substantial under heavy metal stresses. OsFRO1 gene expression was triggered following 6 h under Zn, Pb, Co and Ni treatments, whereas OsFRO7 gene expression under Fe, Pb and Ni after 12 h, Zn and Cr after 6 h, and Mn and Co after 3 h treatments. These findings suggest the possible involvement of both the genes under abiotic and metal stress and the regulation of phytohormones. Therefore, our current work may provide the foundation for further functional characterization of rice FRO genes family.
Ultrasonically Modified Amended-Cloud Point Extraction for Simultaneous Pre-Concentration of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Residues
Authors: Kachangoon Rawikan , Vichapong Jitlada , Burakham Rodjana , Santaladchaiyakit Yanawath , Srijaranai Supalax
Published: May 2018

An effective pre-concentration method, namely amended-cloud point extraction (CPE), has been developed for the extraction and pre-concentration of neonicotinoid insecticide residues. The studied analytes including clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were chosen as a model compound. The amended-CPE procedure included two cloud point processes. Triton™ X-114 was used to extract neonicotinoid residues into the surfactant-rich phase and then the analytes were transferred into an alkaline solution with the help of ultrasound energy. The extracts were then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a monolithic column. Several factors influencing the extraction efficiency were studied such as kind and concentration of surfactant, type and content of salts, kind and concentration of back extraction agent, and incubation temperature and time. Enrichment factors (EFs) were found in the range of 20–333 folds. The limits of detection of the studied neonicotinoids were in the range of 0.0003–0.002 µg mL−1 which are below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the European Union (EU). Good repeatability was obtained with relative standard deviations lower than 1.92% and 4.54% for retention time (tR) and peak area, respectively. The developed extraction method was successfully applied for the analysis of water samples. No detectable residues of neonicotinoids in the studied samples were found.
Clinically Applicable Inhibitors Impacting Genome Stability
Authors: Prakash Anu , Garcia-Moreno Juan F. , Brown James A. L. , Bourke Emer
Published: May 2018

Advances in technology have facilitated the molecular profiling (genomic and transcriptomic) of tumours, and has led to improved stratification of patients and the individualisation of treatment regimes. To fully realize the potential of truly personalised treatment options, we need targeted therapies that precisely disrupt the compensatory pathways identified by profiling which allow tumours to survive or gain resistance to treatments. Here, we discuss recent advances in novel therapies that impact the genome (chromosomes and chromatin), pathways targeted and the stage of the pathways targeted. The current state of research will be discussed, with a focus on compounds that have advanced into trials (clinical and pre-clinical). We will discuss inhibitors of specific DNA damage responses and other genome stability pathways, including those in development, which are likely to synergistically combine with current therapeutic options. Tumour profiling data, combined with the knowledge of new treatments that affect the regulation of essential tumour signalling pathways, is revealing fundamental insights into cancer progression and resistance mechanisms. This is the forefront of the next evolution of advanced oncology medicine that will ultimately lead to improved survival and may, one day, result in many cancers becoming chronic conditions, rather than fatal diseases.
Effects of Dietary Intake of Japanese Mushrooms on Visceral Fat Accumulation and Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Shimizu Takamitsu , Mori Koichiro , Ouchi Kenji , Kushida Mamoru , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2018

A lot of Japanese people are generally known for having a healthy diet, and consume a variety of mushrooms daily. Many studies have reported anti-obesity effects of mushrooms, but few have investigated the effects of consuming a variety of edible mushroom types together in realistic quantities. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation with a variety of mushroom types affects visceral fat accumulation and gut microbiota in mice. The most popular mushroom varieties in Japan were lyophilized and mixed according to their local production ratios. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat (HF) diet, HF with 0.5% mushroom mixture (equivalent to 100 g mushrooms/day in humans) or HF with 3% mushroom mixture (equivalent to 600 g mushrooms/day in humans) for 4 weeks. The mice were then sacrificed, and blood samples, tissue samples and feces were collected. Our results show that mushroom intake suppressed visceral fat accumulation and increased the relative abundance of some short chain fatty acid- and lactic acid-producing gut bacteria. These findings suggest that mushroom intake is an effective strategy for obesity prevention.
Translation and Validation of Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire SHALOM in Lithuanian Language, Culture and Health Care Practice
Authors: Riklikiene Olga , Kaseliene Snieguole , Fisher John
Published: May 2018

Awareness of patients’ and healthy people’s spiritual well-being allows for care professionals to support individual spiritual concerns in a timely and appropriate manner, performing a whole-person approach to care. To date, there have been no validated measures of spiritual well-being for use with healthy or illness-affected Lithuanian people. This paper reports the translation and validation procedures of the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire, SHALOM, for its use with Lithuanian people regarding the self-assessment of spiritual health. A convenience sample of 171 hospitalized non-terminally ill oncology patients was interviewed face-to-face during a field-test of a Lithuanian version of SHALOM. Overall scale reliability of the SHALOM-Ideals section was 0.909, with overall scale reliability of the SHALOM-Lived Experience section being 0.888. Culturally relevant translation resulted in very good stability over time with a seven-day break between repeat application (Ideals section: Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.927; Lived Experience section: Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.942). The construct validity of the scale was determined using exploratory factor analysis. The research perspective on spirituality and spiritual well-being in Lithuania indicates the desirability for larger scale quantitative and qualitative studies with different populations applying cross-sectional and cross-cultural comparisons.
Religious Identity and Perceptions of Criminal Justice Effectiveness
Authors: Johnson Lee Michael , Matthews Todd L. , Ayers Elizabeth K.
Published: May 2018

Religiosity and attitudes regarding the criminal justice system have remained largely unstudied to date, despite the centrality of religion as an aspect of one’s identity formation. This study tests the hypothesis that perceptions of the effectiveness of police and the courts vary according to religious identity (affiliation, membership, and self-described religiosity or spirituality). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 342 undergraduate students in introductory social science courses at a mid-sized university in the Southeastern US. Multiple Ordinary Least Squares regression analyses were performed on predictors of two outcome variables: perceived police effectiveness and perceived court effectiveness. Results offer partial support for a religious identity-based explanation of public perceptions of criminal justice system effectiveness. Membership of a local congregation, in general, was associated with higher ratings of police and court effectiveness. In addition, African Americans rated criminal justice effectiveness lower than non-African Americans. Once interactions between race and religious identity were incorporated, race itself became non-significant for both views on court and police effectiveness. However, these results showed that among African Americans, being a congregation member significantly reduced rather than increased ratings of police effectiveness. Religion thus continues to be complex and even paradoxical in shaping perceptions in the US.
Polyimide-Based Capacitive Humidity Sensor
Authors: Boudaden Jamila , Steinmaßl Matthias , Endres Hanns-Erik , Drost Andreas , Eisele Ignaz , Kutter Christoph , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: May 2018

The development of humidity sensors with simple transduction principles attracts considerable interest by both scientific researchers and industrial companies. Capacitive humidity sensors, based on polyimide sensing material with different thickness and surface morphologies, are prepared. The surface morphology of the sensing layer is varied from flat to rough and then to nanostructure called nanograss by using an oxygen plasma etch process. The relative humidity (RH) sensor selectively responds to the presence of water vapor by a capacitance change. The interaction between polyimide and water molecules is studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The complete characterization of the prepared capacitive humidity sensor performance is realized using a gas mixing setup and an evaluation kit. A linear correlation is found between the measured capacitance and the RH level in the range of 5 to 85%. The morphology of the humidity sensing layer is revealed as an important parameter influencing the sensor performance. It is proved that a nanograss-like structure is the most effective for detecting RH, due to its rapid response and recovery times, which are comparable to or even better than the ones of commercial polymer-based sensors. This work demonstrates the readiness of the developed RH sensor technology for industrialization.
Heterogeneous Wireless Networks for Smart Grid Distribution Systems: Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Khalifa Tarek , Abdrabou Atef , Shaban Khaled , Gaouda A. M.
Published: May 2018

Supporting a conventional power grid with advanced communication capabilities is a cornerstone to transferring it to a smart grid. A reliable communication infrastructure with a high throughput can lay the foundation towards the ultimate objective of a fully automated power grid with self-healing capabilities. In order to realize this objective, the communication infrastructure of a power distribution network needs to be extended to cover all substations including medium/low voltage ones. This shall enable information exchange among substations for a variety of system automation purposes with a low latency that suits time critical applications. This paper proposes the integration of two heterogeneous wireless technologies (such as WiFi and cellular 3G/4G) to provide reliable and fast communication among primary and secondary distribution substations. This integration allows the transmission of different data packets (not packet replicas) over two radio interfaces, making these interfaces act like a one data pipe. Thus, the paper investigates the applicability and effectiveness of employing heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) in achieving the desired reliability and timeliness requirements of future smart grids. We study the performance of HWNs in a realistic scenario under different data transfer loads and packet loss ratios. Our findings reveal that HWNs can be a viable data transfer option for smart grids.
An Energy Centric Cluster-Based Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hosen A. , Cho Gi
Published: May 2018

Clustering is an effective way to prolong the lifetime of a wireless sensor network (WSN). The common approach is to elect cluster heads to take routing and controlling duty, and to periodically rotate each cluster head’s role to distribute energy consumption among nodes. However, a significant amount of energy dissipates due to control messages overhead, which results in a shorter network lifetime. This paper proposes an energy-centric cluster-based routing mechanism in WSNs. To begin with, cluster heads are elected based on the higher ranks of the nodes. The rank is defined by residual energy and average distance from the member nodes. With the role of data aggregation and data forwarding, a cluster head acts as a caretaker for cluster-head election in the next round, where the ranks’ information are piggybacked along with the local data sending during intra-cluster communication. This reduces the number of control messages for the cluster-head election as well as the cluster formation in detail. Simulation results show that our proposed protocol saves the energy consumption among nodes and achieves a significant improvement in the network lifetime.