bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescent EuIII and TbIII Complexes Containing Dopamine Neurotransmitter: Biological Interactions, Antioxidant Activity and Cellular‐Imaging Studies
Authors: Singh Khushbu , Goenka Anshika , Ganesh Subramaniam , Patra Ashis K.
Published: July 2018

Two luminescent water‐soluble lanthanide(III) complexes, [Ln(DTPA‐DOPA)(H2O)] (1–2) where Ln = EuIII (1), TbIII (2), formed by reaction with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) carrying the neurotransmitter dopamine with catechol functional groups [i.e., DTPA‐bis(3‐hydroxytyramide)], are characterized and their photophysical properties are studied. Strong characteristic red and green luminescence is observed for 1 and 2 upon photoexcitation, followed by efficient energy transfer from dopamine to LnIII, leading to intraconfigurational f–f transitions. They show distinguishable sharp emission bands due to intraconfigurational 5D0→7FJ transitions in EuIII and 5D4→7FJ transitions in TbIII. They exhibit long excited‐state lifetimes [τ = 0.52 ms (1) and 0.33 ms (2)] and calculated quantum yields, Φoverall, of 0.022 (1) and 0.038 (2). The luminescent complexes are studied for their antioxidant activity, ability to interact with calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), hydrolytic cleavage of pUC19 supercoiled plasmid DNA and as cellular‐imaging probes for both cancer cells and neuroblastoma cells. Both the EuIII and TbIII complexes exhibit potent antioxidant activity. These complexes show moderate binding affinity towards CT‐DNA (Kb ≈ 104 m–1) and BSA (KBSA = 103 m–1). The complexes at 200 µm exhibit good hydrolytic cleavage of supercoiled pUC19 DNA. The non‐cytotoxic nature of these complexes makes them efficient candidates for cellular‐imaging probes. Cytosolic localization is observed for both of the complexes in HeLa cells and mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro‐2a) cells. The present systems, with advantageous antioxidant activity, may have potential application in the tracking and delivery of dopamine, which is important for dopamine replacement therapy in various neurodegenerative disorders.
KOtBu‐Mediated Aza‐Michael Addition of Aromatic Amines or N‐Phenylurea to 3‐Nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes and Sequential Aerobic Dehydrogenation
Authors: Alsharif Meshari A , Khan Danish , Mukhtar Sayeed , Alahmdi Mohammed Issa , Ahmed Naseem
Published: July 2018

A highly efficient KOtBu‐mediated aza‐Michael addition of aromatic amines and/or N‐phenylurea derivatives to 3‐nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes and sequential aerobic dehydrogenation is reported. This method provides a novel protocol for C–N bond formation in 3‐nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes under cost‐effective and operationally convenient conditions. A wide range of 4‐(phenylamino)‐3‐nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes have been synthesized in good‐to‐high yields (68–86 %) at 35–40 °C within 5–10 minutes.
Synthesis of Vinylcyclopropane‐Fused Pyrazolone Derivatives by Sulfur Ylide‐Initiated 1,6‐Michael Addition‐Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Yan‐Qing , Kang Jing‐Wen , Chen Fei‐Yu , He Xi‐Guo , Yuan Shan‐Shan , Guo Li , Peng Cheng , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

A highly diastereoselective cyclopropanation of α,β,γ,δ‐unsaturated pyrazolones has been disclosed. This method allows for construction of a vinylcyclopropane‐fused pyrazolone framework via a 1,6‐addition/substitution sequence providing excellent regio‐ and chemoselectivity, good yields, broad functional group tolerance and gram‐scale capacity. Moreover, the subsequent transformation of derivatives demonstrates great potential in building useful synthetic architectures.
Efficient Synthesis of the Peptide Fragment of the Natural Depsipeptides Jaspamide and Chondramide
Authors: Zarezin Danil P. , Shmatova Olga I. , Kabylda Adil M. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: July 2018

A new method for the synthesis of the tripeptide part of the jaspamide and chondramide alkaloids using a Ugi reaction was developed. The reported approach is considerably shorter than all literature syntheses of the peptide parts of these natural products. A family of peptides with different substituents at the 2‐position of the indole moiety was prepared to open up access to analogues of these natural products.
Seeing the site of treatment improves habitual pain but not cervical joint position sense immediately after manual therapy in chronic neck pain patients
Authors: Beinert K. , Lutz B. , Zieglgänsberger W. , Diers M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Visual analgesia refers to the phenomena where people report decreased pain intensity when they see the painful or painfully stimulated body part. Alongside pain, sensorimotor impairment (i.e., disturbed proprioception) is also evident in chronic pain. This study aims to investigate whether real‐time visual feedback offers additional pain relief and proprioceptive improvement when used in combination with recommended therapies in neck pain patients who received manual therapy with or without real‐time visual feedback.

Methods

A total of 29 neck pain patients were recruited in an outpatient physical therapy practice. Patients were randomly allocated to receive manual therapy of the cervical spine with real‐time visual feedback or to a control group where patients received manual therapy without real‐time visual feedback. Habitual pain intensity, the pressure pain threshold at the zygapophyseal joint of C2–C3 and the superior angle of the scapulae and cervical proprioception were assessed before and immediately after the intervention by a blinded assessor.

Results

A between‐group comparison revealed a significant reduction in habitual pain in the real‐time visual feedback group. No differences were found for the pressure pain threshold or proprioceptive performance.

Conclusions

Real‐time visual feedback combined with manual therapy enhanced the analgesic effect of manual therapy in neck pain patients, but had no positive effect on the pressure pain threshold and cervical joint position sense. The technical demands for integrating real‐time visual feedback into daily practice to reduce habitual pain are low, have low costs and are easy to apply.

Significance

Real‐time visual feedback reduces habitual pain immediately after the intervention. Due to its easy integration, it may be an effective adjunct to recommended interventions (i.e., manual therapy) in patients with neck pain.
Nanopore label‐free detection of single‐nucleotide deletion in Baxα/BaxΔ2
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Wang Liang , Roozbahani Golbarg M , Zhang Youwen , Xiang Jialing , Guan Xiyun
Published: July 2018

Baxα, a key tumor suppressor gene, will not be expressed correctly as a result of single nucleotide mutation in its microsatellite region; Instead, BaxΔ2, an isoform of Baxα, is often produced. In addition, lack of the exon 2 due to an alternative splicing, BaxΔ2 has the same sequence as Baxα except single base deletion from eight continuous guanines (G8) to G7. Most of the currently available methods for Bax∆2 detection are inefficient and time‐consuming, and/or require the use of labels or dyes. In this work, we reported a label‐free nanopore sensing strategy to differentiate between Baxα and BaxΔ2 with a DNA polymer as a molecular probe based on alternative spliced sequences. Two DNA molecules were designed to selectively detect Baxα and BaxΔ2, respectively. The method was rapid, accurate, and highly sensitive: picomolar concentrations of target nucleic acids could be detected in minutes. Our developed simple and fast nanopore‐based detection strategy is not only useful for distinguishing between Baxα and Bax∆2, but also provides a useful tool for detection of other single‐base mutations in genetic diagnosis.
Validation of the SCEC Broadband Platform simulations for tall building risk assessments considering spectral shape and duration of the ground motion
Authors: Bijelić Nenad , Lin Ting , Deierlein Greg G.
Published: July 2018

Earthquake simulation technologies are advancing to the stage of enabling realistic simulations of past earthquakes as well as characterizations of more extreme events, thus holding promise of yielding novel insights and data for earthquake engineering. With the goal of developing confidence in the engineering applications of simulated ground motions, this paper focuses on validation of simulations for response history analysis through comparative assessments of building performance obtained using sets of recorded and simulated motions. Simulated ground motions of past earthquakes, obtained through a larger validation study of the Southern California Earthquake Center Broadband Platform, are used for the case study. Two tall buildings, a 20‐story concrete frame and a 42‐story concrete core wall building, are analyzed under comparable sets of simulated and recorded motions at increasing levels of ground motion intensity, up to structural collapse, to check for statistically significant differences between the responses to simulated and recorded motions. Spectral shape and significant duration are explicitly considered when selecting ground motions. Considered demands include story drift ratios, floor accelerations, and collapse response. These comparisons not only yield similar results in most cases but also reveal instances where certain simulated ground motions can result in biased responses. The source of bias is traced to differences in correlations of spectral values in some of the stochastic ground motion simulations. When the differences in correlations are removed, simulated and recorded motions yield comparable results. This study highlights the utility of physics‐based simulations, and particularly the Southern California Earthquake Center Broadband Platform as a useful tool for engineering applications.
Seismic performance analysis of BRBs and gussets in a full‐scale 2‐story BRB‐RCF specimen
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Yi , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Chen Li‐Wei , Wu An‐Chien
Published: July 2018

The implementation of buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) for new reinforced concrete frame (RCF) constructions is limited. This study investigates the seismic forces and stability in the BRBs and gussets of a 2‐story full‐scale RCF specimen by using Abaqus models and a newly proposed stability evaluation method. The hybrid and cyclic loading test results are accurately predicted by the Abaqus analyses. Existing methods for computing the gusset interface forces for steel buildings from both the brace and the frame actions are compared with the Abaqus results. The applicability of these methods for the BRB‐RCF design is critically evaluated. It is confirmed that the Parallel‐2 method is suitable for estimating the BRB force demand imposed on the corner gusset and the generalized uniform force method is good for the corner gusset at the base. In addition, existing stability evaluation methods for BRBs and gussets are applied to investigate the out‐of‐plane (OOP) buckling of the first‐story BRB observed at the end of tests. The proposed stability model incorporates the BRB restrainer's flexural effects and 4 rotational springs in assessing the BRB's buckling. This model confirms that the BRB and the gusset's OOP buckling limit states could be coupled and must be evaluated together. By incorporating the flexural effects of the steel casing and the infilled grout, the proposed model satisfactorily predicts the OOP buckling of the first‐story BRB and gussets. These research results can be used for the implementation of BRBs in new RC frame constructions.
Conclusion: Lessons About Indigenous Evaluation
Authors: Cram Fiona
Published: July 2018

This last chapter draws together the key lessons from chapter authors for strengthening Indigenous evaluation (IE). These lessons are about evaluators acknowledging Indigenous sovereignty and building genuine relationships with Indigenous peoples. They are about the development of mutual respect between evaluators and Indigenous peoples and evaluators’ commitment to evaluation collaborations in Indigenous contexts, including the commitment to sharing knowledge and strengthening Indigenous evaluation capacity. From this foundation, evaluators might then represent Indigenous peoples well and produce evaluations that serve a larger decolonization agenda that is essential for the sustainability, resilience, vitality, and very existence of Indigenous peoples.
The Strength of Indigenous Australian Evaluators and Indigenous Evaluation: A Snapshot of “Ways of Knowing and Doing” Reflecting on the 2014 Darwin Conference of the Australasian Evaluation Society
Authors: Grey Kim , Yamaguchi Jessica , Williams Emma , Davis Vanessa , Foster Denise , Gibson Jack , Dunnett Desleigh
Published: July 2018

The strong presence of Indigenous Australians at the 2014 Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) conference highlights expansion in the ways Indigenous people are working as evaluation practitioners and collaborating in evaluation. This may reflect changing practice, moving from the involvement of Indigenous Australians solely as the users of programs to their more diverse and active engagement in the conduct of evaluations. However, it is not clear how far this shift extends to Indigenous‐led shaping of evaluation questions or framing the interpretation of findings. In this chapter, Indigenous Australian coauthors who are practicing evaluators explore dimensions of Indigenous participation. Themes covering knowledge and engagement processes and principles emerged from the conference, demonstrating how “ways of knowing and doing” make Indigenous evaluation much more than about method. The concept of an “adaptive shared space” is presented as a venue for growing respectful collaboration. Developing deliberative learning among Indigenous and non‐indigenous people, commissioners, and practitioners, offers a way to bring deeper meaning to evaluation practice.
Relationship between source rock development and petroleum accumulation in the Erlian Basin, northern China
Authors: Ding Xiujian , Liu Guangdi , Imin Ablimit , Rexit Madiniyat , Gao Changhai , Jiang Hang
Published: July 2018

The Wuli and Saihan sags in the Erlian Basin, the most petroliferous basin in northern China, were analysed with bulk geochemical analysis, carbon isotopic composition, microthermometry of fluid inclusions, and basin modelling to characterize the organic matter abundance and composition, to construct source rock development models, and to reveal the relationship between source rock development and hydrocarbon accumulation. The samples display wide variations in total organic carbon content and Rock‐Eval indices, suggesting heterogeneity of organic matter richness and type. The Wuli Sag has oxic depositional environment, high productivity, and high total organic carbon content; the effective oil source rocks are mainly distributed in the deep sag where the productivity is high; and there is plenty of organic matter left and preserved after degradation. In the Saihan Sag, there is a small amount of organic matter deposited because of low productivity; the effective oil source rocks are mainly distributed in the slope by the deep sag where the reducing degree is the strongest. The source rock development models controlled the geochemical characteristics and distribution of source rocks, which are the keys to hydrocarbon potential and accumulation. The oil of Wuli Sag is mainly distributed in the deep sag, whereas the oil of Saihan Sag is mainly distributed in the slope by deep sag, which is in agreement with the previously effective oil source rocks distribution. In the strong division sags, the region where source rock distributed is beneficial to hydrocarbon accumulation. The conclusions may have important implications for petroleum exploration in other small lacustrine depositional systems.
Why do the public support or oppose obesity prevention regulations? Results from a South Australian population survey
Authors: Farrell Lucy C. , Moore Vivienne M. , Warin Megan J. , Street Jackie M.
Published: July 2018

Issue addressed

Australian policymakers have acknowledged that implementing obesity prevention regulations is likely to be facilitated or hindered by public opinion. Accordingly, we investigated public views about possible regulations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of 2732 persons, designed to be representative of South Australians aged 15 years and over. Questions examined views about four obesity prevention regulations (mandatory front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling for packaged foods; zoning restrictions to prohibit fast food outlets near schools; taxes on unhealthy high fat foods; and taxes on sugar‐sweetened beverages). Levels of support (Likert scale) for each intervention and reasons for support/opposition were ascertained.

Results

Views about the regulations were mixed: support was highest for mandatory nutrition labelling (90%) and lowest for taxes (40%‐42%). High levels of support for labelling were generally underpinned by a belief that this regulation would educate “Other” people about nutrition. Lower levels of support for zoning restrictions and taxes were associated with concerns about government overreach and the questionable effectiveness of these regulations in changing behaviours. Levels of support for each regulation, and reasons for support or opposition, differed by gender and socio‐economic status.

Conclusion

Socio‐demographic differences in support appeared to reflect gendered responsibilities for food provision and concerns about the material constraints of socio‐economic deprivation. Engagement with target populations may offer insights to optimise the acceptability of regulations and minimise unintended social consequences.

So what?

Resistance to regulations amongst socio‐economically disadvantaged target populations warrants attention from public health advocates. Failure to accommodate concerns identified may further marginalise these groups.
Projections of urban climate in the 2050s in a fast‐growing city in Southeast Asia: The greater Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area, Vietnam
Authors: Doan Van Q. , Kusaka Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Future urban climates will be influenced by both global climate change and localized urbanization, especially in fast‐growing cities. This study provides regional climate projections for the 2050s for greater Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, a fast‐growing megacity in Southeast Asia. These projections are generated through dynamical downscaling of three different Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate models driven with two different representative concentration pathway (RCP) emission scenarios. Furthermore, this study numerically evaluates the impacts of future urbanization and global climate change on the thermal environment of this city. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to produce these projections, having first been updated with current and future (master plan‐based) land use data with a horizontal resolution of 1 km. The results show that, in rural areas, the spatially averaged monthly mean air temperature in April is projected to increase by 1.2 and 1.7 °C by the 2050s under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. In newly urbanized areas, an additional warming of 0.5 °C is expected under both scenarios, which corresponds to 20–30% of the global warming. In particular, the additional warming due to urbanization can exceed 0.8 °C at night. The impact of future urbanization (0.5 °C) is comparable to the difference in the temperature increases achieved under the different RCP scenarios. Thus, this impact should be considered in studies of the future urban climates of fast‐growing cities in developing countries.
Clinically Practical Approach for Screening of Low Muscularity Using Electronic Linear Measures on Computed Tomography Images in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Avrutin Egor , Moisey Lesley L. , Zhang Roselyn , Khattab Jenna , Todd Emma , Premji Tahira , Kozar Rosemary , Heyland Daren K. , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: July 2018

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scans performed during routine hospital care offer the opportunity to quantify skeletal muscle and predict mortality and morbidity in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Existing methods of muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) quantification require specialized software, training, and time commitment that may not be feasible in a clinical setting. In this article, we explore a new screening method to identify patients with low muscle mass.

Methods

We analyzed 145 scans of elderly ICU patients (≥65 years old) using a combination of measures obtained with a digital ruler, commonly found on hospital radiological software. The psoas and paraspinal muscle groups at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) were evaluated by using 2 linear measures each and compared with an established method of CT image analysis of total muscle CSA in the L3 region.

Results

There was a strong association between linear measures of psoas and paraspinal muscle groups and total L3 muscle CSA (R2 = 0.745, P < 0.001). Linear measures, age, and sex were included as covariates in a multiple logistic regression to predict those with low muscle mass; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of the combined psoas and paraspinal linear index model was 0.920. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate intrarater and interrater reliability, resulting in scores of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.940–0.992) and 0.937 (95% CI: 0.828–0.978), respectively.

Conclusions

A digital ruler can reliably predict L3 muscle CSA, and these linear measures may be used to identify critically ill patients with low muscularity who are at risk for worse clinical outcomes.
The salivary microbiome of diabetic and non‐diabetic adults with periodontal disease
Authors: Sabharwal Amarpreet , Ganley Kevin , Miecznikowski Jeffrey C. , Haase Elaine M. , Barnes Virginia , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: July 2018

Background

A comparison of the salivary microbiome of non‐diabetic and diabetic cohorts having periodontal health, gingivitis and periodontitis could reveal microbial signatures unique to each group that will increase understanding of the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of disease, and assist with diagnosis and risk assessment for both periodontal disease and diabetes.

Methods

A group of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was compared with a group without T2D. For both the diabetic and non‐diabetic cohorts, three subgroups were established: periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Salivary DNA was extracted (n = 146), polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify 16S rRNA hypervariable region V3‐V4, and constructed libraries were sequenced and subjected to bioinformatic and statistical analyses.

Results

Microbiome analysis resulted in 88 different genus level operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for differential abundance testing. Results were largely described by two trends. Trend 1 showed OTUs that increased in abundance with increasing periodontal disease, and in diabetics relative to non‐diabetics. Trend 1 OTUs comprised a mix of primarily anaerobic commensals and potential periodontopathogens. Trend 2 was driven primarily by genera that decreased in abundance in those with diabetes relative to those without diabetes, which included other anaerobes associated with periodontal disease. Overall, oral microbial diversity decreased in diabetics and increased with progression of periodontal disease compared with periodontally healthy controls.

Conclusion

Although select microbiota increased in both diabetes and periodontal disease progression, these genera decreased in co‐existing diabetes and periodontal disease. These findings suggest that the genera abundance continues to change with additional stress imposed by co‐existing conditions.
Effects of biochar application on soil potassium dynamics and crop uptake
Authors: Wang Li , Xue Cheng , Nie Xinxing , Liu Yi , Chen Fang
Published: July 2018

Biochar has been suggested as a possible means for enhancing soil fertility, including soil potassium (K). However, understanding of the effects of biochar on soil K dynamics remains limited. In this study, a pot trial was conducted to investigate the influence of biochar application (0, 5, 10, and 25 g kg−1soil) on soil K dynamics and crop K uptake under a winter wheat–maize rotation in two types of soil (an Alfisol, which contained a high initial available K and an Entisol, which contained a high abundance of 2 : 1 K‐bearing minerals). Changes in soil K in various forms following biochar application and cropping were determined, and their contributions to plant K uptake were evaluated. Soil microbial activity, especially the development of K‐dissolving bacteria (KDB), was evaluated to obtain insights into its effects on the weathering of K‐bearing minerals in the soils. During the wheat growth period, crop K uptake was more enhanced (13.6–40.5% higher) in the Alfisol than in the Entisol due to the higher availability of water‐soluble and exchangeable K, while K fixation occurred in the Entisol because of the higher content of 2 : 1 K‐bearing minerals. During the maize period, crop K uptake was generally higher in the Entisol soil due to the release of non‐exchangeable K. In addition, biochar application enhanced the growth of KDB in both soils, which was associated with changes in soil pH and water‐soluble K. However, improved mineral K release was observed only in the Entisol. It is concluded that biochar application could be a feasible soil amendment to improve soil K availability, but crop K uptake responses may vary depending on soil types. Soils abundant in 2 : 1 K‐bearing minerals tend to prolong biochar effects on crop K uptake. Biochar application enhanced the growth of KDB, which may facilitate mineral K weathering in soils with abundant K‐bearing minerals.
Hyper‐spectral Raman imaging correlating chemical substitution and crystallinity in biogenic hydroxyapatite: Dentin and enamel in normal and hypoplastic human teeth
Authors: Wang Ping , Anderson Evan J.D. , Muller Eric A. , Gao Fuhua , Zhong Yisi , Raschke Markus B.
Published: July 2018

Micro‐Raman imaging and spectroscopy has become an established technique for the characterization of biogenic hydroxyapatite as, for example, the primary constituent of human teeth. However, few studies have yet gone beyond a qualitative analysis of the Raman response providing only limited insight into spatial heterogeneity of composition, structure, and degree of crystallinity. Here, we show how correlative electron microprobe and extended hyperspectral Raman imaging with high spatial and spectral resolution, with peak position and linewidth analysis, and from the μm to mm scale, provides insight into structural characteristics in dentin and enamel. From comparison of healthy and hypoplastic teeth as a representative tooth disease example, we determine variations in degree of crystallinity, both locally across the dentin–enamel junction, and with distinct long‐range spatial variations. We identify a correlation of spectral peak position and linewidth as a measure of crystal lattice disorder across tubules, dentin, dentin–enamel junction, and enamel. This correlative Raman imaging and analysis approach may help to provide a better understanding of apatite geochemistry and biomineralization.
Cover Image, Volume 98, Issue 11
Authors: Duffy Ciara , O'Riordan Dolores , O'Sullivan Michael , Jacquier Jean‐Christophe
Published: July 2018

The cover image, by Ciara Duffy et al., is based on the Research Article In vitro evaluation of chitosan copper chelate gels as a multimicronutrient feed additive for cattle, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8939.

image
A sensitive, high‐throughput, and eco‐friendly analysis of daidzein and its valine carbamate prodrug in rat plasma by supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yingchao , Zhang Xingxing , Bai Xiaochen , Li Xiaoting , Jiang Qikun , Zhang Tianhong
Published: July 2018

A valine carbamate prodrug of daidzein was synthesized to improve its bioavailability because of the poor solubility and low permeability of daidzein. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior of the prodrug, a sensitive and high‐throughput method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of daidzein and its prodrug in rat plasma. The samples were extracted by ethyl acetate and then analyzed by a supercritical fluid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method. The separation was achieved by an ACQUITY UPC2™ BEH 2‐EP column maintained at 40°C using carbon dioxide (≥99.99%) and methanol within 3.0 min by gradient elution. The mass transition ion pairs were m/z 254.8→136.7, 398.0→254.9, and 271.0→91.07 for daidzein, the prodrug, and genistein, respectively. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 2–500 (r > 0.997) and 10.0–5000.0 ng/mL (r > 0.996) with lower limits of quantification of 2 and 10 ng/mL for daidzein and the prodrug, respectively. The intra‐ and interday accuracy and precision were within ±15% for all quality control samples. This developed method enabled high specificity, low cost, low solvent consumption, and a brief analysis time and was successfully applied to a bioavailability evaluation of daidzein and its carbamate prodrug.
Influence of acid hydrolysis, saponification and sample clean‐up on the measurement of phytosterols in dairy cattle feed using GC–MS and GC with flame ionization detection
Authors: Duong Samantha , Strobel Norbert , Buddhadasa Saman , Stockham Katherine , Auldist Martin J. , Wales William J. , Moate Peter J. , Orbell John D. , Cran Marlene J.
Published: July 2018

The fortification of processed foods including dairy products is increasingly commonplace with phytosterols among many compounds used to improve the nutritional value of food products. It is also increasingly common practice for some dairy cattle feeds to be fortified for their potential to increase phytosterol levels in milk. In this study, a combined, streamlined protocol using acid hydrolysis, saponification and sample clean‐up was developed to enable the rapid and reliable measurement of phytosterols. The method was developed with focus on streamlining the overall technique to make it suitable for commercial laboratories, to reduce labor and consumable costs, while maintaining accuracy. A total of 12 different feed types commonly used in the dairy industry were analyzed with the highest and lowest sterol contents found in cotton seed oil and tannin with average phytosterol contents of 256 and <30 mg per 100 g, respectively. With a limit of reporting of 30 mg/kg for individual sterols and a correlation coefficient > 0.99, the method was validated for milk to enable feed comparison studies with respect to the total phytosterol content in raw milk.
The sensory perception item set (SPI): An exploratory effort to develop a holistic scale for sensory marketing
Authors: Haase Janina , Wiedmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: July 2018

Sensory marketing is increasingly gaining importance as a promising approach to effectively appeal to consumers. To predict and monitor the success of sensory marketing activities, it is necessary to assess consumers’ perception of sensory cues. For this purpose, the authors present an exploratory effort to develop a holistic scale to measure consumers’ sensory perception along the five dimensions of visual, acoustic, haptic, olfactory, and gustatory perception—the sensory perception item set (SPI). The SPI consists of 20 adjectives (four per sense) and is the first measurement tool that includes, and thus enables a consistent measurement with regard to, all five senses. In addition, the SPI is simple to employ and is applicable to diverse products and industries. Based on three studies, the authors provide evidence of the reliability and validity of the SPI. Further, the results show that the SPI is significantly correlated with three essential marketing‐related outcome variables (attitude, word‐of‐mouth recommendation, and buying intention). Consequently, this paper presents an approach that marketing managers may employ to better understand the consumer and, hence, to receive valuable information for product design or brand communication.
Heparin‐Mimicking Sulfonated Polymer Nanoparticles via RAFT Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Gurnani Pratik , Bray Caroline P. , Richardson Robert A. E. , Peltier Raoul , Perrier Sébastien
Published: July 2018

Heparin plays a significant role in wound healing and tissue regeneration applications, through stabilization of fibroblast growth factors (FGF). Risks associated with batch‐to‐batch variability and contamination from its biological sources have led to the development of synthetic, highly sulfonated polymers as promising heparin mimics. In this work, a systematic study of an aqueous polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) of styrene from poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sodium sulfonate) (P(AMPS)) macro reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (macro‐RAFT) agents produced a variety of spherical heparin‐mimicking nanoparticles, which were further characterized with light scattering and electron microscopy techniques. None of the nanoparticles tested showed toxicity against mammalian cells; however, significant hemolytic activity was observed. Nonetheless, the heparin‐mimicking nanoparticles outperformed both heparin and linear P(AMPS) in cellular proliferation assays, suggesting increased bFGF stabilization efficiencies, possibly due to the high density of sulfonated moieties at the particle surface.
Constitutive Activation of the Nutrient Sensor mTORC1 in Myeloid Cells Induced by Tsc1 Deletion Protects Mice from Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Paschoal Vivian A. , Belchior Thiago , Amano Mariane T. , Burgos‐Silva Marina , Peixoto Albert S. , Magdalon Juliana , Vieira Thayna S. , Andrade Maynara L. , Moreno Mayara F. , Chimin Patricia , Câmara Niels O. , Festuccia William T.
Published: July 2018

Scope

To test whether myeloid cells Tsc1 deletion and therefore constitutive activation of the nutrient sensor mTORC1 protects from high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation.

Methods and results

Mice with Tsc1 deletion in myeloid cells (MTsc1KO) and littermate controls (MTsc1WT) were fed with HFD for 8 weeks and evaluated for body weight, glucose homeostasis, and adipose tissue inflammation. MTsc1KO mice were protected from HFD‐induced obesity and glucose intolerance. MTsc1KO, however, displayed, independently of the diet, abnormal behavior, episodes of intense movement, and muscle spasms followed by temporary paralysis. To investigate whether obesity protection was due to myeloid cells Tsc1 deletion, bone marrow was transplanted from MTsc1WT and MTsc1KO into irradiated C57BL6/J mice. Mice transplanted with MTsc1KO bone marrow displayed reduced body weight gain, adiposity, and inflammation, and enhanced energy expenditure, glucose tolerance and adipose tissue M2 macrophage content upon HFD feeding, in the absence of abnormal behavior. In vitro, Tsc1 deletion increased in a mTORC1‐dependent manner macrophage polarization to M2 profile and mRNA levels of fatty acid binding protein 4 and PPARγ.

Conclusion

Constitutive mTORC1 activation in myeloid cells protects mice from HFD‐induced obesity, adipose tissue inflammation, and glucose intolerance by promoting macrophage polarization to M2 pro‐resolution profile and increasing energy expenditure.
The Asymptotic Expansion Load Decomposition elastoplastic beam model
Authors: Corre Grégoire , Lebée Arthur , Sab Karam , Ferradi Mohammed Khalil , Cespedes Xavier
Published: July 2018

A new higher‐order elastoplastic beam model is derived and implemented in this paper. The reduced kinematic approximation is based on a higher‐order elastic beam model using the asymptotic expansion method. This model introduces new degrees of freedom associated to arbitrary loads as well as eigenstrains applied to the beam. In order to capture the effect of plasticity on the structure, the present elastoplastic model considers the plastic strain as an eigenstrain imposed on the structure, and new degrees of freedom are added on the fly into the kinematics during the incremental‐iterative process. The radial return algorithm of J2 plastic flow is used. Because of the constant evolution of beam kinematics, the Newton‐Raphson algorithm for satisfying the global equilibrium is modified. An application to a cantilever beam loaded at its free extremity is presented and compared to a three‐dimensional reference solution. The beam model shows satisfying results even at a local scale and for a significantly reduced computation time.
Solving chance constrained optimal control problems in aerospace via kernel density estimation
Authors: Caillau J.‐B. , Cerf M. , Sassi A. , Trélat E. , Zidani H.
Published: July 2018

The goal of this paper is to show how nonparametric statistics can be used to solve some chance constrained optimization and optimal control problems. We use the kernel density estimation method to approximate the probability density function of a random variable with unknown distribution from a relatively small sample. We then show how this technique can be applied and implemented for a class of problems including the Goddard problem and the trajectory optimization of an Ariane five‐like launcher.
Thermoplastic starch and glutaraldehyde modified thermoplastic starch foams prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide fluid as a blowing agent
Authors: Peng Jia‐li , Peng Xuan‐long , Runt James , Huang Chao‐ming , Huang Kuo‐shien , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: July 2018

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) processed thermoplastic starch (scCO2aTPS), cellulose nanofiber (CNF) modified scCO2aTPS (scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02) and glutaraldehyde (GA) modified scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02 (scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02GAx) foams were prepared for the first time using scCO2 as a blowing agent during their foaming processes. The expansion ratio, cell density, moisture resistance, and compressive strength (σc) retention properties of each foam series were considerably improved with increasing scCO2 pressure during the foaming processes. The expansion ratios and cell densities of each scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02GAx foam series were increased considerably to a maximum value, as the GA content approached an optimum value. The optimal scCO211TPS100CNF0.02GA1.6 foam material exhibited a high expansion ratio and cell density at approximately 50 and approximately 8 × 108 cells/cm3, respectively. Compared with corresponding aged scCO2aTPS and scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02 foam specimens, considerably better moisture resistance and σc retention properties were observed for scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02GAx foam specimens, when they were modified with the corresponding optimum GA content. The moisture resistance and σc retention for optimal prepared scCO27TPS100CNF0.02GA0.4, scCO29TPS100CNF0.02GA0.8 and scCO211TPS100CNF0.02GA1.6 foam materials improved further with increasing scCO2 pressure. Possible reasons accounting for the highly expansion ratio, moisture resistance, and σc retention properties for scCO2aTPS100CNF0.02GAx foams are presented.
Sulfonated poly (styrene‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) with attractive ion exchange capacity
Authors: Theodoro Thiago R. , Dias Joslaine R. , Penariol Júlia L. , Moura Juliana O.V. , Aguiar Leandro G.
Published: July 2018

Sulfonated resins are applied as catalysts in different reactions such as esterification, etherification, and transesterification. Poly (styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) particles are the most used material for this kind of application. However, the development of copolymer resins with a longer crosslinker and more flexible chains could improve diffusion, mechanical, and chemical properties allowing the development of customized materials. In the present study, the use of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, as crosslinker, was assessed in order to find optimal conditions to produce particles with high ion exchange capacity. The experimental study provided sulfonated styrene‐co‐(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) with ion exchange capacities up to 5.98 meq/g. The present formulations provided resins with similar properties when compared with ion exchange capacity of commercially available products, such as Amberlyst® and Lewatit® resins. Furthermore, the present sulfonation process is energetically attractive because the reactions can be carried out at relatively low temperatures (approximately 58°C) and less reagent amounts in comparison with well‐known synthesis processes.
An overview of internationalization and its relevance for school and educational psychology
Authors: Begeny John C.
Published: July 2018

This paper serves as the introductory article for the special issue titled, Internationalization in School and Educational Psychology. The paper begins with a summary of the existing literature about internationalization and describes how there are both similarities and differences in the many proposed descriptions and definitions of internationalization. Possible reasons for advancing internationalization within psychology are described next, including those that are applicable for the subdiscipline of school and educational psychology. The paper also describes the scope of this special issue, why it may be timely for the subdiscipline, and its overall goals (i.e., to promote increased understanding and discussion about internationalization, particularly in the context of school and educational psychology).
Stereoselectivity in a series of 7‐alkylbicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐enes: Experimental and computational perspectives
Authors: Leber Phyllis , Kidder Katherine , Viray Don , Dietrich‐Peterson Eric , Fang Yuan , Davis Alexander
Published: July 2018

Rate constants for overall decomposition (kd) for a series of exo‐7‐alkylbicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐enes are relatively invariant. For the alkyl substituents ethyl, propyl, butyl, isopropyl, and t‐butyl, the ratio of the rate constant for [1,3] sigmatropic rearrangement to the rate constant for fragmentation, k13/kf, is significantly lower than k13/kf = 150 observed for exo‐7‐methylbicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐ene. Regardless of the size and mass of the alkyl group, the stereoselectivity of the [1,3] carbon migration appears to be quite stable at 80% to 89% suprafacial inversion (si), an observation consistent with conservation of angular momentum but not conservation of orbital symmetry. This global result comports with the phenomenon of “dynamic matching” espoused by Carpenter and collaborators for [1,3] sigmatropic rearrangements in general.
Processing optimization: A way to improve the ionic conductivity and dielectric loss of electroactive polymers
Authors: Pedroli Francesco , Marrani Alessio , Le Minh‐Quyen , Froidefond Cédric , Cottinet Pierre‐Jean , Capsal Jean‐Fabien
Published: July 2018

Electro‐active polymers (EAPs) such as P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE) are greatly promising in the field of flexible sensors and actuators, but their low dielectric strength driven by ionic conductivity is a main concern for achieving high electrostrictive performance. It is well known that there is a quadratic dependence of the strain response and mechanical energy density on the applied electric field. This dependence highlights the importance of improving the electrical breakdown EAPs while reducing the dielectric losses. This article demonstrates that it is possible to dramatically increase the electrical breakdown and decrease the dielectric losses by controlling processing parameters of the polymer synthesis and fabrication procedure. As a result, an enhancement of around 70% is achieved in both the strain and blocking force. The effects on the dielectric losses of the polymer crystallinity, molecular weight, solvent purity, and crystallization temperature are also investigated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1164–1173
Scanning Pyroelectric Microscopy of Subsurface Dielectric Failures
Authors: Zou Jian , Zeng Huarong , Li Feng , Wu Wanghua , Zhao Kunyu , Liu Zhifu , Li Yongxiang , Li Guorong
Published: July 2018

Dielectric breakdown is a very important factor determining the reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors, and its microscopy imaging is still a pending work so far. Here, a high resolution scanning pyroelectric microscopy (SPeM) is developed for direct imaging dielectric failure behavior of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) due to the combination of pyroelectric effect and scanning thermal microscopy. Subsurface dielectric‐breakdown regions along the depth profile inside BaTiO3 capacitors are successfully visualized by measuring 2ω‐pyroelectric current via the frequency modulated SPeM. It provides a new approach for exploring subsurface dielectric breakdown microstructures, and for further understanding the underlying physical phenomena inside the MLCCs.
Induction of NAD (P)H: Quinone reductase 1 (QR1) and antioxidant activities in vitro of ‘Toranja Burarama’ (Citrus maxima [Burm.] Merr.)
Authors: da Silva Elysiane S. , Oliveira Bruno G. , Pereira Ana Claudia H. , Pimentel Elisângela F. , Pezzuto John M. , Lenz Dominik , Kondratyuk Tamara P. , Andrade Tadeu U. , Fronza Marcio , Scherer Rodrigo , Maia June F. , Romão Wanderson , Alves Flávio de L. , Ventura José A. , Endringer Denise C.
Published: July 2018

Toranja ‘Burarama’, Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Citrus grandis), is a new citrus discovered in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. As several varieties of citrus are known to possess antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive properties, the aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro if this Toranja possess these properties. The antioxidant activity, the potential to induce quinone reductase 1, and the influence on cell viability were measured. ESI(‐)FT‐ICR MS analysis was also performed and identified flavonoids, coumarins, and fatty acids in the extract. The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of the peels presented the highest antioxidant activity in vitro by DPPH (IC50 = 298.3 ± 2.6 μg/ml and 303.8 ± 0.4 μg/ml), ABTS assay (IC50 = 298.2 ± 6.4 μg/ml and 296.4 ± 2.5 μg/ml), and FRAP (IC50 = 234.6 ± 1.8 μg/ml and 398.1 ± 3.8 μg/ml). The ethyl acetate extract of the peel induced quinone reductase 1 activity in Hepa1c1c7 cells, indicating that C. maxima exhibited cancer chemopreventive properties.
Nitric oxide plays a pivotal role in cardioprotection induced by pomegranate juice against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Kazemirad Hamideh , Kazerani Hamid Reza
Published: July 2018

Pomegranate juice (Pg) has demonstrated cardiovascular beneficial effects. The current research intends to investigate the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidants in Pg‐induced cardioprotection against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Isolated hearts from anesthetized rats were subjected to 30‐min global ischemia followed by 120‐min reperfusion. The hearts in the test groups were treated with Pg, NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) or both throughout the experiment. In Pg group, left ventricular developed pressure, rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (dp/dt max), and rate pressure product were 83%, 55%, and 127%, respectively, higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The infarct size declined to less than 40% (p < 0.0001), and biomarkers of myocardial damage including creatine kinase‐MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and troponin‐I, showed significant reductions (59%, 36%, and 94%, respectively) compared with the control. Furthermore, the indices of oxidative status including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde showed significant improvement (2.4, 1.7, 1.9, and 2.4 fold, respectively). Most of these effects were mainly blocked by L‐NAME. These results suggest potent cardioprotective effects for Pg against myocardial I/R injury. The current results suggest a key role for NO for this cardioprotection; however, other mechanisms seem to be also involved.
Neoliberal Capitalism and Racism in College Athletics: Critical Approaches for Supporting Student‐Athletes
Authors: Gayles Joy Gaston , Comeaux Eddie , Ofoegbu Ezinne , Grummert Sara
Published: July 2018

This chapter highlights issues of racism and neoliberal capitalism that exist within the market‐like structure of intercollegiate athletics on college campuses, as well as some of the consequences for student‐athletes. We discuss the importance of using critical frameworks to better understand and shift the culture and structure of athletic programs to be more inclusive and supportive of the needs and interests of college athletes.