bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric oxygen affects endothelial progenitor cells proliferation in vitro
Authors: Benincasa Julia C. , de Freitas Filho Luiz H. , Carneiro Giane D. , Sielski Micheli S. , Giorgio Selma , Werneck Claudio C. , Vicente Cristina P.
Published: October 2018

Hyperbaric oxygen is a clinical treatment that contributes to wound healing by increasing fibroblasts proliferation, collagen synthesis, and production of growth factors, inducing angiogenesis and inhibiting antimicrobial activity. It also has been shown that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO), through the activation of nitric oxide synthase promotes an increase in the nitric oxide levels that may improve endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) mobilization from bone marrow to the peripheral blood and stimulates the vessel healing process. However, cellular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and activation of EPC after HBO treatment remain unknown. Therefore, the present work aimed to analyze the effect of HBO on the proliferation of pre‐treated bone marrow‐derived EPC with TNF‐alpha. Also, we investigated the expression of ICAM and eNOS by immunochemistry, the production of reactive species of oxygen and performed an in vitro wound healing. Although 1h of HBO treatment did not alter the rate of in vitro wound closure or cell proliferation, it increased eNOS expression and decreased ICAM expression and reactive oxygen species production in cells pre‐treated with TNF‐alpha. These results indicate that HBO can decrease the inflammatory response in endothelial cells mediated by TNF‐alpha, and thus, promote vascular recovery after injury.
A case of prolonged generalized exanthematous pustulosis caused by hydroxychloroquine—Literature review
Authors: Mohaghegh Fatemeh , Jelvan Minoo , Rajabi Parvin
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a self‐limited drug reaction. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an uncommon cause of AGEP with a prolonged recovery course; Thus, the physicians should take the possibility of this rare but severe event in their minds and try to diagnose correctly and better management.
Fluorescent light energy: Treating rosacea subtypes 1, 2, and 3
Authors: Sannino Mario , Lodi Giuseppe , Dethlefsen Markus Wied , Nisticò Steven Paul , Cannarozzo Giovanni , Nielsen Michael Canova Engelbrecht
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Kleresca® biophotonic platform utilizing fluorescent light energy effectively decreased the inflammatory and erythematous reaction common in rosacea subtypes 1, 2, and 3. Kleresca® may be considered as a single treatment for rosacea, targeting multiple features, or combined with invasive methods for an enhanced normalizing and healing profile of the skin.
Treatment of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the jaw with denosumab shows remarkable results—A report of two cases
Authors: Hallmer Fredrik , Korduner Mikael , Møystad Anne , Bjørnland Tore
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Denosumab may play a central role in the treatment of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible. This report describes two patients who had been treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics and steroids for several years. After denosumab treatment, both patients became pain‐free and the radiological examination showed less severe osteomyelitis.
Differentiating Molecular and Solid‐State Vanadium Oxides as Active Materials in Battery Electrodes
Authors: Anjass Montaha H. , Deisböck Max , Greiner Simon , Fichtner Maximilian , Streb Carsten
Published: October 2018

Molecular vanadium oxides – polyoxovanadates (POVs) – have recently received widespread interest as new, high performance active materials in lithium ion and sodium ion battery electrodes. This is due to their low molecular weight and their high redox activity. However, little attention has been paid to the structural and chemical stability of the POVs under typical electrode fabrication processes. Here, we report how molecular polyoxovanadates can be differentiated from solid‐state vanadium oxides as active materials in battery electrodes using combined spectroscopic, X‐ray diffraction and element‐analytical data. Our study highlights that novel electrode fabrication processes are required as prototype POVs are not stable under classical fabrication conditions. We explore POV degradation pathways and show how thermal POV conversion leads to the formation of layered solid‐state lithium vanadium oxide phases. A facile protocol is presented to detect and prevent POV degradation. In future, this will enable energy materials science to unambiguously identify and use molecular or solid‐state vanadium oxides as next‐generation active materials in lithium or post‐lithium battery electrodes.
Newly Synthesized Lipid–Porphyrin Conjugates: Evaluation of Their Self‐Assembling Properties, Their Miscibility with Phospholipids and Their Photodynamic Activity In Vitro
Authors: Massiot Julien , Rosilio Véronique , Ibrahim Nada , Yamamoto Akihisa , Nicolas Valérie , Konovalov Oleg , Tanaka Motomu , Makky Ali
Published: October 2018

Lipid–porphyrin conjugates are considered nowadays as promising building blocks for the conception of supramolecular structures with multifunctional properties, required for efficient cancer therapy by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The synthesis of two new lipid–porphyrin conjugates coupling pheophorbide‐a (Pheo‐a), a photosensitizer derived from chlorophyll‐a, to either chemically modified lyso‐phosphatidylcholine (PhLPC) or egg lyso‐sphingomyelin (PhLSM) is reported. The impact of the lipid backbone of these conjugates on their self‐assembling properties, as well as on their physicochemical properties, including interfacial behavior at the air/buffer interface, fluorescence and absorption properties, thermotropic behavior, and incorporation rate in the membrane of liposomes were studied. Finally, their photodynamic activity was evaluated on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and normal esophageal squamous epithelium cell lines. The liposome‐like vesicles resulting from self‐assembly of the pure conjugates were unstable and turned into aggregates with undefined structure within few days. However, both lipid–porphyrin conjugates could be efficiently incorporated in lipid vesicles, with higher loading rates than unconjugated Pheo‐a. Interestingly, phototoxicity tests of free and liposome‐incorporated lipid–porphyrin conjugates demonstrated a better selectivity in vitro to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma relative to normal cells.
Comminution Technology in Times of SOPs and Apps
Authors: Mütze Thomas
Published: October 2018

Auf der diesjährigen ACHEMA in Frankfurt waren 48 Anbieter von Zerkleinerungstechnik vertreten, was wiederum einen leichten Rückgang im Vergleich zu den Vorjahren darstellt (2012: 64, 2015: 55). Angepasst an die Anforderungen der chemischen und pharmazeutischen Industrie, bildeten auch diesmal die Laborgeräte für die Produktentwicklung einen Schwerpunkt bei den erstmals ausgestellten Maschinen. Die Übersicht unterteilt die neu vorgestellten Zerkleinerungsmaschinen im Wesentlichen anhand konstruktiver Gesichtspunkte, die in einem engen Zusammenhang mit den Einteilungen nach der Beanspruchungsart, den Festigkeitseigenschaften sowie der Partikelgröße des zu verarbeitenden Materials steht.
Liquid‐phase chemical reactors: Development of 3D hybrid model based on CFD‐adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Hajilary Nasibeh , Shirazian Saeed
Published: October 2018

The Euler‐Euler method plus an intelligent algorithm was used to predict bubbly flow in a reactor as a function of column height. The combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method was used for a chemical bubble column reactor to understand the complex behaviour of fluids in a multiphase reactor. Air fraction as one of the main factors in the scale‐up of reactors was selected as an output parameter for the prediction tool (ANFIS method) at different positions in the reactor. To train and test the prediction ability of this method, a 3D position of one CFD element was selected and, based on that position, a training algorithm was started. After an appropriate learning step, the method was used to simulate gas at different locations of the reactor. The different structures of the ANFIS algorithm were designed to obtain a correct predictive tool for fluid behaviour inside the bubble column. The ANFIS approach shows that it can simulate the liquid behaviour and the CFD results and ANFIS output correlate with one another.
Patterns of care in Jehovah's Witnesses patients with solid tumours and lymphoma
Authors: Chang Lee Rachael , Sukumaran Shawgi , Koczwara Bogda , Woodman Richard , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Roy Amitesh , Vatandoust Sina , Karapetis Chris
Published: October 2018

Background

Supportive care of Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) diagnosed with cancer can be challenging, as they do not accept red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.

Aim

The study was designed to determine treatment preferences and pattern of care offered to JWs diagnosed with cancer and its impact on cancer management.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort study of JWs with solid malignancies or lymphoma in our institution between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Survival statistics were estimated using Kaplan Meier survival curves and Cox proportional regression model. A total of 63 JWs were identified with a median age of 70 years. At diagnosis, 34% (n = 22) had anaemia. All 63 declined RBC transfusion, including 19 patients who later developed transfusion threshold during anti‐cancer treatment. Forty‐three percent (n = 27) JWs had advanced (stage 4) disease, and 76% (n = 48) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of 0 to 1. JWs were willing to accept surgery and radiation rather than chemotherapy. Treatment was deemed to be suboptimal in 22% (n = 14) JWs due to early treatment discontinuation, administration of non‐standard chemotherapy regimen, or dose reduction due to anaemia and denial of blood transfusion. Twenty‐seven percent (n = 17) received hematopoietic growth factors (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents and pegfilgrastim). There was no mortality directly attributed to anaemia or refusal of blood transfusion in the entire cohort.

Conclusion

Jehovah's Witnesses declined RBC transfusion at diagnosis and during cancer therapy even if medically indicated. Management pathways need to be prospectively defined for this group of patients.
Exercises of chromatic investigation and analysis on color education
Authors: Quattrer Milena , Gouveia Anna Paula Silva
Published: October 2018

In Brazilian Elementary School and Middle School, color is treated with less importance when compared to other contents of the Art curriculum, which contributes to the perpetuation of the conceptual problems of color education. The teaching practice with regard to color education has demonstrated that practical exercises of investigation and chromatic analysis, based on the Munsell system, is an important pedagogical resource, specifically for teaching basic concepts of color theory. Because, without understanding these concepts there is no way to advance the study of important content for Technical, Undergraduate, and Graduate courses in Art and Design, such as color systems and colorimetry.
C2C interaction quality identification with SVM based on Kano model
Authors: Liu Yaqin , Luo XinXing
Published: October 2018

Customer‐to‐customer (C2C) interaction is a basic characteristic of social commerce, which is potentially to generate substantial economic benefits. The C2C interaction quality is employed to describe the impact on consumers' purchasing intention. This paper presents a Kano method–based C2C interaction model to study different factors involved with the communication process. Further, with the analysis of consumers' communication factors, a support vector machine classification system is established and learns to identify the quality of C2C interaction. Our results prove that the proposed methodology is feasible for C2C interaction quality distinguishing and highlights the importance of basic communication properties for supporting the purchase decisions.
An efficient CBIR system based on color histogram, edge, and texture features
Authors: Sundara Vadivel P. , Yuvaraj D. , Navaneetha Krishnan S. , Mathusudhanan S.R.
Published: October 2018

Content‐based image retrieval (CBIR) has been popular in recent times due to the necessity of storing large database of images in information processing and biomedical applications. However, the accurate retrieval of images and retrieval time are the two major challenges in CBIR systems. Most of the existing works focus on searching the whole database; hence, the retrieval process becomes a time consuming process. This paper proposes an efficient CBIR system, which retrieves images accurately with reasonable retrieval time using the combination of color histogram, edge, and texture features. Initially, the searching is done based on the color similarity and texture using modified Color Difference Histogram (CDH). Then, an edge orientation technique is applied only on the identified images to create a combined feature space. This process greatly reduces the time required for retrieval process due to the absence of fusion process which is quite normal in CBIR systems. Simulations are conducted on the standard databases to show the superior performance of the proposed CBIR system in terms of retrieval time and accuracy.
Isolation of Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cells: Enzymatic Digestion in Combination with Mechanical Distortion to Increase Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cell Yield from Human Aspirated Fat
Authors: Alstrup Toke , Eijken Marco , Bohn Anja Bille , Møller Bjarne , Damsgaard Tine Engberg
Published: October 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of great interest due to their properties of immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and multipotent differentiation. Future developments of clinical applications, however, require a higher yield of MSCs, lower number of passages of cells in culture, and shorter time from harvest to use. Optimization and standardization of techniques for mesenchymal adipose tissue–derived stem cell isolation offers solutions to current bottlenecks as a larger amount of MSCs can be isolated. These improvements result in shorter expansion time, fewer passages, less donor material needed, and higher MSC yield. This paper describes an MSC isolation method combining enzymatic digestion with mechanic disruption. This protocol is a standardized and easy‐to‐implement method for reaching significantly higher MSC yields compared to conventional enzymatic isolation protocols. Based on the results presented, we hypothesize that the combined enzymatic and mechanical method increases the surface area of the adipose tissue, facilitating digestion by enzymes. This approach reduces the amount of adipose tissue and in vitro expansion time needed to reach sufficient amounts of MSCs for clinical purposes. Importantly, the method does not require increased amounts of collagenase, nor does it impair the viability or differentiability of the MSCs. Using this protocol increases MSC yield by a factor of three. As a consequence, these results indicate that the physiological concentration of MSCs in adipose tissue is higher than previously assumed. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optimizing Grain Selection Design in the Single‐Crystal Solidification of Ni‐Based Superalloys
Authors: Sadeghi Fazlollah , Kermanpur Ahmad , Norouzi Ebrahim
Published: October 2018

An attempt is made to model the design of grain selection during single‐crystal solidification of an Ni‐based superalloy by the Bridgman method. Various geometrical designs of the starter block and spiral grain selector are chosen and their effects on crystal orientation of the single‐crystal part are studied. The competitive grain selection is simulated utilizing the cellular automaton finite element module of the ProCAST software. The simulated results are validated against the experimental observation of grain structure along with the crystal orientation measured by the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and rotational orientation X‐ray diffraction (RO‐XRD) techniques. The results show that in order to obtain the single crystal with a minimum deviation from longitudinal axis, the height and diameter of the starter block as well as the height and the take‐off angle of the spiral should be optimized. It is found that the diameter/height ratio of the starter block should be less than 0.6 to obtain a well‐oriented single crystal prior to entrance of solidification front into the spiral. The height of starter block is found to be more influential than its diameter in selecting the suitable single grain.
Structural, Morphological, and Electrochemical Corrosion Properties of TiO2 Formed on Ti6Al4V Alloys by Anodization
Authors: Atmani Djamila , Saoula Nadia , Abdi Abderrezak , Azzaz Mohamed , Wang Youling , Mohamedi Mohamed
Published: October 2018

In this work, TiO2 layers are synthetized on Ti6Al4V alloy substrate by electrochemical anodizing process in fluoride‐containing alkaline electrolytes and under different applied voltages (10, 20, and 30 V). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a nearly regular and vertical alignment of TiO2 nanotubes (≈80–100 nm) for specimen treated at 20 V and an agglomerate of particles with no particular orientations for those specimens treated at 10 and 30 V. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the formation of mixed phases of anatase and rutile. Wettability measurements exhibit hydrophilic and superhydrophilic surfaces, according to the anodization parameters. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), performed in a simulated body fluid (Hank's solution), reveals an increase in corrosion resistance for a bias potential of 20 V (262 kΩ) owing to the evolution in TiO2‐layer thickness, and then decreases for higher anodizing potential values due to the chemical dissolution of the obtained layer.
Recent Advances in the Development of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation with Base (Nonprecious)‐Metal‐Containing Catalysts
Authors: Pal Priyanka , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel
Published: October 2018

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is one of the versatile platform molecules that can be derived from biomass, and a promising starting substrate for producing 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). DFF is a platform chemical with applications in pharmaceuticals, macrocyclic ligands, and functional polymeric materials. Importantly, FDCA is being considered as a potential alternative to replace terephthalic acid for producing the bioplastic polyethylene furanoate, instead of polyethylene terephthalate, by blending with ethylene glycol. A significant number of studies have focused on the oxidation of HMF to FDCA with metal‐containing heterogeneous catalysts in both aqueous and organic media in the presence of peroxides/air/molecular oxygen as the oxidant. In this regard, articles have recently been published related to HMF oxidation with base (nonprecious)‐metal‐containing catalysts that exhibit appealing activity towards DFF or FDCA in terms of yield. Thus, this Minireview focuses on recent developments in efficient transformations of HMF to DFF and FDCA with base‐metal‐containing heterogeneous catalysts in aqueous and organic media. This review further focuses on the direct transformation of glucose/fructose to DFF and/or FDCA with nonprecious‐metal‐containing catalysts in various solvents. Photocatalytic approaches for HMF oxidation with nonprecious metal‐ containing catalysts are also briefly discussed.
Across the Board: Antonio Facchetti
Authors: Facchetti Antonio
Published: October 2018

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. Dr. Antonio Facchetti, who discusses the use of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices as a source of renewable energy, and challenges that must be met for OPVs to serve as a viable fully sustainable technology for future energy production, taking into account the components used in such devices and their stability and durability.
Efficient and secure business model for content centric network using elliptic curve cryptography
Authors: Adhikari Sharmistha , Ray Sangram , Biswas Gosta P. , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: October 2018

Initially, Internet has evolved as a resource sharing model where resources are identified by IP addresses. However, with rapid technological advancement, resources/hardware has become cheap and thus, the need of sharing hardware over Internet is reduced. Moreover, people are using Internet mainly for information exchange and hence, Internet has gradually shifted from resource sharing to information sharing model. To meet the recent growing demand of information exchange, Content Centric Network (CCN) is envisaged as a clean‐slate future network architecture which is specially destined for smooth content distribution over Internet. In CCN, content is easily made available using network caching mechanism which is misaligned with the existing business policy of content providers/publishers in IP‐based Internet. Hence, the transition from contemporary IP‐based Internet to CCN demands attention for redesigning the business policy of the content publishers/providers. In this paper, we have proposed efficient and secure communication protocols for flexible CCN business model to protect the existing business policies of the content publisher while maintaining the salient CCN features like in‐network content caching and Interest packet aggregation. To enhance the efficiency and security, the Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is used. The proposed ECC‐based scheme is analyzed to show that it is resilient to relevant existing cryptographic attacks. The performance analysis in terms of less computation and communication overheads and increased efficiency is given. Moreover, a formal security verification of the proposed scheme is done using widely used AVISPA simulator and BAN logic that shows our scheme is well secured.
Open science, reproducibility, and transparency in ecology
Authors: Powers Stephen M. , Hampton Stephanie E.
Published: October 2018

Reproducibility is a key tenet of the scientific process that dictates the reliability and generality of results and methods. The complexities of ecological observations and data present novel challenges in satisfying needs for reproducibility and also transparency. Ecological systems are dynamic and heterogeneous, interacting with numerous factors that sculpt natural history and that investigators cannot completely control. Observations may be highly dependent on spatial and temporal context, making them very difficult to reproduce, but computational reproducibility can still be achieved. Computational reproducibility often refers to the ability to produce equivalent analytical outcomes from the same data set using the same code and software as the original study. When coded workflows are shared, authors and editors provide transparency for readers and allow other researchers to build directly and efficiently on primary work. These qualities may be especially important in ecological applications that have important or controversial implications for science, management, and policy. Expectations for computational reproducibility and transparency are shifting rapidly in the sciences. In this work, we highlight many of the unique challenges for ecology along with practical guidelines for reproducibility and transparency, as ecologists continue to participate in the stewardship of critical environmental information and ensure that research methods demonstrate integrity.
Navigating fragmented landscapes: Canada lynx brave poor quality habitats while traveling
Authors: Vanbianchi Carmen , Gaines William L. , Murphy Melanie A. , Hodges Karen E.
Published: October 2018

Anthropogenic and natural habitat fragmentation inhibit movement of animals through landscapes. An important challenge for connectivity conservation is determining which conditions facilitate or limit movements, so that these areas can be prioritized for protection or restoration. We examine Canada lynx Lynx canadensis habitat connectivity in the fragmented North Cascade Mountains of Washington, as an example of a highly mobile species that is specialized both on prey and in habitat needs. We identify lynx Habitat Concentration Areas based on Core Habitat Models, parameterize resistance surfaces from our Matrix Habitat Model, and develop linkages of habitat lynx use to move between patches of high quality habitat. We identify a number of linkages for lynx comprised of habitat conditions that differed from high quality core patches identified from our habitat modeling. Radio‐locations from lynx confirm lower‐quality habitats of low resistance to movement were used by traveling lynx. Our results thus suggest traveling lynx do indeed use a much broader range of habitats than do lynx moving within core areas. For lynx in the North Cascades, our results show that maintaining connectivity will require preserving habitats and linkages that would previously have been deemed unsuitable for lynx. Maintaining connectivity for lynx is particularly important given the many recent large wildfires in this region that have reduced the number of mature forest stands that form prime habitat for lynx. Policy implications. Our results strongly suggest that habitat connectivity models should be based on empirical information of animal location data and focused on matrix habitat analysis. Traveling predators use a wide suite of habitats, resulting in more and broader linkage zones that should inform conservation efforts. Failure to identify these areas of functional connectivity could result in the oversight of usable linkage zones, leaving them without protection and vulnerable to degradation.
Mechanistic modeling of environmental drivers of woolly mammoth carrying capacity declines on St. Paul Island
Authors: Wang Yue , Porter Warren , Mathewson Paul D. , Miller Paul A. , Graham Russell W. , Williams John W.
Published: October 2018

On St. Paul Island, a remnant of the Bering Land Bridge, woolly mammoths persisted until 5,600 yr BP with no known predators or competitors, providing a natural system for studying hypothesized environmental drivers of extinction. These include overheating due to rising temperatures, starvation, and drought. Here, we test these hypotheses using Niche Mapper and LPJ‐GUESS to mechanistically estimate mammoth metabolic rates and dietary and freshwater requirements and, from these, estimate variations in island carrying capacity on St. Paul for the last 17,000 yr. Population carrying capacity may have been several hundred individuals at the time of initial isolation from the mainland. Adult mammoths could have fasted for two to three months, indicating a necessary ability to access snow‐buried forage. During the Holocene, vegetation net primary productivity increased, but shrinking island area overrode increased net primary productivity (NPP), lowering carrying capacity to ~100 individuals. NPP and freshwater availability alternated as critical limiting factors for this island population during the environmental changes of the late Pleistocene and Holocene. Only two or three individuals could have been sustained by the freshwater surplus in crater lakes (up to 18 individuals under the most optimistic parameter sensitivity experiments), suggesting that the St. Paul mammoth population was highly dependent on coastal freshwater sources. The simulations are consistent with the available proxy data, while highlighting the need to retrieve new paleohydrological proxy records from the coastal lagoons to test model predictions. More broadly, these findings reinforce the vulnerability of island megaherbivore populations to resource limitation and extinction.
Hybrid inviability and differential submergence tolerance drive habitat segregation between two congeneric monkeyflowers
Authors: Toll Katherine , Willis John H.
Published: October 2018

Closely related, ecologically similar species are often separated at small geographic scales while being broadly sympatric. Both adaptation to abiotic environmental conditions and a variety of biotic interactions may determine small‐scale allopatry. In Northern California's coast range, two monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus nudatus, can co‐occur within local sites but rarely overlap at fine spatial scales, even though they are often separated by less than 1 m. M. guttatus naturally grows in wetter areas and is often submerged for up to four months of the year, while M. nudatus naturally occupies drier sites. We used a combination of observational data, reciprocal transplant, and laboratory experiments to test a series of biotic and abiotic hypotheses for the observed distribution pattern. Although M. guttatus can tolerate dry hillside conditions like those in which M. nudatus occurs, M. nudatus is unable to survive submerged for more than a week, limiting its distribution from seasonal streams inundated for months and dominated by M. guttatus. While herbivores did not differentially damage species, transplants were more likely to be damaged in M. guttatus’ seep habitat and M. nudatus was less tolerant to herbivory. Individuals of each species transplanted into populations of heterospecific congeners produced large proportions (up to 80%) of inviable seeds resulting from increased hybridization rates in close sympatry. Mimulus nudatus’ inability to tolerate submergence and herbivory establishes some degree of habitat association, and then, hybrid seed inviability reduces the ability of the locally rarer species to persist within the congener's microhabitat and maintains habitat segregation. Together these data show that both environmental filtering and biotic interactions shape the fine‐scale distribution of close relatives.
IFITM proteins drive type 2 T helper cell differentiation and exacerbate allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Yánez Diana C. , Sahni Hemant , Ross Susan , Solanki Anisha , Lau Ching‐In , Papaioannou Eleftheria , Barbarulo Alessandro , Powell Rebecca , Lange Ulrike C. , Adams David J. , Barenco Martino , Ono Masahiro , D'Acquisto Fulvio , Furmanski Anna L. , Crompton Tessa
Published: October 2018

The interferon‐inducible transmembrane (Ifitm/Fragilis) genes encode homologous proteins that are induced by IFNs. Here, we show that IFITM proteins regulate murine CD4+ Th cell differentiation. Ifitm2 and Ifitm3 are expressed in wild‐type (WT) CD4+ T cells. On activation, Ifitm3 was downregulated and Ifitm2 was upregulated. Resting Ifitm‐family‐deficient CD4+ T cells had higher expression of Th1‐associated genes than WT and purified naive Ifitm‐family‐deficient CD4+ T cells differentiated more efficiently to Th1, whereas Th2 differentiation was inhibited.

Ifitm‐family‐deficient mice, but not Ifitm3‐deficient mice, were less susceptible than WT to induction of allergic airways disease, with a weaker Th2 response and less severe disease and lower Il4 but higher Ifng expression and IL‐27 secretion. Thus, the Ifitm family is important in adaptive immunity, influencing Th1/Th2 polarization, and Th2 immunopathology.
Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Coumarin‐ and Chrysin‐Tethered Triazolylidene Gold(I) Complexes
Authors: Ruiz‐Mendoza Francisco J. , Mendoza‐Espinosa Daniel , González‐Montiel Simplicio
Published: October 2018

A series sterically‐encumbered coumarin‐ (1) and chrysin‐functionalized triazolium salts (2,3) have been synthesized stepwise via copper catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition and N‐alkylation procedures. Their one‐pot deprotonation with KHMDS in presence of AuCl(SMe2) allowed for the preparation of the corresponding triazolylidene gold(I) complexes (4–6) in high yields (75–92 %). All new compounds were fully characterized by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, FT‐IR, elemental analyses and in the case of triazole F, triazolium 1 and the gold complex 4, by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The new triazolylidene gold complexes (4–6) were tested as precatalysts in the synthesis of indole derivatives via an intramolecular hydroamination reaction of several readily available anilines.
Brief Pain Inventory: A proposal to extend its clinical application
Authors: Bonafé Fernanda Salloume Sampaio , de Campos Lucas Arrais , Marôco João , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: October 2018

Background

This study presents an adaptation of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) extending its use in clinical/epidemiological contexts and the evaluation of the properties of BPI (short form) in a sample of Brazilian adults.

Methods

Part of item 1 of this instrument was removed because it prevented the participation of individuals with usual pain. In addition to the reference period of original response “last 24 hr,” a new period “last pain experience” was proposed. Individuals responded about the presence/lack and onset of pain. Individuals who reported pain in the last 24 hr before the interview answered the BPI considering both reference periods. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check the fit of five theoretical BPI models.

Results

A total of 1,176 adults participated (79.0% women; 38.7 (SD = 10.8) years), 29.2% did not report pain in the last 24 hr, 33.6% reported pain <3 months and 37.2% pain ≥3 months. All theoretical BPI models presented adequate fit indices (GFI ≥ 0.9; RMSEA < 0.1; α ≥ 0.7) when both reference periods were used. In conclusion, the adaptations proposed can contribute to extend the use of BPI.

Conclusions

The reference period of responses and the theoretical model used must be chosen according to the needs of the researcher and/or physician.

Significance

This study presents evidence related to the validity of applying the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in adults with and without pain considering the present pain or memory of pain, enabling the clinician to collect additional information that may be relevant to the clinical management of pain.
In vitro exposure to CPF affects bovine sperm epigenetic gene methylation pattern and the ability of sperm to support fertilization and embryo development
Authors: Pallotta Maria Michela , Barbato Vincenza , Pinton Alain , Acloque Hervè , Gualtieri Roberto , Talevi Riccardo , Jammes Hèléne , Capriglione Teresa
Published: October 2018

Several studies have demonstrated that overexposure to pesticides can reduce mammalian sperm quality, impairing male fertility. Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used organophosphate pesticide, was shown to impair spermatogenesis by inducing the formation of highly reactive toxic intermediates. To gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CPF, bovine spermatozoa were exposed in vitro to environmental CPF concentrations and the motility, in vitro fertilization rates, DNA fragmentation, chromatin alterations, and methylation patterns were assessed. Motility and in vitro fertilization rates were significantly reduced in spermatozoa exposed to CPF, while DNA fragmentation and putative chromatin deconstruction appeared to increase at higher pesticide concentrations. In situ hybridization was carried out with X and Y probes on sperm samples exposed to different CPF concentrations, and subsequent analysis highlighted a significant percentage of spermatozoa with a peculiar morphological malformation, in which a narrowing occurred at the level of the hybridization. Analysis of potential abnormalities in the methylation pattern of NESP55‐GNAS and XIST promoters displayed no differentially methylated regions in GNAS promoter relative to the control, whereas spermatozoa exposed to 10 μg/mL CPF had increased methylation variance in one region of imprinted XIST promoter. Our results provide support that CPF can induce a genotoxic effect on spermatozoa, impairig their ability to fertilize and support preimplantation embryo development in vitro. These observations are worrying since altered levels of sporadic methylation in genes of male gametes may affect the success of reproduction and contribute to infertility. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:85–95, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heat pump system assessment for a groundwater‐source municipal drinking water utility
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Anderson Paul R.
Published: October 2018

Compared to a typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a groundwater source heat pump (GSHP) system should have lower operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, providing economic and environmental advantages for a ground water‐based municipal water utility. This article describes a test of that hypothesis, involving simulations and evaluations of the economic performance of the above two systems for a model office building in five major U.S. climate zones. The cost–benefit analysis suggests that a GSHP system in climate zone 5 (Chicago‐region) has the best return on investment, whereas climate zone 2 (Phoenix‐region) is not economically promising. Relative to a reference HVAC system, the GSHP system has lower carbon emissions in each of the five climate zones, with the greatest reduction of carbon emissions occurring in climate zone 5 (Chicago‐region).

Significance: When faced with decisions about hot water supply and space heating and cooling, relative to drinking water utilities that rely on surface waters, groundwater‐based utilities have ready access to groundwater source heat pumps (GSHPs) that should offer better energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These advantages, however, will depend on regional climate conditions and the course of electrical energy. A better understanding of GSHP performance in different climate zones will provide the information needed to make these decisions. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13047, 2019
Constant‐ductility inelastic displacement ratios for displacement‐based seismic design of self‐centering structures
Authors: De Francesco Giovanni
Published: October 2018

This paper focuses on constant‐ductility inelastic displacement ratios of self‐centering single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDF) systems with two different levels of energy dissipation capacity, in the presence of 5% viscous damping ratio. A statistical analysis is developed considering an earthquake database composed of 228 ground motions recorded in California with magnitudes greater than six and organized for NEHRP soil class, ground motion duration, and peak ground acceleration. The response of self‐centering SDF systems with large variability of initial periods, ductility levels, and postyield stiffness ratios is investigated and compared with the responses of SDF systems with bilinear plastic, Clough, and Takeda hysteresis. The inelastic demand variation with soil class, initial period, postyield stiffness ratio, unloading stiffness degradation, ductility level, and hysteretic behavior is highlighted. Simple and conservative analytical estimates of constant‐ductility inelastic displacement ratios for mean and 90th percentile values in terms of initial period, ductility level, and postyield stiffness ratio are proposed to allow the extension of the Displacement‐Based Design via Inelastic Displacement Ratio (CμDBD) to self‐centering structural systems.
Oil toxicity test methods must be improved
Authors: Hodson Peter V. , Adams Julie , Brown R. Stephen
Published: October 2018

A review of the literature on oil toxicity tests showed a high diversity of reported test methods that may affect the composition, stability, and toxicity of oil solutions. Concentrations of oil in test solutions are dynamic because hydrocarbons evaporate, partition to test containers, bioaccumulate, biodegrade, and photo-oxidize. As a result, the composition and toxicity of test solutions may vary widely and create significant obstacles to comparing toxicity among studies and to applying existing data to new risk assessments. Some differences in toxicity can be resolved if benchmarks are based on measured concentrations of hydrocarbons in test solutions, highlighting the key role of chemical analyses. However, analyses have often been too infrequent to characterize rapid and profound changes in oil concentrations and composition during tests. The lack of practical methods to discriminate particulate from dissolved oil may also contribute to underestimating toxicity. Overall, current test protocols create uncertainty in toxicity benchmarks, with a high risk of errors in measured toxicity. Standard oil toxicity tests conducted in parallel with tests under site-specific conditions would provide an understanding of how test methods and conditions affect measured oil toxicity. Development of standard test methods could be achieved by collaborations among university, industry, and government scientists to define methods acceptable to all 3 sectors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:302–311. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Current oil toxicity test methods affect the stability and composition of oil solutions, causing errors and uncertainty in ecological risk assessments of oil spills. Improved approaches are needed to generate reliable benchmarks and to understand how site-specific experiment conditions affect oil toxicity.
Effects of increased temperature, drought, and an insecticide on freshwater zooplankton communities
Authors: Arenas-Sánchez Alba , López-Heras Isabel , Nozal Leonor , Vighi Marco , Rico Andreu
Published: October 2018

In the present study we performed a microcosm experiment to assess the effects of the insecticide lufenuron on zooplankton communities exposed to increased temperature and drought in (semi-)arid regions. The experiment consisted of 3 environmental scenarios, assessed in 2 parts. Firstly, we assessed how water temperature (20 and 28 °C) affects the sensitivity and resilience of the zooplankton community to lufenuron. Secondly, we investigated the influence of drought on the structure of the zooplankton community at a high water temperature (28 °C) and evaluated its possible interaction with lufenuron. The results show that the community exposed to lufenuron at 28 °C had a faster lufenuron-related response and recovery than the community at 20 °C. The combined effects of lufenuron and temperature resulted in a synergistic effect on some taxa (Daphnia sp., Cyclopoida, and Copepoda nauplii). The tested zooplankton community had a high resilience to drought, although some particular taxa were severely affected after desiccation (Calanoida). Interactions between drought and lufenuron were not statistically significant. However, rewetting after desiccation contributed to lufenuron remobilization from sediments and resulted in a slight Cyclopoida population decline at high exposure concentrations. The study shows how environmental conditions related to global change in (semi-)arid regions may influence chemical fate and the vulnerability of zooplankton communities to chemical stress. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:396–411. © 2018 SETAC
Cyanobacteria reduce motility of quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) sperm
Authors: Boegehold Anna G. , Alame Karim , Johnson Nicholas S. , Kashian Donna R.
Published: October 2018

The temporal expansion of harmful algal blooms, primarily associated with cyanobacteria, may impact aquatic organisms at vulnerable life-history stages. Broadcast spawning species release gametes into the water column for external fertilization, directly exposing sperm to potential aquatic stressors. To determine if cyanobacteria can disrupt reproduction in freshwater broadcast spawners, we evaluated sublethal effects of cyanobacteria exposure on quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) sperm. In laboratory studies, sperm were collected after inducing mussels to spawn using serotonin and exposed to 11 cultures of cyanobacteria including Anabaena flos-aquae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Dolichospermum lemmermannii, Gloeotrichia echinulata, 5 cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa, M. wesenbergii, and Planktothrix suspensa. Sperm motility, using endpoints of cumulative distance traveled and mean velocity, was calculated for a minimum of 10 individual sperm using a novel optical biotracking assay method. The distance and velocity at which sperm traveled decreased when exposed to Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and 2 M. aeruginosa cultures. Our findings indicate that cyanobacteria impede the motility of quagga mussel sperm, which can potentially result in reproductive impairments to mussels and potentially other broadcast spawning species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:368–374. © 2018 SETAC
The effect of different processing methods on nutrient and isoflavone content of soymilk obtained from six varieties of soybean grown in Rwanda
Authors: Niyibituronsa Marguerite , Onyango Arnold Nola , Gaidashova Svetlana , Imathiu Samuel , Uwizerwa Mathilde , Ochieng Emelda Phillis , Ng'ang'a Fredrick , Birungi Josephine , Ghimire Sita , Harvey Jagger
Published: October 2018

Soymilk is rich in nutrients and isoflavones, and could greatly promote nutrition and health. However, this product is not widely accepted due to an objectionable beany flavor. Several methods involving heat treatment and soaking in basic solutions prior to soymilk extraction have been reported to reduce the objectionable flavor. However, the effects of such treatments on the nutritional value and isoflavone content of soymilk, and the responses of different soybean varieties to nutrient extraction by these methods is not well studied. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of three processing methods on protein, fat, minerals, and isoflavone content in soymilk from six soybean varieties grown in Rwanda (Peka‐6, SB 24, Sc. Sequel, Sc, Squire, and a local variety) to find the best variety and processing method. The first method (M1) involved soaking soybeans in water for 12 hr prior to milk extraction, M2 involved blanching in NaHCO3 prior to extraction and M3 involved soaking in NaHCO3 solution for 16 hr and subsequent cooking prior to extraction. M1 resulted in significantly higher nutrient and isoflavone extraction than M2 and M3. Thus, M1 extracted more nutrients and can be recommended for soymilk production. However, where consumers prefer soymilk obtained by M2 or M3, Sc Squire and the local variety may be recommended. Sc. Squire has another advantage of higher isoflavone content than the other varieties. Further comprehensive studies on the sensory acceptability of products made from different varieties by different methods among different consumer categories will be necessary.
The monoclonal antibody for discrimination of natural honey against artificial honey
Authors: Joe Taeri , Jeong Eunbee , Yoo Gaeun , Ahn Sejin , Rhee Hae‐ik , Lee Deug‐Chan
Published: October 2018

Background

Honey is a natural product used as food, medicine, or cosmetics for very long time and is made by bees. Honey contains various components such as sugar, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Honey is made by Apis cerana or Apis mellifera, which commonly has major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) as a major protein. To discriminate between natural honey (NH) and artificial honey (AH), many researchers tried method of physicochemical analysis. However, the analysis results were ambiguous and not stable.

Results

We have produced a monoclonal antibody that recognizes MRJPs of honeys in common. Monoclonal antibody has advantage such as accuracy, sensitivity, and stability as the standard. The specificity and affinity of produced antibody were measured by western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. As a result, this monoclonal antibody specifically recognized MRJPs of NH and did not recognize AH which has not including MRJPs.

Conclusion

Natural honey could be able to distinguish from AH accurately by using this monoclonal antibody. Also, this method could be commercially applicable.