bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐dependent inversion of circular dichroism signal in naproxen: An unusual effect!
Authors: Ximenes Valdecir Farias , Morgon Nelson Henrique , Robinson de Souza Aguinaldo
Published: July 2018

The electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of naproxen enantiomers were studied as a function of solvents using experimental (circular dichroism) and theoretical (time‐dependent density functional theory) approaches. The (R)‐ and (S)‐naproxen enantiomers presented an unusual inversion in their ECD signals in the presence of ethanol and water when compared with polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile. From a practical point of view, these findings deserve great attention because these solvents are widely used for high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis in quality control of chiral pharmaceutical drugs. This is particularly relevant to naproxen because the (S)‐naproxen has anti‐inflammatory properties, whereas (R)‐naproxen is hepatotoxic. A time‐dependent density functional theory computer simulation was conducted to investigate the signal inversion using the solvation model based on density, a reparameterization of polarized continuum model. Electronic circular dichroism signals of conformers were calculated by computer simulation and their contribution to the combined spectra obtained according to Boltzmann weighting. It was found that the experimentally observed ECD signal inversion can be associated with the minor or major contribution of different conformers of naproxen.
Modeling of PCR: Kinetic Explanation for Short‐Chained Side Products
Authors: Ahrberg Christian D.
Published: July 2018

A simple mathematical model based on step growth processes to describe the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is introduced. It has been used to analyze different reaction conditions and to predict the distribution of the chain lengths of the PCR products. The model suggests that choosing the initial concentrations in such a way that the primers are the limiting reagent in the reaction will produce narrow chain length distributions around the target length, whereas conditions in which the yield of the reaction is limited through the concentration of the nucleotides produce shorter side products, and thus, a wider distribution. Furthermore, the model proposes that the time that should be spent in each cycle is mainly determined by the enzyme concentration. Experiments were carried out to confirm the predictions made by the model.
Categorical color constancy under RGB‐LED light sources
Authors: Ma Ruiqing , Liao Ningfang , Yan Pengfei , Shinomori Keizo
Published: July 2018

The light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based light sources have been widely applied across numerous industries and in everyday practical uses. Recently, the LED‐based light source consisting of red, green and blue LEDs with narrow spectral bands (RGB‐LED) has been a more preferred illumination source than the common white phosphor LED and other traditional broadband light sources because the RGB‐LED can create many types of illumination color. The color rendering index of the RGB‐LED, however, is considerably lower compared to the traditional broadband light sources and the multi‐band LED light source (MB‐LED), which is composed of several LEDs and can accurately simulate daylight illuminants. Considering 3 relatively narrow spectral bands of the RGB‐LED light source, the color constancy, which is referred to as the ability of the human visual system to attenuate influences of illumination color change and hold the perception of a surface color constant, may be worse under the RGB‐LED light source than under the traditional broadband light sources or under the MB‐LED. In this study, we investigated categorical color constancy using a color naming method with real Munsell color chips under illumination changes from neutral to red, green, blue, and yellow illuminations. The neutral and 4 chromatic illuminants were produced by the RGB‐LED light source. A modified use of the color constancy index, which describes a centroid shift of each color category, was introduced to evaluate the color constancy performance. The results revealed that categorical color constancy under the 4 chromatic illuminants held relatively well, except for the red, brown, orange, and yellow color categories under the blue illumination and the orange color category under the yellow illumination. Furthermore, the categorical color constancy under red and green illuminations was better than the categorical color constancy under blue and yellow illuminations. The results indicate that a color constancy mechanism in the visual system functions in color categories when the illuminant emits an insufficient spectrum to render the colors of reflecting surfaces accurately. However, it is not recommended to use the RGB‐LED light source to produce blue and yellow illuminations because of the poor color constancy.
The Effect of an Electric Field on the Spectroscopic Properties of the Isolated Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Anion
Authors: Langeland Jeppe , Kjær Christina , Andersen Lars H. , Brøndsted Nielsen Steen
Published: July 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Profs. Lars H. Andersen and Steen Brøndsted Nielsen, both at Aarhus University. The image shows the Green Fluorescent Protein as a jigsaw puzzle. The chromophore is colored blue and experiences a high electric field at one end. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.201800225.
A Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Lignin‐Derived Renewable Carbon with Tunable Porosity for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Ho Hoi Chun , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Meek Kelly M. , Alonso David Martin , Hakim Sikander H. , Naskar Amit K.
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of multiphase materials from lignin, a biorefinery coproduct, offers limited success owing to the inherent difficulty in controlling dispersion of these renewable hyperbranched macromolecules in the product or its intermediates. Effective use of the chemically reactive functionalities in lignin, however, enables tuning morphologies of the materials. Here, we bind lignin oligomers with a rubbery macromolecule followed by thermal crosslinking to form a carbon precursor with phase contrasted morphology at submicron scale. The solvent‐free mixing is conducted in a high‐shear melt mixer. With this, the carbon precursor is further modified with potassium hydroxide for a single‐step carbonization to yield activated carbon with tunable pore structure. A typical precursor with 90 % lignin yields porous carbon with 2120 m2 g−1 surface area and supercapacitor with 215 F g−1 capacitance. The results show a simple route towards manufacturing carbon‐based energy‐storage materials, eliminating the need for conventional template synthesis.
Effects of Sugars, Furans, and their Derivatives on Hydrodeoxygenation of Biorefinery Lignin‐Rich Wastes to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Duan Yuhua , Zhang Qian , Yang Bin
Published: July 2018

Hydrodeoxygenation of biorefinery lignin‐rich wastes to jet fuel hydrocarbons offers a significant opportunity for enhancing the overall operational efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, economic viability, and sustainability of biofuels production. However, these wastes usually mainly contain lignin with sugars, furans, and their derivatives as “impurities”. Although several factors, including reactant structure, solvents, or the decreased ratio of catalyst to reactant, could be responsible for the jet fuel hydrocarbons yield loss, we found evidence that glucose, xylose, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural dramatically decreased conversion yields. For example, xylose and glucose lowered the final hydrocarbon yield by 78 and 63 %, respectively. The results revealed that these compounds could suppress metal catalysts and inhibit lignin depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions thus decrease yields of jet fuel range hydrocarbons from biomass‐derived lignin. The first‐principles calculations and TGA results from spent catalysts validated these findings.
Sex differences in juvenile play behavior differ among rat strains
Authors: Northcutt Katharine V. , Nwankwo Vesta C.
Published: July 2018

Juvenile male rats frequently play more than female rats, but the presence of sex differences is affected by testing conditions and may also depend on the strain of rat. In this experiment, we tested play and defensive behaviors in male and female Long‐Evans, Sprague‐Dawley, and Wistar rats. When observed with a cage mate during the juvenile period, Long‐Evans rats played more than Wistar animals, but there were no sex differences in any strain. When tested with an unfamiliar sibling (not seen since weaning), both Long‐Evans and Wistar rats played more than Sprague‐Dawley animals, and Long‐Evans females played more than males. We did not observe any sex or strain differences in defensive behaviors. Our data indicate that there are strain differences in play behavior, and sex differences in play depend on both strain and context. Variation among strains may reflect underlying differences in anxiety, novelty seeking, and circadian rhythms.
Phylogeographic patterns in the Philippine archipelago influence symbiont diversity in the bobtail squid–Vibrio mutualism
Authors: Coryell Randy L. , Turnham Kira E. , de Jesus Ayson Evelyn G. , Lavilla‐Pltogo Celia , Alcala Angel C. , Sotto Filippina , Gonzales Benjamin , Nishiguchi Michele K.
Published: July 2018

Marine microbes encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic factors that can impact fitness by limiting their range and capacity to move between habitats. This is especially true for environmentally transmitted bacteria that cycle between their hosts and the surrounding habitat. As geologic history, biogeography, and other factors such as water temperature, salinity, and physical barriers can inhibit bacterial movement to novel environments, we chose to examine the genetic architecture of Euprymna albatrossae (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) and their Vibrio fischeri symbionts in the Philippine archipelago using a combined phylogeographic approach. Eleven separate sites in the Philippine islands were examined using haplotype estimates that were examined via nested clade analysis to determine the relationship between E. albatrossae and V. fischeri populations and their geographic location. Identical analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to estimate variation within and between populations for host and symbiont genetic data. Host animals demonstrated a significant amount of variation within island groups, while symbiont variation was found within individual populations. Nested clade phylogenetic analysis revealed that hosts and symbionts may have colonized this area at different times, with a sudden change in habitat. Additionally, host data indicate restricted gene flow, whereas symbionts show range expansion, followed by periodic restriction to genetic flow. These differences between host and symbiont networks indicate that factors “outside the squid” influence distribution of Philippine V. fischeri. Our results shed light on how geography and changing environmental factors can impact marine symbiotic associations at both local and global scales.
Fine‐Tuning the Proteolytic Stability of Peptides with Fluorinated Amino Acids
Authors: Huhmann Susanne , Koksch Beate
Published: July 2018

The decoration of organic compounds with fluorine substituents is a strategy well‐known to medicinal chemists. Around 25 % of drugs on the market contain at least one fluorine atom, as fluorine's unique properties very often produce effects that cannot be achieved by any other known functional group. The changes in molecular properties due to the incorporation of fluorine most relevant to medicinal chemistry are conformation, pKa values of neighboring functional groups, and interaction with proteins and membranes. The introduction of fluorine dramatically impacts these and in turn the pharmacokinetics and biological half‐lives of not only small molecules but peptides, which show high binding affinity and selectivity for their target and are, therefore, also desirable lead compounds in drug development. Unfortunately, several factors can limit the efficacy of peptides and biologicals including low bioavailability and protease digestion. Although the literature has numerous examples showing that fluorine can improve the latter aspect, there are also cases to the contrary. This review aims to provide an overview of the influence of fluorinated amino acids on the proteolytic stability of peptides.
Hepatic DNA damage in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded along the English and Welsh coastlines
Authors: Acevedo‐Whitehouse Karina , Cole Kathy J. , Phillips David H. , Jepson Paul D. , Deaville Rob , Arlt Volker M.
Published: July 2018

One level at which persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs) can exert damage is by causing DNA strand‐breaks or nucleotide base modifications, which, if unrepaired, can lead to embryonic mutations, abnormal development and cancer. In marine ecosystems, genotoxicity is expected to be particularly strong in long‐lived apex predators due to pollutant bioaccumulation. We conducted 32P‐postlabeling analyses optimized for the detection and quantification of aromatic/hydrophobic DNA adducts in the livers of 40 sexually‐mature North Atlantic harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded along the English and Welsh coastlines. We examined hepatic tissue to search for inflammatory and preneoplastic lesions and examine their association with adduct levels. Adducts were found in all porpoises (mean: 17.56 ± 11.95 per 108 nucleotides), and were higher than levels reported for marine vertebrates from polluted sites. The pollutants causing the induced DNA adducts could not be further characterized. Hepatic DNA damage did not correlate with levels of blubber POP concentrations (including total polychlorinated biphenyl [PCBs], dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT] and dieldrin); PAH concentrations were not available for the present study. However, DNA damage predicted occurrence of inflammatory and preneoplastic lesions. Further, our data showed a reduction in hepatic DNA adduct levels with age in the 40 animals examined while POP concentrations, particularly PCBs, increased with age. Using a different dataset of 145 mature male harbour porpoises confirmed that higher contaminant levels (total PCBs, DDT and dieldrin) are found in older animals. The reduction in hepatic DNA adduct levels in older animals was in accordance with other studies which show that suppression of hepatic CYP1A enzyme activity at high PCB concentrations might impact on CYP1A‐mediated DNA adduct formation of PAHs which are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and readily metabolized by CYP1A to species binding to DNA. In summary, our study shows that pollutant‐induced DNA damage is prevalent in harbour porpoises from UK waters and may lead to detectable sub‐lethal hepatic damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:613–624, 2018. © 2018 The Authors Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society
Oxidative stress index is increased in children exposed to industrial discharges and is inversely correlated with metabolite excretion of voc
Authors: López‐Vargas Rocío , Méndez‐Serrano Alejandra , Albores‐Medina Arnulfo , Oropeza‐Hernández Fernando , Hernández‐Cadena Leticia , Mercado‐Calderón Franciso , Alvarado‐Toledo Esmeralda , Herrera‐Morales Selene , Arellano‐Aguilar Omar , García‐Vargas Guadalupe , Montero‐Montoya Regina
Published: July 2018

Although the Atoyac River has been classified as highly polluted by environmental authorities, several communities are settled on its banks, affecting around 1.5 million persons, as well as farmland, due to an environmental distribution of toxics in the area. Our aim was to demonstrate that this environment affects important physiological processes that have an impact in health, so we conducted a study of schoolchildren from small communities on the banks of the river and in another similar town located far from it. 91 and 93 students, boys and girls, were studied from each site for oxidative stress index (OSI), calculated from the total antioxidant capacity and the total oxidative status, BTEX metabolite excretion and relevant metabolic polymorphisms participating in the bioactivation‐detoxification of most VOC: CYP2E1 RsaI, NQO1 C609T, and null polymorphisms of GSTT1 and GSTM1. Results showed that OSI was significantly higher in children living by the river (5.23 ± 3.4 vs 2.59 ± 1.46, 95% C.I.). At this site, OSI was correlated with diminished metabolite excretion and a diminished antioxidant capacity; an association with genotypes CYP2E1RsaI (c2c2), GSTT1 present and NQO1*2 (CC) was also observed. Furthermore, boys at this site exhibited a diminished BMI compared to boys from the other community who were younger. In conclusion: children living at polluted sites like this, show early biological effects that might lead to health problems in their adult life. Environmental protection should be enforced to protect people's health in these sites where not even environmental monitoring is done. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:639–652, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stabilization of LiV3O8 Rod‐like Structure by Protective Mg3(PO4)2Layer for Advanced Lithium Storage Cathodes
Authors: Xie Lingling , Ge Peng , Zhu Limin , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: July 2018

LiV3O8 material with high discharge capacity has attracted increasing attention as cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, LiV3O8 is still limited by its weak dissolution and change of lattice structure. In this study, Mg3(PO4)2 fully coated LiV3O8 nanoparticles are successfully prepared by rheological phase reaction and surface deposition. The thickness of Mg3(PO4)2 coating layer is estimated to 24.7 nm for surface‐modified LiV3O8 with Mg3(PO4)2 content of 1.0 wt.%. The as‐prepared Mg3(PO4)2 coated‐LiV3O8 is utilized as cathode and showed high initial capacity of 323.93 mAh g−1. In addition, it maintained stable capacity of 250.82 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at the current rate of 60 mA g−1 between 1.8 and 4.0 V. This value was much higher than that of bare LiV3O8. Besides, even at current density of 240 mA g−1, its capacity keeps 170.89 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. The detailed quantitative kinetics analyses confirm the fundamental reasons behind the enhanced rate capability and cycling stability. Overall, this work opens up novel avenues towards the design of protecting cathode materials, which could broaden applications of insoluble phosphates.
Human footprint in biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Weinzettel Jan , Vačkář David , Medková Helena
Published: July 2018

Natural ecosystems are disappearing at an increasing rate, and disappearing along with them is the immense biodiversity they contain. In addition to direct factors influencing the conversion of natural ecosystems to agriculture, international trade and consumption of products in wealthy countries have also been implicated as drivers of ecosystem change. We used quantitatively advanced methods to connect loss of potential net primary production (NPP) in global biodiversity hotspots to its ultimate driver – final consumption (eg consumption by households and government) – and identified the origins of agricultural products through global supply chains to quantify spatial impacts on the potential photosynthetic production of natural ecosystems. Using embodied potential NPP equivalents, we estimated the footprint of final consumption on ecosystems in the most threatened biodiversity hotspots. Our results contribute to the identification of conservation priorities from the perspective of consumer responsibility.
Bridging the nature gap: can citizen science reverse the extinction of experience?
Authors: Schuttler Stephanie G , Sorensen Amanda E , Jordan Rebecca C , Cooper Caren , Shwartz Assaf
Published: July 2018

Opportunities for people to interact with nature have declined over the past century, as many now live in urban areas and spend much of their time indoors. Conservation attitudes and behaviors largely depend on experiences with nature, and this “extinction of experience” (EOE) is a threat to biodiversity conservation. In this paper, we propose that citizen science, an increasingly popular way to integrate public outreach with data collection, can potentially mitigate EOE. Our review of the literature on volunteers’ motivations and/or outcomes indicates that nature‐based citizen science (NBCS) fosters cognitive and emotional aspects of experiences in nature. Although these experiences can change participants’ behaviors and attitudes toward the natural world, this field remains largely unstudied. As such, even though NBCS can complement efforts to increase opportunities for people to interact with nature, further research on the mechanisms that drive this relationship is needed to strengthen our understanding of various outcomes of citizen science.
Environmental benefits of leaving offshore infrastructure in the ocean
Authors: Fowler Ashley M , Jørgensen Anne‐Mette , Svendsen Jon C , Macreadie Peter I , Jones Daniel OB , Boon Arjen R , Booth David J , Brabant Robin , Callahan Emily , Claisse Jeremy T , Dahlgren Thomas G , Degraer Steven , Dokken Quenton R , Gill Andrew B , Johns David G , Leewis Robert J , Lindeboom Han J , Linden Olof , May Roel , Murk Albertinka J , Ottersen Geir , Schroeder Donna M , Shastri Sunil M , Teilmann Jonas , Todd Victoria , Van Hoey Gert , Vanaverbeke Jan , Coolen Joop WP
Published: July 2018

The removal of thousands of structures associated with oil and gas development from the world's oceans is well underway, yet the environmental impacts of this decommissioning practice remain unknown. Similar impacts will be associated with the eventual removal of offshore wind turbines. We conducted a global survey of environmental experts to guide best decommissioning practices in the North Sea, a region with a substantial removal burden. In contrast to current regulations, 94.7% of experts (36 out of 38) agreed that a more flexible case‐by‐case approach to decommissioning could benefit the North Sea environment. Partial removal options were considered to deliver better environmental outcomes than complete removal for platforms, but both approaches were equally supported for wind turbines. Key considerations identified for decommissioning were biodiversity enhancement, provision of reef habitat, and protection from bottom trawling, all of which are negatively affected by complete removal. We provide recommendations to guide the revision of offshore decommissioning policy, including a temporary suspension of obligatory removal.
Algerian Energy Policy: Perspectives, Barriers, and Missed Opportunities
Authors: Haddoum Saliha , Bennour Hocine , Ahmed Zaïd Toudert
Published: July 2018

Despite the uncertainties of the energy market impacted by the collapse of oil prices and a sharp increase in domestic energy consumption, Algeria continues to make huge efforts to bring energy access to its people. At the same time, the country is also witnessing a very slow start of the energy transition, which brings into question the energy‐intensive development model accused of contributing both to global warming and to the depletion of fossil resources in the medium and long term. Although quantified targets are set, the National Program for the Development of Renewable Energies (NPDRE) struggles to take off and is lagging behind. There is no doubt that the recent fall in oil prices will further complicate the achievement of this transition; still one may raise the question of whether other barriers to the NPDRE should not be removed. Admittedly, the Algerian State has set up an incentive mechanism based on feed‐in‐tariffs to boost the NPDRE, but this failed to attract potential investors. This paper seeks to analyze the reasons for these failures as well as other issues linked with the energy–water–food trilemma. There are plenty, but the heavily subsidized energy products appear to be the most disabling.
Klassifizierung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung veränderlich fester Gesteine
Authors: Knopp Julia , Moormann Christian
Published: July 2018

Veränderlich feste Gesteine können bei Austrocknung und Wiederbefeuchtung innerhalb kurzer Zeit ihren Zusammenhalt verlieren. Kenntnisse über das Zerfallsverhalten des Baugrunds sind baupraktisch von großer Bedeutung. Im Rahmen der hier vorgestellten Forschungsarbeit wird insbesondere die verwitterungsabhängige Zerfallsneigung von Keupertonsteinen detailliert betrachtet. Das Zerfallsverhalten eines Gesteins wird meist anhand von Trocknungs‐Befeuchtungs‐Wechseln untersucht. Zur Auswertung der Versuche wurden in der Vergangenheit in der Literatur verschiedene Indizes sowie Ansätze zur Klassifizierung der Zerfallsneigung vorgeschlagen. Die Ansätze sind aber insbesondere zur Untersuchung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung nur begrenzt anwendbar. Zur genaueren Ermittlung des Zerfallsverhaltens wurden daher Trocknungs‐Befeuchtungs‐Wechsel an verschieden stark verwitterten Keupertonsteinen durchgeführt. Auf Basis der Untersuchungen wird ein neues Bewertungsschema für die Beurteilung der Veränderlichkeit von Gesteinen abgeleitet und die Anwendbarkeit für die Klassifizierung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung überprüft.
Suitability of depleted gas reservoirs for geological CO2 storage: A simulation study
Authors: Raza Arshad , Gholami Raoof , Rezaee Reza , Rasouli Vamegh , Bhatti Amanat Ali , Bing Chua Han
Published: July 2018

Hydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly depleted gas formations, are promising geological sites for CO2 storage. Although there have been many studies on the storage aspects of gas reservoirs, the suitability of these formations in terms of fluid types such as dry, wet, and condensate gas has not been properly addressed at the reservoir level. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate different gas reservoirs in order to provide an insight into their storage capabilities. A dynamic numerical simulation was carried out to simulate CO2 injection in a synthetic but realistic model of a geologic formation having dry, wet, or condensate gas. The results obtained under particular conditions revealed that the condensate gas medium offers a good storage potential, favorable injectivity, and reasonable pressure buildup over a long period of time, whereas dry gas formations were found to be the least favorable sites for storage among gas reservoirs. A sensitivity analysis was done to evaluate the injection rate and the permeability variation of different media during and after the storage. It indicated that the storage behavior of gas reservoirs is sensitive to the injection rate, and selection of an optimum injection rate might help to achieve a good storage capacity in condensate gas systems. The results also highlighted that CO2 immobilization in gas reservoirs after injection is enhanced due to the reduction of permeability, whereas no heterogeneity effect was observed under different permeability realizations. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of informal financial support for health care on health Insurance uptake: Evidence from a mixed‐methods study in Tamale metropolis of northern Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Yussif Nagumse
Published: July 2018

Attempts to study the determinants of health insurance enrollment in resource‐poor settings have often given less consideration to the potential influence of informal risk‐sharing systems on individuals and households' decisions about health insurance. This paper contributes to existing discussions in this area by examining the effect of informal financial support for health care, an example of informal risk‐sharing arrangement, on enrollment in the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). It is based on a mixed‐methods research in Tamale metropolis of northern Ghana. The study found widespread availability and reliance on informal support among low‐income households to finance out‐of‐pocket health‐care expenditure. Informal financial support for enrollment into the NHIS was noted to be less available. The study further found less strong but suggestive evidence that the perceived availability of informal financial support for health care by individuals diminishes their enrollment in the NHIS. The paper emphasizes the need for theory and policy on health insurance uptake in resource‐constrained settings to consider existing informal risk‐sharing arrangements as much as other known determinants of enrollment.
Study on the influence of caffeic acid against sodium valproate–induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Gad Amany M.
Published: July 2018

Renal injury is a hallmark adverse reaction to sodium valproate (SVP), and caffeic acid (CAFF) is a phenolic compound that has anti‐inflammatory and antioxsidant properties. So, this investigation was assessed to evaluate the nephrotoxic potential of SVP and the defensive impact of CAFF against SVP nephrotoxicity. SVP was given at a dose of 500 mg/kg (i.p.) once daily for 2 weeks, while CAFF was given at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally), simultaneously with SVP. Concurrent treatment with CAFF reduced urea and creatinine, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB/p65), and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) levels. However, with increased glutathione content, CAFF also halted the activated Notch signaling cascade. Furthermore, CAFF suppressed caspase‐3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions. To conclude, on the basis of the results obtained, CAFF proved to protect against SVP‐induced nephrotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
The LncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p axis modifies the radio‐resistance and chemotherapeutic tolerance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting PSEN1
Authors: Ma Hongbin , Yuan Lei , Li Wanhu , Xu Kaiyun , Yang Liang
Published: July 2018

This study was designated to verify if the lncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p axis would play a regulatory role in the radio‐/chemo‐resistances of HCC cells through targeting PSEN1. Within the study, five human HCC cell lines were prepared, including Bel‐7402, HepG2, Hep3b, QGY‐7703, and SMMC‐7721. Moreover, docetaxel (DT), paclitaxel (Pt), vinorelbine (Vb), and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) were managed as the chemo‐therapeutics, and single‐dose X‐rays were performed as radio‐therapies. Besides, lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot were implemented to quantify the expressional levels of PSEN1, Ku80, γ‐H2AX, and RAD51. Luciferase reporter gene assay was advanced to verify the targeted relationship between lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p. As a consequence, QGY‐7703 and Bel‐7402 were, respectively, the most radiation‐sensitive and radiation‐proof cell lines, and Bel‐7402 was associated with the highest resistances to DT, Pt, Vb, and 5‐FU. The restrained lncRNA H19 and over‐expressed miR‐193a‐3p expressions tended to significantly elevate the survival rate and proliferation of Bel‐7402 cells, when they were exposed to radiation and subject to chemo‐therapies. The lncRNA H19 was also found to directly target miR‐193a‐3p in inducing the HCC development. PSEN1 appeared to be subject to the modification of lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p in its acting on the survival rates and proliferative abilities of HCC cells. The lncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p/PSEN1 axis could be regarded as the treatment targets for HCC, so as to further improve the treatment efficacy of chemo‐ and radio‐therapies for HCC.
Insulin stimulus‐secretion coupling is triggered by a novel thiazolidinedione/sulfonylurea hybrid in rat pancreatic islets
Authors: Mendes Camila P. , Postal Bárbara G. , Oliveira Geisel T. C. , Castro Allisson J. G. , Frederico Marisa J. S. , Moraes Ana L. L. , Neuenfeldt Patrícia D. , Nunes Ricardo J. , Menegaz Danusa , Silva Fátima R. M. B.
Published: July 2018

New compounds with promising antidiabetic activity were synthesized. For the first time, a portion of the glibenclamide molecule was bound to a part of the core structure of thiazolidinedione to evaluate insulin secretagogue activity. Following studies in our laboratory, 4‐{2‐[2‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐oxo‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐3‐yl]ethyl}benzene‐1‐sulfonamide (DTEBS) was selected to evaluate glycemia using the glucose tolerance test and insulin secretagogue activity by E.L.I.S.A. The mechanism of action of this compound was studied by 45Ca2+ influx and whole‐cell patch‐clamp in rat pancreatic isolated islets. Furthermore, AGE formation in vitro was investigated. We herein show that this novel hybrid compound (DTEBS) exhibits an insulinogenic index and a profile of serum insulin secretion able to maintain glucose homeostasis. Its mechanism of action is mediated by ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (KATP) and L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCC) and by activating protein kinase C and A (PKC and PKA). In addition, the stimulatory action of the compound on calcium influx and insulin secretion indicates that the potentiation of voltage‐sensitive K+ currents (Kv) is due to the repolarization phase of the action potential after secretagogue excitation‐secretion in pancreatic islets. Furthermore, under these experimental conditions, the compound did not induce toxicity and the in vitro late response of the compound to protein glycation reinforces its use to prevent complications of diabetes. DTEBS exerts an insulin secretagogue effect by triggering KATP, VDCC, and Kv ionic currents, possibly via PKC and PKA pathway signal transduction, in beta‐cells. Furthermore, DTEBS may hold potential for delaying the late complications of diabetes.
C6 ceramide motivates the anticancer sensibility induced by PKC412 in preclinical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models
Authors: Zhu Yanyan , Wang Chaojie , Zhou Yun , Ma Ning , Zhou Jianwei
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti–head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (anti‐HNSCC) cell activity by C6 ceramide and multikinase inhibitor PKC412. Experiments were performed on HNSCC cell lines (SQ20B and SCC‐9) and primary human oral carcinoma cells. Results showed that PKC412 inhibited HNSCC cell proliferation without provoking apoptosis activation. Cotreatment of C6 ceramide significantly augmented PKC412‐induced lethality in HNSCC cells. PKC412 decreased Akt–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in HNSCC cells, facilitated with cotreatment of C6 ceramide. In contrast, exogenous expression of a constitutively active Akt restored Akt–mTOR activation and attenuated lethality by the cotreatment. We propose that Mcl‐1 is a primary resistance factor of PKC412. The cytotoxicity of PKC412 in HNSCC cells was potentiated with Mcl‐1 short hairpin RNA knockdown, but was attenuated with Mcl‐1 overexpression. Intriguingly, C6 ceramide downregulated Mcl‐1 in HNSCC cells. In vivo, PKC412 oral administration inhibited SQ20B xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. The antitumor activity of PKC412 was further sensitized with coadministration of liposomal C6 ceramide. Together, we suggest that PKC412 could be further studied as a promising anti‐HNSCC strategy, alone or in combination with C6 ceramide.
Endometrial pinopode biomarkers: Molecules and microRNAs
Authors: Rarani Fahimeh Zamani , Borhani Fatemeh , Rashidi Bahman
Published: July 2018

Ultrastructural changes on the apical surface of the luminal epithelium of the uterus are known as pinopodes. Their morphology in species and in special species is associated with different results about size, duration, and percentage of surface area covered by pinopodes. The content of pinopodes is different in rodents and humans. In mice and rats pinopodes have many vacuoles and no organelle that extends to the actin stalk above the microvilli. Human pinopodes do not have a large vacuole and contain the golgi complex, a rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles, and mitochondria that extend from the entire cell surface. It has been suggested that pinopodes are good markers of endometrial receptivity and implantation window. There are several molecular markers related to the presence of pinopodes, including integrins, leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF), l‐selectin, HOXA10, glutaredoxin, glycodelinA, heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor, mucins, and microRNAs (miRNAs). Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that miRNAs could affect the expression of LIF and pinopodes in the endometrium and these molecules play key roles in implantation window processes. Here, we have summarized the morphology and function of pinopodes. Moreover, we have highlighted several molecules in relation to pinopodes that could be used as biomarkers.
Nucleolin protects against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity via upregulating microRNA‐21
Authors: Sun Hui , Tong Zhongyi , Fang Yeqing , Jiang Bimei , Liang Pengfei , Tang Yuting , Li Yuanbin , Wu Yanyang , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: July 2018

Nucleolin is a multifunctional protein and participates in many important biological processes. Our previous study found that nucleolin protects the heart against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of nucleolin in doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity. The expression pattern of nucleolin in hearts subjected to DOX injury was investigated, and we found that administration of DOX induced nucleolin expression significantly in vivo and in vitro. Gene transfection and RNA interference approaches were used in cardiomyocytes to investigate the function of nucleolin. Nucleolin overexpression protects cardiomyocytes against DOX‐induced injury. Nucleolin‐ablated cardiomyocytes become susceptible to the injury induced by DOX. The hearts of cardiac‐myocyte‐specific nucleolin transgenic mice are more resistant to DOX injury. Furthermore, nucleolin upregulates microRNA(miRNA)‐21 expression in vivo and in vitro, and the miRNA‐21 inhibitor negates the protective effect of nucleolin against injury induced by DOX. These results have demonstrated that nucleolin is involved in the regulation of DOX‐induced cardiac injury and dysfunction via the regulation of miRNA‐21 expression, and may be a novel therapeutic target for DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
MicroRNA miR-223 as regulator of innate immunity
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyi , Berg Nathaniel , Lee Jae Woong , Le Thanh-Thuy , Neudecker Viola , Jing Na , Eltzschig Holger
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs were discovered more than 2 decades ago and have profound impact on diverse biological processes. Specific microRNAs have important roles in modulating the innate immune response and their dysregulation has been demonstrated to contribute to inflammatory diseases. MiR-223 in particular, is very highly expressed and tightly regulated in hematopoietic cells. It functions as key modulator for the differentiation and activation of myeloid cells. The central role of miR-223 in myeloid cells, especially neutrophil and macrophage differentiation and activation has been studied extensively. MiR-223 contributes to myeloid differentiation by enhancing granulopoiesis while inhibiting macrophage differentiation. Uncontrolled myeloid activation has detrimental consequences in inflammatory disease. MiR-223 serves as a negative feedback mechanism controlling excessive innate immune responses in the maintenance of myeloid cell homeostasis. This review summarizes several topics covering the function of miR-223 in myeloid differentiation, neutrophil and macrophage functions, as well as in inflammatory diseases including acute respiratory distress syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, nonmyeloid functions of miR-223 are also discussed in this review. Therapeutic enhancement of miR-223 to dampen inflammatory targets is also highlighted as potential treatment to control excessive innate immune responses during mucosal inflammation.

MiR-223 is important in regulating innate immune responses and recent studies highlight the therapeutic potential of enhancing miR-223 as a treatment for inflammatory diseases.
The Embodied Experience of Microaggressions: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Johnson Rae , Leighton Lucia , Caldwell Christine
Published: July 2018

Ongoing scholarship in multicultural counseling practice has established the significance of microaggressions in the lived experience of clients and in the client–counselor dyad. Grounded in new research into the embodied experience of oppression, this article reviews key concepts in nonverbal communication and traumatology to illustrate how the body is implicated in the transmission of microaggressions and how counselors can become more attentive, informed, and responsive to how social power differences manifest in the body.

Las investigaciones actuales sobre la práctica de la consejería multicultural han establecido la importancia de las microagresiones en la experiencia vital de los clientes y en la díada cliente–consejero. Fundamentado en nuevas investigaciones sobre la experiencia corporal de la opresión, este artículo revisa conceptos clave de la comunicación no verbal y la traumatología para ilustrar cómo el cuerpo está involucrado en la transmisión de microagresiones y cómo los consejeros pueden tornarse más atentos, informados y sensibles a cómo las diferencias de poder social se manifiestan en el cuerpo.
Counselor Education Students’ Perceptions of Wellness and Mental Health in African American Men: The Effects of Colorism
Authors: Hairston Tiffany R. , Laux John M. , O’Hara Caroline , Roseman Christopher P. , Gore Shanda
Published: July 2018

Colorism is discrimination based on skin tone. Skin color influences clinicians’ diagnostic impressions. The degree to which colorism influences counseling students’ clinical decision making is unknown. This study examined colorism's effect on counselor education master's students’ (N = 154) clinical decisions. Analysis of covariance failed to produce statistically significant results when comparing students’ evaluations of a male African American's mental health and wellness, when controlling for presentation management, across 4 skin tones. Counselors should include colorism in diversity training.

El colorismo es la discriminación basada en el tono de la piel. El tono de la piel influye en las impresiones diagnósticas de los profesionales clínicos. Se desconoce hasta qué punto el colorismo influye en las decisiones clínicas de los estudiantes de consejería. Este estudio examinó el efecto del colorismo en las decisiones clínicas de estudiantes de maestría en educación de consejeros (N = 154). El análisis de la covarianza no produjo resultados estadísticamente significativos al comparar las evaluaciones de los estudiantes sobre la salud mental y el bienestar de un cliente afroamericano varón, controlando la gestión de la presentación de 4 tonos de piel diferentes. Los consejeros deberían incluir el colorismo en la capacitación de diversidad.
Effect of microtexturing on powder boundary layer: An experimental study based on laser microscopy and profilometry measurements
Authors: Jiao Yunlong , Ji Jiawei , Liu Kun , Wang Wei
Published: July 2018

Powder lubrication can effectively reduce friction under extreme conditions, but powder filling and storage are yet to be improved. In this study, the evolution of the powder boundary layer on microtextured surfaces is investigated. The effect of load and speed on the friction properties of the microtexutured surface is also revealed by using a multifunctional friction and wear tester. Interrupted laser microscopy and profilometry measurements of the friction surface show 4 evolution stages of the powder boundary layer development: localised formation, complete formation, local spalling, and large scuffing of the boundary layer. The steady state boundary layer is characterised with many tadpole‐shaped units and exhibits better lubricity under high load and speed, which effectively delay the damage and improve the life of frictional samples. The present work may provide some new insights to engineers and researchers in designing surface micro/nanotextures with better lubricity and wear resistance.
Copper‐Free Synthesis of Glycidyl Triazolyl Polymers
Authors: Ikeda Taichi
Published: July 2018

Five types of glycidyl triazolyl polymers (GTPs) are synthesized without a copper catalyst by thermal azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction between glycidyl azide polymer and the electron‐deficient alkynes with the ester group. The samples are characterized by NMR, IR, size‐exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The terminal alkyne affords a 9:1 mixture of the 4‐ and 5‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazolyl derivatives of GTPs. The asymmetric internal alkyne with the methyl‐ and (triethylene glycol)‐esters gives an almost 1:1 mixture of the structural isomers of GTPs having the methyl‐ester substituent at either the 4‐ or 5‐positions of the 1,2,3‐triazole ring. The chemical modification by triethylene glycol improves thermal stability of the ester bond in GTP. The 4,5‐disubstituted triazolyl derivative of GTP has lower glass transition temperature than the mono‐substituted one. This achievement facilitates the work‐up process of GTP synthesis and contributes to expanding the application field of GTP, especially, to the systems not allowing the contamination of a copper catalyst in the biomedical field.
Newton‐Krylov method for computing the cyclic steady states of evolution problems in nonlinear mechanics
Authors: Khristenko Ustim , Le Tallec Patrick
Published: July 2018

This work is focused on the Newton‐Krylov technique for computing the steady cyclic states of evolution problems in nonlinear mechanics with space‐time periodicity conditions. This kind of problems can be faced, for instance, in the modeling of a rolling tire with a periodic tread pattern, where the cyclic state satisfies “rolling” periodicity condition, including shifts both in time and space. The Newton‐Krylov method is a combination of a Newton nonlinear solver with a Krylov linear solver, looking for the initial state, which provides the space‐time periodic solution. The convergence of the Krylov iterations is proved to hold in presence of an adequate preconditioner. After preconditioning, the Newton‐Krylov method can be also considered as an observer‐controller method, correcting the transient solution of the initial value problem after each period. Using information stored while computing the residual, the Krylov solver computation time becomes negligible with respect to the residual computation time. The method has been analyzed and tested on academic applications and compared with the standard evolution (fixed point) method. Finally, it has been implemented into the Michelin industrial code, applied to a full 3D rolling tire model.