bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicompartment Drug Release System for Dynamic Modulation of Tissue Responses
Authors: Morris Aaron H. , Mahal Rajwant S. , Udell Jillian , Wu Michelle , Kyriakides Themis R.
Published: June 2017

Pharmacological modulation of responses to injury is complicated by the need to deliver multiple drugs with spatiotemporal resolution. Here, a novel controlled delivery system containing three separate compartments with each releasing its contents over different timescales is fabricated. Core–shell electrospun fibers create two of the compartments in the system, while electrosprayed spheres create the third. Utility is demonstrated by targeting the foreign body response to implants because it is a dynamic process resulting in implant failure. Sequential delivery of a drug targeting nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and an antifibrotic is characterized in in vitro experiments. Specifically, macrophage fusion and p65 nuclear translocation in the presence of releasate or with macrophages cultured on the surfaces of the constructs are evaluated. In addition, releasate from pirfenidone scaffolds is shown to reduce transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐induced pSMAD3 nuclear localization in fibroblasts. In vivo, drug eluting constructs successfully mitigate macrophage fusion at one week and fibrotic encapsulation in a dose‐dependent manner at four weeks, demonstrating effective release of both drugs over different timescales. Future studies can employ this system to improve and prolong implant lifetimes, or load it with other drugs to modulate other dynamic processes.
Growth of Au Nanoparticles on 2D Metalloporphyrinic Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets Used as Biomimetic Catalysts for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Huang Ying , Zhao Meiting , Han Shikui , Lai Zhuangchai , Yang Jian , Tan Chaoliang , Ma Qinglang , Lu Qipeng , Chen Junze , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Zhicheng , Li Bing , Chen Bo , Zong Yun , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2017

Inspired by the multiple functions of natural multienzyme systems, a new kind of hybrid nanosheet is designed and synthesized, i.e., ultrasmall Au nanoparticles (NPs) grown on 2D metalloporphyrinic metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanosheets. Since 2D metalloporphyrinic MOF nanosheets can act as the peroxidase mimics and Au NPs can serve as artificial glucose oxidase, the hybrid nanosheets are used to mimic the natural enzymes and catalyze the cascade reactions. Furthermore, the synthesized hybrid nanosheets are used to detect biomolecules, such as glucose. This study paves a new avenue to design nanomaterial‐based biomimetic catalysts with multiple complex functions.
The Viologen Cation Radical Pimer: A Case of Dispersion‐Driven Bonding
Authors: Geraskina Margarita R. , Dutton Andrew S. , Juetten Mark J. , Wood Samuel A. , Winter Arthur H.
Published: June 2017

The π bonds between organic radicals have generated excitement as an orthogonal interaction for designing self‐assembling architectures in water. A systematic investigation of the effect of the viologen cation radical structure on the strength and nature of the pimer bond is provided. A striking and unexpected feature of this π bond is that the bond strength is unchanged by substitution with electron‐donating groups or withdrawing groups or with increased conjugation. Furthermore, the interaction is undiminished by sterically bulky N‐alkyl groups. Theoretical modeling indicates that strong dispersion forces dominate the interaction between the radicals, rationalizing the insensitivity of the bonding interaction to substituents: The stacking of polarizable π radicals leads to attractive dispersion forces in excess of typical dispersion interactions of small molecules and helps overcome the Coulombic repulsion of bringing two cationic species into contact.
Segmental, Domain‐Selective Perdeuteration and Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering for Structural Analysis of Multi‐Domain Proteins
Authors: Sonntag Miriam , Jagtap Pravin Kumar Ankush , Simon Bernd , Appavou Marie‐Sousai , Geerlof Arie , Stehle Ralf , Gabel Frank , Hennig Janosch , Sattler Michael
Published: June 2017

Multi‐domain proteins play critical roles in fine‐tuning essential processes in cellular signaling and gene regulation. Typically, multiple globular domains that are connected by flexible linkers undergo dynamic rearrangements upon binding to protein, DNA or RNA ligands. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) represent an important class of multi‐domain proteins, which regulate gene expression by recognizing linear or structured RNA sequence motifs. Here, we employ segmental perdeuteration of the three RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains in the RBP TIA‐1 using Sortase A mediated protein ligation. We show that domain‐selective perdeuteration combined with contrast‐matched small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS), SAXS and computational modeling provides valuable information to precisely define relative domain arrangements. The approach is generally applicable to study conformational arrangements of individual domains in multi‐domain proteins and changes induced by ligand binding.
Controlling Reaction Selectivity through the Surface Termination of Perovskite Catalysts
Authors: Polo‐Garzon Felipe , Yang Shi‐Ze , Fung Victor , Foo Guo Shiou , Bickel Elizabeth E. , Chisholm Matthew F. , Jiang De‐en , Wu Zili
Published: June 2017

Although perovskites have been widely used in catalysis, tuning of their surface termination to control reaction selectivity has not been well established. In this study, we employed multiple surface‐sensitive techniques to characterize the surface termination (one aspect of surface reconstruction) of SrTiO3 (STO) after thermal pretreatment (Sr enrichment) and chemical etching (Ti enrichment). We show, by using the conversion of 2‐propanol as a probe reaction, that the surface termination of STO can be controlled to greatly tune catalytic acid/base properties and consequently the reaction selectivity over a wide range, which is not possible with single‐metal oxides, either SrO or TiO2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations explain well the selectivity tuning and reaction mechanism on STO with different surface termination. Similar catalytic tunability was also observed on BaZrO3, thus highlighting the generality of the findings of this study.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Aza‐ortho‐quinone Methide Generation for the Synthesis of Indoles in a Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Liu Yi‐Yin , Yu Xiao‐Ye , Chen Jia‐Rong , Qiao Ming‐Ming , Qi Xiaotian , Shi De‐Qing , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: June 2017

A visible‐light‐driven radical‐mediated strategy for the in situ generation of aza‐ortho‐quinone methides from 2‐vinyl‐substituted anilines and alkyl radical precursors is described. This process enables an efficient multicomponent reaction of 2‐vinylanilines, halides, and sulfur ylides, and has a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Treatment of the cycloaddition products with a base leads to densely functionalized indoles in a single‐flask operation.
Total Synthesis of Ovafolinins A and B: Unique Polycyclic Benzoxepin Lignans through a Cascade Cyclization
Authors: Davidson Samuel J. , Barker David
Published: June 2017

Ovafolinins A and B, isolated from Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica, are lignans that contain a unique bridged structure containing a penta‐ and tetracyclic benzoxepin and an aryl tetralin. We report the first total synthesis of these natural products in which an acyl‐Claisen rearrangement was initially utilized to construct the lignan backbone with correct relative stereochemistry. Judicious use of a bulky protecting group placed reactive moieties in the correct orientation, thereby resulting in a cascade reaction to form the bridged benzoxepin/aryl tetralin from a linear precursor in a single step. Modification of this route allowed the enantioselective synthesis of (+)‐ovafolinins A and B, which confirmed the absolute stereochemistry, and comparison of optical rotation suggests that these compounds are found as scalemic mixtures in nature.
Biological effects related to geomagnetic activity and possible mechanisms
Authors: Krylov Viacheslav V.
Published: June 2017

This review presents contemporary data on the biological effects of geomagnetic activity. Correlations between geomagnetic indices and biological parameters and experimental studies that used simulated geomagnetic storms to detect possible responses of organisms to these events in nature are discussed. Possible mechanisms by which geomagnetic activity influences organisms are also considered. Special attention is paid to the idea that geomagnetic activity is perceived by organisms as a disruption of diurnal geomagnetic variation. This variation, in turn, is viewed by way of a secondary zeitgeber for biological circadian rhythms. Additionally, we discuss the utility of cryptochrome as a biological detector of geomagnetic storms. The possible involvement of melatonin and protein coding by the CG8198 gene in the biological effects of geomagnetic activity are discussed. Perspectives for studying mechanisms by which geomagnetic storms affect organisms are suggested. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:497–510, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eu3+‐doped polystyrene and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers made by electrospinning for photoluminescent fabric designing
Authors: Itankar Sangeeta Gopichandra , Dandekar Manjusha Prafulla , Kondawar Subhash Baburao , Bahirwar Bhaskar Marotrao
Published: June 2017

Eu3+‐doped polystyrene and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF/Eu3+ and PS/Eu3+) nanofibers were made using electrospinning. These fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and photoluminescence (PL). Spectral analysis of PVDF/Eu3+ and PS/Eu3+ nanofibers was based on their emission spectra. A bright red emission was noticed from Eu3+ that was assigned to the hypersensitive 5D0 → 7F2 transition. The enhanced intensity ratios of 5D0 → 7F2 to 5D0 → 7F1 transitions in the nanofibers indicated a more polarized chemical environment for the Eu3+ ions and greater hypersensitivity for the 5D0 → 7F2 transition, which showed the potential for application in various polymer optoelectronic devices. The Eu3+‐doped polymer (PVDF/Eu3+ and PS/Eu3+) nanofibers are suitable for the photoluminescent white light fabric design of smart textiles. This paper focuses on the potential application of smart fabrics to address challenges in human life.
Competence matters! Understanding biculturalism in ethnically diverse adolescents
Authors: Benbow Alison E. F. , Rutland Adam
Published: June 2017

The importance of bicultural competence in negotiating diversity was explored longitudinally with 227 bicultural British female adolescents. Bicultural competence predicted social‐psychological adaptation and intergroup attitudes. It also mediated the effects of ethnic identity and perceived similarity on acculturation preferences. Implications for research on adolescents growing up with diversity are considered.
Parallel solvers for fractional power diffusion problems
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Starikovičius Vadimas , Margenov Svetozar , Kriauzienė Rima
Published: June 2017

Mathematical models with fractional‐order differential operators are computationally expensive due to the non‐local nature of these operators. In this work, we construct and investigate parallel solvers for problems described by fractional powers of elliptic operators, like fractional diffusion. Three state‐of‐the‐art approaches are used to transform the non‐local fractional‐order differential problem into local partial differential equation problems formulated in a space of higher dimension. Numerical schemes and parallel algorithms are developed for all three approaches. The resulting parallel algorithms have very different properties. We investigate the weak and strong scalability of the developed parallel algorithms and compare their parallel performance.
Reducing memory requirements for large size LBM simulations on GPUs
Authors: Valero‐Lara Pedro
Published: June 2017

The scientific community in its never‐ending road of larger and more efficient computational resources is in need of more efficient implementations that can adapt efficiently on the current parallel platforms. Graphics processing units are an appropriate platform that cover some of these demands. This architecture presents a high performance with a reduced cost and an efficient power consumption. However, the memory capacity in these devices is reduced and so expensive memory transfers are necessary to deal with big problems. Today, the lattice‐Boltzmann method (LBM) has positioned as an efficient approach for Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. Despite this method is particularly amenable to be efficiently parallelized, it is in need of a considerable memory capacity, which is the consequence of a dramatic fall in performance when dealing with large simulations. In this work, we propose some initiatives to minimize such demand of memory, which allows us to execute bigger simulations on the same platform without additional memory transfers, keeping a high performance. In particular, we present 2 new implementations, LBM‐Ghost and LBM‐Swap, which are deeply analyzed, presenting the pros and cons of each of them.
Magnetostructural Characterization of Oxalamide Dihalo‐Bridged Copper Dimers: Intra‐ and Interdimer Interactions Studied by Single‐Crystal Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Žilić Dijana , Maity Debdeep , Cetina Mario , Molčanov Krešimir , Džolić Zoran , Herak Mirta
Published: June 2017

Detailed single‐crystal electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis of oxalamide complexes with halogen‐bridged copper dimers, supported by X‐ray, magnetic susceptibility, and powder ESR studies, is reported. Four complexes with two different ligands are synthesized: [CuLA(μ‐X)]2 and [CuLV(μ‐X)]2, for which LA=N‐(l‐alanine methyl ester)‐N′‐[(2‐pyridine‐2‐yl)methyl]oxalamide and LV=N‐(l‐valine methyl ester)‐N′‐[(2‐pyridine‐2‐yl)methyl]oxalamide, for which X=Cl or Br. X‐ray analysis shows that the geometry at each copper(II) ion is square pyramidal, whereas two pyramids share one base‐to‐apex edge with parallel basal planes. The complexes are linked by hydrogen bonds into infinite chains and are further linked into a 3D network. Susceptibility measurements show that the copper centers in the dimers are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled (|J|≈1–2 cm−1). From powder ESR spectroscopy, the g values and d
orbital as the ground state of the unpaired electron are determined. The complexes show unusual anisotropic splitting and merging of the ESR lines if their single crystals rotate in a magnetic field. The observation of this partially resolved intradimer dipolar splitting enables estimation of the weak interdimer exchange interaction parameter |J′|≈0.001 cm−1.
Commentary on R&D Trends Away from General Medicine/Cardiovascular Drugs: Can the FDA Help Reverse the Trend?
Authors: Meyer RJ
Published: June 2017

In the latter part of the 20th century, drug development in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was a paragon of “modern” therapeutics, bringing about a substantial number of effective, well‐tolerated agents targeting some of the most prevalent diseases of the Western world. These drugs were often examples of rational drug development targeting specific pathophysiologic pathways previously elucidated through basic research (e.g., targeting of the renin‐angiotensin system or the cholesterol synthesis pathway). The widespread adoption of these ground‐breaking medications in practice and into medical guidelines undoubtedly played a role in the fall of morbidity and mortality from CVD in the United States in recent decades. For instance, the combined, age‐adjusted rates of death due to heart disease and CVD fell in the United States from an aggregate of 329.6 per 100,000 in 1999 to 203.5 in 2014. Although lifestyle trends (e.g., decreased smoking prevalence) contributed to this decline, the impact of safe and effective medications for common CVD conditions cannot be dismissed. Yet, despite the drop in CVD morbidity and mortality, CVDs remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and, therefore, a large area of unmet medical need.
Replacing PAPS: In vitro phase II sulfation of steroids with the liver S9 fraction employing ATP and sodium sulfate
Authors: Weththasinghe Sumudu A. , Waller Christopher C. , Fam Han Ling , Stevenson Bradley J. , Cawley Adam T. , McLeod Malcolm D.
Published: June 2017

In vitro technologies provide the capacity to study drug metabolism where in vivo studies are precluded due to ethical or financial constraints. The metabolites generated by in vitro studies can assist anti‐doping laboratories to develop protocols for the detection of novel substances that would otherwise evade routine screening efforts. In addition, professional bodies such as the Association of Official Racing Chemists (AORC) currently permit the use of in‐vitro‐derived reference materials for confirmation purposes providing additional impetus for the development of cost effective in vitro metabolism platforms. In this work, alternative conditions for in vitro phase II sulfation using human, equine or canine liver S9 fraction were developed, with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and sodium sulfate in place of the expensive and unstable co‐factor 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS), and employed for the generation of six representative steroidal sulfates. Using these conditions, the equine in vitro phase II metabolism of the synthetic or so‐called designer steroid furazadrol ([1′,2′]isoxazolo[4′,5′:2,3]‐5α‐androstan‐17β‐ol) was investigated, with ATP and Na2SO4 providing comparable metabolism to reactions using PAPS. The major in vitro metabolites of furazadrol matched those observed in a previously reported equine in vivo study. Finally, the equine in vitro phase II metabolism of the synthetic steroid superdrol (methasterone, 17β‐hydroxy‐2α,17α‐dimethyl‐5α‐androstan‐3‐one) was performed as a prediction of the in vivo metabolic profile.
The High‐Pressure Nickel Borate Hydrate Ni3B18O28(OH)4·H2O
Authors: Schmitt Martin K. , Janka Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert
Published: June 2017

A high‐pressure/high‐temperature experiment at 5 GPa/973 K revealed the existence of a new nickel borate hydrate. The crystal structure of Ni3B18O28(OH)4·H2O was elucidated through X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P62m (no. 189) with the lattice parameters a = 8.2599(4) Å, c = 7.6963(4) Å, and V = 454.74(5) Å3. X‐ray powder diffraction, IR and Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and magnetic measurements were used to characterize Ni3B18O28(OH)4·H2O. The effective magnetic moment and the Weiss constant were calculated to be µeff = 3.20(1) µB and θP = –5.3(1) K, respectively.
Asymmetric Supramolecular Organocatalysis: A Complementary Upgrade to Organocatalysis
Authors: Anebouselvy Kengadarane , Shruthi Kodambahalli S. , Ramachary Dhevalapally B.
Published: June 2017

The recent past has witnessed tremendous growth in the field of asymmetric synthesis through “asymmetric supramolecular organocatalysis (ASO)”. ASO emerges from many interactions between substrates and catalysts: namely substrate–catalyst, catalyst–catalyst and substrate–substrate interactions. As a result, ASO has come to be the fourth pillar of asymmetric catalysis. This review summarizes recent advances in the high‐yielding asymmetric synthesis of chiral compounds from functionally rich substrates with the aid of combinations of two or more organocatalysts working synergistically through relatively stable pre‐transition states. ASO not only assists in product formation from highly functionalized substrates with high rate/selectivity, but also sheds some light on understanding of the fundamental aspects of the pre‐transition state structures.
On the Basicity of Conjugated Nitrogen Heterocycles in Different Media
Authors: Lõkov Märt , Tshepelevitsh Sofja , Heering Agnes , Plieger Paul G. , Vianello Robert , Leito Ivo
Published: June 2017

In this work we explored the relationship between the structure and solvent effects on the basicity of a large selection of conjugated N‐heterocyclic nitrogen bases in different media: the polar aprotic solvent acetonitrile, the polar protic solvent water and the gas phase. Altogether, 58 previously unpublished basicity values in different media for 39 compounds are presented, including 30 experimentally determined pKa values in acetonitrile. We present the pKa and gas‐phase basicity values for quino[7,8‐h]quinoline, which is one of the most basic conjugated nitrogen heterocyclic compounds without basicity‐enhancing substituents. The trends in basicity are rationalized by comparing the basicity data of related compounds in different solvents, as well as by using isodesmic reactions. The gas‐phase basicity is predominantly determined by the ability of a molecule to disperse the excess positive charge over a large number of atoms. In solution the situation is less clear and smaller systems with localized charge often lead to higher basicities because of solvent effects. In particular, it was found that the fusion of an additional benzene ring does not always lead to an increase in basicity in solution: its effect can be either basicity‐increasing or ‐decreasing, depending on the ring size, number and position of nitrogen atoms and medium. A correlation between the measured pKa values in MeCN and in water suggests that these two different solvents exert a similar effect on the basicity of the studied heterocycles.
Experimental investigation on reparability of an infilled rocking wall frame structure
Authors: Wu Shoujun , Pan Peng , Nie Xin , Wang Haishen , Shen Shaodong
Published: June 2017

Improving seismic performance is one of the critical objectives in earthquake engineering. With the development of economy and society, reparability and fast resilience of a structure are becoming increasingly important. Reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure is prone to soft story mechanism. As a result, deformation and damage are so concentrated that reparability is severely hampered. Rocking wall provides an available approach for deformation control in RC frame by introducing a continuous component along the height. Previous researches mostly focus on seismic responses of rocking wall frame structures, while damage mode and reparability have not been investigated in detail. In this study, a novel infilled rocking wall frame (IRWF) structure is proposed. A half‐scaled IRWF model was designed according to Chinese seismic design code. The model was subjected to cyclic pushover testing up to structure drift ratio of 1/50 (amplitude 1/50), and its reparability was evaluated thereafter. Retrofit was implemented by wrapping steel plates and installing friction dampers. The retrofitted model was further loaded up to amplitude 1/30. The IRWF model showed excellent reparability and satisfactory seismic performance on deformation control, damage mode, hysteresis behavior, and beam‐to‐column joint rotation. After retrofitting, capacity of the model was improved by 11% with limited crack distribution. The model did not degrade until amplitude 1/30, due to shear failure in frame beams. The retrofit procedure was proved effective, and reparability of the IRWF model was demonstrated. Seismic resilience tends to be achieved in the proposed system.
Wood export prediction at the watershed scale
Authors: Senter Anne , Pasternack Gregory , Piégay Hervé , Vaughan Matthew
Published: June 2017

Wood export from a watershed is a function of peak annual discharge, but one hydrologic relationship alone does not fully explain observed variability. Consideration of physical processes that influence the amount of wood available for transport is needed. However, wood recruitment, storage, mobilization, breakage, and transport rates and processes remain difficult to quantify. A theoretical wood transport equation focused on variations in discharge was the motivation for investigation into watershed‐specific wood export rates. Herein, multiplicative coefficients categorized by water year type are developed, paired with the equation, and validated to provide a new method for prediction of wood export at the watershed scale. The coefficients are defined as representing a broad suite of watershed processes that encompass spatio‐temporally variable scales. Two complementary datasets from the 1097 km2 mountainous North Yuba River, California watershed were used. Wood surveys above New Bullards Bar Reservoir yielded a wood availability estimate of 250 000–300 000 m3 along the channel network. Annual wood export into the reservoir was field‐surveyed in 2010, 2012 and 2013, and estimated in seven years via remotely sensed images over the 30 year study period of water years 1985–2014. Empirical, watershed‐scale wood export rates ranged from 0.3–5.6%. Comparison of predicted quantities using the new DVWP (discharge variations modified by watershed processes) wood export equation to observed wood export quantities resulted in an aggregate error rate of ±10%. When individual wood export quantities were compared, predicted to observed varied by 0.5–3.0 times. Total wood export of 59 000–71 000 m3 was estimated over the 30 year period, yielding a rate of 1.8 to 2.2 m3/year/km2. Wood export predictive capabilities at the watershed scale may help water resource and regulatory agencies plan for wood transfers to augment downstream ecosystems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectators or participants: How can SETAC become more engaged in international climate change research programs?
Authors: Stahl Ralph G. , Stauber Jennifer L. , Clements William H.
Published: June 2017

Environmental toxicologists and chemists have been crucial to evaluating the chemical fate and toxicological effects of environmental contaminants, including chlorinated pesticides, before and after Rachel Carson's publication of Silent Spring in 1962. Like chlorinated pesticides previously, global climate change is widely considered to be one of the most important environmental challenges of our time. Over the past 30 yr, climate scientists and modelers have shown that greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 cause radiative forcing (climate forcing) and lead to increased global temperatures. Despite significant climate change research efforts worldwide, the climate science community has overlooked potential problems associated with chemical contaminants, in particular how climate change could magnify the ecological consequences of their use and disposal. It is conceivable that the impacts of legacy or new chemical contaminants on wildlife and humans may be exacerbated when climate changes, especially if global temperatures rise as predicted. This lack of attention to chemical contaminants represents an opportunity for environmental toxicologists and chemists to become part of the global research program, and our objective is to highlight the importance of and ways for that to occur. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1971–1977. © 2017 SETAC
Determination of the protein quality of cooked Canadian pulses
Authors: Nosworthy Matthew G. , Neufeld Jason , Frohlich Peter , Young Gina , Malcolmson Linda , House James D.
Published: June 2017

A study to determine the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score and protein efficiency ratio of nine different cooked Canadian pulse classes was conducted in support of the establishment of protein quality claims in Canada and the United States. Split green and yellow pea, whole green lentil, split red lentil, Kabuli chickpea, navy bean, pinto bean, light red kidney bean, and black bean were investigated. Protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) were determined using the appropriate rodent models. All pulses had high digestibility values, >70%, with PDCAAS values greater than 0.5, thereby qualifying as a quality protein in the United States, but only navy beans qualified as a good source of protein. All pulses except whole green lentils, split red lentils, and split green peas would qualify as sources of protein with protein ratings between 20 and 30.4 in Canada. These findings support the use of pulses as protein sources in the regulatory context of both the United States and Canada.
Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Shiduolong skarn Pb–Zn deposit in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt: Constraints from whole‐rock geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope analyses
Authors: Wang Yongbin , Guo Yunpeng , Zeng Qingdong , Guo Lixiang
Published: June 2017

The Shiduolong Pb–Zn deposit, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, is a medium‐scale skarn deposit (0.4 Mt metal reserves with a grade of 1.46% Pb and 4.38% Zn). The mineralization occurs along the contact zone between Carboniferous marbles and Triassic quartz diorite and granodiorite. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS dating indicates that the Shiduolong quartz diorite is coeval with the granodiorite (245 Ma). Whole‐rock geochemical analysis shows that both phases are high‐K calc‐alkaline metaluminous (A/CNK < 1) I‐type granites with similar rare earth (REE) element contents and (La/Yb)N values, indicating that they formed via crystal fractionation from a common parental magma. However, the granodiorite has higher SiO2 contents, lower total Fe2O3, TiO2, MgO, Sr, and Ba contents, and more negative Eu anomalies than the quartz diorites, suggesting that the granodiorite experienced stronger fractional crystallization during magmatic evolution. The zircon εHf(t) values of the quartz diorite range from −3.3 to 1.6. The two‐stage model ages (TDM2) vary from 1,175 to 1,487 Ma. Hf isotope data indicate that the magma of the quartz diorite was mainly derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crustal materials with contributions from mantle‐derived magmas. Combined with the regional tectonic and magmatic activities, we propose that the Shiduolong Pb–Zn deposit might have formed during the hydrothermal event associated with the release of magmatic water from the granodiorite‐quartz diorite intrusions, which were generated by the subduction of the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic slab in the Early Triassic.
TRPC1‐ and TRPC3‐dependent Ca2+ signaling in mouse cortical astrocytes affects injury‐evoked astrogliosis in vivo
Authors: Belkacemi Thabet , Niermann Alexander , Hofmann Laura , Wissenbach Ulrich , Birnbaumer Lutz , Leidinger Petra , Backes Christina , Meese Eckart , Keller Andreas , Bai Xianshu , Scheller Anja , Kirchhoff Frank , Philipp Stephan E. , Weissgerber Petra , Flockerzi Veit , Beck Andreas
Published: June 2017

Following brain injury astrocytes change into a reactive state, proliferate and grow into the site of lesion, a process called astrogliosis, initiated and regulated by changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels may contribute to Ca2+ influx but their presence and possible function in astrocytes is not known. By RT‐PCR and RNA sequencing we identified transcripts of Trpc1, Trpc2, Trpc3, and Trpc4 in FACS‐sorted glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST)‐positive cultured mouse cortical astrocytes and subcloned full‐length Trpc1 and Trpc3 cDNAs from these cells. Ca2+ entry in cortical astrocytes depended on TRPC3 and was increased in the absence of Trpc1. After co‐expression of Trpc1 and Trpc3 in HEK‐293 cells both proteins co‐immunoprecipitate and form functional heteromeric channels, with TRPC1 reducing TRPC3 activity. In vitro, lack of Trpc3 reduced astrocyte proliferation and migration whereas the TRPC3 gain‐of‐function moonwalker mutation and Trpc1 deficiency increased astrocyte migration. In vivo, astrogliosis and cortex edema following stab wound injury were reduced in Trpc3‐/‐ but increased in Trpc1‐/‐ mice. In summary, our results show a decisive contribution of TRPC3 to astrocyte Ca2+ signaling, which is even augmented in the absence of Trpc1, in particular following brain injury. Targeted therapies to reduce TRPC3 channel activity in astrocytes might therefore be beneficial in traumatic brain injury.
The effects of multiple firefighting activities on information processing and work performance in a smoke‐diving room: An intervention study
Authors: Hemmatjo Rasoul , Motamedzade Majid , Aliabadi Mohsen , Kalatpour Omid , Farhadian Maryam
Published: June 2017

Firefighters perform various tasks during firefighting operations under unknown and unpredictable conditions. The present study investigated the impact of firefighting activities and cooling tactics on information processing and work performance. Firefighters performed typical firefighting tasks in the four experimental conditions, namely i) no cooling device (NC), ii) cooling gel (CG), iii) cool vest (CV), and iv) cooling gel and cool vest (CG + CV). The measurement of information processing, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) scores decreased significantly after the firefighting activities in the four conditions, relative to baseline. The results revealed no significant difference in PASAT scores among the four conditions. However, the performance time (PT) was significantly shorter for the CV and CG + CV compared to the NC and CG conditions. The findings confirmed that the firefighting activities have a detrimental effect on information processing. The CG + CV and CV were more effective than CG and NC in improving PT during firefighting. However, the cooling strategies have a negligible effect on improving information processing performance.
A performance comparison between the two language versions of the Affective Go/No‐Go test: A randomised crossover study
Authors: Lyoo Younghyun C. , Park Shinwon , Ju Sejin , Shin Kyung‐Shik , Hwang Jaeuk , Yoon Sujung , Kim Jungyoon , Cho Han Byul , Kim Young Hoon , Kim Jihyun H. , Jeong Hyeonseok S. , Kim Jieun E.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this randomised crossover study is to validate the Korean version of the Affective Go/No‐go (AGN) test. The Korean words for the AGN test were selected after careful evaluation of emotional valences, word length and frequency. Fifteen Korean advanced learners of English were administered both Korean and English versions, yielding 30 data points. The performance of both language versions was compared for each of the AGN test parameters (response latency, commission error and omission error) using two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were estimated to evaluate associations between the two versions. The ICCs were high for response latencies of all valences and commission errors of positive and neutral words, but not for that of negative words and omission errors of all valences. A similar pattern of test results, as revealed by the high ICCs and non‐significant interaction effects between language and word valence, suggests that the psychometric properties of the AGN test may be comparable over different language versions.
Not all cultural values are created equal: Cultural change in China reexamined through Google books
Authors: Zhang Rui , Weng Liping
Published: June 2017

Given its major transformations in recent decades, China has figured prominently in research on cultural change. Previous research converges in showing a general trend towards individualism in contemporary China while noting that rising individualism tends to coexist with enduring collectivism. To further understand this, we tested whether perceived traditional importance of cultural values would modulate the trajectory of cultural change reflected in word usage frequencies in published books. We re‐analysed Google's Chinese corpus since 1980 based on a broad sample of words associated with individualism–collectivism. We replicated the pattern of rising individualism and declining collectivism among words of modest and low perceived traditional importance. Most important, however, collectivistic words of high perceived traditional importance increased in usage frequencies with time, thus departing from the general trend towards individualism. Overall, our research underscores the role of core culture in cultural maintenance during times of rapid cultural change.
High sensitivity non‐invasive detection of calcifications deep inside biological tissue using Transmission Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ghita Adrian , Matousek Pavel , Stone Nick
Published: June 2017

The aim of this research was to develop a novel approach to probe non‐invasively the composition of inorganic chemicals buried deep in large volume biological samples. The method is based on advanced Transmission Raman Spectroscopy (TRS) permitting chemical specific detection within a large sampling volume. The approach could be beneficial to chemical identification of the breast calcifications detected during mammographic X‐ray procedures. The chemical composition of a breast calcification reflects the pathology of the surrounding tissue, malignant or benign and potentially the grade of malignancy. However, this information is not available from mammography, leading to excisional biopsy and histopathological assessment for a definitive diagnosis. Here we present, for the first time, a design of a new high performance deep Raman instrument and demonstrate its capability to detect type II calcifications (calcium hydroxyapatite) at clinically relevant concentrations and depths of around 40 mm in phantom tissue. This is around double the penetration depth achieved with our previous instrument design and around two orders of magnitude higher than that possible when using conventional Raman spectroscopy.

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Current usage and effectiveness of influenza medications and factors regarding the time taken to alleviate fever based on postcard questionnaire survey
Authors: Tochino Yoshihiro , Fujioka Masashi , Sakazaki Hiromi , Ikuno Yoshiyasu , Tochino Rie , Yoshii Naoko , Shintaku Haruo , Hirata Kazuto
Published: June 2017

Background

After the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, two new drugs against the influenza virus, laninamivir and peramivir, were released in 2010 in Japan. We investigated the current usage and effectiveness of influenza medications and factors related to the time taken to alleviate fever.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with influenza during the 2012‐2013 season in Osaka Prefecture answered a postcard questionnaire that collected data regarding their demographic characteristics, flu vaccination status, symptoms, prescribed drugs, and drug‐related adverse events.

Results

The use of laninamivir consistently increased over the 3‐year period and was prescribed at a similar rate as oseltamivir during the last year (39% and 45%, respectively). None of the neuraminidase inhibitors had a significant effect on the fever or other symptoms of influenza infection (P=.59 and P=.70, respectively). Vaccinated influenza patients experienced fever for a significantly longer duration than the nonvaccinated patients (P=.04). However, multivariate analysis showed that only influenza virus type, but not vaccination status, was related to the alleviation of fever within 2 days.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences of effects on fever and symptoms among neuraminidase inhibitors. Virus type was only related to the alleviation of fever.
Histological and reference system for the analysis of mouse intervertebral disc
Authors: Tam Vivian , Chan Wilson C.W. , Leung Victor Y.L. , Cheah Kathryn S.E. , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Sakai Daisuke , McCann Matthew R. , Bedore Jake , Séguin Cheryle A. , Chan Danny
Published: June 2017

A new scoring system based on histo‐morphology of mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) was established to assess changes in different mouse models of IVD degeneration and repair. IVDs from mouse strains of different ages, transgenic mice, or models of artificially induced IVD degeneration were assessed. Morphological features consistently observed in normal, and early/later stages of degeneration were categorized into a scoring system focused on nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) changes. “Normal NP” exhibited a highly cellularized cell mass that decreased with natural ageing and in disc degeneration. “Normal AF” consisted of distinct concentric lamellar structures, which was disrupted in severe degeneration. NP/AF clefts indicated more severe changes. Consistent scores were obtained between experienced and new users. Altogether, our scoring system effectively differentiated IVD changes in various strains of wild‐type and genetically modified mice and in induced models of IVD degeneration, and is applicable from the post‐natal stage to the aged mouse. This scoring tool and reference resource addresses a pressing need in the field for studying IVD changes and cross‐study comparisons in mice, and facilitates a means to normalize mouse IVD assessment between different laboratories. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:233–243, 2018.
A database for traditional knowledge of weather and climate in the Pacific
Authors: Chambers Lynda E. , Plotz Roan D. , Dossis Tom , Hiriasia David H. , Malsale Philip , Martin David J. , Mitiepo Rossy , Tahera Khadiza , Tofaeono Tile I.
Published: June 2017

Growing interest in traditional knowledge (TK), particularly in relation to the prediction of weather or climate extremes, raises issues concerning the appropriate storage and management of the information collected. The Traditional Knowledge Database (TK Database) for the storage and use of TK associated with weather and climate prediction in the Pacific was designed with the following principles in mind: (1) preservation of the knowledge, maintaining cultural context wherever possible; (2) respect for intellectual property and cultural sensitivities around data sharing and use; (3) appropriate system design, accounting for ongoing costs of system maintenance and often intermittent Internet access; and (4) moving beyond data preservation to ensure continued use and growth of the TK. The TK Database was successfully deployed to four countries in the south Pacific and is regularly used by their national meteorological services, and partner organizations, both to preserve TK related to weather and climate and as a tool to assist in monitoring the TK indicators. As the first database of its kind, the TK Database fills a critical gap in the appropriate storage and application of TK and provides an important foundation for future developments.
Effects of green tea on lipid metabolism in overweight or obese people: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yuan Fen , Dong Hui , Fang Ke , Gong Jing , Lu Fuer
Published: June 2017

Scope

The effects of green tea on lipid metabolism were inconsistent. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effects of green tea on lipid metabolism in overweight or obese people.

Methods and results

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing green tea with a control on lipid metabolism on PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE (January 1990 to September 2016), COCHRANE and EMBASE (updated to October 2016), and the Chinese databases CNKI, WanFang and CBMD. Twenty‐one articles studying 1704 overweight or obese subjects were selected for this meta‐analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that green tea significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in overweight or obese people. The weighted mean difference was ‐3.38 mg/dl for TC (95% CI: ‐6.42,  −0.33 mg/dL) and −5.29 mg/dL for LDL (95% CI: −7.92, −2.6 6 mg/dL), respectively. Green tea intake, however, showed no effect on plasma triglyceride (TG) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL) levels in overweight or obese people with a relatively high heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis shows that drinking green tea can lower plasma TC and LDL levels significantly. Nevertheless, green tea's effect on plasma TG and HDL must be further evaluated by additional high‐quality and large‐scale RCTs.
Adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm for the rural postman problem with time windows
Authors: Monroy‐Licht Marcela , Amaya Ciro Alberto , Langevin André
Published: June 2017

The rural postman problem with time windows is the problem of serving some required edges with one vehicle; the vehicle must visit these edges during established time windows. This article presents a competitive adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm to solve the problem. Computational experiments are performed on a large set of instances with up to 104 required edges. The results show that this approach is efficient, significantly reducing the computational time on large instances and achieving good solutions: the algorithm is able to solve to optimality 224 of 232 instances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(1), 44–59 2017
Imposition of essential boundary conditions in the material point method
Authors: Cortis Michael , Coombs William , Augarde Charles , Brown Michael , Brennan Andrew , Robinson Scott
Published: June 2017

There is increasing interest in the material point method (MPM) as a means of modelling solid mechanics problems in which very large deformations occur, e.g. in the study of landslides and metal forming; however, some aspects vital to wider use of the method have to date been ignored, in particular methods for imposing essential boundary conditions in the case where the problem domain boundary does not coincide with the background grid element edges. In this paper, we develop a simple procedure originally devised for standard finite elements for the imposition of essential boundary conditions, for the MPM, expanding its capabilities to model boundaries of any inclination. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a method has been proposed that allows arbitrary Dirichlet boundary conditions (zero and nonzero values at any inclination) to be imposed in the MPM. The method presented in this paper is different from other MPM boundary approximation approaches, in that (1) the boundaries are independent of the background mesh, (2) artificially stiff regions of material points are avoided, and (3) the method does not rely on mirroring of the problem domain to impose symmetry. The main contribution of this work is equally applicable to standard finite elements and the MPM.
Topology optimization of continuum structures with stress constraints and uncertainties in loading
Authors: da Silva G. A. , Beck A. T. , Cardoso E. L.
Published: June 2017

Topology optimization using stress constraints and considering uncertainties is a serious challenge, since a reliability problem has to be solved for each stress constraint, for each element in the mesh. In this paper, an alternative way of solving this problem is used, where uncertainty quantification is performed through the first‐order perturbation approach, with proper validation by Monte Carlo simulation. Uncertainties are considered in the loading magnitude and direction. The minimum volume problem subjected to local stress constraints is formulated as a robust problem, where the stress constraints are written as a weighted average between their expected value and standard deviation. The augmented Lagrangian method is used for handling the large set of local stress constraints, whereas a gradient‐based algorithm is used for handling the bounding constraints. It is shown that even in the presence of small uncertainties in loading direction, different topologies are obtained when compared to a deterministic approach. The effect of correlation between uncertainties in loading magnitude and direction on optimal topologies is also studied, where the main observed result is loss of symmetry in optimal topologies.