bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Stable States Simulated for 1D Spin‐Crossover Nanoparticles Using the Ising‐Like Model
Authors: Allal Salah E. , Harlé Camille , Sohier Devan , Dufaud Thomas , Dahoo Pierre‐Richard , Linares Jorge
Published: October 2017

In the present work, numerical simulations for spin‐crossover 1D nanoparticles embedded in a matrix are presented and discussed in the framework of an Ising‐like model that takes into account short‐ (J) and long‐range (G) interactions as well as the interactions (L) between the surface molecules and the surroundings. For a new algorithm, detailed in this contribution, to calculate the density of states for each macro state, we obtained three‐state thermal behaviour for some sets of parameters. We analyze the effects of these different parameters as well as the number of 1D SCO molecules on this particular behaviour.
Temperature and Viscosity Dependence of Gold Nanodot Luminescence
Authors: Choi Sungmoon , Jeong Yujin , Yu Junhua
Published: October 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Junhua Yu at Seoul National University, South Korea. The cover image shows luminescent gold nanodots with bright emission.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of N‐Substituted 1‐(β‐Hydroxypropyl)indoles by Enantioselective Acetylation
Authors: Borowiecki Paweł , Dranka Maciej , Ochal Zbigniew
Published: October 2017

A new, concise, and efficient route towards both antipodes of N‐(β‐hydroxypropyl)indoles is described. The key step is an enantioselective lipase‐mediated acetylation of racemic indolic alcohols [1‐(1H‐indol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol, 1‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol, and 1‐(5‐bromo‐1H‐indol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol] with enol esters (vinyl acetate and isopropenyl acetate) as acyl group donors, performed under kinetically controlled conditions. A substantial influence of enzyme type, acyl group donor, and organic solvent on conversion rates and enantioselectivity of the enzymatic kinetic resolutions (EKRs) of the respective racemates was examined in detail. The best results in terms of enantioselectivity were obtained for the resolutions performed with native lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL, Amano AK) in diisopropyl ether (DIPE) or tert‐butyl methyl ether (TBME) solution. To support the assignment of the absolute configurations of EKR products, chemical correlations with enantiomerically enriched analytical standards and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis were applied.
Sorting polymers by size via an array of viscous posts
Authors: VandeSande Matthew C. , Pasut Daniel J. , de Haan Hendrick W.
Published: October 2017

DNA fragments can be sorted according to size by forcing them through an array of nanoposts. Whereas previous studies have explored solid nanoposts, this work examines nanoposts constructed out of viscous inclusions. Langevin dynamics simulations are used to study the dynamics of polymers driven through arrays of these viscous nanoposts for a range of post viscosities. The results are compared to the solid post case. Increasing post viscosity causes a decrease in the mobility of polymers traversing the array. In the limit of high post viscosity, the mobility becomes lower than in the solid post arrays, rather than converging to it. Analysis of the distributions of event times also shows that the viscous case is fundamentally different from the solid post case. The decrease in mobility in the viscous case arises from slowing down the polymer as it interacts with or even moves through the nanoposts, whereas the solid post case exhibits wrapping and unwrapping dynamics, yielding escape‐like statistics. This work suggests that it may be possible to use viscous inclusions within nanofluidic and microfluidic devices to sort biomolecules with high resolution.
Using Twitter to investigate seasonal variation in physical activity in urban green space
Authors: Roberts Helen , Sadler Jon , Chapman Lee
Published: October 2017

To understand how the benefits of outdoor physical activity in urban green spaces are transferred to human populations, consideration must be given to when people are using them, what they are using them for and what factors may affect the use of space. This paper critically evaluates the use of crowdsourced Twitter data in an assessment of physical activity engagement in urban green spaces in an attempt to investigate the potential of these data in investigating urban socio‐ecological interactions. A case study is presented in which Twitter data are used to assess the variance of physical activity engagement between two seasons (summer and winter). A number of factors including meteorology, park characteristics and amenities, and the role of organised sports events are explored in order to explain the observed findings. Understanding how physical activity engagement in urban green space varies seasonally is important in ensuring policy interventions to increase physical activity are targeted most effectively.
Smaller size‐at‐age menhaden with coastal warming and fishing intensity
Authors: Turner R Eugene
Published: October 2017

The size‐at‐age of one million Brevoortia tyrannus and B. patronus, harvested from Maine to Texas over 65 years, were analysed to determine if there was evidence of changes consistent with the well documented temperature size rules. The average annual weight and length for age 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐year‐old fish declined on both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (GOM) coasts. For example, the average size of a 4‐year‐old fish captured in 2010 from the Atlantic and GOM, relative to an average 4‐year‐old fish captured in 1987, is 15 per cent and 11 per cent lighter, respectively. Small changes in the year‐to‐year size of same‐aged fish were closely related to variations in the annual air temperature (used as a proxy for water temperature) for fish on both coasts. The size‐at‐age of GOM fish are also smaller during overfished periods compared with underfished periods by 10–24 per cent, and decrease by about the same proportion as indicated by temperature changes. The most plausible explanation for these size changes is that they are a consequence of recent coastal and oceanic warming. These reductions in size‐at‐age by temperature and fishing pressure affect egg production, oil yield and prey community for one‐half of the US Atlantic and GOM fish harvest. The future of menhaden fish size‐at‐age will be, it seems, smaller as oceanic temperatures rise.
Cortical disconnection of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex is associated with gait speed and upper extremity motor impairment in chronic left hemispheric stroke
Authors: Peters Denise M. , Fridriksson Julius , Stewart Jill C. , Richardson Jessica D. , Rorden Chris , Bonilha Leonardo , Middleton Addie , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Fritz Stacy L.
Published: October 2017

Advances in neuroimaging have enabled the mapping of white matter connections across the entire brain, allowing for a more thorough examination of the extent of white matter disconnection after stroke. To assess how cortical disconnection contributes to motor impairments, we examined the relationship between structural brain connectivity and upper and lower extremity motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. Forty‐three participants [mean age: 59.7 (±11.2) years; time poststroke: 64.4 (±58.8) months] underwent clinical motor assessments and MRI scanning. Nonparametric correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between structural connectivity amid a subsection of the motor network and upper/lower extremity motor function. Standard multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between cortical necrosis and disconnection of three main cortical areas of motor control [primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA)] and motor function. Anatomical connectivity between ipsilesional M1/SMA and the (1) cerebral peduncle, (2) thalamus, and (3) red nucleus were significantly correlated with upper and lower extremity motor performance (P ≤ 0.003). M1–M1 interhemispheric connectivity was also significantly correlated with gross manual dexterity of the affected upper extremity (P = 0.001). Regression models with M1 lesion load and M1 disconnection (adjusted for time poststroke) explained a significant amount of variance in upper extremity motor performance (R2 = 0.36–0.46) and gait speed (R2 = 0.46), with M1 disconnection an independent predictor of motor performance. Cortical disconnection, especially of ipsilesional M1, could significantly contribute to variability seen in locomotor and upper extremity motor function and recovery in chronic stroke. Hum Brain Mapp 39:120–132, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Veteran as leader: The lived experience with U.S. Army leader development
Authors: Kirchner Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Each year at least $50 billion is spent globally on leadership development—more than any other training and development program. Managers are concerned about the leadership shortage faced by their organizations and have been aggressive in their attempts to address the issue. These same organization leaders argue that the leadership and teamwork skills possessed by U.S. military veterans are highly desirable. This article presents findings from a phenomenological study that examined how U.S. Army veterans experienced leader development during their term of service. A purposive sample of 10 lower enlisted Army veterans completed a pre–military leadership autobiography and a face‐to‐face interview. Four primary themes emerged: (a) consistent first Army experiences, (b) observed leadership, (c) performing is essential, and (d) we are all leaders despite not understanding the process. This article contributes to the field of human resource development by discussing the Army leader development program as experienced by veterans and offering nonmilitary organizations a progressive leadership development methodology based on Army training.
Contaminant transport in a small deformation aquitard affected by the delayed drainage phenomenon
Authors: Li Zhaofeng , Zhou Zhifang , Dai Yunfeng , Huang Yong , Guo Qiaona , Zhou Cuiying
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a formulation accounting for the effect of delayed drainage phenomenon (DDP) on the breakthrough of contaminant flux in an aquitard, by considering the movement of soil particles, porosity variation, hydraulic head variation, and transient flow during the consolidation. The water flow equation in an aquitard was based on the Terzaghi's consolidation theory, and the contaminant transport equation was derived on the basis of the mass balance law. Two cases were used to illustrate the effect of DDP on the contaminant transport in an aquitard of small deformation. It is found that the breakthrough time of contaminant in an aquitard is very long, which is mainly ascribed to the low permeability of aquitard and sorption of soil particles. It is also found that the increase of depletion, which is in general induced by the increase of thickness and specific storativity and the decrease of hydraulic conductivity, enhances the impact of DDP on the contaminant transport in an aquitard. A larger delay index (τ0) of DDP gives a greater delay breakthrough time (DBT) of solute transport in an aquitard, which controls the difference of the breakthrough time of contaminant transport in aquitards with and without the occurrence of DDP. For the cases where advection plays a dominant role during the process of solute transport, τ0 is almost linearly correlated with DBT, and the ratio of DBT over the breakthrough time without consideration of DDP also approximately shows a linear relationship with the ratio of specific storativity to porosity, given a fixed drawdown in the adjacent aquifer with the sorption being ignored.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effect of bipolar electrocoagulation during laparoscopic ovarian endometrioma stripping on ovarian reserve
Authors: Deckers Paula , Ribeiro Sérgio Conti , Simões Ricardo dos Santos , Miyahara Camila Barião da Fonseca , Baracat Edmund Chada
Published: October 2017

Background

Laparoscopic stripping is the gold‐standard treatment for ovarian endometriosis. The choice of hemostasis method might affect ovarian reserve.

Objectives

To determine whether bipolar electrocoagulation is more detrimental to ovarian reserve than non‐thermal hemostasis methods.

Search strategy

Entry terms associated with the MeSH terms “endometrioma,” “laparoscopy,” and “ovarian reserve” were used to search databases for articles published up to April 3, 2017, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials comparing the 3‐month postoperative serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic stripping with bipolar hemostasis or non‐thermal hemostasis methods were selected.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and a meta‐analysis was performed.

Main results

Three studies met the inclusion criteria; overall, 105 patients underwent surgery with bipolar electrocoagulation and 105 patients underwent surgery with an alternative hemostasis method. The AMH level 3 months after surgery was decreased in the bipolar electrocoagulation group (mean difference −0.79 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval −1.19 to −0.39).

Conclusions

Bipolar electrocoagulation negatively impacts ovarian reserve and should be avoided, especially for patients with reproductive goals.
Openness to experience and creativity: When does global citizenship matter?
Authors: Tidikis Viktoria , Dunbar Nora D.
Published: October 2017

The relationship between the openness to experience trait (OTE) and creativity has been well documented in previous research. Likewise, the global citizenship construct has theoretical overlap with both OTE and creativity. We hypothesised global citizenship would make a unique contribution to explaining variance in five types of creativity (self/everyday, scholarly, performance, mechanical/scientific and artistic), above and beyond the contribution of OTE. Participants were predominantly female, European American, traditionally aged college students (N = 407). Global citizenship prosocial outcomes explained unique variance in self/everyday (sr2 = .10), scholarly (sr2 = .03) and mechanical/scientific (sr2 = .03) creativity. Results are discussed in terms of dual processes theories of cognition.
Current strategies for the management of autologous peripheral blood stem cell mobilization failures in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Sahin Ugur , Demirer Taner
Published: October 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the leading indication of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) worldwide. The collection of PBSCs is the essential step for AHSCT. The limits for minimum and optimum CD34+ cells collected have been accepted as 2 × 106/kg and ≥4 × 106/kg for single AHSCT; 4 × 106/kg and ≥8‐10 × 106/kg for double AHSCT. Despite the success of conventional methods for PBSC mobilization in MM, mobilization failure is still a concern depending on patient age, duration of disease, and the type of induction therapy. By definition, “proven poor mobilizer” is the occurrence of mobilization failure (CD34+ cell peak <20/µL peripheral blood) after adequate preparation (after 6 days of G‐CSF 10 µg/kg body weight alone or after 20 days of G‐CSF >5 µg/kg body weight following chemotherapy) or a CD34+ cell yield of <2.0 × 106/kg body weight after three consecutive apheresis. “Predicted poor mobilizer” involves (1) a failure of a previous collection attempt OR (2) a previous history of extensive radiotherapy or full courses of therapy affecting mobilization OR (3) the presence of at least two of the following features: advanced disease (>2 lines of chemotherapy), refractory disease, extensive bone marrow involvement or cellularity of 30% at the time of mobilization or age >65 years. This article aims at discussing the risk factors for mobilization failure in the era of novel antimyeloma drugs, defining the poor mobilizer concept and summarizing the current and future strategies for the prevention and management of mobilization failures in MM.
Role of pncA gene mutations W68R and W68G in pyrazinamide resistance
Authors: Aggarwal Mansi , Singh Aditi , Grover Sonam , Pandey Bharati , Kumari Anchala , Grover Abhinav
Published: October 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resistance toward anti‐tuberculosis drugs is a widespread problem. Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a first line antitubercular drug that kills semi‐dormant bacilli when converted into its activated form, that is, pyrazinoic acid (POA) by Pyrazinamidase (PZase) enzyme coded by pncA gene. In this study, we conducted several analyses on native and mutant structures (W68R, W68G) of PZase before and after docking with the PZA drug to explore the molecular mechanism behind PZA resistance caused due to pncA mutations. Structural changes caused by mutations were studied with respect to their effects on functionality of protein. Docking was performed to analyze the protein‐drug binding and comparative analysis was done to observe how the mutations affect drug binding affinity and binding site on protein. Native PZase protein was observed to have the maximum binding affinity in terms of docking score as well as shape complementarity in comparison to the mutant forms. Molecular dynamics simulation analyses showed that mutation in the 68th residue of protein results in a structural change at its active site which further affects the biological function of protein, that is, conversion of PZA to POA. Mutations in the protein thereby led to PZA resistance in the bacterium due to the inefficient binding.
Identification of over expressed proteins in oral submucous fibrosis by proteomic analysis
Authors: Das Tapasi , Prodhan Chandraday , Patsa Santanu , Ray Jay Gopal , Chaudhuri Keya
Published: October 2017

Early detection and identification of oral pre‐malignancy or malignancy help in management of the disease and improve survival rates. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a major threat to public health worldwide and especially in Southeast Asian countries. Identification of biomarkers is a necessary step toward early diagnosis and treatment. In this study, differentially expressed proteins between oral submucous fibrotic tissue and normal control tissues were recorded by proteomic analysis using two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. By proteomic analysis, 15 proteins were found to be upregulated and 10 proteins downregulated in the OSMF tissues than the control tissues; among these identified proteins, Hsp‐70 1B, Calreticulin, and Lumican variant exhibited higher expression in OSMF tissues compared to the control tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed elevated expression of these in OSMF tissues. Further validation was done by real time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis; gene expression of Hsp‐70 1B, Calreticulin, and Lumican variant were significantly increased (6.2‐, 3.3‐, 2.8‐ fold, respectively), whereas Enolase 1 was decreased by 0.5 fold in the OSMF tissues, consistent with proteomic results. The expression of proteins indicates that various cellular signaling pathways must be involved in the processes of fibrosis and suggests that expressed protein molecules play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSMF. These identified proteins may be potentially used in future studies of OSMF enabling to determine diagnostic marker or therapeutic targets of this precancerous condition of oral cavity.
FeCl3‐Mediated One‐Pot Cyclization–Aromatization of Anilines, Benzaldehydes, and Phenylacetylenes under Ball Milling: A New Alternative for the Synthesis of 2,4‐Diphenylquinolines
Authors: Tan Ya‐Jun , Wang Fang‐Jian , Asirib Abdullah M. , Marwanib Hadi M. , Zhang Ze
Published: October 2017

A straightforward and efficient method has been developed for the solvent‐free synthesis of 2,4‐diphenylquinolines via a one‐pot reaction of anilines, benzaldehydes, and phenylacetylenes promoted by FeCl3 under solvent‐free mechanochemical ball milling. Using this protocol, a series of 2,4‐diphenylquinolines were synthesized in good to excellent yield (74–95%) just by washing the resulting reaction mixture with water and recrystallizing in EtOH/H2O without any extraction or column chromatography work‐up.
A new source for developing multi‐functional products: biological and chemical perspectives on subcritical water extracts of Sambucus ebulus L.
Authors: Cvetanović Aleksandra , Zeković Zoran , Švarc‐Gajić Jaroslava , Razić Slavica , Damjanović Ana , Zengin Gokhan , Delerue‐Matos Cristina , Moreira Manuela
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

To obtain bioactive fractions from plant material subcritical water is notably advantageous in comparison to any other technique. Excellent solvating properties and selectivity combined with finely tuned reactivity of subcritical water enable exploitation of the potential of plants. Herein subcritical water extraction was used for recovery of bioactive compounds from leaves, roots and fruits of Sambucus ebulus L. Extracts obtained were characterized in terms of biological and chemical fingerprints.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results obtained by using several antioxidant assays that focused on different mechanisms showed that subcritical water extracts of Sambucus ebulus were powerful antioxidants. Enzyme inhibitory effects were tested against α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase and tyrosinase, and the results showed the anti‐diabetic potential of the extracts as well as its possible use with skin disorders. Antiproliferative properties were detected on three cell lines (A‐549; LS‐174 T; HeLa) and showed prominent cytotoxicity against all tumor cell lines. Inhibitory concentrations obtained were in the range 0.58–8.10 μg mL‐1. Generally, the SCW extracts from leaves exhibited stronger biological activities with higher levels of phenolic compounds compared with the roots and fruits of Sambucus ebulus. Gallic acid, catechin and caffeic acid were identified as major components in these extracts and these components seem to relate with observed biological activity.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that Sambucus ebulus has great potential for preparing new phyto‐pharmaceuticals and functional food ingredients. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A Novel One‐pot Protocol for Silica Sodium Carbonate‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3‐h]coumarins
Authors: Farahi Mahnaz , Karami Bahador , Tanuraghaj Hamideh Mohamadi , Bazrafshan Zahra
Published: October 2017

A novel environmentally benign condensation of 5,7‐dihydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin, aryl aldehydes, and ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of silica sodium carbonate (SSC) has been developed for the synthesis of new pyrano[2,3‐h]coumarins.
Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Anti‐mycobacterial Activities of 8‐OMe Ciprofloxacin‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐isatin‐(thio) Semicarbazide/Oxime Hybrids
Authors: Xu Zhi , Song Xufeng , Hu Yuanqiang , Qiang Min , Lv Zaosheng
Published: October 2017

A series of novel 8‐OMe ciprofloxacin (8‐OMe CPFX)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐isatin‐(thio) semicarbazide/oxime hybrids 6a–l with the capacity to form hydrogen bond were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv and MDR‐TB as well as cytotoxicity. All the synthesized hybrids (MIC: 0.39–16 μg/mL) exhibited excellent activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB, and the majority of them were more potent than the parent 8‐OMe CPFX (MIC: 1.56 and 2.0 μg/mL, respectively). In particular, the most active conjugate 6h (MIC: 0.39 and 1.0 μg/mL, respectively) was two to eight times more potent in vitro than the references CPFX (MIC: 3.12 and 4.0 μg/mL, respectively) and 8‐OMe CPFX against the tested strains and was comparable with or 64‐folds more potent than RIF (MIC: 0.39 and 64 μg/mL, respectively) against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB, respectively. In addition, all conjugates (CC50: 16–64 μg/mL) showed acceptable cytotoxicity, although most of them were more toxic than the parent (CC50: 64 μg/mL) in VERO cell line.
Asian American Female College Students' Subjective Femininity Conceptualizations: Using a Mixed‐Methods Approach
Authors: Chang Tiffany K. , Wong Y. Joel , Liu Tao , Tran Kimberly
Published: October 2017

This mixed‐methods study explored 184 Asian American female college students' subjective femininity conceptualizations and their associations with family conflict. A direct content analysis of responses identified 5 categories of subjective femininity conceptualizations: model minority, physical attributes, traditional femininity, subordinate roles, and modern femininity. Conceptualizations of subordinate roles were positively related to intensity of family conflict. Interdependent self‐construal moderated the relationship between subjective conceptualizations of subordinate roles, modern femininity, and intensity of family conflict. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Este estudio de métodos combinados exploró las conceptualizaciones subjetivas de feminidad y sus asociaciones con conflictos familiares entre 184 estudiantes universitarias asiático‐americanas. Un análisis directo del contenido de las respuestas identificó 5 categorías de conceptualizaciones subjetivas de feminidad: modelo de minoría, atributos físicos, feminidad tradicional, roles subordinados y feminidad moderna. Las conceptualizaciones de roles subordinados se relacionaron de forma positiva con la intensidad de los conflictos familiares. La autoconstrucción interdependiente moderó la relación entre las conceptualizaciones subjetivas de roles subordinados, la feminidad moderna y la intensidad de los conflictos familiares. Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas de estos hallazgos.
Development and evaluation of one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Zika virus and Chikungunya virus
Authors: Liu Si‐Qing , Li Xiao , Deng Cheng‐Lin , Yuan Zhi‐Ming , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are important human pathogens and mosquito‐borne arboviruses, which have resembling history, common vectors, circulating regions, and indistinguishable clinical symptoms. Wide geographical range that is suitable for ZIKV and CHIKV transmission underlines the concern about the impact of epidemic and endemic infections on burden of public health. In the present study, a highly sensitive and specific one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay was developed and evaluated for simultaneous detection and quantification of ZIKV and CHIKV. The single reaction assay employs two pairs of primers and two TaqMan probes that differentiate ZIKV and CHIKV infections. The entire viral genomic RNA in vitro transcribed from full‐length infectious clones were used to generate the standard curves for absolute quantification in subsequent tests. The detection limit of the one‐step multiplex assay was 1 and 0.5 PFU for infectious ZIKV and CHIKV, respectively. The assessment of specificity indicated this assay is highly specific to targeted viruses showing no amplification of a variety of other flaviviruses. Our assay was able to detect geographically separated and phylogenetically diverse strains of ZIKV and CHIKV. On the applicability of monitoring viral multiplication in cells and testing clinical samples, the one‐step multiplex assay provided efficient and accurate determination. The one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay offers a valuable tool for detection of ZIKV and CHIKV and potentially contributes to general surveillance and clinical treatment.
Perceived Social Support and Mental Health: Cultural Orientations as Moderators
Authors: Shelton Andrew J. , Wang Chiachih DC , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: October 2017

This study investigated unique and shared effects of social support and cultural orientation on mental health indicators (depressive and anxiety symptoms, stress, and life satisfaction) of 896 college students. Results indicated that perceived social support predicted mental health variables and that cultural orientation variables (independent and interdependent self‐construal) moderated this association. Conclusions and counseling implications for university counselors are discussed on the basis of cultural orientation theory.
Stress, Social Support, and Psychosocial Functioning of Ethnically Diverse Students
Authors: Farrell Michelle , Langrehr Kimberly J.
Published: October 2017

This study examined the stress‐buffering role of social support on indicators of psychosocial functioning among a combined and split sample of ethnically diverse college students. Although high social support significantly moderated 2 relationships in the combined sample, high and low levels of social support significantly reduced the effect of stress on depressive symptoms of students of color. For White students, high social support moderated the effect of stress on protective behaviors. Implications for college counselors are discussed.
Embodiment and the Therapeutic Relationship: Findings From a Heuristic Inquiry
Authors: SULTAN NEVINE
Published: October 2017

Mental health practitioners of varied orientations experience somatic phenomena in therapeutic work with clients. Understanding embodiment from the body psychotherapist's viewpoint can illuminate its nature for mental health counselors who experience the phenomenon but question how to channel it to inform their work. Findings from a heuristic inquiry using creative, relational, and reflexive approaches illuminate the experiences of 6 body psychotherapists and perceived impact of embodiment on clients.
Relating sensory profiles of canned amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), cleome (Cleome gynandra), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) leaves to consumer acceptance
Authors: Onyeoziri Isiguzoro O , Kinnear Marise , de Kock Henriëtta L
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The younger generation of South Africans generally do not consume traditional meals prepared using African green leafy vegetables, primarily because they are regarded as bitter, “poverty” foods. Canning of these vegetables could create value‐added products that can be sold in the commercial market. Descriptive sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance testing with young females were used to assess the potential of such products.

RESULTS

The sensory attributes of amaranth, cleome and cowpea leaves canned in brine and in a cream sauce were described using 21 attributes grouped by aroma, taste, texture/mouthfeel and aftertaste. Amaranth and Swiss chard products were described as sweet with a popcorn‐like aroma. Cleome products were described as bitter, sour, pungent, chemical‐tasting, astringent, sandy with a metallic mouthfeel and strong aftertaste. Cowpea products were described as having woody and tobacco aromas as well as a chewy and cohesive texture. Among the products canned with a cream sauce, young female consumers preferred amaranth and Swiss chard; cowpea was less liked, while cleome was least liked.

CONCLUSIONS

Canned amaranth leaves have potential as a commercial product that may be well liked by young consumers. The cowpea leaves product has consumer potential, but the formulation needs revision, while canned cleome leaves need further research work. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Selected results of DNA‐based species identification on animal foods
Authors: Colombo Fabio M , Cattaneo Patrizia , Bernardi Cristian
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Animal food species identification by DNA sequencing has been increasing in recent years. During the last 10 years our species identification laboratory (LIS) produced nearly 1500 sequences from DNA of food species by means of polymerase chain reaction product sequencing. In this paper we desire to make public the LIS output of the last 10 years; that is, summarizing food species authentication projects that yielded good‐quality (i.e. provided by Genbank accession number) DNA sequences.

RESULTS

Thirteen project clusters yielded n = 705 sequences with accession number.

CONCLUSION

The most relevant characteristics from the aforementioned project clusters were summarized. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent progress in nucleic acids isotachophoresis
Authors: Datinská Vladimíra , Voráčová Ivona , Schlecht Ulrich , Berka Jan , Foret František
Published: October 2017

Progress achieved between 2014–2017 in the extraction and sample preparation of nucleic acid by isotachophoresis is reviewed in this paper. The isolation and purification of nucleic acids is very often compromised by a complex matrix such as blood and other bodily fluids, samples from the scene of crime, fossil samples, etc. While most of the common nucleic acids isolation techniques are based on extraction with inherent limitations with regard to quantitative results, isotachophoretic focusing is a quantitative process with a theoretically unlimited concentration factor. Since isotachophoresis belongs to less traditional approaches of nucleic acids purification, we present not only the latest developments in the application of isotachophoresis for the nucleic acids concentration but also a brief description of the principles of this method.
Non‐seagrass carbon contributions to seagrass sediment blue carbon
Authors: Oreska Matthew P. J. , Wilkinson Grace M. , McGlathery Karen J. , Bost Molly , McKee Brent A.
Published: October 2017

Non‐seagrass sources account for ∼ 50% of the sediment organic carbon (SOC) in many seagrass beds, a fraction that may derive from external organic matter (OM) advected into the meadow and trapped by the seagrass canopy or produced in situ. If allochthonous carbon fluxes are responsible for the non‐seagrass SOC in a given seagrass bed, this fraction should decrease with distance from the meadow perimeter. Identifying the spatial origin of SOC is important for closing seagrass carbon budgets and “blue carbon” offset‐credit accounting, but studies have yet to quantify and map seagrass SOC stocks by carbon source. We measured sediment δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S throughout a large (6 km2), restored Zostera marina (eelgrass) meadow and applied Bayesian mixing models to quantify total SOC contributions from possible autotroph sources, Z. marina, Spartina alterniflora, and benthic microalgae (BMA). Z. marina accounted for < 40% of total meadow SOC, but we did not find evidence for outwelling from the fringing S. alterniflora salt‐marsh or OM advection from bare subtidal areas. S. alterniflora SOC contributions averaged 10% at sites both inside and outside of the meadow. The BMA fraction accounted for 51% of total meadow SOC and was highest at sites furthest from the bare subtidal‐meadow edge, indicative of in situ production. 210Pb profiles confirmed that meadow‐enhanced sedimentation facilitates the burial of in situ BMA. Deducting this contribution from total SOC would underestimate total organic carbon fixation within the meadow. Seagrass meadows can enhance BMA burial, which likely accounts for most of the non‐seagrass SOC stored in many seagrass beds.
Warming increases the number of apparent prey in reaction field volume of zooplanktivorous fish
Authors: Gliwicz Z. Maciej , Babkiewicz Ewa , Kumar Rajeev , Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Leniowski Konrad
Published: October 2017

Improved vision due to the cranial endothermy known in large‐bodied marine fishes suggests that increased water temperature alone might also increase the speed with which visual information can be processed and therefore improve the vision of small planktivorous fish without invoking endothermic heating. We check this for two freshwater species by testing whether a temperature increase results in an increase in the reaction distance (RD), the distance from which a foraging fish can spot its tiny zooplankton prey. We demonstrate that at a given light intensity, with a temperature increase of 10°C, both the reaction field volume and prey encounter rate of planktivorous fish are doubled due to a 21–23% increase in RD. This was found for each of the two small‐bodied freshwater planktivorous fishes: rudd from the temperate zone (foraging at 16°C and 26°C), and Malabar danio from the tropics (foraging at 21°C and 31°C), and may be expected to be important for other fishes as well. An increase in RD at a higher temperature could translate into a higher “apparent prey density” or number of prey within the reaction field volume of a foraging fish (a vertically flattened hemisphere or cone with a horizontal radius equal to the RD). For fish in the wild, this information may compel them to continue foraging despite a low actual density of prey in the habitat. This is particularly important while feeding under the risk of predation, when attention is partially allocated to risk assessment.
RYR1 causing distal myopathy
Authors: Laughlin Ruple S. , Niu Zhiyv , Wieben Eric , Milone Margherita
Published: October 2017

Background

Congenital myopathies due to ryanodine receptor (RYR1) mutations are increasingly identified and correlate with a wide range of phenotypes, most commonly that of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility and central cores on muscle biopsy with rare reports of distal muscle weakness, but in the setting of early onset global weakness.

Methods

We report a case of a patient presenting with childhood onset hand stiffness and adult onset progressive hand weakness and jaw contractures discovered to have two variants in the RYR1 gene.

Results

The patient manifested with distal upper limb weakness which progressed to involve the distal lower limb, proximal upper limb, as well as the face in addition to limited jaw opening. Creatine kinase was mildly elevated with EMG findings supporting a myopathy. Muscle biopsy showed features consistent with centronuclear myopathy. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in RYR1 (c.12315_12328delAGAAATCCAGTTCC, p.Glu4106Alafs*8), and a heterozygous missense variant (c.10648C>T, p.Arg3550Trp) of unknown significance in compound heterozygous state.

Conclusion

We expand the spectrum of RYR1‐related myopathy with the description of a novel phenotype in an adult patient presenting with hand weakness and suggest considering RYR1 analysis in the diagnosis of distal myopathies.
RJSplot: Interactive Graphs with R
Authors: Barrios David , Prieto Carlos
Published: October 2017

Data visualization techniques provide new methods for the generation of interactive graphs. These graphs allow a better exploration and interpretation of data but their creation requires advanced knowledge of graphical libraries. Recent packages have enabled the integration of interactive graphs in R. However, R provides limited graphical packages that allow the generation of interactive graphs for computational biology applications. The present project has joined the analytical power of R with the interactive graphical features of JavaScript in a new R package (RJSplot). It enables the easy generation of interactive graphs in R, provides new visualization capabilities, and contributes to the advance of computational biology analytical methods. At present, 16 interactive graphics are available in RJSplot, such as the genome viewer, Manhattan plots, 3D plots, heatmaps, dendrograms, networks, and so on. The RJSplot package is freely available online at http://rjsplot.net.
Dietary Flavone Tectochrysin Exerts Anti‐Inflammatory Action by Directly Inhibiting MEK1/2 in LPS‐Primed Macrophages
Authors: Hou Rui , Han Yixin , Fei Qiaoling , Gao Yuan , Qi Ruijuan , Cai Runlan , Qi Yun
Published: October 2017

Scope

In this study, we investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the effect of tectochrysin on LPS‐primed macrophages.

Methods and results

As measured by western blot, RT‐PCR, and ELISA, tectochrysin inhibits extracellular signal‐related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and sequentially suppressed downstream inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and IL‐6 transcription as well as the NO, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in supernatant, but it does not affect extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MEK) phosphorylation levels. An enzyme reaction study shows that tectochrysin exerted an inhibitory effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation by inactivating phosphorylated MEK1/2. Moreover, tectochrysin decreases arginase II expression in LPS‐primed RAW264.7 macrophages via reduction of NO production. Tectochrysin also suppresses inflammatory mediator release in peritoneal lavage fluid and in the serum of LPS‐induced endotoxemia mice.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that by directly inactivating p‐MEK1/2, tectochrysin decreases the phosphorylation level of ERK and subsequently suppresses activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) activation to reduce pro‐inflammatory mediator production, suggesting that tectochrysin has great potential for use in a nutritional preventive strategy against inflammation‐related diseases.
Is Palmitoleic Acid a Plausible Nonpharmacological Strategy to Prevent or Control Chronic Metabolic and Inflammatory Disorders?
Authors: de Souza Camila O. , Vannice Gretchen K. , Rosa Neto José C. , Calder Philip C.
Published: October 2017

Although dietary fatty acids can modulate metabolic and immune responses, the effects of palmitoleic acid (16:1n‐7) remain unclear. Since this monounsaturated fatty acid is described as a lipokine, studies with cell culture and rodent models have suggested it enhances whole body insulin sensitivity, stimulates insulin secretion by β cells, increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation, improves the blood lipid profile, and alters macrophage differentiation. However, human studies report elevated blood levels of palmitoleic acid in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. These findings might be reflection of the level or activity of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1, which synthesizes palmitoleate and is enhanced in liver and adipose tissue of obese patients. The aim of this review is to describe the immune–metabolic effects of palmitoleic acid observed in cell culture, animal models, and humans to answer the question of whether palmitoleic acid is a plausible nonpharmacological strategy to prevent, control, or ameliorate chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Despite the beneficial effects observed in cell culture and in animal studies, there are insufficient human intervention studies to fully understand the physiological effects of palmitoleic acid. Therefore, more human‐based research is needed to identify whether palmitoleic acid meets the promising therapeutic potential suggested by the preclinical research.
Plasma Cholesteryl Ester Fatty Acids do not Mediate the Association of Ethnicity with Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the HELIUS Study
Authors: Muilwijk Mirthe , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Nicolaou Mary , Snijder Marieke B. , Gill Jason M.R. , van Valkengoed Irene G.M.
Published: October 2017

Scope

Ethnic minority groups have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) than the host population. Our aim is to identify whether plasma cholesteryl ester fatty acids (CEFA) mediate the ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

We included 202 Dutch, 206 South‐Asian Surinamese, 205 African Surinamese, 215 Turkish, and 213 Moroccan origin participants of the HELIUS study (Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Logistic regression is used to determine the associations between plasma CEFA and T2D. Mediation analysis is used to identify whether CEFA contributed to the association between ethnicity and T2D. We adjusted for ethnicity, age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and BMI. Associations between plasma CEFA and T2D were similar across all ethnic groups. Although differences in plasma CEFA across ethnic groups were observed, CEFA did not mediate the differences in T2D prevalence between ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Although ethnic differences in plasma CEFA are found and CEFA are associated with T2D, CEFA does not contribute to the difference in T2D prevalence between ethnic groups. If confirmed, this implies that maintenance of the more beneficial CEFA profiles in the non‐Dutch ethnic groups may be encouraged to prevent an even higher prevalence of T2D in these groups.
Early Supplementation of d‐Cysteine or l‐Cysteine Prevents Hypertension and Kidney Damage in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Exposed to High‐Salt Intake
Authors: Hsu Chien‐Ning , Lin Yu‐Ju , Lu Pei‐Chen , Tain You‐Lin
Published: October 2017

Scope

We investigate whether early supplementation of precursors of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), d‐ or l‐cysteine can prevent hypertension and kidney damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) treated with high‐salt.

Methods and Results

We examine 12‐week‐old male SHRs from four groups: SHR, high salt SHR (SHRs received 1% NaCl in drinking water for 8 weeks), high salt SHR+d (SHRs received high salt and d‐cysteine), and high salt SHR+l (SHRs received high salt and l‐cysteine). d‐ or l‐cysteine was supplemented at 8 mmol kg−1 body weight/day between 4 and 6 weeks of ages. High salt intake exacerbate hypertension and kidney damage in SHRs, which is prevented by d‐ or l‐cysteine supplementation. d‐ or l‐Cysteine supplementation reduce the degree of high salt‐induced oxidative stress damage. Renal 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3MST) protein levels and activity are reduced by d‐ or l‐cysteine supplementation. Additionally, d‐ or l‐Cysteine supplementation reduce renal angiotensin I and angiotensin II concentrations, decrease mRNA expression of Ren, and increase protein levels of type 2 angiotensin II receptor.

Conclusion

Early supplementation of d‐ or l‐cysteine before hypertension becomes evident and may protect against hypertension and kidney damage in adult SHRs exposed to high salt consumption via regulation of oxidative stress, renin‐angiotensin system, and H2S‐generating pathways.
The C6H6 NMR repository: An integral solution to control the flow of your data from the magnet to the public
Authors: Patiny Luc , Zasso Michaël , Kostro Daniel , Bernal Andrés , Castillo Andrés M. , Bolaños Alejandro , Asencio Miguel A. , Pellet Norman , Todd Matthew , Schloerer Nils , Kuhn Stefan , Holmes Elaine , Javor Sacha , Wist Julien
Published: October 2017

NMR is a mature technique that is well established and adopted in a wide range of research facilities from laboratories to hospitals. This accounts for large amounts of valuable experimental data that may be readily exported into a standard and open format. Yet the publication of these data faces an important issue: Raw data are not made available; instead, the information is slimed down into a string of characters (the list of peaks). Although historical limitations of technology explain this practice, it is not acceptable in the era of Internet. The idea of modernizing the strategy for sharing NMR data is not new, and some repositories exist, but sharing raw data is still not an established practice. Here, we present a powerful toolbox built on recent technologies that runs inside the browser and provides a means to store, share, analyse, and interact with original NMR data. Stored spectra can be streamlined into the publication pipeline, to improve the revision process for instance. The set of tools is still basic but is intended to be extended. The project is open source under the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) licence.