bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle fiber structure in an aging long‐lived seabird, the black‐legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
Authors: Brown Karl , Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Whelan Shannon , Lalla Kristen , Hatch Scott A. , Elliott Kyle H.
Published: May 2019

Many long‐lived animals do not appear to show classic signs of aging, perhaps because they show negligible senescence until dying from “catastrophic” mortality. Muscle senescence is seldom examined in wild animals, yet decline in muscle function is one of the first signs of aging in many lab animals and humans. Seabirds are an excellent study system for physiological implications of aging because they are long‐lived animals that actively forage and reproduce in the wild. Here, we examined linkages between pectoralis muscle fiber structure and age in black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). Pectoralis muscle is the largest organ complex in birds, and responsible for flight and shivering. We obtained and fixed biopsies from wild black‐legged kittiwakes of known age. We then measured muscle fiber diameter, myonuclear domain and capillaries per fiber area among birds of differing ages. All muscle parameters were independent of age. Number of nuclei per mm of fiber showed a positive correlation with muscle fiber cross‐sectional area, and myonuclear domain increased with muscle fiber diameter. Thus, as muscle fibers increased in size, they may not have recruited satellite cells, increasing the protein turnover load per nuclei. We conclude that senescence in a long‐lived bird with an active lifestyle, does not entail mammalian‐like changes in muscle structure.
A new target to ameliorate the damage of periodontal disease: The role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 in contrast to that of specific cannabinoid receptors in rats
Authors: Ossola César A. , Balcarcel Noelia B. , Astrauskas Julia I. , Bozzini Clarisa , Elverdin Juan C. , Fernández‐Solari Javier
Published: May 2019

Background

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) is expressed in oral tissues cells and its activity can be regulated by inflammation products and anandamide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of blocking TRPV1 or specific cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1r) and 2 (CB2r) on periodontal status of rats subjected to experimental periodontitis (EP).

Methods

Male rats were distributed in groups 1) control, 2) lipopolysaccharide‐induced EP (LPS), and 3) LPS plus capsazepine (Capz, TRPV1 antagonist) application (LPS+Capz). EP was induced by injections of LPS (1 mg/mL) around first molars and treatment was performed with Capz (2 µg/mL) applied locally during 6 weeks. Additional experiment was performed by applying CB1r and CB2r antagonists (AM251 and AM630) to rats with EP.

Results

Capz prevented alveolar bone loss (ABL) on the external crests and in the interradicular bone of the first molars (periodontal space height: LPS, 270.7 ± 33.5µm versus LPS+Capz, 216.4 ± 19.9 µm; P <0.01). Inflammatory mediators, like tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and prostaglandin E2, increased by LPS‐induced EP, were diminished in gingival tissue of rats treated with Capz. In contrast, application of AM251 and AM630 exacerbated ABL and gingival inflammatory mediators, increased by LPS, altering also biomechanical properties.

Conclusions

TRPV1 blockade attenuates periodontal impairment in EP rats, since it reduces local inflammation, unlike CB1r and CB2r blockade. This work lays the foundation for developing therapeutics in humans based on the pharmacological manipulation of these receptors to treat periodontal disease.
Effect of temperature on the actomyosin‐paramyosin structure from giant squid mantle (Dosidicus gigas)
Authors: Tolano‐Villaverde Ivan J , Santacruz‐Ortega Hisila , Rivero‐Espejel Ignacio A , Torres‐Arreola Wilfrido , Suárez‐Jiménez Guadalupe M , Márquez‐Ríos Enrique
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The secondary structure of a protein determines its functional properties, such as its gelling capacity. The α‐helix and β‐sheet comprise its main structures. Myofibrillar proteins from jumbo squid are composed mainly of the actomyosin‐paramyosin complex; this complex contains a high percentage of α‐helix, because actin, paramyosin, and myosin constitute 30%, 100%, and 55% of the α‐helix, respectively. It is important to elucidate the role of the secondary structures in the gelation of giant squid proteins as they form gel. The role of the secondary structures in the gelation of giant squid proteins is therefore very important. For this reason, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the structural behavior of actomyosin‐paramyosin isolate (API) from Dosidicus gigas.

RESULTS

The unfolding of the API system, which is composed of the actomyosin‐paramyosin complex, was clarified by studying surface hydrophobicity and viscosity. Three characteristic peaks were found, associated with myosin, paramyosin, and actin. Infrared and circular dichroism corroborated the view that API undergoes major structural changes, because it proceeds from mostly an α‐helix structure to 100% β‐sheet.

CONCLUSION

The structural rearrangement favors gelation by cross‐linking, generating new protein–protein and water‐protein interactions, which create a more stable structure compared to mantle proteins (MP). Likewise, the presence of sarcoplasmic and stromal proteins in D. gigas muscle prevents the unfolding of myofibrillar proteins, favoring gelation by agglomeration, decreasing the ability to trap water and thus its gelling capacity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic compounds and free sulfhydryl groups in whole grain wheat flour modified by xylanase
Authors: Both Josemere , Esteres Vanessa P , Santetti Gabriela S , Bressiani Joseane , Oro Tatiana , Pallarés Gómez Manuel , Friedrich Maria Tereza , Gutkoski Luiz C
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the structural behavior of dough elaborated using whole grain wheat flour (WGWF) and xylanase is fundamental for the elaboration of products with high nutritional content, especially when the particle size of the flour is altered. In the present study, we investigated the effect of varying concentrations of xylanase on the formation of dough with different particle sizes of WGWF.

RESULTS

Phenolic compounds, fibers and proteins are the components that undergo the most change and interfere with dough formation. A small particle size favors the extraction of phenolic compounds and dietary fibers, resulting in a high‐quality dough. There was a protective effect of the stable phenolic compounds on the gluten network. An increase in fiber degradation and a decrease in phenolic compounds was noted as the xylanase concentration increased. Although xylanase increased free sulfhydryl (‐SH) groups in gluten, there was no change in dough formation and dough stability with an increasing xylanase concentration.

CONCLUSION

The WGWF with a smaller particle size does not contribute to the loss of quality in dough elaboration. The addition of intermediate amounts of xylanase (20 mg kg−1) in samples with a particle size of 158 μm can be used to improve dough characteristics. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Deficit irrigation effectively reduces soil carbon dioxide emissions from wheat fields in Northwest China
Authors: Hou Huijing , Yang Yaqin , Han Zhengdi , Cai Huanjie , Li Zhanchao
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

An irrigation regime is an important factor in regulating soil CO2 emissions from wheat fields. Deficit irrigation can be applied easily in the fields and has been implemented in northwest China. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of deficit irrigation on crop yield and quality. Studies on its environmental impacts are sparse.

RESULTS

Soil CO2 fluxes from deficit‐irrigated fields were lower than those from full irrigation (CK) during most of the growing season. Cumulative soil CO2 emissions from deficit‐irrigated fields were reduced by 10.2–25.5%, compared with the CK. Peaks of soil CO2 fluxes were observed 3–7 days after irrigation in the water‐filled pore space (WFPS) range of 65.7–80.4%. Under different irrigation regimes, significant positive correlations were observed between soil CO2 fluxes and WFPS (P < 0.01), but no significant correlations were found between soil CO2 fluxes and soil temperature. Compared to CK, yields for the T1, T2, and T4 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) but the yield for T3 was only reduced by 2.3% (P > 0.05); T3 significantly reduced soil CO2 emissions by 10.2% (P < 0.05) and reduced the irrigation water amount by 5.7%.

CONCLUSION

Deficit irrigation effectively reduced CO2 emissions from winter wheat field soils. T3 may be a water‐saving, CO2 emission‐reducing and high‐yield irrigation regime for winter wheat fields in northwest China. The research laid a preliminary theoretical foundation for formulating winter wheat irrigation systems that are water saving, emission reducing, and that produce high yields. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization and validation of the kinetic spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of the pesticide atrazine and its application in infant formulae and cereal‐based baby food
Authors: Pecev‐Marinković Emilija , Miletić Ana , Tošić Snežana , Pavlović Aleksandra , Kostic Danijela , Mišić Ivana Rašić , Dekić Vidoslav
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Pesticides are potentially toxic to humans and can produce both acute and chronic health effects, depending on the quantity and the ways in which a person is exposed. Exposure to pesticides can cause serious health problems. Infants and young children are particularly sensitive to these contaminants because their brains and organ systems are not fully developed. For this reason, it is important to determine the quantities of pesticides in baby food.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to develop a kinetic‐spectrophotometric method for atrazine determination and to apply it to determine pesticide in baby‐food samples, using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) followed by the kinetic‐spectrophotometric method and the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. This method is based on the inhibition effect of atrazine (the oxidation of sulfanilic acid (SA) by hydrogen peroxide in the alkaline medium in the presence of the Co2+ ion). Under the experimental conditions used, atrazine showed a linear dynamic range of 0.5 to 5.0 μg mL−1, and from 5.0 to 70.00 μg mL−1 with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.91% to 9.41%. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.074 and 0.225 μg mL−1, respectively. The kinetic method was successfully applied to determine the atrazine concentration in spiked samples after SPE of samples. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to verify the results.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method is highly sensitive, simple, easy, requires cheap reagents, and leads to good recovery levels. It is linear, precise, and accurate. It can be used successfully for the routine analysis of atrazine in infant formulae and cereal‐based food samples. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A rapid and efficient extraction method based on industrial MCM‐41‐miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction with response surface methodology for simultaneous quantification of six flavonoids in Pollen typhae by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Li Jin , Yang Xuejing , Gao Xiu‐mei , Wang Hui , Chang Yan‐xu
Published: May 2019

An industrial MCM‐41‐miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction coupled with response surface methodology was explored to determine L‐epicatechin, typhaneoside, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐neohespeidoside, naringenin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin in Pollen typhae by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography connected to a photodiode array detection. Several variables were optimized in detail, including mesh number of sieve, type of adsorbent, mass ratio of sample to adsorbent, grinding time, methanol concentration, and elution volume. Central composite design was applied to optimize the best conditions for the maximum yields of the total flavonoids. The results displayed a good linear relationship (R > 0.9992) and the recoveries ranged from 92.9 to 103% (RSD < 4.53%) of the six flavonoids. The optimal method with high efficiency and low consumption was obviously better than heating reflux and ultrasonic extraction. It was proven that the developed industrial MCM‐41‐miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction coupled with simple ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography method could be a rapid and efficient tool for extraction and determination of flavonoids in natural products.
Necroptotic Cell Death in Liver Transplantation and Underlying Diseases: Mechanisms and Clinical Perspective
Authors: Shi Shaojun , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Mezzanotte Laura , de Jonge Jeroen , Löwik Clemens W. G. M. , van der Laan Luc J. W.
Published: May 2019

Cell death is a natural process for the turnover of aged cells, but it can also arise as a result of pathological conditions. Cell death is recognized as a key feature in both acute and chronic hepatobiliary diseases caused by drug, alcohol, and fat uptake; by viral infection; or after surgical intervention. In the case of chronic disease, cell death can lead to (chronic) secondary inflammation, cirrhosis, and the progression to liver cancer. In liver transplantation, graft preservation and ischemia/reperfusion injury are associated with acute cell death. In both cases, so‐called programmed cell death modalities are involved. Several distinct types of programmed cell death have been described of which apoptosis and necroptosis are the most well known. Parenchymal liver cells, including hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, are susceptible to both apoptosis and necroptosis, which are triggered by distinct signal transduction pathways. Apoptosis is dependent on a proteolytic cascade of caspase enzymes, whereas necroptosis induction is caspase‐independent. Moreover, different from the “silent” apoptotic cell death, necroptosis can cause a secondary inflammatory cascade, so‐called necroinflammation, triggered by the release of various damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These DAMPs activate the innate immune system, leading to both local and systemic inflammatory responses, which can even cause remote organ failure. Therapeutic targeting of necroptosis by pharmacological inhibitors, such as necrostatin‐1, shows variable effects in different disease models.
Tracking systems for intracranial medical devices: A review
Authors: François Quentin , André Arthur , Duplat Bertrand , Haliyo Sinan , Régnier Stéphane
Published: May 2019

In minimally invasive surgery, especially in neurosurgery, the ability to reach deep and functional structures without damage remains a major challenge. Recent breakthroughs in microtechnologies have enabled the downsizing of an increasing number of devices. In such a context, the possibility to navigate a micromedical device inside the human brain is a reachable ambition. One of the most expected applications is the identification and the treatment of early‐stage cancers which could strongly improve therapies efficiency. Despite these remarkable attainments, micromachines, to actually become revolutionary, require a tracking system at least as accurate as its size and working in an heterogeneous environment. The aim of the present paper was to provide an overview of the state of the art in medical device tracking systems for the brain. Firstly, the latest advances are categorized by technological family: magnetic field, electromagnetic waves, magnetic resonance, ultrasound waves and hybrid solutions. Secondly, in a comparative purpose, performance criteria are evaluated and displayed in radar diagrams and graphs to highlight the three dimensions challenge the systems should take up: performance, invasiveness and user experience. Finally, the present and future of each localization family are provided.
On the heavy atom on light atom relativistic effect in the NMR shielding constants of phosphine tellurides
Authors: Rusakova Irina L. , Rusakov Yuriy Yu.
Published: May 2019

The relativistic HALA effect has been shown to depend on the spatial deformation of the lone electron pairs of a heavy atom, as demonstrated for alkyl and alkene phosphine tellurides. It was found that HALA effect on phosphorous nuclear magnetic resonance shielding constant is strongly dependent on the spatial arrangements of light substituents on phosphorus, resulting in the deformation of the lone electron pairs of tellurium.
Planning gamma accelerated degradation tests with two accelerating variables
Authors: Tung Hung‐Ping , Tseng Sheng‐Tsaing
Published: May 2019

Gamma accelerated degradation tests (ADT) are widely used to assess timely lifetime information of highly reliable products with degradation paths that follow a gamma process. In the existing literature, there is interest in addressing the problem of deciding how to conduct an efficient, ADT that includes determinations of higher stress‐testing levels and their corresponding sample‐size allocations. The existing results mainly focused on the case of a single accelerating variable. However, this may not be practical when the quality characteristics of the product have slow degradation rates. To overcome this difficulty, we propose an analytical approach to address this decision‐making problem using the case of two accelerating variables. Specifically, based on the criterion of minimizing the asymptotic variance of the estimated q quantile of lifetime distribution of the product, we analytically show that the optimal stress levels and sample‐size allocations can be simultaneously obtained via a general equivalence theorem. In addition, we use a practical example to illustrate the proposed procedure.
Pseudo‐ductile behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol) fiber‐reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Sobczak Lukas , Jerabek Michael , Lummerstorfer Thomas , Salaberger Dietmar , Renner Karoly , Haider Andreas
Published: May 2019

Composites based on two different polypropylene (PP) grades reinforced with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers were prepared by compounding and injection molding. Very high residual fiber length values of up to 2,500 μm were achieved. The impact performance of a PP homopolymer can be improved dramatically by reinforcement with the PVA fibers, even below the glass transition temperature of the matrix. For a high impact PP heterophasic copolymer, the fiber reinforcement interferes with the elastomer toughening. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray computer‐tomography analysis indicate that the specific composite microstructure has very long, entangled fibers and a low fiber matrix interaction allowing for pseudo‐ductility. Analysis of the micromechanical deformations by volume strain and acoustic emission measurements during tensile testing supports this hypothesis. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:4067–4078, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Falsely Elevated Vancomycin Concentrations in a Patient Not Receiving Vancomycin
Authors: Tsoi Vivian , Bhayana Vipin , Bombassaro Anne Marie , Tirona Rommel G. , Kittanakom Saranya
Published: May 2019

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin is commonly performed using immunoassays. This case describes falsely elevated vancomycin serum concentrations, possibly secondary to endogenous protein interference. Vancomycin was prescribed for a patient with a suspected septic knee. A blood sample for TDM was inadvertently collected before the first dose. The reported concentration was 36.1 mg/L using the Roche Modular P analyzer and remained high over the next 48 hours and 8 months later in the absence of vancomycin therapy. Vancomycin was undetectable in the patient sample by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The sample was subsequently investigated for endogenous protein interference. The responsible interference was removed by polyethylene glycol precipitation and heat inactivation. Four alternative immunoassays with varying test principles measured vancomycin concentrations ranging from undetectable to 108 mg/L. A glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase detection method was common to the two immunoassays exhibiting the greatest interference. To our knowledge, this is the first report of falsely elevated vancomycin concentrations on the Roche Modular P analyzer. Immunoassays are generally robust in facilitating TDM but are susceptible to cross‐reactivity. Assay interference should be considered and laboratory professionals contacted when vancomycin levels do not correlate with clinical expectations.
Effective hole‐injection characteristics of organic light‐emitting diodes due to fluorinated self‐assembled monolayer embedded as a buffer layer
Authors: Kim Hye Rim , Kim Tae‐Wan , Park Sang‐Geon
Published: May 2019

The electrical and optical properties of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are demonstrated by varying the length of the alkyl chain of a fluorinated self‐assembled monolayer (F‐nSAM). OLEDs containing F‐nSAMs that have a long alkyl chain length were found to exhibit excellent properties in terms of current density, luminance, turn‐on voltage, etc. The obtained current density at 6 V, which was the highest measurement voltage, was up to about 36 times higher for an OLED including an F‐12SAM thin film with the longest chain length than for an OLED including only an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. With regard to luminance characteristics depending on voltage, the luminance was about 13 times higher for the OLED including the F‐12SAM thin film than for the OLED including only the ITO substrate. Also, the turn‐on voltage of the OLED including the F‐12SAM thin film was decreased by approximately 1 V compared to that of the OLED including only the ITO substrate. Although F‐nSAMs with alkyl chains have insulating film properties, F‐nSAMs with long alkyl chains exhibited good electrical and optical properties because of an improvement in the hole‐injection barrier due to a large positive shift of the vacuum level and smooth carrier injection resulting from a high contact angle due to strong hydrophobic properties caused by the good alignment properties of F‐nSAMs resulting from strong van der Waals forces between the molecules due to the long alkyl chains. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Incorporation of hyperbranched polyamide‐functionalized graphene oxide into epoxy for improving interfacial and mechanical properties
Authors: Mi Xiaoqian , Wei Fang , Zeng Liang , Zhong Liuyue , Zhang Junheng , Zhang Daohong , Luo Yongyue
Published: May 2019

The incorporation of hyperbranched polyamide‐functionalized graphene oxide (HPA‐GO) into epoxy was proposed to improve the interfacial and mechanical properties. Benefiting from improved dispersion and strengthened interfacial interaction, epoxy composites with HPA‐GO showed significant improvements in mechanical and thermomechanical properties at low GO loading. The interaction at the HPA‐GO/epoxy interface was investigated to confirm the occurrence of chemical bonding. Strong interfacial bonding improved the stress transfer and distribution of HPA‐GO/epoxy interface. Accordingly, the overall strength of epoxy composites was effectively improved on account of the uniform dispersion of HPA‐GO and interfacial chemical interaction between HPA‐GO and epoxy. Compared with neat epoxy resin, the inclusion of 0.10 wt% HPA‐GO led to 310.5 and 37.2% increase in impact strength and tensile strength, respectively. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Association among plasma 1,25(OH)2D, ratio of 1,25(OH)2D to 25(OH)D, and prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Ramakrishnan Swathi , Steck Susan E. , Arab Lenore , Zhang Hongmei , Bensen Jeannette T. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Johnson Candace S. , Mohler James L. , Smith Gary J. , Su L. Joseph , Woloszynska Anna
Published: May 2019

Background

African‐American (AA) men tend to present with more aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score >7) than European‐American (EA) men. Vitamin D and its metabolites are implicated in prostate cancer biology with vitamin D deficiency, indicated by its metabolite levels in serum or plasma, usually observed in AA men.

Objective

To determine if 1, 25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D] plasma levels in AA and EA prostate cancer patients alter the risk of having aggressive prostate cancer.

Design

Research subjects from the North Carolina‐Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (AA n = 435 and EA n = 532) were included. Plasma metabolites 1,25(OH)2D and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrophotometry. Research subjects were classified into low (Gleason sum < 7, stage T1‐T2, and Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) < 9 ng/mL) or high (Gleason sum > 8 or Gleason sum = 7 with 4 + 3, or PSA > 20 ng/mL, or Gleason sum = 7 and stage T3‐T4) aggressive disease.

Results

Research subjects in the second and third tertiles of plasma levels of 1, 25(OH)2D had lower odds of high aggressive prostate cancer (AA [ORT2vsT1: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.39‐1.12; ORT3vsT1: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.49‐1.41] and EA [ORT2vsT1: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.41‐1.11; ORT3vsT1: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.40‐1.11]) compared with the first tertile, though confidence intervals included the null. Greater 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D molar ratios were associated with lower odds of high aggressive prostate cancer more evidently in AA (ORQ4vsQ1: 0.45, CI: 0.24‐0.82) than in EA (ORQ4vsQ1: 0.64, CI: 0.35‐1.17) research subjects.

Conclusions

The 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D molar ratio was associated with decreased risk of high aggressive prostate cancer in AA men, and possibly in EA men. Further studies analyzing vitamin D polymorphisms, vitamin D binding protein levels, and prostatic levels of these metabolites may be useful. These studies may provide a better understanding of the vitamin D pathway and its biological role underlying health disparities in prostate cancer.
A brief report on the March 21, 2019 explosions at a chemical factory in Xiangshui, China
Authors: Zhang Nan , Shen Shui‐Long , Zhou An‐Nan , Chen Jun
Published: May 2019

This short communication reports on a catastrophic explosion which occurred on March 21, 2019 in Xiangshui County, Jiangsu Province, China. The huge explosion resulted in the death of 78 people and the injury of 617. The causes of this accident are analyzed following reporting of the background, explosion scenes, and rescue operation of the accident. Based on the preliminary investigation, some measures to prevent similar accidents are suggested.
Comparative gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric characterization of di‐ and trialkyl phosphites
Authors: Zenkevich Igor G. , Nosova Vlada E.
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Homologous series of alkyl esters of phosphorus‐containing acids, namely, dialkyl phosphonates (synonym: dialkyl phosphites) and trialkyl phosphites, were characterized by electron ionization (EI) mass spectra and gas chromatographic retention indices (GC RI) on semi‐standard non‐polar stationary phases. It is confirmed that GC/MS characterization of any sets of homologues should not be restricted to independent registration of these analytical parameters. Their joint processing in the form of so‐called homologous increments of GC RIs means, firstly, a novel way of evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and, secondly, a new algorithm for the prediction of their molecular weights if no peaks of molecular ions are registered in the mass spectra.

Methods

A standard GC/MS technique, including determination of GC RIs on semi‐standard nonpolar stationary phases in temperature‐programmed regime and electron ionization (EI) mass spectra was used.

Results

A total of 31 dialkyl phosphonate homologues and 37 trialkyl phosphite homologues were characterized by EI mass spectra and GC RIs for the first time. Joint processing of these analytical parameters allows the calculation of so‐called homologous increments of GC RIs, which are useful parameters for evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and predicting their molecular weights.

Conclusions

GC/MS characterization of any sets of homologues should not be restricted to independent registration of the mass spectra and chromatographic retention parameters. Their joint processing in the form of so‐called homologous increments of GC retention indices means, firstly, a novel way of evaluating the chromatographic polarity of analytes and, secondly, a new algorithm for predicting their molecular weights.
Toward a negotiated autonomy: Culture, teaching perceptions, and participation of Bhutanese refugees in an adult migrant English program in Australia
Authors: Koirala Subhash
Published: May 2019

This article investigates how adult English language learners from refugee backgrounds respond to teaching strategies that aim to facilitate the promotion of learner autonomy. Interest in learner autonomy has grown significantly in the area of second language (L2) teaching. The culturally appropriate model of autonomy has been widely advocated in the L2 literature. This article explores how students’ premigration experiences influence the development of autonomous learning. The data used in this article were collected from classroom observations and retrospective interviews with Bhutanese refugee students and teachers in an adult migrant English program in Australia. The findings show that refugee students’ premigration experiences, their cultural perceptions of teaching, and their learning preferences have a negative influence on the implementation of autonomy‐supportive instructional practices. This article suggests that adult refugee students from non‐Western cultural backgrounds should be guided slowly and progressively into the new culture and pedagogy of autonomous learning. Teachers should investigate how ready the students are in terms of taking responsibility and then use appropriate scaffolding as needed.
Nano‐selenium attenuates nickel‐induced testosterone synthesis disturbance through inhibition of MAPK pathways in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Gan Xiaoqin , Zhang Xiaotian , E Qiannan , Zhang Qiong , Ye Yixing , Cai Yunyu , Han Aijie , Tian Minmin , Wang Caixia , Su Zheng , Su Li , Liang Changhao
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Nano‐Se against Ni‐induced testosterone synthesis disorder in rats and determine the underlying protective mechanism. Sprague‐Dawley rats were co‐treated with Ni (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and Nano‐Se (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, oral gavage) for 14 days after which various endpoints were evaluated. The Ni‐induced abnormal pathological changes and elevated 8‐OHdG levels in the testes were attenuated by Nano‐Se administration. Importantly, decreased serum testosterone levels in the Ni‐treated rats were significantly restored by Nano‐Se treatment, particularly at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of testosterone synthetase were increased by Nano‐Se compared to the Ni group, whereas phosphorylated protein expression levels of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were suppressed by Nano‐Se administration in the Ni‐treated rats. Overall, the results suggest that Nano‐Se may ameliorate the Ni‐induced testosterone synthesis disturbance via the inhibition of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPK pathways.
Unitary inflaton as decaying dark matter
Authors: Choi Soo-Min , Kang Yoo-Jin , Lee Hyun Min , Yamashita Kimiko
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We consider the inflation model of a singlet scalar field (sigma field) with both quadratic and linear non-minimal couplings where unitarity is ensured up to the Planck scale. We assume that a Z
2 symmetry for the sigma field is respected by the scalar potential in Jordan frame but it is broken explicitly by the linear non-minimal coupling due to quantum gravity. We discuss the impacts of the linear non-minimal coupling on various dynamics from inflation to low energy, such as a sizable tensor-to-scalar ratio, a novel reheating process with quartic potential dominance, and suppressed physical parameters in the low energy, etc. In particular, the linear non-minimal coupling leads to the linear couplings of the sigma field to the Standard Model through the trace of the energy-momentum tensor in Einstein frame. Thus, regarding the sigma field as a decaying dark matter, we consider the non-thermal production mechanisms for dark matter from the decays of Higgs and inflaton condensate and show the parameter space that is compatible with the correct relic density and cosmological constraints.
Anomaly matching in QCD thermal phase transition
Authors: Yonekura Kazuya
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We study an ’t Hooft anomaly of massless QCD at finite temperature. With the imaginary baryon chemical potential at the Roberge-Weiss point, there is a ℤ2 symmetry which can be used to define confinement. We show the existence of a mixed anomaly between the ℤ2 symmetry and the chiral symmetry, which gives a strong relation between confinement and chiral symmetry breaking. The anomaly is a parity anomaly in the QCD Lagrangian reduced to three dimensions. It is reproduced in the chiral Lagrangian by a topological term related to Skyrmion charge, matching the anomaly before and after QCD phase transition. The effect of the imaginary chemical potential is suppresssed in the large N expansion, and we discuss implications of the ’t Hooft anomaly matching for the nature of QCD phase transition with and without the imaginary chemical potential. Arguments based on universality alone are disfavored, and a first order phase transition may be the simplest possibility if the large N expansion is qualitatively good.
The communicative advantage: how kinematic signaling supports semantic comprehension
Authors: Trujillo James P. , Simanova Irina , Bekkering Harold , Özyürek Asli
Published: May 2019

Humans are unique in their ability to communicate information through representational gestures which visually simulate an action (eg. moving hands as if opening a jar). Previous research indicates that the intention to communicate modulates the kinematics (e.g., velocity, size) of such gestures. If and how this modulation influences addressees’ comprehension of gestures have not been investigated. Here we ask whether communicative kinematic modulation enhances semantic comprehension (i.e., identification) of gestures. We additionally investigate whether any comprehension advantage is due to enhanced early identification or late identification. Participants (n = 20) watched videos of representational gestures produced in a more- (n = 60) or less-communicative (n = 60) context and performed a forced-choice recognition task. We tested the isolated role of kinematics by removing visibility of actor’s faces in Experiment I, and by reducing the stimuli to stick-light figures in Experiment II. Three video lengths were used to disentangle early identification from late identification. Accuracy and response time quantified main effects. Kinematic modulation was tested for correlations with task performance. We found higher gesture identification performance in more- compared to less-communicative gestures. However, early identification was only enhanced within a full visual context, while late identification occurred even when viewing isolated kinematics. Additionally, temporally segmented acts with more post-stroke holds were associated with higher accuracy. Our results demonstrate that communicative signaling, interacting with other visual cues, generally supports gesture identification, while kinematic modulation specifically enhances late identification in the absence of other cues. Results provide insights into mutual understanding processes as well as creating artificial communicative agents.
Antennal sensory structures in water bugs of Nepoidea (Insecta: Hemiptera: Nepomorpha), their morphology and function
Authors: Nowińska Agnieszka , Brożek Jolanta
Published: May 2019

The Nepoidea superfamily belongs to the water bugs’ infraorder (Nepomorpha) and consists of two families—Belostomatidae and Nepidae. Species from those families are the largest of all nepomorphans and are considered to be top predators in aquatic ecosystems. A characteristic feature of the group is the existence of short antennae concealed in grooves behind the eyes, which is an adaptation to the water habitat. The antennae bear many types of sensillar structures, which receive signals from the environment. Among such structures, mechanosensilla were of the greatest diversity. The antennal sensilla of species from both families were examined under the scanning electron microscope. 11 essential morphological types of sensilla were distinguished, including 5 new mechanosensilla types (sensilla paddle-like, cone-like, squamiformia, brush-like and club-like). Basal types of mechanosensilla such as trichodea, chaetica, basiconica (subtype 1) and campaniformia occur in Nepoidea and other Heteroptera. In some representatives of both families, sensilla paddle-like and sensilla basiconica type 1 were observed. Moreover, sensilla chaetica and cone-like were found in some species of Belostomatidae, whereas in Nepidae sensilla squamiformia, brush-like and club-like were observed. Apart from mechanosensilla, one type of thermo-hygrosensilla (ampullacea) and two different shaped olfactory sensilla basiconica (subtypes 2, 3) and coeloconica (subtypes 1, 2, 3) were found. It could indicate sensilla use in the identification of the water reservoirs and locating prey.
Spiral Steel Wire Based Fiber-Shaped Stretchable and Tailorable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Wearable Power Source and Active Gesture Sensor
Authors: Xie Lingjie , Chen Xiaoping , Wen Zhen , Yang Yanqin , Shi Jihong , Chen Chen , Peng Mingfa , Liu Yina , Sun Xuhui
Published: May 2019

Continuous deforming always leads to the performance degradation of a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator due to the Young’s modulus mismatch of different functional layers. In this work, we fabricated a fiber-shaped stretchable and tailorable triboelectric nanogenerator (FST–TENG) based on the geometric construction of a steel wire as electrode and ingenious selection of silicone rubber as triboelectric layer. Owing to the great robustness and continuous conductivity, the FST–TENGs demonstrate high stability, stretchability, and even tailorability. For a single device with ~ 6 cm in length and ~ 3 mm in diameter, the open-circuit voltage of ~ 59.7 V, transferred charge of ~ 23.7 nC, short-circuit current of ~ 2.67 μA and average power of ~ 2.13 μW can be obtained at 2.5 Hz. By knitting several FST–TENGs to be a fabric or a bracelet, it enables to harvest human motion energy and then to drive a wearable electronic device. Finally, it can also be woven on dorsum of glove to monitor the movements of gesture, which can recognize every single finger, different bending angle, and numbers of bent finger by analyzing voltage signals.
The influence of enzyme-resistant starch on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed on a conventional diet
Authors: Vanhoof K. , De Schrijver R.
Published: May 2019

Male Wistar rats were fed on a conventional diet containing normal corn starch or 6 % enzyme-resistant starch originating from either raw or retrograded high-amylose corn starch. Furthermore, the diets were either cholesterol-free or contained 1 % cholesterol and 0·1 % cholic acid. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the addition of enzyme-resistant starch to a rat conventional diet had any effect on cholesterol metabolism. Therefore, plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations, plasma HDL:LDL cholesterol ratios and neutral steroid and bile acid excretion were determined. No significant effect of enzyme-resistant starch feeding on plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations was found. However, consumption of raw or retrograded high-amylose corn starch resulted in a decrease in esterified and total liver cholesterol concentrations of 24 and 22 %, respectively. This was accompanied by a reduction in plasma esterified and total cholesterol levels of 4 % and a tendency to higher daily faecal coprostanol and total bile acid excretion.
Accumulation of cadmium from wheat bran, sugar-beet fibre, carrots and cadmium chloride in the liver and kidneys of mice
Authors: Lind Ylva , Engman Joakim , Jorhem Lars , Glynn Anders Wicklund
Published: May 2019

The gastrointestinal absorption and organ distribution of Cd after exposure for 9 weeks to three fibre-rich foodstuffs (wheat bran, sugar-beet fibre and carrots) were determined in mice. Groups of eight mice were given a diet containing 0.05 mg Cd/kg from wheat bran, sugar-beet fibre, carrots or CdCl2 mixed in a semi-synthetic, low-Cd (<0.007mg/kg) feed. A control group was fed on the low-Cd semi-synthetic feed. The water consumption, food consumption and the weight of the animals were monitored throughout the study. The feed was changed once weekly and Cd was analysed in the feed at each change. myo-Inositol phosphates (hexa-, penta-, tetra- and tri-) and Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca were also analysed in the diets. After 9 weeks, the mice were killed and liver and kidneys were sampled and analysed for Cd. The group receiving the wheat-bran diet had significantly lower fractional Cd accumulation (% total Cd intake) in the liver and kidneys than the other groups, indicating a lower fractional absorption of Cd. The wheat-bran diet had markedly higher levels of inositol hexa- and pentaphosphates (phytates) and a Zn level that was twice as high as those in the other diets. The higher levels of myo-inositol hexa- and pentaphosphates in the wheat-bran diet most probably contributed more to the lower fractional absorption of Cd than the elevated Zn level, due to the formation of insoluble Cd–phytate complexes. Compared with the wheat-bran diet, the sugar-beet-fibre and carrot diets contained very low levels of myo-inositol penta- and hexaphosphates, and consequently the fractional Cd absorption from these diets was higher.
Intimations of the Finite: Thinking Pragmatically at the End of Modernity
Authors: Lamberth David C.
Published: May 2019

In the years since the uprisings of the late 1960s swept the cultures of Europe and America, the emergence of a radical critique of modernity and the heralding of a corresponding transition into postmodernity have increasingly occupied the minds of many cultural critics, theologians, philosophers, and historians alike. These three decades have witnessed the development of a wide array of differing cultural, social, and conceptual possibilities: the academy, for example, has seen the growth of gender studies and inquiries dedicated to previously marginalized communities, as well as the advancement of postmodern theories of culture, action, and knowledge among practitioners of philosophy, sociology, and theology, among others. The story is by now familiar, and while cataloging these changes itself would be an interesting endeavor, suffice it here to underscore that the interests, orientations, foci, and theoretical approaches of the academy have all changed significantly at the end of the twentieth century.
17 December 1996: Six ICRC delegates assassinated in Chechnya
Authors: Bugnion François
Published: May 2019

In the early hours of 17 December 1996, six delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross were assassinated in a brutal attack by gunmen at the ICRC hospital in Novye Atagi, near Grozny.

In late summer 1996, the ICRC had decided to open a field hospital in Chechnya because the main hospitals in Grozny had been seriously damaged, thus leaving large numbers of war-wounded without proper care.
Nicosulfuron, primisulfuron, and bentazon hydroxylation by corn (Zea mays), woolly cupgrass (Eriochloa villosa), and shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) cytochrome P-450
Authors: Hinz John R. R. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Barrett Michael
Published: May 2019

Microsomes (100,000 g pellet containing mixed membrane fractions but primarily endoplasmic reticulum) were isolated from shoots of corn, shattercane, and woolly cupgrass grown from naphthalic anhydride treated or untreated seed to determine if metabolism of bentazon, nicosulfuron, and primisulfuron could be demonstrated in the preparations. Corn is tolerant of all three herbicides, shattercane is tolerant of bentazon, and woolly cupgrass is tolerant of bentazon and primisulfuron. Naphthalic anhydride treatment was required for detectable bentazon, nicosulfuron, and primisulfuron hydroxylation in corn microsomes and for bentazon hydroxylation in woolly cupgrass microsomes. Bentazon hydroxylation was low, but detectable, in microsomes from shattercane shoots without naphthalic anhydride treatment. Naphthalic anhydride-treated corn microsomes hydroxylated 292, 120, and 52 pmol mg−1protein min−1of bentazon, nicosulfuron, and primisulfuron, respectively. Primisulfuron (19 pmol mg−1protein min−1), but not nicosulfuron, was hydroxylated in woolly cupgrass microsomes. Neither nicosulfuron nor primisulfuron was hydroxylated in shattercane microsomes. Bentazon and primisulfuron inhibited nicosulfuron hydroxylation in corn microsomes. Bentazon, but not nicosulfuron, also inhibited primisulfuron hydroxylation in the corn microsomes. This indicates that the three herbicides can interact at the same cytochrome P-450(s) in corn. Primisulfuron hydroxylation was not inhibited by either bentazon or nicosulfuron in woolly cupgrass microsomes. This suggests that the cytochrome P-450(s) for primisulfuron hydroxylation are different between corn and woolly cupgrass. Also, bentazon hydroxylation in corn and shattercane microsomes was inhibited by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor tetcyclasis, while that in woolly cupgrass was not. Again, this suggests a difference in the cytochrome P-450(s) responsible for bentazon metabolism among the species. Although absolute conclusions comparing in vitro microsomal activities to whole plant herbicide tolerance cannot be made because it is unknown whether the same cytochrome P-450(s) are studied in microsomes from naphthalic anhydride-treated tissue as are responsible for in vivo herbicide metabolism, there was a broad correlation between metabolism of a particular herbicide in microsomes of a species and the species' tolerance of that herbicide.
Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) seed production and viability as influenced by late-season postemergence herbicide applications
Authors: Taylor Shane E. , Oliver Lawrence R.
Published: May 2019

Field studies were conducted at the Main Experiment Station, Fayetteville, AR, in 1994 and 1995 to evaluate the effect of postemergence herbicides applied at late-season timings on sicklepod seed production and viability. AC 263,222, dicamba, glyphosate, glufosinate, and paraquat were applied at five rates (zero; labeled rate; one-half, one-fourth, and one-eighth the labeled rate) to three sicklepod growth stages (bud formation, flowering to 9-cm pods, and 15- to 30-cm pods). The greatest reduction in seed production occurred when herbicides were applied at the flowering to 9-cm pod growth stage. All herbicides applied at one-half the labeled rate to sicklepod at bud formation and at the flowering to 9-cm pod growth stage reduced seed production greater than 80%, except glufosinate. Regardless of herbicide, rate, or application timing, viability of remaining seed was ≥ 90% with all treatments.
Control of coca plants (Erythroxylum cocaandE. novogranatense) with glyphosate
Authors: Ferreira Jorge F. S. , Smeda Reid J. , Duke Stephen O.
Published: May 2019

Glyphosate applied at rates of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.1, 2.2, 3.4, 4.5, 6.7, 9.0, and 13.4 kg ai ha−1was evaluated for the control of greenhouse-grownErythroxylum novogranatensevar.novogranatenseandE. cocavar.cocaplants. Glyphosate reduced live weight of both species, 6 wk after treatment, at rates as low as 0.6 kg ha−1, but was more effective in reducing live weight and regrowth onE. novogranatensethanE. coca.Glyphosate at 1.1 kg ha−1killed 100% ofE. novogranatenseplants 5 mo after treatment. Glyphosate rates of 2.2 kg ha−1and higher reduced regrowth ofE. cocaplants 65 to 100%, independent of leaf age at time of spraying. Control of regrowth persisted for over 17 mo after treatment, with 37% ofE. cocaplants dying at rates of 13.4 kg ha−1between 6 mo and 1 yr after treatment. Glyphosate, applied up to 6.7 kg ha−1, had no significant effect on regrowth ofE. cocawhen plants were defoliated 24 h before treatment. Glyphosate at 2.2 kg ha−1effectively killedE. novogranatenseplants and reduced leaf production ofE. cocaplants.