bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttreatment aeration to reduce THMs
Authors: Brooke Ethan , Collins M. Robin
Published: February 2018

Posttreatment aeration inside water tanks or in chlorine contact basins to strip trihalomethanes (THMs) after formation is an underused and cost‐effective treatment option to reduce disinfection by‐products. In this study, diffused aeration achieved removal rates of 9 to > 99.5%, depending on air‐to‐water ratio, water temperature, and THM species. Spray aeration–a more efficient process–achieved THM reductions of 20 to > 99.5%, depending on droplet diameter, droplet travel distance, water temperature, and THM species. Droplet diameter is an important design variable and is controlled by operating pressure and nozzle characteristics. Droplet travel distance, however, exerted a greater influence on THM removals. The average droplet diameter and travel distance variables can be developed into a unit air‐to‐water volumetric ratio that can be used to reasonably predict total THM removals. Free chlorine does not appear to be reduced by aeration because only a small fraction of it will be amenable to removal in a closedsystem environment.
What to Do with Less
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the impacts of declining water sales on utilities. LaFrance presents an alternative to raising fixed fees in order to manage revenue risks. The alternative includes the following: dividing reduced water sales into two categories ‐ planned and unplanned; making sure revenues are meeting costs at today's water sales levels; develop revenue forecast projections covering at least three to five years; and, get a solid handle on the relationship of fixed and variable costs to trued‐up fixed and variable revenue, making sure there are reserves to absorb any reasonable demand risks.
Implications of residential irrigation metering for customers' expenditures and demand
Authors: Tiger Mary Wyatt , Eskaf Shadi , Hughes Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2018

Installation of dedicated meters for residential irrigation systems, often called irrigation meters, can lead to unintentional consequences that may thwart a utility's intended purpose in promoting such meters. This article explores some of the financial and water use implications of separately metering and billing residential irrigation water under existing utility practices. The authors analyzed data on irrigation pricing and practices from 12 North Carolina utilities to draw generalizable observations about the effects of irrigation metering on customer expenditures and the inherent incentives on customer demand for irrigation meters and potential consequences on water use. This research found that water providers attempting to encourage water conservation by installing irrigation meters may be inadvertently providing incentives to increase irrigation water use. As they consider setting strategies and rates for their own irrigation‐metering initiatives, utility managers can use the lessons learned here to better integrate their water conservation policies with utility finances.
Occurrence and composition of particulates in filter process streams
Authors: Brant Jonathan A. , Koyuncu Ismail , Lecoanet Hélène , Veerapaneni Srinivas (Vasu) , Wiesner Mark
Published: February 2018

The objective of this work was to provide an in‐depth analysis of the particulate composition of influent and effluent streams for granular media filters at full‐scale water treatment plants. Findings from these analyses were evaluated with respect to the design and operation of the treatment system and the water qualities involved. On a mass basis, inorganic and organic materials in the filter influent and effluent streams were predominantly present in the submicron‐size fraction (defined here as particles with diameters between 30 and 450 nm), regardless of whether direct or conventional filtration was used. However, variability in results from the different facilities indicated that water quality and treatment type significantly influenced the size distribution of organic and inorganic materials. On the basis of a mass concentration, the inorganic composition of the particulate‐size fractions was largely hardness cations, silica, and organics, plus residual amounts of iron and/or aluminum.
Cellular localization and biological effects of 20nm‐gold nanoparticles
Authors: Tan Gamze , Onur Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2018

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have recently emerged as prominent vehicles for many biomedical applications from sensing to delivery. The relevant literature contains conflicting data about the effects of AuNPs on living cells. The aim of present study is the synthesis and characterization of AuNPs at nanoscale, tracking their cellular localization and determining their effects on cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. Within this scope, 20 nm AuNPs were synthesized and characterized using various spectrometric techniques to determine their size, shape and surface properties such as charge and texture. Two main cell types including mouse fibroblast (L929) and human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) were used in the study to compare the biological effects of colloidal gold on both non‐cancer and cancer cells. AuNPs were allowed to interact with HeLa cells to determine their intracellular localization. AuNPs were mainly attached to the cell membrane/membranous compartments and to be captured in small amounts in cytoplasmic vacuoles or to be distributed freely in the cytosol. Scratch assay results showed that AuNPs reduced cancer cell migration especially at increasing concentrations. According to the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, AuNPs exhibited strong anti‐angiogenetic properties and can inhibit vascularization during angiogenesis. In addition, the MTT assay confirmed that AuNP‐treated cells caused concentration dependent cytotoxic effects on both cell types. As a result, AuNPs not only have inhibitory effects on cancer cells, but also possess antiangiogenic activity, thus making them a multipotent agent for cancer therapy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1708–1721, 2018.
Prophylactic administration of carnosine and melatonin abates the incidence of renal toxicity induced by an over dose of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Fadda Laila Mohamed , Mohamed Azza M. , Ali Hanaa Mahmoud , Hagar Hanan , Aldossari Manal
Published: February 2018

The alleviative effects of two antioxidants, carnosine (Car) and melatonin (Mel), against titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2‐NPs) toxicity‐induced oxidative and inflammatory renal damage were examined in rats. Administration of these antioxidants along with TiO2‐NPs effectively reduced serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, glucose, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, C‐reactive protein, immunoglobulin G, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nitric oxide, as well as a significant amelioration of the decrease in glutathione levels in renal tissue was observed, compared to those in rats treated with TiO2‐NPs alone. The renoprotective properties of the antioxidants were confirmed by reduced intensity of renal damage as demonstrated by histological findings. In conclusion, Car and Mel play protective roles against TiO2‐NPs‐induced renal inflammation and oxidative injury, likely due to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Screening of key odorants and anthocyanin compounds of cv. Okuzgozu (Vitis vinifera L.) red wines with a free run and pressed pomace using GC‐MS‐Olfactometry and LC‐MS‐MS
Authors: Tetik Mehmet Ali , Sevindik Onur , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan
Published: February 2018

The principal purpose of the present work is to characterize the aroma, aroma‐active, and anthocyanin profiles of Okuzgozu wines and to observe the effect of the pomace pressing technique on these parameters. A total of 58 and 59 volatile compounds were identified and quantified in free‐run juice wine (FRW) and pressed pomace wine (PW). Alcohols were found as the most dominant group among aroma compounds followed by esters and acids. However, among all these compounds, only 11 and 13 of them could be considered as key odorants in aromatic extracts of FRW and PW, respectively. According to GC‐MS‐O analysis, ethyl octanoate (fruity), phenyl ethyl acetate (fruity), and 2‐phenyl ethanol (flowery) were found as the main contributors to the overall scent of both wines. Beyond the aroma profiles, anthocyanin contents of both types of wines were also investigated, and total 14 and 15 anthocyanins were identified and quantified in FRW and PW. Malvidin‐3‐glycoside and its acetyl and coumaroyl forms were identified as the dominant anthocyanins in both wines. It is worth noting the pressing application (2.0 atm) led to an increase of some unpleasant notes in the aroma providing chemical, pharmacy, and fermented aromas in wine. On the other hand, the wines produced with pressed pomace presented higher amounts of anthocyanins.
The prediction of cyclic proximal humerus fracture fixation failure by various bone density measures
Authors: Varga Peter , Grünwald Leonard , Windolf Markus
Published: February 2018

Fixation of osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures has remained challenging, but may be improved by careful pre‐operative planning. The aim of this study was to investigate how well the failure of locking plate fixation of osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures can be predicted by bone density measures assessed with currently available clinical imaging (realistic case) and a higher resolution and quality modality (theoretical best‐case). Various density measures were correlated to experimentally assessed number of cycles to construct failure of plated unstable low‐density proximal humerus fractures (N = 18). The influence of density evaluation technique was investigated by comparing local (peri‐implant) versus global evaluation regions; HR‐pQCT‐based versus clinical QCT‐based image data; ipsilateral versus contralateral side; and bone mineral content (BMC) versus bone mineral density (BMD). All investigated density measures were significantly correlated with the experimental cycles to failure. The best performing clinically feasible parameter was the QCT‐based BMC of the contralateral articular cap region, providing significantly better correlation (R2 = 0.53) compared to a previously proposed clinical density measure (R2 = 0.30). BMC had consistently, but not significantly stronger correlations with failure than BMD. The overall best results were obtained with the ipsilateral HR‐pQCT‐based local BMC (R2 = 0.74) that may be used for implant optimization. Strong correlations were found between the corresponding density measures of the two CT image sources, as well as between the two sides. Future studies should investigate if BMC of the contralateral articular cap region could provide improved prediction of clinical fixation failure compared to previously proposed measures. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2250–2258, 2018.
Segmentation of hip cartilage in compositional magnetic resonance imaging: A fast, accurate, reproducible, and clinically viable semi‐automated methodology
Authors: Fernquest Scott , Park Daniel , Marcan Marija , Palmer Antony , Voiculescu Irina , Glyn‐Jones Sion
Published: February 2018

Manual segmentation is a significant obstacle in the analysis of compositional MRI for clinical decision‐making and research. Our aim was to produce a fast, accurate, reproducible, and clinically viable semi‐automated method for segmentation of hip MRI. We produced a semi‐automated segmentation method for cartilage segmentation of hip MRI sequences consisting of a two step process: (i) fully automated hierarchical partitioning of the data volume generated using a bespoke segmentation approach applied recursively, followed by (ii) user selection of the regions of interest using a region editor. This was applied to dGEMRIC scans at 3T taken from a prospective longitudinal study of individuals considered at high‐risk of developing osteoarthritis (SibKids) which were also manually segmented for comparison. Fourteen hips were segmented both manually and using our semi‐automated method. Per hip, processing time for semi‐automated and manual segmentation was 10–15, and 60–120 min, respectively. Accuracy and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) for the comparison of semi‐automated and manual segmentations was 0.9886 and 0.8803, respectively. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility of the semi‐automated segmentation method gave an accuracy of 0.9997 and 0.9991, and DSC of 0.9726 and 0.9354, respectively. We have proposed a fast, accurate, reproducible, and clinically viable semi‐automated method for segmentation of hip MRI sequences. This enables accurate anatomical and biochemical measurements to be obtained quickly and reproducibly. This is the first such method that shows clinical applicability, and could have large ramifications for the use of compositional MRI in research and clinically. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2280–2287, 2018.
The effect of twice daily kiwifruit consumption on periodontal and systemic conditions before and after treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Discepoli Nicola , Gennai Stefano , Karapetsa Dimitra , Nisi Marco , Bianchi Lea , Rosema Nanning A. Martijn , Van der Velden Ubele
Published: February 2018

Background

To assess the nutraceutical effects of twice/daily intake of kiwifruit on periodontal parameters and systemic health before and after initial periodontal treatment (IPT).

Methods

At baseline, participants were randomly assigned to test and control group, and either consumed two kiwifruits/day for 5 months or no kiwifruit. In the first 2 months, no periodontal treatment was delivered (2 M). Subsequently, a session of full‐mouth IPT within 24 hours was performed. Participants were then re‐assessed after 3 months (5 M). Blood samples, evaluating systemic biomarkers and vital signs, were also collected atbaseline, 2 M, and 5 M.

Results

Groups were balanced at baseline. At 2 M no within‐groups differences could be detected for any parameter but the bleeding score, which decreased significantly in the kiwifruit group by 6.67% ± 11.90% (P < 0.01). Comparison of test and control group showed that 2 months of kiwifruit consumption resulted in significant lower values of bleeding, plaque, and attachment loss. After IPT both groups demonstrated substantial significant clinical benefits however the control group showed significant greater reductions of bleeding, plaque and attachment loss than the test group. Systemic biomarkers and vital signs did not show clinically relevant differences between test and control group.

Conclusions

Kiwifruit consumption reduces gingival inflammation despite the lack of any periodontal instrumentation or patient's behavioral changes. No adjunctive effect to periodontal treatment of dietary intake of kiwifruit was noted. (NCT NCT03084484)
Periodontal response to orthodontic tooth movement in diabetes‐induced rats with or without periodontal disease
Authors: Ferreira Camila Lopes , da Rocha Vinicius Clemente , da Silva Ursi Weber José , De Marco Andrea Carvalho , Santamaria Milton , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Jardini Maria Aparecida Neves
Published: February 2018

Background

Systemic conditions can influence orthodontic tooth movement. This study evaluates histologic periodontal responses to orthodontic tooth movement in diabetes‐induced rats with or without periodontal disease.

Methods

Forty Wistar rats were divided according their systemic condition (SC) into diabetic (D) and non‐diabetic (ND) groups. Each group was subdivided into control (C), orthodontic tooth movement (OM), ligature‐induced periodontitis (P) and ligature‐induced periodontitis with orthodontic movement (P+OM) groups. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with alloxan monohydrate, and after 30 days, the P group received a cotton ligature around their first lower molar crown. An orthodontic device was placed in OM and P+OM groups for 7 days, and the animals were then euthanized.

Results

Differences in OM between D and ND groups were not significant (6.87± 3.55 mm and 6.81 ± 3.28 mm, respectively), but intragroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the P+OM groups for both SCs. Bone loss was greater in the D group (0.16 ± 0.07 mm2) than in the ND group (0.10 ± 0.03 mm2). In intragroup analysis of the D condition, the P+OM group differed statistically from the other groups, while in the ND condition, the P+OM group was different from the C and OM groups. There was a statistically significant difference in bone density between D and ND conditions (18.03 ± 8.09% and 22.53 ± 7.72%) in the C, P, and P+OM groups.

Conclusion

DM has deleterious effects on bone density and bone loss in the furcation region. These effects are maximized when associated with ligature‐induced periodontitis with orthodontic movement.
Association between the number of teeth and hypertension in a study based on 13,561 participants
Authors: Shin Hye‐Sun
Published: February 2018

Background

No studies have reported the association between the number of teeth and hypertension in the Korean national data. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the number of teeth is associated with blood pressure and hypertension in a representative sample of the Korean population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 13,561 participants aged ≥19 years using the 2012 to 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The number of teeth was divided into four groups: 0, 1 to 19, 20 to ‐27, and 28. The definition of hypertension was systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or being medicated for hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed after controlling for age, sex, income, education, smoking, drinking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Age‐ and sex‐stratified analyses were performed.

Results

The fully adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of the number of teeth group for hypertension were as follows: AOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.43 for 20 to 27 teeth; AOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.76; 1 to 19 teeth; and AOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.18 for edentulism. The strength of the association was highest in women aged ≥60 years across all age and sex groups (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.86).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that a decrease in the number of teeth may be independently associated with hypertension in the Korean population.
Determination of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic products by solid‐phase extraction and GC–MS
Authors: Liu Qiying , Guo Yuanming , Sun Xiumei , Hao Qing , Cheng Xin , Zhang Lu
Published: February 2018

We propose a method for the simultaneous determination of 15 kinds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine samples (muscle) employing gas chromatography with mass spectrometry after saponification with ultrasound‐assisted extraction and solid‐phase extraction. The experimental conditions were optimized by the response surface method. In addition, the effects of different lyes and extractants on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction were discussed, and saturated sodium carbonate was first used as the primary saponification reaction and extracted with 10 mL of ethyl acetate and secondly 1 mol/L of sodium hydroxide and 10 mL of n‐hexane were used to achieve better results. The average recovery was 67–112%. Satisfactory data showed that the method has good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of <13%. The detection limits of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were 0.02–0.13 ng/g. Compared with other methods, this method has the advantages of simple pretreatment, low solvent consumption, maximum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction, the fast separation speed, and the high extraction efficiency. It is concluded that this method meets the batch processing requirements of the sample and can also be used to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in other high‐fat (fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish) biological samples.
Design issues on the World Wide Web
Authors: Horrocks Tony
Published: February 2018

Considers the technical aspects of designing a World Wide Web page; including design issues, the particular potential audience, bandwidth effects, HTML limitations, and essential software.
Elements of Effective Employee Relations: Work Rules (continued)
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: February 2018

The following article completes a series from the editor on the elements of effective employee relations. The focus here is on work rules that the National Labor Relations Board has found to be lawful and unlawful. With the Board now being remade with a majority of Republican appointments, it is reasonable to expect that some of these rulings will be overturned. We will advise readers of any such decisions. In the meantime, however, the rules described here are the law for now.
Impact of scratch depth on vacuum tightness of diffusion bonded parts
Authors: Gietzelt T. , Hüll A. , Toth V. , Messerschmidt F. , Thelen R.
Published: February 2018

The surface roughness or solitary grooves decides about success or failure of diffusion bonding and vacuum tightness of the parts to be welded. Since surfaces have to be mated at atomic level to enable diffusion of atoms across bonding planes, also single deep scratches must be avoided to achieve vacuum tightness. Up to now there are no criteria which grooves can be tolerated. In fact, personal experience of the operator is essential to evaluate the surface before diffusion bonding. In this paper different load on top of a spike made of hard metal and sliding across the surface of austenitic stainless steel sheets of 1.4301 are employed to prepare grooves of different depth. A scanning electron microscope is used to visualize the dimension of the grooves. By white light interferometry, the depths according the load of the spice is evaluated. Diffusion bonding is performed at T = 1075 °C, t = 4 h, p = 12 MPa as well as with additional short peak loads. It turns out that the depth of grooves corresponds very well with the degree of leakage rate. Hence, by measuring the depth of grooves, prediction of leak rate can be predicted.
Phycoerythrin‐Derived Tryptic Peptide of a Red Alga Pyropia yezoensis Attenuates Glutamate‐Induced ER Stress and Neuronal Senescence in Primary Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Oh Jeong Hwan , Kim Eun‐Young , Nam Taek‐Jeong
Published: February 2018

Scope

Glutamate excitotoxicity has been observed in association with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether a phycoerythrin‐derived tryptic peptide of Pyropia yezoensis (PYP) reduces glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity and neuronal senescence in primary rat hippocampal neurons.

Methods and results

Glutamate exposure (100 μm) decreased cell viability and increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response protein glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) starting at 60 min following glutamate exposure, which was prevented by pretreating the neurons with PYP (1 μg mL−1). The glutamate‐induced increase in GRP78 expression was downregulated by blocking N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor with MK801 (10 μm) and inhibiting c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation with SP600125 (10 μm). Moreover, phosphorylation of JNK was decreased by blockade of NMDA receptor. The PYP pretreatment downregulated glutamate‐induced increase in GRP78 expression and JNK phosphorylation, and this effect was abolished by inhibiting tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) receptor, phosphatidylinositiol 3‐kinase, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 using cyclotraxin B (200 nm), LY294002 (20 μm), and SL327 (10 μm), respectively. In addition, PYP downregulated increase in GRP78 expression, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, and neurite degeneration in aging hippocampal neurons.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that activation of TrkB receptor‐mediated ERK1/2 by PYP attenuates glutamate‐induced ER stress, which may improve the survival of hippocampal neurons with age.
Comparing supply and demand models for future photovoltaic power generation in the USA
Authors: Basore Paul A. , Cole Wesley J.
Published: February 2018

We explore the plausible range of future deployment of photovoltaic generation capacity in the USA using a supply‐focused model based on supply‐chain growth constraints and a demand‐focused model based on minimizing the overall cost of the electricity system. Both approaches require assumptions based on previous experience and anticipated trends. For each of the models, we assign plausible ranges for the key assumptions and then compare the resulting PV deployment over time. Each model was applied to 2 different future scenarios: one in which PV market penetration is ultimately constrained by the uncontrolled variability of solar power and one in which low‐cost energy storage or some equivalent measure largely alleviates this constraint. The supply‐focused and demand‐focused models are in substantial agreement, not just in the long term, where deployment is largely determined by the assumed market penetration constraints, but also in the interim years. For the future scenario without low‐cost energy storage or equivalent measures, the 2 models give an average plausible range of PV generation capacity in the USA of 150 to 530 GWdc in 2030 and 260 to 810 GWdc in 2040. With low‐cost energy storage or equivalent measures, the corresponding ranges are 160 to 630 GWdc in 2030 and 280 to 1200 GWdc in 2040. The latter range is enough to supply 10% to 40% of US electricity demand in 2040, based on current demand growth.
Thin poly(ionic liquid) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) blend films with ferro‐ and piezo‐electric polar γ‐crystals
Authors: Tiwari Vimal K. , Lee Yujeong , Song Giyoung , Lib Kim Kang , Jung Park Youn , Park Cheolmin
Published: February 2018

Ferro‐ and piezo‐electric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) thin film is reported to be obtained by using a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) [poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) methyl chloride quaternary salt] through solution route. The short range interactions between localized cationic ions of PIL and polar >CF2 of PVDF are responsible for modified polar γ‐PVDF (T3GT3Ḡ) formation. Modification in chain conformation of PVDF is confirmed by FTIR, XRD, and DSC studies suggesting the miscible PVDF–PIL (PPIL) blend. Up to 40 wt % loading of PIL in PVDF matrix enhances relative intensity of γ‐phase up to 50% in the entire crystalline phase. The P‐E hysteresis loop of PVDF‐PIL blends at 25 wt % PIL loading (PPIL‐25) thin film at sweep voltage of ±50 V shows excellent ferroelectric property with nearly saturated high remnant polarization ∼6.0 µC cm−2 owing to large proportion of γ‐PVDF. However, non‐polar pure PVDF thin film shows unsaturated hysteresis loop with 1.4 µC cm−2 remnant polarization. The operation voltage decreases effectively because of the polar γ‐phase formation in PPIL blended film. High‐sensitivity piezo‐response force microscopy shows electromechanical switching property at low voltages in PPIL‐25 thin films through local switching measurements, making them potentially suitable as ferroelectric tunnel barriers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 795–802
Differential Metabolic Pathway Analysis of the Proteomes of Leishmania donovani and Leptomonas seymouri
Authors: Singh Neeloo , Goel Renu , Jain Ekta
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Although in trypanosomatids, monoxeny (Leptomonas) is ancestral to dixeny (Leishmania), however clinical cases of visceral leishmanisis with Leptomonas co‐infection are increasingly being reported from India. Using a proteogenomic approach, a detailed proteome analysis of these two kinetoplastid parasites viz., Leishmania and its sister Leptomonas, to catalog the key proteins associated with and therefore possibly responsible for phenotype changes in Leptomonas evolution and domestication as co‐infection with Leishmania is carried out.

Experimental design

LC–MS/MS is utilized for this proteomic purpose. One Leishmania donovani WHO reference strain and two Leptomonas seymouri isolates, which are originally isolated from clinical cases of kala azar patients with different inherent drug sensitivity viz., responsive and unresponsive, are used in this study.

Results

A network analysis, leveraging protein–protein interaction data helped to find the roles of the proteins in carbon metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites which is seen to be altered under stress conditions like drug resistance.

Conclusions and Clinical relevance

The information provided about the metabolic pathways modulated when contrasting these two phenotypes may lead to the development of new strategies to block parasite differentiation within the host and to also circumvent the problem of drug resistance. This proteomic study also offers new grounds for the investigation of novel hypothetical proteins potentially playing a role in evolutionary biology the knowledge of which is essential for treatment of patients co‐infected with these two kinetoplastid parasites.
F1012‐2 inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy
Authors: Tian Shasha , Chen Yan , Yang Bo , Lou Chenghua , Zhu Rui , Zhao Yaping , Zhao Huajun
Published: February 2018

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are plant‐derived constituents that have been proved to have potential antitumour activity. However, the intracellular molecular targets of SLs and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well elucidated. Here, we report that F1012‐2, a novel SL active fraction, isolated from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC., can significantly inhibit the growth of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells (MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468) but has no obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of human mammary epithelial cells (MCF‐10A). The related mechanisms on cell growth inhibition of F1012‐2 were demonstrated by inducing apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner through the intrinsic pathway and extrinsic pathway. F1012‐2 could also activate autophagy in TNBC cells. Simultaneously, we found that F1012‐2‐induced apoptosis was enhanced by inhibition of autophagy. Furthermore, F1012‐2 could induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase with decreasing expression of cyclin B1, cdc2, and upregulating p21, p‐cdc2. Also, F1012‐2 activated Akt and p38 signalling pathways. In vivo, F1012‐2 exhibited a potential antitumour effect in MDA‐MB‐231 xenografts without apparent toxicity. Taken together, our results identified that F1012‐2 inhibited cell growth via multiple signalling pathways in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that F1012‐2 may be a potential natural active fraction for the treatment of TNBC.
Effects of curcumin consumption on human chronic diseases: A narrative review of the most recent clinical data
Authors: Mantzorou Maria , Pavlidou Eleni , Vasios George , Tsagalioti Eftychia , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: February 2018

Numerous clinical trials have investigated the potential beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation against several human chronic diseases. Up to now, it has been claimed that curcumin consumption may exert beneficial effects against several chronic diseases by promoting human health and preventing diseases. In this aspect, the present review aims to critically collect and in‐depth summarize the most recent, well‐designed clinical studies evaluating the potential beneficial effects of curcumin consumption on human health promotion and disease prevention. According to recent and well‐designed clinical studies, curcumin consumption may benefit against obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Moreover, curcumin consumption seems to exert a positive effect on people suffering from various types of cancer, fatty liver disease, depression, arthritis, skin diseases, gut inflammation, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Due to the strong heterogeneity among the clinical studies concerning the exact effective curcumin dose and formulation, as well as the recommended treatment duration for each chronic disease, no precise and definitive conclusions could be drawn. Further large‐scale prospective studies are strongly recommended, being well‐designed as far as follow‐up times, dosage, formulation, and duration of curcumin supplementation are concerned. Moreover, potential confounders in each specific chronic disease should carefully be taken into account in future studies.
Antidepressant effects of dammarane sapogenins in chronic unpredictable mild stress‐induced depressive mice
Authors: Jiang Ning , Zhang Bei‐Yue , Dong Li‐Ming , Lv Jing‐Wei , Lu Cong , Wang Qiong , Fan Lin‐Xi , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Pan Rui‐Le , Liu Xin‐Min
Published: February 2018

Depression is a common, dysthymic, and psychiatric disorder, resulting in enormous social and economic burden. Dammarane sapogenins (DS), an active fraction from oriental ginseng, has shown antidepressant‐like effects in chronic restraint rats and sleep interruption‐induced mice, and the present study aimed to further confirm the antidepressant effects of DS in a model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Oral administration of DS (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) markedly improved depressant‐like behaviors, increasing the sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test and reducing the latency in the novelty‐suppressed feeding test, and decreasing the immobility time in both the tail suspension and forced swimming tests, compared with the CUMS mice. Biochemical analysis of brain tissue and serum showed that DS treatment restored the decreased hippocampal neurotransmitter concentrations of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and gamma‐aminobutyric acid, and decreased the elevated of serum hormone levels (corticotrophin releasing factor, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and corticosterone) induced by CUMS. Our findings confirm that DS exerts an antidepressant‐like effect in the CUMS model of depression in mice, and suggest it may be mediated by regulation of neurotransmitters and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.
Polyprenols mitigate cognitive dysfunction and neuropathology in the APP/PS1 mouse
Authors: Zhuang Xu‐Xu , Zang Xuan , Zheng Guang‐Yao , Hua Nan , Sun Yi , Hu Yu‐Hui , He Ling
Published: February 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly and brings considerable financial and social problems worldwide. In this study, polyprenols were firstly evaluated the effects on the cognitive deficits and neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice model of AD. At 3 months old, the APP/PS1 mice were divided into model group; polyprenols low, middle, and high dosage group; and positive drug group. Age‐matched wild‐type mice were chosen in control group. The administration by oral gavage lasted 6 months. Polyprenols treatment significantly improved cognitive impairment of double transgenic mice compared with vehicle control treatment in behavioral tests. In addition, immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that there were significantly reductions in neuritic plaques and the level of hyperphosphorylated tau in brain of polyprenols‐treated mice. Furthermore, we found that polyprenols treatment reduced the apoptotic cells in brain sections of 9‐month‐old APP/PS1 mice. These results reveal that polyprenols exert neuroprotective effects in APP/PS1 mice and could represent an effective treatment for AD.
Isolates from Alpinia officinarum Hance attenuate LPS‐induced inflammation in HepG2: Evidence from in silico and in vitro studies
Authors: Elgazar Abdullah A. , Selim Nabil M. , Abdel‐Hamid Nabil M. , El‐Magd Mohammed A. , El Hefnawy Hala M.
Published: February 2018

In an attempt to connect the legacy of centuries of invaluable knowledge from traditional medicine and the current understanding to the molecular mechanism of diseases, we took the advantage of the emergence of in silico screening as a promising tool for identification of potential leads from libraries of natural products. Traditional Chinese Medicine database was subjected to structure based virtual screening for identification of anti‐inflammatory compounds using the 3D crystal structure of p38 alpha mitogen activated protein kinase. The molecular docking studies revealed the potential activity of several classes of compounds known to be the constituents of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance (Lesser galangal). Five compounds, galangin, kaempferide, isorhamnetin, and two diarylheptanoids, were isolated from the rhizomes of the plant using vacuum liquid chromatography and flash chromatography techniques. The anti‐inflammatory activity of these compounds was investigated on HepG2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. The latter induced the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines; interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha. Addition of the 5 isolated compounds downregulated this increased gene expression in a dose dependent manner. Thus, these results indicate that the isolated compounds from A. officinarum could be used as a beneficial source for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.
Cytotoxic alkaloids from Pogonopus tubulosus: G2/M cell cycle arrest and inhibition of DNA topoisomerase IIα by isotubulosine
Authors: Filippin Kelly Juliana , Portela Aymee , Rodrigues Edilene Delphino , Matos Maria de Fátima Cepa , da Silva Gil Valdo José , Garcez Walmir Silva , Garcez Fernanda Rodrigues , Perdomo Renata Trentin
Published: February 2018

Phytochemical investigation of Pogonopus tubulosus trunk led to the isolation of isotubulosine and alangiside, tetrahydroisoquinoline indolic monoterpene alkaloids reported here for the first time for the family Rubiaceae and the genus Pogonopus, respectively. Isotubulosine proved cytotoxic against MCF‐7, PC‐3, 786‐0, HT‐29, and HL‐60 human cancer cell lines, with GI50 values ranging from 5.26 to 20.61 μM, in addition to causing G2/M arrest, possibly by inhibiting DNA topoisomerase IIα. Alangiside showed weak cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 and HL‐60 and proved inactive against PC‐3, HT‐29, and 786‐0 cell lines, with no sign of apoptosis. The alkaloid structures were established on the basis of 1D‐ and/or 2D‐NMR, optical rotation, and HR ESIMS data. Complete 1H NMR assignments of isotubulosine were also performed, using 1H‐1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and 1H J‐resolved techniques and employing experimental and calculated values of homonuclear coupling constants based on the lowest energy conformations. The foregoing results provide new information on the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of tetrahydroisoquinoline indole monoterpene‐type alkaloids and reveal isotubulosine to merit further studies as a potential anticancer agent.
NMR spin–spin coupling constants in hydrogen‐bonded glycine clusters
Authors: Chaudhuri Puspitapallab , Canuto Sylvio , Provasi Patricio F.
Published: February 2018

The influence of the hydrogen bond formation on the NMR spin–spin coupling constants (SSCC), including the Fermi contact (FC), the diamagnetic spin‐orbit, the paramagnetic spin‐orbit, and the spin dipole term, has been investigated systematically for the homogeneous glycine cluster, in gas phase, containing up to three monomers. The one‐bond and two‐bond SSCCs for several intramolecular (through covalent bond) and intermolecular (across the hydrogen‐bond) atomic pairs are calculated employing the density functional theory with B3LYP and KT3 functionals and different types of extended basis sets. The ab initio SOPPA(CCSD) is used as benchmark for the SSCCs of the glycine monomer. The hydrogen bonding is found to cause significant variations in the one‐bond SSCCs, mostly due to contribution from electronic interactions. However, the nature of variation depends on the type of oxygen atom (proton‐acceptor or proton‐donor) present in the interaction. Two‐bond intermolecular coupling constants vary more than the corresponding one‐bond constants when the size of the cluster increases. Among the four Ramsey terms that constitute the total SSCC, the FC term is the most dominant contributor followed by the paramagnetic spin‐orbit term in all one‐bond interaction.
Screening of the Structure of Americium Extractants Based on a 2,2’‐Bipyridyl Scaffold: a Simple Way to a N2,O2‐Tetradentate Ligands Library for Rational Design of An/Ln Extractants
Authors: Borisova Nataliya E. , Ivanov Alexey V. , Matveev Petr I. , Smirnova Anastasiya A. , Belova Elena V. , Kalmykov Stepan N. , Myasoedov Boris F.
Published: February 2018

A library of N‐ethylanilides of 2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylic acids were synthesized to evaluate the influence of the side chains on the extraction properties. The structure of the various diamides is studied in solid state by X‐ray and in solution by 2D NMR. In the solid‐state, the diamides featured flat Cs geometry irrespective of the nature and position of the substituents. Carboxylic groups in the crystals shifted from the residing planes of both pyridine and aromatic anilide rings indicating disruption of the conjugated system. The solution behaviour is substituent dependent. Only three types of relative orientations of amidic fragments and pyridine rings were found in solutions of diamides depending on the nature of the amidic side chain substituents. The conformations of the diamides mostly depended on the size of the substituent and less on their electronic properties. Solubility of the diamides and their metal extraction properties in relation to americium and europium ions were studied the diamides, bearing substituents in pyridine rings and in phenyl ring of diamide moiety (one or two alkyl‐, alkoxy‐, fluorine‐, carboxylic‐groups). The symmetrical substitution in the pyridine moiety critically diminished both solubility and metal extraction. Metal ions recovery strongly depended on the substitution in the anilidic moiety; distribution coefficients depended more on the spatial arrangement of the substituents and to a lesser extent on their electronic properties.
A Unique Blend of Water, DES and Ultrasound for One‐Pot Knorr Pyrazole Synthesis and Knoevenagel‐Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Kamble Sujit S. , Shankarling Ganapati S.
Published: February 2018

A simple and convenient method for the tandem synthesis of 4, 4‐(arylmethylene)‐bis‐(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol)s via 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐5‐pyrazolone from aldehyde, phenyl hydrazine and ethyl acetoacetate using combination of Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) and ultrasound in water is described. Shorter reaction time, easy work up and comparably good yield of desired product are crucial features. One pot Knorr synthesis and Knovenagel‐Michael reaction and use of water as solvent make this methodology an alternative to the other approaches. The advantage of applying ultrasound is, it reduces required time and temperature for reaction with improved yield. The DES and water used here recycled five times without considerable loss of activity.
Numerical Analysis of Intermediate Roll Shifting–Induced Rigidity Characteristics of UCM Cold Rolling Mill
Authors: Wang Qing‐Long , Li Xu , Hu Yun‐Jian , Sun Jie , Zhang Dian‐Hua
Published: February 2018

The present investigation devises a flatness control strategy for a five‐stand tandem cold rolling mill. In addition, intermediate roll shifting (IRS)–induced rigidity characteristics of the six‐high Universal Crown Control mill (UCM mill) as a key model for the automatic thickness and flatness control systems are established. A three‐dimensional elastic‐plastic finite element analysis for a strip rolling process is conducted when the UCM mill is subjected to different IRS values. The convergence and precision of the simulation model are verified using experimental data in a five‐stand tandem cold rolling line. Through a steady‐state rolling analysis of the process, the vertical and transverse rigidity characteristic curves of the roll‐stack, reduction strain field of the strip, variation in strip crown, elastic deflection of the rolls, and contact stress field between rolls are extracted. The results show that the IRS obviously changes the deflection curves of the rolls and then causes the variations in the exit thickness and transverse thickness difference of the strip. The nonuniform stress distribution between rolls caused by the increasingly IRS value lead to local stress concentration on the side of the roll. A mechanism for the effect of IRS on the rigidity characteristics of the mill is presented and discussed.
Effect of Microencapsulation on Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Nutmeg Oleoresin Using Mixtures of Gum Arabic, OSA, and Native Sorghum Starch
Authors: Arshad Hira , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Abbas Tanveer , Hasnain Abid
Published: February 2018

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and its solvent extracts are being used across the world for their strong anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity attributed to their naturally occurring phytochemicals. The loading of nutmeg oleoresin in a matrix of gum arabic and sorghum starch (native and OSA modified) in different ratios is achieved in this study through microencapsulation by using a spray drying method. Morphological and chemical changes after modification of starch are analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. Both native and modified sorghum starch granules are found to be polygonal and spherical in shape. The bioactive extracts from the microcapsules are analyzed for DPPH radical scavenging activity, phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antimicrobial activity. Extracts from the nutmeg microcapsules comprised of gum arabic and OSA modified sorghum starch possess excellent bioactive functional properties as compared to native sorghum starch. The samples comprised of gum arabic and starch (native and OSA modified) in the ratio of (75:25) and (50:50) show excellent antioxidant activity and high retention of phenolic and flavonoid content after 60 days of storage. All the bioactive extracts show antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus.
Spatial Variation of In Vitro Starch and Protein Digestibility in White Wheat Bread
Authors: Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose , Rodriguez‐Huezo Eva , Meraz Monica , Garcia‐Diaz Samuel , Flores‐Silva Pamela C. , Mondragon‐Reinoso Lorena
Published: February 2018

The digestibility of bread components is an important issue for the design of healthy food products. The in vitro starch and protein digestibility, and the associated morphology, moisture content, thermal (differential scanning calorimetry), and structural (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) changes are determined on samples obtained from different radial locations of white wheat bread slices immediately after baking. Experimental results indicated that starch in the crumb region was more digestible (≈86% RDS), while the crust region contained higher amount of slowly digestible starch (≈22%). On the other hand, the crust region had lower protein content than the crumb region, but the latter showed higher digestibility (≈96%). The results shows that digestibility of starch and proteins in wheat bread is not uniform, but exhibits important variations from crumb to crust likely induced by spatial moisture and temperature profiles during baking.
Allocation of Expenditures in Elderly Households and the Cost of Widowhood
Authors: Burkhard Daniel
Published: February 2018

Widowhood and retirement change the economie environment of elderly households. While retirement changes income and expenditure patterns, widowhood fundamentally changes the structure of the household. Besides high non-monetary cost of losing the partner, resources are no longer shared and economies of scale arising from joint consumption are lost. This paper applies a collective household model to expenditure data on elderly households in Switzerland. The findings suggest that 44% of household resources are assigned to wives and both spouses save roughly 27% or, on average, 800 Swiss Francs on monthly expenditures relative to living apart. Estimates of indifference scales indicate that men suffer a financial loss after losing their wife, while widowed women do not.