bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEM×DEM multiscale modeling: Model performance enhancement from Newton strategy to element loop parallelization
Authors: Argilaga A. , Desrues J. , Dal Pont S. , Combe G. , Caillerie D.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a multiscale model based on a FEM×DEM approach, a method that couples discrete elements at the microscale and finite elements at the macroscale. FEM×DEM has proven to be an effective way to treat real‐scale engineering problems by embedding constitutive laws numerically obtained using discrete elements into a standard finite element framework. This proposed paper focuses on some numerical open issues of the method. Given the nonlinearity of the problem, Newton's method is required. The standard full Newton method is modified by adopting operators different from the consistent tangent matrix and by developing ad‐hoc solution strategies. The efficiency of several existing operators is compared, and a new and original strategy is proposed, which is shown to be numerically more efficient than the existing propositions. Furthermore, a shared memory parallelization framework using OpenMP directives is introduced. The combination of these enhancements allows to overcome the FEM×DEM computational limitations, thus making the approach competitive with classical FEM in terms of stability and computational cost.
A quasi‐implicit characteristic–based penalty finite‐element method for incompressible laminar viscous flows
Authors: Jiang Chen , Zhang Zhi‐Qian , Han Xu , Liu Guirong , Gao Guang‐Jun , Lin Tao
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a novel characteristic–based penalty (CBP) scheme for the finite‐element method (FEM) is proposed to solve 2‐dimensional incompressible laminar flow. This new CBP scheme employs the characteristic‐Galerkin method to stabilize the convective oscillation. To mitigate the incompressible constraint, the selective reduced integration (SRI) and the recently proposed selective node–based smoothed FEM (SNS‐FEM) are used for the 4‐node quadrilateral element (CBP‐Q4SRI) and the 3‐node triangular element (CBP‐T3SNS), respectively. Meanwhile, the reduced integration (RI) for Q4 element (CBP‐Q4RI) and NS‐FEM for T3 element (CBP‐T3NS) with CBP scheme are also investigated. The quasi‐implicit CBP scheme is applied to allow a large time step for sufficient large penalty parameters. Due to the absences of pressure degree of freedoms, the quasi‐implicit CBP‐FEM has higher efficiency than quasi‐implicit CBS‐FEM. In this paper, the CBP‐Q4SRI has been verified and validated with high accuracy, stability, and fast convergence. Unexpectedly, CBP‐Q4RI is of no instability, high accuracy, and even slightly faster convergence than CBP‐Q4SRI. For unstructured T3 elements, CBP‐T3SNS also shows high accuracy and good convergence but with pressure oscillation using a large penalty parameter; CBP‐T3NS produces oscillated wrong velocity and pressure results. In addition, the applicable ranges of penalty parameter for different proposed methods have been investigated.
Formulation characterization and in vitro evaluation of acacia gum–calcium alginate beads for oral drug delivery systems
Authors: Benfattoum Kahina , Haddadine Nabila , Bouslah Naima , Benaboura Ahmed , Maincent Philippe , Barillé Régis , Sapin‐Minet Anne , El‐Shall M. Samy
Published: November 2017

In the present work, new matrix bead formulations based on linear and branched polysaccharides have been developed using an ionic gelation technique, and their potential use as oral drug carriers has been evaluated. Using calcium chloride as a cross‐linking agent and sodium diclofenac (SD), as a model drug, acacia gum–calcium alginate matrix beads were formulated. The response surface methodology based on 32 factorial design was used as a statistical method to evaluate and optimize the effects of the biopolymers‐blend ratio and the concentration of calcium chloride on the particle size (mm), density (g/cm3), drug encapsulation efficiency (%), and the cumulative drug release after 8 hours (R8h,%). The optimized beads with the highest drug encapsulation efficiency were examined for a drug‐excipients compatibility by powder X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy analyses. The swelling and degradation of the matrix beads were found to be influenced by the pH of medium. Higher degrees of swelling were observed in intestinal pH than in stomach pH. Accordingly, the drug release study showed that the amount of SD released from the acacia gum–calcium alginate beads was higher in intestinal pH than in stomach pH. Therefore, the in vitro drug release from the SD‐loaded beads appears to follow the controlled‐release (Hixson‐Crowell) pattern involving a case‐2 transport mechanism operated by swelling and relaxation of the polymeric blend matrix.
Do delays in data availability limit the implementation of near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink?
Authors: Leite Andreia , Thomas Sara L. , Andrews Nick J.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance (NRTVSS) using electronic health records has been used to detect timely vaccine safety signals. Trial implementation of NRTVSS using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) has shown that there is limited power to detect safety signals for rare events. Delays in recording outcomes and receiving data influence the power and timeliness to identify a signal. Our work aimed to compare how different sources of delays influence power and expected time to signal to implement NRTVSS using CPRD.

Methods

We studied seasonal influenza vaccine/Guillain‐Barré syndrome and performed power and expected time to signal calculations for the 2013‐2014/2014‐2015 seasons. We used the Poisson‐based maximised sequential probability ratio test, which compares observed‐to‐expected events. For each study season, we obtained an average Guillain‐Barré syndrome/seizures age‐sex–adjusted rate from the 5 previous seasons and then used this rate to calculate the expected number of events, assuming a 42‐day risk‐window. Calculations were performed for detecting rate ratios of 1.5 to 10. We compared power and timeliness considering combinations of the presence/absence of delays in recording outcomes and in receiving data. The R‐package Sequential was used.

Results

In general, there was ≥80% power to detect increases in risk of ≥4 at the end of the season. Assuming absence of delays slightly improved power (a maximum increase of 4%) but did not noticeably reduce time to detect a signal.

Conclusion

Removing delays in data availability is insufficient to significantly improve the performance of a NRTVSS system using CPRD. Expansion of CPRD data is required.

KEY POINTS

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) can be used to implement near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance, but there is limited power to detect signals for rare outcomes.

Delays in recording outcomes and in receiving data might limit power and timeliness of a system. We assessed the influence of these sources of delays to inform data providers of the steps required to improve a system using CPRD data.

Removing delays in recording outcomes and receiving data is unlikely to significantly improve the performance of a system using CPRD data. Expansion of the data available is needed.
Alternatives for characterizing macroporous polyacrylamide monolithic ion exchanger columns
Authors: Fontan Rafael da Costa Ilhéu , Bonomo Renata Cristina Ferreira , Gonçalves Gabriel Ramos Ferreira , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues , Minim Luis Antonio
Published: November 2017

The development of new adsorbents to separate biocompounds and polyacrylamide monolithic cryogels shows great potential for purifying macromolecules from non‐clarified media. In this work, alternatives for functionalization and characterization of polyacrylamide monoliths grafted with 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanosulfonic acid were explored. Dynamic grafting did not affect swelling capacity, or graft density. Pore size was evaluated by optical microscopy, which presented the same values obtained by scanning electronic microscopy. The method of moments was used to determine porosity, apparent axial dispersion coefficient, and the height of the theoretical plates of the columns, presenting results consistent with those in the literature. The permeability constant was determined by varying the viscosity of a Newtonian fluid at constant pressure, with the value being the same as that obtained by varying the hydrostatic pressure over the column. Results demonstrated these techniques were adequate for characterizing polyacrylamide cryogels, opening new perspectives in this field. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1717–1725, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Charge transfer and electron localization as the origin of the anomeric effect in theO─C─Osegment of dimethoxymethane and spiroketals
Authors: Buschbeck‐Alvarado Martha E. , Hernández‐Fernández Gabriel , Hernández‐Trujillo Jesús , Cortés‐Guzmán Fernando , Cuevas Gabriel
Published: November 2017

Every day, more evidence accumulates, leading to the conclusion that the stereoelectronic model through the nO → σ*C─Ointeraction is of minor relevance or even inoperative to explain conformational preference in the specific O─C─O segment. In the present study, dimethoxymethane (DMM) and some model spiroketals were chosen to develop a reliable and easy to apply methodology that is simple to interpret by experimental chemists. The general conformation observed in these molecules, present in many biologically active natural products, is thegauche‐gauche(g,g) in DMM and bis‐diaxial in spiroketals. To study this conformational preference, this paper presents a new approach, where general trends for the atomic and molecular energetic components, as well as localization and delocalization indices, and their bonded (Δb) and nonbonded (Δnb) electronic contributions are analyzed. In addition, group contributions to the electron localization and polarization are also defined, agreeing with the conformational preference. It is clear that electronic localization/delocalization is capable of reproducing experimental observations, showing an adequate correlation of this property to the cos θ term in the context of Pople's analysis. It is proposed that electron delocalization between electronegative atoms or total delocalization between nonbonded atoms is not the major contributors to the axial conformational preference observed in spiroketals. Conformational preference shows defined trends in terms of group delocalization in DMM and ring localization and charge transfer between groups in spiroketals. This way, electronic delocalization can be used to evaluate the anomeric effect, using just a few parameters, which makes the method broadly functional.
Hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in children born moderately/late preterm
Authors: Haataja Paula , Korhonen Päivi , Ojala Riitta , Hirvonen Mikko , Korppi Matti , Gissler Mika , Luukkaala Tiina , Tammela Outi
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the frequency and predictors of hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in moderately preterm (MP, 32+0 to 33+6 weeks) and late preterm (LP, 34+0 to 36+6 weeks) infants compared to term (T ≥37 weeks) and very preterm (VP, <32+0 weeks) infants.

Study Design

This national register‐based study covered all infants born in Finland in 1991‐2008. Data on 1 018 256 infants were analyzed in four gestational age‐based groups: VP (n = 6329), MP (n = 6796), LP (n = 39 928), and T (n = 965 203) groups. Data on hospital admissions due to bronchiolitis/bronchitis and pneumonia were collected up to the age of 7 years.

Results

Hospital admissions for LRTIs were more common in the MP and LP groups than in the T group but less frequent than in the VP group: bronchiolitis/bronchitis (VP 24.4%, MP 13.9%, LP 9.5%, and T 5.6%) and pneumonia (VP 8.8%, MP 4.5%, LP 3.3%, and T 2.4%). Compared to the term group, MP and LP birth predicted bronchiolitis/bronchitis (MP OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.75‐2.03, LP 1.51; 1.45‐1.56) and pneumonia (MP 1.49; 1.32‐1.67, LP 1.25; 1.18‐1.33) admissions. Statistically significant risk factors for LRTIs included maternal smoking, cesarean section, male sex, admission to a neonatal unit and ventilator therapy. In addition, being first‐born, being born SGA and neonatal antibiotic therapy were associated with bronchiolitis/bronchitis.

Conclusions

MP and LP births, in addition to VP birth, have a significant impact on respiratory infectious morbidity and the need of hospital admissions for LRTIs.
Thermal plasticity potentially mediates the interaction between host Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in rapidly changing environments
Authors: Mutamiswa Reyard , Chidawanyika Frank , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Increasing climatic average temperatures and variability elicit various insect physiological responses that affect fitness and survival and may influence subsequent trophic interactions in agroecosystems. In this background, we investigated short‐ and long‐term plastic responses to temperature of the laboratory‐reared stemborer Chilo partellus and its larval endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes.

RESULTS

Rapid cold‐ and heat‐hardening effects in C. partellus larvae, pupae and adults and C. flavipes adults were highly significant (P < 0.001). High‐temperature acclimation improved critical thermal limits and heat knockdown time in C. partellus larvae and C. flavipes adults, respectively. Low‐temperature acclimation enhanced the supercooling point in C. flavipes and the chill coma recovery time in both C. partellus larvae and C. flavipes adults.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that thermal plasticity may enhance the survival of these two species when they are subjected to lethal low and high temperatures. However, C. partellus appeared to be more plastic than C. flavipes. These results have three major implications: (1) C. partellus may inhabit slightly warmer environments than C. flavipes, suggesting a potential mismatch in biogeography; (2) host–parasitoid relationships are complex and are probably trait dependent, and (3) host–parasitoid differential thermal plastic responses may offset biocontrol efficacy. These results may help inform biocontrol decision making under conditions of global change. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The migration intentions of young adults in Europe: A comparative, multilevel analysis
Authors: Williams Allan M. , Jephcote Calvin , Janta Hania , Li Gang
Published: November 2017

Research on migration intentions is relatively fragmented, traditionally drawing conclusions from relatively small survey samples, focussing on individual countries, or relying on public opinion polls which provide very few explanatory variables. This paper addresses these limitations by developing a multilevel model of an extensive range of macro, meso, and microdeterminants of migration intentions across different time frames. The paper utilises an online panel survey of 20,473 non‐student respondents aged 16–35 from nine European Union countries. Ordinal multilevel modelling, with post‐stratification weighting, is used to determine the key drivers of, and barriers to, migration intentions in both a pan‐European model and nine separate national‐scale models. The findings confirm the significance of macro, meso, and micro factors. Although socio‐economic factors emerge as powerful explanatory factors, non‐pecuniary factors are also important, including sensation seeking. There are broad similarities in the findings across the separate national‐level models but also differences in the relative importance of socio‐economic, gender, and personality factors. Migration intentions were highly dependent on the decision‐making time frame: 17% of respondents over 1 year, but 30% over 5 years, are likely to migrate or to have made firm plans to migrate. The rank ordering of the countries challenges the notion of there being a simple differentiation between the newer and older member states of the European Union.
Translational Biomedical Informatics and Pharmacometrics Approaches in the Drug Interactions Research
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Wu Heng‐Yi , Chiang Chien‐Wei , Wang Lei , Binkheder Samar , Wang Xueying , Zeng Donglin , Quinney Sara K. , Li Lang
Published: November 2017

Drug interaction is a leading cause of adverse drug events and a major obstacle for current clinical practice. Pharmacovigilance data mining, pharmacokinetic modeling, and text mining are computation and informatic tools on integrating drug interaction knowledge and generating drug interaction hypothesis. We provide a comprehensive overview of these translational biomedical informatics methodologies with related databases. We hope this review illustrates the complementary nature of these informatic approaches and facilitates the translational drug interaction research.
Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with metabolic syndrome: Influence of TCF7L2‐rs7903146 and FTO‐rs9939609 polymorphisms
Authors: Rezazadeh Khatereh , Rahmati‐Yamchi Mohammad , Mohammadnejad Leila , Ebrahimi‐Mameghani Mehrangiz , Delazar Abbas
Published: November 2017

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multicomponent condition with a complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown favorable effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with MetS, using a nutrigenetics approach. In this double‐blind randomized clinical trial, 50 women (aged 20–50 years) with MetS were randomly allocated into the two groups: “ALE group” (received 1,800 mg hydroalcoholic extract of artichoke as four tablets per day) and “placebo group” (received placebo consisted of corn starch, lactose, and avicel as four tablets per day) for 12 weeks. The biochemical and anthropometric parameters were determined before and after the intervention. The FTO‐rs9939609 and the TCF7L2‐rs7903146 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. In carriers of A allele of the FTO‐rs9939609, ALE supplementation resulted in a statistically significant decrease in serum triglyceride level compared with placebo (−19.11% vs. 10.83%; p < .05), with no other significant differences between the two groups. The TCF7L2‐rs7903146 polymorphism showed no interaction with response to ALE (p > .05). These findings suggest that ALE supplementation may improve serum triglyceride level in A allele genotype of FTO‐rs9939609 polymorphism in women with MetS.
Possible therapeutic effect of carvacrol on asthmatic patients: A randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase II clinical trial
Authors: Alavinezhad Azam , Khazdair Mohammad Reza , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2017

The relaxant effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, on tracheal smooth muscle and its preventive effect on asthmatic animals were reported. The effect of carvacrol in asthmatic patients was examined in the placebo group (Group P, n = 11) receiving placebo and treatment group (Group C, n = 12), which received carvacrol capsule (1.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 months in a double‐blind manner. Pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, hematological indices, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured before, 1 and 2 months after starting treatment. At the end of treatment period, Pulmonary function tests values in Group C were significantly increased (p < .05 to p < .001). Most respiratory symptoms were also significantly reduced in Group C at the end of 2‐month treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). Total and differential white blood cell (p < .05 to p < .001), as well as serum levels of hs‐CRP in Group C were also significantly reduced after 2‐month treatment with carvacrol (p < .001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were changed in Group C (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). However, in Group P, there was no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Pulmonary function tests were increased but respiratory symptoms, inflammatory cells, and hs‐CRP were reduced in asthmatic patients who received carvacrol that indicates its therapeutic effect on asthma.
The influence and mechanism of ligustilide, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide A on echinacoside transport through MDCK‐MDR1 cells as blood–brain barrier in vitro model
Authors: Zheng Qin , Tang Yu , Hu Peng‐Yi , Liu Dan , Zhang Delin , Yue Pengfei , Guo Yuanyuan , Yang Ming
Published: November 2017

Efficient transcytosis across the blood–brain‐barrier is an important strategy for accessing drug targets within the central nervous system. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. was used as a messenger drug to increase the distribution of drugs in brain tissue in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The present study investigates the transport of echinacoside (ECH) through MDCK‐MDR1 cell and the effects of ligustilide (LIG), senkyunolide A (SENA) and senkyunolide I (SENI) in chuanxiong on its transport. The results indicated that the absorption of ECH was relatively poor in MDCK‐MDR1cells, and was concentration dependent and not saturable. The P‐glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil could significantly increase the transport of ECH. It indicated that the transport mechanism might be passive diffusion as the dominating process with the active transportation mediated mechanism involved. The increased apparent permeability of ECH in A → B direction by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐Na2 suggested that ECH was absorbed via the paracellular route. The transport of ECH in A → B direction significantly increased when co‐administrated with increasing concentrations of LIG, SENI and SENA. Western blot analysis and a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance during the permeation experiment indicated that LIG, SENI and SENA had enhanced the transport of ECH in the BBB models attribute to down‐regulate the expressions of claudin‐5 and zonula occludens‐1 expression.
Charge transfer during H/H− collisions with Cu(100) and Cu(111) surfaces
Authors: Bahrim B. , Stafford J. , Makarenko B.
Published: November 2017

We study the H and H− survival probabilities during collisions with Cu(100) and Cu(111) surfaces, at energies ranging from 0.5 to 5 keV and exit angles ranging from 20° to 90°. Calculations are performed with the Wave‐Packet Propagation method adapted to ion‐surface interactions. The projectile survival probability depends on the perpendicular velocity and the copper face being investigated. Projectile's interaction time with the surface and the distance of closest approach are important factors that influence the survival. The H− survival on Cu(100) is much smaller than on Cu(111) but only at low velocities, while becoming higher or comparable to Cu(111) for higher velocities. For very fast collisions, the copper surface behaves like a jellium, and the electron involved in charge transfer does not “feel” the particularities of the surface band structure anymore. While the H survival on Cu(100) seems to not depend on energy and exit angle, the H survival on Cu(111) is both energy and angle dependent, and it is smaller. The study of partial density of states indicates that strong atom‐surface interactions at short distances and the role played by surface states are important factors in determining the neutral fractions obtained after scattering.
Plasma treatment of bamboo fibers on the tribological property of polyimide composite filled with graphite
Authors: Sun Chuanwang , Liu Aijun , Du Gang
Published: November 2017

This paper is concerned with the effects of the air plasma surface treatment of bamboo fiber on the tribological properties of the bamboo fiber reinforced polyimide (bamboo/polyimide) composites filled with graphite. Plasma treatment and graphite bring positive effect on the improvement of friction reducing and antiwear of bamboo/polyimide composites. And Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows that the bamboo fibers have been oxidized and etched by the air plasma treatment. The presence of active groups makes the polarity of the fiber increase, and so the bond property between the fiber and matrix is improved.
Stretchable and Energy‐Efficient Heating Carbon Nanotube Fiber by Designing a Hierarchically Helical Structure
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Yiming , Xu Yifan , Bao Luke , Wang Lie , Pan Jian , Zhang Zhitao , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: November 2017

Inspired by the hierarchically helical structure of classical thermal insulation material—wool, a stretchable heating carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber is created with excellent mechanical and heating properties. It can be stretched by up to 150% with high stability and reversibility, and a good thermal insulation is achieved from a large amount of formed hierarchically helical voids inside. Impressively, it exhibits ultrafast thermal response over 1000 °C s−1, low operation voltage of several volts, and high heating stability over 5000 cycles. These hierarchically helical CNT fibers, for the first time, are demonstrated as monofilaments to produce soft and lightweight textiles at a large scale with high heating performances.
Comparing Titania‐Based Architectures for Perovskite Solar Cells: A Combined Optical–Electronic Loss Analysis
Authors: Kovalsky Anton , McCleese Christopher , Lin Wei‐Chun , Goldberg Seth , Kolodziej Charles , Burda Clemens
Published: November 2017

Combined optical and electronic loss analysis is applied in comparing MAPbI3 and MAPbI3−xClx as light absorbers in both planar and mesoporous TiO2 absorber scaffolds in order to determine the specific effects of these architectural variations on energy‐dependent loss mechanisms in perovskite‐sensitized solar cells. A transfer matrix model is used to separate electronic losses from optical losses in the form of parasitic absorption. It is reported that MAPbI3−xClx is the superior absorber due to increased crystallinity, but that the benefit from using the chloride‐assisted formulation is negated when the absorber is deposited on a mesoporous substrate. It is also reported that some beneficial electronic and optical effects are associated with the mesoporous TiO2: decreased parasitic absorption at short wavelengths and possible enhancement of charge transfer; the overall use of the mesoporous scaffold typically seen in dye‐sensitized solar cells is not appropriate for perovskite‐sensitized solar cells, where it disrupts the formation of large perovskite grains. The analysis also provides important insight into the application of transfer matrix modeling in pseudoplanar systems such as the ubiquitous mesoporous solar cell architecture.
Whence the Beef: The Effect of Repealing Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Using a Vertically Integrated Armington Model with Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Hallren Ross , Opanasets Alexandra
Published: November 2017

Increasingly, international trade policy analysis explores the economic effects of changes in ad‐valorem tariffs or equivalent nontariff measures on vertically integrated markets for which high quality data are unavailable. Standard Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) Armington models fail to account for either vertical linkages or parameter uncertainty. Here, we introduce a vertically integrated, nested two‐sector Armington model that incorporates uncertainty in the estimates of Armington elasticities through Monte Carlo simulation. As an illustrative case, we model the effects of changes in country of origin labeling (COOL) rules on the market shares of cattle in the U.S. beef market. By accounting for parameter uncertainty in this way, we are able to estimate the distribution of potential effects of repealing mandatory COOL. Ultimately, we predict that, in all but the most extreme cases, Mexico and Canada would not gain as much market share from the repeal of mandatory COOL as they claim in their World Trade Organization (WTO) filings against the regulation.
Dihydroxyacetone induces G2/M arrest and apoptotic cell death in A375P melanoma cells
Authors: Smith Kelly R. , Granberry Molley , Tan Marcus C.B. , Daniel Casey L. , Gassman Natalie R.
Published: November 2017

The active ingredient in sunless tanning products (STPs) is a simple sugar, dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Several studies have demonstrated that DHA is absorbed within the viable layers of skin and not fully contained within the stratum corneum. Additionally, spray tanning and other aerosolized application methods have increased the risk of internal exposure through mucous membranes and inhalation. Beyond its presence in STPs, DHA also occurs as an endogenous by‐product of fructose metabolism, and an excess of DHA in cells can induce advanced glycation end (AGE) products and oxidative stress. Therefore, exogenous and endogenous exposures to DHA may be harmful to cells, and it has already been demonstrated that exogenous exposure to DHA is cytotoxic in immortalized keratinocytes. Still, little is known about the exogenous DHA exposure effects on other skin components. In this study, we explore the effects of exogenous DHA exposure in a human melanoma cell line, A375P. Melanoma cells were sensitive to DHA and displayed a transient burst of reactive oxygen species within an hour of exposure. Cell cycle arrest at G2/M was observed within 24 h of exposure, and apoptosis, monitored by the cleavage of PARP‐1 and Caspase‐3, was detected within 72 h of exposure to DHA. Together, these demonstrate that exogenous exposure to DHA has cytotoxic effects in our selected cell model and indicates the need to further investigate the exogenous exposure effects of DHA in other relevant exposure models.
Introducing perennial biomass crops into agricultural landscapes to address water quality challenges and provide other environmental services
Authors: Cacho J. F. , Negri M. C. , Zumpf C. R. , Campbell P.
Published: November 2017

The world is faced with a difficult multiple challenge of meeting nutritional, energy, and other basic needs, under a limited land and water budget, of between 9 and 10 billion people in the next three decades, mitigating impacts of climate change, and making agricultural production resilient. More productivity is expected from agricultural lands, but intensification of production could further impact the integrity of our finite surface water and groundwater resources. Integrating perennial bioenergy crops in agricultural lands could provide biomass for biofuel and potential improvements on the sustainability of commodity crop production. This article provides an overview of ways in which research has shown that perennial bioenergy grasses and short rotation woody crops can be incorporated into agricultural production systems with reduced indirect land use change, while increasing water quality benefits. Current challenges and opportunities as well as future directions are also highlighted. WIREs Energy Environ 2018, 7:e275. doi: 10.1002/wene.275

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure
Emergent phase space description of unitary matrix model
Authors: Chattopadhyay Arghya , Dutta Parikshit , Dutta Suvankar
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We show that large N phases of a 0 dimensional generic unitary matrix model (UMM) can be described in terms of topologies of two dimensional droplets on a plane spanned by eigenvalue and number of boxes in Young diagram. Information about different phases of UMM is encoded in the geometry of droplets. These droplets are similar to phase space distributions of a unitary matrix quantum mechanics (UMQM) ((0 + 1) dimensional) on constant time slices. We find that for a given UMM, it is possible to construct an effective UMQM such that its phase space distributions match with droplets of UMM on different time slices at large N . Therefore, large N phase transitions in UMM can be understood in terms of dynamics of an effective UMQM. From the geometry of droplets it is also possible to construct Young diagrams corresponding to U(N) representations and hence different large N states of the theory in momentum space. We explicitly consider two examples: single plaquette model with TrU
2 terms and Chern-Simons theory on S
3. We describe phases of CS theory in terms of eigenvalue distributions of unitary matrices and find dominant Young distributions for them.
Efficacy and safety of twice-daily rabeprazole maintenance therapy for patients with reflux esophagitis refractory to standard once-daily proton pump inhibitor: the Japan-based EXTEND study
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Kato Mototsugu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Masuyama Hironori , Nakata Ryo , Abe Hisanori , Kumagai Shinji , Fukushima Yasushi , Okubo Yoshiumi , Hojo Seiichiro , Kusano Motoyasu
Published: November 2017

Background

Rabeprazole at 10 or 20 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) has been reported to be highly effective in the treatment of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant reflux esophagitis (RE) that is refractory to the standard once-daily PPI regimen. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of rabeprazole maintenance therapy at 10 mg once daily (q.d.) or b.i.d. for longer than 8 weeks.

Methods

Patients with RE refractory to standard PPI regimens for at least 8 weeks were enrolled. They were treated with rabeprazole at 10 or 20 mg b.i.d. for 8 weeks during the open-label treatment period. After endoscopic examination, those with confirmed healing entered the subsequent double-blind maintenance therapy. During this period, the subjects were randomized to receive rabeprazole 10 mg q.d. (control) or 10 mg b.i.d. The primary endpoint was the endoscopic no-recurrence rate at Week 52.

Results

In total, 517 subjects entered the treatment, and 359 subjects continued on maintenance therapy. The full analysis set for central assessment included 343 subjects. The no-recurrence rate at Week 52 was significantly higher in the b.i.d. group (73.9%;p < 0.001, χ2test) than in the q.d. group (44.8%). In particular, the b.i.d. regimen was more effective in all subgroups with Los Angeles Classification Grade B to D at treatment entry.

Conclusions

In the maintenance treatment of PPI-resistant RE, rabeprazole at 10 mg b.i.d. exerted a stronger recurrence-preventing effect than 10 mg q.d. over 52 weeks. No particular safety issues were noted during long-term administration.

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02135107.
The Influence of Aggression-Evoking Cues on Aggressive Cognitions in Males and Females: Different Procedures – Similar Effects
Authors: Konopka Karolina , Rajchert Joanna , Dominiak-Kochanek Monika
Published: November 2017

Three experiments examined the effect of aggression-evoking cues on aggressive cognitions related to physical, verbal, and relational aggression and internal states (anger and hostility). In Experiment 1 (n = 40), the priming effect of masculinity threat on four categories of aggressive cognitions was investigated among males; Experiment 2 (n = 46) tested whether exposure to images stimulating negative and sexual arousal induced higher accessibility of aggressive constructs in men; in Experiment 3 (n = 95), female participants completed a self-report questionnaire measuring aggressive behavior, administered so as to activate their aggressive cognitions. All three studies revealed that, when the concept “aggression” is activated, the accessibility of physically aggressive thoughts increases regardless of the participant’s sex or the sorts of stimuli used to evoke aggressive cognitions. Thoughts related to verbal and relational aggression, anger, and hostility were not activated. The findings are discussed in terms of the cognitive-neoassociationistic model of aggression in which physical aggression may play the role of the core of an aggression cognition network that is easily activated without spreading that effect on associated constructs.
Recent progress on chikungunya virus research
Authors: An Wenxi , Ge Ningning , Cao Yilin , Sun Jin , Jin Xia
Published: November 2017

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the
world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa, Asia, India
Ocean and America suddenly, causing major regional epidemics recently and becoming a
notable global health problem. Infection by CHIKV results in a spectrum of clinical
diseases including an acute self-limiting febrile illness in most individuals, a
chronic phase of recurrent join pain in a proportion of patients, and long-term
arthralgia for months to years for the unfortunate few. No specific anti-viral drugs
or licensed vaccines for CHIKV are available so far. A better understanding of
virus-host interactions is essential for the development of therapeutics and
vaccines. To this end, we reviewed the existing knowledge on CHIKV’s epidemiology,
clinical presentation, molecular virology, diagnostic approaches, host immune
response, vaccine development, and available animal models. Such a comprehensive
overview, we believe, will shed lights on the promises and challenges in CHIKV
vaccine development.
Reduced intensity is preferred over myeloablative conditioning allogeneic HCT in chronic lymphocytic leukemia whenever indicated
Authors: Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Moukalled Nour , Reljic Tea , El-Asmar Jessica , Kumar Ambuj
Published: November 2017

Despite availability of new and more effective therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, presently this disease remains incurable unless eligible patients are offered an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Recent published clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation relegated the role of for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation to later stages of the disease. To our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial has been performed to date comparing myeloablative versus reduced intensity conditioning regimens in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients eligible for the procedure. We performed a systematic review/meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation when using myeloablative or reduced intensity conditioning regimens. We report the results in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Based on lower non-relapse mortality and slightly better overall survival rates, reduced intensity conditioning regimens appear to be the most desirable choice whenever the procedure is indicated for this disease. It appears highly unlikely that a RCT will be ever performed comparing reduced intensity vs. myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the absence of such a study, results of this systematic review/meta-analysis represent the best available evidence supporting this recommendation whenever indicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Sonic hedgehog regulates the pathfinding of descending serotonergic axons in hindbrain in collaboration with Wnt5a and secreted frizzled‐related protein 1
Authors: Xie Jie , Zhao Teng , Liu Yaobo
Published: November 2017

Previous studies have demonstrated that both Wnt5a and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) are involved in regulating the pathfinding of descending serotonergic (5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptamine) axons in an opposite manner in the brainstem. Shh and Wnt signaling pathways interact to guide post‐crossing commissural axons, where Shh acts as a repellent directly and shaping the Wnt gradient indirectly by regulating the gradient expression of the frizzled‐related protein 1 (Sfrp1). Whether such a mechanism functions in descending 5‐HT axon guidance remains unknown. Here, we found that the core components of the Shh and Wnt planar cell polarity signaling pathways are expressed in caudal 5‐HT neurons, and the expression gradients of Shh, Sfrp1, and Wnt5a exist simultaneously in hindbrain. Dunn chamber assays revealed that Sfrp1 suppressed the attractive Wnt gradient. Moreover, we found that Shh overexpression led to pathfinding defects in 5‐HT axon descending, and the axonal pathfinding defects could be partially rescued by administration of an Sfrp1 antagonist in vivo. Biochemical evidence showed Shh overexpression upregulated the expression of the Sfrp1 gene and interrupted Wnt5a binding to Frizzled‐3. Taken together, our results indicate that Shh, Sfrp1, and Wnt5a collaborate to direct the pathfinding of descending 5‐HT axons in the brainstem.
Molecular and biochemical biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy monitorization of Niemann‐Pick type C patients
Authors: Hammerschmidt Tatiane Grazieli , de Oliveira Schmitt Ribas Graziela , Saraiva‐Pereira Maria Luiza , Bonatto Márcia Polese , Kessler Rejane Gus , Souza Fernanda Timm Seabra , Trapp Franciele , Michelin‐Tirelli Kristiane , Burin Maira Graeff , Giugliani Roberto , Vargas Carmen Regla
Published: November 2017

Background

Niemann‐Pick type C (NP‐C), one of 50 inherited lysosomal storage disorders, is caused by NPC protein impairment that leads to unesterified cholesterol accumulation in late endosomal/lysosomal compartments. The clinical manifestations of NP‐C include hepatosplenomegaly, neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Current diagnosis for NP‐C is based on observation of the accumulated cholesterol in fibroblasts of affected individuals, using an invasive and time expensive test, called Filipin staining. Lately, two metabolites that are markedly increased in NP‐C patients are arising as biomarkers for this disease screening: 7‐ketocholesterol and cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol, both oxidized cholesterol products.

Objective

In this work, we aimed to evaluate the performance of cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol analysis for the screening and monitoring of NPC patients, correlating it with chitotriosidase levels, Filipin staining and molecular analysis. It was investigated 76 non‐treated individuals with NP‐C suspicion and also 7 patients with previous NP‐C diagnosis under treatment with miglustat, in order to verify the cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol value as a tool for therapy monitoring.

Results

Considering molecular assay as golden standard, it was verified that cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol analysis presented 88% of sensitivity, 96.08% of specificity, a positive and negative predictive value calculated in 91.67% and 94.23%, respectively, for the diagnosis of NP‐C. Chitotriosidase levels were increased in patients with positive molecular analysis for NP‐C. For Filipin staining, it was found 1 false positive, 7 false negative and 24 inconclusive cases, showing that this assay has important limitations for NP‐C diagnosis. Besides, we found a significant decrease in cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol concentrations in NP‐C patients under therapy with miglustat when compared to non‐treated patients.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present data show that cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol analysis has a high potential to be an important NP‐C screening assay, and also can be used for therapy monitorization with miglustat in NP‐C patients.
Anxiety and Ephemeral Social Media Use in Negative eWOM Creation
Authors: Wakefield Lane T. , Wakefield Robin L.
Published: November 2017

Consumers regularly share negative eWOM regarding brand experiences, yet the effects of emotions in this process are unknown. Using the framework of Stimulus–Organism–Response theory we operationalized our study in the context of ephemeral (self-deleting) social media. Across two studies, consumers experienced anxiety during the creation of eWOM, particularly after considering a negative brand experience. Anxiety was manifest in consumers’ decisions to reduce the time availability of online messages and appeased by the use of ephemeral social media. This behavior, in theory, reduces the threat to consumers’ impression management goals caused by sharing negative eWOM within their social networks. Further evidence is found as consumers limit (lengthen) message availability a) when including less (more) positive words in their messages, or b) when sharing about non-economic (economic) experiences. We discuss the implications of consumer emotion and anxiety on the availability of eWOM in social media.
Eugenosedin‐A improves glucose metabolism and inhibits MAPKs expression in streptozotocin/nicotinamide‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Shen Kuo‐Ping , Lin Hui‐Li , Yen Hsueh‐Wei , Hsieh Su‐Ling , An Li‐Mei , Wu Bin‐Nan
Published: November 2017

This study examined the effects of eugenosedin‐A (Eu‐A) in a streptozotocin (STZ)/nicotinamide‐induced rat model of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Six‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) RD group, normal rats fed a regular diet (RD), (2) DM group, T2DM rats fed a high‐fat diet, and (3) Eu‐A group, T2DM rats fed a high fat diet plus oral Eu‐A (5 mg/kg/day). After 30 days, the DM group had higher body weight, higher blood glucose and lower insulin levels than the RD group. The DM group also had increased protein expression of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) in liver and skeletal muscle and decreased protein expression of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1), IRS‐2, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), glucose transporter‐4 (GLUT‐4), glucokinase (GCK), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ). STZ/nicotinamide‐induced T2DM increased the expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs: p38, ERK, JNK) and inflammatory p65 protein. In the Eu‐A treated T2DM rats, however, blood glucose was attenuated and the insulin concentration stimulated. Changes in IR, IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 proteins as well as AMPK, GLUT‐4, GCK, GSK, PPAR‐γ, MAPKs, and inflammatory p65 proteins were ameliorated. These results suggested that Eu‐A alleviates STZ/nicotinamide‐induced hyperglycemia by improving insulin levels and glucose metabolism, and inhibiting the MAPKs‐ and p65‐mediated inflammatory pathway.
Displacement, Belonging, and Land Rights in Grand Gedeh, Liberia: Almost at Home Abroad?
Authors: Bjørkhaug Ingunn , Bøås Morten , Kebede Tewodros
Published: November 2017

Conflicts over local land rights between groups considered as “sons of the soil” and newcomers such as refugees can trigger autochthony-inspired violence. However, such conflicts are not always manifested, even when the conditions are in place. The question we explore in this article is whether such conflicts are less likely to emerge if the “other” is from a group with a longstanding bond of interethnic allegiance with the host community. Based on ethnographic data from host–refugee communities in Grand Gedeh, Liberia, we revisit previous attempts to explain economic and social relations between majority and minority groups. Our main finding is that in this part of Africa no prior special status will fundamentally alter the established ways of incorporating strangers into the community.
Generations and Access to Land in Postconflict Northern Uganda: “Youth Have No Voice in Land Matters”
Authors: Whyte Susan Reynolds , Acio Esther
Published: November 2017

Generational tensions are one of the many forms that land conflicts take in northern Uganda. The convention in Acholiland was that young men gained land-use rights through their fathers and young women gained them through their husbands. This pattern of generational governance has become complicated in the wake of the civil war and decades of internment in IDP camps. Lacking husbands, young women are using land of their patrilateral kin, while young men who grew up with their mothers may use that of their matrilateral relatives. This article, based on fieldwork in the Acholi subregion between 2014 and 2016, explores classic anthropological concerns about gerontocracy and patriliny in a contemporary postconflict situation. It describes the discreet land access strategies of young men and women and the ways in which they seek to complement dependence on relatives by renting or buying land. The image of the “war generation” as morally spoiled is countered by an examination of the consequences of war and internment for young people’s claims to use land.