bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous titanium oxide with high‐specific surface area as a coating for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Xiuqin , Feng Juanjuan , Bu Yanan , Tian Yu , Luo Chuannan , Sun Min
Published: April 2017

Stainless‐steel wires coated with mesoporous titanium oxide were placed into a polyether ether ketone tube for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction, and the coating sorbent was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to build an online system. Using eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the analytes, some conditions including sample flow rate, sample volume, organic solvent content, and desorption time were investigated. Under optimum conditions, an online analysis method was established and provided good linearity (0.03–30 μg/L), low detection limits (0.01–0.10 μg/L), and high enrichment factors (77.6–678). The method was applied to determine target analytes in river water and water sample of coal ash, and the recoveries are in the range of 80.6–106.6 and 80.9–103.5%, respectively. Compared with estrogens and plasticizers, extraction coating shows better extraction efficiency for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Trilobed pedicled superior gluteal artery perforator flap for lumbosacral defect coverage
Authors: Kim Ji Min , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Deuk Young , Moon Suk‐Ho
Published: April 2017

Background

There are many available options for the coverage of lumbosacral area defects. Surgeons usually use the superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) by rotational fashion, which risks complications, such as wound dehiscence or skin necrosis at the Y‐point on the donor site due to the tension. In this report, the authors present the experience of using trilobed pedicled SGAP flaps in coverage of the lumbosacral area defects.

Methods

From 2011 to 2015, 16 trilobed pedicled SGAP flaps were performed for the coverage of sacral defects in our facility. The average defect sizes were 9.3 cm × 7.4 cm (ranging from 5 cm × 4 cm to 13 cm × 13 cm ). Trilobed flap were designed to include a reliable perforator vessel and rotated 90 degrees to the defect. All flaps included only one perforator vessel.

Results

The average of flap sizes were 15.9 cm × 9.2 cm (ranging from 10 cm × 20 to 5 cm × 15 cm). Two cases of minimal distal margin necrosis (<1 cm) were reported in the flap tip area. The unviable distal area was completely healed after the excision and primary closure. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for an average of 14.8 months postoperatively (ranging 6–20 months). There was no recurrence of the pressure sore during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Trilobed pedicled SGAP flap successfully reconstructed various sized defects and reduced the distortion and tension of the wound, minimizing wound complications. This flap could reduce the hospital stay and the recurrence of the pressure sore.
Asymptotic computation for transient heat conduction performance of periodic porous materials in curvilinear coordinates by the second‐order two‐scale method
Authors: Ma Qiang , Li Zhihui , Yang Zihao , Cui Junzhi
Published: April 2017

A novel second‐order two‐scale (SOTS) analysis method is developed for predicting the transient heat conduction performance of porous materials with periodic configurations in curvilinear coordinates. Under proper coordinate transformations, some non‐periodic porous structures in Cartesian coordinates can be transformed into periodic structures in general curvilinear coordinates, which is our particular interest in this study. The SOTS asymptotic expansion formulas for computing the temperature field of transient heat conduction problem in curvilinear coordinates are constructed, some coordinate transformations are discussed, and the related SOTS formulas are given. The feature of this asymptotic model is that each of the cell functions defined in the periodic cell domain is associated with the macroscopic coordinates and the homogenized material coefficients varies continuously in the macroscopic domain behaving like the functional gradient material. Finally, the corresponding SOTS finite element algorithms are brought forward, and some numerical examples are given in detail. The numerical results demonstrate that the SOTS method proposed in this paper is valid to predict transient heat conduction performance of porous materials with periodicity in curvilinear coordinates. By proper coordinate transformations, the SOTS asymptotic analysis method can be extended to more general non‐periodic porous structures in Cartesian coordinates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible capacity strategy in an asymmetric oligopoly market with competition and demand uncertainty
Authors: Yang Liu , Ng Chi To , Ni Yaodong
Published: April 2017

This article studies flexible capacity strategy (FCS) under oligopoly competition with uncertain demand. Each firm utilizes either the FCS or inflexible capacity strategy (IFCS). Flexible firms can postpone their productions until observing the actual demand, whereas inflexible firms cannot. We formulate a new asymmetrical oligopoly model for the problem, and obtain capacity and production decisions of the firms at Nash equilibrium. It is interesting to verify that cross‐group competition determines the capacity allocation between the two groups of firms, while intergroup competition determines the market share within each group. Moreover, we show that the two strategies coexist among firms only when cost differentiation is medium. Counterintuitively, flexible firms benefit from increasing production cost when the inflexible competition intensity is sufficiently high. This is because of retreat of inflexible firms, flexibility effect, and the corresponding high price. We identify conditions under which FCS is superior than IFCS. We also demonstrate that flexible firms benefit from increasing demand uncertainty. However, when demand variance is not very large, flexible firms may be disadvantaged. We further investigate the effects of cross‐group and intergroup competition on individual performance of the firms. We show that as flexible competition intensity increases, inflexible firms are mainly affected by the cross‐group competition first and then by the intergroup competition, whereas flexible firms are mainly affected by the intergroup competition. Finally, we examine endogenous flexibility and identify its three drivers: cost parameters, cross‐group competition, and intergroup competition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 117–138, 2017
Characterizing viscoelastic properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using vector fitting method
Authors: Li Huimin , Cheng Tianbao , Zhang Boming , Ma Yongbin , Xu Baosheng , Wang Yana
Published: April 2017

In this work, mechanical properties of a T800 carbon fiber/modified epoxy composite material were researched by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) operated under flexural mode. The dynamic mechanical behavior was investigated by DMA at a fixed frequency of 1 Hz. Because mechanical properties of the material were influenced by both time and temperature, its viscoelastic modulus was also considered and accomplished by conducting DMA multiple‐frequency dynamic mechanical experiments. Based on the experimental data, master curves of the storage (E′) and the loss moduli (E″) at a pre‐selected reference temperature were constructed as a function of frequency. The shift factor along the frequency axis was also determined as a function of temperature. Expression of the relaxation modulus in the time domain at the reference temperature was obtained by using vector fitting method. The numerical algorithm result showed excellent correlation to experimental data over the entire range of relaxation. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2000–E2005, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
N‐terminal diproline and charge group effects on the stabilization of helical conformation in alanine‐based short peptides: CD studies with water and methanol as solvent
Authors: Goyal Bhupesh , Srivastava Kinshuk Raj , Durani Susheel
Published: April 2017

Protein folding problem remains a formidable challenge as main chain, side chain and solvent interactions remain entangled and have been difficult to resolve. Alanine‐based short peptides are promising models to dissect protein folding initiation and propagation structurally as well as energetically. The effect of N‐terminal diproline and charged side chains is assessed on the stabilization of helical conformation in alanine‐based short peptides using circular dichroism (CD) with water and methanol as solvent. A1 (Ac–Pro–Pro–Ala–Lys–Ala–Lys–Ala–Lys–Ala–NH2) is designed to assess the effect of N‐terminal homochiral diproline and lysine side chains to induce helical conformation. A2 (Ac–Pro–Pro–Glu–Glu–Ala–Ala–Lys–Lys–Ala–NH2) and A3 (Ac–dPro–Pro–Glu–Glu–Ala–Ala–Lys–Lys–Ala–NH2) with N‐terminal homochiral and heterochiral diproline, respectively, are designed to assess the effect of Glu...Lys (i, i + 4) salt bridge interactions on the stabilization of helical conformation. The CD spectra of A1, A2 and A3 in water manifest different amplitudes of the observed polyproline II (PPII) signals, which indicate different conformational distributions of the polypeptide structure. The strong effect of solvent substitution from water to methanol is observed for the peptides, and CD spectra in methanol evidence A2 and A3 as helical folds. Temperature‐dependent CD spectra of A1 and A2 in water depict an isodichroic point reflecting coexistence of two conformations, PPII and β‐strand conformation, which is consistent with the previous studies. The results illuminate the effect of N‐terminal diproline and charged side chains in dictating the preferences for extended‐β, semi‐extended PPII and helical conformation in alanine‐based short peptides. The results of the present study will enhance our understanding on stabilization of helical conformation in short peptides and hence aid in the design of novel peptides with helical structures. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonconvex spectral optimization algorithms for reduced‐order LPV‐LFT controllers
Authors: Shi Ye , Tuan Hoang D. , Apkarian Pierre
Published: April 2017

A novel sequential semi‐definite programming method is developed for optimization subject to rank constraints on matrix‐valued nonlinear functions of matrix decision variables, which arise in reduced‐order linear parameter varying‐linear fractional transformational control synthesis. The global convergence of the method is easily proven without any step size control. An intensive simulation shows the clear advantage of the proposed method over the state‐of‐the‐art nonlinear matrix inequality solvers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Littoral benthic macroinvertebrate response to water‐level fluctuations in three reservoirs of the Willamette River Basin, Oregon
Authors: Whitmore M. M. , Murphy C. A. , Johnson B. , Arismendi I. , Johnson S. L.
Published: April 2017

High‐head dams throughout the Willamette River Basin, Oregon create deep reservoirs that undergo inter‐seasonal and intra‐seasonal water‐level fluctuations (WLFs). The magnitude of WLFs is dependent on competing objectives of flood control, recreation, and water releases to maintain downstream habitat and facilitate migration of Endangered Species Act–listed salmonids. These reservoirs are drawn down to minimum conservation pool in winter, refilled to full pool by late spring and undergo variable WLFs, typically between 4 and 15 m, throughout summer. Here, we investigate the impact of seasonal WLFs on the density, biomass, and species composition of littoral benthic macroinvertebrates at Fall Creek, Hills Creek, and Lookout Point reservoirs. We sampled the submerged littoral zone during spring and summer using an adapted quadrat sampling method and assessed differences in species assemblages using a non‐parametric multivariate statistical technique. Descriptors of variation in substrate, WLF, temperature, and depth were incorporated to identify environmental variables associated with variation in assemblage composition. We hypothesized that density and biomass would decrease and assemblage composition would shift between seasons in response to WLFs. We found statistically significant differences in assemblage composition between seasons and among reservoirs, but density and biomass did not respond similarly. Observed variation in assemblages was associated with surface water temperature, water depth, substrate, and WLF. None of these variables alone explained observed variation. We provide evidence that seasonal WLFs influence macroinvertebrate assemblage composition and alter habitat characteristics. Our procedure effectively quantifies changes in species assemblages in impounded systems with low densities and dynamic littoral zones and can inform water management decisions with relatively modest costs.
The Effectiveness of Prophylactic Modified Neck Dissection for Reducing the Development of Lymph Node Recurrence of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Miyauchi Akira , Kudo Takumi , Kihara Minoru , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Miya Akihiro
Published: April 2017

Aim

The most frequent recurrence site of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the cervical lymph nodes. The introduction of an electric linear probe for use with ultrasonography in 1996 improved preoperative lateral neck evaluations. Before 2006, however, our hospital routinely performed prophylactic modified neck dissection (p‐MND) for N0 or N1a PTCs >1 cm to prevent node recurrence. In 2006, we changed our policy and the indications for p‐MND to PTCs >3 cm and/or with significant extrathyroid extension. Here, we retrospectively compared lymph node recurrence‐free survival between PTCs with/without p‐MND.

Methods

We examined the cases of N0 or N1 and M0 PTC patients who underwent initial surgery in 1992–2012. To compare lymph node recurrence‐free survival between patients who did/did not undergo p‐MND, we divided these patients into three groups (excluding those whose surgery was in 2006): the 2045 patients whose surgery was performed in 1992–1996 (Group 1), the 2989 with surgery between 1997 (post‐introduction of ultrasound electric linear probes) and 2005 (Group 2), and the 5332 operated on in 2007–2012 (Group 3).

Results

The p‐MND performance rate of Group 3 (9%) was much lower than that of Group 1 (80%), but the lymph node recurrence‐free survival of the former was significantly better, probably due to differences in clinical features and neck evaluations by ultrasound between the two groups. Our analysis of the patients aged <75 years with 1.1–4‐cm PTCs in Groups 2 and 3 showed that p‐MND did not improve lymph node recurrence‐free survival. p‐MND did significantly improve lymph node recurrence‐free survival for the extrathyroid extension‐positive 3.1–4‐cm PTCs, but not for the other subsets.

Conclusions

Abolishing routine p‐MND for PTCs in 2006 did not decrease lymph node recurrence‐free survival, probably due to improved ultrasound preoperative neck evaluations and clinical feature changes. Selective p‐MND for high‐risk cases improved lymph node recurrence‐free survival.
Clinical setting-based smoking cessation programme and the quality of life in people living with HIV in Austria and Germany
Authors: Grabovac Igor , Brath Helmut , Schalk Horst , Degen Olaf , Dorner Thomas E.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To report on the global quality of life (QOL) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and how a smoking cessation intervention influences the changes in QOL.

Methods

Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire during visits to their HIV outpatient clinic consisting of sociodemographic information, general health data and the WHOQOL HIV-Bref. Exhaled carbon monoxide measurements were used to confirm the smoking status, based on which participants classified as smokers received a short 5 min structured intervention and were offered participation in a full smoking cessation programme consisting of five sessions. Follow-up was done 8 months after the baseline.

Results

Overall 447 (mean age = 45.5) participants took part with 221 being classified as smokers. A total of 165 (74.6%) participants received a short intervention and 63 (29.4%) agreed to participate in the full program. At baseline, differences in QoL were observed, where smokers had lower QoL in domains of physical (M = 16.1 vs. 15.3,p = 0.009) and psychological (M = 15.3 vs. 14.6,p = 0.021) well-being, independency level (M = 16.1 vs. 15.2,p = 0.003) and environment (M = 16.5 vs. 16.0,p = 0.036). At study end, 27 (12.2%) participants quit smoking; 12 (19.0%) participants of the full programme and 15 (14.7%) that received the short intervention. There were no significant differences in QoL between those that continued to smoke and quitters at follow-up.

Conclusion

Quality of life results may be used to better understand the underlying motivation of PLWHIV who start cessation programs. In order to reduce the high prevalence and health burden that smoking causes in PLWHIV, it is necessary to introduce effective interventions that can be used in the clinical settings.
Love Thy Self? How Belief in a Supportive God Shapes Self-Esteem
Authors: Schieman Scott , Bierman Alex , Upenieks Laura , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: April 2017

Previous research raises the question of self-esteem as a fundamental human need, but also indicates that self-esteem is an inherently social product. Is religious involvement influential—and does it depend on beliefs about God? In this research, we examine the associations between multiple dimensions of religious involvement and self-esteem, and specifically focus on the belief in a supportive higher power (“divine support”) as a central influence in this relationship. Analyses of a national probability sample of adults from the US (2004 General Social Survey) reveal two central findings: (1) divine support helps to explain a positive association between religious involvement and self-esteem; (2) divine support strengthens that association. These findings contribute to the growing discussion about beliefs about God—especially as an engaged, involved, and influential force in everyday life—and the association with different components of the self-concept. Our observations underscore the need for more research on the intersection of beliefs and practices in shaping various facets of personal functioning.
Hydrocarbon composition and structural parameters of resins and asphaltenes of naphthenic oils of northern West Siberia
Authors: Pevneva G.S. , Fursenko E.A. , Voronetskaya N.G. , Mozhayskaya M.V. , Golovko A.K. , Nesterov I.I. , Kashirtsev V.A. , Shevchenko N.P.
Published: April 2017

The composition of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons and the structural-group characteristics of resins and asphaltenes in four oils of northern West Siberia have been studied. As follows from the distribution of hydrocarbons, the Cenomanian oils (pools in the beds PK and K2c) of the Russkoe, Barsukovskoe, and Pangodinskoe fields are naphthenic and the Pangodinskoe oil sample from the Lower Cretaceous pool (bed BN9) is methanoic. The hydrocarbon composition pattern of the saturated fraction and the characteristics of the heterocyclic components of these oils point to their formation from dispersed organic matter of mixed genesis in the oil window. Hence, the oil source rocks are localized at depths much greater than the present-day level of the oil pools. Secondary (cryptohypergene) alterations (oxidation and biodegradation) in the shallow-depth oils determined their current predominantly naphthenic composition and considerably hamper reconstruction of the types of initial dispersed organic matter. We assume that the mixed genetic type of the studied oils is not only due to their heterogeneous source but also due to the reorganization of primary oil pools at the Cenozoic stage of tectogenesis. The Cenomanian Russkoe and Pangodinskoe naphthenic oils are saturated with adamantoids, which can be selectively accumulated during biodegradation.
BROKEN-HEART, COMMON LIFE, HETEROGENEITY: ANALYZING THE SPOUSAL MORTALITY DEPENDENCE
Authors: Lu Yang
Published: April 2017

Using data on joint annuities, we conduct an analysis of the inter-couple lifetime dependence. We estimate a mixed proportional hazards model with treatment effects, which disentangles the broken-heart syndrome from the spurious risk dependence induced by unobserved heterogeneities. We use a flexible semi-parametric distribution for the unobserved heterogeneities to allow for either positive or negative spurious risk dependence. We find that the effect of losing one's spouse is asymmetric for the two sexes. Moreover, although the broken-heart syndrome explains a large portion of the dependency, there is evidence of positive spurious risk dependence. These findings have important implications for the pricing of joint insurance products. Failure to take into account either of these two effects leads to pricing error that can be either positive or negative, depending on the characteristics of the couple.
PRECLASSIC AND CLASSIC MAYA INTERREGIONAL AND LONG-DISTANCE EXCHANGE: A DIACHRONIC ANALYSIS OF OBSIDIAN ARTIFACTS FROM CEIBAL, GUATEMALA
Authors: Aoyama Kazuo
Published: April 2017

Diachronic analysis of obsidian artifacts collected from Ceibal, Guatemala, can illuminate long-term patterns and changes in the Preclassic and Classic Maya interregional and long-distance exchange systems. For this analysis sources of all obsidian artifacts were identified by a combination of pXRF of a sample of 5,375 obsidian artifacts and visual examination of 7,073 artifacts. The interregional exchange of large polyhedral cores of obsidian from the Maya highlands and local production of pressure blades began after the rise of political complexity at Ceibal, by the early Middle Preclassic Real 3 phase (775–700 B.C.). El Chayal obsidian was heavily used during the early Middle Preclassic period, but San Martín Jilotepeque was the principal source of obsidian in the late Middle Preclassic, Late Preclassic, and Terminal Preclassic periods. Procurement of large polyhedral cores of obsidian from the Maya highlands increased over the same period. Obsidian was also imported in the form of nodules for the production of percussion flakes during the Preclassic period. Throughout the Classic period obsidian was imported mainly in the form of more prepared polyhedral cores that were reduced into pressure blades at Ceibal, and El Chayal resumed its place as the principal source of obsidian. This period also saw long-distance exchange of finished obsidian artifacts from highland Mexico. Interregional exchange of obsidian from the Maya highlands was of great economic significance for the inhabitants of the community and was more crucial for the development of lowland Maya civilization than was long-distance exchange.
Biological activity of tumor-treating fields in preclinical glioma models
Authors: Silginer Manuela , Weller Michael , Stupp Roger , Roth Patrick
Published: April 2017

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of intrinsic brain tumor with a very poor prognosis. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Tumor-treating fields (TTFields) may represent such a novel treatment option. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TTFields on glioma cells, as well as the functional characterization of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we assessed the anti-glioma activity of TTFields in several preclinical models. Applying TTFields resulted in the induction of cell death in a frequency- and intensity-dependent manner in long-term glioma cell lines, as well as glioma-initiating cells. Cell death occurred in the absence of caspase activation, but involved autophagy and necroptosis. Severe alterations in cell cycle progression and aberrant mitotic features, such as poly- and micronucleation, preceded the induction of cell death. Furthermore, exposure to TTFields led to reduced migration and invasion, which are both biological hallmarks of glioma cells. The combination of TTFields with irradiation or the alkylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ), resulted in additive or synergistic effects, and the O6-methyl-guanine DNA methyltransferase status did not influence the efficacy of TTFields. Importantly, TMZ-resistant glioma cells were responsive to TTFields application, highlighting the clinical potential of this therapeutic approach. In summary, our results indicate that TTFields induce autophagy, as well as necroptosis and hamper the migration and invasiveness of glioma cells. These findings may allow for a more detailed clinical evaluation of TTFields beyond the clinical data available so far.
FRET biosensor uncovers cAMP nano-domains at β-adrenergic targets that dictate precise tuning of cardiac contractility
Authors: Surdo Nicoletta C. , Berrera Marco , Koschinski Andreas , Brescia Marcella , Machado Matias R. , Carr Carolyn , Wright Peter , Gorelik Julia , Morotti Stefano , Grandi Eleonora , Bers Donald M. , Pantano Sergio , Zaccolo Manuela
Published: April 2017

Compartmentalized cAMP/PKA signalling is now recognized as important for physiology and pathophysiology, yet a detailed understanding of the properties, regulation and function of local cAMP/PKA signals is lacking. Here we present a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor, CUTie, which detects compartmentalized cAMP with unprecedented accuracy. CUTie, targeted to specific multiprotein complexes at discrete plasmalemmal, sarcoplasmic reticular and myofilament sites, reveals differential kinetics and amplitudes of localized cAMP signals. This nanoscopic heterogeneity of cAMP signals is necessary to optimize cardiac contractility upon adrenergic activation. At low adrenergic levels, and those mimicking heart failure, differential local cAMP responses are exacerbated, with near abolition of cAMP signalling at certain locations. This work provides tools and fundamental mechanistic insights into subcellular adrenergic signalling in normal and pathological cardiac function.
Structural investigations on orotate phosphoribosyltransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis
Authors: Donini Stefano , Ferraris Davide M. , Miggiano Riccardo , Massarotti Alberto , Rizzi Menico
Published: April 2017

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (MtOPRT) catalyses the conversion of α-D-5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) and orotate (OA) in pyrophosphate and orotidine 5′-monophosphate (OMP), in presence of Mg2+. This enzyme is the only responsible for the synthesis of orotidine 5′-monophosphate, a key precursor in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, making MtOPRT an attractive drug target for the development of antitubercular agents. We report the crystal structures of MtOPRT in complex with PRPP (2.25 Å resolution), inorganic phosphate (1.90 Å resolution) and the exogenous compound Fe(III) dicitrate (2.40 Å resolution). The overall structure of the mycobacterial enzyme is highly similar to those described for other OPRTases, with the “flexible loop” assuming a well define conformation and making specific contacts with the Fe(III)-dicitrate complex. The structures here reported add to the knowledge of a potential drug target for tuberculosis, and will provide a useful tool for the structure-based drug design of potent enzyme inhibitors.
A Systems Pharmacology Approach to Determine Active Compounds and Action Mechanisms of Xipayi KuiJie’an enema for Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yu Wei , Li Zhihong , Long Fei , Chen Wen , Geng Yurong , Xie Zhiyong , Yao Meicun , Han Bo , Liu Teigang
Published: April 2017

Xipayi Kui Jie’an (KJA), a type of traditional Uygur medicine (TUM), has shown promising therapeutic effects in Ulcerative colitis (UC). Owing to the complexity of TUM, the pharmacological mechanism of KJA remains vague. Therefore, the identification of complex molecular mechanisms is a major challenge and a new method is urgently needed to address this problem. In this study, we established a feasible pharmacological model based on systems pharmacology to identify potential compounds and targets. We also applied compound-target and target-diseases network analysis to evaluate the action mechanisms. According to the predicted results, 12 active compounds were selected and these compounds were also identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The main components were tannins, this result is consistent with the prediction. The active compounds interacted with 22 targets. Two targets including PTGS2 and PPARG were demonstrated to be the main targets associated with UC. Systematic analysis of the constructed networks revealed that these targets were mainly involved in NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, KJA could also regulate the CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg cells. In conclusion, this systems pharmacology-based approach not only explained that KJA could alleviate the UC by regulating its candidate targets, but also gave new insights into the potential novel therapeutic strategies for UC.
Trends in the pervasiveness of type 2 diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and co-morbidities during an 8-year-follow-up of nationwide Korean population
Authors: Noh Junghyun , Han Kyung-Do , Ko Seung-Hyun , Ko Kyung Soo , Park Cheol-Young
Published: April 2017

The prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and co-morbidities from 2006 to 2013 in the population aged ≥30 years were estimated using the Korean NHIS database. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased 0.2–0.5% annually, from 5.6% in 2006 to 8% in 2013. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was higher in men than in women and increased with age. The incidence of type 2 diabetes was 0.81% in 2013 and was 1.4 times higher in men than in women and increased with age. An overall decrease in the incidence rate occurred from 2006 to 2013(from 0.95 to 0.81%), which was mirrored in all age groups except the 30–39-year-old group. The prevalence of IFG was 25% in 2013. The prevalence of hypertension(62.5 vs 16.9%) and dyslipidemia(49.5 vs 9.7%) were more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to non-diabetic cases. This study shows that type 2 diabetes is both common and increasing and that one-quarter of the Korean adult population has IFG. We also confirmed that the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia are 3.7-fold and 5.1-fold higher, respectively, in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic adults.
SUV39H1 Reduction Is Implicated in Abnormal Inflammation in COPD
Authors: Chen Tzu-Tao , Wu Sheng-Ming , Ho Shu-Chuan , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Liu Chien-Ying , Chan Yao-Fei , Kuo Lu-Wei , Feng Po-Hao , Liu Wen-Te , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Hsiao Ta-Chih , Juang Jer-Nan , Lee Kang-Yun
Published: April 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is characterized by enhanced chronic inflammation in the airways, lung parenchyma, and circulation. We investigated whether SUV39H1, a histone methyltransferase, is causatively implicated in the abnormal inflammation observed in COPD. The SUV39H1 and H3K9me3 levels were reduced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs), primary human small airway epithelial cells(HSAEpCs) and lung tissues from COPD patients, which were correlated with poor lung function and the serum IL-8 and IL-6 levels. A specific SUV39H1 inhibitor, chaetocin, induced a distinct COPD panel of inflammatory cytokines in normal PBMCs. Mechanistically, chaetocin reduced the SUV39H1 and H3K9me3 levels in the native IL-8 promoter in normal HSAEpCs, which mimicked unstimulated COPD HSAEpCs and led to decreased HP-1α levels and increased RNA polymerase II levels. SUV39H1 knockdown reproduced the pattern of COPD inflammation, whereas SUV39H1 overexpression in COPD HSAEpCs rescued the H3K9me3 levels and suppressed inflammation. In COPD mice, chaetocin further repressed the SUV39H1/H3K9me3 levels and enhanced inflammation. SUV39H1 epigenetically controls a distinct panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its reduction in COPD leads to a loss of the repressive chromatin mark H3K9me3 and confers an abnormal inflammatory response to stimulators. SUV39H1 and its regulatory pathways are potential therapeutic targets for COPD.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques
Authors: Evans E. Hywel , Pisonero Jorge , Smith Clare M. M. , Taylor Rex N.
Published: April 2017

This review covers advances in atomic spectrometric techniques, including atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry. Material on speciation and coupled techniques is not covered as this is included in a separate ASU review.
Correction: Metal- and additive-free oxygen-atom transfer reaction: an efficient and chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with cyclic diacyl peroxides
Authors: Gan Shaoyan , Yin Junjie , Yao Yuan , Liu Yang , Chang Denghu , Zhu Dan , Shi Lei
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘Metal- and additive-free oxygen-atom transfer reaction: an efficient and chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with cyclic diacyl peroxides’ by Shaoyan Gan et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, 15, 2647–2654.
Saffron Flower Extract Promotes Scratch Wound Closure of Keratinocytes and Enhances VEGF Production
Authors: Verjee Sheela , Garo Eliane , Pelaez Sarah , Fertig Orlando , Hamburger Matthias , Butterweck Veronika
Published: April 2017

During saffron (Crocus sativus) spice production, large amounts of floral biowaste are generated. It was the aim of this study to develop a value-added product from saffron floral biowaste to be used as a natural cosmetic ingredient. HPLC-PDA-MS analysis of saffron flower extracts revealed the presence of flavonols with the highest amounts in the acetone extract. Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside was identified as the main flavonoid in the acetone extract (saffron flower acetone extract). Saffron flower acetone extract and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside were tested in HaCaT cells for potential effects on cell migration, proliferation, and for anti-inflammatory properties. Saffron flower acetone extract concentration dependently (50–200 µg/mL) augmented cell proliferation, as indicated by an increased BrdU-incorporation, while kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (1–50 µM) had no effect. Furthermore, treatment of HaCaT cells with saffron flower acetone extract, but not with kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, concentration-dependently increased vascular endothelial growth factor secretion (control 49.72 pg/mL vs. saffron flower acetone extract at 200 µg/mL 218.60 pg/mL). Cell migration was determined using time-lapse microscopy and a modification of the scratch-wound assay in which saffron flower acetone extract significantly improved wound closure compared to the untreated control. Overproduction of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 in HaCaT cells was induced by TNF-α. Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (10–50 µM), but not saffron flower acetone extract, inhibited TNF-α-induced IL-8 secretion. The effect was comparable to 10 µM hydrocortisone (positive control). Interestingly, saffron flower acetone extract further increased IL-6 levels in TNF-α-treated HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, the pronounced wound healing properties of saffron flower acetone extract present a promising application for the cosmetic industry.
Alignments between strategic content and process structure: the case of container terminal service process automation
Authors: Wang Ping , Mileski Joan P. , Zeng Qingcheng
Published: April 2017

During the last three decades, technological innovations in cargo handling equipment have made it possible to automate operational processes in container terminals. Despite the increasing trend in terminal automation, little work has been done to develop theoretical guidelines for evaluating the benefits of this industrial practice. We assess terminal automation by focusing on whether strategic content and process structure are aligned. In this study, we explore the reasons that these results are mixed in the context of service automation. Have market competitiveness and operational performance been enhanced by automation in seaports? We focus on two key strategic elements and their proper alignment to produce the best performance for a port. The first element is the overall business strategy and strategic content adopted by the port. In this study, we look at Porter’s (Competitive strategy, Free Press, New York, 1980) generic strategic classification of low cost, differentiation, or focus strategies. The second element is the process structure of the port, which may have been impacted by technological innovation. Using the framework of contingency theory, we explore the interface of strategic content and process structure and how this interface impacts the service process automation. A multiple case study is conducted on a sample of 20 container terminals, selected from the list of 2014 Journal of Commerce’s Top Productive Terminals. We come up with three important findings. First, a port’s strategic market position determines the choice of overall business strategy. If a port is strategically positioned as an international gate, then it should adopt an overall cost-leadership strategy, whereas a transshipment terminal should adopt an overall differentiation strategy. Second, we find that the process structure adopted is associated with the level of automation, and a differentiation strategy is dependent on the level of flexibility, speed, and reliability. Higher market uncertainty requires higher flexibility, while lower market uncertainty requires greater speed and reliability. Third, the level of process automation depends on throughput volume and stability. Closer relationships with maritime supply–chain partners help increase throughput volume and reduce throughput uncertainty.
‘We didn’t have to dance around it’: opt-out HIV testing among homeless and marginalised patients
Authors: Leidel Stacy , Leslie Gavin , Boldy Duncan , Davies Andrew , Girdler Sonya
Published: April 2017

This study explored opt-out HIV testing in an Australian general practice. The aims were to: (1) determine the effect of the opt-out approach on the number of HIV tests performed; and (2) explore the acceptability of opt-out HIV testing from the healthcare providers’ perspective. A prospective mixed-methods study of opt-out HIV testing over a 2-year period (March 2014–March 2016) was conducted. Implementation was based on a theoretical framework that was developed specifically for this study. The setting was Homeless Healthcare, a health service in Perth, Western Australia. The number of HIV tests conducted during the control year (usual practice) was compared with the intervention year (opt-out testing). After the intervention, the healthcare providers (n=8) were interviewed about their experiences with opt-out HIV testing. Directed content analysis was used to explore the qualitative data. HIV testing rates were low during both the control year and the intervention year (315 HIV tests (12% of the patient cohort) and 344 HIV tests (10%) respectively). Opt-out HIV testing was feasible and acceptable to the participating healthcare providers. Other health services could consider opt-out HIV testing for their patients to identify people with undiagnosed infections and sustain Australia’s low HIV prevalence.
Conclusion
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

This concluding chapter highlighting outstanding issues related to its main topics, among these the notion of translational equivalence; the uniformity/transparency debate in the explanation of morphosyntactic variation; the lexical semantics of lexical categories; and the nature of mass nouns. The book closes by situating the main issues against the broader issues of key import in the field, particularly the issue of linguistic diversity, and the various modes of explaining it.
Policy Coordination and Growth Traps in a Middle-Income Country Setting
Authors: Bhorat Haroon , Cassim Aalia , Hirsch Alan
Published: April 2017

South Africa has exhibited tepid economic growth over the past twenty years, as well as high levels of income inequality characteristic of a middle-income country growth trap. This chapter compares and contrasts South Africa’s growth trap relative to middle-income peer economies. In addition, it studies the policies and structures of the South African economy that have perpetuated the persistently low levels of growth observed. In particular, it considers the capital-intensive nature of manufacturing, regulation in the telecommunication and transport sector, and the inadequacies of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies. The chapter concludes discussing the welfare outcomes on the vast majority of South Africans who are unable to participate in the economy.
Ghana’s Experiments with Business–Government Coordination
Authors: Aryeetey Ernest , Owoo Nkechi S.
Published: April 2017

The chapter explores the various coordination mechanisms between the state and the business community in Ghana, and the implications for economic growth in the country. It focuses on three periods in the economic history of state–business relations (SBRs): the immediate post-independence period and the adoption of a statist approach to development where the state was the main engine for development; the period of military rule that was characterized by some semblance of civility in the relations between the state and the private sector; and the post-military regime, where positive relationships with the private sector were deliberately developed and cultivated.
1. The best hope of mankind? A brief history of the UN
Authors: Hanhimäki Jussi M.
Published: April 2017

The International Peace Conference in 1899 established the Permanent Court of Arbitration as the first medium for international disputes, but it was the League of Nations, established in 1919 after World War I, which formed the framework of the system of international organizations seen today. The United Nations was created to manage the world's transformation in the aftermath of World War II. ‘The best hope of mankind? A brief history of the UN’ shows how the UN has grown from the 51 nations that signed the UN Charter in 1945 to 193 nations in 2015. The UN's first seven decades have seen many challenges with a mixture of success and failure.
5. Economic development to human development
Authors: Hanhimäki Jussi M.
Published: April 2017

One of the United Nation's central goals was to prevent economic upheaval and any resulting political consequences. ‘Economic development to human development’ explains that the aim was to head off economic collapse, war, and revolution with social democratic reforms and intergovernmental policy coordination. But how were these goals advanced? In the post-war era, the main issue was recovery. In the 1950s and 1960s it turned to decolonization and global inequality. Although international relations were guided by an East–West divide, the persistent North–South divide overshadowed the UN's efforts to reshape the global economy. Key goals of eradicating poverty and hunger, achieving universal education, empowering women, and fighting infant mortality remain today.
1. Introduction
Authors: Roland Alex
Published: April 2017

The introduction outlines the purpose of this VSI: to trace the coevolution of technology and warfare from the earliest human experience to the present. A host of factors and variables have shaped warfare, but none more so than technology. From the Stone Age to the nuclear age, technology has driven the evolution of warfare. However, although superior technology has generally favored victory throughout history, it has not guaranteed it. Technology and warfare have interacted reciprocally through history. This dialectic is explored within a simplified chronological periodization, beginning with prehistoric warfare and proceeding through Neolithic, ancient, classical, medieval, early modern, and modern periods.
3. Gold: the glorious and accursed element
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: April 2017

‘Gold: the glorious and accursed element’ explores the allure of gold. Gold has dominated men's hearts throughout the ages. It is not a very useful metal, but it is prized for its beauty and unreactivity. It can be mined from lodes or riverbeds, and most modern gold is from South Africa. Gold was traditionally purified via cupellation, but newer techniques such as cyanidation exist, and bacterial or plant based extraction is now possible. Alchemists sought to create gold from other metals, but this was chemically impossible. Gold was extremely useful in establishing trade and money, and was the bedrock of early global financial systems.
The Philosophical Background
Authors: Barnes Jonathan
Published: April 2017

‘The Philosophical Background’ focuses on the influence of Plato on Aristotle. Aristotle was a systematic thinker, and shared Plato’s vision of a unified theory of science. While Aristotle indisputably turned logic into a science and invented the discipline of formal logic, Plato had initiated enquiry into the foundations of logic and expected his pupils to train themselves in argumentation. Aristotle did not accept Plato’s theory of Forms, but it influenced his own numerous efforts to develop an alternative ontology. In Plato’s view, the notions of science and knowledge were intimately tied to that of explanation – a concern inherited by Aristotle, who also shared his master’s interest in epistemological discussion.
The Structure of the Sciences
Authors: Barnes Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Aristotle did not share Plato’s belief that all knowledge could be founded upon a single set of axioms. ‘The Structure of the Sciences’ shows that Aristotle divided knowledge into three major classes. The productive sciences are concerned with making things; Aristotle himself had relatively little to say about these. The practical sciences are concerned with how we ought to act in various circumstances, in private and public affairs. The Ethics and the Politics are Aristotle’s chief contributions here. Theoretical knowledge includes everything now considered science, and in Aristotle’s view it contains most of human knowledge. It subdivides into mathematics, natural science, and theology (closer in practice to astronomy).
Logic
Authors: Barnes Jonathan
Published: April 2017

‘Logic’ explores Aristotle’s syllogistic. In the Prior Analytics Aristotle uses ‘proposition’ for simple sentences and ‘term’ for their salient parts. Thus a proposition affirms or denies something of something, and the two things are its terms. The thing affirmed or denied is the ‘predicate’ of the proposition, and the thing of which the predicate is affirmed or denied is the ‘subject’ of the proposition. In Aristotle’s logic, propositions are all either universal or particular. Aristotle’s logic thus concerns itself with four types of proposition: universal affirmatives; universal negatives; particular affirmatives; and particular negatives. To achieve generality, rather than employing particular terms to describe and characterize arguments, Aristotle used letters.
Change
Authors: Barnes Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Unlike Plato’s Forms, which are eternal and unchanging, Aristotle’s substances are temporary and undergo alterations. Aristotle considered there to be four types of change: in respect of substance, quality, quantity, and place. These are generation or destruction; alteration; growth and diminution; and motion, respectively. Most of the Physics is devoted to change in its different forms. Change takes place in time and space, and the Physics offers intricate theories about the nature of time, of place, and of empty space. Since space and time are infinitely divisible, Aristotle analyses the notion of infinity. He also discusses a number of particular problems concerning the relation of motion to time.