bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape variation in plant leaf flammability is driven by leaf traits responding to environmental gradients
Authors: Krix Daniel W. , Murray Brad R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLandscape differences in environmental conditions select for divergences among plant species in strategically important leaf traits such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf area (LA). Interspecific variation in some of these same leaf traits has been associated to varying degrees with differences among species in leaf flammability, including the attributes ignitibility, sustainability, and combustibility. Yet, how environmentally selected variation in leaf traits drives variation in leaf flammability at landscape scales remains largely unknown. Here, we compared leaf traits and flammability attributes between species of sheltered forest vegetation (low light, moist habitat) and plant species of exposed woodland vegetation (high light, dry habitat) in a fire‐prone landscape of south‐eastern Australia. We found that leaves of sheltered forest species were significantly more flammable via both higher ignitibility and combustibility compared with exposed woodland species. These significant differences in leaf ignitibility and combustibility were underpinned by sheltered forest species having leaves with significantly larger LA and lower LMA compared with exposed woodland species. Further, multiple regression analyses revealed that both LA and LMA were significantly and uniquely related to faster time to ignition (TTI; ignitibility) and higher mean mass loss rate (combustibility). Most notably, although significantly higher fuel moisture content (FMC) of leaves of sheltered forest species significantly lengthened TTI, the lower LMA of these species played a more critical role in reducing TTI, with low LMA explaining more unique variation (partial r2 = 0.78) in high leaf ignitibility than low FMC (partial r2 = 0.49). Our findings provide the first evidence that landscape‐scale variation in leaf flammability is tightly coordinated with the primary strategic response of the leaf traits LMA and LA to an environmental gradient. Furthermore, projections for increasing wildfire frequency and intensity in the region will likely allow wildfires to overcome the once protective nature provided by topography to sheltered forest vegetation, which means that higher leaf flammability in sheltered forest species has the potential to exacerbate the effects of changing weather conditions to place sheltered forest habitat, their plants, and their animals, at even higher risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Monocyte subsets and their phenotypes during treatment with BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors for Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemia
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Kohara Chisato , Watanabe Eri , Mizukami Motoko , Nagai Etsuko , Tanoue Susumu , Isobe Masamichi , Jimbo Koji , Kato Seiko , Ohno Nobuhiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective agents in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemia. However, vascular events have developed in some patients receiving each TKI. The perturbation of circulating monocyte subsets and their expressions of chemokine and scavenger receptors are associated with the development of cardiovascular events. Here, we examined the subsets of circulating monocytes and their phenotypes in 51 patients treated with imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib, and 11 healthy subjects in our institute. Except for a negative association between the number of classical monocytes and imatinib treatment, the proportions and numbers of monocyte subsets were not significantly associated with TKI treatment. However, chemokine receptors, CCR2, CX3CR1 on classical monocytes, and scavenger receptor, CD204, on intermediate and non‐classical monocytes were significantly associated with TKIs. These data demonstrated the relationships between alterations of chemokine and scavenger receptors on different monocyte subsets and the TKI treatments.
Adopting healthier cooking oils: Findings from a qualitative study among independent food outlets in a rural district in Australia
Authors: Milson Penny , Nathan Sally , Bunde‐Birouste Anne W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIssue addressedThis study explored key factors that motivated independent food outlets to voluntarily adopt healthier cooking oils following a health promotion intervention.MethodsSixteen food outlet managers from the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) participated in semi‐structured interviews and a brief questionnaire which explored factors determining what cooking oils they use in preparing deep‐fried foods. Interviews were analysed thematically and closed responses to survey questions using descriptive statistics.ResultsFour main reasons emerged around decisions relating to oil choice: fry life, cost, taste and general health. Health implications, Council advice, competitive price and maintaining a good relationship with the Council were the most frequently reported motivators for swapping to a healthier oil.ConclusionBehaviour change among food outlet managers to switch cooking oils is influenced by a number of health‐related and non‐health‐related factors. Council Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) can be a catalyst for food outlets to adopt healthier food preparation practices.So what?This study highlights the factors which may motivate the switch to healthier oils by independent food outlets. EHOs are critical partners for health promotion initiatives that target the independent food service sector.
Plasma CXCL1 levels and TRAF3IP2 variants in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Pordel Safoora , Sajedi Khanian Mahdi , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Nikoo Hossein , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundIL‐17A plays an important role in inflammatory responses in myocardial infarction (MI). IL‐17A signals through its receptor, for which, Act1 (TRAF3IP2) functions as a key upstream adaptor in the pathway.AimTo compare frequencies of functional polymorphisms of TRAF3IP2 (rs13210247, rs33980500) between patients with MI and healthy controls.MethodsThe selected SNPs were studied in 201 Iranian MI patients and 201 healthy blood donors from Fars Province by PCR‐RFLP in association with clinicopathologic criteria of patients. CXCL1 plasma levels in 126 MI patients and 50 normal subjects were measured by ELISA.ResultsA significant increase in the mutant (T) allele of TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 in patients with diastolic dysfunction of the heart (P = .01) was observed. The highest correlation, however, was observed between the TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 TT genotype and T allele with left main coronary artery stenosis (P = .01, P < .001; OR = 31.03). T allele of TRAF3IP2 rs33980500 was also associated with female gender, family history of cardiovascular disease, and mechanical complications of heart (P = .04, P = .02, and P = .01, respectively). Moreover, TRAF3IP2 rs13210247 (G) correlated with mechanical complications of the heart (P = .01). A significant increase in the plasma levels of CXCL1 chemokine in patients (P = .0006) associated with TT genotype of TRAF3IP2 (rs33980500) was observed (P = .04).ConclusionThe gene variants of Act1 adaptor are associated with correlates of poor outcome in patients with MI and plasma CXCL1 levels.
Contribution of facet joints, axial compression, and composition to human lumbar disc torsion mechanics
Authors: Bezci Semih E. , Eleswarapu Ananth , Klineberg Eric O. , O'Connell Grace D. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTStresses applied to the spinal column are distributed between the intervertebral disc and facet joints. Structural and compositional changes alter stress distributions within the disc and between the disc and facet joints. These changes influence the mechanical properties of the disc joint, including its stiffness, range of motion, and energy absorption under quasi‐static and dynamic loads. There have been few studies evaluating the role of facet joints in torsion. Furthermore, the relationship between biochemical composition and torsion mechanics is not well understood. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to investigate the role of facet joints in torsion mechanics of healthy and degenerated human lumbar discs under a wide range of compressive preloads. To achieve this, each disc was tested under four different compressive preloads (300–1200 N) with and without facet joints. The second objective was to develop a quantitative structure‐function relationship between tissue composition and torsion mechanics. Facet joints have a significant contribution to disc torsional stiffness (∼60%) and viscoelasticity, regardless of the magnitude of axial compression. The findings from this study demonstrate that annulus fibrosus GAG content plays an important role in disc torsion mechanics. A decrease in GAG content with degeneration reduced torsion mechanics by more than an order of magnitude, while collagen content did not significantly influence disc torsion mechanics. The biochemical‐mechanical and compression‐torsion relationships reported in this study allow for better comparison between studies that use discs of varying levels of degeneration or testing protocols and provide important design criteria for biological repair strategies. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2266–2273, 2018.
Rapid and sensitive detection of the phenoxy acid herbicides in environmental water samples by magnetic solid‐phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Peng Mao‐Min , Han Ya‐Quan , Xia Hong , Hu Xi‐Zhou , Zhou You‐Xiang , Peng Li‐Jun , Peng Xi‐Tian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPhenoxy acid herbicides are widely used herbicides that play an important role in improving the yield and quality of crops. However, some research has shown that this kind of herbicide is poisonous to human and animals. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for the detection of seven phenoxy acid herbicides in water samples based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Magnetic amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were prepared by mixing bare magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with commercial amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes in water. Then the amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used to enrich phenoxy acid herbicides from water samples based on hydrophobic and ionic interactions. The effects of experimental variables on the extraction efficiency have been studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the method validation was performed. Good linearities for seven phenoxy acid herbicides were obtained with squared regression coefficients ranging from 0.9971 to 0.9989. The limits of detection ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 μg/L. The method recoveries of seven phenoxy acid herbicides spiked at three concentration levels in a blank sample were from 92.3 to 103.2%, with inter‐ and intraday relative standard deviations less than 12.6%.
Simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma by ultrasonic extraction followed by SPE–UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Liu You‐yu , Hu Xia‐lin , Bao Yi‐fan , Yin Da‐qiang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA confirmatory method for the simultaneous detection of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma was developed by using solid‐phase extraction combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Fish samples were extracted with methanol and enriched using Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction columns in one step. Twenty‐nine target pharmaceuticals were quantified by the internal standard method and the calibration curves showed good linearity in a wide range with determination coefficients of greater than 0.913. The detection limits of the pharmaceuticals ranged from 0.01 to 2.00 μg/kg (μg/L). The applicability of the method was checked by precision and recovery experiments. The average recoveries of the 29 pharmaceuticals were between 61 and 111%, and all the relative standard deviations were below 25%. Our reported method has been demonstrated to be sensitive, convenient, rapid, and reliable for the simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma. Real sample determination showed that 25 and 9 of the 29 compounds were detected in fish muscle and plasma, respectively.
General non local boundary value problem for second order elliptic equation
Authors: Aibeche Aissa , Amroune Nasreddine , Maingot Stephane 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper we study a class of second order coefficient operators differential equation with general (possibly non local) boundary conditions. We obtain new results extending those given in a previous paper . Existence, uniqueness and optimal regularity of the strict solution are proved in UMD spaces, using the well‐known Dore–Venni theorem.
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study of SWCNT Reinforced Natural Rubber Composite System: An Important Role of Self‐Avoiding Model on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ketkaew Rangsiman , Tantirungrotechai Yuthana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is used to predict the mechanical properties of crosslinking‐polyisoprene (PI) reinforced by single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). The role of the increasing concentration of SWCNT up to 8% in morphology of PI composite is investigated. The carbon nanotube (CNT) restricts the polymer movement as indicated by the reduction of mean square displacement and the end‐to‐end distance. The analysis of CNT bundle reveals that the CNT forms bundle of many sizes depending on its concentration. The mechanical reinforcement of the PI composites is attributed to the restricted motion of crosslinked entangled polyisoprene and to the alignment of aggregated CNT along the elongation direction. However, the DPD alone fails to account for the change in Young's modulus of the composite system as a function of the SWCNT concentration. Using the modified segmental repulsive potential (mSRP), which prevents polymeric chain crossing and enhances polymer entanglement, can address this shortcoming. The mSRP is necessary for correct description of mechanical reinforcement in a polymer composite system. To obtain quantitative agreement with the experimental modulus, the polyisoprene interaction parameter is modified from the published value by 10%. This modified parameter is found to work well for the simulation of polyisoprene composites.
Transcriptomic definition of molecular subgroups of small round cell sarcomas
Authors: Watson Sarah , Perrin Virginie , Guillemot Delphine , Reynaud Stephanie , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Karanian Marie , Guinebretière Jean‐Marc , Freneaux Paul , Le Loarer François , Bouvet Megane , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Larousserie Frédérique , Longchampt Elisabeth , Ranchere‐Vince Dominique , Pierron Gaelle , Delattre Olivier , Tirode Franck 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSarcoma represents a highly heterogeneous group of tumours. We report here the first unbiased and systematic search for gene fusions combined with unsupervised expression analysis of a series of 184 small round cell sarcomas. Fusion genes were detected in 59% of samples, with half of them being observed recurrently. We identified biologically homogeneous groups of tumours such as the CIC‐fused (to DUX4, FOXO4 or NUTM1) and BCOR‐rearranged (BCOR–CCNB3, BCOR–MAML3, ZC3H7B–BCOR, and BCOR internal duplication) tumour groups. VGLL2‐fused tumours represented a more biologically and pathologically heterogeneous group. This study also refined the characteristics of some entities such as EWSR1–PATZ1 spindle cell sarcoma or FUS–NFATC2 bone tumours that are different from EWSR1–NFATC2 tumours and transcriptionally resemble CIC‐fused tumour entities. We also describe a completely novel group of epithelioid and spindle‐cell rhabdomyosarcomas characterized by EWSR1– or FUS–TFCP2 fusions. Finally, expression data identified some potentially new therapeutic targets or pathways. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upconversion Luminescent Material‐Based Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Sensing System for the Selective Detection of Hydrazine in Environmental Samples
Authors: Reddy Kumbam Lingeshwar , Venkateswarulu Mangili , Shankar Konathala Ravi , Ghosh Subrata , Krishnan Venkata 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHydrazine is a noxious environmental pollutant, which can be easily absorbed through skin, respiratory and oral paths of exposure and leads to mutagenic and carcinogenic diseases, which demands for the progress of advanced detection methods. In this regard, we report a new detection platform based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) for the detection of hydrazine (N2H4) in environmental samples, where anti‐Stokes shift luminescence having optical sensing system is built with upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs, donor) modified by resorufin propionate (RePr, acceptor). Herein UCNPs were used as an excitation host to significantly minimize the photobleaching of RePr. Upon interaction with N2H4, the green upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensity of hybrid nanoprobes (RePr‐UCNPs) gradually decreases, since the green emission is in resonance with the absorbance of resorufin, whereas the red emission intensity was intact. Hence, green emitting optical sensing system shows red luminescence in the presence of hydrazine. This organic‐inorganic hybrid sensing system has been utilized for the sensing of hydrazine in various environmental samples and the obtained results are compared with the sensing efficiency in distilled water. This anti‐Stokes shift luminescent hybrid sensing system would be a promising candidate to be utilized in environmental protection, water treatment and safety inspection.
Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Nanomaterials as Metal‐Free Catalysts for the Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Jarrais Bruno , Guedes Alexandra , Freire Cristina 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this work it is described the preparation and characterization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and graphene flakes doped with heteroatoms, namely N, P, B, and S, through simple ball milling procedures with adequate precursors, followed by thermal treatments. Ball milling the carbon nanomaterials with melamine resulted in the introduction of pyrrolic, pyridinic and quaternary N atoms on the graphitic structure. Using triphenylphosphine as the phosphorous precursor induced the formation of R−O‐PO(OH)2 functionalities. Materials prepared with boric acid showed the presence of boronic groups (C‐BO2) and B atoms in B2O3. S‐doped materials presented tiophene‐S type atoms. The catalytic studies showed that all the doped carbon materials were active catalysts in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), and that the modifications introduced by the doping procedures, overall yielded catalysts with superior activity in regard to their pristine counterparts. Reusability experiments revealed no loss of catalytic activity up to three catalytic cycles for the doped carbon nanotubes, whereas the graphene flake materials showed some deterioration of catalytic performance.
Reductant‐Free Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Functionalized Hollow Doughnut Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Preparation of Catalytic Nanoreactor
Authors: Vo Nhat Tri , Patra Astam K. , Kim Dukjoon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis work reports a detailed investigation about functionalization of hollow doughnut mesoporous silica nanoparticles (hd‐MSN) by N1‐(3‐Trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (DAEAPTS). Interestingly, here we experimentally show that the tri‐amino functional groups on hd‐MSN (hd‐MSN‐NH2) act as capping agent as well as reducing agent for silver ions (Ag+) and the reduction reaction process can significantly influence the structure of the silver nanocrystals. Thus, we have deposited uniform 4.2 nm silver nanocrystals on the hd‐MSN‐NH2 nanoparticles without any reducing agents. The size and the crystalline structure of Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and silica nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The mechanism of reduction of Ag+ was clearly studied by FT‐IR, FT‐Raman, XRD and XPS studies. Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 with special shape (hollow doughnut shape) could incorporate Ag NPs both inside and outside of hd‐MSN. Here Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 worked as nanoreactor. In our condition for catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol, the reaction rate reached 4.1 x10−3 s−1 which is higher than many previous results. The Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH2 nanocatalyst shows excellent reusability and high efficiency even after 10 cycles.
Studies on DNA Interaction with 2(3),9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐Tetrakis 2((4‐Phenoxyphenyl) Diazeylbenzoic acid)phthalocyaninato Zinc (II) Compound
Authors: Arslantas Ali , Agirtas Mehmet Salih 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐tetrakis 2((4‐phenoxyphenyl) diazeylbenzoic acid)phthalocyaninato zinc (II) compound was chosen to study DNA binding activities. The binding activities of zinc (II) phthalocyanine compound bearing 2(3),9(10), 16(17), 23(24)‐tetrakis 2((4‐Phenoxyphenyl) diazeylbenzoic acid) ligand with Calf Thymus (CT)‐DNA was investigated using absorption titration, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and thermal melting profile in a Tris‐HCl buffer system at pH 7.0. In addition to these methods, gel electrophoresis and viscosity measurements were also carried out to determine DNA binding activities with compound 6 in a buffer solution. The results indicated that compound 6 interacts with CT‐DNA through partial intercalation binding mode.
Examining the psychological and emotional mechanisms of mindfulness that reduce stress to enhance healthy behaviours
Authors: Sagui‐Henson Sara J. , Levens Sara M. , Blevins Cara L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEngagement in modifiable health behaviours plays a critical role in the development of chronic illnesses. Research suggests that mindfulness facilitates health‐enhancing behaviour, yet the influence of mindfulness on different health behaviours and the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. This study investigated a mediation model that explores psychological and emotional coping processes (reappraisal, suppression, and psychological flexibility) as mechanisms connecting mindfulness to reduced stress perceptions and reactions, which then predict physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and sleep quality. Adults (n = 233) completed self‐report measures via Amazon's Mechanical Turk and path modelling was used to test the model for direct, indirect, and total effects. Results revealed that greater mindfulness was indirectly associated with greater engagement in all 3 health behaviours through the proposed mediators, although the association with fruit and vegetable consumption was only trending in significance. Among the coping processes, psychological flexibility emerged as the strongest mechanism in the prediction of stress. Findings suggest that being more mindful may have downstream stress‐reductive effects that enhance engagement in healthy behaviour, supporting mindfulness as a potential addition to behavioural health interventions.