bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of lignin in wood on moisture sorption and hygroexpansion tested under dynamic conditions
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Ma Erni , Cao Jinzhen
Published: July 2018

Effects of lignin on dynamic sorption and hygroexpansion were investigated. Poplar wood (Populus cathay) [20×20×4 mm3 (radial×tangential×longitudinal)] was delignified at three levels and subjected to dynamic humidity changes, where the relative humidity (RH) changed sinusoidally between 45% and 75% at 25°C during 1, 6 and 24 h. Moisture contents (MC) and dimensional responses were recorded automatically. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that lignin was partly removed. MC and dimensions also varied sinusoidally with RH. At higher delignification levels, amplitudes, moisture sorption coefficients and humidity expansion coefficients became higher, but the phase lag displayed an opposite trend. The effects were due to the removal of the relatively hydrophobic lignin layers, in the course of which more hydroxyl groups of cellulose and hemicelluloses were accessible to humidity. A linear positive relation was found between the delignification rate and MC, and dimensional changes in the tangential direction. Lignin had a significant effect on sorption and hygroexpansion and this effect was greater for static sorption. Delignification reduced the hysteresis due to matrix stiffness decrement of wood, especially in the RH range of 55–65%.
Activation and activity of glycosylated KLKs 3, 4 and 11
Authors: Guo Shihui , Briza Peter , Magdolen Viktor , Brandstetter Hans , Goettig Peter
Published: July 2018

Human kallikrein-related peptidases 3, 4, 11, and KLK2, the activator of KLK3/PSA, belong to the prostatic group of the KLKs, whose major physiological function is semen liquefaction during the fertilization process. Notably, these KLKs are upregulated in prostate cancer and are used as clinical biomarkers or have been proposed as therapeutic targets. However, this potential awaits a detailed characterization of these proteases. In order to study glycosylated prostatic KLKs resembling the natural proteases, we used Leishmania (LEXSY) and HEK293 cells for secretory expression. Both systems allowed the subsequent purification of soluble pro-KLK zymogens with correct propeptides and of the mature forms. Periodic acid-Schiff reaction, enzymatic deglycosylation assays, and mass spectrometry confirmed the glycosylation of these KLKs. Activation of glycosylated pro-KLKs 4 and 11 turned out to be most efficient by glycosylated KLK2 and KLK4, respectively. By comparing the glycosylated prostatic KLKs with their non-glycosylated counterparts from Escherichia coli, it was observed that the N-glycans stabilize the KLK proteases and change their activation profiles and their enzymatic activity to some extent. The functional role of glycosylation in prostate-specific KLKs could pave the way to a deeper understanding of their biology and to medical applications.
Sphingolipids in early viral replication and innate immune activation
Authors: Bezgovsek Judith , Gulbins Erich , Friedrich Sarah-Kim , Lang Karl S. , Duhan Vikas
Published: July 2018

In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which sphingolipids modulate virus multiplication and the host innate immune response, using a number of host-virus systems as illustrative models. Sphingolipids exert diverse functions, both at the level of the viral life cycle and in the regulation of antiviral immune responses. Sphingolipids may influence viral replication in three ways: by serving as (co)receptors during viral entry, by modulating virus replication, and by shaping the antiviral immune response. Several studies have demonstrated that sphingosine kinases (SphK) and their product, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), enhance the replication of influenza, measles, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). In contrast, ceramides, particularly S1P and SphK1, influence the expression of type I interferon (IFN-I) by modulating upstream antiviral signaling and enhancing dendritic cell maturation, differentiation, and positioning in tissue. The synthetic molecule α-galactosylceramide has also been shown to stimulate natural killer cell activation and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion. However, to date, clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any clinical benefit for sphingolipids in the treatment of cancer or HBV infection. Taken together, these findings show that sphingolipids play an important and underappreciated role in the control of virus replication and the innate immune response.
Total yield of reactive species originating from an atmospheric pressure plasma jet in real time
Authors: Adhikari Ek R. , Samara Vladimir , Ptasinska Sylwia
Published: July 2018

It is now well established that plasma-induced reactive species are key agents involved in many biochemical reactions. This work reports on the formation of plasma reactive species in an acidified ferrous sulfate (Fricke) solution interacting with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). A yield of ferric (Fe3+) ions measured using in situ absorption spectroscopy was attributed to the formation of plasma reactive species provided and/or originated in the solution. The results indicated that the number of reactive species formed was proportional to plasma frequency and voltage. However, the Fe3+ yield per pulse decreased with increased frequency. To obtain a better understanding of the processes and species involved in the chemical reactions due to plasma exposure, Fe3+ yields were calculated and compared to the experimental data. At higher frequencies, there was insufficient time to complete all the reactions before the next pulse reached the solution; at lower frequencies, the Fe3+ yield was higher because of the relatively longer time available for reactions to occur. In addition, the comparison between DNA damage levels and Fe3+ yields was investigated under different experimental conditions in order to verify the usefulness of both the Fricke solution and the DNA molecule as a probe to characterize APPJs.
Health-promoting behaviors in nursing students: is it related to self-efficacy for health practices and academic achievement?
Authors: Farokhzadian Jamileh , Karami Abbas , Azizzadeh Forouzi Mansooreh
Published: July 2018

Background

Nursing students play a role in promotion of public health as health promoters and professional care providers. Therefore, health-promoting behaviors in nursing students and their self-efficacy for health practices are important in providing better services to patients and clients. With regard to the importance of these factors in the academic progress of students, this study was conducted to examine the level of health-promoting behaviors among nursing students and its relationship with self-efficacy for health practices and academic achievement.

Methods

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted on 217 nursing students of a large university of medical sciences in the south of Iran in 2016. Data were collected using the Persian version of the health promotion lifestyle profile (HPLP II), self-rated abilities for health practices scale (SRAHPS) and the grade point average of the students (levels A, B, C).

Results

The mean health-promoting behaviors (2.48 ± 0.35) and self-efficacy for health practices of the students (2.55 ± 0.62) were moderate. The mean score of the students’ academic achievement was at level B (16.02 ± 1.85). The health-promoting behaviors were significantly correlated with self-efficacy for health practices (r = 0.623, p < 0.0001) and academic achievement (r = 0.285, p < 0.0001). Moreover, self-efficacy for health practices was significantly correlated with academic achievement (r = 0.282, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The correlation between the health-promoting behaviors and health self-efficacy with academic achievement can be a good basis in devising health and educational programs for students. In planning for promoting academic achievement and health-promoting behaviors of students, it is essential to pay special attention to enhancement of self-efficacy for health practices.
Flexible IT platform for synchronizing energy demands with volatile markets
Authors: Schott Paul , Ahrens Raphael , Bauer Dennis , Hering Fabian , Keller Robert , Pullmann Jaroslav , Schel Daniel , Schimmelpfennig Jens , Simon Peter , Weber Thomas , Abele Eberhard , Bauernhansl Thomas , Fridgen Gilbert , Jarke Matthias , Reinhart Gunther
Published: July 2018

Abandoning fossil and nuclear energy sources in the long run and increasing amount of renewable energies in electricity production causes a more volatile power supply. Depending on external realities, renewable energy production emphasizes the need for measures to guarantee the necessary balance of demand and supply in the electricity system at all times. Energy intensive industry processes theoretically include high Demand Response potentials suitable to tackle this increasing supply volatility. Nevertheless, most companies do not operate their production in a flexible manner due to multiple reasons: among others, the companies lack know-how, technologies and a clear business case to introduce an additional level of flexibility into their production processes, they are concerned about possible impacts on their processes by varying the electricity demand and need assistance in exploiting their flexibility. Aside from fostering knowledge in industry companies, an IT-solution that supports companies to use their processes’ Demand Response potential has become necessary. Its concept must support companies in managing companies’ energy-flexible production processes and monetarize those potentials at flexibility markets. This paper presents a concept, which integrates both companies and energy markets. It enables automated trading of companies’ Demand Response potential on different flexibility markets.
Studying Firm Growth Distributions with a Large Administrative Employment Database
Authors: Dixon Jay , Petrunia Robert , Rollin Anne-Marie
Published: July 2018

This paper uses business tax administrative data to describe the annual firm growth rate distribution in Canada over the 2000–2009 period. This administrative tax database provides a unique lense to study firm growth as it allows us to look at the universe of Canadian employer firms and investigate the firm growth distribution across different dimensions. A non-normal, fat-tailed shape for the firm growth distributions holds across years, industries, regions, as well as firm size and age classes. The results show that the distributions of employment growth rates in Canada have more density in both the center and tails than a normal distribution. The evidence paints a picture of firm growth dynamics whereby most firms change very little each year, while a nontrivial amount also markedly grow or decline. A final finding is that young firms, aged four or less, represent a special case with an upwardly skewed distribution and a median growth rate greater than zero.
Development of a Two-Stage Segmentation-Based Word Searching Method for Handwritten Document Images
Authors: Malakar Samir , Ghosh Manosij , Sarkar Ram , Nasipuri Mita
Published: July 2018

Word searching or keyword spotting is an important research problem in the domain of document image processing. The solution to the said problem for handwritten documents is more challenging than for printed ones. In this work, a two-stage word searching schema is introduced. In the first stage, all the irrelevant words with respect to a search word are filtered out from the document page image. This is carried out using a zonal feature vector, called pre-selection feature vector, along with a rule-based binary classification method. In the next step, a holistic word recognition paradigm is used to confirm a pre-selected word as search word. To accomplish this, a modified histogram of oriented gradients-based feature descriptor is combined with a topological feature vector. This method is experimented on a QUWI English database, which is freely available through the International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition 2015 competition entitled “Writer Identification and Gender Classification.” This technique not only provides good retrieval performance in terms of recall, precision, and F-measure scores, but it also outperforms some state-of-the-art methods.
Comparative Study of Various Optical Amplifiers for 32-Channel WDM System
Authors: Kheraliya Shubham , Kumar Chakresh
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyze the performance of RAMAN amplifier (RAMAN), Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) amplifiers separately at 10 Gbps data rate for 32-channel WDM system for a fiber length of 40 km to 280 km. Depending upon the results, the performance of the three amplifiers has been compared. It is observed that RAMAN amplifier provides a better result in terms of Q factor up to a fiber distance of approximately 20 km and in terms of bit error rate (BER) up to a distance of approximately 40 km among all the three amplifiers. EDFA starts providing better Q factor after a fiber distance of approximately 20 km and better BER after a fiber distance of approximately 40 km among all the three amplifiers. But power received is minimum in case of RAMAN amplifier. In terms of power received, SOA provides better result up to a fiber distance of approximately 120 km and after that EDFA provides a better result in terms of power received among all the three amplifiers. All these parameters (Q factor, BER and power received) are also analyzed for different values of laser power. Finally, the eye diagram has also been analyzed.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome, cytokines and physical activity in obese youth with and without Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: McAlister Kelsey L. , Fisher Koren L. , Dumont-Driscoll Marilyn C. , Rubin Daniela A.
Published: July 2018

Background:

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between adiposity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cytokines and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-syndromic obesity (OB).

Methods:

Twenty-one youth with PWS and 34 with OB aged 8–15 years participated. Measurements included body composition, blood pressure, fasting blood markers for glucose control, lipids and inflammation and MVPA. Group differences for adiposity, MetS, blood parameters and MVPA were determined using independent t-tests and chi-square (χ2) analyses. Bivariate correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined the associations between adiposity, MetS severity, cytokines and MVPA.

Results:

PWS presented similar percentage of body fat (%), lower body mass index (BMI) z-scores, insulin resistance, triglycerides, MetS severity, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and MVPA and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and adiponectin (ADP) than OB. Fewer PWS presented MetS based on BMI z-score (61.9% vs. 91.2%) and glucose (14.3% vs. 44.1%) compared to OB. In all youth, MetS severity was significantly associated with body fat %, ADP, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α and also with CRP in PWS, but associations became non-significant for CRP and IL-6 when controlling for body fat %. In PWS, those with low MVPA had significantly higher TNF-α than those with high MVPA (1.80±0.45 vs. 1.39±0.26 pg/mL).

Conclusions:

Although PWS presented better cardiometabolic profiles than OB and lower MetS risk, associations between body fat, MetS and cytokines were somewhat similar for both groups, with the exception of CRP. Results suggest a potential role for MVPA related to MetS and inflammation and extend associations shown in OB to PWS.
Random serum free cortisol and total cortisol measurements in pediatric septic shock
Authors: Menon Kusum , McNally Dayre , Acharya Anand , O’Hearn Katharine , Choong Karen , Wong Hector R. , McIntyre Lauralyn , Lawson Margaret
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between serum total cortisol (TC) and free cortisol (FC) levels in children with septic shock and the relationship of these levels with baseline illness severity.

Methods

A sub-study of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hydrocortisone vs. placebo in pediatric septic shock conducted in seven academic pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Canada on children aged newborn to 17 years. Thirty children with septic shock had serum sent for TC and FC measurement within 6 h of meeting the study eligibility criteria.

Results

Baseline FC and TC levels were strongly correlated with baseline Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score (R2=0.759, p<0.001; R2=0.717, p<0.001) and moderately correlated with admission Vasotropic Inotropic Score (VIS) (R2=0.489, p<0.001; R2=0.316, p<0.001). Serum TC levels were highly correlated with FC levels (R2=0.92, p<0.001) and showed strong agreement (R2=0.98, p<0.001 on a Bland-Altman plot). The ratio of FC to TC moderately correlated with TC levels (R2=0.46, p<0.001) but did not correlate with baseline albumin levels (R2=0.19, p=0.13).

Conclusions

Random TC and FC levels are strongly correlated, show strong agreement and are reflective of illness severity in children with septic shock. As such, isolated FC measurement does not appear to provide added information relative to TC in acutely ill children with septic shock.
The effect of obesity and insulin resistance on macular choroidal thickness in a pediatric population as assessed by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography
Authors: Topcu-Yilmaz Pinar , Akyurek Nesibe , Erdogan Erkan
Published: July 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the macular choroidal thickness in obese children with and without insulin resistance (IR).

Methods:

Thirty-six patients with obesity and 26 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. The choroidal thickness was measured with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) at the fovea and at positions 500 μm, 1000 μm, 1500 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea. The choroidal thickness measurements of the groups were compared and the correlation between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and choroidal thickness values was evaluated.

Results:

The average choroidal thickness in the obese group was significantly lower than that of controls at locations 1000 μm (303.31±58.52 vs. 340.58±69.47, p=0.026) and 1500 μm (284.14±65.06 vs. 336.85±71.37, p=0.004) temporal to the fovea. A subgroup analysis depending on the presence of IR revealed that the choroidal thickness measurements at all positions were thinner in obese children without IR compared to children with IR and healthy controls. This thinning reached a statistical significance at locations 500 μm temporal, 1000 μm temporal and 1500 μm temporal to the fovea (p=0.03, p=0.009 and p=0.006; respectively). There was a moderate correlation between the choroidal thickness measurements and HOMA-IR values (r-values between 0.37 and 0.48; p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that obesity and IR may have an influence on the choroidal thickness in children. Longitudinal studies will clarify whether these choroidal changes are progressive and are a sign of microvascular dysfunction in childhood obesity.
Clinical management of childhood hyperthyroidism with and without Down syndrome: a longitudinal study at a single center
Authors: Dos Santos Tiago Jeronimo , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Muñoz-Calvo María Teresa , Pozo Jesús , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Argente Jesús
Published: July 2018

Background

The approach to the clinical management of Graves’ disease (GD) is debatable. This study aimed to identify predictors of remission in pediatric GD.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 36 children and adolescents with GD followed from 1997 to 2017 at a single tertiary hospital was performed. Clinical and biochemical parameters, including comorbidities, treatment with anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) or definitive therapy (radioiodine [RIT] and thyroidectomy), and remission as the main outcome were collected. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify likely predictors of remission.

Results

Among patients, most were female, in late puberty, with exuberant symptoms at onset. Eleven also suffered from Down syndrome (DS). Thirty-four patients (94%) started on methimazole from disease onset, and 25 (69%) received it as the only therapy, with a mean duration of 2.7±1.8 years. Six changed to RIT and three underwent thyroidectomy; no DS patient received definitive therapy. Remission was higher in DS patients (45% vs. 25%, p=0.24), but afterwards (3.9±2.5 vs. 2.3±1.4 years, p<0.05); there was no significance in relapsing (20% vs. 15%). Females were less likely to reach remission (p<0.05); serum free thyroxine at onset was higher (p<0.05) in patients who required definitive therapy. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) values normalized in exclusively ATD therapy, especially from 2 years on (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Males were more likely to achieve remission. TSI values may normalize in GD, notably from the second year of treatment. DS children may benefit with conservative management in GD.
Urinary bisphenol-A levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: İnce Tolga , Balcı Aylin , Yalçın Siddika Songül , Özkemahlı Gizem , Erkekoglu Pinar , Kocer-Gumusel Belma , Yurdakök Kadriye
Published: July 2018

Background:

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most abundantly produced chemicals globally. Concerns have been raised about BPA’s possible role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible association between BPA exposure and T1DM. The second aim was to investigate children’s possible BPA exposure routes in Turkey.

Methods:

A total of 100 children aged between 5 and 18 years including 50 children with T1DM and 50 healthy children were included. Urinary BPA levels of all children were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Mothers of children enrolled in the study were also requested to complete a survey that included questions on the sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and possible BPA exposure routes of their children.

Results:

In the T1DM group, urinary BPA levels were slightly higher compared to the control group, but this difference was not significant (p=0.510). However, there was an inverse relationship between current urinary BPA levels and birth weight. It was found that the use of plastic kettles and the consumption of dairy products in plastic boxes significantly increased the urinary BPA concentrations in all subjects.

Conclusions:

Although there was no significant association between urinary BPA levels and T1DM, we found an inverse relationship between current urinary BPA levels and birth weight. This finding might be important for prenatal exposure, and further prospective research must be conducted. Also, the use of plastic kettles, which has not been mentioned much in the literature before, was found to be an important exposure route for BPA.
Does rescue cerclage work?
Authors: Shivani Durai , Quek Bin Huey , Tan Pih Lin , Shephali Tagore
Published: July 2018

Rescue cervical cerclage (RCC), also known as emergency cerclage, has long been the subject of controversy. Its use in women who have a dilated cervix has been ambivalent. RCC is often considered as a salvage measure for pregnancies which are at a high risk of severe preterm delivery (PTD) or mid-trimester miscarriage. This study aims to examine and assess the efficacy of RCC and its ability to prolong pregnancy until neonatal viability is achieved. The current data suggest that RCC is associated with a longer latency period frequently resulting in better pregnancy outcomes (Namouz S, Porat S, Okun N, Windrim R, Farine D. Emergency cerclage: literature review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2013;68:379–88). This is supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) which states that the insertion of a rescue cerclage may delay delivery by a further 5 weeks on average as compared with expectant management or bed rest alone (Shennan AH. To MS: RCOG Green Top Guidelines: Cervical Cerclage RCOG.2011. Available from: www.rcog.org.uk). It further states that it may be associated with a two-fold reduction in the possibility of delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (Shennan AH. To MS: RCOG Green Top Guidelines: Cervical Cerclage RCOG.2011. Available from: www.rcog.org.uk). Our study reveals that the average insertion to delivery interval at our centre was 71.2 days with a live birth rate of 92.5%. A total of 89.1% of women delivered beyond 24 weeks of gestation.
Quantifying the probability of a shot in women’s collegiate soccer through absorbing Markov chains
Authors: Woodfield Devyn Norman , Fellingham Gilbert W.
Published: July 2018

A Bayesian model is used to evaluate the probability that a given skill performed in a specified area of the field will lead to a predetermined outcome by using discrete absorbing Markov chains. The transient states of the Markov process are defined by unique skill-area combinations. The absorbing states of the Markov process are defined by a shot, turnover, or bad turnover. Defining the states in this manner allows the probability of a transient state leading to an absorbing state to be derived. A non-informative prior specification of transition counts is used to permit the data to define the posterior distribution. A web application was created to collect play-by-play data from 34 Division 1 NCAA Women’s soccer matches for the 2013–2014 seasons. A prudent construction of updated transition probabilities facilitates a transformation through Monte Carlo simulation to obtain marginal probability estimates of each unique skill-area combination leading to an absorbing state. For each season, marginal probability estimates for given skills are compared both across and within areas to determine which skills and areas of the field are most advantageous.
Crystal structure of (6,6′-(((((2-aminoethyl)azanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(2,4-dichlorophenolato)-κ6
N,N′,N′′,N′′′,O,O′)cadmium(II) – ethanol – water (1/1/1), C22H28CdCl4N4O4
Authors: Ren Zong-Li , Liu Ling-Zhi , Zhang Yang , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: July 2018

C22H28CdCl4N4O4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 18.5053(5) Å, b = 13.0864(4) Å, c = 23.0284(9) Å, β = 102.367(3)°, V = 5447.4(3) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0457, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1306, T = 290.7(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-hydroxy-N′-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzohydrazide, C11H10N4O2
Authors: Yuan Juan , Xing Ai-Ping , Cheng Di
Published: July 2018

C11H10N4O2, monoclinic P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.6161(7) Å, b = 24.064(2) Å, c = 7.1768(9) Å, β = 115.463(15)°, Z = 4, V = 1031.6(2) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0412, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0953, T = 173(2) K.
Crystal structure of 7β,9β-dihydroxy-15-oxo-ent-kauran-16-en-19,6β-olide, C20H26O5
Authors: Zou Juan , Zhao Chen-Liang , Ye Jiang-Hai , He Kang , Tang Ren-Tao , Pan Lu-Tai
Published: July 2018

C20H26O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.302(4) Å, b = 11.307(5) Å, c = 20.414(10) Å, V = 1685.5(14) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0670, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1748, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of ethyl 4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, C21H24ClNO3
Authors: Gou Wei , Zhou Yan , Zhong Wei , Wang Yang , Yang Bai-Yuan , Zhao An-Rong
Published: July 2018

C21H24ClNO3, orthorhombic, Pbcn (no. 60), a = 17.215(11) Å, b = 15.749(11) Å, c = 14.136(9) Å, V = 3832(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.058, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.177, T = 296(2) K.
Philanthropy and Honours in the British Empire
Authors: Harper Tobias
Published: July 2018

One of the main ways in which the British Empire rewarded philanthropy among British and imperial subjects was the honours system, an elaborate, hierarchical collection of awards and orders of chivalry. In its symbolism and rhetoric this system supplied a trans-imperial, color-blind judgment of both service and rank. This article uses discourses about honours to examine the formal and informal ways in which class, culture and race factored into public and private judgments about the relative worthiness of different kinds of philanthropy. In practice, British officials and elites were often cynical about the motivations of people outside of Britain and outside of traditional social elites, while applying less rigorous standards of intention to philanthropists within traditional elites in Britain. Inconsistencies in public debates and private judgments about merit in the honours system undermined its authority in the empire/former empire.
The ongoing challenge of novel psychoactive drugs of abuse. Part I. Synthetic cannabinoids (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Schwenk Michael , Presley Brandon C. , Uchiyama Nahoko
Published: July 2018

In the past decade, the world has experienced a large increase in the number of novel compounds appearing on the illicit drug market for recreational purposes. Such substances are designed to circumvent governmental regulations; the illegal drug manufacturers take a known psychoactive compound reported in the scientific literature and slightly modify its chemical structure in order to produce analogues that will mimic the pharmacological activity of the original substance. Many of these novel substances are sold via the Internet. Among the various chemical classes, synthetic cannabinoid receptor modulators, commonly referred to as “synthetic cannabinoids” have been at the forefront, as demonstrated by the frequency of drug seizures, numerous severe toxic effects, and fatalities associated with some of these substances. This review presents the chemical structures of relevant synthetic cannabinoids and describes their mechanism of action, pharmacological features, metabolic pathways, and structure-activity relationships. It illustrates the approaches used in forensic testing, both for bulk analysis (drug seizures) and for analytical toxicology (biological matrices) and discusses aspects of regulation surrounding this drug class. This report is intended to provide pertinent information for the purposes of informing scientific, medical, social, and governmental bodies about this ever-evolving recreational drug class and the challenges it poses worldwide.
Natural radioactivity levels in sediments in Algiers Bay using instrumental neutron activation analysis
Authors: Baba-Ahmed Lateffa , Benamar Mohammed E. A. , Belamri Mohamed , Azbouche Ahmed , Benarous Samah , Benkhalifa Abderrahmane
Published: July 2018

The main objective of this study is to evaluate natural radioactivity levels in sediments collected from different points of Algiers bay. Particular attention was paid to understand correlations between the distribution of uranium and thorium and the geomorphological characteristics of the Bay. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been employed in order to measure the isotopic composition and concentration of uranium and thorium, with emphasis on isotopes, 232Th and 238U. The concentrations reported in Bq kg−1 (dry weight) vary between 19.73 and 34.53 for 238U and between 22.26 and 36.02 for 232Th. The obtained results are within the world typical ranges and did not show any anomalous values. Results revealed clear inverse relationship between activity concentration and grain size. The radioactivity content in sediments had a positive correlation with clay and silt percentage, and a negative correlation with sand percentage. The concentration ratios of 232Th/238U are found to be slightly below the world average value unite (3.94) in sediments. Values below unite indicate that the medium is reductor or the existence of an external source of U-contaminated particles in the bay; Values greater than the unit show either depletion of uranium or enrichment of thorium due to alteration or natural processes in these areas. The strong correlation of uranium and Thorium in samples reflects the source of same origin. The results of the study can be used as basic radiometric data for future sedimentological studies. The situation in the Bay of Algiers is reassuring but the risk of possible contamination cannot be excluded and requires constant vigilance for the preservation of the coast and the Mediterranean from all contamination. The results can also be used as reference data for the monitoring of possible radioactive pollution in the future.
Development of a virtual metrological CT for numerical measurement uncertainty determination using aRTist 2
Authors: Wohlgemuth Florian , Müller Andreas Michael , Hausotte Tino
Published: July 2018

The development of a virtual metrological CT for numerical measurement uncertainty determination at the Institute of Manufacturing Metrology (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany) using the software aRTist 2 by the BAM German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is described. The virtual metrological CT uses a Monte-Carlo approach for numerical measurement uncertainty determination. Results demonstrating that numerical uncertainty determination according to GUM Supplement 1 and in accordance with uncertainty determination according to guideline VDI/VDE 2630 Part 2.1 is possible for selected measurement tasks are presented.
Two Integrable Classes of Emden–Fowler Equations with Applications in Astrophysics and Cosmology
Authors: Mancas Stefan C. , Rosu Haret C.
Published: July 2018

We show that some Emden–Fowler (EF) equations encountered in astrophysics and cosmology belong to two EF integrable classes of the type

d
2

z

/
d

χ
2

=

A

χ

−
λ

−
2

z
n

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}z/\mathrm{d}{\chi^{2}}=A{\chi^{-\lambda-2}}{z^{n}}$

for

λ
=

(

n
−
1

)

/
2

$\lambda=(n-1)/2$

(class 1), and

λ
=

n
+
1

$\lambda=n+1$

(class 2). We find their corresponding invariants which reduce them to first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using particular solutions of such EF equations, the two classes are set in the autonomous nonlinear oscillator the form

d
2

ν

/
d

t
2

+

a
d
ν

/
d

t

+

b

(

ν
−

ν
n

)

=
0

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}\nu/\mathrm{d}{t^{2}}+a\mathrm{d}\nu/\mathrm{d}t+b(\nu-{\nu^{n}})=0$

, where the coefficients

a
,
b

$a,b$

depend only on

λ
,
n

$\lambda,n$

. For both classes, we write closed-form solutions in parametric form. The illustrative examples from astrophysics and general relativity correspond to two n = 2 cases from class 1 and 2, and one n = 5 case from class 1, all of them yielding Weierstrass elliptic solutions. It is also noticed that when n = 2, the EF equations can be studied using the Painlevé reduction method, since they are a particular case of equations of the type

d
2

z

/
d

χ
2

=

F

(
χ
)

z
2

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}z/\mathrm{d}{\chi^{2}}=F(\chi){z^{2}}$

, where

F

(
χ
)

$F(\chi)$

is the Kustaanheimo-Qvist function.
On the Viscous Flow Through a Long Pipe With Non-Constant Pressure Boundary Condition
Authors: Marušić-Paloka Eduard , Pažanin Igor
Published: July 2018

We investigate the flow of a viscous incompressible fluid through a straight long pipe with a circular cross section. The flow is driven by the prescribed pressures at the pipe’s ends, where pressure p
0 on the pipe’s entry is assumed to be non-constant. Using asymptotic analysis with respect to the small parameter (being the ratio between the pipe’s radius and its length), we replace the non-constant pressure boundary condition with the effective one governing the macroscopic flow. We also derive the optimal boundary pressure p
0 such that the fluid velocity through a pipe is maximal.
Thermal metal-free [2+2] cycloaddition of acetylenedicarboxylates to polysubstituted butadienes
Authors: Prek Benjamin , Počkaj Marta , Kantlehner Willi , Stanovnik Branko
Published: July 2018

The thermal metal-free [2+2] cycloadditions of electron-poor acetylenes to some polysubstituted systems with conjugated double bonds (polysubstituted butadienes) are described.
Ternary indides RE
3
T
2In4 (RE=Dy–Tm; T=Pd, Ir)
Authors: Stein Sebastian , Heletta Lukas , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: July 2018

The ternary rare earth transition metal-indides RE
3
T
2In4 (RE=Dy–Tm; T=Pd, Ir) were obtained from high-temperature reactions in sealed niobium ampoules. These indides adopt a hexagonal structure of the Lu3Co1.87In4 type (space group P6̅), a ternary ordered superstructure of the aristotype Fe2P. The structures of three different compounds were refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: a=768.20(6), c=381.97(3) pm, 1441 F
2 values, 24 parameters, wR2=0.0338 (Ho3Pd1.90In4); a=774.98(3), c=378.51(2) pm, 577 F
2 values, 23 parameters, wR2=0.0742 (Ho3Ir1.69In4.31) and a=780.3(1), c=369.4(1) pm, 573 F
2 values, 22 parameters, wR2=0.0403 (Tm3Ir1.51In4.49). Refinements of the occupancies revealed homogeneity ranges in case of the iridium-based crystals resulting from Ir/In mixing. The refined composition of the palladium compound was Ho3Pd1.90In4 resulting from defects on the Wyckoff position 1d, which was already reported for the prototype Lu3Co1.87In4. The geometrical motifs of the RE
3
T
2In4 structures are three different types of tricapped trigonal prisms around the transition metal and indium atoms which are condensed via common edges and triangular faces. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of Dy3Ir2In4 and Tm3Ir2In4 showed Curie-Weiss behavior and the experimental magnetic moments of 10.59(2) μB (Dy3Ir2In4) and 7.40(2) μB (Tm3Ir2In4) confirming stable trivalent RE
3+ states. Dy3Ir2In4 and Tm3Ir2In4 order antiferromagnetically with Néel temperatures of T
N=13.6(5) and 5.4(5) K, respectively.
The stannides REIr2Sn4 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm)
Authors: Engelbert Simon , Niepmann Dirk , Block Theresa , Heletta Lukas , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: July 2018

The stannides REIr2Sn4 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were synthesized from the elements by arc melting or by induction melting in sealed niobium containers. They crystallize with the NdRh2Sn4 type structure, space group Pnma. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (Guinier technique). Three structures were refined from single-crystal X-ray data: a=1844.5(2), b=450.33(4), c=716.90(6) pm, wR2=0.0323, 1172 F
2 values, 44 variables for LaIr2Sn4, a=1840.08(2), b=448.24(4), c=719.6(1) pm, wR2=0.0215, 1265 F
2 values, 45 variables for Ce1.13Ir2Sn3.87, and a=1880.7(1), b=446.2(1), c=733.0(1) pm, wR2=0.0845, 836 F
2 values, 45 variables for Ce1.68Ir2Sn3.32. The structures consist of three-dimensional [Ir2Sn4] polyanionic networks in which the rare earth atoms fill pentagonal prismatic channels. The striking structural motif concerns the formation of solid solutions RE
1+

x
Ir2Sn4−

x
on the Sn4 sites, which have similar coordination as the RE sites. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed diamagnetic behavior for LaIr2Sn4. CeIr2Sn4, PrIr2Sn4 and NdIr2Sn4 show Curie-Weiss paramagnetism while SmIr2Sn4 exhibits typical van Vleck paramagnetism. Antiferromagnetic ground states were observed for CeIr2Sn4 (T
N=3.3 K) and SmIr2Sn4 (T
N=3.8 K). 119Sn Mössbauer spectra show a close superposition of four sub-spectra which can be distinguished through their isomer shift and the quadrupole splitting parameter.
Determination of Coal Pillar Width and Support Parameters in Deep Coal Mines—A Case Study
Authors: Chen Shi-hai , Zhang Zi-hua
Published: July 2018

With the depletion of shallow mineral resources, many large mines have turned to deep mining. The mine pressures associated with deep mining activities induce severe damage and deformation in the surrounding rock. The stability of coal pillars in the mining area is an important factor in maintaining roadway stability, so reasonable retainment of coal pillars is a primary issue in safety production. In this article, the stresses on coal pillars and roadways under different coal pillar widths are analyzed with ABAQUS software (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France). The result is a reasonable coal pillar width of the first mined face in the Kongzhuang mine, which was determined to be approximately 5 to 7 meters. This width ensures that the coal pillar will not be crushed or fractured and avoids both spontaneous combustion of the coal and waste of resources. The roadway’s support parameters are determined by empirical calculation and then verified by numerical simulations and field tests. The reasonability of the arrangement of bolts and cables are verified in the same fashion.
Effect of CuO Nanoparticles on Rheological Behavior of ISO VG46, Jatropha Oil, and Their Blend
Authors: Katpatal Dhananjay C. , Andhare Atul B. , Padole Pramod M.
Published: July 2018

This article presents experimental results on the mixing of CuO nanoparticles in ISO VG 46 oil, Jatropha oil, and a blend of the two oils. Initially, blend oil was prepared by mixing ISO VG46 and Jatropha oil in a fixed proportion. This blending caused a reduction in the viscosity of the oil mix as compared to the ISO VG46 oil. Therefore, to bring the viscosity of the blend oil to the level of the ISO VG46 oil, various concentrations of CuO nanoparticles were added to the blend to prepare stable nano-blend oils. The stability of the blend oil, ISO VG46, and Jatropha oil-based nano-lubricants was checked by measuring viscosity at regular intervals of time, and it is observed that stability decreases with the increase of CuO loading in base fluid. Viscosity values of nano-blend oils for various concentrations of CuO ranging from 0 to 3 wt. % were measured. These values were compared to the viscosity values of ISO VG46 and Jatropha oil-based nano-lubricants with the same CuO concentrations. About 19, 17, and 20 % enhancement in viscosity was observed in the blend oil, ISO VG46 oil, and Jatropha oil-based nano-lubricants, respectively, for 3 wt. % concentrations of CuO at 30°C. The nano-blend oil showed inferior performance up to 2 wt. % concentration of CuO in the entire temperature range (30 to 60°C). The viscosity of the nano-blend oil dispersing with 3 wt. % concentration matched well with the viscosity of ISO VG46 mineral oil. Furthermore, the experimental viscosity data of all the types of nano-lubricants are compared to the different viscosity models, and it is observed that the viscosity of the nano-lubricants closely matched with a viscosity model available in the literature. It is observed from viscosity sensitivity analysis that viscosity is more sensitive to greater concentration. The studies on the effects of nanoparticles’ concentration on density and friction coefficients revealed that the addition of nanoparticles in base oils had a small impact on pumping power.
MARİNASYON İŞLEMİ SIRASINDA HAMSİDE (Engraulis encrasicolus L. 1758) MEYDANA GELEN RENK DEĞİŞİMİNİN VE BAZI KİMYASAL PARAMETRELERİN BELİRLENMESİ
Authors: KESKİN İrfan
Published: July 2018

Çalışmada, marinasyon sürecinde hamsinin renk değişimi
ile bazı fiziko-kimyasal parametrelerin tespiti amaçlanmıştır. Donmuş hamsiler,
çözdürülmüş, temizlenmiş ve marinasyona hazır hale getirilmiştir. Hamsiler
salamurada (%10 tuz, %4 alkol sirkesi ve %0.2 sitrik asit) balık:salamura oranı
1:2 olacak şekilde 24 saat süreyle 4±2oC’de marine edilmiştir.
Marinasyon esnasında 6 saat ara ile üründe; renk, su aktivitesi (aw), pH, tuz,
sirke, çalışmanın başında ve sonunda ise besin kompozisyonu (ham protein, ham
yağ, ham kül, nem) analizleri yapılmıştır. Renk analizinde taze balığın
başlangıç L*, a*, b* değerleri sırasıyla 37.49, 2.46, 2.91 olarak tespit
edilmiştir. Marinasyon sonrasında balık eti parlaklığının (L*) ve sarı (+b*)
renk değerinin arttığı (72.35 ve 5.13), kırmızı (+a*) renk değerinin azaldığı
(0.70) belirlenmiştir (P<0.05). Taze balık etinde su aktivitesi (aw),
pH, tuz ve sirke değerleri sırasıyla; 0.961, 6.42, 0.27, 0.00 iken, marinasyon
sonunda 0.915, 3.98, 6.29 ve 1.93 olarak belirlenmiştir (P<0.05).
Hamsinin, marinasyon işlemi sonrasında marinat için istenilen özellikleri
taşıdığı ve besin değerini koruduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Integrated omics: tools, advances and future approaches
Authors: Misra Biswapriya B , Langefeld Carl , Olivier Michael , Cox Laura A
Published: July 2018

With the rapid adoption of high-throughput omic approaches to analyze biological samples such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, each analysis can generate tera- to peta-byte sized data files on a daily basis. These data file sizes, together with differences in nomenclature among these data types, make the integration of these multi-dimensional omics data into biologically meaningful context challenging. Variously named as integrated omics, multi-omics, poly-omics, trans-omics, pan-omics or shortened to just ‘omics’, the challenges include differences in data cleaning, normalization, biomolecule identification, data dimensionality reduction, biological contextualization, statistical validation, data storage and handling, sharing and data archiving. The ultimate goal is toward the holistic realization of a ‘systems biology’ understanding of the biological question. Commonly used approaches are currently limited by the 3 i’s – integration, interpretation and insights. Post integration, these very large datasets aim to yield unprecedented views of cellular systems at exquisite resolution for transformative insights into processes, events and diseases through various computational and informatics frameworks. With the continued reduction in costs and processing time for sample analyses, and increasing types of omics datasets generated such as glycomics, lipidomics, microbiomics and phenomics, an increasing number of scientists in this interdisciplinary domain of bioinformatics face these challenges. We discuss recent approaches, existing tools and potential caveats in the integration of omics datasets for development of standardized analytical pipelines that could be adopted by the global omics research community.
Thyroid function disruptors: from nature to chemicals
Authors: Oliveira Karen Jesus , Chiamolera Maria Isabel , Giannocco Gisele , Pazos-Moura Carmen Cabanelas , Ortiga-Carvalho Tania Maria
Published: July 2018

The modern concept of thyroid disruptors includes synthetic chemicals and bioactive compounds from food that interfere with any aspect of the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis, thyroid hormone biosynthesis and secretion, blood and transmembrane transport, metabolism and local actions of thyroid hormones. This review highlights relevant disruptors that affect populations through their diet: directly from food itself (fish oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids, pepper, coffee, cinnamon and resveratrol/grapes), through vegetable cultivation (pesticides) and from containers for food storage and cooking (bisphenol A, phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Due to the vital role of thyroid hormones during every stage of life, we review effects from the gestational period to adulthood, including evidence fromin vitrostudies, rodent models, human trials and epidemiological studies.