bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guano exposed: Impact of aerobic conditions on bat fecal microbiota
Authors: Fofanov Viacheslav Y. , Furstenau Tara N. , Sanchez Daniel , Hepp Crystal M. , Cocking Jill , Sobek Colin , Pagel Nicole , Walker Faith , Chambers Carol L.
Published: April 2018

Bats and their associated guano microbiota provide important terrestrial and subterranean ecosystem services and serve as a reservoir for a wide range of epizootic and zoonotic diseases. Unfortunately, large‐scale studies of bats and their guano microbiotas are limited by the time and cost of sample collection, which requires specially trained individuals to work at night to capture bats when they are most active. Indirectly surveying bat gut microbiota through guano deposits could be a more cost‐effective alternative, but it must first be established whether the postdefecation exposure to an aerobic environment has a large impact on the guano microbial community. A number of recent studies on mammalian feces have shown that the impact of aerobic exposure is highly species specific; therefore, it is difficult to predict how exposure will affect the bat guano microbiota without empirical data. In our study, we collected fresh guano samples from 24 individuals of 10 bat species that are common throughout the arid environments of the American southwest and subjected the samples to 0, 1, and 12 hr of exposure. The biodiversity decreased rapidly after the shift from an anaerobic to an aerobic environment—much faster than previously reported in mammalian species. However, the relative composition of the core guano microbiota remained stable and, using highly sensitive targeted PCR methods, we found that pathogens present in the original, non‐exposed samples could still be recovered after 12 hr of exposure. These results suggest that with careful sample analysis protocols, a more efficient passive collection strategy is feasible; for example, guano could be collected on tarps placed near the roost entrance. Such passive collection methods would greatly reduce the cost of sample collection by allowing more sites or roosts to be surveyed with a fraction of trained personnel, time, and effort investments needed.
Covariance between predation risk and nutritional preferences confounds interpretations of giving‐up density experiments
Authors: McMahon Jordan D. , Lashley Marcus A. , Brooks Christopher P. , Barton Brandon T.
Published: April 2018

Giving‐up density (GUD) experiments have been a foundational method to evaluate perceived predation risk, but rely on the assumption that food preferences are absolute, so that areas with higher GUDs can be interpreted as having higher risk. However, nutritional preferences are context dependent and can change with risk. We used spiders and grasshoppers to test the hypothesis that covariance in nutritional preferences and risk may confound the interpretation of GUD experiments. We presented grasshoppers with carbohydrate‐rich and protein‐rich diets, in the presence and absence of spider predators. Predators reduced grasshopper preference for the protein‐rich food, but increased their preference for the carbohydrate‐rich food. We then measured GUDs with both food types under different levels of risk (spider density, 0–5). As expected, GUDs increased with spider density indicating increasing risk, but only when using protein‐rich food. With carbohydrate‐rich food, GUD was independent of predation risk. Our results demonstrate that predation risk and nutritional preferences covary and can confound interpretation of GUD experiments.
A Probe Based on a Soft Salt Complex for Ratiometric and Lifetime Imaging of Variations in Intracellular Oxygen Content
Authors: Ma Yun , Dong Yafang , Zou Liang , Shen Liang , Liu Suyi , Liu Shujuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Qiang , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: April 2018

In this study, a soft salt complex based probe has been exploited for measuring oxygen content changes in living cells. The zinc(II) complex [Zn(tpy)2]2+(CH3COO–)2 {tpy = 3‐[(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridin)‐4′‐yl]‐9‐hexyl‐9H‐carbazole} was chosen as the cationic component, and the iridium(III) complex [Ir(tpq)2CN2]–Bu4N+ [tpq = 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)quinoline] was selected as the anionic component. The soft salt complex based probe was formed through electrostatic interaction between two oppositely charged complexes. This probe exhibits ratiometric photoluminescence response to different oxygen concentrations with two separated emission bands. Furthermore, the application of this probe in ratiometric and lifetime imaging of oxygen content changes in living cells has been demonstrated.
Molecular Structure, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Free‐Base Naphthalocyanine Dianions
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Nakano Yoshiaki , Shestakov Alexander F. , Ishikawa Manabu , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: April 2018

The reduction of free‐base naphthalocyanine (H2Nc) with sodium fluorenone ketyl and an excess of bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium chloride (PPN+)(Cl–) unexpectedly results in the synthesis of the (PPN+)2(H2Nc2–) salt (1). As sodium fluorenone ketyl can generate only H2Nc·– radical anions, the formation of H2Nc2– is most probably realized through the disproportionation of H2Nc·– to H2Nc0 and H2Nc2–. The H2Nc2– dianions in 1 form layers in which π–π stacks of H2Nc2– are formed along the a direction with a short interplanar distance of 3.30 Å and a HOMO–HOMO (HOMO = highest occupied molecular orbiatl) overlap integral of 3.1 × 10–3. The H2Nc2– macrocycle is distorted owing to the formation of alternate short and long C–N(imine) bonds. The distortion of the macrocycle increases with the negative charge on H2Nc owing to the occupation of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). Calculations indicate that the distortion disappears in the triplet state of H2Nc2– as the occupation of the LUMO and LUMO+1 orbitals averages their effects on the geometry of the macrocycle. The optical spectrum of 1 shows a lowest energy absorption band at λ = 1230 nm, which is attributed to the HOMO → LUMO+1 excitation and a blueshift of the Q‐band of H2Nc. The elecron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) silence of 1 indicates the diamagnetic singlet state of the H2Nc2– dianions. The DFT calculations indicate that the open‐shell broken‐symmetry singlet state is lower in energy than the corresponding closed‐shell singlet and triplet states. The large singlet–triplet energy gap indicates that the corresponding triplet state is thermally inaccessible.
Attachment to groups: Relationships with group esteem, self‐esteem, and investment in ingroups
Authors: DeMarco Tina C. , Newheiser Anna‐Kaisa
Published: April 2018

We apply a model of interpersonal attachment style to the group domain, examining how attachment to ingroups relates to self‐views, group esteem, and ingroup investment. In Study 1 (N = 306), participants completed measures of self‐esteem, group esteem, group attachment insecurity, and investment. Study 2 (N = 316) implemented a within‐subjects experimental design in which participants completed the same measures as in Study 1 with regard to ingroups they held in high versus low esteem. In both studies, the negative relationship between group esteem and group attachment avoidance was stronger among participants with higher self‐esteem, and the negative relationship between self‐esteem and group attachment anxiety was stronger for more esteemed ingroups. Over and above group esteem, group attachment anxiety was positively and avoidance negatively related to investment in ingroups. We integrated frameworks spanning group dynamics and close relationships to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals perceive their relationships with ingroups.
Square Wave‐Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Copper at a Bismuth Film/Glassy Carbon Electrode Using 3‐[(2‐Mercapto‐Vinyl)‐Hydrazono]‐ 1,3‐Dihydro‐Indol‐2‐One
Authors: Al‐Harbi Eman A. , El‐Shahawi Mohammad S.
Published: April 2018

This study reports a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on Bi film modified glassy carbon electrode (BiF/GCE) for total determination and speciation trace concentrations of copper(II) ions in environmental water samples. Square wave‐adsorptive anodic stripping voltammetric (SW‐ASV) experiment was performed for monitoring selective accumulation of copper(II) with reagent 3‐[(2‐mercapto‐vinyl)‐hydrazono]‐1,3‐dihydro‐indol‐2‐one (MHDI) at pH 9–10. The mechanism of the electrode reaction of Cu2+‐MHDI complex was safely assigned. The sensor exhibited a wide linear range (3.22×10−9–2.0×10−7 mol L−1) with lower limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 9.6×1−10 and 3.22×10−9 mol L−1, respectively (R2=0.9993). The proposed sensor exhibited interference from active metal ions e. g. Cd, Hg. The performance of the proposed method was compared successfully with most of the reported methods and comparable efficiencies were obtained. The analytical utility of the proposed SW‐ASV method has been successfully validated for trace analysis of copper(II) in environmental water samples. The method offers a precise, accurate approach with good reproducibility, robustness, ruggedness, and cost effectiveness.
Flexural behavior of fiber and nanoparticle reinforced concrete at high temperatures
Authors: Gao Danying , Zhao Liangping , Chen Gang
Published: April 2018

In this study, the flexural tests were conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, steel fiber, nano‐SiO2, and nano‐CaCO3 on flexural behavior of concrete at high temperatures. The load‐deflection curves of fiber and nanoparticle reinforced concrete (FNRC) were measured both at room and high temperatures. Test results show that the load‐deflection curves become flatter, and the flexural strength, peak deflection, and energy absorption capacity decrease seriously with the increase of temperature. Both steel fiber and nanoparticles could significantly improve the flexural behavior of the concrete at room and high temperatures. The energy absorption capacity of FNRC before the peak point increases with the increase of steel fiber volume fraction. The improvement of nano‐SiO2 on flexural strength of FNRC at high temperature is better than that at room temperature, but the enhancement on energy absorption capacity is reverse. Nano‐SiO2 is more effective than nano‐CaCO3 in improving flexural behavior of concrete both at room and high temperatures.
Consistency between S&P500 and VIX derivatives: Insights from model‐free VIX futures pricing
Authors: Hülsbusch Hendrik , Kraftschik Alexander
Published: April 2018

This paper studies the interdependencies between the VIX futures market and the S&P500 and VIX options markets using a model‐free pricing method for VIX futures. We show that the replication strategy for the VIX futures greatly deviates from observed prices. Limited strike ranges do not suffice to explain these deviations, whereas the options’ bid–ask spreads can explain most of it. After controlling for the spreads, we find a lead–lag structure between markets segmented by product, not by its underlying. If options markets imply higher volatility risks than VIX futures, options prices in both markets adjust and vice versa.
Improved score statistics for meta‐analysis in single‐variant and gene‐level association studies
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Chen Sai , Abecasis Gonçalo ,   IAMDGC
Published: April 2018

Meta‐analysis is now an essential tool for genetic association studies, allowing them to combine large studies and greatly accelerating the pace of genetic discovery. Although the standard meta‐analysis methods perform equivalently as the more cumbersome joint analysis under ideal settings, they result in substantial power loss under unbalanced settings with various case–control ratios. Here, we investigate the power loss problem by the standard meta‐analysis methods for unbalanced studies, and further propose novel meta‐analysis methods performing equivalently to the joint analysis under both balanced and unbalanced settings. We derive improved meta‐score‐statistics that can accurately approximate the joint‐score‐statistics with combined individual‐level data, for both linear and logistic regression models, with and without covariates. In addition, we propose a novel approach to adjust for population stratification by correcting for known population structures through minor allele frequencies. In the simulated gene‐level association studies under unbalanced settings, our method recovered up to 85% power loss caused by the standard methods. We further showed the power gain of our methods in gene‐level tests with 26 unbalanced studies of age‐related macular degeneration . In addition, we took the meta‐analysis of three unbalanced studies of type 2 diabetes as an example to discuss the challenges of meta‐analyzing multi‐ethnic samples. In summary, our improved meta‐score‐statistics with corrections for population stratification can be used to construct both single‐variant and gene‐level association studies, providing a useful framework for ensuring well‐powered, convenient, cross‐study analyses.
Crossing the Boundaries between Marine and Muguet: Discovery of Unusual Lily‐of‐the‐Valley Odorants Devoid of Aldehyde Functions
Authors: Jordi Samuel , Kraft Philip
Published: April 2018

Since 6‐isopropyl‐ (11) and 6‐isobutyl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]dioxepin‐3(4H)‐one (12) instead of the expected marine odor had been reported to possess lily‐of‐the‐valley notes, albeit weaker than benchmark odorants, the influence of a cyclopropyl ring instead of a methyl branching on the olfactory properties was investigated. 6‐Cyclopropyl‐ (27), 6‐(2′‐methylcyclopropyl)‐ (32) and 6‐(cyclopropylmethyl)‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]dioxepin‐3(4H)‐one (39) were thus synthesized from 2,3‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde (22) by a synthetic sequence consisting of Wittig methylenation/ethylenation/homologation with (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride, followed by cyclopropanation, demethylation, Williamson etherification with 3‐chloro‐2‐(chloromethyl)prop‐1‐ene, and Katsuki–Sharpless oxidation. The odor thresholds of the target structures 27, 32, and 39, which are all floral‐green lily‐of‐the‐valley odorants, lie in the range of that of Lilial (1), with the 6‐cyclopropyl derivative 27 being the most potent (th 0.065 ng/l air). Particularly impressive was the close resemblance of the 6‐(cyclopropylmethyl) derivative 39 with Bourgeonal (3), which was rationalized by a superposition analysis.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Cameroonians aged 50 years and older: A community‐based study
Authors: Tianyi Frank L. , Agbor Valirie N. , Njamnshi Alfred K.
Published: April 2018

Aims

To assess the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in a rural elderly population (50 y and older) in Cameroon; evaluate the rates of awareness, treatment, and control of HTN in this population; and describe factors associated with HTN in this population.

Methods and Results

A total of 501 participants aged 50 years and older were randomly recruited from May to July 2013 in a house‐to‐house survey of the Batibo Health District. Data were measured using standardized methods modelled after the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to Surveillance. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Chi‐square, Fisher's exact or Student T test were used to compare variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HTN in this population. In our study population, 31% of the participants were men, with a mean age of 65.4 ± 8 years; women had a mean age of 61.4 ± 9 years. The prevalence of HTN was 57.3% (95% CI, 52.9‐61.6). The awareness rate was 63.4%, treatment rate 96.7%, and control rate 32.4%. Being overweight/obese was independently associated with HTN in this group (odds ratio = 3.46; 95% CI, 2.38‐5.03; P < .001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HTN amongst the elderly in the Batibo Health District is high. Emphasis should be on patient education to improve the rates of blood pressure control amongst patients on treatment for HTN. Healthy lifestyle measures such as reduction in salt intake and increase in physical exercise should be encouraged amongst the elderly.
Quantitative association between body mass index and the risk of cancer: A global Meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Fang Xuexian , Wei Jiayu , He Xuyan , Lian Jia , Han Dan , An Peng , Zhou Tianhua , Liu Simin , Wang Fudi , Min Junxia
Published: April 2018

Numerous studies have suggested that excess body weight is associated with increased cancer risk. To examine this putative association, we performed a systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis of cohort studies reporting body mass index (BMI) and the risk of 23 cancer types. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cohort studies, yielding 325 articles with 1,525,052 cases. Strong positive associations were observed between BMI and endometrial cancer (RR: 1.48), esophageal adenocarcinoma (RR: 1.45), and kidney cancer (RR: 1.20); weaker associations (RR < 1.20) were also found for several other cancer types. Interestingly, we found significant inverse associations between BMI and oral cavity (RR: 0.93), lung (RR: 0.91), premenopausal breast (RR: 0.95), and localized prostate (RR: 0.97) cancers. A male‐specific association was found for colorectal cancer (p = 0.023), and a female‐specific association was found for cancer in brain (p = 0.025) or kidney (p = 0.035). With respect to geography, the strongest positive association was found for total cancer in North America (p = 0.038). This comprehensive meta‐analysis provides epidemiological evidence supporting the association between BMI and cancer risk. These findings can be used to drive public policies and to help guide personalized medicine in order to better manage body weight, thereby reducing the risk of developing obesity‐related cancer.
Calculation of the excited states properties of LH1 complex of Thermochromatium tepidum
Authors: Kozlov Maxim I. , Poddubnyy Vladimir V. , Glebov Ilya O.
Published: April 2018

Calculation of the excited states properties of pigment complexes is one of the key problems in the photosynthesis research. The excited states of LH1 complex of Thermochromatium tepidum were studied by means of the high‐precision quantum chemistry methods. The influence of different parameters of the calculation procedure was examined. The optimal scheme of calculation was chosen by comparison of calculated results with the experimental data on absorption, electronic and magnetic circular dichroism spectra. The high importance of the account of the second excited states of bacteriochlorophylls and of site heterogeneity was shown. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validating an abbreviated version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Gagné Jean‐Philippe , Van Kirk Nathaniel , Hernandez‐Vallant Alexandra , Potluri Sriramya , Krompinger Jason W. , Cattie Jordan E. , Garner Lauryn E. , Crosby Jesse M. , Brennan Brian P. , Elias Jason A.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

A shorter version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ‐44) is needed to promote the use of this measure in research and increase our understanding of cognitive phenomena maintaining obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, an abbreviated version of the OBQ‐44 would encourage frequent monitoring of dysfunctional beliefs in intensive care settings. This study aimed to validate a nine‐item version of the questionnaire (OBQ‐9).

Method

Participants seeking intensive/residential treatment for OCD (N = 311) completed relevant measures on a weekly basis and at admission and discharge.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the OBQ‐9′s factor structure replicated the three‐factor solution of the OBQ‐44. The OBQ‐9 demonstrated good psychometric properties and convergent validity and was sensitive to treatment effects. Finally, the OBQ‐9 subscales predicted specific OCD dimensions over and above depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The OBQ‐9 appears to be a psychometrically sound tool for routine outcome monitoring of dysfunctional beliefs in hospital‐based settings.
Dye‐containing wastewater treatment by photo‐assisted wet peroxidation using Au nanosized catalysts
Authors: Rodrigues Carmen SD , Silva Ricardo M , Carabineiro Sónia AC , Maldonado‐Hódar Francisco J , Madeira Luís M
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this study is to test different supports on which to deposit Au nanoparticles and to determine the most suitable for Orange II (OII) dye degradation by a photo‐assisted wet peroxidation (PWPO) process. The catalysts used (Au‐Fe2O3, Au‐TiO2, Au‐ZnO and Au‐Al2O3) were prepared by the deposition–precipitation method; a reference catalyst from the World Gold Council, hereafter denoted as Au‐Fe2O3*, was also used for comparison. The catalysts were characterized in terms of surface area (SBET), gold nanoparticles size, Au loading and Au oxidation state using several techniques (namely, nitrogen adsorption at −196°C, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy – XPS, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy – HR‐TEM). Several runs were carried out for each material, to evaluate its efficiency in OII dye degradation by the PWPO process.

Results

All catalysts reached OII dye removals of >96% and considerable total organic carbon (TOC) degradation – between 58.4% and 80.5%. The materials had negligible Au leaching, showing very good stability. For the catalyst with best performance (Au/Al2O3), a parametric study was carried out to assess the effect of different variables on dye and TOC removals. Under the best conditions, excellent efficiency of the advanced oxidation process was obtained. A simulated industrial acrylic dyeing effluent was also treated by PWPO and very good performance was reached, with removals up to 100%, 72.4% and 70.0% for color, TOC and COD, respectively, with only 2 h of reaction. Moreover, there was an improvement in biodegradability and a non‐toxic effluent was generated.

Conclusions

PWPO using nano‐sized gold‐based catalysts proved to be a promising technique for the degradation of pollutants in water. The used gold supports have an important role in the efficiency of the process. The best catalyst was obtained using large surface area Al2O3 as support, although no leaching of gold was found for any of the catalysts. The mineralization degree improved under radiation due the formation of hydroxyl radicals, being reached total dye removal and a decrease of the TOC values greater than 90%. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
New trends and applications in cyanation isotope chemistry
Authors: Derdau Volker
Published: April 2018

In this review, newly developed cyanation methods are evaluated in regards to their usefulness in synthetic isotope chemistry. In combination with already established protocols in 13/14C‐ or 11C‐isotope chemistry, this manuscript should help isotope scientists to choose the best possible method for their scientific cyanation problem, but with the main focus on 14C‐applications. Perhaps, most promising of the described novel cyanation reaction is the decarboxylation‐cyanation‐hydrolysis approach which makes a 1‐step late‐stage functionalization procedure possible.
Quantification of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in Alzheimer's disease mouse model using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Huang Qionglin , Xu Simin , Mo Mingming , Yang Qingjin , Li Jian , Zhong Yu , Zhang Junjie , Zhang Lijian , Ye Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhou , Cai Chun
Published: April 2018

Ambiguous alteration patterns of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) obstructed the mechanism investigation of this neurological disorder from epigenetic view. Here, we applied a fully quantitative and validated LC‐MS/MS method to determine genomic 5mC and 5hmC in the brain cortex of 3 month‐aged (12, 15, and 18 month) AD model mouse and found significant increases of 5mC and 5hmC levels in different months of AD mouse when compared with age‐matched wild‐type control and exhibited rising trend from 12‐month to 18‐month AD mouse, thereby supporting genomic DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were positively correlated with developing AD.
Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquid as Modulator of Physicochemical Properties of Cationic, Anionic, Nonionic, and Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Kumar Amit , Banjare Manoj K. , Sinha Srishti , Yadav Toshikee , Sahu Reshma , Satnami Manmohan L. , Ghosh Kallol K.
Published: April 2018

The aggregation morphology of 2 cationic surfactants (cetyldimethylethanolammonium bromide and cetyldiethylethanolammonium bromide), an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), a nonionic surfactant (Triton X‐100), and 2 gemini surfactants (16‐4‐16,2Br−[butanediyi‐1,4‐bis(dimethyldohexylammonium bromide)] and 16‐6‐16,2Br−[hexanediyi‐1,6‐bis(dimethyldohexylammonium bromide)]) in the presence of the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazoliumbromide [Emim][Br] is studied using various techniques such as surface tension, conductivity, and UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Increasing the concentration of [Emim][Br] results in a decrease in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the surfactants. Various interfacial properties, namely the surface excess concentration (Гmax), minimum area per molecule at the air–water interface (Amin), and surface pressure at the CMC (πcmc), as well as the thermodynamic parameters such as free energy of the given air/water interface (), Gibbs free energy of micelle formation (), Gibbs free energy of micellization per alkyl tail (), Gibbs energy of transfer (), and standard free energy of adsorption () were also investigated. The aggregation number (Nagg) was determined by the fluorescence method. It was observed that Nagg decreased with increasing weight‐percent of the IL.
Rat Small Intestinal Mucosal Epithelial Cells Absorb Dietary 1,3‐Diacylglycerol Via Phosphatidic Acid Pathways
Authors: Xu Tongcheng , Li Jianpeng , Zou Jiayong , Qiu Bin , Liu Wei , Lin Xinying , Li Duo , Liu Zhenhua , Du Fangling
Published: April 2018

Compared with triacylglycerol (TAG), dietary 1,3‐diacylglycerol (1,3‐DAG) is associated with reduced serum lipid and glucose levels. We investigated the metabolism of 1,3‐DAG by assaying its intermediate metabolites during digestion and absorption in the rat small intestine. After gavage with TAG emulsion, TAG was digested mainly to 2‐monoacylglycerol (2‐MAG) and unesterified fatty acid (FFA) in the rat small intestinal lumen. 2‐MAG was directly absorbed into the small intestinal epithelial cells and esterified to 1,2(2,3)‐DAG, and further esterified to TAG. After gavage with 1,3‐DAG emulsion, 1,3‐DAG was digested mainly to 1(3)‐MAG and FFA in the rat small intestinal lumen with subsequent significant increase of 1‐MAG and 1,3‐DAG concentrations in small intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, and the 2‐MAG, 1,2(2,3)‐DAG, and TAG concentrations in mucosal epithelial cells were not significantly different after 1,3‐DAG than after TAG gavage, suggesting that the metabolic pathway of 1,3‐DAG is different from that of TAG. In intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, we further assayed enzyme levels and gene expression of proteins in the phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) pathway. The glycerol kinase, phosphatidate phosphatase, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase‐2 expression and the relative expression of mRNA of enzymes were significantly increased in the 1,3‐DAG group compared with the TAG group, suggesting that TAG synthesis from dietary 1,3‐DAG was mainly via PtdOH pathways, which may partially account for the effect of dietary DAG on postprandial serum TAG.
The Temperature‐Responsive Nanoassemblies of Amphiphilic Random Copolymers Carrying Poly(siloxane) and Poly(oxyethylene) Pendant Chains
Authors: Martinelli Elisa , Annunziata Luisa , Guazzelli Elisa , Pucci Andrea , Biver Tarita , Galli Giancarlo
Published: April 2018

Novel amphiphilic random copolymers carrying poly(oxyethylene) and poly(siloxane) pendant chains are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization starting from either a fluorescent, julolidine‐based initiator, or a nonfluorescent initiator. For both copolymer systems, dynamic light scattering measurements carried out on aqueous solutions as a function of temperature reveal the occurrence of a sharp and fully reversible transition between two different self‐associative states of individual, single‐chain self‐folded nanoassemblies, so‐called unimer micelles, (Dh= 8–10 nm) and collapsed multichain aggregates (Dh= 700–1400 nm) at a critical temperatureTc. Covalently linked julolidine terminal and added ethidium bromide are separately used as fluorescent probes and both prove the temperature‐dependence of the different self‐association of the copolymers in water.
A synergy study of zinc borate in halloysite nanotube reinforced, siloxane epoxy base intumescent fire resistive coatings
Authors: Gillani Q.F. , Ahmad F. , Melor P.S. , Mutlib M.I.A. , Ullah S.
Published: April 2018

This study focuses the combined effects of halloysite nanotubes and zinc borate in siloxane epoxy base intumescent formulation when used with traditional intumescent ingredients e. g. ammonium polyphosphate, melamine and expandable graphite. Zinc borate was substituted in halloysite nanotube reinforced siloxane epoxy base intumesce fire retardant coatings and their effects on char morphology, char expansion, fire performance and thermal stability were characterized through field emission scanning electron microscopy, bunsen burner fire test and thermogravimetric analysis. During intumescent reaction, polydimethylsiloxane form char residue containing silica on the material surface and zinc borate, an inorganic flame retardant, releases boron oxide (B2O3) which effectively contribute to the char formation. Present study suggests that the existing synergism between polydimethylsiloxane and zinc borate is the result of chemical reaction via forming cross‐linking B–O–Si structure. At the same time, alumina‐siloxane film develops over the external layer of char due to release of alumina from halloysite nanotubes. Consequently, silicon, aluminum and boron elements together contribute to the integrity of char residue layer with better quality, achieving obviously improved flame retardancy compared to previous fire retardant systems.
Electrochemical behaviour study of laser deposited titanium‐tin coatings on ASTM A29 steel in saline environment
Authors: Fatoba O.S. , Akinlabi E.T. , Akinlabi S.A.
Published: April 2018

Laser alloying of titanium–tin coating on ASTM A29 steel was carried out using a 3‐kW continuous wave ytterbium laser system controlled by a KUKA robot which controls the movement of the nozzle head and emitting a Gaussian beam at 1064 nm. The corresponding microstructure, phase structure, microhardness profiles, and corrosion properties of the laser‐alloyed coatings were investigated, and the coatings were homogenous and free of cracks. Microhardness test indicates that the laser‐alloyed Ti‐50Sn at 0.8 m/min coating has the highest microhardness. Also, corrosion resistance performance measurement in 3.65 wt.% saline environment reveals that the corrosion resistance of the laser‐alloyed titanium‐tin coatings are much better than that of the ASTM A29 steel. At scanning speed of 0.8 m/min, sample B1 exhibited the highest polarization resistance Rp (23323 Ω⋅cm2), lowest corrosion current density Icorr (1.93⋅10‐6 A/cm2), and lowest corrosion rate Cr (0.0225 mm/a) in saline environment. The polarization resistance Rp (23323 Ω⋅cm2) is 1785.4 mm/a‐times the polarization of the ASTM A29 steel substrate. The microhardness of Ti‐50Sn at scanning speed of 0.8 m/min is 2.4‐times (57.86 %) than that of ASTM A29 steel (118 HV0.1). The microhardness increases with decreasing tin content in the titanium matrix. The improved surface properties were attributed to major hard phases of iron‐tin (FeSn2), and iron‐tin‐titanium (FeSnTi).
Analysation of performances of CNC high speed milling machine using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as additives in cutting fluid
Authors: Badiuzaman W.N.I. Wan , Karim M.S. Ab , Derahman N.A. , Amran N.A. Mohd , Isa M.A. Mohd
Published: April 2018

High quality products produced by computerized numerical control machining has a high demand in the industry due to its effect on product appearance, function, and reliability. In order to improve its quality, the application of nano‐cutting fluid system can significantly reduce the cutting forces, surface roughness and cutting temperature as the nanoparticles are known as superior in reducing the friction between the workpiece‐tool. In this study, nano‐cutting fluid containing multi‐wall carbon nanotubes mixed with vegetable oil is developed and applied to the cutting process of aluminium alloy Al6061 which employed minimum quantity lubricant to increase the effectiveness of the nano‐cutting fluid. Surface roughness and cutting forces are analyzed by using signal‐to‐noise response analysis and the analysis of variance (Pareto ANOVA) to determine the optimum parameter of the experiment. The experiment shows the combinations of nanoparticle concentration (A2, 0.2 %), cutting speed (B1, 1000 min‐1), feed rate (C3, 200 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest cutting force, nanoparticle concentration (A3, 0.8 %), cutting speed (B1, 1000 min‐1), feed rate (C2, 150 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest cutting temperature and nanoparticle concentration (A2, 0.2 %), cutting speed (B2, 2000 min‐1), feed rate (C2, 150 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest surface roughness.
A seasonal study of a passive abandoned coalmine drainage remediation system reveals three distinct zones of contaminant levels and microbial communities
Authors: Valkanas Michelle M. , Trun Nancy J.
Published: April 2018

A passive remediation system that treats coalmine drainage was sampled to determine the impact seasonal changes had on water quality and microbial diversity. Every quarter for 1 year, water‐soil slurries were collected at the influent of the 5 settling ponds and the wetlands, and the effluent of the system. The concentration of 12 metals and sulfate, as well as sequences from the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rrn genes were determined. The water quality analysis revealed high levels of iron and sulfate, and measurable levels of Al, Ba, Cu, Pb, Mn, Sr, and Zn. Iron increased 25‐fold in the summer and spikes in metal concentrations were observed during several seasons in pond 3 and the wetlands. These spikes cannot be explained by abiotic chemical reactions in the neutral pH found in the pond. Based on contaminant levels and microbial community composition, our results indicate that there were 3 unique environments in the system (ponds 1 and 2; pond 3; pond 4 through the end) and that changes in contaminant levels and bacterial composition in these environments correlated with seasonal variation. Iron and sulfate are the most prevalent contaminants in the system. An examination of sequences from known iron‐ and sulfur‐cycling bacteria demonstrated that there were more iron‐reducing (IRB) bacterial sequences than iron‐oxidizing (IOB) (137,912 IRB vs. 98,138 IOB), the two groups of bacteria were found mainly in the fall and winter samples, and were prevalent in different ponds. There were more sulfur/sulfide‐oxidizing (SOB) bacterial sequences than sulfur/sulfate‐reducing (SRB) bacterial sequences (72,978 SOB vs 30,504 SRB), they were found mainly in the fall and winter samples, and the sequences were mixed in ponds 4, 5 and the wetlands effluent. Iron is remediated in this system but sulfate is not.
Robust quantitative contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy CT for radiotherapy applications
Authors: Lapointe Andréanne , Lalonde Arthur , Bahig Houda , Carrier Jean‐François , Bedwani Stéphane , Bouchard Hugo
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate accurate methods for determining iodine content and virtual noncontrast maps of physical parameters, such as electron density, in the context of radiotherapy.

Methods

A simulation environment is developed to compare three methods allowing extracting iodine content and virtual noncontrast composition: (a) two‐material decomposition, (b) three‐material decomposition with the conservation of volume constraint, and (c) eigentissue decomposition. The simulation allows comparing the performance of the methods using iodine‐based contrast agent contents in tissues from a reference dataset with variable density and elemental composition. The comparison is performed in two ways: (a) with a priori knowledge on the composition of the targeted tissue, and (b) without a priori knowledge on the base tissue. The three methods are tested with patient images scanned with dual‐energy CT and iodine‐based contrast agent. An experimental calibration adapted to the presence of iodine is performed by imaging tissue equivalent materials and diluted contrast agent solutions with known atomic composition.

Results

Results show that in the case of known a priori on the composition of the targeted tissue, the two‐material decomposition is robust to variable densities and atomic compositions without biasing the results. In the absence of a priori knowledge on the target tissue composition, the eigentissue decomposition method yields minimal bias and higher robustness to variations. Results from the experimental calibration and the images of two patients show that the extracted quantities are accurate and the bias is negligible for both methods with respect to clinical applications in their respective scope of use. For the patient imaged with a contrast agent, virtual noncontrast electron densities are found in good agreement with values extracted from the scan without contrast agent.

Conclusion

This study identifies two accurate methods to quantify iodine‐based contrast agents and virtual noncontrast composition images with dual‐energy CT. One is the two‐material decomposition with a priori knowledge of the constituent components focused on organ‐specific applications, such as kidney or lung function assessment. The other method is the eigentissue decomposition and is useful for general radiotherapy applications, such as treatment planning where accurate dose calculations are needed in the absence of contrast agent.
Dielectric spectroscopy of nanocomposites based on iPP and aPS treated in the water solutions of alkali metal salts
Authors: Petronijevic Ivan M. , Cerovic Dragana D. , Dudic Dusko A. , Dojcilovic Jablan R. , Dojcinovic Biljana P. , Pergal Marija V.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a new simple and environmentally friendly treatment technique for obtaining polymer nanocomposites with appropriate dielectric properties has been presented. Sheets of isotactic polypropylene and atactic polystyrene were immersed in 3 saturated water solutions of alkali metal salts (LiCl, NaCl, and KCl) at 2 fixed temperatures (23°C and 90°C), and 3 DC electrical potentials (+4 kV, −4 kV, and ground potential) were applied. A quantification of alkali metals in the polymer sheets was conducted by inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry. The obtained concentration values were from 7.38·10−9 mol/cm3 to 1.25·10−7 mol/cm3. The qualitative analysis of potassium distribution in the polymer matrix was conducted by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry cross‐sectional record. The relative dielectric constant (ε′) of samples was investigated in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 9 MHz at the constant temperature of 22°C. Stable values of ε′ in fully measured frequency range were observed for both pure and treated samples. Next, the results of the dielectric spectroscopy measurements were compared and established the kind of treatment that provided the highest value of ε′. The relationship between the concentrations of alkali metals and the values of relative dielectric constant was determined for the samples obtained by a treatment at 90°C and +4 kV.
Barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive health communication between pediatric oncology clinicians and adolescent and young adult patients: The clinician perspective
Authors: Frederick Natasha N. , Campbell Kevin , Kenney Lisa B. , Moss Kerry , Speckhart Ashley , Bober Sharon L.
Published: April 2018

Background

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is identified by adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer as an important but often neglected aspect of their comprehensive cancer care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of pediatric oncology clinicians towards discussing SRH with AYAs, and to understand perceived barriers to effective communication in current practice.

Procedure

Pediatric oncology clinicians (physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews investigating attitudes about SRH communication with AYAs and barriers to such conversations. Twenty‐two clinicians participated from seven institutions in the Northeastern United States. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Interviews with pediatric oncology clinicians revealed the following five primary themes: the role for pediatric oncology clinicians to discuss SRH, the focus of current SRH conversations on fertility, the meaning of “sexual health” as safe sex and contraception only, clinician‐reported barriers to SRH conversations, and the need for education and support. Communication barriers included lack of knowledge/experience, lack of resources/referrals, low priority, parents/family, patient discomfort, clinician discomfort, time, and lack of rapport. Clinicians identified resource and support needs, including formal education and SRH education materials for patients and families.

Conclusions

Although the study participants identified a role for pediatric oncology clinicians in SRH care for AYA patients with cancer, multiple barriers interfere with such discussions taking place on a regular basis. Future efforts must focus on resource development and provider education and training in SRH to optimize the care provided to this unique patient population.
Interferometric determination of the physical properties of annealed isotactic polypropylene fibers
Authors: Yassien Khaled M. , Abd‐Elrahman Magda , El‐Bakary Mohamed A.
Published: April 2018

Automated variable wavelength interference microscope was used to study the effect of annealing process on the physical properties of isotactic polypropylene fibers (4:1 draw ratio, 515 tex, Bolton UK). The isotactic polypropylene (iPP) fibers were annealed at temperatures ranging from 60°C to 140°C. The spectral dispersion curves of refractive indices and birefringence of iPP fibers were determined at different annealing temperatures. The resulting data were used to determine the optical orientation function, orientation angle, degree of crystallinity, and dispersion parameters of the annealed samples. The study indicates that, the measured birefringence, orientation function, and the dispersion of crystallinity of iPP fibers have been improved with the increasing of annealing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:35–41, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Field‐evolved resistance of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton expressing crystal 1Ac (Cry1Ac) and Cry2Ab in India
Authors: Naik Vakudavath CB , Kumbhare Sujit , Kranthi Sandhya , Satija Usha , Kranthi Keshav R
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Pink bollworm (PBW) adaptation to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton expressing crystal 1Ac (Cry1Ac) (Bt‐I) and Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab (Bt‐II) was assessed in India during 2010–2017 in 38 districts of the 10 major cotton‐growing states.

RESULTS

PBW larval incidence on Bt cotton was nil in northern India, wherein the resistance ratios (RRs) to Cry1Ac were 26–262 and those to Cry2Ab were 1–108. In central and southern India, the annual average PBW larval recovery from Bt II cotton was high at 28.85–72.49% during 2014–2017. In central and southern India, the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of Cry1Ac increased from a mean of 0.330 µg mL−1 (range 0.126–0.849 µg mL−1) in 2013 to a mean of 6.938 µg mL−1 (range 3.52 to 10.30 µg mL−1) in 2017 and the RR increased from a mean of 47.12 (range 18–121) in 2013 to a mean of 1387 (704–2060) in 2017, whereas the LC50 value for Cry2Ab increased from a mean of 0.014 µg mL−1 (range 0.004–0.094 µg mL−1) in 2013 to a mean of 12.51 µg mL−1 (range 3.92 to 28.10 µg mL−1) in 2017 and the RR increased from a mean of 5.4 (range 1–31) in 2013 to a mean of 4196 (1306–9366) in 2017.

CONCLUSION

High PBW larval recovery on Bt‐II in conjunction with high LC50 values for Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab in major cotton‐growing districts of central and southern India provides evidence of field‐evolved resistance in PBW to Bt‐I and Bt‐II cotton. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multifunctional Flexible Device Based on Phosphor on Piezoelectric Polymer: Lighting, Speaking, and Pressure‐Light Converting
Authors: Lee Sunghoon , Kang Taewook , Lee Wunho , Afandi Mohammad M. , Ryu Jongho , Kim Jongsu , Son Semo
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the tri‐functional flexible device by using ZnS powder as phosphor layer and flexible piezoelectric polymer as dielectric layer is demonstrated. The fabricated device generates the electroluminescent (EL) light from the phosphor and the sound from the piezoelectric sheet under a supply of external electric power, and additionally harvests the mechanical energy harvesting to be converted into EL light. Under sinusoidal applied voltage, the EL luminances are exponentially increased, to our best knowledge, with the best‐record luminous efficiency of 10 lm W−1 at 100 V and 400 Hz, and the sound pressure levels (SPLs) are linearly increased. The EL luminances are linearly dependent on the applied frequency while the SPLs show the parabolic increase behavior below 2000 Hz and then flat response. The temperature dependence on the EL luminances and the SPLs is demonstrated; the former is drastically increased and the latter is slightly decreased with the increase of temperature. Finally, as an energy harvesting application, the piezoelectric electroluminescence effect is demonstrated by applying the external pressure on the device without electric power. This trifunctional device is expected to be applicable to emergency warning system, advertising panel, and remote stress sensor in both power‐on and ‐off circumstances.
Therapeutic effect of Northern Labrador tea extracts for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: McGill Colin M. , Tomco Patrick L. , Ondrasik Regina M. , Belknap Kaitlyn C. , Dwyer Gaelen K. , Quinlan Daniel J. , Kircher Thomas A. , Andam Cheryl P. , Brown Timothy J. , Claxton David F. , Barth Brian M.
Published: April 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy that is one of the more common pediatric malignancies in addition to occurring with high incidence in the aging population. Unfortunately, these patient groups are quite sensitive to toxicity from chemotherapy. Northern Labrador tea, or Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja (a.k.a. Ledum palustre subsp. decumbens) or “tundra tea,” is a noteworthy medicinal plant used by indigenous peoples in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland to treat a diversity of ailments. However, laboratory investigations of Northern Labrador tea, and other Labrador tea family members, as botanical sources for anticancer compounds have been limited. Utilizing an AML cell line in both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as in vitro studies using primary human AML patient samples, this study demonstrated for the first time that Northern Labrador tea extracts can exert anti‐AML activity and that this may be attributed to ursolic acid as a constituent component. Therefore, this medicinal herb holds the potential to serve as a source for further drug discovery efforts to isolate novel anti‐AML compounds.