bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An electrochemical surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic study on nanorod‐structured lithium prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Tang Shuai , Gu Yu , Yi Jun , Zeng Zhicong , Ding Song‐Yuan , Yan Jia‐Wei , Wu De‐Yin , Ren Bin , Tian Zhong‐Qun , Mao Bing‐Wei
Published: July 2016

Lithium is an s‐electron metal which is expected to support surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. But the experimental investigation of the SERS effect of Li was reported once under high vacuum condition because of its extremely active surface chemistry. However, such investigations become increasingly important with stimulation by the active researches in lithium‐based batteries. In this paper, we present an electrochemical Raman spectroscopic study of electrochemically prepared Li surface combined with a simulation on the enhancement factor. Electrochemical roughening of Li foil surface and electrodeposition of Li on copper substrates are employed to prepare Li nanostructures. Only the nanorod arrays prepared by the electrodeposition on Cu in the electrolyte of LiPF6–PC–H2O or LiPF6–EC–DMC–H2O appear to be effective for obtaining the SERS effect. The spectra show two broad yet dominant bands at 720 and 1020 cm−1, which are considered to arise mainly from combined contribution by LiOH and LiF (720 cm−1) and LiF and Li2CO3 (1020 cm−1) contained in the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the nanorod‐structured Li surface. The enhancement factor is calculated for coupled nanorods of ca. 240 nm in diameter, which is about 30 and 7 times for 638 and 532‐nm excitations, respectively. Experimentally, the signals with 638‐nm laser excitation are two to three times stronger than those with 532‐nm laser excitation. The SERS effect of Li may provide a useful and convenient in‐situ method to follow the SEI evolution process in lithium‐based batteries without introducing extra SPR active metals that may have impact on the performance of the Li anode. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a generic high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous separation and determination of six cough ingredients: Robustness study on core–shell particles
Authors: Yehia Ali Mohamed , Essam Hebatallah Mohamed
Published: July 2016

A generally applicable high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of pharmaceutical preparations containing phenylephrine hydrochloride, paracetamol, ephedrine hydrochloride, guaifenesin, doxylamine succinate, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide is developed. Optimization of chromatographic conditions was performed for the gradient elution using different buffer pH values, flow rates and two C18 stationary phases. The method was developed using a Kinetex® C18 column as a core–shell stationary phase with a gradient profile using buffer pH 5.0 and acetonitrile at 2.0 mL/min flow rate. Detection was carried out at 220 nm and linear calibrations were obtained for all components within the studied ranges. The method was fully validated in agreement with ICH guidelines. The proposed method is specific, accurate and precise (RSD% < 3%). Limits of detection are lower than 2.0 μg/mL. Qualitative and quantitative responses were evaluated using experimental design to assist the method robustness. The method was proved to be highly robust against 10% change in buffer pH and flow rate (RSD% < 10%), however, the flow rate may significantly influence the quantitative responses of phenylephrine, paracetamol, and doxylamine (RSD% > 10%). Satisfactory results were obtained for commercial combinations analyses. Statistical comparison between the proposed chromatographic and official methods revealed no significant difference.
Tandem mass spectral libraries of peptides and their roles in proteomics research
Authors: Shao Wenguang , Lam Henry
Published: July 2016

Proteomics is a rapidly maturing field aimed at the high‐throughput identification and quantification of all proteins in a biological system. The cornerstone of proteomic technology is tandem mass spectrometry of peptides resulting from the digestion of protein mixtures. The fragmentation pattern of each peptide ion is captured in its tandem mass spectrum, which enables its identification and acts as a fingerprint for the peptide. Spectral libraries are simply searchable collections of these fingerprints, which have taken on an increasingly prominent role in proteomic data analysis. This review describes the historical development of spectral libraries in proteomics, details the computational procedures behind library building and searching, surveys the current applications of spectral libraries, and discusses the outstanding challenges. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:634–648, 2017.
Nutzung von Low‐Transformation‐Temperature‐Werkstoffen (LTT) zur Eigenspannungsreduzierung im Elektronenstrahlschweißprozess
Authors: Reisgen U. , Olschok S. , Gach S.
Published: July 2016

Zur Reduzierung des Verzugs und der Zugeigenspannung in Schweißnähten an Kohlenstoff‐Mangan‐Stählen wurden Low‐Transformation‐Temperature Werkstoffe (LTT) konzipiert. Sie bedienen sich des Volumenexpansionseffekts während einer martensitischen Umwandlung, diese Volumenexpansion wirkt der Volumenschrumpfung während der Abkühlung entgegen. Die positiven Effekte dieser Low‐Transformation‐Temperature‐Legierungen auf die Zugeigenspannungsbelastung wurden in verschiedenen Untersuchungen bewiesen. Die Low‐Transformation‐Temperature‐Werkstoffe wurden bisher großvolumig als Zusatzmaterial in Lichtbogenschweißprozessen eingesetzt. Der Einsatz modulare Wärmefelder des Elektronenstrahlprozess bietet das Potenzial eines zeitlich aktivierten Einsatzes der Druckspannungsinduzierung durch Phasenumwandlung der Low‐Transformation‐Temperature‐Legierungen. Ziel ist eine in‐situ Einflussnahme auf den Schweißeigenspannungszustand und damit den Verzug komplexer Bauteile. Vorgestellt wird in einem ersten Ansatz das Verhalten eines Low‐Transformation‐Temperature‐Werkstoffs im Elektronenstrahlprozess.
Ion acoustic solitary wave solutions of two‐dimensional nonlinear Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Burgers equation in quantum plasma
Authors: Seadawy Aly R.
Published: July 2016

Propagation of two‐dimensional nonlinear ion‐acoustic solitary waves and shocks in a dissipative quantum plasma is analyzed. By applying the reductive perturbation theory, the two‐dimensional ion acoustic solitary waves in a dissipative quantum plasma lead to a nonlinear Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Burgers (KPB) equation. By implementing extended direct algebraic mapping, extended sech‐tanh, and extended direct algebraic sech methods, the ion solitary traveling wave solutions of the two‐dimensional nonlinear KPB equation are investigated. An analytical as well as numerical solution of the two‐dimensional nonlinear KPB equation is obtained and analyzed with the effects of external electric field and ion pressure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptomic analysis of different stages of pigeon ovaries by RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Xu Xiaoqin , Zhao Xuting , Lu Lizhi , Duan Xiujun , Qin Haorong , Du Xue , Li Guoqin , Tao Zhengrong , Zhong Shengliang , Wang Genlin
Published: July 2016

The pigeon ovary is an ideal model for deciphering the molecular mechanism of folliculogenesis. While most analysis has focused on the influence of hormones and factors on ovarian follicle development in this model, changes occurring in the ovarian stroma can also be extremely informative. Here, we profiled the transcriptome of pigeon ovaries at pre‐ovulation, post‐ovulation, and 5–6 days after ovulation using RNA‐sequencing to gain insights into the molecular and cellular events mediating ovary activity. We obtained 44,784,505 clean reads that aligned with 14,088 genes. Gene expression profile analysis identified 409 differentially expressed genes between pre‐ and post‐ovulation; 96 genes were up‐regulated genes while 313 genes were down‐regulated. Gene ontology analysis of the down‐regulated genes revealed significant enrichment in components of the immune response, immune system, antigen processing and presentation, receptor binding, and biological adhesion. Pathway analyses of the high‐expression genes of the post‐ovulation ovary identified enrichment in phagosomes, lysosomes, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, cell adhesion molecules, and the Toll‐like receptor signaling. These data together suggest that post‐ovulatory follicle regression and elimination occurs through an immune response. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 640–648, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Function and regulation of microRNA‐31 in development and disease
Authors: Stepicheva Nadezda A. , Song Jia L.
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that orchestrate numerous cellular processes both under normal physiological conditions as well as in diseases. This review summarizes the functional roles and transcriptional regulation of the highly evolutionarily conserved miRNA, microRNA‐31 (miR‐31). miR‐31 is an important regulator of embryonic implantation, development, bone and muscle homeostasis, and immune system function. Its own regulation is disrupted during the onset and progression of cancer and autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Limited studies suggest that miR‐31 is transcriptionally regulated by epigenetics, such as methylation and acetylation, as well as by a number of transcription factors. Overall, miR‐31 regulates diverse cellular and developmental processes by targeting genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 654–674, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination and Modeling of Mechanical Properties for Graphene Nanoplatelet/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Klimek‐McDonald Danielle R. , King Julia A. , Miskioglu Ibrahim , Pineda Evan J. , Odegard Greg M.
Published: July 2016

Structural components of modern aircraft, such as the fuselage and control surfaces, are commonly constructed using carbon‐filled polymer composites. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) to traditional fiber‐reinforced composites often increases the tensile modulus. In this work, composites were fabricated with epoxy (EPON 862 with EPIKURE Curing Agent W) and 1–4 wt% (0.6–2.44 vol%) GNP. The GNP used in this study was Asbury Carbon's TC307. To the authors' knowledge, mechanical data for composites with TC307 have not been published before. Composite specimens were tested for macroscopic tensile modulus and modulus as determined by nanoindentation. The macroscopic tensile modulus increased from 2.72 GPa for neat epoxy to 2.93 GPa for 4 wt% (2.44 vol%) TC307 in epoxy. The modulus as determined by nanoindentation showed a similar trend. For all these composites, the tensile strength ranged from 76 to 81 MPa. A multiscale modeling approach, using molecular dynamics data and micromechanical modeling, was used to verify the experimental data, and both experiments and modeling demonstrated that a three‐dimensional random dispersion of GNP (∼3 to 4 layers) in epoxy was achieved. The constant level of strength with GNP loading is important in applications where GNP is added to the epoxy matrix to increase thermal and electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1845–1851, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of rigid polyurethane foams with carbamide and borate groups
Authors: Zarzyka Iwona
Published: July 2016

The results of research on the application of hydroxyethyl urea derivatives modified with boron as polyol components to produce foamed polyurethane materials are presented. The obtained rigid polyurethane foams are characterized by good heat‐insulating parameters and decreased flammability. The decrease in flammability of the foams follows from the presence of boron and increased nitrogen content, resulting from the use of polyol with urea groups. The incorporation of boron into the foam structure also results in a substantial increase in the compression strength, compared to classic foams and to non‐boron‐modified ones. The self‐extinguishing foams of high mechanical strength can find application as heat‐insulating construction elements for the building industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
An inhaled dose of budesonide induces genes involved in transcription and signaling in the human airways: enhancement of anti‐ and proinflammatory effector genes
Authors: Leigh Richard , Mostafa Mahmoud M. , King Elizabeth M. , Rider Christopher F. , Shah Suharsh , Dumonceaux Curtis , Traves Suzanne L. , McWhae Andrew , Kolisnik Tyler , Kooi Cora , Slater Donna M. , Kelly Margaret M. , Bieda Mark , Miller‐Larsson Anna , Newton Robert
Published: July 2016

Although inhaled glucocorticoids, or corticosteroids (ICS), are generally effective in asthma, understanding their anti‐inflammatory actions in vivo remains incomplete. To characterize glucocorticoid‐induced modulation of gene expression in the human airways, we performed a randomized placebo‐controlled crossover study in healthy male volunteers. Six hours after placebo or budesonide inhalation, whole blood, bronchial brushings, and endobronchial biopsies were collected. Microarray analysis of biopsy RNA, using stringent (≥2‐fold, 5% false discovery rate) or less stringent (≥1.25‐fold, P ≤ 0.05) criteria, identified 46 and 588 budesonide‐induced genes, respectively. Approximately two third of these genes are transcriptional regulators (KLF9, PER1, TSC22D3, ZBTB16), receptors (CD163, CNR1, CXCR4, LIFR, TLR2), or signaling genes (DUSP1, NFKBIA, RGS1, RGS2, ZFP36). Listed genes were qPCR verified. Expression of anti‐inflammatory and other potentially beneficial genes is therefore confirmed and consistent with gene ontology (GO) terms for negative regulation of transcription and gene expression. However, GO terms for transcription, signaling, metabolism, proliferation, inflammatory responses, and cell movement were also associated with the budesonide‐induced genes. The most enriched functional cluster indicates positive regulation of proliferation, locomotion, movement, and migration. Moreover, comparison with the budesonide‐induced expression profile in primary human airway epithelial cells shows considerable cell type specificity. In conclusion, increased expression of multiple genes, including the transcriptional repressor, ZBTB16, that reduce inflammatory signaling and gene expression, occurs in the airways and blood and may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of ICS. This provides a previously lacking insight into the in vivo effects of ICS and should promote strategies to improve glucocorticoid efficacy in inflammatory diseases.
A novel thiophene‐3‐carboxamide analog of annonaceous acetogenin exhibits antitumor activity via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I
Authors: Akatsuka Akinobu , Kojima Naoto , Okamura Mutsumi , Dan Shingo , Yamori Takao
Published: July 2016

Previously we synthesized JCI‐20679, a novel thiophene‐3‐carboxamide analog of annonaceous acetogenins which have shown potent antitumor activity, with no serious side effects, in mouse xenograft models. In this study, we investigated the antitumor mechanism of JCI‐20679. The growth inhibition profile (termed “fingerprint”) of this agent across a panel of 39 human cancer cell lines (termed “JFCR39”) was measured; this fingerprint was analyzed by the COMPARE algorithm utilizing the entire drug sensitivity database for the JFCR39 panel. The JCI‐20679‐specific fingerprint exhibited a high similarity to those of two antidiabetic biguanides and a natural rotenoid deguelin which were already known to be mitochondrial complex I inhibitors. In addition, the fingerprint exhibited by JCI‐20679 was not similar to that displayed by any typical anticancer drugs within the database, suggesting that it has a unique mode of action. In vitro experiments using bovine heart‐derived mitochondria showed direct inhibition of mitochondrial complex I by JCI‐20679 and associated derivatives. This inhibition of enzymatic activity positively correlated with tumor cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, a fluorescently labeled derivative of JCI‐20679 localized to the mitochondria of live cancer cells in vitro. These results suggest that JCI‐20679 can inhibit cancer cell growth by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I. Our results show that JCI‐20679 is a novel anticancer drug lead with a unique mode of action.
Exceptional elastic anisotropy of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3 measured by laser ultrasonic technique
Authors: Lomonosov Alexey M. , Yan Xiaoliang , Sheng Chuanxiang , Gusev Vitalyi E. , Ni Chenyin , Shen Zhonghua
Published: July 2016

The results of the direct experimental evaluation of all elastic constants of single crystal hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) methylammonium lead bromide, a material known due to its possible solar‐energy, optoelectronics, X‐ray detector and thermoelectricity applications, are reported. The measurements of anisotropic elasticity of CH3NH3PbBr3by the technique of laser ultrasonics demonstrate that properties of HOIPs can be even more remarkable than the theoretical expectations: the extracted shear modulus is more than twice smaller, the universal anisotropy is more than twice higher, while the Debye temperature is more than 50° lower. Thus HOIPs can exhibit extremely low shear rigidity and extremely high anisotropy, both strongly overrunning the parameters which have been expected based on earlier first principles theoretical predictions. A simple theoretical model of granular crystal indicates that these observations could be related to the contributions of rotations/tilts of PbBr6octahedra to elastic response of cubic CH3NH3PbBr3. Another experimental observation is strong stiffening of shear rigidity with temperature increase from its room value up to 120 °C. Discovered elastic properties of HOIPs characterize them as exceptionally ductile/flexible/adaptive materials which could be deposited on corrugated/structured surfaces. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of heavy alkali elements in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with efficiencies up to 22.6%
Authors: Jackson Philip , Wuerz Roland , Hariskos Dimitrios , Lotter Erwin , Witte Wolfram , Powalla Michael
Published: July 2016

We report on the use and effect of the alkali elements rubidium and caesium in the place of sodium and potassium in the alkali post deposition treatment (PDT) as applied to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell absorbers. In order to study the effects of the different alkali elements, we have produced a large number of CIGS solar cells with high efficiencies resulting in a good experimental resolution to detect even small differences in performance. We examine the electrical device parameters of these fully functional devices and observe a positive trend in the I –V parameters when moving from devices without PDT to KF‐, RbF‐, and eventually to CsF‐PDT. A diode analysis reveals an improved diode quality for cells treat‐ed with heavier alkalis. Furthermore, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements reveal a competitive mechanism induced within the class of alkali elements in the CIGS absorber induced by the alkali post deposition treatment. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive paediatric investigation plans, a small step to improve regulatory decision making in drug development for children?
Authors: Bauer Peter , König Franz
Published: July 2016

Different arguments have been put forward why drug developers should commit themselves early for what they are planning to do for children. By EU regulation, paediatric investigation plans should be agreed on in early phases of drug development in adults. Here, extrapolation from adults to children is widely applied to reduce the burden and avoids unnecessary clinical trials in children, but early regulatory decisions on how far extrapolation can be used may be highly uncertain. Under special circumstances, the regulatory process should allow for adaptive paediatric investigation plans explicitly foreseeing a re‐evaluation of the early decision based on the information accumulated later from adults or elsewhere. A small step towards adaptivity and learning from experience may improve the quality of regulatory decisions in particular with regard to how much information can be borrowed from adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self–aggregation Behavior of Dialkyl Imidazolium based Ionic Liquids in Aqueous Medium: Effect of Alkyl Chain Length
Authors: Chabba Shruti , Vashishat Rajni , Kang Tejwant S. , Mahajan Rakesh K.
Published: July 2016

A series of new dialkyl imidazolium based ILs viz. N‐butyl‐N‐alkylimidazolium bromides, [CmCnmim][Br], where m=4, n=4, 8 and 12 have been synthesized, characterized and investigated for their self‐aggregation behavior in aqueous medium. Various techniques such as tensiometry, steady state fluorescence, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been employed to get detailed information about the self‐aggregation phenomenon. The investigated ILs have shown better adsorption and micellization behavior in comparison to single chain imidazolium based ILs in terms of higher adsorption efficiency and lower cmc values. TEM measurements provided insights into morphology of aggregates where spherical micelles and doughnut shaped vesicle like structures have been observed depending on the molecular structure of IL. The structure of aggregates formed by these ILs at molecular level has been proposed by analyzing the change in chemical shifts of various protons of ILs upon micellization along with information obtained from other techniques.
‘Reverse Micellar Aggregates’ in Phase Transfer Catalyzed Nucleophilic Displacement Reactions
Authors: Shrinidhi Annadka
Published: July 2016

According to the ‘extraction mechanism’ for ‘normal phase transfer catalysis’ the reaction is taking place at the organic phase into which the anion is transferred by phase transfer catalyst (PTC) in the form of individual ion‐pairs. However, this mechanism is still a matter of discussion and remains a subject of some controversy. Herein, an alternate explanation for the reaction which raises the formation of aggregates resembling reverse micelles in organic media is described. NMR studies on the structural dynamics of HTPB in solution and, correlation study between the structures of catalyst and reactant offered evidences for aggregation of PTC in organic media. More evidences are obtained from studies on the kinetics of reaction at two temperatures and role of traces of water in formation of micelles. The above studies were done for cyanide displacement reactions of 1‐chlorooctane and benzyl halides. Moreover, SNAr reaction of Sanger's reagent with carbon nucleophile has provided qualitative support on the aggregation of PTC's in organic medium.
Breaking the Isolated Pentagon Rule by Encapsulating Xe2 in C60: The Guest Defines the Shape of the Host
Authors: Jalife Said , Mondal Sukanta , Cabellos José Luis , Pan Sudip , Méndez‐Rojas Miguel Ángel , Fernández Israel , Frenking Gernot , Merino Gabriel
Published: July 2016

While many fullerenes obeying the isolated pentagon rule (IPR) are experimentally known, isomers which violate this rule may become accessible via endohedral encapsulation of a guest molecule. Density functional theory computations predict a lower energy of non‐IPR endohedral noble gas fullerenes over IPR analogues, specifically when C60 encapsulates a Xe dimer! So, the guest defines the shape of the carbon fullerene.
Highly Ordered Rectangular Columnar Ionic Liquid Crystals: A More Efficient Medium for Intramolecular Diels Alder Reactions
Authors: Do Dat Tien , Schmitzer Andreea R.
Published: July 2016

Herein, we present the synthesis, the thermal and mesophormic properties of trialkyl(1,3,5‐benzene)trisimidazolium salts. These salts form highly ordered rectangular columnar ionic liquid crystal phases and can be used as reaction media for Diels Alder reactions. The use of the ionic liquid crystal phase favours the formation of the intramolecular Diels Alder products, even in high concentration reaction conditions. We show that the ionic liquid crystal phase can be recycled and reused as solvent for at least 10 times, without any loss of yield or selectivity in the Diels Alder reaction.
Glyoxylic Acid as a Carbon Monoxide Source for Carbonylation Reactions
Authors: Markovič Martin , Lopatka Pavol , Koóš Peter , Gracza Tibor
Published: July 2016

A new protocol for the generation of carbon monoxide by the dehydration of glyoxylic acid has been developed. Glyoxylic acid was applied as an environmentally friendly and cheap substitute for toxic and gaseous CO in the palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation reactions providing industrially interesting products in good to excellent yields.
Physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of in‐kernel heat‐moisture‐treated waxy, low‐, and high‐amylose rice starch
Authors: Sui Zhongquan , Yao Tianming , Ye Xiaoting , Bao Jinsong , Kong Xiangli , Wu Yan
Published: July 2016

Changes in the starch digestibility and the properties of the starches isolated from waxy, low‐, and high‐amylose rice kernels subjected to heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) at 100°C for 16 h at a moisture content of 25% were investigated. The results showed that amylose content is important in determining pasting properties for both HMT rice starches and in‐kernel HMT rice starches. Amylose leaching, swelling power, and solubility index decreased in hydrothermal treatment of both isolated rice starches and rice kernels. The gelatinization temperatures of both hydrothermal‐treated samples were affected by different treatments to different extents, and the changes were more pronounced for starches isolated from the treated rice kernels. The relative crystallinity increased in the starch from treated waxy and low‐amylose rice kernels but decreased in the starch from treated high‐amylose rice kernels. Starch digestibility study suggested that thermal treatment of rice kernels was more effective in producing low‐glycemic‐index starch‐based foods than the same treatment of isolated starch. The study showed that HMT on rice kernels had significant impacts of physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of waxy, low‐, and high‐amylose rice starches to various extents.
An algorithm for the minimum initial marking problem of a structurally live Petri net with inhibitor arcs
Authors: Ye Jianhong , Li Zhiwu , Chen Xiaoliang
Published: July 2016

Inhibitor arcs increase the expressive power of Petri nets. However, they also make Petri net analysis more complex. Some properties of an ordinary Petri net are not always inherited in its extended version with inhibitor arcs. This paper reports a necessary and sufficient condition for deciding the structurally live property in an original Petri net and its extended one with inhibitor arcs. In addition, supposing that a net is structurally live, a natural problem is how to distribute the minimal number of tokens into the structurally live net to ensure that the marked net is live. A method is developed to find an optimal token allocation solution by putting tokens only in some key places. The algorithm can be completed within polynomial time, which overcomes the drawback of exhaustive solutions from all possible markings. Examples are given to illustrate the proposed approach. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Selective toxicity of persian gulf sea cucumber holothuria parva on human chronic lymphocytic leukemia b lymphocytes by direct mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Motallebi Abbasali , Ayatollahi Maryam , Seydi Enayatollah , Mohseni Ali Reza , Nazemi Melika , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: July 2016

Natural products isolated from marine environment are well known for their pharmacodynamic potential in diversity of disease treatments such as cancer or inflammatory conditions. Sea cucumbers are one of the marine animals of the phylum Echinoderm. Many studies have shown that the sea cucumber contains antioxidants and anti‐cancer compounds. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease characterized by the relentless accumulation of CD5+ B lymphocytes. CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, about 25–30% of all leukemias. In this study B lymphocytes and their mitochondria (cancerous and non‐cancerous) were obtained from peripheral blood of human subjects and B lymphocyte cytotoxicity assay, and caspase 3 activation along with mitochondrial upstream events of apoptosis signaling including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial swelling were determined following the addition of Holothuria parva extract to both cancerous and non‐cancerous B lymphocytes and their mitochondria. Our in vitro finding showed that mitochondrial ROS formation, MMP collapse, and mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were significantly (P < 0.05) increased after addition of different concentrations of H. parva only in cancerous BUT NOT normal non‐cancerous mitochondria. Consistently, different concentrations of H. parva significantly (P < 0.05) increased cytotoxicity and caspase 3 activation only in cancerous BUT NOT normal non‐cancerous B lymphocytes. These results showed that H. parva methanolic extract has a selective mitochondria mediated apoptotic effect on chronic lymphocytic leukemia B lymphocytes hence may be promising in the future anticancer drug development for treatment of CLL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1158–1169, 2017.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of trans‐[IrCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Mies Thomas , Mayer Peter
Published: July 2016

The synthesis and structural characterization of trans‐[IrCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4 (1) is reported. The title compound was prepared in good yield in the reaction of in situ‐prepared trans‐[IrCl(coe)(PtBu2H)2] (coe = cis‐cyclooctene) with an appropriate amount of nitrosonium tetrafluoridoborate in dichloromethane at room temperature. Single crystals of 1 were grown from dichloromethane/diethyl ether and were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography.
Multifocal Versus Solitary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kiriakopoulos Andreas , Petralias Athanassios , Linos Dimitrios
Published: July 2016

Background

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) which accounts for >85 % of all thyroid cancers in iodine‐rich areas, appears either as a single tumor or as two or more, neoplastic foci within the thyroid gland (Multifocal PTC). We present the comparative results between solitary and MFC PTC.

Materials and methods

Demographics, tumor characteristics (size, laterality, foci number, histologic subtype) and TNM staging were compared between solitary and MFPTC patients. The presence of lymphocytic or Hashimoto’s thyroditis was also recorded.

Results

From January 2008 to December 2012, among 647 PTC patients, 241(37.2 %) had MFPTC 177 females (73.4 %) and 64 males (26.6 %), mean age 48.5 years (range 12–87). Mean number of tumor foci was 3.3 (range 2–26). MFPTC patients presented with more advanced T stage (28.2 vs. 18.7 %, p = 0.01) and more LN metastases (28.6 vs. 15.5 %, p < 0.001). Foci number correlates with male gender and LN metastases (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, respectively). Central (N1a) or lateral (N1b) LN involvement correlates strongly with male gender (p = 0.024) and younger age (p < 0.001). The follicular variant was the next most frequent histologic subtype associated with extremely rare LN metastases.

Conclusion

MFPTC comprises a more aggressive form of papillary thyroid cancer since it is associated with more frequent N1a/ N1b disease and occurs more frequently in T3/T4 patients. MFPTC foci number correlates with male gender and LN metastases.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Moderate Versus Deep Neuromuscular Block for Low‐Pressure Pneumoperitoneum During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Koo Bon‐Wook , Oh Ah‐Young , Seo Kwang‐Suk , Han Ji‐Won , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok
Published: July 2016

Background

The beneficial effects of deep blockade are not fully known. In this study, we evaluated the effect of deep neuromuscular blockade on surgical conditions during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to either the moderate group (train‐of‐four count of 1 or 2) or deep group (posttetanic count of 1 or 2). Neuromuscular blockade was induced and maintained with rocuronium; it was reversed with sugammadex in the deep group and with neostigmine in the moderate group. At the beginning of surgery, the intra‐abdominal pressure was set at 8 mmHg. The surgeon rated the surgical condition on a 4‐point scale (1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = acceptable, 4 = poor) and was allowed to increase the pressure to 12 mmHg if it was determined that the surgical conditions were inadequate for the operation.

Results

A total of 64 patients completed the study. The rate of increasing intra‐abdominal pressure to maintain optimal surgical conditions was 34.4 % in the moderate group and 12.5 % in the deep group (P = 0.039). The proportion of patients with a surgical condition score of 1 or 2 (excellent or good) was 34.4 % in the moderate group and 68.8 % in the deep group (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The maintenance of intraoperative deep neuromuscular blockade was associated with a lower rate of conversion to standard pressure and higher surgeon satisfaction with the surgical conditions than was moderate blockade in patients undergoing low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Robust Task Space Finite-Time Chattering-Free Control of Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Galicki Mirosław
Published: July 2016

This work deals with the problem of the accurate task space control subject to finite-time convergence. Kinematic and dynamic equations of a rigid robotic manipulator are assumed to be uncertain. Moreover, unbounded disturbances, i.e., such structures of the modelling functions that are generally not bounded by construction, are allowed to act on the manipulator when tracking the trajectory by the end-effector. Based on suitably defined task space non-singular terminal sliding vector variable and the Lyapunov stability theory, we derive a class of absolutely continuous (chattering-free) robust controllers based on the estimation of a Jacobian transpose matrix, which seem to be effective in counteracting uncertain both kinematics and dynamics, unbounded disturbances and (possible) kinematic and/or algorithmic singularities met on the robot trajectory. The numerical simulations carried out for a 2DOF robotic manipulator with two revolute kinematic pairs and operating in a two-dimensional task space, illustrate performance of the proposed controllers.
The Role of Knowledge on Genetic Counseling and Testing in Black Cancer Survivors at Increased Risk of Carrying a BRCA1/2 Mutation
Authors: Hurtado‐de‐Mendoza Alejandra , Jackson Monica C. , Anderson Lyndsay , Sheppard Vanessa B.
Published: July 2016

Genetic counseling and testing (GCT) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers (HBOC) can inform treatment decisions in survivors. Black women at risk of HBOC have lower GCT engagement. There is limited data about Black survivors’ experiences. The goals of this study were to: 1) examine the factors associated with HBOC knowledge and 2) assess the impact of knowledge on GCT engagement in a sample of Black survivors at risk of HBOC. Fifty Black at‐risk breast/ovarian cancer survivors participated in a telephone‐based survey. GCT use was measured across a continuum (awareness, referral, and use). The primary predictor variable was HBOC knowledge. Other clinical, socio‐demographic, and psychosocial variables were included. Multiple linear and ordinal regression models (knowledge as the outcome and GCT as the outcome) assessed the predictors of knowledge and GCT engagement. Less than half (48 %) of survivors were referred to or used GCT services. Knowledge was moderate (M = 7.78, SD = 1.61). In the multivariable analysis, lower age (β = −.34, p = .01) and lower stage (β = −.318, p = .017) were associated with higher knowledge. Higher knowledge (β = .567, p = .006) and higher self‐efficacy (β = .406, p = .001) were significantly associated with GCT engagement. Future interventions directed at increasing knowledge, self‐efficacy, and improving the referral process are warranted.
Discrimination of Explosions and Earthquakes: An Example Based on Spectra and Source Parameters of the 11th May 1998 Pokhran Explosion and the 9th April 2009 Earthquake
Authors: Baruah Bandana , Kumar Prakash , Kumar M. Ravi
Published: July 2016

We compare the P-, S- and Lg-spectra of the 11th May, 1998 Pokhran underground nuclear explosion (NE) with those of an earthquake (EQ) of comparable magnitude that occurred in its vicinity (~100 km west) on 9th April, 2009, utilizing the waveforms recorded by a Global Seismograph Network station at Nilore (NIL), Pakistan. The contiguous occurrence of these events and the similarity of the travel paths provided a good opportunity to discriminate the nature of the sources. Our results suggest that the Pn/Lg and Pn/Sn amplitude ratios of the explosion and earthquake waveforms exhibit distinct differences in the higher frequency window. Further, since the P-phases have high signal to noise ratio compared to their S counterparts, we utilize their spectra to derive the source parameters of the NE and EQ sources. Our results show that the seismic moment, corner frequency and source dimension of the explosion are ~1.58X1017 Nm, 1.18 Hz and ~0.793 km respectively. The moment magnitude (MW) and surface wave magnitude (MS) for the nuclear explosion are estimated to be ~5.4 and ~3.57 respectively. The values of MW (5.3) and MS (4.3) obtained by us for the earthquake are consistent with the estimates in the Harvard catalog and earlier published results. The estimate of MW for the nuclear explosion was hitherto not available. Lastly, we estimate the yield of the NE to be ~50 kt from the surface wave magnitude and discuss the various limitations related to its estimation.
Alteration of Volcanic Glass to Well-crystallized Ferrosaponite in the Vesicles of the Deccan Trap Basalts at Bhuleshwar Ghat Section, Pune District, Maharashtra
Authors: Sarkar Pradeep K. , Upasani Devdutt V. , Wani Vibhuti
Published: July 2016

Clay minerals formed mainly by the alteration of volcanic glass are reported by many workers. The commonly formed minerals belonging to the smectite group especially nontronite and ferrosaponite are widely reported by many in basalts. However, most of the reports suggest the formation of ferrosaponite in marine conditions (Zhou et al., 1992; Chen et al., 1996) or by hydrothermal solutions (Shayan et. al., (1988)). Origin of ferrosaponite in continental flood basalts by a mechanism of alteration of volcanic glass to ferrosaponite is reported in the paper. The different stages involved in the alteration process are also highlighted.
Mapping Lithology and Assessing Recharge Characteristics in a Granitic Hard Rock Aquifer: Inference from 2D Resistivity, Induced Polarization, Tracer and Moisture Measurements
Authors: Kumar Dewashish , Shankar G. B. K , Mondal Setbandhu , Venkatesam V. , Sridhar K. , Rao P. N. , Madhnure Pandith , Rangarajan R.
Published: July 2016

Two dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) investigation along with Time Domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) investigation covering 1.6 km line were carried out at 3 natural recharge sites in a overexploited groundwater granite watershed, situated in a semi arid region in the state of Telangana, India. At these sites, shallow and/or deep moisture influx measurements were also carried out using injected tritium tracer and neutron moisture probe. The watershed is covered by sandy loam to silt loam soil, receives an average annual rainfall of 620 mm with the pre monsoon groundwater level ranging from 8m to 29m bgl. The spot investigations were done to assess and understand the recharge process and groundwater potential in terms of resistivity/conductivity and moisture characteristics of the subsurface rock formation.

The measured and 2D inverted resistivity models shows soil, highly weathered and moderately weathered zones up to a depth of 22m followed by semi-weathered and massive granites up to the maximum depth of 78m. The resistivity values of the soil and shallow weathered zones varying between ~5-50 Ohm.m up to a depth of 12m. The large variation in resistivity values of the soil and weathered zone is probably indicative of large variation in the moisture potential. The resistivity models clearly mapped the granitic hard rock structure in the depth range of 22 – 78m, which has a significant resistivity contrast (~1500-11000 Ohm.m) with respect to the overlying semi weathered layers. The modeled 2D resistivity data at a site in two perpendicular directions shows similar geological structure and geoelectric layers. The TDIP dataset shows insignificant chargeability variations (1-7 mV/V) up to the investigated depth of 78m, which probably indicates low to moderate moisture and groundwater potential in the vadoze and saturated zones of the aquifer. The experimental investigations provide scope for assessing dynamic recharge and groundwater potential at selected sites in an overexploited granite watershed in the present geological context.
Nongeniculate Coralline Algae from Early Middle Miocene Offshore Sequence of Kachchh Basin, Western India: Paleoenvironmental Significance
Authors: Kundal P. , Kundal Milind P. , Humane S. K.
Published: July 2016

The present paper reports five nongeniculate coralline algal species, viz., Lithothamnion valens Foslie, Mesophyllum roveretoi Conti, Phymatolithon calcareum (Pallas) Adey and Mckibbin, Melobesioideae gen. et spec. indet. and Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie form the early middle Miocene Chhasra Formation of Offshore Sequence of Kachchh basin, western India. The present day depth distribution of Lithothamnion and Mesophyllum and growth forms of five nongeniculate coralline algal species points that the two cores belonging to the Chhasra Formation of offshore sequence of Kachchh basin were deposited in inner shelf environment at 60-100m depth in moderate-energy conditions.
Sinian-Ordovician Hydrocarbon-source Rock Correlation and Hydrocarbon-generation Evolution in Central and Southeastern Sichuan, China
Authors: Fanghao Xu , Haifeng Yuan , Fanggen Xu , Guosheng Xu , Xiaoyu Hu , Jiaju Liang
Published: July 2016

Geology, stratigraphy, drilling, logging, biomarker studies and apatite fission tracks were used to study Sinian-Ordovician mudstone and reservoir bitumen extracted from exploration wells located in central and southeastern Sichuan. This analysis confirms the source rocks were located in a reducing sedimentary environment, with organic matter such as bacteria and algae. The bitumen found in Sinian-Ordovician reservoirs in central Sichuan and Sinian reservoirs in southeastern Sichuan were mostly derived from Cambrian mudstones. The reservoir bitumen found in Cambrian rocks in southeastern Sichuan are from a mixed Cambrian-Silurian source. The apatite fission track combined with the Easy% Ro model were used to reconstruct the hydrocarbon-generation history of Cambrian source rocks in the Dingshan 1 well in southeastern Sichuan. The comparison between the Gaoke 1 well located in central Sichuan and the Dingshan 1 well demonstrates the maturation time and oil and gas generation stage from Cambrian source rocks in southeastern Sichuan is younger than the source rocks from central Sichuan. The source rock formations underwent tectonic uplift and reburial for secondary hydrocarbon-generation. The research methods provided can assist in oil exploration of deep and old hydrocarbon-bearing strata with a multi-stage evolution and tectonically superimposed features in the Chinese Qinghai-Tibet plateau basin, or similar basins worldwide.
Design of a drying system for a rollover carwash machine using CFD
Authors: Sabet Seyyed M.M. , Marques Jorge , Torres Rui , Nova Mario , Nóbrega João M.
Published: July 2016

This work describes the design and development of a new drying system for a rollover carwash machine with the support of numerical tools. The drying system is composed of a pair of stationary vertical dryers and a moveable horizontal dryer that can adjust itself to the contour of a vehicle. After the definition of the dryers' concept, their performance was assessed individually to check their internal flow pattern and to improve their airflow distribution. These issues are expected to provide feedback on redesign and geometric optimization of the dryers. After redesign of the dryers separately, the behaviour of the complete drying system was studied on actual vehicle models, representative of the shortest and tallest dimensions that can be washed with the existing carwash machine sector. The drying efficiency of the whole system was studied by calculation of shear stress distribution on various surfaces of a given vehicle. The results allowed concluding that the overall drying performance of the design system is very good and assure adequate drying on most vehicles surfaces. The results obtained from numerical studies were then validated with experimental measurements and a good agreement was found between the two. The procedure employed in this work can be applied to support the design and analysis of other mechanical drying systems.

Highlights A new drying system design is proposed for a rollover carwash machine. A model is presented for the detachment of water droplets on solid surfaces based on airflow-imposed shear stress. The drying efficiency of the new design is assessed using the above criterion. The new design shows effective drying results on most vehicle models.
Structure and location of branch point singularities for Stokes waves on deep water
Authors: Lushnikov Pavel M.
Published: July 2016

The Stokes wave is a finite-amplitude periodic gravity wave propagating with constant velocity in an inviscid fluid. The complex analytical structure of the Stokes wave is analysed using a conformal mapping of a free fluid surface of the Stokes wave onto the real axis with the fluid domain mapped onto the lower complex half-plane. There is one square root branch point per spatial period of the Stokes wave located in the upper complex half-plane at a distance $v_{c}$ from the real axis. The increase of Stokes wave height results in $v_{c}$ approaching zero with the limiting Stokes wave formation at $v_{c}=0$. The limiting Stokes wave has a $2/3$ power-law singularity forming a $2{\rm\pi}/3$ radians angle on the crest which is qualitatively different from the square root singularity valid for arbitrary small but non-zero $v_{c}$, making the limit of zero $v_{c}$ highly non-trivial. That limit is addressed by crossing a branch cut of a square root into the second and subsequently higher sheets of the Riemann surface to find coupled square root singularities at distances $\pm v_{c}$ from the real axis at each sheet. The number of sheets is infinite and the analytical continuation of the Stokes wave into all of these sheets is found together with the series expansion in half-integer powers at singular points within each sheet. It is conjectured that a non-limiting Stokes wave at the leading order consists of an infinite number of nested square root singularities which also implies the existence in the third and higher sheets of additional square root singularities away from the real and imaginary axes. These nested square roots form a $2/3$ power-law singularity of the limiting Stokes wave as $v_{c}$ vanishes.