bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer model of a particle energy storage‐based moving packed bed heat exchanger
Authors: Yin Jun‐Ming , Zheng Qiu‐Yun , Zhang Xin‐Rong
Published: November 2019

Moving packed bed particle/supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) heat exchanger (MPBE) is a critical equipment to integrate particle thermal energy storage technology with SCO2 power cycle block in the next‐generation concentrated solar power plants. A predictive heat transfer model for designing and evaluation of shell and plate particle/SCO2 moving packed bed heat exchanger is presented, with radiation, pressure drop and SCO2 property variation taking into account. It is found that increasing particle diameter and solids bulk voidage will lower the overall heat transfer coefficient. Change of channel width imposes little effects on the overall heat transfer coefficient, while influences the total heat exchange greatly. MPBE with longer channel length allows smaller overall heat transfer coefficient. Due to approximate linear variation of specific heat and low pressure drop in the nominal boundary operating condition range, ignoring SCO2 Cp variation is valid, and the relative error due to adopting a Cp invariable evaluated at the bulk temperature and constant pressure is less than 1%. Convection resistance generally ranks first in the contribution to thermal resistance, followed by solids‐wall resistance and conduction resistance. Nevertheless, solids‐wall resistance dominates at larger particle diameter (≥550 μm). Radiation is an important contributor to heat transfer behavior, especially at high particle diameter and solids bulk voidage. The relative error caused by neglecting radiation can be up to 23.76%.
Uptake, Deposition, and Metabolism of Triphenyl Phosphate in Embryonated Eggs and Chicks of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Marteinson Sarah , Guigueno Mélanie F. , Fernie Kim J. , Head Jessica A. , Chu Shaogang , Letcher Robert J.
Published: November 2019

The toxicokinetics of triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) in vivo including the uptake, deposition, and biotransformation into the metabolite diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) is presently reported in embryonated eggs and chicks of Japanese quail. Quail were dosed with TPHP at 3 concentrations by air cell egg injection on embryonic day 0, followed by daily oral dosing after chicks hatched (5 d). Vehicle-only exposed controls were also used. In dosed eggs, only 33% of the TPHP remained 2 d after injection (no hepatic development); after 10 d (post-hepatogenesis), only 2% remained. The estimated TPHP half-lives in the eggs ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 d for the 3 dosed groups. In all exposed eggs and chicks, DPHP significantly increased with dose (0.001 < p < 0.044). It appears that DPHP is an important metabolite in quail, making up 41 to 74% of all metabolites formed in embryonated eggs. In chicks, at medium and high doses, DPHP concentrations significantly exceeded those of TPHP (p ≤ 0.007), making up 67 and 76% of the total burden, respectively. Our findings suggest that rapid TPHP metabolism occurred in chicks and embryonated quail eggs but that this may vary with the age of the embryonated egg and the stage of embryo development, which should be considered when evaluating concentrations of TPHP and DPHP measured in eggs of wild birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:565–573. © 2019 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

The present study examined the in vivo uptake, deposition, and biotransformation of the flame retardant and plasticizer triphenyl phosphate in injected eggs and the developing embryonated eggs and chicks of Japanese quail. Triphenyl phosphate was rapidly metabolized, including to its diphenyl phosphate metabolite, but varied greatly with the stage of embryo development. DPHP = diphenyl phosphate; ED = embryonic day; TPHP = triphenyl phosphate.
Incorporating time‐varying jump intensities in the mean‐variance portfolio decisions
Authors: Zhou Chunyang , Wu Chongfeng , Xu Weidong
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the role of time‐varying jump intensities in forming mean‐variance portfolios. We find that compared with the no‐jump or constant‐jump models, the model which incorporates time‐varying jump intensities better fits the dynamics of the assets returns, and yields mean‐variance portfolios with higher Sharpe ratios. Our research suggests that using a better econometric model that captures non‐normal features in the data has benefits for portfolio allocation even for a mean‐variance investor.
The impact of soft intervention on the Chinese financial futures market
Authors: Hilliard Jimmy E. , Zhang Haoran
Published: November 2019

During the 2015 financial crisis in China, participants faced the criticism that manipulators and shorts had destabilized the market. As a result, the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission intervened sequentially in the spot market and then in the futures market. Trading volume dropped precipitously. Using the cost‐of‐carry model, we find that these actions significantly impacted equilibrium pricing. Following intervention in the spot market, mispricing was attenuated but remained significant after further intervention in the futures market. We use the Hong Kong market and a difference‐in‐differences statistic to address the role of the China Securities Regulatory Commission soft intervention versus intervention by hard rules.
Detection of rare reciprocal RUNX1 rearrangements by next‐generation sequencing in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Flach Johanna , Shumilov Evgenii , Joncourt Raphael , Porret Naomi , Tchinda Joëlle , Legros Myriam , Scarpelli Ilaria , Hewer Ekkehard , Novak Urban , Schoumans Jacqueline , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: November 2019

Reciprocal RUNX1 fusions are traditionally found in up to 10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, usually associated with a translocation (8;21)(q22;q22) corresponding to the RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 fusion gene. So far, alternative RUNX1 rearrangements have been reported only rarely in AML, and the few reports so far have focused on results based on cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction. Acknowledging the inherent limitations of these diagnostic techniques, the true incidence of rare RUNX1 rearrangements may be underestimated. In this report, we present two cases of adult AML, in which we detected rare RUNX1 rearrangements not by conventional cytogenetics but rather by next‐generation panel sequencing. These include t(16;21)(q24;q22)/RUNX1‐CBFA2T3 and t(7;21)(p22;q22)/RUNX1‐USP42, respectively. In both patients the AML was therapy‐related and associated with additional structural and numerical alterations thereby conferring bad prognosis. This is in line with previous reports on rare RUNX1 fusions in AML and emphasizes the clinical importance of their detection. In summary, our report not only confirms the clinical utility of NGS for diagnostics of rare reciprocal rearrangements in AML in a real‐life scenario but also sheds light on the variety and complexity within AML. It further emphasizes the need for collection of additional cases for deepening insights on their clinical meaning as well as their frequency.
Neighborhood‐based social capital and cognitive function among older adults in five low‐ and middle‐income countries: Evidence from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wu Bei , Lu Nan , Dong Tingyue
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study aims to investigate which neighborhood‐based social capital components are associated with a higher level of cognitive function in LMICs.

Methods

This international population‐based study used cross‐sectional survey data from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a study of adults aged 50 years or older in China, Ghana, India, the Russian Federation, and South Africa from 2007 through 2010 (N = 29 528). Associations between neighborhood‐based social capital indicators (trust in neighbors, perceived neighborhood safety, and community participation) and cognitive function were examined using ordinary least squares regressions and random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

Results of the meta‐analyses of within‐country effects indicated that trust in neighbors were positively associated with cognitive function across India, Russia, and Ghana, but negatively associated in South Africa (β = −0.041, SE = .013, P < .01) and no effect in China (P > .05). The significant effect of perceived neighborhood safety was only found in South Africa (β = 0.051, SE = .007, P < .001) and China (β = 0.030, SE = .005, P < .001). Community participation approached a null effect in South Africa (P > .05).

Discussion

Different indicators of neighborhood‐based social capital, which are well‐established protective resources for cognitive function, may have varied relationships with cognitive function cross‐nationally. This finding provides a better understanding of the mechanisms by which neighborhood social capital may contribute to better cognitive function in LMICs than high‐income countries, potentially due to differences in neighborhood environments, health systems, and availability of public resources.
What is happening with not recommended drugs for dementia in Argentina? Prescription patterns and direct costs analysis
Authors: Bustin Julian , Rojas Galeno , O'Neill Santiago , Sarasola Diego , Triskier Fabian , Urtasun Martín , Cañás Martín , Mastai Ricardo , Demey Ignacio
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The only recommended pharmacological treatments for specific dementias are donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine (recommended drugs, RD). However, other drugs without recommendations (not recommended drugs, NRD) are often used to treat patients with cognitive impairment (CI) in Argentina. The INSSJyP is the largest health insurance in Argentina. The objective of this study is to analyze the prescription pattern, cost, and implications of NRD used for the treatment of CI in the INSSJyP.

Materials

This is a retrospective, population‐based study of the INSSJyP outpatients' prescriptions database for drugs usually prescribed for CI during 2015. These data were compared with the same database in 2009. The number of “prescriptions” always refers to dispensed packages.

Results

A total of 3 255 438 packages of drugs usually indicated for CI were prescribed during 2015: 1 912 476 packages of RD (59%) and 1 342 962 packages of NRD (41%).Comparing the results with those obtained in 2009, there is a 148% gross increase in the prescription of both RD and NRD for CI, although the rates/1000 affiliates/year show a lesser rise for NRD (70.1%) compared to RD (103.9 %).The expenditure on CI drugs prescribed during 2015 was 77 million USD. NRD cost represented approximately 20 million USD.

Conclusion

Inappropriate drug use increases health costs in developing countries. We found a high number of patients with a probable diagnosis of CI treated with NRD. It is extremely relevant that all the healthcare professionals can update their knowledge and modify behavioral insights about appropriate prescription for specific dementias.
Time changes in the geographical distribution of physicians and factors associated with starting rural practice in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Masatoshi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The geographical maldistribution of physicians is an important issue for health policy. This study aimed to evaluate recent trends in Japan and identify the factors associated with starting a rural practice.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted using secondary analysis of national census data. The number of physicians in each region was described in 1996, 2006, and 2016 and, for two cohorts, 1996 to 2006 and 2006 to 2016; a logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to starting a rural practice after 10 years.

Findings

Between 1996 and 2016, the number of physicians in rural areas increased by 4%. Results of the logistic regression analysis showed that, in both cohorts, the factor with the highest odds ratio for starting a rural practice after 10 years was initial academic hospital experience. Other factors showing positive correlations were additional hospital practice and being qualified and over 30 years old, whereas female sex and aged at least 40 years had negative correlations.

Conclusions

From 1996 to 2016, despite the increase in the total number of physicians, geographical maldistribution increased. Some findings support the policy that some physicians should work in rural areas in return for scholarships.
Hydrogeology of desert springs in the Panamint Range, California, USA: Identifying the sources and amount of recharge that support spring flow
Authors: Gleason Carolyn L. , Frisbee Marty D. , Rademacher Laura K. , Sada Donald W. , Meyers Zachary P.
Published: November 2019

Despite its location in the rain shadow of the southern Sierra Nevada, the Panamint Range hosts a complex mountain groundwater system supporting numerous springs which have cultural, historical, and ecological importance. The sources of recharge that support these quintessential desert springs remain poorly quantified since very little hydrogeological research has been completed in the Panamint Range. Here we address the following questions: (i) what is the primary source of recharge that supports springs in the Panamint Range (snowmelt or rainfall), (ii) where is the recharge occurring (mountain‐block, mountain‐front, or mountain‐system) and (iii) how much recharge occurs in the Panamint Range? We answer questions (i) and (ii) using stable isotopes measured in spring waters and precipitation, and question (iii) using a chloride mass‐balance approach which is compared to a derivation of the Maxey–Eakin equation. Our dataset of the stable isotopic composition (δ18O and δ2H) of precipitation is short (1.5 years), but analyses on spring water samples indicate that high‐elevation snowmelt is the dominant source of recharge for these springs, accounting for 57 (±9) to 79 (±12) percent of recharge. Recharge from rainfall is small but not insignificant. Mountain‐block recharge is the dominant recharge mechanism. However, two basin springs emerging along the western mountain‐front of the Panamint Range in Panamint Valley appear to be supported by mountain‐front and mountain‐system recharge, while Tule Spring (a basin spring emerging at the terminus of the bajada on the eastern side of the Panamint Range) appears to be supported by mountain‐front recharge. Calculated recharge rates range from 19 mm year−1 (elevations < 1000 mrsl) to 388 mm year−1 (elevations > 1000 mrsl). The average annual recharge is approximately 91 mm year−1 (equivalent to 19.4 percent of total annual precipitation). We infer that the springs in the Panamint Range (and their associated ecosystems) are extremely vulnerable to changes in snow cover associated with climate change. They are heavily dependent on snowmelt recharge from a relatively thin annual snowpack. These findings have important implications for the vulnerability of desert springs worldwide.
Geomorphic controls of perched groundwater interaction with natural ridge‐top depressional wetlands
Authors: Malzone Jonathan M. , Sweet Ethan G. , Bell Addison C. , Minzenberger Gilbert L.
Published: November 2019

Geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) are commonly reported as having hardpan or low hydraulic conductivity units underneath that produce perched groundwater, which can sustain surface water levels independently of regional aquifer fluctuations. Despite the potential of GIW‐perched aquifer systems to provide important hydrological and ecological functions such as groundwater storage and native amphibian habitat, little research has studied the hydrologic controls and dynamics of these systems. We compared several ridge‐top depressional GIW‐perched groundwater systems to investigate the role of watershed morphology on hydroregime and groundwater‐surface water interaction. Ridge‐top depressional wetlands in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky were chosen because they offer natural controls such as lack of apparent connection to surface water bodies, similar climate, and similar soils. Three wetlands with different topographic slopes and hillslope structures were mapped to distinguish key geomorphic parameters and monitored to characterize groundwater‐surface water interaction. Wetlands with soil hummocks and low upland slopes transitioned from infiltration to groundwater discharge conditions in the spring and during storm events. The magnitude and duration of this transition fell along a continuum, where higher topographic slopes and steeper uplands produced comparably smaller and shorter head reversals. This demonstrates that ridge‐top GIW‐perched groundwater systems are largely sensitive to the runoff‐recharge relationship in the upland area which can produce significant groundwater storage on a small‐scale.
Next‐generation sequencing reveals a novel role of lysine‐specific demethylase 1 in adhesion of rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Haydn Tinka , Kehr Sarah , Willmann Dominica , Metzger Eric , Schüle Roland , Fulda Simone
Published: November 2019

Lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), a histone lysine demethylase with the main specificity for H3K4me2, has been shown to be overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) tumor samples. However, its role in RMS biology is not yet well understood. Here, we identified a new role of LSD1 in regulating adhesion of RMS cells. Genetic knockdown of LSD1 profoundly suppressed clonogenic growth in a panel of RMS cell lines, whereas LSD1 proved to be largely dispensable for regulating cell death and short‐term survival. Combined RNA and ChIP‐sequencing performed to analyze RNA expression and histone methylation at promoter regions revealed a gene set enrichment for adhesion‐associated terms upon LSD1 knockdown. Consistently, LSD1 knockdown significantly reduced adhesion to untreated surfaces. Importantly, precoating of the plates with the adhesives collagen I or fibronectin rescued this reduced adhesion of LSD1 knockdown cells back to levels of control cells. Using KEGG pathway analysis, we identified 17 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LSD1 knockdown cells related to adhesion processes, which were validated by qRT‐PCR. Combining RNA and ChIP‐sequencing results revealed that, within this set of genes, SPP1, C3AR1, ITGA10 and SERPINE1 also exhibited increased H3K4me2 levels at their promoter regions in LSD1 knockdown compared to control cells. Indeed, LSD1 ChIP experiments confirmed enrichment of LSD1 at their promoter regions, suggesting a direct transcriptional regulation by LSD1. By identifying a new role of LSD1 in the modulation of cell adhesion and clonogenic growth of RMS cells, these findings highlight the importance of LSD1 in RMS.
Monetary policy spillovers in emerging economies
Authors: Azad Nahiyan Faisal , Serletis Apostolos
Published: November 2019

This paper explores for spillovers from monetary policy in the United States to a number of emerging market economies. We estimate the bivariate structural GARCH‐in‐Mean VAR in the U.S. monetary policy rate and the policy rate of each of six emerging economies that target the inflation rate—Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Romania, Serbia, and South Africa. We also estimate the same model in the U.S. monetary policy rate and the exchange rate (against the U.S. dollar) of each of six emerging economies that target the exchange rate—Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Comoros, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro. Our evidence suggests that positive (negative) U.S. monetary policy shocks tend to appreciate (depreciate) the currencies of the exchange rate targeting emerging economies but have an ambiguous effect on the policy rates of the inflation targeting emerging economies. Moreover, monetary policy uncertainty in the United States leads to an increase in policy rates in those emerging economies that target the inflation rate and to a depreciation of the currencies of those emerging economies that target the exchange rate.
RETRACTED: Randomized controlled trial of the effect of bilateral uterine artery ligation during cesarean among women at risk of uterine atony
Authors: Samy Ahmed , Ali Mohammed K. , Abbas Ahmed M. , Wahab Hala A. , Wali Ahmed A. , Hussien Aml H. , Mostafa Mona , Taymour Mohammad A. , Ogila Asmaa I. , Ahmad Yahia , Essam Aimy , Mahmoud Mostafa
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of prophylactic bilateral uterine artery ligation (BUAL) in reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean delivery among women at risk of uterine atony.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial at Cairo University Maternity Hospital, Egypt, from December 2017 to December 2018. Women at risk of uterine atony undergoing scheduled or emergency cesarean were randomized to two groups. In the BUAL group, women underwent BUAL before placental delivery; in the control group, women had cesarean delivery without BUAL. The primary outcome was the estimated blood loss during cesarean.

Results

Intraoperative blood loss during cesarean was significantly lower in the BUAL group than in the control group (523.4 ± 41.0 vs 619.6 ± 36.1 mL; P=0.003). Blood loss in the first 6 hours after cesarean was also significantly lower in the BUAL group than in the control group (246.1 ± 21.4 vs 326.1 ± 18.5 mL; P=0.006). There was no difference in operative time between the two groups (52.1 ± 6.1 vs 52.2 ± 6.8, P=0.880).

Conclusion

BUAL during cesarean was found to be an effective method for decreasing blood loss during and after cesarean delivery among women at risk of uterine atony and subsequent PPH.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03591679
Infant mental health home visiting therapists’ reflective supervision self‐efficacy in community practice settings
Authors: Shea Sarah E. , Jester Jennifer M. , Huth‐Bocks Alissa C. , Weatherston Deborah J. , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine L. ,   The Michigan Collaborative for Infant Mental Health Research
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been an increase in the research on reflective supervision, including the development of tools designed to measure reflective practice in the context of reflective supervision. The Reflective Supervision Self‐Efficacy Scale for Supervisees (RSSESS) is a self‐report measure that has been used in previous evaluations and is designed to assess perceived reflective practice self‐efficacy for Infant Mental Health‐Home Visiting (IMH‐HV) therapists. Properties of the RSSESS including factor structure and reliability are explored in a first study that lays the foundation for the use of the RSSESS in an IMH‐HV evaluation in the State of Michigan. IMH‐HV therapists completed the RSSESS at 4 time points over a 12‐month period and also completed a Clinician Profile Form that included questions about their IMH background and their work experience, including job satisfaction and burnout. Results indicated that the RSSESS is a reliable tool to measure change in reflective practice skills. IMH‐HV therapists demonstrated growth in their use of reflective practice skills with families and their observational skills over the 12‐month period. In addition, results indicated correlations between reflective supervision self‐efficacy and job satisfaction as well as burnout.
Crayfish hemocyanin on chitin bone substitute scaffolds promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kruppke Benjamin , Farack Jana , Weil Simy , Aflalo Eliahu David , Poláková Dagmar , Sagi Amir , Hanke Thomas
Published: November 2019

Crustacean chitin–hemocyanin–calcium mineral complexes were designed as bone biomimetics, with emphasis on their ability to bind or release calcium ions. Chitin scaffolds were prepared by dissolving chitin flakes in LiCl/dimethylacetamide, followed by gel formation and freeze‐drying. Some of these scaffolds were modified by incorporation of CaCO3. In some of the chitin–CaCO3 scaffolds, macroporosity was introduced by HCl treatment. Hemocyanin from the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus was used to further modify the chitin scaffolds by dip coating. Cytocompatibility, cellular adherence and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were evaluated in terms of cell number as reflected in lactate dehydrogenase activity. The chitin, chitin–CaCO3, and porous chitin–CaCO3 scaffolds were all found to facilitate cell attachment. Hemocyanin dip‐coating of these scaffolds led to increased initial cell adhesion, enhanced proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Since the hemocyanin loading of the scaffolds was impaired by sterilization by gamma‐irradiation (as required for biomedical applications), the hemocyanin loading was performed on previously sterilized scaffolds. All scaffolds facilitated osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts, with the highest cell ALP‐activity being found on hemocyanin‐modified porous chitin–CaCO3 scaffolds. Thus, chitin–hemocyanin scaffolds enhanced the initial stages of bone cell development and could serve as promising biomaterials for bone regeneration.
Fabrication and characterization of emulsion stabilized by table egg‐yolk granules at different pH levels
Authors: Wang Anheng , Xiao Zhigang , Wang Jingjing , Li Guijie , Wang Lijuan
Published: November 2019

Background

The egg yolk is complex, which makes it difficult to understand why mayonnaise can be stabilized into a high internal‐phase emulsion. This study aimed to assess the possibility of developing oil‐in‐water emulsions through unmodified natural egg‐yolk granules (EYGs) at various pH levels, to further understand the precise mechanism of mayonnaise.

Results

Egg‐yolk granules were obtained from hen egg yolk by centrifugation. The sizes of the EYGs were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Zeta potential of EYGs was detected by DLS and its microstructure was observed by microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Oil / water emulsions were made with EYGs and the size distribution and creaming index of those emulsions were measured at different storage times (1 h and 14 days). The interfacial morphology of EYGs was observed using the emulsion polymerization method. Our results suggested that the prepared EYGs were mainly in an aggregated state but individual EYGs displayed spherical shapes, with a size of 1.0 ± 0.2 μm. The emulsion stabilized by EYGs displayed better stability against creaming at acidic pH (<4.0). At the same time, the interfacial morphology and microscopic observation of the emulsions strongly demonstrated that the emulsions were of the Pickering type.

Conclusion

The above results are of great importance for an understanding of the mechanism by which mayonnaise is stabilized by egg, together with the applications of egg in food formulations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Bridging the food security gap: an information‐led approach to connect dietary nutrition, food composition and crop production
Authors: Azman Halimi Razlin , Barkla Bronwyn J , Andrés‐Hernandéz Liliana , Mayes Sean , King Graham J
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Food security is recognized as a major global challenge, yet human food‐chain systems are inherently not geared towards nutrition, with decisions on crop and cultivar choice not informed by dietary composition. Currently, food compositional tables and databases (FCT/FCDB) are the primary information sources for decisions relating to dietary intake. However, these only present single mean values representing major components. Establishment of a systematic controlled vocabulary to fill this gap requires representation of a more complex set of semantic relationships between terms used to describe nutritional composition and dietary function.

RESULTS

We carried out a survey of 11 FCT/FCDB and 177 peer‐reviewed papers describing variation in nutritional composition and dietary function for food crops to identify a comprehensive set of terms to construct a controlled vocabulary. We used this information to generate a Crop Dietary Nutrition Data Framework (CDN‐DF), which incorporates controlled vocabularies systematically organized into major classes representing nutritional components and dietary functions. We demonstrate the value of the CDN‐DF for comparison of equivalent components between crop species or cultivars, for identifying data gaps and potential for formal meta‐analysis. The CDN‐DF also enabled us to explore relationships between nutritional components and the functional attributes of food.

CONCLUSION

We have generated a structured crop dietary nutrition data framework, which is generally applicable to the collation and comparison of data relevant to crop researchers, breeders, and other stakeholders, and will facilitate dialogue with nutritionists. It is currently guiding the establishment of a more robust formal ontology. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Abiotic stress management and Verdejo wine composition: cluster thinning in different water regimes
Authors: Vilanova Mar , Fernández‐Fernández Encarnación , Yuste Jesús
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The effects of cluster thinning (TH) on Verdejo wine composition were studied. Cluster thinning was applied in three water regimes (WR) (R0, rainfed control; R25, drip‐irrigated at 25% ETo, and R50, drip‐irrigated at 50% ETo) during the 2012–2014 seasons.

RESULTS

Cluster thinning advanced grape maturity, although this was only significant in 2012. A significant effect of TH on R0 was observed in 2013, the wettest season, increasing the concentration of alcohols, esters, acetates, and lactones. The same trend was shown in 2012 for all groups of volatile compounds in R0. In contrast, for all volatile families to increase was observed in 2014, the driest season, when TH was applied to R50. WR*TH interactions were found in most wine chemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

The variation in wine volatile composition among the vintages that were observed shows that the capacity of TH to exert an influence depends not only on the water regime but also on annual conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of multiclass plant growth regulators in fruits using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Xu , Hou Xue , Han Mei , Qiu Shiting , Li Ying
Published: November 2019

In this study, a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the multiclass determination of 28 plant growth regulators in various fruits. Different extraction solvents and adsorbents, including primary secondary amine, octadecylsilyl, graphitized carbon black, and zirconia‐based sorbent, were investigated. Internal calibration and isotope internal standards, chlormequat chloride‐d4, mepiquat chloride‐d6, indole‐3‐acetic acid‐d2, and forchlorfenuron‐d5 were used to improve accuracy. For method validation, good linearity, low limits of detection and quantification were obtained. At three spiked concentrations (10, 50, and 100 µg/kg), satisfactory recoveries with relative standard deviations of 2.4–17.5% were obtained for strawberries (75.2–119.8%), grapes (70.5–114.0%), tangerines (71.7–115.4%), apples (72.7–115.4%), and kiwi fruits (71.7–119.2%). Samples analysis revealed that 15.6% of the samples (n = 96) were contaminated with one or two kinds of plant growth regulators, including chlormequat chloride, forchlorfenuron, paclobutrazol, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2‐diethylaminoethyl hexanoate, and mepiquat chloride. Similar results were obtained by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, indicating the robustness, effectiveness, and suitability of the developed method for routine monitoring of plant growth regulator residues in fruits.
Land cover mapping based on time‐series MODIS‐NDVI using a dynamic time warping approach: A casestudy of the agricultural pastoral ecotone of northern China
Authors: Wei Baocheng , Xie Yaowen , Wang Xiaoyun , Jiao Jizong , He Sijia , Bie Qiang , Jia Xu , Xue Xiaoyu , Duan Hanming
Published: November 2019

To curb land degradation, a series of ecological restoration projects have been carried out since 1999, leading to dramatic land cover change (LCC) in the agricultural pastoral ecotone of northern China (APENC). To date, there is still lack of timely and accurate land cover (LC) information for management and assessment actions. This paper presents a LC mapping scheme to map annual LC information based on dynamic time warping (DTW) approach and time‐series MODIS‐NDVI product for the APENC. The DTW approach was optimized firstly based on the change of vegetation phenology phase. Next, typical reference time‐series curves set of different LC types were established and pixel‐wise similarity was examined to identify the LC type. Before that, the reconstruction of time‐series MODIS‐NDVI was performed using harmonic analysis of time‐series and reconstruction accuracy was evaluated quantitatively at a regional scale. Results showed that the gap error was relatively large for the high vegetation cover areas while it might be ignored for the moderate and low vegetation cover areas. The overall accuracy of LC mapping in year 2010 (LC‐2010) was 77.89% and kappa coefficient reached 0.71, which suggested that LC mapping scheme could extract LC information with high accuracy. The producer's accuracy ranged between 69.83% (grasslands) and 100% (water body), while the user's accuracy changed from 58% (built‐up) to 86% (forest). The overall spatial agreement between LC‐2010 and GlobaLand30‐2010 was about 64.44%. The total area of forests, croplands, water body and built‐up exhibited an increasing trend while the contrary trend were found for the grasslands and bare land during the 2001–2017. These LC maps are valuable for research the land degradation investigation and monitoring, benefit evaluation of ecological restoration projects and effect of LCC on surface hydrothermal process in APENC.
Faba bean (Vicia faba) starch: Structure, properties, and in vitro digestibility—A review
Authors: Punia Sneh , Dhull Sanju Bala , Sandhu Kawaljit Singh , Kaur Maninder
Published: November 2019

The dietary consumption of legumes is associated with the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. There is a growing interest in faba bean (Vicia faba) to formulate functional products. Starch is the main component of faba bean (up to 45%), and its properties and reaction with other food components are mainly important for human nutrition, and the food industry as starch properties may greatly determine the product quality. This minireview summarizes the structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics and in vitro digestibility of faba bean starch to provide direction for new research.
Trigonometric fitted modification of RADAU5
Authors: Medvedeva Marina A. , Simos Theodore E. , Tsitouras Charalampos
Published: November 2019

Implicit Runge‐Kutta (RK) methods are in common use when addressing stiff initial value problems (IVP). They usually share the property of A‐stability that is of crucial importance in solving the latter type of IVP. Radau IIA family of implicit RK methods is among the preferred ones. Especially its fifth‐order representative named RADAU5 has received a lot of attention for use with lax accuracies. Here, we try the lesser possible perturbation of its coefficients. Then, we derive a trigonometric fitted modification that is intended to be applied in periodic IVPs. Numerical tests over a variety of problems with oscillatory solutions justify our effort.
Design of 64 channels and 640 Gb/s long‐reach bidirectional DWDM‐PON
Authors: Usman Muhammad
Published: November 2019

In this article, we have designed and simulated a 64 channels dense wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network (DWDM PON) with 100 GHz channel spacing and an overall transmission capacity of 640 Gb/s. There are 32 downstream and 32 upstream channels. Each channel is modulated at a data rate of 10 Gb/s constituting a total of 640 Gb/s system. Phenomenon of dispersion, attenuation, self and cross phase modulations are incorporated in the system design to observe noise effect on the transmitted signal. Channel length is varied to check maximum transmission reach and its effect on signal performance parameters that is, Q‐factor, bit error rate, eye amplitude, optical signal to noise ratio, extinction ratio, and peak to peak jitter are recorded. It is noted that our DWDM PON successfully transmitted 640 Gb/s data bi‐directionally over a transmission distance of 150 km.
Delayed physical development in a first generation enslaved African woman from Pietermaai, Curaçao
Authors: Fricke Felicia , Laffoon Jason , Victorina Amy , Haviser Jay
Published: November 2019

There is still much to be learned about enslavement in Curaçao, where little archaeological investigation into the historical era has been carried out. This article contributes to our knowledge on this subject through the analysis of a female individual buried in Pietermaai, an 18th century suburb of Willemstad. Excavated in the 1980s by the Archaeological‐Anthropological Institute of the Netherlands Antilles, the remains are only now attracting osteological attention. Isotopic analysis has shown that this individual spent her childhood in West Africa, supporting morphological and metric analyses identifying her African ancestry. At the time of death, she had an adult chronological age (over 18 years), but her physical development indicated a non‐adult biological age (possibly between 12 and 15 years). Such delayed development can occur due to many factors, including hard labour and disease. In the case of this individual, evidence such as enamel hypoplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and periostitis may indicate stressful episodes throughout the life course. Clearly defined entheses and entheseal changes at muscle attachment sites on the arms and legs may indicate a physically demanding occupation. A variety of factors could therefore have contributed to her developmental delay. In the future, further analysis of buried populations in Curaçao will help to increase our understanding of the lifeways of enslaved people here. Meanwhile, the analysis of this isolated individual is important because it situates enslavement in a real body and indicates the value of reanalysis of human remains from existing archaeological collections in the Caribbean.
Polypropylene/Spray Dried and Silane‐Treated Nanofibrillated Cellulose Composites
Authors: Tabak Ceren , Keskin Serhat , Akbasak Tughan , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: November 2019

In this study, the spray dried nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was modified by a silane coupling agent to be used in polypropylene (PP)‐copolymer matrix in the presence of maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MAH) compatibilizer. The PP/NFC composites were melt compounded and injection molded. In the first stage, the NFC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was shown that fibrillation in aqueous media through high‐pressure homogenization was successfully achieved. The nanofibrils having diameter smaller than 50 nm were obtained. The X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of the silane groups on the NFC surface. Elastic modulus improved by the addition of the high modulus NFC to PP, but the yield strength was not improved. On the other hand, different than many inorganic micron‐sized fillers, the elongation‐at‐break value did not drop much. Differential scanning calorimeter experiments indicated that the NFC acted as a nucleating agent. Rheological investigations exhibited that NFC decreased the viscosity of the PP. The addition of NFC to PP improved the thermal resistance of the PP as can be understood from the TGA experiments. It was demonstrated that renewable nanofiller can be a feasible method to functionalize the existing synthetic polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 352–361, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Bridged triarylboranes, ‐silanes, ‐amines, and ‐phosphines as minimalistic heteroatom‐containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Progress and challenges
Authors: Schaub Tobias A. , Padberg Kevin , Kivala Milan
Published: November 2019

Minimalistic heteroaromatic scaffolds result from the introduction of various ortho‐bridging moieties into triarylboranes, ‐silanes, ‐amines, and ‐phosphines. This molecular design opens an avenue to a class of structures fascinating not only from a fundamental standpoint, but also because of their aptitude to serve as active materials in organic electronics. In this Review, the history of these conceptually simple heteroatom‐containing π‐systems is briefly summarized, and the current state‐of‐the‐art in this vividly expanding field of research is discussed. The synthetic strategies towards these scaffolds are covered together with their structural and electronic traits. Special focus is dedicated to the recent progress and challenges in the molecular design of functional materials made thereof.
Financial engagement of the Indian diaspora in Germany: Remitting to India
Authors: Butsch Carsten
Published: November 2019

Indian nationals are a small but quickly growing migrant group in Germany that merits more research, especially related to remittance behaviour. Most of them are embedded in transnational networks; the remittances they send to India are an important way of expressing belonging, allowing the remitters to induce changes and fulfil traditional roles in spite of being physically absent. The findings presented in the paper's empirical section were collected with a mixed‐methods‐research approach. They are discussed against the background of the ongoing discourse on remittances and development. The idea of remittances as a better form of development aid is questioned.

The article illuminates which types of remittances are important for Indian migrants in Germany, how the practice of remitting depends on the specific migration path, and how it differs between first and second generation. Analysis of the empirical results shows that seven types of remittances are relevant for Indian migrants in Germany. Individual remittances are more important than collective remittances, and parent support is the most important type of remittance. Charitable engagement within this group is highly individualised. The findings illustrate further how the remitting practices change over time—within life course and between generations.

The results of this research show that as remittances for charitable reasons can only be considered as a highly personalised form of temporary engagement, it can be assumed that they hardly create sustainable structures. Individual remittances to family and friends, which are more important in this case study, do not necessarily result in desirable development.
Effects of cardamom supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Shekarchizadeh‐Esfahani Parivash , Arab Arman , Ghaedi Ehsan , Hadi Amir , Jalili Cyrus
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidemia, needs more attention. Recent studies have suggested that cardamom has favorable effects beyond lipid lowering, but the result are contradictory. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of cardamom on lipids. The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library (up to March, 2019) to identify RCTs investigating the effects of cardamom supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random‐effect model. Meta‐analysis of data from five eligible RCTs showed that cardamom supplementation did not significantly change the concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: −6.11 mg/dl, 95% CI [−13.06, 0.83], I2 = 0.0%), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: −4.31 mg/dl, 95% CI [−9.75, 1.13], I2 = 0.0%), or high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 1.75 mg/dl, 95% CI [−1.95 to 5.46], I2 = 71.4%). However, a significant reduction was observed in serum triglyceride (TG; WMD: −20.55 mg/dl, 95% CI [−32.48, −8.63], I2 = 0.0%) levels after cardamom supplementation. Cardamom might be able to change TG, but for confirming the results, more studies exclusively on dyslipidemia patients and considering the intake of lipid lowering agents as exclusion criteria are necessary.
Analyzing the solid soot particulates formed in a fuel‐rich flame by solvent‐free matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Wen , Shao Can , Sarathy S. Mani
Published: November 2019

Rationale

The compositional and structural information of soot particles is essential for a better understanding of the chemistry and mechanism during the combustion. The aim of the present study was to develop a method to analyze such soot particulate samples with high complexity and poor solubility.

Methods

The solvent‐free sample preparation matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) technique was combined with the ultrahigh‐resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) for the characterization of solid soot particulates. Moreover, a modified iso‐abundance plot (Carbon Number vs. Hydrogen Number vs. Abundance) was introduced to visualize the distributions of various chemical species, and to examine the agreement between the hydrogen‐abstraction‐carbon‐addition (HACA) mechanism and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon growth in the investigated flame system.

Results

This solvent‐free MALDI method enabled the effective ionization of the solid soot particulates without any dissolving procedure. With the accurate m/z ratios from FTICR‐MS, a unique chemical formula was assigned to each of the recorded mass signals. The combustion products were proven to be mainly large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), together with a small amount (<5%) of oxidized hydrocarbons.

Conclusions

The developed method provides a new approach for the molecular characterization of soot particulates like carbonaceous materials. The investigated soot particulates are mainly PAHs with no or very short aliphatic chains. The growth mechanism of PAHs during combustion can be examined against the classic HACA mechanism.
Validation and extension of the gas‐phase superacidity scale
Authors: Leesment Andre , Kaljurand Ivari , Trummal Aleksander , Kütt Agnes , Netscher Thomas , Bonrath Werner , Leito Ivo
Published: November 2019

Rationale

In recent years it has become increasingly evident that the previously reported experimental gas‐phase acidity (GA) values of several strong acids differ markedly from the corresponding high‐level computational values. In this work, the superacidic part of the current gas‐phase acidity scale was validated and extended.

Methods

For that, the strongly acidic section of the gas‐phase acidity scale was remeasured using the equilibrium Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR‐MS) method, adding new compounds and introducing methodological changes. In particular, a novel approach for anchoring the scale was used – the results were anchored to the computational (W1BD) GA values of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (291.3 and 286.2 kcal mol−1, respectively).

Results

The newly measured section consists of 20 gas‐phase superacids and its consistency standard deviation is 0.2 kcal mol−1, indicating good consistency. In contrast to the previously reported experimental gas‐phase acidities for a number of important superacids, the current results are consistent with high‐level theoretical GA values. Structure‐acidity relationships based on the current results as well as available MeCN and DCE acidity data were described and explained.

Conclusions

The introduced methodological innovations were found to be adequate and strong evidence is presented in support of the current GA values of the strong acids.