bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of drinking water quality in Bodrum peninsula‐tourism region, Turkey
Authors: Koç Cengiz
Published: November 2017

Bodrum peninsula is one of the major tourism centers of Turkey due to its abundant seas, its natural beauty, its history, and cultural heritage. Water needs of the Bodrum peninsula are generally obtained from the groundwater wells of Çamköy, Karaova, and center of Bodrum, as well as from Mumcular and Geyik dams. In this study, quality of the raw blended water sources that provide drinking water to the Bodrum peninsula were investigated using 31 parameters. These parameters were analyzed as per the standards of World Health Organization, EU (Europe Union), Water Pollution Control Regulation and the Regulations for Human Consumption of Water. According to the results of raw blended water analysis, turbidity, ammonia nitrogen, organic matter, manganese, total coliform, biological, and chemical oxygen requirements parameters are found above the standard values. For this reason, the planned treatment plant has features that can ensure that these parameters are improved. The processes that need to be built into the treatment plant to reach the desired drinking water quality standards should be composed of aeration, coagulation, flocculation, precipitation, filtration, and disinfection units. Study also explains that the disinfection at the treatment plant must be conducted with chlorine and ozone, while the filtration process must use dry and granular activated carbon filters. In the study, the flow schema of the proposed treatment plant for the peninsula is also given. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1274–1284, 2018
DNA damage in Arctic seabirds: Baseline, sensitivity to a genotoxic stressor, and association with organohalogen contaminants
Authors: Haarr Ane , Hylland Ketil , Eckbo Norith , Gabrielsen Geir Wing , Herzke Dorte , Bustnes Jan Ove , Blévin Pierre , Chastel Olivier , Moe Børge , Hanssen Sveinn Are , Sagerup Kjetil , Borgå Katrine
Published: November 2017

Environmental contaminants are found throughout Arctic marine ecosystems, and their presence in seabirds has been associated with toxicological responses. However, there are few studies of genotoxicity in Arctic avian wildlife. The purpose of the present study was to quantify deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in lymphocytes of selected seabird species and to examine whether accumulation of organohalogen contaminants (ΣOHCs) affects DNA damage. Blood was sampled from common eider (Somateria mollissima), black guillemot (Cepphus grylle), black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus), arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), and great skua (Stercorarius skua) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Norway). Contaminant concentrations found in the 6 species differed, presumably because of foraging ecology and biomagnification. Despite large differences in contaminant concentrations, ranging from ΣOHCs 3.3 ng/g wet weight in the common eider to ΣOHCs 895 ng/g wet weight in the great skua, there was no strong difference among the species in baseline DNA damage or sensitivity to a genotoxic stressor (hydrogen peroxide). Baseline levels of DNA damage were low, with median values ranging from 1.7% in the common eider to 8.6% in the great skua. There were no associations between DNA damage and contaminants in the investigated species, suggesting that contaminant concentrations in Kongsfjorden are too low to evoke genotoxic effects, or possibly that lymphocytes are resistant to strand breakage. Clearly, genotoxicity is a topic for future studies of Arctic seabirds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1084–1091. © 2017 SETAC

Abstract
Design of lattice‐based ElGamal encryption and signature schemes using SIS problem
Authors: Gupta Daya Sagar , Biswas G. P.
Published: November 2017

The emerging technologies like quantum computing and cloud computing have a complex computing power and can break the security of the classical cryptographic constructions (like ElGamal's cryptosystem). Thus, we were motivated to work on hard lattice problems, which are more complex and can resist these new modern technologies. In this proposal, we present a lattice‐based version of discrete logarithm problem‐based ElGamal public‐key encryption and signature schemes that exhibit strong security features and efficient implementation. The security of these presented schemes is based on the worst‐case hardness of approximating a small integer vector in their corresponding lattice. Furthermore, this proposed work illustrates a security proof of the proposed schemes and shows that the presented schemes are well protected in the modern computing environment. The performance analysis and comparison with classical ElGamal schemes and recent lattice‐based schemes are also made, and it is seen that the proposed schemes achieve better performance.
Impact of different intensities of intermittent theta burst stimulation on the cortical properties during TMS‐EEG and working memory performance
Authors: Chung Sung Wook , Rogasch Nigel C. , Hoy Kate E. , Sullivan Caley M. , Cash Robin F. H. , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: November 2017

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique capable of increasing cortical excitability beyond the stimulation period. Due to the rapid induction of modulatory effects, prefrontal application of iTBS is gaining popularity as a therapeutic tool for psychiatric disorders such as depression. In an attempt to increase efficacy, higher than conventional intensities are currently being applied. The assumption that this increases neuromodulatory may be mechanistically false for iTBS. This study examined the influence of intensity on the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of iTBS in the prefrontal cortex. Sixteen healthy participants received iTBS over prefrontal cortex at either 50, 75 or 100% resting motor threshold in separate sessions. Single‐pulse TMS and concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) was used to assess changes in cortical reactivity measured as TMS‐evoked potentials and oscillations. The n‐back task was used to assess changes in working memory performance. The data can be summarised as an inverse U‐shape relationship between intensity and iTBS plastic effects, where 75% iTBS yielded the largest neurophysiological changes. Improvement in reaction time in the 3‐back task was supported by the change in alpha power, however, comparison between conditions revealed no significant differences. The assumption that higher intensity results in greater neuromodulatory effects may be false, at least in healthy individuals, and should be carefully considered for clinical populations. Neurophysiological changes associated with working memory following iTBS suggest functional relevance. However, the effects of different intensities on behavioural performance remain elusive in the present healthy sample.
Outpatient versus inpatient thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Chin Christopher J. , Hong Chris J. , Perera Stefan , Witterick Ian J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Outpatient thyroidectomy has gained popularity due to improved resource utilization.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. We included all studies examining the outcomes of outpatient thyroidectomy as compared with those of inpatient thyroidectomy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, hypocalcemia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury) and readmission/reintervention rates were compared.

Results

After screening 1665 records, 10 nonrandomized observational studies were included. There were fewer complication rates in the outpatient group than the inpatient group (relative risk [RR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37‐0.83). There was no difference in readmission/reintervention rates (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.33‐1.09).

Conclusion

The results suggest outpatient thyroidectomy may be as safe as inpatient thyroidectomy in appropriately selected patients. The results are limited by high risk of bias. Well‐designed prospective studies are necessary to further assess the safety of outpatient thyroidectomy.
CASTLE tumor of the parotid: First documented case, literature review, and genetic analysis of the cancer
Authors: Wong Eugene Hung Chih , Tetter Nora , Tzankov Alexandar , Muller Laurent
Published: November 2017

Background

Carcinoma showing thymus‐like elements (CASTLE) is a rare tumor that normally affects the thyroid gland and was thought to arise from either the remnants of the branchial pouch or the ectopic cervical thymic tissue. These tumors show strong immunopositivity for CD5, P63, and CD117. Most CASTLE of the thyroid gland is treated with surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Method

A 55‐year‐old woman presented with a slow‐growing right parotid mass. A right total parotidectomy and ipsilateral selective neck dissection were performed and the diagnosis of CASTLE was made after confirmation with an immunohistochemistry test. She received radiotherapy postoperatively.

Results

Genetic sequencing showed alterations in the PPARG, BRCA2, and NOTCH1 genes. She remained disease free for >1 year after treatment.

Conclusion

We believe that this is the first reported case of CASTLE in the parotid gland. Clinicians should be aware of this rare entity and consider this differential diagnosis after ruling out other common parotid lesions.
A Personal Perspective on Organic Synthesis: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Chen David Y.‐K.
Published: November 2017

The field of organic synthesis is facing an exciting yet challenging time in its own history, and in the history of science and humanity. In this essay, personal perspectives in response to the five questions posed by the Editors of this Special Issue covering the history, contribution, perception, predictability, and future of organic synthesis, are presented. Through this collection of historical facts, personal viewpoints, encounters, and speculations, the scientific community and beyond may rejuvenate an appreciation for organic synthesis as both a powerful central science and an indispensable enabling technology, and collectively strive towards the next bright chapter in the human history.
A genetic variant of miR‐335 binding site in the ERBB4 3′‐UTR is associated with prognosis of ovary cancer
Authors: Wei Ping , Li Ling , Zhang Zhihu , Zhang Wei , Liu Ming , Sheng Xiugui
Published: November 2017

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading gynecologic malignancies globally, the 5‐year survival rate for patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer is very low. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that miR‐335 was associated with the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Bioinformatics tools and luciferase report assay were used to select the target of miR‐335, and real‐time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR‐335 and ERBB4 in different genotype groups. Finally, Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses were used to assess the relationship of ERBB4 genotype and survival of ovary cancer. Firstly, individuals carried ERBB4 rs186724 GG genotype had poorer overall survival compared with those carried CC/CT genotypes in ovarian cancer, while the participants with rs1836724 GA genotype had the same overall survival with that in participants with rs1836724 AA genotype in accordance with the result of Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses. Then according to result of the in‐silicon analysis, ERBB4 was the target of miR‐335, and rs1836724 was located on 3′UTR of ERBB4, the binding site of miR‐335, and miR‐335 inhibited the expression of ERBB4 and this regulation was more suppressed when the G allele replaced by the variant A allele. Finally, miR‐335 was similar among GG, GA, and AA groups, and ERBB4 level was higher in GG group. Finally, malignant grade is apparently higher in GG group than the other group. The data indicated that the ERBB4 rs1836724 polymorphism was associated with the survival of ovarian cancer.
Factors Affecting the Electrodeposition of Aluminum Metal in an Aluminum Chloride–Urea Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Prabu Samikannu , Wang Hong‐Wen
Published: November 2017

Electrodeposition of aluminum metal using an AlCl3–urea ionic liquid electrolyte at room temperature is studied. The molar ratio of AlCl3/urea, addition of toluene, stirring speed, deposition duration, and temperature are the major factors that affect the deposition of aluminum. The electroplating is carried out at temperatures in the range 20–60°C at a stirring speed 0–80 rpm using bias of 1 V applied for 2 h. The aluminum electrodeposition is enhanced at a high molar ratio of AlCl3/urea using 20% diluted toluene electrolyte. The microstructure of the deposited aluminum layer is examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current density is found to decrease with the duration and at lower temperatures. In this study, a current efficiency as high as ~89.98% could be obtained at 60°C.
Factors affecting the selection of PHB accumulating methanotrophs from waste activated sludge while utilizing ammonium as their nitrogen source
Authors: Fergala Ahmed , AlSayed Ahmed , Eldyasti Ahmed
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Methanotrophs can offer a long‐term reliable solution to two of the major problems causing environmental pollution. These microorganisms can convert methane, i.e. second major greenhouse gas (GHG), into biodegradable polymers as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). In this research, waste activated sludge was used as a seed for cultivating enrichments utilizing methane and ammonium as their sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively with high PHB accumulation capacity. Moreover, to test the effect of different parameters, such as the initial ratio between the ammonium and the microorganisms (N/M), food to microorganisms ratio (F/M), the solids retention time (SRT), copper elimination and nitrate, on the selection of PHB accumulating, i.e. Type II methanotrophs.

RESULTS

After establishing a mixed culture dominated by Type II methanotrophs, the enriched culture was kept in the exponential phase of growth and had a stable performance for almost 30 consecutive cycles with a specific growth rate of 0.077 ± 0.005 h‐1 and biomass yield of 0.81 ± 0.06 mg‐VSS mg‐1‐CH4. The PHB accumulation capacity of the enrichment reached 52.9 ± 4% with a yield of 0.54 ± 0.12 mg‐PHB mg‐1‐CH4.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the N/M ratio can be employed to ensure the dominance of Type II methanotrophs in mixed cultures having high PHB accumulation capacity while maintaining a high F/M ratio overcomes any inhibition resulting from ammonium co‐metabolism. Despite the dominance of Type II, switching the nitrogen source to nitrate caused an invasion of Type I methanotrophs and a deterioration in the PHB accumulation of the enriched culture. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
On the possible values of the entropy of undirected graphs
Authors: Gadouleau Maximilien
Published: November 2017

The entropy of a digraph is a fundamental measure that relates network coding, information theory, and fixed points of finite dynamical systems. In this article, we focus on the entropy of undirected graphs. We prove any bounded interval only contains finitely many possible values of the entropy of an undirected graph. We also determine all the possible values for the entropy of an undirected graph up to the value of four.
The effects of crew resource management on teamwork and safety climate at Veterans Health Administration facilities
Authors: Schwartz Miriam E. , Welsh Deborah E. , Paull Douglas E. , Knowles Regina S. , DeLeeuw Lori D. , Hemphill Robin R. , Essen Keith E. , Sculli Gary L.
Published: November 2017

Communication failure is a significant source of adverse events in health care and a leading root cause of sentinel events reported to the Joint Commission. The Veterans Health Administration National Center for Patient Safety established Clinical Team Training (CTT) as a comprehensive program to enhance patient safety and to improve communication and teamwork among health care professionals. CTT is based on techniques used in aviation's Crew Resource Management (CRM) training. The aviation industry has reached a significant safety record in large part related to the culture change generated by CRM and sustained by its recurrent implementation. This article focuses on the improvement of communication, teamwork, and patient safety by utilizing a standardized, CRM‐based, interprofessional, immersive training in diverse clinical areas. The Teamwork and Safety Climate Questionnaire was used to evaluate safety climate before and after CTT. The scores for all of the 27 questions on the questionnaire showed an increase from baseline to 12 months, and 11 of those increases were statistically significant. A recurrent training is recommended to maintain the positive outcomes. CTT enhances patient safety and reduces risk of patient harm by improving teamwork and facilitating clear, concise, specific and timely communication among health care professionals.
Computer‐aided design of human sialyltransferase inhibitors of hST8Sia III
Authors: Dobie Christopher , Montgomery Andrew P. , Szabo Rémi , Skropeta Danielle , Yu Haibo
Published: November 2017

Sialyltransferase (ST) upregulation and the resultant hypersialylation of tumour cell surfaces is an established hallmark of many cancers including lung, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. The role of ST enzymes in tumour cell growth and metastasis, as well as links to multi‐drug resistance, has seen ST inhibition emerge as a target for potential antimetastatic cancer treatments. The most potent of these reported inhibitors are transition‐state analogues. Although there are several examples of these in the literature, many have suspected poor pharmacokinetic properties and are not readily synthetically accessible. A proposed solution to these problems is the use of a neutral carbamate or 1,2,3‐triazole linker instead of the more commonly used phosphodiester linker, and replacing the traditionally utilised cytidine nucleotide with uridine. Another issue in this area is the paucity of structural information of human ST enzymes. However, in late 2015 the structure of human ST8Sia III was reported (only the second human ST described so far), creating the opportunity for structure‐based design of selective ST8 inhibitors for the first time. Herein, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations with the newly published crystal structure of hST8Sia III were performed for the first time with selected ST transition state analogues. Simulations showed that these compounds could participate in many of the key interactions common with the natural donor and acceptor substrates, and reveals some key insights into the synthesis of potentially selective ST inhibitors.
Impact of infrared treatment on quality and fungal decontamination of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) inoculated with Aspergillus spp
Authors: Meenu Maninder , Guha Paramita , Mishra Sunita
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Mung bean is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and fiber content. It also exhibits a high level of antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger are the two major fungal strains associated with stored mung bean that lead to post‐harvest losses of grains and also cause serious health risks to human beings. Thus there is a need to explore an economical decontamination method that can be used without affecting the biochemical parameters of grains.

RESULTS

It was observed that infrared (IR) treatment of mung bean surface up to 70 °C for 5 min at an intensity of 0.299 kW m−2 led to complete visible inhibition of fungal growth. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that surface irregularities and physical disruption of spores coat are the major reasons behind the inactivation of IR‐treated fungal spores. It was also reported that IR treatment up to 70 °C for 5 min does not cause any negative impact on the biochemical and physical properties of mung bean.

CONCLUSION

From the results of the present study, it was concluded that IR treatment at 70 °C for 5 min using an IR source having an intensity of 0.299 kW m−2 can be successfully used as a method of fungal decontamination. The fungal spore population was reduced (approximately 5.3 log10 CFU g−1 reductions) without significantly altering the biochemical and physical properties of grains. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
New developments on AIDS‐related cancers: The role of the delay and treatment options
Authors: Carvalho Ana R. M. , Pinto Carla M. A.
Published: November 2017

We propose a simple delay mathematical model for the dynamics of AIDS‐related cancers with treatment of HIV and chemotherapy. The main goals are to study the effects of the delay and of treatment (HAART and chemotherapy) in cancer cells growth. The model was simulated for several biologically reasonable values of the delay, of HAART efficacies and of chemotherapeutic drugs decay rates. The results of the simulations reveal an epidemiologically well‐defined model. Important inferences are drawn for designing future treatment protocols.
Multiple‐Dose Oritavancin Evaluation in a Retrospective Cohort of Patients with Complicated Infections
Authors: Schulz Lucas T , Dworkin Emily , Dela‐Pena Jennifer , Rose Warren E.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Oritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic approved for use in acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections as a single 1200‐mg parenteral dose. Because of oritavancin's long half‐life and broad gram‐positive activity, interest in its use for other infections is high.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort evaluation of patients receiving oritavancin at a single academic medical center. All patients receiving more than one dose of oritavancin were included. Patients were excluded if therapy was interrupted by more than 14 days. Efficacy, defined a priori as clinical success, improvement, or failure, and adverse drug effect outcomes were collected.

Results

Seventeen patients received multiple oritavancin doses (range 2–18 doses) for the treatment of complicated infections including osteomyelitis, surgical site infection, intravascular infections, and pneumonia. All patients achieved clinical success or improvement with oritavancin. Four patients (24%) had an adverse event requiring oritavancin discontinuation that reversed rapidly.

Conclusions

Off‐label oritavancin use may be a safe and effective alternative to daily antibiotic infusions to treat complicated infectious disease processes. This study is limited by small sample size and retrospective design, but it provides information on using oritavancin in these complex gram‐positive infections.
Plasma polymerized C:H:N:O thin films for controlled release of antibiotic substances
Authors: Kratochvíl Jiří , Kahoun David , Štěrba Ján , Langhansová Helena , Lieskovská Jaroslava , Fojtíková Pavla , Hanuš Jan , Kousal Jaroslav , Kylián Ondřej , Straňák Vítězslav
Published: November 2017

Thin films, which are able to deliver antibiotics in a controlled way, are considered as a promising approach to combat bacterial infections. A novel drug delivery method based on reservoir/diffusion barrier is introduced in this paper. As reservoir serves a film of sputtered nylon 6,6 impregnated with ampicillin, which is then covered by a diffusion barrier from the same material. It is demonstrated that the impregnation process does not affect either the morphology or the surface chemical structure. The amount of immobilized antibiotics can be tailored by changing the reservoir film thickness, while the release kinetics can be controlled by the thickness of the diffusion barrier. Finally, it is shown that the ampicillin impregnated films have an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Hole‐Transfer‐Layer Modification of Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Photocathodes for Dramatically Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wen Min , Wu Hao‐Lin , Li Xu‐Bing , Chen Bin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: November 2017

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting involving a sensitized photocathode has emerged as an extremely promising pathway for achieving solar‐to‐fuel conversion. Here it is reported that merely by modulating the morphology of hole‐transfer layer of NiO film to give a regular porous structure, the PEC performance of quantum dots (QDs) sensitized photocathodes can be dramatically enhanced. Mechanistic insights reveal that the porous structure not only increases the loading amount of QDs for enhanced light capture, but also facilitates the process of interfacial hole transfer and migration, which enable a 2.6‐fold enhancement of PEC performance to a photocurrent of ≈136 μA cm−2. The strategy introduced here provides an effective and facile pathway for further improving the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.
Community organizations’ programming and the development of community science teachers
Authors: Varelas Maria , Morales‐Doyle Daniel , Raza Syeda , Segura David , Canales Karen , Mitchener Carole
Published: November 2017

In this study, we explored how science teacher candidates construct ideas about science teaching and learning in the context of partnerships with urban community‐based organizations. We used a case study design focusing on a group of 10 preservice teachers’ participation in educational programming that focused on environmental racism and connected science to larger social issues in an economically dispossessed Mexican community in Chicago. Using theoretical lenses of humanistic science education, justice‐centered science pedagogy, and structure–agency dialectic, we studied how preservice high school science teachers made sense of equity and social justice issues facing marginalized communities and how they thought about the goals and nature of science education, along with their role as science teachers, as they participated in a Toxic Tour provided by the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. By emphasizing both environmental challenges and the community assets in Little Village, the Toxic Tour provided an opportunity for science teacher candidates to develop a complex understanding of this particular community and critically reflect on their own communities. The teacher candidates identified both structures that are enabling or disabling for community members and people's individual and collective agency acting upon these structures. They also recognized communities as places of authentic science learning.
Charge Transfer from Carbon Nanotubes to Silicon in Flexible Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Mariano Marina , McMillon‐Brown Lyndsey , Huang Jing‐Shun , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Reed Mark A. , Jung Yeonwoong , Taylor André D.
Published: November 2017

Mechanical fragility and insufficient light absorption are two major challenges for thin flexible crystalline Si‐based solar cells. Flexible hybrid single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/Si solar cells are demonstrated by applying scalable room‐temperature processes for the fabrication of solar‐cell components (e.g., preparation of SWNT thin films and SWNT/Si p–n junctions). The flexible SWNT/Si solar cells present an intrinsic efficiency ≈7.5% without any additional light‐trapping structures. By using these solar cells as model systems, the charge transport mechanisms at the SWNT/Si interface are investigated using femtosecond transient absorption. Although primary photon absorption occurs in Si, transient absorption measurements show that SWNTs also generate and inject excited charge carriers to Si. Such effects can be tuned by controlling the thickness of the SWNTs. Findings from this study could open a new pathway for designing and improving the efficiency of photocarrier generation and absorption for high‐performance ultrathin hybrid SWNT/Si solar cells.
Novel Silicon Doped Tin Oxide–Carbon Microspheres as Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries: The Multiple Effects Exerted by Doped Si
Authors: Tan Yuanzhong , Wong Ka‐Wai , Ng Ka Ming
Published: November 2017

Silicon doped tin oxide embedded porous carbon microspheres (SiySn1–yOx@C) are synthesized. It is found that the doped Si not only improves the reversibility of lithiation/delithiation reactions, but also prevents Sn from aggregation. In addition, the doped Si introduces extra defects into the carbon matrix and produces Li+ conductive Li4SiO4, which accelerates Li+ diffusion. Together with the conductive, porous carbon matrix that provides void space to accommodate the volume change of Sn during charge/discharge cycling, the novel SiySn1–yOx@C exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. It shows a high initial columbic efficiency of 75.9%. A charge (delithiation) capacity of 880.32 mA h g−1 is retained after 150 cycles, i.e., 91% of the initial capacity. These results indicate that the as‐synthesized SiySn1–yOx@C is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.
A Metal–Polyphenol Network Coated Nanotheranostic System for Metastatic Tumor Treatments
Authors: Fan Jin‐Xuan , Zheng Di‐Wei , Mei Wen‐Wen , Chen Si , Chen Si‐Yi , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: November 2017

As a characteristic trait of most tumor types, metastasis is the major cause of the death of patients. In this study, a photothermal agent based on gold nanorod is coated with metal (Gd3+)‐organic (polyphenol) network to realize combination therapy for metastatic tumors. This nanotheranostic system significantly enhances antitumor therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo with the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy, also can remarkably prevent the invasion and metastasis due to the presence of polyphenol. After the treatment, an 81% decrease in primary tumor volumes and a 58% decrease in lung metastasis are observed. In addition, the good performance in magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and photothermal imaging of the nanotheranostic system can realize image‐guided therapy. The multifunctional nanotheranostic system will find a great potential in diagnosis and treatment integration in tumor treatments, and broaden the applications of PTT treatment.
Establishing a Novel Methodology to Correlate the Macroscopic and Microscopic Degree of Sintering in Magnetite Pellets during Induration
Authors: Kumar Telkicherla Kamesh Sandeep , Simonsson Martin , Viswanathan Nurni Neelakanta , Ahmed Hesham , Andersson Charlotte , El‐Geassy Abdel‐Hady A. , Björkman Bo
Published: November 2017

The quality of product pellets is a result of the physico‐chemical phenomena involved in the induration process. Sintering is the primary phenomenon, and its degree or extent contributes substantially to the evolution of the metallurgical and mechanical properties of a pellet. During the induration of magnetite pellets, sintering proceeds through the oxidized and non‐oxidized magnetite phases. Sintering of these phases has been previously studied on a single pellet at the macroscopic scale using an optical dilatometer. A deeper understanding requires corroboration of these studies through characterization at the microscopic scale. In the present work, the observations recorded at the microscopic scale are quantified using image processing techniques to correlate them to the macroscopic measurements. Distance transformation, which is an image processing principle, is adapted in a novel way to digitize the microstructures and to determine the degree of sintering in a pellet quantitatively. This methodology has potential applications as a generic tool to follow the sintering phenomenon and process kinetics at any stage during induration.
Monosodium glutamate suppresses the female reproductive function by impairing the functions of ovary and uterus in rat
Authors: Mondal Mukti , Sarkar Kaushik , Nath Partha Pratim , Paul Goutam
Published: November 2017

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the functions of ovary and uterus in rat. Virgin female rats of Charles Foster strain (120 gms approximately) were administrated MSG by oral gavage at a dose level of 0.8, 1.6, 2.4 gm/kgBW/day, respectively for 30 and 40 days duration. We observed a significant decrease in the duration of proestrus, estrus and metestrus phases, and increase in the duration of diestrus phase and diestrus index compared to control. We found significant increase in the levels of serum LH, FSH and estradiol in test groups of rat. We also observed significant increase in the number of primary and primordial follicles, increase in the size of graafian follicle, and decrease in the size of corpus luteum. Further, we have seen significant increase in the activities SOD, CAT and GST, decrease in the activities GR and GPx, and decrease MDA level in MSG exposed groups. These results suggest that MSG impairs the functions of the ovary probably by augmenting the release of FSH, LH and estradiol; promoting the follicular maturation and improving the biochemical mechanism for antioxidant defense. We also observed significant potentiation of the force of contraction of uterus in estrus, metestrus and diestrus phases. This result suggests that MSG potentiates the contraction of uterus probably by stimulating the estradiol sensitivity to oxytocin. From the results it is concluded that MSG suppresses the female reproductive function in rat probably by impairing the functions of ovary and uterus.
Progressive cutaneous viral pigmented plaques in three Hungarian Vizslas and the response of lesions to topical tigilanol tiglate gel
Authors: Hansen Naomi , Nicholas Nikianna , Pack Graeme , Mackie John T. , Shipstone Michael , Munday John S. , Reddell Paul , Orbell Geoff , Malik Richard
Published: November 2017

Cutaneous pigmented viral plaques is a disorder of epidermal growth caused by canine papillomavirus type 4 (CPV‐4). There is currently no standard of care for managing this condition and it has not been reported in the Hungarian Vizsla. This case series documents the clinical features of canine pigmented viral plaques in Hungarian Vizsla dogs and the treatment of a severe case using a novel topical agent tigilanol tiglate (EBC‐46). A 4‐year‐old spayed Hungarian Vizsla in Australia was presented for multiple cutaneous pigmented plaques extending from the ventral cervical region. Lesions were neither painful nor pruritic. The number and size of these sessile plaques increased over time, with the largest lesions eventually taking on an exophytic (wart‐like) appearance. These lesions did not affect the dog's wellbeing. Two much less severe cases in a 5‐year‐old Vizsla from the UK and a 7‐year‐old Vizsla from New Zealand were also diagnosed. Histology was consistent with papillomavirus‐induced pigmented plaques and CPV‐4 DNA sequences were amplified from paraffin‐embedded formalin‐fixed tissue using the polymerase chain reaction from the most severely affected patient. Topical imiquimod was ineffective although used for only a short time. Two topical applications of novel anti‐neoplastic diterpene ester tigilanol tiglate as a gel, 9 days apart, greatly reduced the size and number of lesions in a limited portion of skin treated, over the lateral hock. While CPV‐4 has been previously reported to cause pigmented plaques, most commonly on pug dogs, but sporadically on other breeds, this is the first report of this virus causing plaques in Hungarian Vizslas. The cases illustrate some of the difficulties in diagnosing papillomavirus‐induced disease in dogs, especially in its early stages. Topical tigilanol tiglate is a potentially useful topical therapy for this viral‐induced disorder of cell growth and represents a treatment deserving of further investigation.
Energy decomposition analysis
Authors: Zhao Lili , von Hopffgarten Moritz , Andrada Diego M. , Frenking Gernot
Published: November 2017

The energy decomposition analysis (EDA) is a powerful method for a quantitative interpretation of chemical bonds in terms of three major components. The instantaneous interaction energy ΔEintbetween two fragments A and B in a molecule A–B is partitioned in three terms, namely (1) the quasiclassical electrostatic interaction ΔEelstatbetween the fragments; (2) the repulsive exchange (Pauli) interaction ΔEPaulibetween electrons of the two fragments having the same spin, and (3) the orbital (covalent) interaction ΔEorbwhich comes from the orbital relaxation and the orbital mixing between the fragments. The latter term can be decomposed into contributions of orbitals with different symmetry which makes it possible to distinguish between σ, π, and δ bonding. After a short introduction into the theoretical background of the EDA we present illustrative examples of main group and transition metal chemistry. The results show that the EDA terms can be interpreted in chemically meaningful way thus providing a bridge between quantum chemical calculations and heuristic bonding models of traditional chemistry. The extension to the EDA–Natural Orbitals for Chemical Valence (NOCV) method makes it possible to breakdown the orbital term ΔEorbinto pairwise orbital contributions of the interacting fragments. The method provides a bridge between MO correlations diagrams and pairwise orbital interactions, which have been shown in the past to correlate with the structures and reactivities of molecules. There is a link between frontier orbital theory and orbital symmetry rules and the quantitative charge‐ and energy partitioning scheme that is provided by the EDA–NOCV terms. The strength of the pairwise orbital interactions can quantitatively be estimated and the associated change in the electronic structure can be visualized by plotting the deformation densities.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Computer and Information Science > Visualization
Modular properties of 6d (DELL) systems
Authors: Aminov G. , Mironov A. , Morozov A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

If super-Yang-Mills theory possesses the exact conformal invariance, there is an additional modular invariance under the change of the complex bare charge "Image missing". The low-energy Seiberg-Witten prepotential ℱ(a), however, is not explicitly invariant, because the flat moduli also change a − → a

D
 = ∂ℱ/∂a. In result, the prepotential is not a modular form and depends also on the anomalous Eisenstein series E
2. This dependence is usually described by the universal MNW modular anomaly equation. We demonstrate that, in the 6d SU(N) theory with two independent modular parameters τ and

$$ \widehat{\tau} $$

τ
^

, the modular anomaly equation changes, because the modular transform of τ is accompanied by an (N -dependent!) shift of

$$ \widehat{\tau} $$

τ
^

and vice versa. This is a new peculiarity of double-elliptic systems, which deserves further investigation.
Spontaneous breakdown of charge in the MSSM and in the NMSSM: possibilities and implications
Authors: Beuria Jyotiranjan , Datta AseshKrishna
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We study the possibilities and the implications of a spontaneous breakdown of charge in the MSSM and in the Z
3-symmetric NMSSM. The breakdown is triggered by the charged states of the Higgs doublets acquiring vacuum expectation values. In the MSSM, it is known that the presence of a charge conserving minimum for the tree-level Higgs potential precludes a deeper (global) charge-breaking minimum. We find that the inclusion of radiative correction to the potential does not alter the situation while a deeper charge-conserving minimum could arise, albeit with no major practical consequences. In the NMSSM scenario, a charge-breaking global minimum, with or without an accompanying charge-conserving deeper minimum, could appear even with the tree-level Higgs potential thanks to the presence of a charge-neutral scalar state which transforms as a singlet under the Standard Model gauge group. Use of the NMSSM Higgs potential that includes both quantum and thermal corrections and the requirement of a viable (stable or long-lived) vacuum that breaks the electroweak symmetry, along with its compatibility with the latest Higgs data, lead to nontrivial constraints on the NMSSM parameter space.
Parathyroid, Thyroid and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Anatomy in an Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Udelsman R. , Citino S. B. , Prasad M. , Donovan P. I. , Fredholm D. V.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The parathyroid gland was first identified in the Indian rhinoceros in 1849 by Sir Richard Owen. We performed a necropsy in an Indian rhinoceros, recapitulating Owen’s dissection and display what appear to be the initial identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in situ and the anatomy and histology of the largest rhinoceros parathyroid glands yet identified.

Materials and methods

Patrick T. Rhino, a 41‐year‐old Indian rhinoceros was born in 1974. His early years were unremarkable. In 2006, he was donated to White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Florida, where he bred and sustained minor injuries. In his geriatric years, he developed a cataract and degenerative joint disease (DJD). At age 41, he developed progressive ataxia and lameness and was euthanized to minimize suffering when he was unable to stand. ROS, FH, SH and medication history were unremarkable. Physical exam was age and species appropriate. Pre‐mortem serum demonstrated: creat 1.8 mg/dL (0.8–2.1), calcium 10.6 mg/dL (9.7–13.1), phos 3.8 mg/dL (2.5–6.7), alk phos 69 U/L (26–158) and intact PTH 44.1 pg/mL (rhinoceros reference range: unknown). Necropsy revealed intervertebral DJD with thoracic spondylosis, which combined with osteoporosis, resulted in thoracic myelopathy and ataxia. The neck block was sent in formalin to the Yale University School of Medicine.

Results

Detailed dissection was performed under loupe magnification. Presumed structures were photographed in situ and biopsied. The thyroid was identified deep to the strap muscles, received its blood supply from the inferior and superior thyroid arteries and was blue in color. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve, identified and photographed in situ for the first time in the rhinoceros, was deep to the inferior thyroid artery and was traced throughout its cervical course. Single parathyroid glands identified on the lateral thyroid lobes received their blood supply from the inferior thyroid arteries and were confirmed histologically. They appear to be the largest parathyroids yet identified in the rhinoceros with estimated weights of 6,280 and 11,000 mg, respectively. Although the etiology of the parathyroid gland enlargement is unknown, the specimen has been preserved recapitulating the dissection performed by Sir Richard Owen.

Conclusion

The parathyroids, thyroid and recurrent laryngeal nerve were identified in an Indian rhinoceros. This appears to be the first display of the rhinoceros recurrent laryngeal nerve in situ, and the parathyroid glands are the largest yet identified in the rhinoceros.
Recurrent selection breeding by dominant male sterility for multiple abiotic stresses tolerant rice cultivars
Authors: Pang Yunlong , Chen Kai , Wang Xiaoqian , Xu Jianlong , Ali Jauhar , Li Zhikang
Published: November 2017

Recurrent selection has not been extensively applied in rice breeding practices due to lack of male sterility genes. Recently, a male sterile line (named as ‘Jiabuyu’) controlled by a novel single dominant gene was found, which provides an ideal tool for rice recurrent selection breeding. Here, two different kinds of recurrent selection populations facilitated for outcrossing by the dominant male sterile line ‘Jiabuyu’ were developed, that included one population using 31 abiotic stress tolerance introgression lines with common recipient parent as founders, and the other one using 25 popular restorers lines applied in hybrid breeding as founders. After two cycles of recurrent selection through natural outcrossing, the seeds from male fertile progeny plants were screened for higher grain yield under normal irrigated, drought, and salt-stressed natural field conditions. Finally, we identified 11 promising high-yielding lines under irrigated conditions, 12 drought-tolerant and 12 salt-tolerant lines. Among them, one line gave higher grain yield across all three conditions, three lines yielded high in both irrigated and drought conditions and another three lines gave high yields in both drought and salt-stressed conditions. The present study was a commendable attempt at utilizing recurrent selection population facilitated by dominant male sterile line to improve rice complex traits, which provided valuable lessons for other rice breeders. The developed lines are promising to be rice varieties with high yield, drought and/or salinity tolerances.
Crossing boundaries: Shigeru Nakano's enduring legacy for ecology
Authors: Fausch Kurt D.
Published: November 2017

Shigeru Nakano was a Japanese ecologist whose work crossed boundaries among subdisciplines in ecology, between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and between different languages and cultures. He published his first paper in 1985 while still an undergraduate, and is well known for his early research on the individual behavior of stream salmonids in dominance hierarchies. Shortly after completing his Master's degree in 1987 he began collaborating with many graduate students and other scientists, including those from the US, and expanded his research to include factors controlling stream salmonid distribution and abundance across spatial scales ranging from local to landscape levels. In 1995 he moved to a research station in southwestern Hokkaido and began new collaborative research on interactions between forest and stream food webs. Nakano pioneered large‐scale field experiments using greenhouses to sever the reciprocal fluxes of invertebrate prey between stream and riparian food webs. The strong direct and indirect effects of isolating these food webs from each other on organisms ranging from stream algae to fish, riparian spiders, and bats have revealed new linkages and explained phenomena that were previously unexplained. When combined with similar results from other investigators, they have created a paradigm shift in ecology. Shigeru Nakano was lost at sea in Baja California on March 27, 2000 at the age of 37, but key papers from his 15‐year career set new standards for rigor, detail, and synthesis. They continue to be highly cited and inspire new research, and to foster new collaborations among Japanese and western scientists.