bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Perovskite Oxide SrCo0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3–δ as a Cathode Material for Room Temperature Direct Ammonia Fuel Cells
Authors: Zou Peimiao , Chen Shigang , Lan Rong , Tao Shanwen
Published: April 2019

Single‐phase perovskite oxide SrCo0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3–δ was synthesized using a Pechini method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated a cubic structure with a=3.8806(7) Å. The oxide material was combined with active carbon, forming a composite electrode to be used as the cathode in a room temperature ammonia fuel cell based on an anion membrane electrolyte and NiCu/C anode. An open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.19 V was observed with dilute 0.02 m (340 ppm) ammonia solution as the fuel. The power density and OCV were improved upon the addition of 1 m NaOH to the fuel, suggesting that the addition of NaOH, which could be achieved through the introduction of alkaline waste to the fuel stream, could improve performance when wastewater is used as the fuel. It was found that the SrCo0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ cathode was converted from irregular shape into shuttle‐shape during the fuel cell measurements. As the key catalysts for electrode materials for this fuel cell are all inexpensive, after further development, this could be a promising technology for removal of ammonia from wastewater.
Simultaneous Mapping of Oxygen Reduction Activity and Hydrogen Peroxide Generation on Electrocatalytic Surfaces
Authors: Kolagatla Srikanth , Subramanian Palaniappan , Schechter Alex
Published: April 2019

Electrochemical scanning probe microscopies have become valuable experimental tools, owing to their capability of capturing topographic features in addition to mapping the electrochemical activity of nanoscale oxygen reduction catalysts. However, most scanning probe techniques lack the ability to correlate topographic features with the electrochemical oxygen reduction and peroxide formation in real time. In this report, we show that it is indeed possible to construct high‐resolution catalytic current maps at an electrified solid–liquid interface by placing a specially made Au‐coated SiO2 Pt atomic force microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy (AFM–SECM) dual electrode tip approximately 4–8 nm above the reaction center. The catalytic current measured every 16 nm and high collection efficiency (≈90 %) of the reverse current of peroxide byproducts was also demonstrated with the help of the dual electrode tip. Simultaneous oxygen reduction and intermediate peroxide oxidation current mapping was demonstrated using this Au‐coated SiO2 Pt probe on two model surfaces, namely highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a glassy carbon surface.
Ectopic breast tissue lesion in axilla: Cytology report of two cases
Authors: Nigam Jitendra Singh , Garg Pooja , Talukder Shibojit
Published: April 2019

Ectopic breast tissue (EBT) predominantly seen along the primitive embryonic milk lines that extend from axilla to groin. Axillary breast tissue is one of the common variant of EBT seen in 2% to 6% of women. Phyllodes tumour in EBT is uncommon. The various cystic, inflammatory and neoplastic lesions may occur in EBT similar to breast counterpart. Therefore, EBT should be carefully investigated as it may affect the management of the patient. We report two cases (axillary phyllodes tumour and axillary fibroadenoma) of axillary EBT diagnosed on cytology.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of Vicenin‐2 on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Yin Yuti , Ye Lei , Niu Zhongbao , Fang Wenhui
Published: April 2019

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of Vicenin‐2 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis model. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by administration of 2% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. In addition to DSS, Vicenin‐2 (50 mg kg−1/day−1) was administrated orally to the test group. The ulceration extent and severity were assessed macroscopically, histopathologically, and by disease activity index. The Vicenin‐2 treated group showed significant differences in physiological parameters including bodyweight, colon weight, and colon length, compared to DSS‐induced colitis group. In addition, Vicenin‐2 treatment effectively reduced stool consistency and bleeding scores. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and specific key inflammatory markers (iNOS and COX‐2) significantly increased in DSS‐induced colitis colon tissues. However, administration of Vicenin‐2 effectively reduced the MPO activity, attenuated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and key inflammatory markers, in DSS‐induced colitis mice. These results were comparable with sulfasalazine, an anti‐inflammatory drug used routinely for ulcerative colitis (UC). These findings suggest that Vicenin‐2 effectively suppresses DSS‐induced colitis by attenuating expressions of key inflammatory mediators and found to be an attractive therapeutic drug for treating UC.
Actomyosin contraction during cellularization is regulated in part by Src64 control of Actin 5C protein levels
Authors: Carter Tammy Y. , Gadwala Swetha , Chougule Ashish B. , Bui Anh P. N. , Sanders Alex C. , Chaerkady Raghothama , Cormier Nathaly , Cole Robert N. , Thomas Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2019

Src64 is required for actomyosin contraction during cellularization of the Drosophila embryonic blastoderm. The mechanism of actomyosin ring constriction is poorly understood even though a number of cytoskeletal regulators have been implicated in the assembly, organization, and contraction of these microfilament rings. How these cytoskeletal processes are regulated during development is even less well understood. To investigate the role of Src64 as an upstream regulator of actomyosin contraction, we conducted a proteomics screen to identify proteins whose expression levels are controlled by src64. Global levels of actin are reduced in src64 mutant embryos. Furthermore, we show that reduction of the actin isoform Actin 5C causes defects in actomyosin contraction during cellularization similar to those caused by src64 mutation, indicating that a relatively high level of Actin 5C is required for normal actomyosin contraction and furrow canal structure. However, reduction of Actin 5C levels only slows down actomyosin ring constriction rather than preventing it, suggesting that src64 acts not only to modulate actin levels, but also to regulate the actomyosin cytoskeleton by other means.
Disaggregating the predictive effects of impaired psychosocial functioning on future DSM‐5 eating disorder onset in high‐risk female adolescents
Authors: Mehl Annette , Rohde Paul , Gau Jeff M. , Stice Eric
Published: April 2019

Objective

Impaired psychosocial functioning previously emerged as the only risk factor to predict future onset of each of the four Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (5th ed.) (DSM‐5) eating disorders. The goal of this follow‐up report was to refine understanding of this newly identified risk factor.

Method

Combining data from women at risk for eating disorders because of body image concerns (N = 1,153, mean age = 18.5 years, SD = 4.2), we investigated which subdomain(s) and individual item(s) of psychosocial functioning (friends, family, school, and work) at baseline predicted onset of any eating disorder, using Cox regression (CRA) and classification tree analysis (CTA).

Results

Psychosocial impairment with friends, family, and at school, but not at work, significantly increased risk for disorder onset over 3‐year follow‐up in univariate models. A one‐unit increase in each domain raw score was associated with a 107, 22, and 43% increased hazard of eating disorder onset, respectively. Multivariate CRA found friends functioning, with a 92% increased hazard of disorder onset, contributed the strongest unique effect. CTA suggested that loneliness was the most potent risk factor with a threefold increased onset risk (eating disorder incidence for high vs. low scorers was 27 and 8%). Three friends functioning items and one school functioning item produced additional CTA branches.

Discussion

Results refine understanding of the relation of psychosocial impairment to future onset of eating disorders, suggesting that peer functioning is the most critical. Data imply it would be useful to target young women with impaired psychosocial functioning in prevention programs.
Landscape patterns in top‐down control of decomposition: omnivory disrupts a tropical detrital‐based trophic cascade
Authors: Simon Troy N. , Binderup Andrew J. , Flecker Alex S. , Gilliam James F. , Marshall Michael C. , Thomas Steven A.  , Travis Joseph , Reznick David N. , Pringle Catherine M.
Published: April 2019

Detrital‐based trophic cascades are often considered weak or absent in tropical stream ecosystems because of the prevalence of omnivorous macroconsumers and the dearth of leaf‐shredding insects. In this study, we isolate top‐down effects of three macroconsumer species on detrital processing in headwater streams draining Trinidad's northern mountains. We separated effects of different macroconsumers by experimentally manipulating their temporal access to isolated benthic habitat over the diel cycle. We found no evidence that omnivorous macroconsumers, including a freshwater crab (Eudaniela garmani) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata), increased leaf decomposition via consumption. By contrast, above a waterfall excluding guppies, the insectivorous killifish, Anablepsoides hartii, reduced the biomass of the leaf‐shredding insect Phylloicus hansoni 4‐fold, which consequently reduced leaf decomposition rates 1.6‐fold. This detrital cascade did not occur below the barrier waterfall, where omnivorous guppies join the assemblage and reduce killifish densities; here killifish had no significant effects on Phylloicus or decomposition rates. These patterns of detrital processing were also observed in upstream–downstream comparisons in a landscape study across paired reaches of six streams. Above waterfalls, where killifish were present, but guppies absent, leaf decomposition rates and Phylloicus biomass were 2.5‐ and ~35‐fold lower, respectively, compared to measurements below waterfalls. Moreover, the strength of top‐down control by killifish is reflected by the 20‐ and 5‐fold reductions in variability (±SE) surrounding mean Phylloicus biomass and leaf decomposition rates in upstream relative to downstream reaches where no top‐down control was detected. Findings show a clear, detrital‐based trophic cascade among killifish, a leaf‐shredding insect, and leaf decomposition rates. Results also show how omnivorous guppies disrupt this cascade by depressing killifish densities, thereby releasing invertebrate shredders from predation, and significantly increasing decomposition rates. Moreover, this combination of direct and indirect trophic interactions drives patterns in decomposition rates in stream networks at a landscape scale, resulting in significantly lower rates of decomposition above vs. below barrier waterfalls. Our findings reveal that omnivory can result in significant indirect effects on a key ecosystem process, illustrating the importance of these hidden trophic pathways in detrital‐based systems and suggesting that resource control in tropical systems may be even more complex than previously envisioned.
A Mixed Ligand Platinum(II) Complex: Spectral Analysis, Crystal Structure, Steric Demand of the Ligand, and Bioactivity of cis‐[Pt(PPh3)2(L1‐O,S)]PF6 (L1‐O,S = N,N‐Morpholine‐N′‐benzoylthiourea)
Authors: Pérez Hiram , Ramos Raúl , Plutín Ana M. , Mocelo Raúl , Erben Mauricio F. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Batista Alzir A.
Published: April 2019

A novel mixed platinum(II) complex with general formula [Pt(PPh3)2(L1‐O,S)]PF6 has been synthetized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, and by IR and NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The molecule presents an almost ideal square‐planar geometry, and the crystal is stabilized by weak C–H···O and C–H···F hydrogen bonds, and C–H···π stacking interactions. The steric congestion of ligands is described by “exact” cone and solid cone angles, and the percentage of metal surface shielded by the ligands. The results are compared to closely related palladium complexes. The X‐ray structure revealed the proximity of the ortho phenyl proton of one PPh3 ligand to platinum(II) showing rare intramolecular C–H···Pt anagostic binding interaction. The title complex was determined to be active against tumor cells, and it also showed a moderate inhibitory action against mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The Impact of Recent Developments in Technologies which Enable the Increased Use of Biocatalysts
Authors: Foley Aoife M. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: April 2019

While biocatalytic transformations are very powerful in enantioselective synthesis, frequently occurring under mild conditions, and proceed with extraordinary selectivity, there are practical challenges associated with the use of biocatalysis, such as limited substrate scope, stability, and reusability. Recent technological developments, for example immobilization, continuous flow, and molecular biology, all contribute towards enhancing the use of enzymes in synthesis.
Tf2NH catalyzed 1,6‐conjugate addition of 2‐hydroxy‐p‐quinone methides with β‐Functionalized Ketones: Access to 2,3,4,9‐Tetrahydro‐1H‐xanthenones and 4H‐Chromene Derivatives
Authors: Satbhaiya Shruti , Khonde Nilesh S. , Rathod Jayant , Gonnade Rajesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: April 2019

A Brönsted acid catalyzed tandem 1,6‐conjugate sequential cycloaddition reaction using 2‐hydroxy‐p‐quinone methides and β‐functionalized ketones is reported. The method allows xanthenones and chromenes to be accessed in moderate to excellent yield with broad substrate scope, which could be further functionalized to give a versatile set of products.
3,7‐Bis(N‐methyl‐N‐phenylamino)phenothiazinium Salt: Improved Synthesis and Aggregation Behavior in Solution
Authors: Tiravia Martina , Sabuzi Federica , Cirulli Martina , Pezzola Silvia , Di Carmine Graziano , Cicero Daniel Oscar , Floris Barbara , Conte Valeria , Galloni Pierluca
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the optimization of the synthesis of 3,7‐bis(N‐methyl‐N‐phenylamino)phenothiazinium chloride with a detailed analysis of reaction parameters, i.e. solvent, temperature, amount of amine, as well as addition of a non‐nucleophilic base, is presented. Spectroscopic, electrochemical and computational data show that the presence of the two phenyl rings, directly bound on the PTZ+ core, inhibits the aggregation ability of the salt at concentrations up to 10–3 M. Furthermore, the introduction of an aromatic group in phenothiazinium‐based molecules appears strategic to introduce other useful functionalities, thus opening new opportunities in the drug design/discovery research field.
Minimization of Interferences in Flow Injection Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on Oxidation of Enzymatically‐produced H2O2
Authors: Karakaya Serkan , Dilgin Yusuf
Published: April 2019

One of the major problems in amperometric biosensors based on detection of H2O2 produced by enzymatic reaction between oxidase enzymes and substrate is the interference of redox active compounds such as ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). To minimize these interferences, sodium bismuthate was used for the first time as an insoluble pre‐oxidant in the flow injection (FI) amperometric glucose biosensor at a Glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized Pt/Pd bimetallic modified pre‐anodized pencil graphite electrode (p.PGE). In this context, these interfering compounds were injected into a flow injection analysis (FIA) system using an injector which was filled with NaBiO3. Thus, these interferents were converted into their redox inactive oxidized forms before reaching the electrode in the flow cell. While glucose was not influenced by the pre‐oxidant in the injector, the huge oxidation peak currents of the interferents decreased significantly in the biosensor. FI amperometric current time curves showed that the AA, DA and UA were minimized by 96 %, 86 %, and 98 % respectively, in the presence of an equivalent concentration of interferences in a 1.0 mM glucose solution. The proposed FI amperometric glucose biosensor exhibits a wide linear range (0.01–10 mM, R2=0.9994) with a detection limit of 2.4×10−3 mM. Glucose levels in the artificial serum and two real samples were successfully determined using the fabricated FI amperometric biosensor.
Aptamer functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites for highly selective capture of histones
Authors: Chen Yuanbo , Jiang Bo , Hu Yechen , Deng Nan , Zhao Baofeng , Li Xiao , Liang Zhen , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: April 2019

The binding coverage of aptamer was an important restricted factor for aptamer‐based affinity enrichment strategy for capturing target molecules. Herein, we designed and prepared aptamer functionalized graphene oxide based nanocomposites (GO/NH2‐NTA/Fe3O4/PEI/Au), and the coverage density of aptamer was high to 33.1 nmol/mg. The high aptamer coverage density was contributed to the large surface area of graphene oxide. The successive modification of Nα,Nα‐Bis(carboxymethyl)‐L‐lysine, magnetic nanoparticles, polyethylenimine, and Au nanoparticles ensured the histone purification with fast speed and high purity. Histones could be captured rapidly and specifically from nucleoproteins by our aptamer based purification strategy, while traditional acid‐extraction could not specifically enrich histones. Compared with traditional acid‐extraction method, rapid and efficient discovery of histones and their post‐translational modifications, such as several kinds of methylation at H3.1K9 and H3.1K27, were achieved confidently. It demonstrated that our aptamer functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites have a great potential for histone analysis.
A fully portable microchip real‐time polymerase chain reaction for rapid detection of pathogen
Authors: Tong Rui , Zhang Lijuan , Song Qi , Hu Chuandeng , Chen Xuee , Lou Kai , Gong Xiuqing , Gao Yibo , Wen Weijia
Published: April 2019

Point‐of‐care detection for pathogen is of critical need for wide epidemic warning and medical diagnosis. In this work, we have designed and developed a fully portable and integrated microchip based real‐time polymerase chain reaction machine for rapid pathogen detection. The instrument consists of three functional components including heating, optical, and electrical modules, which are integrated into a portable compact box. The microchip is consumable material replaceable to meet various detection needs. Consequently, we demonstrated the outstanding performance of this portable machine for rapid detection of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 with the advantage of time‐saving (∼25 min), less samples consumption, portability, and user‐friendly operation.
Effective Bipyridine and Pyrazine‐Based Polysulfide Dissolution Resistant Complex Framework Material Systems for High Capacity Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Shanthi Pavithra M. , Hanumantha Prashanth J. , Kuruba Ramalinga , Gattu Bharat , Datta Moni K. , Kumta Prashant N.
Published: April 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high theoretical capacity (≈1650 mAh g−1) and specific energy density (≈2567 Wh g−1) have not achieved commercialization status due to low cycling stability arising from lithium polysulfide dissolution. Herein, sulfur infiltrated noncarbonized noncarbonate containing metal organic complex framework material (CFM) systems; sulfur‐copper‐bipyridine‐CFM (S‐Cu‐bpy‐CFM) and sulfur‐copper‐pyrazine‐CFM (S‐Cu‐pyz‐CFM) are developed as sulfur cathodes for the first time. The S‐Cu‐bpy‐CFM and S‐Cu‐pyz‐CFM show an initial capacity of 1626 and 1565 mAh g−1 with stable capacities of 1063 and 1025 mAh g−1, respectively, after 150 cycles. An X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis after sulfur infiltration reveals the presence of —C—S— bonds arising from the Lewis acid–base interaction of the CFMs with sulfur. The battery separators cycled with the CMF cathodes display complete absence of polysulfides after 150 cycles. These CFM cathodes exhibit an initial fade in capacity during the first ≈25 cycles attributed to the irreversible reaction of nitrogen with sulfur (—N—S—) during cycling. A clear understanding of this chemical interaction between sulfur and nitrogen present in the sulfur‐infiltrated CFMs is essential for engineering nitrogen containing hosts for trapping polysulfides effectively. Understanding reported here will lead to new materials for achieving the high specific energy densities characteristic to Li–S batteries.
Predictive control based on occupant behavior prediction for domestic hot water system using data mining algorithm
Authors: Cao Sheng , Hou Shengya , Yu Lijun , Lu Jie
Published: April 2019

Domestic hot water systems are a primary source of energy consumption in buildings, and present a promising future in terms of energy saving. Predictive control methods have been used to reduce energy consumption during an operation period. However, current methods lack consideration of occupant behavior, which significantly influences the prediction results. In this study, a data‐based predictive method is proposed to predict the shower behavior of occupants. A dataset was collected from seven occupants and was trained using support vector machine (SVM) to learn their showering habits. These results were used to predict the hot water demand. A comparative analysis shows that, in this way, the prediction results are more reliable under predictive control than predicting the hot water demand directly using SVM. A simulation of a domestic hot water system was then conducted. The results indicate that the proposed approach can reduce the heat loss from a hot water storage tank (ST) by up to 33% compared to a traditional control method, while maintaining a high assurance of the hot water supply (an insufficient hot water supply of less than 1%) with little change to the original system.
Single image defocus estimation by modified gaussian function
Authors: Hassan Haseeb , Bashir Ali Kashif , Abbasi Rashid , Ahmad Waqas , Luo Bin
Published: April 2019

This article presents an algorithm to estimate the defocus blur from a single image. Most of the existing methods estimate the defocus blur at edge locations, which further involves the reblurring process. For this purpose, existing methods use the traditional Gaussian function in the phase of reblurring but it is found that the traditional Gaussian kernel is sensitive to the edges and can cause loss of edges information. Hence, there are more chances of missing spatially varying blur at edge locations. We offer the repeated averaging filters as an alternative to the traditional Gaussian function, which is more effective, and estimate the spatially varying defocus blur at edge locations. By using repeated averaging filters, a blur sparse map is computed. The obtained sparse map is propagated by integration of superpixels segmentation and transductive inference to estimate full defocus blur map. Our adopted method of repeated averaging filters has less computational time of defocus blur map estimation and has better visual estimates of the final defocus recovered map. Moreover, it has surpassed many previous state‐of‐the‐art proposed systems in terms of quantative analysis.
Grape peel (Syrah var.) jam as a polyphenol‐enriched functional food ingredient
Authors: Amorim Frederico Lopes , de Cerqueira Silva Mariana Barros , Cirqueira Marina Gonçalves , Oliveira Roseane Santos , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , Gomes Raquel Gutierres , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , Druzian Janice Izabel , de Souza Ferreira Ederlan , Umsza‐Guez Marcelo Andrés
Published: April 2019

In this study, we evaluated the effects of the storage time on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant capacity of jam prepared from grape peel extract to explore its potential as a supplementary food and/or functional ingredient. The ethanolic extract from Syrah var. grape peel exhibited high bioactive compound concentrations and antioxidant activity. The jam stability (prepared with 8.9% of extract) at 14°C was evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The jam was found to contain high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds (137.0 ± 3.2 mg of gallic acid equivalent/100 g), total flavonoids (128.5 ± 23.0 mg of equivalent/100 g), and total anthocyanins (92.5 ± 4.0 mg of cyanidin equivalent/100 g). However, a large reduction in the flavonoid (70%–90%), anthocyanin (29%–35%), and phenolic (23%–30%) content was observed during storage. The free radical‐scavenging activity (DPPH−), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β‐carotene‐linoleic acid assays revealed the great antioxidant potential of the jam prepared from grape peel extract, which exhibited significant levels of radical‐neutralizing activity, especially as determined by the DPPH method with EC50 values ranging from 2.3 ± 0.1 to 3.9 ± 0.1 µg/ml. High R2 values (p > 0.90) were obtained for the correlation between the DPPH results and the concentrations of the compounds of interest. In summary, the high bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity of the jam produced from grape peel suggest that it may provide health benefits as a source of natural antioxidants upon incorporation to several food industry products.
Geochemical characteristics of submarine rhyolitic pumice from Andaman subduction zone: Inferences on magmatism and tectonics of north‐eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Saha Abhishek , D'Mello Nessa G. , Sensarma Simontini , Mudholkar Abhay V. , K.A. Kamesh Raju , Doley Bhagyashree
Published: April 2019

This paper reports new geochemical data for submarine volcanic pumice sampled from two volcanoes (SM‐1 and SV‐1) which are part of the Andaman subduction system. SM‐1 volcano is located closer to the Andaman back‐arc spreading axis while SV‐1 volcano is part of a linear chain of arc volcanoes in the southern Andaman Basin. The pumice are products of phreatomagmatic eruptions and are highly vesicular in nature; however, immediately after eruption of these lava froth, sea water entering into the vesicles made them sink to the sea floor. A sheet of dull grey to white‐coloured pumice observed on top of the SM‐1 volcano indicates a nonexplosive eruption referred to as Tangoroan type. Pumice from these two spatially apart volcanoes share uniform physical properties but display minor variations in mineralogical compositions and distinct characteristics of selected major and trace elements. Pumice from SM‐1 comprised plagioclase, hornblende, and spinel while those from SV‐1 are composed of plagioclase and quartz as main crystalline phases. Geochemically, the pumice samples from SM‐1 volcano are classified as medium‐K calc‐alkaline rhyolites, while those from SV‐1 volcano show low‐K tholeiitic compositions. Trace and REE compositions for these rhyolitic pumice collectively reflect LILE‐LREE‐enriched, HFSE‐depleted signatures of subduction zone magmatism and implicate an oceanic arc tectonic affinity. Selective enrichment in LILE and LREE with relative HFSE depletion is attributed to infiltration of fluid‐mobile LILE and LREE into the mantle via fluids released from slab dehydration with retention of fluid‐immobile HFSE in the subducted slab. Elevated abundances of LILE/HFSE, LREE/HFSE, and LREE/HREE for the medium‐K calc‐alkaline rhyolitic pumice relative to their low‐K tholeiitic counterparts invoke increased fluid flux into the mantle with progressive maturation of oceanic slab subduction. The precursor magmas parental to the SM‐1 and SV‐1 volcanic pumice were derived by partial melting of a mantle wedge metasomatized by variable slab–mantle interactions, and influx of slab‐dehydrated fluids and sediments. Pronounced REE fractionation trends suggest evolution of resultant melts in a cold, hydrous, oxidizing regime of intraoceanic arc setting that eventually reheated, remelted, remobilized, and assimilated lower oceanic arc crust and erupted as rhyolites. The volcanic pumice from Andaman are geochemically and tectonically analogous to those from Mariana arc and Okinawa Trough of Pacific Ocean.
Abnormal maturation of the resting‐state peak alpha frequency in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Edgar J. Christopher , Dipiero Marissa , McBride Emma , Green Heather L. , Berman Jeffrey , Ku Matthew , Liu Song , Blaskey Lisa , Kuschner Emily , Airey Megan , Ross Judith L. , Bloy Luke , Kim Mina , Koppers Simon , Gaetz William , Schultz Robert T. , Roberts Timothy P. L.
Published: April 2019

Age‐related changes in resting‐state (RS) neural rhythms in typically developing children (TDC) but not children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest that RS measures may be of clinical use in ASD only for certain ages. The study examined this issue via assessing RS peak alpha frequency (PAF), a measure previous studies, have indicated as abnormal in ASD. RS magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data were obtained from 141 TDC (6.13–17.70 years) and 204 ASD (6.07–17.93 years). A source model with 15 regional sources projected the raw MEG surface data into brain source space. PAF was identified in each participant from the source showing the largest amplitude alpha activity (7‐13 Hz). Given sex differences in PAF in TDC (females > males) and relatively few females in both groups, group comparisons were conducted examining only male TDC (N = 121) and ASD (N = 183). Regressions showed significant group slope differences, with an age‐related increase in PAF in TDC (R2 = 0.32) but not ASD (R2 = 0.01). Analyses examining male children below or above 10‐years‐old (median split) indicated group effects only in the younger TDC (8.90 Hz) and ASD (9.84 Hz; Cohen's d = 1.05). In the older ASD, a higher nonverbal IQ was associated with a higher PAF. In the younger TDC, a faster speed of processing was associated with a higher PAF. PAF as a marker for ASD depends on age, with a RS alpha marker of more interest in younger versus older children with ASD. Associations between PAF and cognitive ability were also found to be age and group specific.
Association of GSTP1 and ERCC1 polymorphisms with toxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer platinum‐based chemoradiotherapy treatment
Authors: Duran Goretti , Aguín Santiago , Cruz Raquel , Barros Francisco , Giráldez José María , Bernárdez Beatriz , López‐López Rafael , Carracedo Ángel , Lamas María Jesús
Published: April 2019

Background

Platinum‐based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous‐cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and most patients experience serious toxicities. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between candidate genes involved in radiation/platinum pathways and acute toxicity of CRT to determine the predictive value of these polymorphisms for toxicity.

Methods

Thirty‐six selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 29 genes were genotyped in 110 patients treated with cisplatin‐based CRT. DNA was obtained from blood samples, and SNP analysis was performed using a MassARRAY iPLEX Gold (Sequenom) method.

Results

Patients with ERCC1 rs11615‐C allele (P = .0066), ERCC1 rs735482‐C allele (P = .0204), and ERCC4 rs1799801‐C allele (P = .0286) had lower risk of grade 2‐3 hematologic toxicity. In addition, the presence of G allele of GSTP1 was associated with a significantly lower risk of severe dysphagia (P = .0004).

Conclusion

Polymorphisms in ERCC1 and GSTP1 may act as prognostic factors of acute toxicity during treatment with CRT in HNSCC patients.
Characterization of metals and salts‐based thermal energy storage materials using energy balance method
Authors: Agarwala Swati , Prabhu Narayan K.
Published: April 2019

Thermal energy storage technologies minimize the imbalance between energy production and demand. In this context, latent heat storage materials are of great importance as they have a higher density of energy storage as compared with the sensible heat storage materials. The present study involves the characterization of energy storage materials using an energy balance cooling curve analysis method. The method estimates the convective heat transfer coefficient in the solidification range to characterize the phase change materials for applications in energy storage. The method is more beneficial than the Computer Aided Cooling Curve analysis methods as it eliminates baseline calculations and the associated fitting errors. Metals (Sn) and salts (KNO3 and NaNO
3) were used in the present work. Phase change characteristics like the rate of cooling, liquidus and solidus temperatures, time for solidification, and enthalpy of phase change were estimated for both metals and salts. It was observed that the energy balance cooling curve analysis method worked very well for metals but not well suited for low conductivity salts. Salts could not be characterized since the thermal gradient existing within the salt sample was not considered in this method.
Comparison of event‐specific rainfall–runoff responses and their controls in contrasting geographic areas
Authors: Ross Cody A. , Ali Genevieve , Spence Chris , Oswald Claire , Casson Nora
Published: April 2019

Numerous studies have examined the event‐specific hydrologic response of hillslopes and catchments to rainfall. Knowledge gaps, however, remain regarding the relative influence of different meteorological factors on hydrologic response, the predictability of hydrologic response from site characteristics, or even the best metrics to use to effectively capture the temporal variability of hydrologic response. This study aimed to address those knowledge gaps by focusing on 21 sites with contrasting climate, topography, geology, soil properties, and land cover. High‐frequency rainfall and discharge records were analysed, resulting in the delineation of over 1,600 rainfall–runoff events, which were described using a suite of hydrologic response metrics and meteorological factors. Univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were then applied to synthesize the information conveyed by the computed metrics and factors, notably measures of central tendency and variability, variation partitioning, partial correlations, and principal component analysis. Results showed that some response magnitude metrics generally reported in the literature (e.g., runoff ratio and area‐normalized peak discharge) did not vary significantly among sites. The temporal variability in site‐specific hydrologic response was often attributable to the joint influence of storage‐driven (e.g., total event rainfall and antecedent precipitation) and intensity‐driven (e.g., rainfall intensity and antecedent potential evapotranspiration) meteorological factors. Mean annual temperature and potential evapotranspiration at a given site appeared to be good predictors of hydrologic response timing (e.g., response lag and lag to peak). Response timing metrics, particularly those associated with response initiation, were also identified as the metrics most critical for capturing intrasite response variability. This study therefore contributes to the growing knowledge on event‐specific hydrologic response by highlighting the importance of response timing metrics and intensity‐driven meteorological factors, which are infrequently discussed in the literature. As few correlations were found between physiographic variables and response metrics, more data‐driven studies are recommended to further our understanding of landscape–hydrology interactions.
The individual contributions of three executive function components to preschool social competence
Authors: Caporaso Jessica S. , Boseovski Janet J. , Marcovitch Stuart
Published: April 2019

The present study explored the role of three components of executive function (EF)—response inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility—in preschool children's social competence. Each component was expected to contribute uniquely to children's abilities to resolve peer conflict in a competent manner, namely, the inhibition of incompetent social responses (response inhibition), maintenance of social goals (working memory), and attentional shift between complex social rules and potential response options (cognitive flexibility). Seventy‐two 4‐to 5‐year‐old children were administered measures for each of the EF components and for peer conflict social competence. Positive associations were found between all three EF components and the social competence task, but working memory was the most highly associated with choosing competent responses to peer conflict. In addition, EF accounted for age‐related increases in competent responding. The results highlight the importance of representational abilities in the development of social competence during the preschool period.

Highlights

This study examined the normative developmental associations between three components of executive function and social competence in preschool.

Executive function, particularly working memory, predicted age‐related changes on a peer conflict task between 4 and 5 years of age.

The results suggest that the representational abilities associated with working memory may be important in the development of social competence.
The effects of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents on the management of chemotherapy‐induced anemia and tumor growth in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Park Lee Chun , Song Yeon‐Joo , Kim Da Jung , Kim Min‐Jung , Jo Jae‐Cheol , Lee Won Sik , Shin Ho‐Jin , Oh Sung Yong , Do Young Rok , Jeong Jee‐Yeong , Lee Ho Sup ,   the Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL)
Published: April 2019

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs), such as erythropoietin (EPO) and darbepoetin, may alleviate anemia in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. However, many cancer cells express EPO receptors (EPOR), through which exogenously administered ESAs potentially promote cancer cell growth. We conducted preclinical/phase II studies to investigate the safety and efficacy of ESAs for managing chemotherapy‐related anemia in DLBCL patients. We examined EPOR expression in germinal center B‐cell (GCB)‐ and activated B‐cell (ABC)‐DLBCL cell lines, and investigated the effects of ESAs on cell proliferation, and rituximab‐mediated complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The clinical study enrolled 50 histologically confirmed DLBCL patients receiving rituximab/cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisolone (R‐CHOP) who had hemoglobin levels <10.0 g/dl after a maximum of three R‐CHOP cycles and received ≥4 doses of fixed‐dose darbepoetin (360 μg) once every 3 weeks. EPOR mRNA was detected in all GCB‐DLBCL cell lines, but little/none was detected in ABC‐DLBCL cell lines. GCB‐DLBCL and ABC‐DLBCL cell proliferation was unaffected by EPO or darbepoetin. Rituximab‐mediated CDC of DLBCL cell lines with/without EPOR expression was not affected adversely by EPO. In the clinical study, baseline mean hemoglobin was 9.19 g/dl; the overall mean change in hemoglobin was 1.59 ± 1.3 g/dl (16 weeks). Forty‐eight percent of enrolled patients achieved a hematopoietic response. Our study shows that ESAs do not affect the growth of DLBCL cells or rituximab‐mediated CDC under the experimental conditions that we used, and the appropriate use of ESAs may be effective and safe for DLBCL patients with anemia after R‐CHOP.
Noncontingent and differential reinforcement in the treatment of pediatric feeding problems
Authors: Berth Diane P. , Bachmeyer Melanie H. , Kirkwood Caitlin A. , Mauzy Courtney R. , Retzlaff Billie J. , Gibson Amanda L.
Published: April 2019

We conducted functional analyses of the inappropriate mealtime behavior of 5 children diagnosed with feeding problems. Then, we compared the effects of differential and noncontingent reinforcement, and the relative effects of escape extinction with and without differential or noncontingent reinforcement, when escape extinction appeared necessary. Both reinforcement procedures were effective without escape extinction to treat food refusal for 1 child, but only differential reinforcement was effective without escape extinction to treat the child's liquid refusal. Escape extinction was necessary for 4 of 5 children. The addition of positive reinforcement resulted in beneficial effects (i.e., more stable acceptance, decreased inappropriate mealtime behavior or negative vocalizations) with 3 of 4 children. With escape extinction, differential reinforcement was more effective to treat food refusal for 2 children and noncontingent reinforcement was more effective for 1 child.
Decomposition and detoxification of the insecticide thiacloprid by TiO2‐mediated photocatalysis: kinetics, intermediate products and transformation pathways
Authors: Berberidou Chrysanthi , Kitsiou Vasiliki , Lambropoulou Dimitra A , Michailidou Dafni , Kouras Athanasios , Poulios Ioannis
Published: April 2019

Background

Pesticides are listed among the main environmental stressors directly correlated with severe impacts on ecosystems and human health. Here, the potential of TiO2‐mediated photocatalytic oxidation of the insecticide thiacloprid, in aqueous media, is investigated thoroughly.

Results

Degradation was investigated under various operational conditions, including the initial concentration of the pesticide, the type and amount of catalyst, pH and the presence of electron acceptors. The prevalence of TiO2 P25 in comparison to the other titania employed, is obvious both in the case of decomposition and carbon mineralization. Twenty‐seven transformation products generated during the photocatalytic decomposition of thiacloprid under UV‐A irradiation were elucidated by high‐resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, enabling the proposition of potential fragmentation pathways. The initial ecotoxicity of the insecticide determined by measurements of the bioluminescence of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri was eliminated within 240 min of UV‐A irradiation in the presence of TiO2 P25. A phytotoxicity evaluation based on three eukaryotic plant species led to similar conclusions, resulting in the complete removal of phytotoxicity within 240 min of UV‐A illumination in the presence of TiO2 P25.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TiO2‐mediated photocatalytic oxidation has the potential to efficiently detoxify water containing neonicotinoid pesticides. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Testing new strategies to improve the recovery of phosphorus from anaerobically digested organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Oliveira Verónica , Dias‐Ferreira Celia , Labrincha João , Rocha Joana L , Kirkelund Gunvor M
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

This work is focused on phosphorus (P) recovery from the anaerobically digested organic fraction of municipal solid waste (referred to as ‘digestate’) as a fertilizer. The main purpose was to propose and test modifications to the electrodialytic process that increase P extraction, improve the quality of the fertilizer by removing contaminants, and reduce hydraulic retention time to allow for smaller system footprints. Strategies tested were: (i) lowering the pH of the digestate suspension to <4.5 using the electrochemical reactions and enhance P solubilization from the waste; (ii) changing the configuration of the electrodialytic cell from three to two chambers; and (iii) stirring the sample to shorten the duration of the extraction.

RESULTS

Results show that the acidification of digestate by the electrochemical reactions was effective to enhance P extraction yield. Three‐chamber electrodialytic experiments enabled the removal of heavy metals from the digestate, producing P‐rich solutions with low metal concentrations. This resulted in the production of high‐quality fertilizer which can be used for agricultural applications. The modification of the electrodialytic cell set‐up from three‐ to two‐chamber neither resulted in an increase of the P extraction yields, nor contributed to the removal of metals from the liquid phase of digestate. Reduction of the hydraulic retention time of electrodialytic extraction of P from 16 days to 9 days was attained by the use of stirring and by electrodialytic acidification.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase of P recovery was accomplished by modification of electrodialytic extraction, resulting in 90% of P being successfully extracted from the digestate and transformed into struvite. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of atrial fibrillation‐associated lncRNAs in atria from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease
Authors: Wu Jine , Han Dan , Shi Rui , Chen Mingxia , Sun Jingwen , Tian Hongyan , Yan Yang
Published: April 2019

Objective

We analysed lncRNA expression profiles in atrial samples from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease (RMVD) to identify the potential differences in atrial fibrillation (AF)‐associated lncRNAs between RMVD patients with AF and sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods

Masson's trichrome staining and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate the tissue morphology. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of fibrosis‐related proteins. Difference analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene co‐expression networks were also adopted to perform IncRNA expression profile analysis in atrial samples.

Results

Masson's trichrome staining indicated higher contents of fat deposition and fibrous tissue in atrial samples from patients with AF than from patients with SR. Western blotting showed that fibrosis‐related proteins, including smad2, TGFβ1, MMP9, and TIMP1, were upregulated in atrial samples from patients with AF compared to those from patients with SR. lncRNA expression profiles showed different lncRNA expression levels between RMVD patients with AF and SR. Moreover, GO, KEGG and gene co‐expression networks showed consistent results and indicated that differentially expressed genes might contribute to the pathogenesis of AF.

Conclusion

Our results revealed the potential roles of IncRNAs in the development of AF in patients with RMVD, and lncRNAs may be responsible for morphological and physiological differences in atria between RMVD patients with AF and SR.
Pigtail catheter drainage and surgery in severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kandhasamy Sakthivel Chinnakkulam , Sahoo Ashok Kumar , Amaranathan Anandhi , Goneppanavar Mangala , Nelamangala Ramakrishnaiah Vishnu Prasad
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Severe acute pancreatitis is initially managed with conservative treatment. Patients who failed conservative management were effectively treated with pigtail drainage. Factors predicting surgery remain uncertain.

Methods

A total of 58 patients with severe acute pancreatitis presenting to JIPMER Hospital were studied and managed with a step‐up approach. In this prospective observational study, patients were divided into three groups based on the final mode of treatment received: conservative, pigtail alone, and surgery groups.

Results

Of 58 patients, 30 patients were managed with conservative treatment, 20 patients with pigtail alone, and 8 patients underwent surgical treatment after pigtail failure. Overall sepsis reversal was achieved in 22 of 28 (78.5%) patients: 18 were in the pigtail alone group, and 4 were in surgery group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Respiratory failure was the most common organ failure, 68.9%, and overall mortality was 8.62 in this study. On univariate analysis, absence of sepsis reversal within 2 weeks of pigtail insertion is a predictor of need of surgery. Other significant findings were higher catheter‐related complications in the surgery group (P = 0.01) and a 100% unimicrobial infection in the surgery group (P = 0.02). Overall mortality was 8.6%, which did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusion

The step‐up approach avoided unnecessary intervention, and 52% patients recovered by conservative treatment alone. Sepsis reversal within 2 weeks of pigtail insertion can be used as a predictor of surgery in the early course of severe acute pancreatitis managed by the step‐up approach.