bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workforce training: In‐house, online, or all over?
Authors: Davis Marci , Robbins Lisa
Published: February 2018

Training is important from both a utility management and operations perspective. The combination of gap analysis and staff interviews conducted as part of the Water Tools Online Training Initiative project at the Gwinnett County, Georgia, Department of Water Resources creates a model of how to include different perspectives in determining training needs and understanding employees' comfort level. Lessons learned from the initiative also offer utility managers guidance about deciding whether to move forward with a project or program, particularly if the outcome is not what was expected. Resource allocation for training is a challenge for any utility, especially during a recession. Establishing a baseline can help a utility make a sound decision regarding how to allocate its resources, and it is important to receive input and buy‐in on a training program from all levels of the organization. It is also critical to know the state regulating body's requirements for certification of licensed employees.
Water demand management optimization methodology
Authors: Friedman Kenneth , Heaney James P. , Morales Miguel , Palenchar John
Published: February 2018

In contrast to traditional supply augmentation options, demand management options include specifying and/or replacing many small end uses that individually have a minimal effect on overall water use but that collectively can constitute significant aggregate reductions in demand. This article outlines a systematic procedure to quantify savings potential of single‐family residential indoor end‐use devices of a given utility and then select the optimal blend of retrofits to achieve a specified goal. Three steps are used to quantify savings potential of all end‐use devices. First, a utility's current end‐use fixture inventory and associated water use is estimated from parcel‐level data for each singlefamily residence. Second, customers are clustered into relatively homogeneous water use categories based on the age of the dwelling unit and the number of bathrooms. Third, water savings are calculated directly as the difference between current and proposed use after implementation of a management option for each group. This information is used to develop performance functions that estimate total water savings as a function of the number of fixture retrofits for each group.
Who Stole my Water? the Case for Water Loss Control and Annual Water Audits
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of water loss control and annual water audits. The first broad analysis of water loss for retail public utilities from more than 2,000 Texas water audits in 2005 is discussed, along with the IWA/AWWA water audit methodology advocated by AWWA's Water Loss Control Committee in its 2003 report “Applying Worldwide BMPs in Water Loss Control.” Other AWWA resources for water loss control are mentioned, along with a water audit report done by the Philadelphia Water Department Accountability Committee in 2010 for the thirteenth consecutive year, of the water‐supply operations and customer‐ consumption tracking of the city of Philadelphia using the best practices method advocated by AWWA and IWA.
Intrusion Detection System for Water Storage Facilities
Authors: Ashton John P.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a project at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC; Pa.) to install a novel intrusion detection system (IDS) to protect its alpine storage tank high on a hill in a residential section of McKeesport, Pa. The article discusses how the system was developed, and how it works using commercial, off‐the‐shelf sensors coupled with patented software that automatically determines an alarm condition. The system is a Designated Anti‐Terrorism Technology under the Support Anti‐Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Moving a Mountain with Comprehensive Asset Management Planning
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

Infrastructure asset management should be focused on managing assets in such a way that the investment for each asset can be optimized, thereby producing a reduction in capital budgets and operating expenditures, an efficient and cost‐effective maintenance program based on risk, and an overall reduction in the cost of capital. Many utilities are following a path that only shifts the mountain of replacement costs out into the future, which may not offer any real savings but only a chance to buy time during an economic downturn or rate implementation process. This issue evolves, in part, when engineering drives the capital agenda and the needs of operations and maintenance are overlooked. This article discusses how a comprehensive asset management approach with applied best practices will not only shift the mountain to an accurate location (timing), but will also work toward reducing segments of the mountains' capital investment and operating and maintenance expenditures. This process, combined with a sustainable financial plan that includes a financial market and credit agency strategy, can also help reduce the cost of capital (borrowing) with improved financial metrics, or increase the utility's ranking in receiving low‐interest state revolving funds that may require asset management plans (AMPs).
Assessment of hydraulic flocculation processes using CFD
Authors: Vadasarukkai Yamuna S. , Gagnon Graham A. , Campbell D. Reid , Clark Sarah C.
Published: February 2018

The performance of flocculation tanks either in full‐ or pilot‐scale systems cannot be fully quantified using average velocity gradient values (G values) alone. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) process was used to investigate the turbulent flow characteristics of a three‐stage hydraulic flocculation facility at the J.D. Kline Water Supply Plant in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Calculations of the local velocity gradient were achieved using predicted energy dissipation rates. CFD analysis showed unbalanced mixing conditions in the hydraulic flocculation tanks resulting from short‐circuiting and from recirculation zones. Inconsistent mixing energy, interrupted with severe spikes in the localized G values at the weir columns, led to little or no mixing energy in most of the regions in the flocculation tanks. Practical outcomes of operating at such varying mixing gradients can be detrimental to the flocculation process and overall organic removal in the treatment plant.
A Tale of Two Cities
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the speed at which information technology (IT) is advancing and how critical a role IT plays in enabling water utility business. He presents two water utilities in two cities as examples of using technology to create the best of times for their customers. One, Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), provides water to a booming metropolis, while the other, Dubuque Water Department (DWD), provides water to a much smaller community in Iowa. BWSC models the benefits of data integration, standardized data inputs, operational efficiency, and enabled employees. At the core of its integrated systems is a geographic information system (GIS). In an initial pilot study at DWD, and through both the use of the smart meters that DWD installed and the technology supported by the city's technology partners, the city provided DWD's customers with virtually real‐time water consumption data.
Multiarm‐polyethylene glycol‐polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer: Design, synthesis, and dissolving thrombus
Authors: Zhang Shao‐Fei , Lü Shaoyu , Gao Chunmei , Yang Jiandong , Yan Xiang , Li Tao , Wen Na , Huang Mengjie , Liu Mingzhu
Published: February 2018

Thrombotic events affect many individuals in a number of ways, all of which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Nattokinase (NK), as a novel thrombolytic drug, has been used for thrombolytic therapy. It not only possesses plasminogen activator activity, but also directly digests fibrin through limited proteolysis. However, it may undergo inactivation and denaturation in the harsh external environment. In this study, a multiarm‐polyethylene glycol‐polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer was fabricated and used as a carrier for NK protection and delivery. Different arm numbers of polyethylene glycol‐polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimers (x‐PEG(G3)x, x = 2, 4, 6, 8) were designed, prepared, and characterized by 1 H NMR and FTIR. Then, x‐PEG(G3)x were loaded with NK to form nanocomposites. Their size and morphology were determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Enzyme activity was evaluated via UV–Vis absorbance spectra, fluorescence spectra, circular dichroism spectra, and zeta potential measurements. The study reveals that the obtained x‐PEG(G3)x/NK nanocomposites possess high enzyme activity. In addition, the nanocomposites show increased viability of rat macrophage cells, and excellent thrombolysis ability in vitro and in vivo. This work establishes a multiarm‐polyethylene glycol‐polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer with potential application in NK carrier and thrombolytic therapy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1687–1696, 2018.
The influence of matrix stiffness on the behavior of brain metastatic breast cancer cells in a biomimetic hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform
Authors: Narkhede Akshay A. , Crenshaw James H. , Manning Riley M. , Rao Shreyas S.
Published: February 2018

Breast cancer brain metastasis marks the most advanced stage of breast cancer no longer considered curable with a median survival period of ∼4–16 months. Apart from the genetic susceptibility (subtype) of breast tumors, brain metastasis is also dictated by the biophysical/chemical interactions of tumor cells with native brain microenvironment, which remain obscure, primarily due to the lack of tunable biomimetic in vitro models. To address this need, we utilized a biomimetic hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel platform to elucidate the impact of matrix stiffness on the behavior of MDA‐MB‐231Br cells, a brain metastasizing variant of the triple negative breast cancer line MDA‐MB‐231. We prepared HA hydrogels of varying stiffness (0.2–4.5 kPa) bracketing the brain relevant stiffness range to recapitulate the biophysical cues provided by brain extracellular matrix. In this system, we observed that the MDA‐MB‐231Br cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and migration significantly increased with the hydrogel stiffness. We also demonstrated that the stiffness based responses of these cells were mediated, in part, through the focal adhesion kinase‐phosphoinositide‐3 kinase pathway. This biomimetic material system with tunable stiffness provides an ideal platform to further the understanding of mechanoregulation associated with brain metastatic breast cancer cells. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1832–1841, 2018.
Effects of substrate stiffness on dental pulp stromal cells in culture
Authors: Datko Williams Laura , Farley Amanda , Cupelli Matthew , Alapati Satish , Kennedy Marian S. , Dean Delphine
Published: February 2018

Dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs) can be differentiated down lineages known to either express bone or dentin specific protein markers. Since the differentiation of cells can be heavily influenced by their environment, it may be possible to influence the osteogenic/odontogenic potential of DPSCs by modulating the mechanical properties of substrate on which they are grown. In this study, human DPSCs were grown with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) microparticles on a range of substrates including fibronectin‐coated hydrogels and glass substrates, which represented an elastic moduli range of approximately 3 kPa–50 GPa, over a 21‐day period. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteopontin production, and mineralization were monitored. The presence of HA microparticles increased the relative degree of mineralized matrix produced by the cells relative to those in the same substrate and media condition without the HA microparticles. In addition, cultures with cells grown on stiffer substrates had higher ALP activity and higher degree of mineralization than those grown on softer substrates. This study shows that DPSCs are affected by the mechanical properties of their underlying growth substrate and by the presence of HA microparticles. In addition, relatively stiff substrates (>75 kPa) may be required for significant mineralization of these cultures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1789–1797, 2018.
Biotransformation of 4‐fluoro‐N‐(1‐{2‐[(propan‐2‐yl)phenoxy]ethyl}‐8‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan‐3‐yl)‐benzenesulfonamide, a novel potent 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist with antidepressant‐like and anxiolytic properties: In vitro and in silico approach
Authors: Słoczyńska Karolina , Wójcik‐Pszczoła Katarzyna , Canale Vittorio , Żmudzki Paweł , Zajdel Paweł , Pękala Elżbieta
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to investigate the metabolism of 4‐fluoro‐N‐(1‐{2‐[(propan‐2‐yl)phenoxy]ethyl}‐8‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan‐3‐yl)‐benzenesulfonamide (PZ‐1150), a novel 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist with antidepressant‐like and anxiolytic properties, by the following three ways: in vitro with microsomes; in vitro employing Cunninghamella echinulata, and in silico using MetaSite. Biotransformation of PZ‐1150 with microsomes resulted in five metabolites, while transformation with C. echinulata afforded two metabolites. In both models, the predominant metabolite occurred due to hydroxylation of benzene ring. In silico data coincide with in vitro experiments, as three MetaSite metabolites matched compounds identified in microsomal samples. In human liver microsomes PZ‐1150 exhibited in vitro half‐life of 64 min, with microsomal intrinsic clearance of 54.1 μL/min/mg and intrinsic clearance of 48.7 mL/min/kg. Therefore, PZ‐1150 is predicted to be a high‐clearance agent. The study demonstrated the applicability of using microsomal model coupled with microbial model to elucidate the metabolic pathways of compounds and comparison with in silico metabolite predictions.
Consistent gaussian basis sets of double‐ and triple‐zeta valence with polarization quality of the fifth period for solid‐state calculations
Authors: Laun Joachim , Vilela Oliveira Daniel , Bredow Thomas
Published: February 2018

Consistent basis sets of double‐ and triple‐zeta valence with polarization quality for the fifth period have been derived for periodic quantum‐chemical solid‐state calculations with the crystalline‐orbital program CRYSTAL. They are an extension of the pob‐TZVP basis sets, and are based on the full‐relativistic effective core potentials (ECPs) of the Stuttgart/Cologne group and on the def2‐SVP and def2‐TZVP valence basis of the Ahlrichs group. We optimized orbital exponents and contraction coefficients to supply robust and stable self‐consistent field (SCF) convergence for a wide range of different compounds. The computed crystal structures are compared to those obtained with standard basis sets available from the CRYSTAL basis set database. For the applied hybrid density functional PW1PW, the average deviations of calculated lattice constants from experimental references are smaller with pob‐DZVP and pob‐TZVP than with standard basis sets. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inclusion of frequency‐dependent parameters in power transmission lines simulation using harmonic analysis and proper generalized decomposition
Authors: Malik Muhammad Haris , Borzacchiello Domenico , Chinesta Francisco , Diez Pedro
Published: February 2018

This study presents the application of proper generalized decomposition on transmission line models involving frequency‐dependent parameters. Frequency dependence of parameters can be due to a number of reasons including phenomena such as “ground return effects,” “proximity effects,” and “skin effects.” In the current study, simplified methods of skin effects based on Bessel functions are used to showcase the method. Although we implement our study using a specific model for skin effects to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method to accommodate frequency‐dependent effects in proper generalized decomposition, the present work is not meant to discuss the merits of any particular skin effects model. The method can easily accommodate other effects, which induces frequency dependence in the transmission line parameters. In time‐domain modeling, the parameters are assumed constant, and these models prove inefficient when incorporating these parameters as function of frequency. Therefore, a frequency‐domain simulation is implemented using harmonic analysis. Proper generalized decomposition (PGD) presents a separated representation and provides a quick and accurate solution for such problems.
Effects of colchicine on gingival inflammation, apoptosis, and alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Aral Cüneyt Asım , Aral Kübra , Yay Arzu , Özçoban Özge , Berdeli Afig , Saraymen Recep
Published: February 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of colchicine on cytokine production, apoptosis, alveolar bone loss, and oxidative stress in an experimental model of periodontitis in rats.

Methods

Forty‐eight rats were divided equally into four groups: healthy (H); periodontitis (P); periodontitis+colchicine low dose (CL, 30 μg/kg/day), and periodontitis+colchicine high dose (CH, 100 μg/kg/day). After 11 days, interleukin (IL) ‐1β, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were analyzed in gingival samples using Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in gingiva and serum. Alveolar bone volume was evaluated via micro‐CT. Apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay in histological sections.

Results

Colchicine treatment significantly reduced IL‐1β, IL‐8, RANKL, RANKL/OPG, TOS, OSI, and bone volume ratio levels, and increased TAS levels compared to group P (p < 0.05). High dose colchicine treatment (CH) significantly decreased TUNEL+ cell counts compared to group P (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These finding suggest that colchicine has a prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontal tissue destruction through anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, anti‐apoptotic, and bone‐protective effects.
The learned journal: using the tools of the trade
Authors: Penfold David W.
Published: February 2018

Options for the production of camera-ready copy for journals are described. The advantages and problems of setting from author- or editor-supplied magnetic media are outlined, with an introduction to coding systems. Some implications of the use of in-house desktop publishing systems by publishers are discussed and suggestions for further reading given.
Journal production: the right medium for the task
Authors: Penfold David W.
Published: February 2018

Academic journal publishing is the communication of research results to the academic community. This paper considers the various media available for publication: principally, print–on–paper, CDs, and online ‘pure’ electronic publication, in terms of the implications of the technologies, the time involved and the cost. The importance of the publisher's contribution, in terms of peer review, copy editing and design, is also discussed. It is concluded that there is no absolute right medium, but that the publisher's contribution is vital whatever the medium used.
Finding editorial staff
Authors: Flower Beverlie
Published: February 2018

Describes the proper staff recruitment process in detail, including job description, person specification, sources for search, the selection process, interviewing, and induction programmes.
Electronic journals: implications for scholars
Authors: Olsen Jan
Published: February 2018

Describes the CORE project which examined the viability for research chemists of replacing their use of printed journals with electronic equivalents, considering the requirements of users, the attributes of print, and ease and speed of access to the literature.
Electronic publishing: what the Physiological Society is doing
Authors: Semmens Clive
Published: February 2018

The following article is primarily addressed to members of the Physiological Society, and is intended to explain the reasons for the changes in presentation of the Physiological Society journals. However, it is of much wider interest, and we are delighted to publish it in our series on the response of learned societies to electronic publishing possibilities.
The immunologist and the Internet—a tale of the tortoise and the hare?
Authors: Morgan Adrienne
Published: February 2018

Further in our series on the response of learned societies to electronic publishing possibilities, this article describes the present use made of the Internet as a relatively new phenomenon for many of Britain’s immunologists, and considers how its use might develop in the future.
Benthic uptake of phytoplankton and ocean‐reef exchange of particulate nutrients on a tide‐dominated reef
Authors: Gruber Renee K. , Lowe Ryan J. , Falter James L.
Published: February 2018

Benthic fluxes of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and particulate organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen (PON) were quantified on Tallon reef, a strongly tide‐dominated (spring range > 8 m) reef located in the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia, over a 2‐week period. Extensive hydrodynamic observations were used to construct a reef‐scale mass balance to estimate material exchange between the reef and ocean over individual tidal cycles. Additionally, a one‐dimensional control volume approach was used to estimate fluxes of Chl a in waters traversing the reef platform. Particulate material was delivered to the reef platform in a pulse during flood tide, and benthic uptake of Chl a declined to negligible values toward the end of ebb tide. On the scale of tidal cycles, a net uptake of Chl a was observed on the reef platform (on average 1.3 mg Chl a m−2 d−1), which was lower than previous studies of many reef communities. Fluxes showed variability depending on the magnitude of individual tidal cycles, which was likely related to volumes of oceanic Chl a inputs. Tallon reef was a net source of detrital POC and PON to the surrounding coastal ocean, with average POC exports ∼ 3% of the reef's benthic gross primary production. Seasonal measurements of water quality reported here are among the first records for the coastal Kimberley, and suggest that reefs in the west Kimberley may experience naturally elevated levels of phytoplankton and particulate nutrients, especially during the wet season.
Correlation of injection moulding parameters with mechanical and morphological aspects of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Saleh M.A. , Taha I. , Ebeid S.J.
Published: February 2018

The mechanical behaviour of fibre reinforced composites depends – amongst other things – on the morphological structure. This in turn is greatly affected by the processing conditions. In this study a 10 weight % flax fibre reinforced high density polyethylene composite is prepared by extrusion compounding followed by injection moulding. The effect of injection temperature, speed and rotational screw speed on the morphology of fibres and matrix are studied and related to the tensile and impact behaviour of the composites. Results indicate that fibre length is easily affected by all parameters under consideration. Whereas a higher injection temperature allows the preservation of fibre length, an excessive increase in temperature, however, leads to their thermal degradation. Increased injection and rotational speeds further introduce excessive shear stresses on the fibre, causing their breakage, similarly leading to reduced mechanical performance. Matrix structure is mainly affected by the injection temperature, where its increase leads to the reduction in the degree of crystallinity and thus also a decrease in tensile strength. Other processing parameters prove to have minor effect on matrix morphology.
Urinary Metabolomics Profiles Associated to Bovine Meat Ingestion in Humans
Authors: Khodorova Nadezda V. , Rutledge Douglas N. , Oberli Marion , Mathiron David , Marcelo Paulo , Benamouzig Robert , Tomé Daniel , Gaudichon Claire , Pilard Serge
Published: February 2018

Scope

The impact of meat consumption on human health is widely examined in nutritional epidemiological studies, especially due to the connection between the consumption of red and processed meat and the risk of colon cancer. Food questionnaires do not assess the exposure to different methods of meat cooking. This study aimed to identify biomarkers of the acute ingestion of bovine meat cooked with two different processes.

Methods and results

Non‐targeted UPLC‐MS metabolite profiling was done on urine samples obtained from 24 healthy volunteers before and 8 h after the ingestion of a single meal composed of intrinsically 15N labelled bovine meat, either cooked at 55 °C for 5 min or at 90 °C for 30 min. A discriminant analysis extension of independent components analysis was applied to the mass spectral data. After meat ingestion, the urinary excretion of 1‐methylhistidine, phenylacetylglutamine, and short‐ and medium‐chained acylcarnitines was observed. 15N labelling was detected in these metabolites, thus confirming their origin from ingested meat. However, no difference was observed in urinary metabolomic profiles according to the meat cooking process used.

Conclusion

Meat ingestion led to the excretion of several nitrogen‐containing compounds, but although a metabolic signature was detected for meat ingestion, the impact of the cooking process was not detectable at the level of urinary metabolic signature in our experimental conditions.
A mixed methods study of Tai Chi exercise for patients with chronic heart failure aged 70 years and older
Authors: Hägglund Lena , Boman Kurt , Brännström Margareta
Published: February 2018

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to evaluate Tai Chi group training among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) aged 70 years and older.

Background

Physical activity is recommended for CHF treatment. Tai Chi is found to be beneficial to different patient groups, although few studies focus on older patients with CHF.

Design

A mixed methods study. Participants were randomly assigned to Tai Chi training twice a week for 16 weeks (N = 25) or control (N = 20). Quantitative data were collected at baseline, at the end of the training period and 6 months after training, assessing self‐rated fatigue and quality of life, natriuretic peptides and physical performance. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (N = 10) in the Tai Chi training group.

Results

No statistical differences between the Tai Chi training group and the control group in quality of life or natriuretic peptides was found. After 16 weeks, the training group tended to rate more reduced activity and the control group rated more mental fatigue. Participants in the training group rated increased general fatigue at follow‐up compared with baseline. Qualitative interviews showed that Tai Chi training was experienced as a new, feasible and meaningful activity. The importance of the leader and the group was emphasized. Improvements in balance were mentioned and there was no physical discomfort.

Conclusion

Tai Chi was experienced as a feasible and meaningful form of physical exercise for patients with CHF aged over 70 years despite lack of achieved health improvement. Further investigations, using feasibility and meaningfulness as outcome variables seems to be useful.
Course of maternal fatigue and its associated factors during the first 6 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Iwata Hiroko , Mori Emi , Sakajo Akiko , Aoki Kyoko , Maehara Kunie , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: February 2018

Aims

To identify the course of maternal fatigue during the first 6 months postpartum and to determine factors associated with it.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

Women (N = 2,697) in 13 Japanese hospitals provided longitudinal data using self‐report questionnaires at five time points. Maternal fatigue was assessed using the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale. We focused on the effect of maternal age and parity on the course of maternal fatigue and used a mixed between/within‐subjects analysis of variance. Factors associated with maternal fatigue were analysed using stepwise multiple regression.

Results

In the 6‐month postpartum period, the level of fatigue was highest at 1 month and significantly decreased from 1–4 months postpartum. Primiparas showed a significantly higher level of fatigue than multiparas during hospital stay and their levels of fatigue more closely approximated the 1‐month peak. Multiparas showed significantly higher levels of fatigue than younger primiparas at 6‐month postpartum. Factors associated with maternal fatigue included satisfaction with sleep, concerns about child‐rearing, satisfaction with social support, financial burden and meal times per day.
Proteomic Studies on the Swim Bladder of the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Sialana Fernando J. , Schneebauer Gabriel , Paunkov Ana , Pelster Bernd , Lubec Gert
Published: February 2018

The swim bladder of a fish is a vital organ that with gas gland cells in the swim bladder wall enables key physiological functions including buoyancy regulation in the face of different hydrostatic pressures. Specific gas gland cells produce and secrete acidic metabolites into the blood in order to reduce the physical solubility of gases and blood gas transport capacity for regulating the volume of the swim bladder. Transcriptomic analyses have provided evidence at the RNA level but no specific studies at the protein level have been carried out so far. Herein, it was the aim of the study to show swim bladder proteins of the yellow stage European eel by label‐free LCMS (Q‐Exactive Plus) that resulted in the identification of 6223 protein groups. Neurotransmitter receptors and transporters were enriched in the membrane fraction and enzymes for acid production were observed. The list of identified proteins may represent a useful tool for further proteomics experiments on this organ. All MS proteomics data are available at the PRIDE repository with the dataset identifier PXD007850.
Bilateral pulmonary thrombosis in a newborn with congenital nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Dufau Julie , Roué Jean‐Michel , Rioualen Stéphane
Published: February 2018

In the neonatal period, pulmonary thromboembolic episodes are rare and unknown events. Case of a preterm newborn who presented a bilateral thrombosis of the pulmonary arteries associated with a congenital nephrotic syndrome. Pediatricians should consider pulmonary thromboembolic episodes in cases of newborns with unexplained severe and hypoxic respiratory distress syndrome.
Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Pelargonium roseum essential oil on Swiss albino mice: Possible involvement of serotonergic transmission
Authors: Abouhosseini Tabari Mohaddeseh , Hajizadeh Moghaddam Akbar , Maggi Filippo , Benelli Giovanni
Published: February 2018

The anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of the Reunion Geranium (Pelargonium roseum Willd) essential oil (EO) were evaluated in male Swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal administration of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg bw using elevated plus maze (EPM), open‐field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST). Moreover, we evaluated whether the 5‐HT1A and GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor systems are involved in the anxiolytic effects through the coadministration of WAY‐100635 (a selective 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist) and flumazenil (an antagonist of benzodiazepine). GC–MS revealed the monoterpene alcohols citronellol (35.9%) and geraniol (18.5%) as the main components of the P. roseum EO. EO was effective in increasing the total number of entries and time spent in the open arms of EPM whereas number of rearing in OFT was significantly decreased in comparison with the control. In the FST, immobility time decreased in EO treated mice. Pretreatment with WAY‐100635, but not Flumazenil, was able to reverse the effects of the EO in the EPM and FST, indicating that the EO activity occurs via the serotonergic but not GABAergic transmission. Overall, results of this work showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of P. roseum EO and confirmed the traditional uses of Pelargonium species as calming agents.
Neuroprotective effects of 20(S)‐protopanaxatriol (PPT) on scopolamine‐induced cognitive deficits in mice
Authors: Lu Cong , Lv Jingwei , Dong Liming , Jiang Ning , Wang Yan , Wang Qiong , Li Yinghui , Chen Shanguang , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong , Liu Xinmin
Published: February 2018

20(S)‐protopanaxatriol (PPT), one of the ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, has been reported to have neuroprotective effects and to improve memory. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of PPT on scopolamine‐induced cognitive deficits in mice. Male Institute of Cancer Research mice were pretreated with 2 different doses of PPT (20 and 40 μmol/kg) for 27 days by intraperitoneal injection, and scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 9 days to induce memory impairment. Thirty minutes after the last pretreatment, the locomotor activity was firstly examined to evaluate the motor function of mice. Then, memory‐related behaviors were evaluated, and the related mechanism was further researched. It was founded that PPT treatment significantly reversed scopolamine‐induced cognitive impairment in the object location recognition experiment, the Morris water maze test, and the passive avoidance task, showing memory‐improving effects. PPT also significantly improved cholinergic system reactivity and suppressed oxidative stress, indicated by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, elevation of acetylcholine levels, increasing superoxide dismutase activity and lowering levels of malondialdehyde in the hippocampus. In addition, the expression levels of Egr‐1, c‐Jun, and cAMP responsive element binding in the hippocampus were significantly elevated by PPT administration. These results suggest that PPT may be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease.
PEG‐Functionalized Chitosan: A Biological Macromolecule as a Novel Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Srivastava Vandana , Chauhan Dheeraj S. , Joshi Prathamesh G. , Maruthapandian Viruthasalam , Sorour Ahmad A. , Quraishi Mumtaz A.
Published: February 2018

In the present work, we have synthesized chemically functionalized chitosan via cross‐linking with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and used it as a novel green corrosion inhibitor. This is the first study reporting the use of chitosan‐PEG (CS‐PEG) as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl. The study was performed using weight loss method, electrochemical measurements, surface morphology (AFM) and quantum chemical investigation. The maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 93.9% was obtained at a concentration of 200 mgL−1. The inhibitor was found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm and exhibited both physical and chemical adsorption. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed an increase in the polarization resistance which supported the adsorption and inhibition behavior. Tafel data showed a mixed type behavior with cathodic predominance. The data of quantum chemical calculations supported the experimental findings.
Modified Gold Nanoparticles for the Temperature‐Dependent Colorimetric Detection of Mercury and Methylmercury
Authors: Aulsebrook Margaret L. , Watkins Ethan , Grace Michael R. , Graham Bim , Tuck Kellie L.
Published: February 2018

A method for temperature‐dependent sensing of both inorganic mercury (Hg2+) and organic methyl mercury (MeHg+) with the same gold nanoparticle (AuNP) system was achieved. The AuNPs were functionalised with a thymine moiety and aggregation was achieved through binding of a single mercuric species between two thymine molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles. Both Hg2+ and MeHg+ caused a significant change in the visible absorbance spectrum, resulting in a colour change from red to blue. Significantly, the two mercuric species produced different hues of blue, distinguishable by eye. This method could lead to the development of a method for tandem detection of Hg2+ and MeHg+ in environmental samples.
Plant Adaptogens: Natural Medicaments for 21stCentury?
Authors: Özdemir Zülal , Bildziukevich Uladzimir , Wimmerová Martina , Macůrková Anna , Lovecká Petra , Wimmer Zdeněk
Published: February 2018

This review is devoted to adaptogens, plant products capable of producing nonspecific responses in the human body, resulting in increasing the resistance against multiple stressors (physical, chemical or biological) and capable of having a normalizing effect to the human body. Adaptogens must be non‐toxic, harmless, capable of not influencing normal body functions more than required, and capable of treating depression, a common neuropsychiatric illness, the importance of which is increasing by number of new patients every year. Number of plants are able to produce natural compounds, which meet the criteria of becoming adaptogens. The most known of them are used in traditional medicine for centuries. This review summarizes data from several most important plant sources of adaptogens, however, it does not cover the field of adaptogens in all its variability. Based on the literature search covering the two past decades, it is focused at several most important plant species and their products, and at their proven or potential pharmacological effects in treating several important diseases.
An Efficient Molecular Scaffold Exhibiting Fluorescence “Turn–On” Response for Cyanide and HCN
Authors: Gupta Ramesh C. , Dwivedi Sushil K. , Ali Rashid , Misra Arvind
Published: February 2018

The present work describes design and synthesis of a biphenylaldimine derivative, probe 2 as an efficient molecular scaffold. The probe 2 showed good photophysical behavior and upon interaction with anions and gases showed high selectivity and sensitivity for CN‐ anion and HCN gas through a reaction based chemodosimeter approach with limit of detection 24 ppb and 7 ppm, respectively. The change in optical behavior of the probe is attributed to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. Probe 2 displayed enhanced emission, “turn‐on” due to the formation of a new biphenyl oxazole derivative 4 in the medium along with change in color of the medium which was sensitive to the naked‐eyes. The mechanism of interaction between probe and cyanide anion have been confirmed by the 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS spectral data analysis. The molecular probe 2 has been successfully utilized to detect cyanide (CN‐) and HCN gas in solution and on test paper strips.
Design, Microwave‐Assisted and Conventional Synthesis of New Hybrid Compounds Derived From 1‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)piperazine and Screening for Their Biological Activities
Authors: Ozdemir Serap Basoglu , Demirbas Neslihan , Demirbas Ahmet , Colak Nesrin , Ayaz Faik Ahmet
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of new conazole analogues (8 a‐d) was performed by three steps sequential reactions of compounds 5 a,b containing the condensation with 4‐chlorophenylethanone, reduction of carbonyl function and O‐alkylation intermediates 2‐[(4‐Benzyl‐5‐{[4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)thio]‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethanol (7 a) and 2‐[(5‐{[4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐4‐phenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)thio]‐1‐phenylethanol (7 b). The treatment of triazoles 4‐Benzyl‐5‐{[4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐2,4‐dihydro‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (5 a) and 5‐{[4‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐4‐phenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (5 b) with several amines in the presence of formaldehyde generated the corresponding Mannich bases (9‐12). All the reactions were examined under traditional and microwave irradiation conditions, and optimum conditions were defined. The antimicrobial, antiurease and antioxidant activities of the newly synthesized compounds were screened. Most of them had potent activity against to test microorganism. Especially mannich bases showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 0.24 and 1.9 μg/mL.
The middle Miocene duck Chenoanas (Aves, Anatidae): new species, phylogeny and geographical range
Authors: Zelenkov Nikita V. , Stidham Thomas A. , Martynovich Nicolay V. , Volkova Natalia V. , Li Qiang , Qiu Zhuding
Published: February 2018

A notable reorganization of the waterfowl communities apparently took place across Eurasia during the middle to early late Miocene, when primitive and extinct anatid taxa (e.g. Mionetta) were replaced by more derived forms, including extant genera. However, little is known about the diversity of Eurasian waterfowl and their palaeobiogeography during this critical interval. In particular, larger ducks of the middle Miocene are represented by poorly known taxa including ‘Anas’ sansaniensis from western and central Europe and Chenoanas deserti from Western Mongolia. We report new geographically widespread specimens referred to Chenoanas from Mongolia, eastern Siberia, and China that include a new species, Chenoanas asiatica sp. nov., and allow for recognition of the European ‘Anas’ sansaniensis as a member of Chenoanas. We describe the oldest remains of Chenoanas sansaniensis from eastern Siberia, which supports a westward dispersal or range expansion of this group of ducks during the Miocene, comparable to the previously established biogeographical affinities of many Eurasian mammals. These data also support a growing body of evidence that avian faunas of Siberia were similar to European ones during the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum. Our data indicate a wide Eurasian distribution (more than 8000 km) and a greater diversity within the genus Chenoanas during the late early to middle Miocene. The phylogenetic analysis of Chenoanas suggests that it may be a primitive member of Anatini, and thus does not belong to the basal radiation of extinct relatives of stiff‐tailed ducks (Oxyura and its relatives). Species of Chenoanas were probably not specialized divers.
Penalized Euclidean distance regression
Authors: Vasiliu Daniel , Dey Tanujit , Dryden Ian L.
Published: February 2018

A method is introduced for variable selection and prediction in linear regression problems where the number of predictors can be much larger than the number of observations. The methodology involves minimizing a penalized Euclidean distance, where the penalty is the geometric mean of the ℓ1 and ℓ2 norms of regression coefficients. This particular formulation exhibits a grouping effect, which is useful for model selection in high‐dimensional problems. Also, an important result is a model consistency theorem, which does not require an estimate of the noise standard deviation. An algorithm for estimation is described, which involves thresholding to obtain a sparse solution. Practical performances of variable selection and prediction are evaluated through simulation studies and the analysis of real datasets. © 2018 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hybrid Graphene‐Polyoxometalates Nanofluids as Liquid Electrodes for Dual Energy Storage in Novel Flow Cells
Authors: Dubal Deepak P. , Rueda‐Garcia Daniel , Marchante Carlos , Benages Raul , Gomez‐Romero Pedro
Published: February 2018

Solid Hybrid materials abound. But flowing versions of them are new actors in the materials science landscape and in particular for energy applications. This paper presents a new way to deliver nanostructured hybrid materials for energy storage, namely, in the form of nanofluids. We present here the first example of a hybrid electroactive nanofluid (HENFs) combining capacitive and faradaic energy storage mechanisms in a single fluid material. This liquid electrode is composed of reduced graphene oxide and polyoxometalates (rGO‐POMs) forming a stable nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage in novel Nanofluid Flow Cells. Two graphene based hybrid materials (rGO‐phosphomolybdate, rGO‐PMo12 and rGO‐phosphotungstate, rGO‐PW12) were synthesized and dispersed with the aid of a surfactant in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte to yield highly stable hybrid electroactive nanofluids (HENFs) of low viscosity which were tested in a home‐made flow cell under static and continuous flowing conditions. Remarkably, even low concentration rGO‐POMs HENFs (0.025 wt%) exhibited high specific capacitances of 273 F/g(rGO‐PW12) and 305 F/g(rGO‐PMo12) with high specific energy and specific power. Moreover, rGO‐POM HENFs show excellent cycling stability (∼95 %) as well as Coulombic efficiency (∼77–79 %) after 2000 cycles. Thus, rGO‐POM HENFs effectively behave as real liquid electrodes with excellent properties, demonstrating the possible future application of HENFs for dual energy storage in a new generation of Nanofluid Flow Cells.
The Relationship between Inequality and Growth: Evidence from New Data
Authors: Naguib Costanza
Published: February 2018

The relationship between inequality and growth has attracted a lot of attention in the previous literature. Estimation of this relationship may be biased by simultaneity, omitted variables and measurement error. The present paper contributes to the existing work by introducing the wealth Gini coefficient as a new inequality measure. The most reliable and recent data on income inequality are used for estimation. We employ the Arellano-Bond GMM estimation technique and we find that there seems to be a positive relationship between wealth inequality and real per capita GDP growth, but this relationship is not robust to different model specifications.
Partisan Campaigning and Initiative Petition Signing in Direct Democracies
Authors: Hofer Katharina E.
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates whether popular initiatives signed by a larger share of the population have higher acceptance rates at the subsequent vote. The main analysis is based on all Swiss federal initiatives voted between 1978 and 2000 with a panel of aggregate voting data at cantonal level. The results suggest that petition signing is positively and significantly related to acceptance rates at ballot. I address potential omitted variable bias from underlying preferences which might be driving both signatures and acceptance rates in three ways. First, the panel structure of the data allows to control for time-constant preferences via fixed effects. Second, results are robust to various proxies for voter preferences. Third, using the doubling of the signature requirement in 1978 as an instrumental variable confirms the above result. The findings imply that petition signing can serve as an effective partisan campaigning tool.