bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sparse least square support vector regression for estimating illumination chromaticity
Authors: Zhu Zhenmin , Liu Quanxin , Song Ruichao , Chen Shiming
Published: March 2018

The fusion of estimating algorithms for illumination chromaticity is an important strategy in computational color constancy and it has attracted the much attention of domestic and foreign scholars. Some effective approaches have been proposed to build the framework of the fusion, such as Committee‐based Color Constancy, BP neural network, and machine learning regression. In this article, the framework of least square support vector regression (LS‐SVR) is applied to illumination estimation fusion and provides a novel sparse method of LS‐SVR. According to the experience of previous research, the complexity in training LS‐SVR is obviously lower than it in training SVR, but due to all of the characters in images are chosen as the support vectors, the computation in LS‐SVR takes more time. In order to improve accuracy and reduce time consumption, this study uses sparse strategy that only weighted samples that illumination chromaticity of image have higher weight than other images can be selected as the support vectors. Training via a part of the images with high‐weight, the sparse LS‐SVR can achieve a satisfactory result. Experiment with real images shows that this sparse LS‐SVR method performs better than SVR, LS‐SVR and current some other color constancy algorithms especially in the aspects of computing speed and accuracy.
Methane Hydrate in Confined Spaces: An Alternative Storage System
Authors: Borchardt Lars , Casco Mirian Elizabeth , Silvestre‐Albero Joaquin
Published: March 2018

Methane hydrate inheres the great potential to be a nature‐inspired alternative for chemical energy storage, as it allows to store large amounts of methane in a dense solid phase. The embedment of methane hydrate in the confined environment of porous materials can be capitalized for potential applications as its physicochemical properties, such as the formation kinetics or pressure and temperature stability, are significantly changed compared to the bulk system. We review this topic from a materials scientific perspective by considering porous carbons, silica, clays, zeolites, and polymers as host structures for methane hydrate formation. We discuss the contribution of advanced characterization techniques and theoretical simulations towards the elucidation of the methane hydrate formation and dissociation process within the confined space. We outline the scientific challenges this system is currently facing and look on possible future applications for this technology.
Optically Guided Single Cell Mass Spectrometry of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia to Profile Lipids, Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Do Thanh D. , Ellis Joseph F. , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Comi Troy J. , Tillmaand Emily G. , Lenhart Ashley E. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: March 2018

The mammalian dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are located on the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves and contain cell bodies of primary sensory neurons. DRG cells have been classified into subpopulations based on their size, morphology, intracellular markers, response to stimuli, and neuropeptides. To understand the connections between DRG chemical heterogeneity and cellular function, we performed optically guided, high‐throughput single cell profiling using sequential matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MS) to detect lipids, peptides, and several proteins in individual DRG cells. Statistical analysis of the resulting mass spectra allows stratification of the DRG population according to cellular morphology and, presumably, major cell types. A subpopulation of small cells contained myelin proteins, which are abundant in Schwann cells, and mass spectra of several larger cells contained peaks matching neurofilament, vimentin, myelin basic protein S, and thymosin beta proteins. Of the over 1000 cells analyzed, approximately 78 % produced putative peptide‐rich spectra, allowing the population to be classified into three distinct cell types. Two signals with m/z 4404 and 5487 were exclusively observed in a cell type, but could not be matched to results of our previous liquid chromatography‐MS analyses.
Structural Characterization of Self‐Assembled Tetra‐Tryptophan Based Nanostructures: Variations on a Common Theme
Authors: Diaferia Carlo , Balasco Nicole , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Vitagliano Luigi , Morelli Giancarlo , Accardo Antonella
Published: March 2018

Over the years, a large number of multidisciplinary investigations has unveiled that the self‐assembly of short peptides and even of individual amino acids can generate a variety of different biomaterials. In this framework, we have recently reported that polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates of short homopeptides, containing aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine (Phe, F) and naphthylalanine (Nal), are able to form elongated fibrillary aggregates having interesting chemical and physical properties. We here extend these analyses characterizing the self‐assembling propensity of PEG6‐W4, a PEG adduct of the tetra‐tryptophan (W4) sequence. A comprehensive structural characterization of PEG6‐W4 was obtained, both in solution and at the solid state, through the combination of spectroscopic, microscopic, X‐ray scattering and computational techniques. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that this peptide is able to self‐assemble in fibrillary networks characterized by a cross β‐structure spine. The present findings clearly demonstrate that aromatic residues display a general propensity to induce self‐aggregation phenomenon, despite the significant differences in the physicochemical properties of their side chains.
Cu/CeO2 Catalyst for Water‐Gas Shift Reaction: Effect of CeO2 Pretreatment
Authors: Chen Chongqi , Zhan Yingying , Zhou Jianke , Li Dalin , Zhang Yanjie , Lin Xingyi , Jiang Lilong , Zheng Qi
Published: March 2018

CuO/CeO2 is a kind of promising catalysts for the water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction. Efforts were put in to improve its performance through modification of CeO2 support. In this study, portions of CeO2 prepared by a co‐precipitation method were separately annealed at 300 °C in air, under vacuum and with H2, and were used as supports for the fabrication of CuO/CeO2 catalysts. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, N2‐physisorption, inductively coupled plasma, Raman spectroscopy, CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption, and H2 temperature‐programmed reduction techniques. The relation between catalytic performances and physicochemical properties of the CuO/CeO2 catalysts were discussed. Among the three catalysts, the one with CuO supported on H2‐reduced CeO2 shows the highest catalytic activity, mainly due to strong CuO‐CeO2 synergetic interaction and high concentration of Frenkel‐type oxygen vacancies. The superior catalytic activities can also be attributed to the Cu0 crystals of small size and the oxygen vacancies in non‐stoichiometric CeO2‐x.
Analysis and Transformations of Room‐Temperature Liquid Metal Interfaces – A Closer Look through Interfacial Tension
Authors: Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Chen Yuzhen , Zhu Lifei , Zhou Xuechang
Published: March 2018

Room‐temperature gallium‐based liquid metals (e. g. Galinstan) are emerging materials for a wide range of applications spanning from soft robotics to a medium for running chemical reactions. However, Galinstan suffers from rapid oxide formation at the surface, limiting its application. Similarly, this surface oxidation renders it difficult to determine the surface free energy of Galinstan. Herein, the interfacial properties of Galinstan in contact with argon, acid, base, water, and organic solvents were investigated, yielding kinetic information regarding the removal by acids and bases, knowledge about oxo‐hydroxide/hydroxide species at the Galinstan/water interface, and an estimated value of the dispersive contribution of the surface free energy. The dispersive contribution of the surface free energy of Galinstan was calculated to be (239.7±9.1) mN/m, around 40 % of the total surface free energy. By employing the dispersive surface tension of Galinstan, the interfacial tension between a liquid and Galinstan can be easily obtained, facilitating the design and application of liquid metal‐based devices.
Selective Probing of Potassium Ion in Solution by Intramolecular Excimer Fluorescence of Dibenzo‐Crown Ethers
Authors: Kida Motoki , Kubo Mayuko , Ujihira Tomoyuki , Ebata Takayuki , Abe Manabu , Inokuchi Yoshiya
Published: March 2018

Observation of an excimer fluorescence in solution is proposed for detecting the encapsulation of potassium ion as opposed to other alkali ions by dibenzo‐crown ethers. The scheme has been validated by ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) spectroscopy of dibenzo‐21‐crown‐7 and dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 complexes with potassium ion, K+ ⋅ DB21C7 and K+ ⋅ DB24C8, performed under cold (∼10 K) conditions in the gas phase and by quantum chemical calculations of the geometry and electronic structures of the complexes. Calculations suggest the formation of a closely spaced excimer structure of benzene rings only for the K+ ⋅ DB24C8. Interaction of the rings may lead to lifetime broadening in UV absorption, which is experimentally observed in the gas phase, indeed, only for this cold complex. Consistently, intramolecular excimer fluorescence of DB24C8 in solution is observed only for K+ ⋅ DB24C8. The excimer fluorescence is not observed with other alkali metal ions. The detection of such intramolecular excimer fluorescence can, therefore, potentially serve as a simple, background‐free, selective probe of potassium ion in solution.
Comparison of early maladaptive schemas between borderline personality disorder and chronic depression
Authors: Flink Niko , Honkalampi Kirsi , Lehto Soili M. , Leppänen Virpi , Viinamäki Heimo , Lindeman Sari
Published: March 2018

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and chronic depression (CD) are common and challenging mental disorders. Maladaptive cognitive schemas have been proposed to increase vulnerability to both disorders. In order to elucidate the role of maladaptive cognitive schemas in BPD and CD, this study compared psychiatric outpatients with BPD (N = 30) and CD (N = 30) in terms of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). The groups were compared using the Young Schema Questionnaire short form‐extended (YSQ‐S2‐extended) and the 15D health status questionnaire. BPD patients showed higher endorsement on the majority of EMSs, poorer social functioning, and greater concurrent distress than CD patients. However, after controlling for concurrent effects of psychological distress, the groups did not differ in 14 out of the 18 EMSs. These findings point to significant similarities in maladaptive beliefs between the 2 disorders and do not support broad, specific patterns of EMSs associated with either disorder. The results highlight the need for further study of the role of maladaptive schemas in the development and treatment of chronic mental disorders.
How social, environmental, and economic CSR affects consumer‐perceived value: Does perceived consumer effectiveness make a difference?
Authors: Currás‐Pérez Rafael , Dolz‐Dolz Consuelo , Miquel‐Romero María J. , Sánchez‐García Isabel
Published: March 2018

This study analyzes the influence of consumer‐perceived dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a sustainable development approach (i.e. economic, social, and environmental) on the dimensions of perceived value (i.e. utilitarian, emotional, and social value). The study also analyzes the moderating effect of perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) in the value generation process around CSR. A theoretical model is estimated with data from 661 consumers of Inditex or Danone products, leading firms in the textile and dairy sectors, respectively. Results indicate that functional value is determined by economic and social dimensions of CSR. Emotional value can be enhanced through the three CSR dimensions but social dimension has the greatest influence. Finally, firms can only influence social value through social CSR initiatives because it is unaffected by environmental and economic dimensions. The moderating effect of PCE is confirmed by the influence of the social dimension of CSR on the three types of value and the influence of the economic dimension of CSR on consumer functional value.
Consensus‐based perspectives of pediatric inpatient eating disorder services
Authors: O'Brien Amy , McCormack Julie , Hoiles Kimberley J. , Watson Hunna J. , Anderson Rebecca A. , Hay Phillipa , Egan Sarah J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

There are few evidence‐based guidelines for inpatient pediatric eating disorders. The aim was to gain perspectives from those providing and receiving inpatient pediatric eating disorder care on the essential components treatment.

Method

A modified Delphi technique was used to develop consensus‐based opinions. Participants (N = 74) were recruited for three panels: clinicians (n = 24), carers (n = 31), and patients (n = 19), who endorsed three rounds of statements online.

Results

A total of 167 statements were rated, 79 were accepted and reached a consensus level of at least 75% across all panels, and 87 were rejected. All agreed that families should be involved in treatment, and thatpsychological therapy be offered in specialist inpatient units. Areas of disagreement included that patients expressed a desire for autonomy in sessions being available without carers, and that weight gain should be gradual and admissions longer, in contrast to carers and clinicians. Carers endorsed that legal frameworks should be used to retain patients if required, and that inpatients are supervised at all times, in contrast to patients and clinicians. Clinicians endorsed that food access should be restricted outside meal times, in contrast to patients and carers.

Discussion

The findings indicate areas of consensus in admission criteria, and that families should be involved in treatment, family involvement in treatment, while there was disagreement across groups on topics including weight goals and nutrition management. Perspectives from patients, carers, and clinicians may be useful to consider during future revisions of best practice guidelines.
Psychosocial correlates of gap time to anabolic–androgenic steroid use
Authors: Klimek Patrycja , Hildebrandt Tom
Published: March 2018

Objective

Theoretically, legal supplement use precedes and increases the risk for illicit appearance and performance enhancing drug (APED) use—also referred to as the gateway hypothesis. Little is known about associations between the speed of progression, or gap time, from legal to illicit APED use, and psychological risk factors, such as sociocultural influence, eating disorders, body image disturbance, and impulsivity.

Method

The sample taken from two studies included 172 active steroid users (n = 143) and intense‐exercising healthy controls (n = 29) between the ages of 18 and 60 (M = 34.16, SD = 10.43), the majority of whom were male (91.9%). Participants, retrospectively, reported APED use and completed measures assessing psychological and behavioral factors, including eating concern, muscle dysmorphia, and impulsivity. Participants had a gap time from initial APED use to anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) use that ranged from 0 to 38 years.

Results

Continuous survival analysis indicated that interactions between self‐ versus other sociocultural influence on APED onset and both higher eating concern and impulsivity are associated with a shorter gap time from initial legal to illicit APED use.

Discussion

The results indicate the potential value in developing different strategies for individuals with other sociocultural versus self‐influence on illicit APED use, and among more impulsive and eating‐concerned APED users. Future research is needed to assess different trajectories of APED use, such that eating‐concerned and impulsive individuals who perceive less other sociocultural influence may be at greatest risk for a speedier progression to AAS use.
Thinning‐induced canopy opening exerted a specific effect on soil nematode community
Authors: Yang Bing , Pang Xueyong , Bao Weikai , Zhou Kexin
Published: March 2018

Changes in microclimate, soil physicochemical properties, understory vegetation cover, diversity, and composition as well as soil microbial community resulting from silvicultural practices are expected to alter soil food webs. Here, we investigated whether and how contrasting‐sized canopy openings affect soil nematode community within a 30 year‐aged spruce plantation. The results indicated that the responses of soil nematodes to canopy opening size were dependant on their feeding habit. The abundance of total nematodes and that of free‐living nematodes was negatively correlated with soil bulk density, whereas the abundance of omnivore–predators was negatively correlated with soil bulk density and shrubs cover, respectively. The ratio of the sum abundance of predators and omnivores to the plant parasites’ abundance, Simpson's dominance index, Pielou's evenness index, and sigma maturity index, maturity index (MI), MI2‐5, basal index, enrichment index, and structure index was sensitive to alteration in canopy opening size. Multivariate analysis indicated that thinning‐induced gap size resulted in contrasting nematode assemblages. In conclusion, soil nematodes should be integrated as an indicator to monitor soil multifunctionality change due to thinning.
Carbon use efficiency of hayed alfalfa and grass pastures in a semiarid environment
Authors: Saliendra Nicanor Z. , Liebig Mark A. , Kronberg Scott L.
Published: March 2018

Management, environment, and agroecosystem type are key factors influencing photosynthetic carbon (C) uptake and C use efficiency (CUE), calculated as the ratio of net ecosystem production to gross ecosystem production (NEP:GEP). Current literature has mainly emphasized annual C balance in studies involving multiple years with continuous monitoring of ecosystem C fluxes, yet CUE has not been thoroughly analyzed during the growing season, particularly in paired comparisons of contrasting types of pasture under semiarid conditions. From 2009 through 2013, we used eddy covariance method to determine daily, seasonal, and annual C budgets in rainfed alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and grass ecosystems subjected to periodic harvest (haying) near Mandan, North Dakota, USA. We found consistently higher magnitudes of C fluxes (ecosystem respiration [ER], NEP, GEP) and hay production in alfalfa than grassland. Leaf area and canopy nitrogen content per unit land area were key driving factors for daily, seasonal, and annual differences in C fluxes between agroecosystems. Net ecosystem C balance indicated C losses occurred through haying in both ecosystems, though no changes in soil C stocks were detected in either ecosystem over the course of the study. Mean NEP:GEP ratios (±standard error) during periods of steady carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake before and after haying were 0.43 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.03 for alfalfa and grassland, respectively, implying more efficient C use in the former. Moreover, alfalfa had consistently greater CUE than grassland despite variations in sunlight, temperature, and precipitation within and between growing seasons. Ratios of ER to GEP were also repeatedly lower in alfalfa than grassland in all five growing seasons. Under drought conditions, we infer alfalfa roots accessed water in the soil profile unavailable to more shallow‐rooted grass species. Overall, hayed alfalfa was more efficient and tolerant than grassland in assimilating and using atmospheric CO2 under variable intra‐ and inter‐seasonal conditions. Outcomes from this study suggest the inclusion of alfalfa in unirrigated crop rotations can sustain high CUE, C uptake, and hay production while mitigating C losses in a semiarid environment.
Morphology Modification of the Iron Fumarate MIL‐88A Metal–Organic Framework Using Formic Acid and Acetic Acid as Modulators
Authors: Bagherzadeh Elham , Zebarjad Seyed Mojtaba , Hosseini Hamid Reza Madaah
Published: March 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are best known for their great structural diversity. The uniformity in the properties of MOFs is mainly governed by the size and morphology of the particles. In the present research, iron‐MIL‐88A was prepared by a modulator‐assisted solvothermal method, and the role of modulating agents in the formation process of MOF particles was investigated. Acetic acid and formic acid were chosen as monoligand modulating agents. The changes in morphology and size distribution of the products were scrutinized by using SEM micrographs. Both modulators clearly interfered with the crystallization process through their attachment to the reactive sites. At low modulator content, the primary diamondlike characteristic morphology of the particles was preserved. While acetic acid mildly altered the morphology of the MOF and narrowed its particle‐size distribution, formic acid drastically changed the morphology of the MOF particles to those resembling dendrites. The structural properties of the products were examined using XRD, FTIR, and TGA studies. Correct amounts of acetic acid improved the crystallinity of the product, while high contents of acetic acid greatly interfered with the formation process and had a paramount effect on the particle morphology evidenced by the decrease in the intensity of diffraction peaks.
Design, Synthesis, and Preliminary Biological Evaluation of GlcNAc‐6P Analogues for the Modulation of Phosphoacetylglucosamine Mutase 1 (AGM1/PGM3)
Authors: Paiotta Alice , D'Orazio Giuseppe , Palorini Roberta , Ricciardiello Francesca , Zoia Luca , Votta Giuseppina , De Gioia Luca , Chiaradonna Ferdinando , La Ferla Barbara
Published: March 2018

A library of GlcNAc 6‐ or 1‐phosphate analogues was designed, and each compound was evaluated computationally through docking studies for its binding affinity to AGM1/PGM3. The compounds with the highest binding affinity, as ranked through a docking score, were synthesised and screened for their ability to inhibit the production of UDP‐GlcNAc. A glycofused oxazoline analogue showed good inhibition, and gave significant results in vitro.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclic Fluorinated Amino Acids
Authors: Hao Jing , Milcent Thierry , Retailleau Pascal , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Ongeri Sandrine , Crousse Benoit
Published: March 2018

A methodology for the asymmetric synthesis of CF3‐β‐proline and CF3‐six‐membered cyclic amino acids has been developed starting from readily available N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl‐(3,3,3)‐trifluoroacetaldimine. The Zn‐mediated allylation followed by an intramolecular 5‐endo‐trig cyclisation afforded the CF3‐β‐proline, whereas the CF3‐six‐membered cyclic amino acids were obtained by using a ring‐closing‐metathesis protocol of CF3‐aminodienes.
Lipid A Structure and Immunoinhibitory Effect of the Marine Bacterium Cobetia pacifica KMM 3879T
Authors: Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Palmigiano Angelo , Albitar‐Nehme Sami , Pallach Mateusz , Kokoulin Maxim , Komandrova Nadezhda , Romanenko Lyudmila , Bernardini Maria Lina , Garozzo Domenico , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba
Published: March 2018

The structural elucidation of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from Gram‐negative marine bacteria, along with the assessment of their immunological properties, is a fascinating and active research field. Such studies can aid understanding of adaptation phenomena that occur in the marine environment, but they can also open up new perspectives on the design and development of new immunoregulatory drugs. In this paper, we report the structural characterization of the lipid A component of the LPS isolated from the marine bacterium Cobetia pacifica KMM 3879T, which is characterized by a family of structures differing in their acylation patterns. The structural assignment was achieved through extensive chemical analysis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Moreover, cellular immunology studies on the LPS highlighted its low immunostimulatory impact, as well as a very interesting and promising inhibitory activity of the toxic effects of Escherichia coli LPS.
KI–Tetraethylene Glycol Complex as an Effective Catalyst for the Synthesis of Cyclic Thiocarbonates from Epoxides and CS2
Authors: Okada Megumi , Nishiyori Ryuichi , Kaneko Shiho , Igawa Kazunobu , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: March 2018

An efficient synthesis of cyclic thiocarbonates from epoxides and CS2 under mild reaction conditions was achieved when a KI–tetraethylene glycol complex was used as a readily available and economic catalyst. The effects of various glycols and alkali metal halides were investigated in the present work to clarify the importance of both KI and tetraethylene glycol. The reaction mechanisms for the synthesis of cyclic thiocarbonates are discussed on the basis of the stereochemistry of the products.
Supramolecular Aggregation of Perfluoroorganyl Iodane Reagents in the Solid State and in Solution
Authors: Liebing Phil , Pietrasiak Ewa , Otth Elisabeth , Kalim Jorna , Bornemann Dustin , Togni Antonio
Published: March 2018

The crystal structures of different perfluoroorganyl iodanes are described, including those of four new benziodoxole derivatives with RF = n‐C3F7, n‐C4F9, n‐C8F17, and C6F5. In all of the compounds, the iodine atom shows significant Lewis acidity, and the fourth coordination site is readily filled by secondary bonding interactions to produce square‐planar coordination. Although this geometry is a good model for benziodoxoles, benziodoxolone derivatives tend to aggregate further through additional weak I···O or I···aryl contacts. The different interactions lead to the formation of various assemblies with different dimensions in the solid state. The protonation of the reagents results in the formation of entirely different supramolecular structures, which are supported by hydrogen bonding. The structural features of the reagents in the solid state reflect well their behavior in solution, and the I–C(RF) bond is influenced by the coordination of Lewis basic solvents to the iodine atom and by hydrogen bonding with protic solvents. These solvent effects are more pronounced for reagents containing the trifluoromethyl fragment than for derivatives with longer RF chains.
Interpersonal feedback in everyday life: Empirical studies in Germany and the United States
Authors: Gallrein Anne‐Marie B. , Bollich‐Ziegler Kathryn L. , Leising Daniel
Published: March 2018

The present research examines occurrences of interpersonal feedback in everyday life. Drawing upon retrospective self‐reports from three student samples in Germany and the US, we investigate why, how, and with what effect such feedback is shared. We found that feedback was common, occurring mostly within stable interpersonal relationships, and that positive feedback was reported to occur more often than negative feedback. Positive and negative feedback was provided to achieve different goals (acknowledgement vs. behavioral change), and feedback senders perceived negative feedback as less successful than positive feedback. Negative feedback was withheld primarily when potential senders perceived it as futile or potentially dangerous to their relationship with the recipient. However, negative feedback that was shared was not seen as particularly harmful in that regard. We discuss potential barriers to feedback effectiveness, whether and how the exchange of interpersonal feedback in everyday life may be promoted, and give recommendations for future research.
High Loading Pt Core/Carbon Shell Derived from Platinum‐Aniline Complex for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Mohanraju Karuppannan , Lee Hyunjoon , Kwon Oh Joong
Published: March 2018

A novel approach to high loaded Pt core/carbon shell catalyst synthesis from a Pt‐aniline complex was reported. The Pt‐aniline complex was successfully synthesized by irradiating an ultrasound to the hexachloro platinic acid and aniline monomer mixture. The highly viscous nature of aniline leads to reproducible hexagonal plate like Pt‐aniline complex crystals. The chemical composition of the Pt‐aniline complex was identified as [PtCl2(C6H5NH2)2] with the help of NMR, XPS, HR ESI‐MS, and TGA analyses. Furthermore, the Pt‐aniline hexagonal plates were sintered at various temperatures like 400 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C for an hour. This formed the highly dispersed carbon covered Pt nano particles with loading of 80.1 wt %, 81.3 wt %, and 83.4 wt % for HP‐4, HP‐5, and HP‐7, respectively. After supporting it on Vulcan XC‐72, Pt core/carbon shell pyrolyzed at a low temperature showed excellent performance in methanol oxidation reaction. In addition, Pt core/carbon shell prepared at a high temperature revealed excellent tolerance to methanol.
Conjugated Molecule Based Sensor for Microbial Detection in Water with E. coli as a Case Study and Elucidation of Interaction Mechanism
Authors: Mallya Ashwini N. , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: March 2018

Water testing for microbial contamination is essential to ensure safe drinking water. In the present work, an organic nanocomposite based sensor is designed and fabricated to detect the presence of E. coli in water. The detection is carried out by measuring the change in two parameters of the organic nanocomposite film – resistance and impedance. The lower detection limit of E. coli cell counts up to 10 CFU mL−1 and 107 CFU mL−1 in 100 mL test solution is observed by impedance spectroscopy and resistance change respectively. A conjugated molecule with a specific pendant amine group was used as the receptor moiety that can interact and exhibit affinity to the functional groups like carboxyl groups present on the outer membrane of the cell wall of the E. coli. The binding of E. coli cells to conjugated molecule was characterized by chemical, physical and structural properties. The electrostatic interaction between positively charged amine groups on conjugated molecule and negatively charged E. coli is utilized for sensing. This interaction is also observed to be acting as p‐dopant to conjugated molecule which synergistically induces a change in electrical resistance in the composite. This work shows that the conjugated molecules designed with suitable moieties could be used for sensing microorganisms, when most sensors for detection of E. coli cells, use antibodies as detecting element.
Fast Determination of Antioxidant Capacity of Food Samples Using Continuous Amperometric Detection on Polyester Screen‐printed Graphitic Electrodes
Authors: Arantes Iana V. S. , Stefano Jéssica S. , Sousa Raquel M. F. , Richter Eduardo M. , Foster Christopher W. , Banks Craig E. , Muñoz Rodrigo A. A.
Published: March 2018

The determination of antioxidant capacity of food samples using disposable polyester screen‐printed graphitic macroelectrodes (SPGE) coupled with a batch‐injection cell based on the measurement of the consumption of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) is reported. The SPGEs are organic‐resistant electrodes and thus compatible with food samples and organic solvents used to dissolve DPPH.. A micropipette controlled the release (193 μL s−1) of sample (150 μL) upon the sensor/working electrode immersed in electrolyte (1 : 1 ethanol/methanol containing 0.05 mol L−1 LiCl). The first demonstration of this protocol was devoted to the analysis of edible oils. The remaining DPPH. was amperometrically detected at +0.1 V (vs. pseudo AgCl). The antioxidant capacity (percentage of DPPH. scavenging and mg equivalent of tocopherol) was obtained using the proposed and spectrophotometric methods. The results were in agreement according to t‐test (confidence level of 95 %). The method is precise (RSD=2.3 %, n=12), fast (180 h−1), presents low detection limit of DPPH. (1 μmol L−1), and allows on‐site analysis. Moreover, the proposed method can be extended to the analysis of antioxidant capacity of other samples of agricultural and food interests.
DNA translocation through polyelectrolyte‐modified nanopores: An analytical approximation
Authors: Das Pradipta Kr.
Published: March 2018

An analytical model for the electrophoretic speed of DNA translocating through nanopore functionalized with polyelectrolyte (PE) brush is developed for the first time. The electrophoretic speed depends on DNA surface potential, applied electric field, viscosity, and permittivity of solution along with velocity and electrostatic potential at liquid–polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) interface where the interface seemed to behave similar to that of a solid‐state nanopore wall. Under the limit of Debye–Hückel linearization, the electrostatic potential at liquid–PEL interface and at DNA surface have been calculated. Velocity at liquid–PEL interface has been estimated by assuming a linear variation of hydrodynamic frictional force within the PEL. It is observed that velocity and electrostatic potential at liquid–PEL interface strongly depend on PE charge density and softness parameter. Present analytical results show excellent agreement with exact numerical results (i.e., without any approximation) at a higher salt concentration where Debye–Hückel linearization is applicable.
Cognitive remediation therapy for adolescent inpatients with severe and complex anorexia nervosa: A treatment trial
Authors: Harrison Amy , Stavri Pamela , Ormond Lynn , McEnemy Francine , Akyol Dilan , Qureshi Annum , Al‐Khairulla Hind
Published: March 2018

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is a low‐intensity treatment adjunct for individuals with severe and complex anorexia nervosa (AN) with difficulties in globally oriented, flexible thinking. Previously trialled in adults, this study investigated whether individual and group CRT was a feasible, acceptable, and beneficial treatment for 125 adolescent inpatients with severe and complex AN. Seventy patients (mean age = 15.22, SD = 1.44) received 10 sessions of individual CRT, and 55 patients (mean age = 14.89, SD = 1.74) received 10 sessions of group CRT. In individual CRT, 1 patient (1.43%) dropped out, and there were medium‐sized improvements in bigger picture thinking and set‐shifting, small to large‐sized improvements in switching‐related initiation and inhibition skills, and large‐sized improvements in motivation to recover. Group CRT had higher dropout (9.09%; n = 5) and produced small‐sized improvements in global information processing and medium‐sized improvements in self‐reported cognitive flexibility and high acceptability ratings. Data suggest that a randomised controlled trial for adolescents with AN is warranted.
An examination of the relationship between binge eating disorder and insomnia symptoms
Authors: Kenny Therese E. , Van Wijk Megan , Singleton Christopher , Carter Jacqueline C.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Although studies on sleep difficulties in binge eating disorder (BED) have produced inconsistent findings, research has linked poor sleep to the presence of related concerns (e.g., obesity, anxiety, and depression). To clarify the relationship between BED and sleep problems, this study aimed to compare insomnia symptoms in individuals with BED and those with no history of an eating disorder (NED).

Method

An adult community sample of individuals with BED (N = 68) and NED (N = 78) completed measures of insomnia, depression and anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms.

Results

Individuals with BED reported significantly greater insomnia symptoms than the NED group. The relationship between BED and insomnia symptoms was partially mediated by anxiety. Depression fully mediated the positive association between insomnia symptom severity and binge frequency in the BED group.

Discussion

These findings suggest that depression, anxiety, and sleep are important constructs to consider in BED development and presentation.
Efficacy of a partial hospital programme for adults with eating disorders
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Cusack Anne , Anderson Leslie K. , Trim Julie , Nakamura Tiffany , Trunko Mary Ellen , Kaye Walter H.
Published: March 2018

Partial hospital programmes (PHPs) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs); however, few programmes have examined long‐term outcomes across diagnoses, including subtypes of anorexia nervosa (AN). The present study examined the effectiveness of PHP for adult patients (n = 243) with AN‐restricting subtype (n = 79), AN binge/purge subtype (n = 46), and bulimia nervosa (n = 118). These patients tended to have long‐standing courses of illness (43%, illness duration >7 years) and high levels of psychiatric comorbidity (92.2%). Patients completed questionnaires at admission, discharge, and follow‐up, M (SD) = 11.50 months (5.29). Through follow‐up, all diagnoses demonstrated significant improvements in weight, ED psychopathology, and comorbid symptoms, with some exceptions for the AN binge/purge group. In exploratory analyses, 49% of patients met criteria for full or partial remission at discharge and 37% at follow‐up. Results provide support for the effectiveness of PHP in improving ED outcomes in a severe sample through longer‐term follow‐up.
Designing double skin facade venting regimes for smoke management
Authors: Thomas Geoff , Al‐Janabi Mohammad , Donn Michael
Published: March 2018

The impact of sustainable building features on fire safety can be positive, neutral, or negative. An expert group ranked double skin facades (DSF) as being high risk due to a lack of knowledge of strategies to prevent fire and smoke spread through a DSF. Computational fluid dynamics modelling of prototype buildings with a 0.5 and 1.0‐m‐wide DSF has been carried out. External and internal vents to the DSF have varied in size and location, as well as the fire location, whether the building is fitted with sprinklers and other variables. The sensitivity of the model to grid resolution was checked using the 2 extremes of ventilation. Provided the vents to the DSF close in a fire, and flashover does not occur in rooms adjoining the DSF, or sprinklers are installed, smoke spread to higher floors via the DSF is limited. If a building is designed so the vents to the exterior from the DSF are greater in effective area than those from the interior to the DSF smoke flow will be predominantly to the outside of the building, and fire engineering design is likely to show that occupants will have time to escape.
A prolonged response to platinum‐based therapy in a patient with metastatic urothelial carcinoma harboring a single rearranged and truncated NF2 gene
Authors: Achkar Tala , Ali Siraj M. , Welsh Allison , Dhir Rajiv , Gollin Susanne M. , Parikh Rahul A.
Published: March 2018

Tumor genome sequencing has become an invaluable resource in determining targets for new therapies. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with metastatic urothelial carcinoma with sarcomatoid features. Sarcomatoid differentiation is a rare histologic subtype that confers a more aggressive course. The first‐line treatment for patients with urothelial carcinoma is platinum‐based chemotherapy. Next generation tumor sequencing performed using the FoundationOne assay revealed loss of one NF2 allele and an unbalanced der(22)t(10;22)(p11.22;q12.2) chromosomal rearrangement involving the other NF2 allele, resulting in truncation and predicted loss of function. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis confirmed the presence of one NF2 signal. NF2 mutations have been found in a variety of cancers and result in activation of the mTOR pathway. As such, the use of mTOR inhibitors, such as everolimus are thought to be particularly effective in the case of NF2 loss. Our patient had a dramatic response to first‐line chemotherapy, but unfortunately experienced subsequent progression of his cancer and could not tolerate everolimus. Although our patient's tumor demonstrated unique acquired genetic features including both loss of heterozygosity and truncation of the NF2 locus, he still achieved a meaningful response to platinum‐based chemotherapy.
POLARIS: Polygenic LD‐adjusted risk score approach for set‐based analysis of GWAS data
Authors: Baker Emily , Schmidt Karl Michael , Sims Rebecca , O'Donovan Michael C. , Williams Julie , Holmans Peter , Escott‐Price Valentina , Consortium with the GERAD
Published: March 2018

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are a method to summarize the additive trait variance captured by a set of SNPs, and can increase the power of set‐based analyses by leveraging public genome‐wide association study (GWAS) datasets. PRS aims to assess the genetic liability to some phenotype on the basis of polygenic risk for the same or different phenotype estimated from independent data. We propose the application of PRSs as a set‐based method with an additional component of adjustment for linkage disequilibrium (LD), with potential extension of the PRS approach to analyze biologically meaningful SNP sets. We call this method POLARIS: POlygenic Ld‐Adjusted RIsk Score. POLARIS identifies the LD structure of SNPs using spectral decomposition of the SNP correlation matrix and replaces the individuals' SNP allele counts with LD‐adjusted dosages. Using a raw genotype dataset together with SNP effect sizes from a second independent dataset, POLARIS can be used for set‐based analysis. MAGMA is an alternative set‐based approach employing principal component analysis to account for LD between markers in a raw genotype dataset. We used simulations, both with simple constructed and real LD‐structure, to compare the power of these methods. POLARIS shows more power than MAGMA applied to the raw genotype dataset only, but less or comparable power to combined analysis of both datasets. POLARIS has the advantages that it produces a risk score per person per set using all available SNPs, and aims to increase power by leveraging the effect sizes from the discovery set in a self‐contained test of association in the test dataset.
Reproducible network and regional topographies of abnormal glucose metabolism associated with progressive supranuclear palsy: Multivariate and univariate analyses in American and Chinese patient cohorts
Authors: Ge Jingjie , Wu Jianjun , Peng Shichun , Wu Ping , Wang Jian , Zhang Huiwei , Guan Yihui , Eidelberg David , Zuo Chuantao , Ma Yilong
Published: March 2018

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare movement disorder and often difficult to distinguish clinically from Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) in early phases. In this study, we report reproducible disease‐related topographies of brain network and regional glucose metabolism associated with PSP in clinically‐confirmed independent cohorts of PSP, MSA, and PD patients and healthy controls in the USA and China. Using 18F‐FDG PET images from PSP and healthy subjects, we applied spatial covariance analysis with bootstrapping to identify a PSP‐related pattern (PSPRP) and estimate its reliability, and evaluated the ability of network scores for differential diagnosis. We also detected regional metabolic differences using statistical parametric mapping analysis. We produced a highly reliable PSPRP characterized by relative metabolic decreases in the middle prefrontal cortex/cingulate, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus and midbrain, covarying with relative metabolic increases in the hippocampus, insula and parieto‐temporal regions. PSPRP network scores correlated positively with PSP duration and accurately discriminated between healthy, PSP, MSA and PD groups in two separate cohorts of parkinsonian patients at both early and advanced stages. Moreover, PSP patients shared many overlapping areas with abnormal metabolism in the same cortical and subcortical regions as in the PSPRP. With rigorous cross‐validation, this study demonstrated highly comparable and reproducible PSP‐related metabolic topographies at network and regional levels across different patient populations and PET scanners. Metabolic brain network activity may serve as a reliable and objective marker of PSP, although cross‐validation applying recent diagnostic criteria and classification is warranted.
The health implications of unconventional natural gas development in Pennsylvania
Authors: Peng Lizhong , Meyerhoefer Chad , Chou Shin‐Yi
Published: March 2018

We investigate the health impacts of unconventional natural gas development of Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania between 2001 and 2013 by merging well permit data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with a database of all inpatient hospital admissions. After comparing changes in hospitalization rates over time for air pollution‐sensitive diseases in counties with unconventional gas wells to changes in hospitalization rates in nonwell counties, we find a significant association between shale gas development and hospitalizations for pneumonia among the elderly, which is consistent with higher levels of air pollution resulting from unconventional natural gas development. We note that the lack of any detectable impact of shale gas development on younger populations may be due to unobserved factors contemporaneous with drilling, such as migration.
Comprehensive approach to functional palatomaxillary reconstruction using regional and free tissue transfer: Report of reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes of 140 patients
Authors: Urken Mark L. , Roche Ansley M. , Kiplagat Kimberly J. , Dewey Eliza H. , Lazarus Cathy , Likhterov Ilya , Buchbinder Daniel , Okay Devin J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Palatomaxillary defects were historically restored with a prosthetic obturator; however, advances in local and free tissue transfer has provided a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients with palatomaxillary defects.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the lead author between 1998 and 2016 was conducted. Patients who were restored with a palatal obturator were excluded.

Results

One hundred forty patients were reconstructed with a total of 159 local, regional, and free flaps with a 96.7% success rate. Seventy‐four patients (52.8%) underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation, with 183 implants placed and an 86% success rate.

Conclusion

Palatomaxillary reconstruction applying a systematic approach, using a multitude of techniques, is a safe and effective way to restore patients without compromising the ability to maintain surveillance. Prosthodontic rehabilitation can be achieved in a high percentage of patients using dental implants, leading to optimal aesthetic and functional results.
Nasopharyngeal biopsy in adults presenting with serous otitis media: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shilo Shahaf , Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Yehuda Moshe , Weinger Anat , Fliss Dan M. , Abergel Avraham
Published: March 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between isolated serous otitis media (SOM) and/or conductive hearing loss (CHL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a low‐to‐intermediate endemic area.

Methods

Medical records of all adult patients (≥17 years) with SOM/CHL who underwent endoscopic‐guided nasopharyngeal biopsy to exclude NPC during a 10‐year period were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors for NPC.

Results

A total of 195 patients were included (121/195; 62.1% men), among whom 169 (86.7%) presented with isolated SOM/CHL. Overall, 12 patients were diagnosed with NPC (12/195; 6.2%), however, only 1 patient (1/169; 0.6%) had isolated SOM/CHL. Coexisting clinical manifestations and suspicious nasopharyngeal findings on fiber‐optic nasopharyngoscopy were found to be significant predictors for NPC on univariate and multivariate analyses (P < .05).

Conclusion

Patients with isolated SOM/CHL and without coexisting clinical manifestations or suspicious findings on nasopharyngoscopy may avoid a routine nasopharyngeal biopsy.