bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPACES as a Counseling Approach in Treating Traumatic Experiences of the Typhoon Sendong Victims in Iligan City, Philippines
Authors: Pamplona Myla Pilar S.
Published: November 2016

The creation of a counseling approach for Filipinos remains a big challenge to counselors. Foreign counseling methods do not meet the needs of Filipino clients in addressing diverse issues. Moreover, different regions have different perspectives as far as problems, etiology, manifestations and solutions are concerned. The study aimed to show that SPACES, an innovative counseling approach, can be a tool in counseling. SPACES is multidimensional counseling approach designed by Dr. Alexa P. Abrenica, a Filipino psychologist, which evaluates the spiritual life, physical health, attitude, creativity in solving problems, emotional health, satisfying work and support network of Filipino clients. It is believed that a difficulty in one dimension will affect and bleed into other components. The author used SPACES during a counseling service mission at Iligan City, Philippines after the onslaught of typhoon Sendong in 2012. In the case of Mina, a 43-year old widow and a victim of typhoon Sendong, SPACES was proven effective after its results were used to provide her treatment. SPACES allowed the client let go of all the negative thoughts from the traumatic experience and considered it as an enriching experience. The use of SPACES proves that counseling approaches must resonate culturally to achieve the real purpose of counseling.
Relationship of Work Related Factors to the Adherence of Staff Nurses of Hospitals in Marawi City, Philippines to Infection Control Protocol
Authors: Manalocon- Basher Salmah Lao
Published: November 2016

Infection control is one of the hospital policies that prevents and controls the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections. The study aimed to determine the adherence of staff nurses of hospitals in Marawi City and its relationship to the factors affecting their adherence to the said protocol. The study was conducted in the different hospitals in Marawi City. The respondents were the 60 staff nurses working in the different institutions of the city and 50 significant others who were staying with the patient for not less than 3 days of confinement. The study utilized the quantitative research design aimed at descriptive correlation analysis on the adherence of staff nurses on infection control protocol and the factors affecting their compliance to it. The tools composed of questionnaires and checklists. Frequencies, percentages, and spearman rho correlation were the statistical tools utilized. The findings of the study showed that 73.3% staff nurses were moderately adhering to infection control protocol and this is affected by some variables under the workload, work set-up, cultural practices, administration and supervision. These are also the variables having significant relationship to the adherence of staff nurses to infection control.
Rhetorical Discourse Analysis of State of the Nation Address of Select Philippine Presidents
Authors: Calonge Lilibeth , Talili Ismael
Published: November 2016

The art of public speaking has been one of the commonly feared tasks for some people because they are not prepared and equipped with knowledge in rhetoric. The study was conducted to analyze the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by the three presidents of the Philippines. Speech videos and speech manuscripts were analyzed using validated rubrics. A survey was also conducted to gather information on students’ perception on the study of rhetoric. Frequency, standard deviation, and weighted mean were used to analyze the rhetorical devices and canons of rhetoric employed in the speeches. It was found out that metaphor is a common rhetorical device used by the Presidents. The results show that the canons of rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, memory and delivery were utilized in the speeches. Majority of the students of Rhetoric and Public Discourse, selfreported (or agreed) that the rhetorical discourse analysis of the SONA is beneficial to them as Rhetoric and Public Discourse students. The study concludes that the Presidents used the rhetorical elements and techniques to convince and influence the audience. It is recommended that the presidents (or their speech writers) should consider optimum use of the rhetorical elements and techniques to evoke the desired response from the audience.
Phytochemical and Antibacterial Screening of Euphorbia thymifolia Linn and Cassia alata Linn Species in the Province of Abra, Philippines: An Alternative Source of Antibiotics
Authors: Paderes Nero M. , Eloisan Divinia Borgona
Published: November 2016

Plants have been aiding humanity around the world by serving as an abundant source of valuable drugs, antibiotics, nourishment, spices, seasonings, dyes, and other commercial and industrial products. The study investigated the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of Cassia alata Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn ethanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The research was laid out using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) which was replicated three times. Varying concentrations of Cassia alata Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn ethanolic extracts at 75%, 50% and 25% concentrations were utilized for the antimicrobial assay using the Kirby Bauer method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics in both plants and some other bioactive components that have been found in vitro to have antibacterial properties. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and DMRT at .05 level of significance shows that among the two plants tested, Euphorbia thymifolia Linn ethanolic extract at 75% concentration exhibited a significant mean diameter of zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Further laboratory analysis and testing should be conducted through the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) for further confirmatory results.
Program Implementation as Predictor of Students' Performance in Technical Vocational Education
Authors: Nachon Elaine Rose G.
Published: November 2016

The ultimate goal of any institution has always been to produce quality outcomes and create sound impact.  The study is a descriptive evaluation of the Operational Management of Technical-Vocational High School in Laguna, Philippines. Data were obtained from 270 graduates conveniently chosen; 88 randomly selected students; complete enumeration of 61 teaching and non-teaching staff from a public technical vocational high school in Laguna, Philippines; and complete enumeration of 27 workers from the school's partner industries within its geographic location. Documentary analysis, SWOT analysis, and unstructured interviews were used to support quantitative data. Program implementation either taken singly or in combination with student development services appeared to be a highly significant predictor of students' performance in TVE but not of their performance in on-the-job training.  It further revealed that each area thrust in the implementation of the TVE curriculum has strengths and opportunities that reduce its vulnerability to external threats. The study concludes that program implementation affects students' performance in TVE since it includes activities meant to deepen understanding of important concepts and to provide experiential learning for students.
Develación de las Agresiones Sexuales: Estudio de Caracterización de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes Chilenos
Authors: Capella Claudia , Gutiérrez Carolina , Steinberg Mónica
Published: November 2016

La investigación tuvo por objetivo caracterizar el proceso de develación de las agresiones sexuales de una muestra intencionada de 138 niños/as y adolescentes chilenos que se encontraban en tratamiento en un centro especializado de atención en la temática. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa, en la que, a través de entrevistas estructuradas a los terapeutas de los niños/as y adolescentes, se recabó información acerca del proceso de develación. La información se organizó en 3 variables sobre la develación: forma en que se inicia, latencia con la cual ocurre y persona a quien se dirige. Se establecieron asociaciones entre variables y variables demográficas y de la fenomenología de las agresiones sexuales, utilizando los coeficientes Phi y de Contingencia. Los resultados mostraron que lo más frecuente fue la develación provocada por preguntas de adultos, que se realizara tardíamente y se dirigiera a un adulto familiar. Se encontraron asociaciones entre edad de la víctima y tasas de develación y latencia, género y forma en que se inicia y credibilidad familiar y persona a la que se devela. Se discuten estos resultados.
Renal Interlobar Vein Impedance Index as a First‐Trimester Marker Does Not Predict Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Bezerra Maia e Holanda Moura Sammya , Praciano Paulo Cesar , Gurgel Alves Julio Augusto , Martins Wellington P. , Araujo Júnior Edward , Kane Stefan C. , da Silva Costa Fabrício
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the maternal renal interlobar vein impedance index as assessed by first‐trimester sonography is able to predict the later development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Methods

Venous Doppler parameters of both maternal kidneys were studied in 214 pregnant women at gestational ages of 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days. Patients were classified according to outcomes related to hypertensive disorders. Detection rates and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for the maternal renal interlobar vein impedance index as a first‐trimester predictor of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

Results

Among the 214 patients, 22 (10.3%) developed preeclampsia; 10 (4.7%) developed gestational hypertension; and 182 were unaffected by hypertensive disorders (controls; 85.0%). In the overall study population, there was no difference in the impedance index between the right (0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.50) and left (0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.53) sides (P = .86). The average impedance index did not differ among women destined to develop preeclampsia (0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.57), gestational hypertension (0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.46), or pregnancies uncomplicated by hypertensive disease (0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.50; P = .15). Low detection rates and the area under the curve analysis demonstrated that the impedance index was not predictive of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions

The maternal renal interlobar vein impedance index should not be considered a first‐trimester marker of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Unexpected Findings During Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain With Transvaginal Sonography
Authors: Ohngemach Daniel J. , Esterson Yonah B. , Rahman Naeem , Noor Ali , Pellerito John S.
Published: November 2016

Transvaginal sonography is the first‐line imaging modality used to evaluate acute female pelvic pain in the emergency setting because of its accessibility, lack of ionizing radiation, and excellent ability to identify reproductive tract disorders. Although the intent of transvaginal sonography is to evaluate the reproductive organs, imaging of adjacent pelvic structures is an important part of every transvaginal sonographic examination. Gastrointestinal, urologic, and vascular disorders incidentally scanned on transvaginal sonography may explain the pain for which the examination is being performed. In such cases, transvaginal sonography may play an important role in the diagnostic process if the clinician is aware of the transvaginal sonographic appearance of these entities.
Characterization of slow slip rate faults in humid areas: Cimandiri fault zone, Indonesia
Authors: Marliyani G. I. , Arrowsmith J. R. , Whipple K. X.
Published: November 2016

In areas where regional tectonic strain is accommodated by broad zones of short and low slip rate faults, geomorphic and paleoseismic characterization of faults is difficult because of poor surface expression and long earthquake recurrence intervals. In humid areas, faults can be buried by thick sediments or soils; their geomorphic expression subdued and sometimes undetectable until the next earthquake. In Java, active faults are diffused, and their characterization is challenging. Among them is the ENE striking Cimandiri fault zone. Cumulative displacement produces prominent ENE oriented ranges with the southeast side moving relatively upward and to the northeast. The fault zone is expressed in the bedrock by numerous NE, west, and NW trending thrust‐ and strike‐slip faults and folds. However, it is unclear which of these structures are active. We performed a morphometric analysis of the fault zone using 30 m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model. We constructed longitudinal profiles of 601 bedrock rivers along the upthrown ranges along the fault zone, calculated the normalized channel steepness index, identified knickpoints and use their distribution to infer relative magnitudes of rock uplift and locate boundaries that may indicate active fault traces. We compare the rock uplift distribution to surface displacement predicted by elastic dislocation model to determine the plausible fault kinematics. The active Cimandiri fault zone consists of six segments with predominant sense of reverse motion. Our analysis reveals considerable geometric complexity, strongly suggesting segmentation of the fault, and thus smaller maximum earthquakes, consistent with the limited historical record of upper plate earthquakes in Java.
Selective inhibition of phosphodiesterases 4, 5 and 9 induces HSP20 phosphorylation and attenuates amyloid beta 1–42‐mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Cameron Ryan T. , Whiteley Ellanor , Day Jon P. , Parachikova Anna I. , Baillie George S.
Published: November 2016

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are currently under evaluation as agents that may facilitate the improvement of cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. Our aim was to determine whether inhibitors of PDEs 4, 5 and 9 could alleviate the cytotoxic effects of amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ1–42) via a mechanism involving the small heatshock protein HSP20. We show that inhibition of PDEs 4, 5 and 9 but not 3 induces the phosphorylation of HSP20 which, in turn, increases the colocalisation between the chaperone and Aβ1–42 to significantly decrease the toxic effect of the peptide. We conclude that inhibition of PDE9 is most effective to combat Aβ1–42 cytotoxicity in our cell model.
Metallic Copper Thin Films Grown by Plasma‐Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition of Air Stable Precursors
Authors: Sasinska Alexander , Ritschel Daniel , Czympiel Lisa , Mathur Sanjay
Published: November 2016

The authors, report here on the deposition of metallic copper thin films by plasma‐assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) with an air stable and volatile precursor − [Cu((Py)CHCOCF3)2]2 (Py = pyridine) − that stands out due to its facile synthesis and easy handling under ambient conditions. Copper thin films are obtained by decomposing [Cu((Py)CHCOCF3)2]2 in hydrogen plasma in a concomitant deposition and recrystallization process. The thermal stability of the precursor prevents thermally induced decomposition, which allows precise control over thickness and film homogeneity. Electrical measurements of the as‐deposited samples show clear interdependence of sheet resistance on the substrates surface roughness, thereby, films with higher roughness show higher resistance. Combined X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy of Cu 2p peak and Cu LMM peak, as well as resistivity values of 58 Ω □−1 confirm the high quality of copper films without the need of further annealing steps under reducing atmosphere.
StarPEG‐Heparin Hydrogels to Protect and Sustainably Deliver IL‐4
Authors: Schirmer Lucas , Atallah Passant , Werner Carsten , Freudenberg Uwe
Published: November 2016

A major limitation for the therapeutic applications of cytokines is their short half‐life time. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), known to complex and stabilize cytokines in vivo, are therefore used to form 3D‐biohybrid polymer networks capable of aiding the effective administration of Interleukin‐4, a key regulator of the inflammatory response. Mimicking the in vivo situation of a protease‐rich inflammatory milieu, star‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (starPEG)‐heparin hydrogels and starPEG reference hydrogels without heparin are loaded with Interleukin‐4 and subsequently exposed to trypsin as a model protease. Heparin‐containing hydrogels retain significantly higher amounts of the Interleukin‐4 protein thus exhibiting a significantly higher specific activity than the heparin‐free controls. StarPEG‐heparin hydrogels are furthermore shown to enable a sustained delivery of the cytokine for time periods of more than two weeks. Primary murine macrophages adopt a wound healing supporting (M2) phenotype when conditioned with Interleukin‐4 releasing starPEG‐heparin hydrogels. The reported results suggest that GAG‐based hydrogels offer valuable options for the effective administration of cytokines in protease‐rich proinflammatory milieus such as chronic wounds of diabetic patients.
Lateral Flow Assay Based on Paper–Hydrogel Hybrid Material for Sensitive Point‐of‐Care Detection of Dengue Virus
Authors: Choi Jane Ru , Yong Kar Wey , Tang Ruihua , Gong Yan , Wen Ting , Yang Hui , Li Ang , Chia Yook Chin , Pingguan‐Murphy Belinda , Xu Feng
Published: November 2016

Paper‐based devices have been broadly used for the point‐of‐care detection of dengue viral nucleic acids due to their simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and readily observable colorimetric readout. However, their moderate sensitivity and functionality have limited their applications. Despite the above‐mentioned advantages, paper substrates are lacking in their ability to control fluid flow, in contrast to the flow control enabled by polymer substrates (e.g., agarose) with readily tunable pore size and porosity. Herein, taking the benefits from both materials, the authors propose a strategy to create a hybrid substrate by incorporating agarose into the test strip to achieve flow control for optimal biomolecule interactions. As compared to the unmodified test strip, this strategy allows sensitive detection of targets with an approximately tenfold signal improvement. Additionally, the authors showcase the potential of functionality improvement by creating multiple test zones for semi‐quantification of targets, suggesting that the number of visible test zones is directly proportional to the target concentration. The authors further demonstrate the potential of their proposed strategy for clinical assessment by applying it to their prototype sample‐to‐result test strip to sensitively and semi‐quantitatively detect dengue viral RNA from the clinical blood samples. This proposed strategy holds significant promise for detecting various targets for diverse future applications.
A constitutive equation for thixotropic suspensions with yield stress by coarse‐graining a population balance model
Authors: Mwasame Paul M. , Beris Antony N. , Diemer R. Betrum , Wagner Norman J.
Published: November 2016

A population balance model appropriate for the shear flow of thixotropic colloidal suspensions with yield stress is derived and tested against experimental data on a model system available in the literature. Modifications are made to account for dynamic arrest at the onset of the yield stress, in addition to enforcing a minimum particle size below which breakage is not feasible. The resulting constitutive model also incorporates a structural based relaxation time, unlike existing phenomenological models that use the inverse of the material shear rate as the relaxation time. The model provides a reasonable representation of experimental data for a model thixotropic suspension in the literature, capturing the important thixotropic timescales. When compared to prevalent structure kinetics models, the coarse‐grained population balance equation is shown to be distinct, emphasizing the novelty of utilizing population balances as a basis for thixotropic suspension modeling. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 517–531, 2017
Catalytic synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide by magnetic UiO‐66 under mild conditions
Authors: Delavari Mahbube , Zadehahmadi Farnaz , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Moghadam Majid , Mirkhani Valiollah , Mohammadpoor‐Baltork Iraj , Kardanpour Reihaneh
Published: November 2016

The catalytic activity of UiO‐66@Fe3O4@SiO2 catalyst was investigated in the fixation of carbon dioxide with epoxides under mild conditions. In this manner, a facile magnetization of UiO‐66 was achieved simultaneously by simply mixing this metal–organic framework and silica‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles in solution under sonication. The prepared catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopies, N2 adsorption and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. This new heterogeneous catalyst was applied as a highly efficient catalyst in the coupling of carbon dioxide with epoxides at mild temperatures and pressures. Furthermore, it could be easily recovered with the assistance of an external magnetic field and reused three consecutive times without significant loss of activity and mass.
Diversification of Indoles via Microwave‐assisted Ligand‐free Copper‐catalyzed N‐Arylation
Authors: Kwon Jae‐Kwan , Lee Jin ‐Hee , Kim Tae Sung , Yum Eul Kgun , Park Hee Jung
Published: November 2016

A simple, efficient Cu2O catalyst system under microwave irradiation was developed for N‐arylation of various indoles without ligands and additives. Diverse N‐heteroarylated indoles were prepared by coupling indoles with various heteroaryl halides within 1 h. The selective reactivity of bromoindole with aryl iodide provided N‐aryl bromoindoles, which could be useful intermediates for palladium‐catalyzed Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions.
Gold‐ N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Mineral Acids
Authors: Brill Marcel , Nahra Fady , Gómez‐Herrera Alberto , Zinser Caroline , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: November 2016

We have synthesized and characterized new gold‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes derived from the deprotonation of mineral acids. The use of sulfuric acid was a particularly interesting case. These complexes were tested in known gold‐catalyzed reactions, such as the hydration of alkynes and the Meyer–Schuster rearrangement. They proved to be highly efficient in both reactions.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of c‐Axis Oriented ZSM‐5 Crystals with Enhanced Methanol to Gasoline Catalytic Activity
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Wu Dan , Ren Shu , Chen Xinqing , Qiu Minghuang , Wu Xian , Yang Chengguang , Zeng Gaofeng , Sun Yuhan
Published: November 2016

The front cover artwork for Issue 21/2016 is provided by Prof. Yuhan Sun's group at the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The image shows a sheet‐like zeolite with c‐axis orientation, synthesized following a new one‐pot solvent‐free route. The catalyst exhibits high activity on methanol to gasoline (MTG) conversion. See the Communication itself at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201600896.
Charting Biologically Relevant Spirocyclic Compound Space
Authors: Müller Gerhard , Berkenbosch Tim , Benningshof Jorg C. J. , Stumpfe Dagmar , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: November 2016

Spirocycles frequently occur in natural products and experience increasing interest in drug discovery, given their richness in sp3 centers and distinct three‐dimensionality. We have systematically explored chemical space populated with currently available bioactive spirocycles. Compounds containing spiro systems were classified and their scaffolds and spirocyclic ring combinations analyzed. Nearly 47 000 compounds were identified that contained spirocycles in different structural contexts and were active against roughly 200 targets, among which several pharmaceutically relevant members of the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family were identified. Spirocycles and corresponding compounds displayed notable scaffold diversity but contained only limited numbers of combinations of differently sized rings. These observations indicate that there should be significant potential to further expand spirocyclic chemical space for drug discovery, exploiting the privileged substructure concept. Inspired by those findings, we embarked on the design and chemical synthesis of three distinct novel spirocyclic scaffolds that qualify for downstream library synthesis, thus exploring principally new chemical space with high potential for pharmaceutical research.
Mathematical modelling of residence time distribution in tubular loop reactors
Authors: Wang Xiugang , Tian Binghu , Wang Cuihua , Wu Jianhua
Published: November 2016

A new mathematical model was developed to predict the residence time distribution (RTD) of tubular loop reactors. A set of partial differential equations was proposed by applying the axial dispersion model to each section including two tubular sections and a recycle pump. The recycle pump was characterized by the equivalent length and Peclet number. The model parameters were determined through tracer experiments of each section. The fitting formulas of the Peclet number against Reynolds number, pipe length, and mean velocity were obtained. A numerical solution with second‐order accuracy was acquired by finite difference method in the time domain. The new model was verified by tracer pulse experiments of the loop reactor. As expected, the model predictions agree very well with the experimental data at different recycle pumps and recycle ratios. The new model predicts the RTD of tubular loop reactors precisely and can be applied to various recycle pumps. With higher predictability and generality, the new model outperforms other existing models.
Heavy Metals in Black Crabs in the Atlantic Coast (Tenerife, Spain) – Human Risk Assessment
Authors: Gutiérrez Angel J. , Lozano Gonzalo , Rubio Carmen , Martín Verónica , Hardisson Arturo , Revert Consuelo
Published: November 2016

Crustaceans are considered to be a staple ingredient in a healthy balanced diet. This work determines the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content in the soft tissue (muscle) and the exoskeleton of 60 samples of black crabs from different areas of the coast of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Average concentrations of Cd found in the soft tissue and the exoskeleton were 1.148 and 1.089 mg/kg, respectively. In the case of Pb, these levels were 4.736 and 13.92 mg/kg. People consume muscle tissue more than any other tissue. An average weekly intake of 10.36 g/person per week of black crab muscle provides an estimated weekly intake of 11.89 μg/week of Cd and its contribution to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) is 6.79%. In the case of Pb, the estimated daily intake is 1.13 μg/week and its contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) is 0.06%. The values of the estimated weekly intake of Cd and Pb were lower than the TWI. In conclusion, there is no toxicological risk from the weekly consumption of crabs if we use the estimated daily intake of crab data published by the Spanish Food Safety Agency. However, both metals exceed the maximum levels permitted by the European Regulation.
Performance comparison of JPEG, JPEG 2000, and newly developed CSI‐JPEG by adopting different color models
Authors: Safdar Muhammad , Ronnier Luo Ming , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: November 2016

The major issues of using less storage space and wanting higher transmission rates for information in the form of high quality color images was taken into consideration. Two experiments were conducted in order to investigate and compare performance of compression standard including JPEG 1992 and JPEG 2000, and a newly developed CSI‐JPEG. The CSI‐JPEG is an amalgamation of Cubic Spline Interpolation (CSI) with baseline JPEG 1992 algorithm. The performance of different image compression algorithms was evaluated using different color models/spaces in terms of compression rate, color accuracy, and visual quality. The results from three assessment methods consistently showed that JPEG 2000 and CSI‐JPEG performed significantly better compared with JPEG 1992 for small color differences (in the range of acceptability). Moreover, the CAM02‐UCS performed best among other selected models in terms of compression rate and image performance for all three image compression algorithms. The results from the visual assessment also confirmed this. It was also found that CIEDE2000 can be reliably used for assessing quality of compressed images with low levels of distortion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 460–473, 2017
Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols over Atomically‐Dispersed Non‐Precious Metal Catalysts
Authors: Xie Jiahan , Yin Kehua , Serov Alexey , Artyushkova Kateryna , Pham Hien N. , Sang Xiahan , Unocic Raymond R. , Atanassov Plamen , Datye Abhaya K. , Davis Robert J.
Published: November 2016

Catalytic oxidation of alcohols often requires the presence of expensive transition metals. Herein, it is shown that earth‐abundant Fe atoms dispersed throughout a nitrogen‐containing carbon matrix catalyze the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural by O2 in the aqueous phase. The activity of the catalyst can be regenerated by a mild treatment in H2. An observed kinetic isotope effect indicates that β‐H elimination from the alcohol is the kinetically relevant step in the mechanism, which can be accelerated by substituting Fe with Cu. Dispersed Cr, Co, and Ni also convert alcohols, demonstrating the general utility of metal–nitrogen–carbon materials for alcohol oxidation catalysis. Oxidation of aliphatic alcohols is substantially slower than that of aromatic alcohols, but addition of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy as a co‐catalyst with Fe can significantly improve the reaction rate.
Diabetes mellitus and long‐term mortality of ovarian cancer patients. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 12 cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Dongyu , Zhao Yuan , Wang Tengteng , Xi Yuzhi , Li Nan , Huang Hongtai
Published: November 2016

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the sixth most common cancer among women, and its prognosis is not favorable. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is hypothesized to be associated with a higher mortality in ovarian cancer patients, but evidence is inconsistent. Thus, we aim to investigate if DM is associated with the long‐term all‐cause and long‐term cancer‐specific mortality in ovarian cancer patients by synthesizing available epidemiologic evidences. We used 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus) to search for eligible articles. Title/abstract screening, full‐text review, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by reviewers independently. In meta‐analysis, studies reporting risk ratio (RR) or hazard ratio that investigated the association between DM and mortality of OC patients were synthesized by a random‐effect model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed by certain stratification or restrictive rules. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger test. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the I‐squared value and a chi‐squared test for the Cochrane Q statistic. Twelve cohort studies involving 14 outcome measures were included. In overall meta‐analysis, the synthesized RR for all‐cause mortality was 1.44 (95% CI 1.16‐1.79) without substantial statistical heterogeneity (PCochrane = .145, I2 = 34.1%); the synthesized RR for cancer‐specific mortality was 1.44 (95% CI 1.08‐1.93) with substantial heterogeneity (PCochrane < .001, I2 = 90.1%). No publication bias was observed. Our results suggest DM is associated with a higher all‐cause and cancer‐specific mortality in ovarian cancer patients. Future studies should be done to examine the association between type 1 DM and ovarian cancer mortality.
Freeze‐thaw stability and long‐term stability of 84 synthetic cannabinoids in serum
Authors: Hess Cornelius , Krueger Lynn , Unger Michael , Madea Burkhard
Published: November 2016

Information about stability of synthetic cannabinoids is important to give recommendations for storage conditions in cases in which use of synthetic cannabinoids is suspected. In this study, freeze‐thaw stability (3 cycles at ‐20 °C at 1.5 ng/mL) and long‐term stability at room temperature, 4°C and ‐20°C (for 150 days) were tested by a validated liquid chromatographic‐mass spectrometric method for 80 synthetic cannabinoids. Results demonstrated good freeze‐thaw stability for most of the substances. For 5 F‐ABICA (72.6% of peak area of time point zero), 5 F‐ 2 ADB PINACA 2 Isomer (68.7 %), 5Cl‐AB‐PINACA (84.2 %), AB FUBINACA 2‐Isomer (33.5 %), 5 F‐PCN (89.7 %), ADB‐FUBINACA (78.0 %), EG 018 (88.9 %), and PX‐1 (89.4 %) three freeze‐thaw cycles led to absolute peak areas < 90% compared to 6 control samples. For 51 of the 84 substances, stability in serum could be demonstrated after 315 days of storage at ‐20°C. For 82 of the 84 substances, stability in serum could be shown for at least 1 month at ‐20°C. Long‐ term stability at 4°C or 20°C showed worse results. Therefore, it is our recommendation to store real serum samples at ‐20°C until analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species' traits and food‐web complexity interactively affect a food web's response to press disturbance
Authors: Wootton K. L. , Stouffer D. B.
Published: November 2016

Given current levels of biodiversity loss and environmental change, studies of how food webs respond to disturbance should broaden their focus beyond short‐term disturbances to explore the effects of long‐term, “press” disturbances. Press disturbances often disproportionately impact one or a few species, but these impacts invariably propagate to the remaining species in the food web. Additionally, the way species interact with each other within the food web influences the impact they have on the rest of the food web if it is disturbed. Here, we investigate the effect of species‐level press disturbances in a large set of model food webs. We simulated disturbances as a reduction in growth rate of a single species within the food web, which is analogous to a targeted disturbance such as selective fishing. In these simulations, we were particularly interested in the resistance of the food web—the magnitude of disturbance it could tolerate before any species went extinct. We found that more highly connected and biodiverse food webs had lower resistance and were more likely to lose species at a low level of disturbance than sparsely connected food webs with few species. Food‐web complexity also influenced which species were likely to go extinct due to the disturbance. At low species richness and/or low connectance, food webs could tolerate a large disturbance, and it was usually the focal species which went extinct. In contrast, webs were less stable at higher levels of complexity and a small disturbance rapidly propagated and caused the extinction of a non‐focal species. Lastly, the disturbed species' traits were also important: Disturbance of a species with few interactions usually resulted in its own extinction, while disturbance of a species with many interactions more often caused the extinction of the disturbed species' predator(s). Likewise, the trophic level of the disturbed species influenced which species went extinct, although this was modulated by the complexity of the food web. Overall, our study indicates that both the traits of disturbed species and the complexity of the food web need to be considered in attempts to predict or manage the ecological impact of press disturbances.
Population‐specific life histories contribute to metapopulation viability
Authors: Halsey Samniqueka J. , Bell Timothy J. , McEachern Kathryn , Pavlovic Noel B.
Published: November 2016

Restoration efforts can be improved by understanding how variations in life‐history traits occur within populations of the same species living in different environments. This can be done by first understanding the demographic responses of natural occurring populations. Population viability analysis continues to be useful to species management and conservation with sensitivity analysis aiding in the understanding of population dynamics. In this study, using life‐table response experiments and elasticity analyses, we investigated how population‐specific life‐history demographic responses contributed to the metapopulation viability of the Federally threatened Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri). Specifically, we tested the following hypotheses: (1) Subpopulations occupying different environments within a metapopulation have independent demographic responses and (2) advancing succession results in a shift from a demographic response focused on growth and fecundity to one dominated by stasis. Our results showed that reintroductions had a positive contribution to the metapopulation growth rate as compared to native populations which had a negative contribution. We found no difference in succession on the contribution to metapopulation viability. In addition, we identified distinct population‐specific contributions to metapopulation viability and were able to associate specific life‐history demographic responses. For example, the positive impact of Miller High Dunes population on the metapopulation growth rate resulted from high growth contributions, whereas increased time of plant in stasis for the State Park Big Blowout population resulted in negative contributions. A greater understanding of how separate populations respond in their corresponding environment may ultimately lead to more effective management strategies aimed at reducing extinction risk. We propose the continued use of sensitivity analyses to evaluate population‐specific demographic influences on metapopulation viability. In understanding the underlying causes of the projected extinction probabilities of each population and identifying broad‐scale contributions of different populations to the metapopulation, the process of pinpointing target populations is simplified. More detailed analyses can then be applied to the target populations to increase population viability and consequently metapopulation viability. Based on our research, we suggest that the best approach to improve the overall metapopulation viability is to manage the contributions to population growth for each population separately.
Detection probabilities for sessile organisms
Authors: Berberich Gabriele M. , Dormann Carsten F. , Klimetzek Dietrich , Berberich Martin B. , Sanders Nathan J. , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: November 2016

Estimation of population sizes and species ranges is central to population and conservation biology. It is widely appreciated that imperfect detection of mobile animals must be accounted for when estimating population size from presence–absence data. Sessile organisms also are imperfectly detected, but correction for detection probability in estimating their population sizes is rare. We illustrate challenges of detection probability and population estimation of sessile organisms using censuses of red wood ant (Formica rufa‐group) nests as a case study. These ants, widespread in the northern hemisphere, can make large (up to 2 m tall), highly visible nests. Using data from a mapping campaign by eight observers with varying experience of sixteen 3600‐m2 plots in the Black Forest region of southwest Germany, we compared three different statistical approaches (a nest‐level data‐augmentation patch‐occupancy model with event‐specific covariates; a plot‐level Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood model; nonparametric Chao‐type estimators) for quantifying detection probability of sessile organisms. Detection probabilities by individual observers of red wood ant nests ranged from 0.31 to 0.64 for small nests, depending on observer experience and nest size (detection rates were approximately 0.17 higher for large nests), but not on habitat characteristics (forest type, local vegetation). Robust estimation of population density of sessile organisms—even highly apparent ones such as red wood ant nests—thus requires estimation of detection probability, just as it does when estimating population density of rare or cryptic species. Our models additionally provide approaches to calculate the number of observers needed for a required level of accuracy. Estimating detection probability is vital not only when censuses are conducted by experts, but also when citizen‐scientists are engaged in mapping and monitoring of both common and rare species.
Phosphorus loading rates in lakes with development and stocked fish in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
Authors: Lyons Rebecca A. , Johnson Lissah K. , McIntyre Blodwyn M.
Published: November 2016

In high‐elevation lakes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California, USA, increases in P concentration suggest accelerated nutrient loading in these delicate aquatic ecosystems. Some of these lakes show signs of eutrophication due to increased P loading. Presently, fish stocking practices include introductions of non‐native as well as native fish, and sometimes in very large quantities. Stocked fish are fed diets that are often high in P and in turn excrete high P waste into lakes and/or die and decompose, potentially adding additional P to the system. The goal of this research was to determine the potential P contributions from residential shoreline developments and stocked fish. A seasonal, steady state P loading rate model was created to quantify P loading into nine lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Lakes with no fish, stocked lakes, and lakes that have shoreline developments and stocked fish were compared using measured P concentrations. The greatest difference in P‐loading rates was between stocked and unstocked lakes, which yielded an average of 6.29 × 10−3 (±6.39 × 10−3) mg P·L−1·yr−1 and 6.87 (±5.41) mg P·L−1·yr−1, respectively. Stocked lakes with shoreline development did not vary significantly from lakes with stocked fish and no shoreline development. The P‐loading rate showed a correlation with the annual frequency of stocking events with an R2 value of 0.73.
Fe–Li Interactions in Ferrocenyllithium Compounds
Authors: Malastová Andrea , Vallo Ján , Almássy Ambroz , Pitoňák Michal , Neogrády Pavel , Šebesta Radovan
Published: November 2016

Intermetallic Fe–Li interactions likely occur during some stereoselective lithiation reactions of ferrocene derivatives. The nature of this interaction was assessed for a ferrocene–methyllithium complex as a model system by coupled‐cluster methods [CCSD(T)]. The CCSD(T) calculations predicted an interaction energy of –38.0 kJ mol–1 and an Fe–Li distance of 2.75 Å. The abilities of commonly used DFT functionals to describe this interaction were also screened. The best agreement of the structural parameters (energy and Fe–Li distance) with the CCSD(T) results was achieved with the dispersion‐corrected TPSS functional. DFT calculations were also used for natural bond orbital analysis of the intramolecular Fe–Li interactions in benzylferrocene ortho‐lithiated at the phenyl ring. This dimetallic bond can be explained as a donor–acceptor orbital interaction between the Fe lone pair or the C–Fe bonding electrons with the empty Li orbitals.
A Disposable Carbon Nanotubes‐screen Printed Electrode (CNTs‐SPE) for Determination of the Antifungal Agent Posaconazole in Biological Samples
Authors: Hassan Rabeay Y. A. , Sultan Maha A. , El‐Alamin Maha M. Abou , Atia Mostafa A. , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: November 2016

For the first time, the use of carbon nanotubes was exploited for the development of a sensitive electrochemical method for determination of the newly antifungal posaconazole (POS). The electrochemical activity of POS was investigated at the surface of multi‐walled nanotubes (MWNTs) modified electrode. The cyclic voltammograms showed a sharp oxidation peak at potential around 671 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. To reach the assay optimization, factors affecting the method sensitivity have been investigated, such as types of carbon nanotubes and its concentration in the electrode matrix, type of supporting electrolyte, pH, accumulation time and scan rate. A good linear relationship was obtained within the concentration range from 32–1280 ng/ml with the limit of detection and quantification of 11 ng/ml and 33 ng/ml, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of POS in its commercial dosage form, spiked human plasma samples, and dried blood spots. The in vivo results obtained were also used to study the pharmacokinetics of POS in human plasma. The results obtained were validated and found to be in accordance with those obtained by the reference methods.
Analysis of isentropic mixtures for their use as working fluids in organic Rankine cycles
Authors: Mondejar Maria E. , Thern Marcus
Published: November 2016

The selection of appropriate working media for organic Rankine cycles (ORC) is essential for the optimization of their performance. Dry fluids are widely used in existing ORC because, unlike wet fluids, they do not need to be superheated to avoid wet expansion that may cause damage to the expander. However, regeneration is sometimes needed for fluids with a highly dry behavior in order to improve the overall ORC efficiency, at the expense of increasing the total capital costs. On the contrary, isentropic fluids, with a nearly isentropic saturated vapor curve, overcome these two drawbacks. Because the number of single component fluids with isentropic behavior is scarce, we propose the use of isentropic binary mixtures, composed by a wet and a dry component. In this work, we selected several isentropic binary mixtures composed of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrocarbons from the Refprop database. The performance of these mixtures was evaluated in a simple saturated ORC model for source temperatures between (350 and 450) K and a fixed sink temperature of 290 K. The results were compared to those yielded by pure isentropic and dry fluids under the same source and sink conditions. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 921–935, 2017
Seismic hybrid simulation of a nonductile RC building with severe damage to multiple columns
Authors: Murray Justin A. , Sasani Mehrdad
Published: November 2016

Reinforced concrete frame structures built prior to the mid‐1970s are susceptible to brittle column failure under seismic action, potentially leading to progressive collapse of the structure. The behavior of columns susceptible to brittle shear‐axial failure has been studied previously but rarely has the interaction between damaged columns and the surrounding three‐dimensional structure been investigated experimentally and at full scale. In this study, as the second in a series of hybrid simulations, two full‐scale reinforced concrete columns of a representative pre‐1970s structure were tested at the Multi‐axial Full‐scale Substructure Testing and Simulation (MUST‐SIM) laboratory. Through the use of hybrid simulation, the interaction of the columns with the surrounding structure is studied under a severe seismic motion including vertical excitation.

The computational model representing the remainder of the representative 10‐story structure is created in the computer program OpenSees. During the hybrid simulation, both physical specimens experience significant loss of shear and axial strength, and the effects of these failures on the surrounding system are described. The three‐dimensional computational model in OpenSees allowed for analytical flexural‐axial failure of a third column in the structure to occur. The effects of these multiple failures on the response of a full structural system under seismic action are quantified, and the progressive collapse resistance mechanisms are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.