bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon foam production from bio‐based polyols of liquefied spruce tree sawdust: Effects of biomass/solvent mass ratio and pyrolytic oil addition
Authors: Ozbay Nurgul , Yargic Adife Seyda
Published: October 2018

One of the next‐generation structural materials is carbon foam. Porous materials have become an intriguing alternative material to traditional ones in many utilizations based on their light weight and incomparable properties. Coal or fossil oils are conventionally used to produce pitch, phenolic resin, and polyurethane as carbon foam precursor. Biomass liquefaction is a developing technique to convert biomass resources into the industrial chemicals. In this study, spruce tree sawdust was liquefied under mild conditions with different solvent type (phenol or phenol + bio‐oil mixture). The unique aspect of this work is the synthesis of bio‐polyol when pyrolytic oil is used as an alternative to phenol in the solvolysis reaction and its evaluation in carbon foam production with multilayer graphene sheets. Therewithal, the ratios of biomass to solvent were 1/3 as well as 1/5, and the comparison of product characteristics is another originality of the study. Slow pyrolysis of spruce tree sawdust was performed under static atmosphere and bio‐oil was characterized with elemental analysis and various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The effect of mass ratio of biomass/solvent on the characteristics of porous resin foams synthesized from liquefaction product. Obtained resin foams were carbonized at 400 °C, and then activated at 800 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. Structure evaluation of resin foams, carbonized foams, and activated carbon foams from liquefied spruce tree sawdust was investigated by using elemental analysis, x‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, true/bulk density, and compressive strength tests. Although the surface area values decreased when bio‐oil was added as a solvent, it was determined that the compression strengths of the produced carbon foams (up to 1.080 MPa) were higher than that of conventional phenolic foams. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47185.
2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid as a sustainable alternative to isophthalic acid for synthesis of amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolyester with enhanced performance
Authors: Sun Liyuan , Zhang Yajie , Wang Jinggang , Liu Fei , Jia Zhen , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhu Jin
Published: October 2018

2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a bio‐based monomer, was taken as a sustainable alternative to isophthalic acid (IPA) for the modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Results showed that FDCA was more effective than IPA in terms of reducing the crystallization activity of PET, because FDCA is more rigid and highly polar, which will hinder the PET chain packing during crystallization process. Moreover, modification of PET with FDCA resulted in copolyester with higher glass transition temperature, higher tensile modulus, better optical clarity, and gas barrier property, compared to those of IPA. With the addition of 20 mol % FDCA, the resulted copolyester poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate‐co‐ethylene terephthalate) (PEFT 20) was able to keep high transparency even after being annealed at 110 °C for 40 min. However, when 20 mol % of IPA was added, poly(ethylene isophthalate‐co‐ethylene terephthalate) (PEIT20) easily turned opaque under the same heat treatment. Therefore, less amount of FDCA was required in order to obtain the PET copolyester with better performance. The result indicated that FDCA had great potential to substitute IPA for the modification of PET from the point of view of industrial application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47186.
In situpreparation of reduced graphene oxide reinforced acrylic rubber by self‐assembly
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Hongqiang , Zhang Lin , Lai Xuejun , Wu Wenjian , Zeng Xingrong
Published: October 2018

Reduced graphene oxide reinforced acrylic rubber (ACM/RGO) wasin situprepared via self‐assembly method in the presence of hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent. X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of ACM/RGO, and transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope demonstrated that RGO was uniformly dispersed in ACM matrix. Due to the barrier role of RGO sheets, the resistances to heat and water of ACM/RGO were obviously improved. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were also largely affected by the incorporation of RGO. With 2 parts per hundred rubber of RGO, the tensile strength and Shore A hardness of ACM/RGO reached 18.8 MPa and 73, and the elongation at break maintained at 236%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47187.
Nitrile rubber/sliding graft copolymer damping material with significantly improved strength and damping performance
Authors: Wang Junjun , Geng Xiaoyan , Wang Wencai , Zhang Liqun , Zhao Xiuying , Nishi Toshio
Published: October 2018

Nitrile rubber (NBR)/sliding graft copolymer (SGC) composites with significantly improved strength and damping property are successfully prepared. SGC is a novel kind of supramolecular material with sliding crosslink junctions. The micromorphology analyses of NBR/SGC composites indicate that the SGC phase with particle size less than 500 nm is fairly uniformly dispersed in the NBR matrix. As SGC content increases, the loss factors (tan δ) of NBR/SGC composites increase gradually. Specifically, the tan δ of NBR/SGC (100/40) is about 1.2 times higher than that of pristine NBR rubber. The tensile strength and elongation at break of NBR/SGC composites are unexpectedly improved after the addition of SGC. The significantly improved damping performance and tensile strength can be ascribed to the pulley effect of SGC and the strong interfacial hydrogen bonds between SGC and NBR. The high damping performance and good mechanical strength make the NBR/SGC composite a promising high‐performance damping material. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47188.
Behavior of zinc complex of bis(N‐phenylsulfonyldithiocarbimate) as accelerator in the vulcanization of nitrile rubber compounds
Authors: de Arruda Mariana Moura Sampaio , Cunha Leandro Marcos Gomes , Visconte Leila Lea Yuan , Rubinger Mayura Marques Magalhães , Oliveira Marcelo Ribeiro Leite , Pacheco Elen Beatriz Acordi Vasques
Published: October 2018

Chemical complexes containing N‐R‐sulfonyldithiocarbimates have been looked at as potential substitutes for N‐R‐dithiocarbamates as accelerators for the vulcanization process, especially due to their structural similarities and, most importantly, for the capability of this last compound to not form nitrosamines during the vulcanization process. The zinc complex bis(N‐phenylsulfonyldithiocarbimate)zincate(II) (n‐PSC) of tetrabutylammonium was tested in nitrile rubber compositions and its performance compared with bis(4‐methylphenylsulfonyldithiocarbimate)zincate(II) (MPSC) of tetrabutylammonium and also with commercial accelerators. The complex n‐PSC imparted values of cure times intermediate between those given by ultrafast and moderate commercial accelerators. Nitrile rubber compounded with n‐PSC also presented similar mechanical properties as compared with the commercial accelerators except for an inferior aging resistance. Concerning the two complexes, n‐PSC was found to promote better properties such as optimum cure time, crosslink density, and elongation at break as compared with MPSC. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47211.
Prominent mode of summer surface air temperature variability and associated circulation anomalies over the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Attada Raju , Yadav Ramesh Kumar , Kunchala Ravi Kumar , Dasari Hari Prasad , Knio Omar , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the dominant modes of surface air temperature (SAT) variability and associated circulation changes over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) during summer for the period 1979–2016 based on an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The analysis results reveal that the first leading EOF mode is related to the weakening of the subtropical westerly jet stream, which may impact the AP temperature variability through the mid‐latitude Rossby wave trains (successive troughs and ridges). This can be explained by the high correlation of the AP summer temperatures with the quasi‐stationary mid‐latitude/extratropical Eurasian Rossby wave train type patterns, which influences the air temperature variability by modulating the Asian Jets. Furthermore, the high AP SAT variability is also closely associated with strong middle to lower tropospheric descent (subsidence) anomalies, which cause warm temperature anomalies over this region.
Facilitation of biological motion processing by group‐based autism specific social skills training
Authors: Luckhardt Christina , Kröger Anne , Elsuni Leyla , Cholemkery Hannah , Bender Stephan , Freitag Christine M.
Published: October 2018

Abnormalities in neurophysiological correlates of social perception are a well‐known feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known if and how ASD specific behavioral interventions may affect neural processing in ASD. The aim of the current study was to investigate for the first time, whether the group‐based social skills training SOSTA‐FRA would elicit changes in neurophysiological correlates of social perception in high‐functioning ASD individuals aged 8–17 years. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) of a facial emotion recognition (FER) and a biological motion perception task were examined. ERPs were compared between a randomized intervention and a treatment as usual group at three time points (baseline, post‐intervention, and at 3 months follow‐up). A reduction of P100 amplitude in the right hemisphere and a trend toward reduced N200 latency in the biological motion task were found after the training only in the intervention group, whereas behavioral performance remained stable. Change in N200 latencies and parent‐rated social responsiveness showed small but statistically nonsignificant correlations. No changes were observed regarding FER. Results indicate that the intervention changed neural correlates of social perception in ASD. Especially neural correlates of biological motion perception, which is an important prerequisite for successful social interaction, were sensitive to change. ERPs of social perception tasks that are impaired in ASD can well be used to objectively measure neural processing improvement by behavioral intervention. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1376–1387. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

It is well known that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) process social information differently than other people and that these differences can also be seen in their brain activity. We also know that behavioral therapies, such as group‐based social skills trainings can help people with ASD improve their behavior. But it is unclear how therapy changes social processing in the brain. The aim of our study was therefore to examine how neural processing of social stimuli changed after behavioral intervention. Comparing a group of children and adolescents that received the group‐based social skills training SOSTA‐FRA to a control group we found that the neural processing of human motion became faster and involved less brain resources after the intervention, while behavioral performance remained stable. No changes were seen for the processing of emotional facial expressions. We recommend that future studies should also analyze changes in brain function as well as behavioral changes as a secondary therapy outcome parameter.
Novel Lithium‐Ion Capacitor Based on TiSb2 as Negative Electrode: The Role of Mass Ratio towards High Energy‐to‐Power Densities and Long Cyclability
Authors: Arnaiz María , Gómez‐Cámer Juan L. , Mijangos Federico , Rojo Teófilo , Goikolea Eider , Ajuria Jon
Published: October 2018

In this work lithium ion capacitors (LICs) built using a TiSb2 alloy as the negative electrode and activated carbon (AC) derived from recycled olive pits biomass as the positive electrode are reported. TiSb2 shows high capacity (360 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and excellent rate capability performance together with exceptional volumetric features, enabling its use as a promising candidate for high power requiring technologies. So far, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first Sb alloy‐based LIC ever reported. In order to maximize the output performance, the influence of the mass ratio of the active materials (TiSb2 : AC) is studied. The best TiSb2‐based LIC is able to deliver an energy density as high as 167 Wh kgAM−1 (78 Wh dm−3) at 115 W kgAM−1 (53 W dm−3), more than a 6‐fold increase with respect to its EDLC counterpart. Under high power demanding situations, i. e., 11 kW kgAM−1 (6 kW dm−3), it retains up to 90 Wh kgAM−1 (48 Wh dm−3), which is among the best reported values for LICs. In addition, the device with the most appropriate mass ratio presents an encouraging 80 % retention of the initial capacitance after 10000 charge‐discharge cycles at tdischarge=11 s.
Sonoelastography of the knee joint
Authors: Akkaya Mustafa , Cay Nurdan , Gursoy Safa , Simsek Mehmet Emin , Tahta Mesut , Doğan Metin , Bozkurt Murat
Published: October 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is generally the preferred method for assessing lesions of the knee cartilage and subchondral bone. There have been a few cartilage imaging studies using real‐time elastosonography (RTE), which has increased in importance and range of use in recent years. The aim of this cadaveric study was to assess the efficacy of a new diagnostic method combining USG and RTE and also to perform intra‐articular examinations together with arthroscopy. A total of 12 fresh unpaired human knees were examined. The laparoscopic ultrasound transducer was deployed using standard anteromedial and anterolateral arthroscopic portals. Iatrogenic defects were examined using mosaicplasty tools in healthy‐looking areas of cartilage, and strain in those areas was measured using RTE. The median strain value of the pathological femoral cartilage region was significantly higher than that of the normal cartilage region (1.23 [0.71–2.24] vs. 0.01 [0.01–0.01], P = 0.002, respectively). Arthroscopic study of cartilage using RTE can be a guide for orthopedic surgeons and use of intra‐articular probes could be universalized. Clin. Anat. 32:99–104, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reinvestigation of an O‐Salicylaldehyde Ester Functional Group in Aqueous Buffer and Discovery of a Coumarin Scaffold Probe for Selective N‐Terminal Cysteine Labeling
Authors: Murale Dhiraj P. , Hong Seong Cheol , Jang Se‐young , Lee Jun‐Seok
Published: October 2018

Many intracellular proteins are metabolically unstable, and their half‐life was known to be controlled by the “N‐end rule,” that is, the N‐terminal residue controlled protein stability. To visualize or measure the cellular stability of a protein, depending on the N‐terminal residues, attention is being paid to the development of selective labeling methods for individual N‐terminal amino acids. However, there are only a limited number of functional groups available for specific N‐terminal amino acid labeling in a biological environment. Herein, we report a re‐examination of salicylaldehyde ester for selective N‐terminal residue tagging. Salicylaldehyde ester has been used for chemical ligation to N‐terminal serine or threonine under pyridine/acetic acid conditions. Inspired by previous selective serine/threonine labeling, N‐terminal labeling of salicylaldehyde ester in aqueous buffer has been examined by using boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY), rhodamine, and coumarin probes. Surprisingly, the selectivity not only significantly differed, depending on the fluorophore incorporated in salicylaldehyde, but was also perturbed by the addition of a small fraction of phosphate‐buffered saline. In particular, the coumarin‐based salicylaldehyde ester probe showed notable selectivity against N‐terminal cysteine under aqueous buffer conditions. This result reveals the serendipitous discovery of a new N‐terminal cysteine labeling strategy.
Photopharmacological Control of Cyclic Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Yeoh Yuan Qi , Yu Jingxian , Polyak Steven W. , Horsley John R. , Abell Andrew D.
Published: October 2018

Gramicidin S is a naturally occurring antimicrobial cyclic peptide. Herein, we present a series of cyclic peptides based on gramicidin S that contain an azobenzene photoswitch to reversibly control secondary structure and, hence, antimicrobial activity. 1H NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations revealed a β‐sheet/β‐turn secondary structure for the cis configuration of each peptide, and an ill‐defined conformation for all associated trans structures. The cis‐enriched and trans‐enriched photostationary states (PSSs) for peptides 1–3 were assayed against Staphylococcus aureus to reveal a clear relationship between well‐defined secondary structure, amphiphilicity and optimal antimicrobial activity. Most notably, peptides 2 a and 2 b exhibited a fourfold difference in antimicrobial activity in the cis‐enriched PSS over the trans‐enriched equivalent. This photopharmacological approach allows antimicrobial activity to be regulated through photochemical control of the azobenzene photoswitch, thereby opening new avenues in the design and synthesis of future antibiotics.
Electrical Adaptiveness and Electromechanical Response in Gel Composites of Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Park Chiyoung , Lee Seoung‐Ki
Published: October 2018

Mechanosensation is a critical life mechanism. Therefore, it has received much attention in recent years for diverse applications from wearable to biomedical devices. Recently, composite strain sensors composed of a polymer matrix and carbon nanomaterials have been extensively investigated using various processing methods, but mostly use elastic matrices. In general, the sensor sensitivity relies on the tunneling resistance or the ratio of the tunneling resistance to the total resistance of the sensor. In this minireview, we have described the working principles of strain sensors and the preparation of gel composites with carbon nanomaterials as conductive nanofillers. In particular, we emphasized the effects of viscoelastic polymer matrices in composite strain sensors, which have not been well investigated.
Probing the 3‐step Lithium Storage Mechanism in CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Electrode by Operando‐XRD Analysis
Authors: Vicente Nuria , Bresser Dominic , Passerini Stefano , Garcia‐Belmonte Germà
Published: October 2018

Organic‐inorganic hybrid materials have gradually become one of the most actively studied research fields due to their fascinating properties. The reaction between lithium and organic‐inorganic halide perovskite has just recently been proposed. However, the exact mechanisms taking place in this electrode material have not been fully elucidated, yet. To shed light on these processes an operando‐X‐ray diffraction study has been performed and is reported herein. According to our results the lithiation of CH3NH3PbBr3 entails three reaction steps, distinguishable during the initial galvanostatic lithiation for different Li‐ion molar content x: (1) the initial Li+ insertion into the perovskite phase in which pure perovskite and lithiated phases coexist (0 <x<1), (2) the perovskite conversion reaction leading to the formation of metallic lead (1 <x<2), and finally, (3) the alloying of lithium with the metallic lead previously formed. In more detail, for x>0.3, the formation of a Lix:CH3NH3PbBr3 phase with distinctive X‐ray diffraction peaks is clearly detected, which coexists with the pristine material, till abruptly both phases disappear at x∼1 and CH3NH3Br and Pb metal are formed. It is shown that this conversion reaction is an irreversible process. The proposed mechanism for lithium storage gives a complete perspective of the complex structural environment involving the use of perovskite materials as electrodes for Li‐ion batteries.
Hierarchical Cobalt Sulfide/Molybdenum Sulfide Heterostructure as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst towards Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Shit Subhasis , Chhetri Suman , Bolar Saikat , Murmu Naresh C. , Jang Wooree , Koo Hyeyoung , Kuila Tapas
Published: October 2018

The development of non‐noble metal based electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is a potent strategy towards a carbon‐neutral and clean energy economy. Herein, hierarchical CoSx@MoS2 was synthesized via a one‐pot solvothermal process. Formation of the heterostructure was confirmed by electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. CoSx@MoS2 showed competent electrocatalytic activity towards both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium. Superior electrocatalytic activity was attributed to the increase in number of active sites, betterment in charge transfer and facilitation of H‐ and O‐ containing active species adsorption‐desorption at the active sites. Overall water splitting efficiency of CoSx@MoS2 was found to be superior in comparison to the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2‐Pt/C couple. Along with efficiency the heterostructure also exhibited long‐term operational durability. Thus, hierarchical CoSx@MoS2 is a potential non‐noble metal based bifunctional electrocatalyst towards overall water splitting.
Benzimidazolium‐ and Benzimidazolilydene‐Capped Cyclodextrins: New Perspectives in Anion Encapsulation and Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Kaya Zeyneb , Andna Lucile , Matt Dominique , Bentouhami Embarek , Djukic Jean‐Pierre , Armspach Dominique
Published: October 2018

A new way of introducing a N‐heterocyclic carbene cap onto cyclodextrins has been devised. The benzimidazolium intermediates were found to behave as receptors towards cavity matching anions. The corresponding C1‐ and C2‐symmetrical regioisomeric carbene gold(I) complexes have been tested in a benchmark asymmetric cycloisomerization of 1,6‐enynes. Up to 50 % ee was achieved for the enantioselective cycloisomerization of N‐allyl‐4‐methyl‐N‐(3‐phenylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)benzenesulfonamide.
Highly Dynamic and Tunable Behavior of 1D Coordination Polymers Based on the Bispidine Ligand
Authors: Rossetti Arianna , Lippi Martina , Martí‐Rujas Javier , Sacchetti Alessandro , Cametti Massimo
Published: October 2018

Ligands L1 and L2 have been designed, synthesized, and used to build for the first time bispidine‐based coordination polymers (CPs) in combination with MnII. The novel CPs have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal (SC) and powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) techniques, showing that they are composed of 1D ribbon‐like chains that adopt various arrangements depending on the trapped solvent species. These materials show highly dynamic behavior as they undergo heterogeneous solid/liquid and solid/vapor multiple solvent exchange processes, comprising crystalline–amorphous–crystalline, selective adsorption and SC‐to‐SC transformations, where major structural reorganization of the 1D ribbons are observed. By tuning inter‐ribbon interactions through expansion of the ligand's accessible surface, the dynamic behavior can be effectively modulated.
Near‐Infrared Luminescent Ternary Ag3SbS3 Quantum Dots by in situ Conversion of Ag Nanocrystals with Sb(C9H19COOS)3
Authors: Di Qiumei , Wang Juwen , Zhao Zhengjing , Liu Jiajia , Xu Meng , Liu Jia , Rong Hongpan , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Jiatao
Published: October 2018

Differently from the normal three single precursor method to produce colloidal ternary quantum dots (QDs), herein ternary Ag3SbS3 quantum dots (QDs) with efficient near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence have been prepared by a new facile in situ conversion of Ag nanocrystals (NCs) with a binary Sb/S organic precursor Sb(C9H19COOS)3 under low temperature. The unprecedented construction evolution from Ag NCs to Ag3SbS3/Ag hetero‐structure and final monodisperse Ag3SbS3 QDs has been demonstrated. These novel Ag3SbS3 QDs exhibit efficient NIR emission at ≈1263 nm and possess high colloidal stability.
Covalent Grafting of BPin functions on Carbon Nanotubes and Chan–Lam–Evans Post‐Functionalization
Authors: Desmecht Antonin , Sheet Debobrata , Poleunis Claude , Hermans Sophie , Riant Olivier
Published: October 2018

The chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes is often a prerequisite prior to their use in various applications. The covalent grafting of 4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane (BPin) functional groups directly on the surface of multi‐ and single‐walled carbon nanotubes, activated by nucleophilic addition of nBuLi, was carried out. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time‐of‐flight secondary ions mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) confirmed the efficiency of this methodology and proved the integrity and covalent grafting of the BPin functional groups. These groups were further reacted with various nucleophiles in the presence of a copper(II) source in the conditions of the aerobic Chan–Lam–Evans coupling. The resulting materials were characterized by TGA, XPS and ToF‐SIMS. This route is efficient, reliable and among the scarce reactions that enable the direct grafting of heteroatoms at carbonaceous material surfaces.
Troponin‐I levels as a potential prognostic biomarker of sacubitril/valsartan treatment response in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Who will benefit most?
Authors: Nakou Eleni S. , Marketou Maria E. , Chlouverakis Gregory I. , Patrianakos Alexandros P. , Vardas Panos E. , Parthenakis Fragiskos I.
Published: October 2018

Background

Despite robust data on the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there is no evidence yet on prespecified predictive markers of its efficacy.

Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to identify potential prognostic factors of LCZ696 treatment response.

Methods

We included 48 symptomatic patients with chronic HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III: Group A (N = 23) received LCZ696 (105 ± 30 mg twice daily), whereas it was not prescribed in group B (N = 25) according to physician's judgment. Analysis of biochemical parameters, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and 6 months later.

Results

The baseline serum troponin‐I levels (TnI) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) were positively associated with the increase in VO2max (ΔVO2max = +14.11%, P < 0.05 vs group B) after sacubitril/valsartan treatment (r = 0.68, P = 0.001 and r = 0.57, P = 0.004, respectively). Positive correlations were reported between ΔVO2max and the improvements in the ratio of early diastolic filling to myocardial tissue velocity (ΔE/E′) and the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (ΔSa) in group A (r = 0.58, P = 0.004 and r = 0.60, P = 0.002, respectively). In multiple regression analysis, ΔVO2max was correlated significantly with TnI (beta = 0.35, P = 0.048), ΔE/E′ (beta = 0.36, P = 0.031) and ΔSa (beta = 0.37, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

TnI levels may be an independent predictive marker of sacubitril/valsartan efficacy in HFrEF.
An improved scheme for outsourced computation with attribute‐based encryption
Authors: Yang Haining , Sun Jiameng , Qin Jing , Ma Jixin
Published: October 2018

With the wide deployment of cloud computing, outsourcing complicated computational tasks to cloud service providers has attracted much attention. An increasing number of clients with computationally constrained devices choose to outsource their heavy tasks to cloud servers to reduce the computational overhead in local. However, how to preserve the integrity of computational results becomes a challenge since commercial cloud servers are not trusted. Public verifiability is an effective mechanism to allow clients to verify the integrity of the results returned by the servers. Because the results are sensitive in many applications, it raises the problem of privacy leakage in the public verification process. In this paper, we propose an efficient verifiable computation scheme while keeping output privacy. The proposed scheme achieves blind verifiability such that the verifiers who have not the additional information (retrieve key) can verify the integrity of the result without learning the result. Furthermore, by combining with (k,n)‐threshold sharing, our scheme allows the clients jointly learn the results.
Performance modeling of a geophysics application to accelerate over‐decomposition parameter tuning through simulation
Authors: Keller Tesser Rafael , Mello Schnorr Lucas , Legrand Arnaud , Heinrich Franz Christian , Dupros Fabrice , Navaux Philippe O.A.
Published: October 2018

Finite‐difference methods are commonplace in High Performance Computing applications. Despite their apparent regularity, they often exhibit load imbalance that damages their efficiency. We characterize the spatial and temporal load imbalance of Ondes3D, a typical finite‐differences application dedicated to earthquake modeling. Our analysis reveals imbalance originating from the structure of the input data, and from low‐level CPU optimizations. Ondes3D was successfully ported to AMPI/CHARM++ using over‐decomposition and MPI process migration techniques to dynamically rebalance the load. However, this approach requires careful selection of the over‐decomposition level, the load balancing algorithm, and its activation frequency. These choices are usually tied to application structure and platform characteristics. In this article, we propose a workflow that leverages the capabilities of SimGrid to conduct such study at low experimental cost. We rely on a combination of emulation, simulation, and application modeling that requires minimal code modification and manages to capture both spatial and temporal load imbalance to faithfully predict the performance of dynamic load balancing. We evaluate the quality of our simulation by comparing simulation results with the outcome of real executions and demonstrate how this approach can be used to quickly find the optimal load balancing configuration for a given application/hardware configuration.
A novel discrete CURVELET transform and modified WHOG for video surveillance services
Authors: Epsiba P. , Kumaratharan N. , Suresh G.
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, with huge advent of mobile technology and surveillance supports there is increase in demand for visual quality rapidly. H.265/HEVC focuses on HDVC techniques with employing edge object detection‐based scheme. This paper proposes a novel discrete curvelet transform and modified WHOG for video surveillance services. The proposed discrete curvelet transform and modified WHOG‐based schemes were ensured optimal performance both in detection of edges and information coding. The decomposition of bit‐depth among two levels establishes the details of intensity components and Codec efficiency in all level. In addition, to improve the robustness of the proposed method in terms of compression/encoding efficiency, frame‐based statistical features were encountered to optimize the intensity level or depth‐map. The simulated results reveal the effectiveness of the projected algorithm in edge‐based video compression for surveillance services, which avoids edge blurring and retains perceptual quality while reconstruction with viable PSNR.
Transpiration in recovering mixed loblolly pine and oak stands following wildfire in the Lost Pines region of Texas
Authors: Cooper Caitlyn E. , Aparecido Luiza M.T. , Muir James P. , Morgan Cristine L.S. , Heilman James L. , Moore Georgianne W.
Published: October 2018

Depending on severity, wildfire alters stand biomass, tree species distribution, and age, which may modify stand transpiration (Et) and the amount of water available to other parts of the hydrologic cycle. Our objective was to determine how wildfire severity affectedEtin mixed pine/oak (Pinus taedaL./Quercus stellataWangehn.,Quercus marilandicaMuenchh.) stands in the Lost Pines eco‐region (Bastrop, TX, USA). Transpiration was estimated for mature pines and oaks at unburned and moderately burned sites and oak resprouts and pine saplings at a severely burned plot. On average, mature pines had 36% greater sap flux rates (Js) than mature oaks in the unburned and moderately burned stands. Under low moisture stress, regenerating pines had greaterJsthan resprouting oaks, butJsquickly decreased as soil moisture declined. By contrast, mature pines were unaffected by dry periods. Pines contributed most toEtat the unburned and moderate stands. Conversely, oakEtdominated the severely burned stand, contributing over 95%. Transpiration was greatest at the moderately burned stand (2.02 mm day−1), followed by the unburned (1.44 mm day−1), and the severely burned stands (0.46 mm day−1). Despite greaterJsin resprouts and saplings, reductions in total sapwood area resulted in lower stand‐level dailyEtat the severe site. Although severe fire decreased stand transpiration through reductions in vegetation density, individual oak resprouts appear to thrive, undeterred by high vapour pressure deficit. Without pine planting, oaks will likely dominate severely burned stands that could result in shifts to local hydrology and microclimate.
Phosphines with N‐Heterocyclic Boryl‐Substituents: Ligands for Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis
Authors: Kaaz Manuel , Locke Ralf J. C. , Merz Luisa , Benedikter Mathis , König Simon , Bender Johannes , Schlindwein Simon H. , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: October 2018

Boryl‐substituted phosphines NHB–P(R)Ph (R = H, Ph, NHB = N‐heterocyclic boryl substituent) react with Fe2(CO)9 to give isolable Fe(CO)4 complexes, two of which were characterized by single‐crystal XRD studies. The electronic and steric properties for a series of the boryl phosphines were further assessed by evaluation of TEPs for in‐situ formed complexes [RhCl(NHB–PR1R2)(CO)2] (R1, R2 = H, Ph, Me, NMe2), and calculations of buried volumes for Fe(CO)4 complexes. The results imply that the NHB‐phosphines exhibit due to their conformational flexibility some variability in their steric bulk, and that some specimens may exhibit similar electron releasing power and steric demand as tBu3P. Studies of the amination of bromobenzene with 2,6‐diisopropylaniline confirmed that these properties can be exploited to promote Pd‐catalyzed C–N cross coupling reactions, and that formal replacement of a phenyl by a NHB substituent in the auxiliary phosphine has a beneficial effect on catalyst performance.
Preparation of a Double‐step Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Trace Quantification of Acyclovir Using TiO2 Nanoparticle and β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Karim‐Nezhad Ghasem , Khorablou Zeynab , Mehdikhani Shabnam
Published: October 2018

In this work we reported, a simple and reproducible double‐step modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for recognition and designation of Acyclovir (ACV). In the first stage, for acquiring the structure of TiO2 NPs‐CPE, 5 % TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) doped into the electrode tissue. In the second stage, β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD) anchored on the TiO2 NPs‐CPE surface by electropolymerization which yields a β‐CD/TiO2 NPs‐CPE. Topography, characteristics and electrochemical response of the fabricated electrodes with such techniques as: the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), chronocoulometry (CC), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were analyzed. Also the spent TiO2 NPs powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results illustrated that this sensor designed efficiently increases the surface area of composite electrode and the performance of the oxidation of ACV at the surface modified electrode compared to the bare electrode improved. Under the desirable situations, the proposed of analytical procedure was proved to be applicable in two linear calibration ranges betwixt 0.09 to 2.98 and 2.98 to 47.61 μM. The detection limit was estimated for low concentrations ACV 21 nM (S/N=3). Eventually, the fabricated composite electrode was successfully applied for the detection of trace amounts of the ACV in the blood serum samples.
Variation in the social organization of gorillas: Life history and socioecological perspectives
Authors: Robbins Martha M. , Robbins Andrew M.
Published: October 2018

A focus of socioecological research is to understand how ecological, social, and life history factors influence the variability of social organization within and between species. The genus Gorilla exhibits variability in social organization with western gorilla groups being almost exclusively one‐male, yet approximately 40% of mountain gorilla groups are multimale. We review five ultimate causes for the variability in social organization within and among gorilla populations: human disturbance, ecological constraints on group size, risk of infanticide, life history patterns, and population density. We find the most evidence for the ecological constraints and life history hypotheses, but an over‐riding explanation remains elusive. The variability may hinge on variation in female dispersal patterns, as females seek a group of optimal size and with a good protector male. Our review illustrates the challenges of understanding why the social organization of closely related species may deviate from predictions based on socioecological and life history theory.
Application of chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds as a functional component in the fortification of pineapple jam
Authors: Nduko John M. , Maina Rita W. , Muchina Rose K. , Kibitok Simon K.
Published: October 2018

This study aimed at producing chia seed‐fortified pineapple jam and evaluation of its physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Five pineapple jam formulations were developed, starting with the basic formulation (jam 1/control) containing sucrose and added pectin. The other jams (jam 2, jam 3, jam 4, and jam 5) had sucrose and pectin but with chia seeds added at rates of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50% w/w, respectively. Crude protein of the jams was analyzed through macro Kjeldahl method, and the crude fiber was estimated by the Weende method. Thirty‐two semi‐trained panelists performed sensory evaluation test of the developed jams using 5‐point hedonic scale. Chia pineapple jam had golden color compared to control pineapple jam, which had yellow color. The fresh chia pineapple jams had significantly (p < 0.05) different protein and crude fiber contents in each sample. The protein content in the control was 0.53%, while it ranged between 1.60 and 8.60% for the chia seed‐fortified jams. For crude fiber, the values were 4.83% for the control and 5.38, 9.08, 13.33, and 21.02% for jam 2, jam 3, jam 4, and jam 5, respectively. General acceptability and sensory evaluation (flavor, color, and texture) showed significant (p < 0.05) differences compared to the control, while spreadability had no significant (p > 0.05) differences. The information obtained from this study indicates that chia‐fortified pineapple jam could be produced with favorable sensory attributes that could be used for jam making and other processed products to benefit from the functional components in the chia seeds.
Effects of state education requirements for substance use prevention
Authors: Carpenter Christopher S. , Bruckner Tim A. , Domina Thurston , Gerlinger Julie , Wakefield Sara
Published: October 2018

We provide the first evidence on the effects of state laws requiring students to receive education about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs using data on over a million youths from the 1976–2010 Monitoring the Future study. In difference‐in‐differences and event‐study models, we find robust evidence that these laws significantly reduced recent alcohol and marijuana use among high school seniors by 1.6–2.8 percentage points, or about 8–10% of the overall decline over this period. Our results suggest that information interventions can reduce youth substance use.
Identification and Replication of Six Loci Associated With Gallstone Disease
Authors: Gellert‐Kristensen Helene , Dalila Nawar , Fallgaard Nielsen Sune , Grønne Nordestgaard Børge , Tybjærg‐Hansen Anne , Stender Stefan
Published: October 2018

Gallstone disease is a common complex disease that confers a substantial economic burden on society. The genetic underpinnings of gallstone disease remain incompletely understood. We aimed to identify genetic associations with gallstone disease using publicly available data from the UK Biobank and two large Danish cohorts. We extracted genetic associations with gallstone disease from the Global Biobank Engine (GBE), an online browser of genome‐wide associations in UK Biobank participants (14,940 cases and 322,268 controls). Significant associations (P < 5 × 10–8) were retested in two Copenhagen cohorts (comprising 1,522 cases and 18,266 controls). In the Copenhagen cohorts, we also tested whether a genetic risk score was associated with gallstone disease and whether individual gallstone loci were associated with plasma levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and liver enzymes. We identified 19 loci to be associated with gallstone disease in the GBE. Of these, 12 were replicated in the Copenhagen cohorts, including six previously unknown loci (in hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha [HNF4A], fucosyltransferase 2, serpin family A member 1 [SERPINA1], jumonji domain containing 1C, AC074212.3, and solute carrier family 10A member 2 [SLC10A2]) and six known loci (in adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily G member 8 [ABCG8], sulfotransferase family 2A member 1, cytochrome P450 7A1, transmembrane 4 L six family member 4, ABCB4, and tetratricopeptide repeat domain 39B). Five of the gallstone associations are protein‐altering variants, and three (HNF4A p.Thr139Ile, SERPINA1 p.Glu366Lys, and SLC10A2 p.Pro290Ser) conferred per‐allele odds ratios for gallstone disease of 1.30‐1.36. Individuals with a genetic risk score >2.5 (prevalence 1%) had a 5‐fold increased risk of gallstones compared to those with a score <1.0 (11%). Of the 19 lithogenic loci, 11 and ten exhibited distinct patterns of association with plasma levels of lipids and liver enzymes, respectively. Conclusion: We identified six susceptibility loci for gallstone disease.
Diversification and the benefits of using returns standardized by range‐based volatility estimators
Authors: Miralles‐Quirós José Luis , Miralles‐Quirós María Mar , Nogueira José Manuel
Published: October 2018

The aim of our research is to analyse the benefits for the U.S. investors of combining their domestic exchange trade fund (ETF) with ETFs, which track other developed markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and France. We evaluate the out‐of‐sample performance of six strategies using the returns and volatility forecasts from a VAR Asymmetric Dynamic Conditional Correlation GARCH approach where returns standardized by range‐based volatility estimators were used as endogenous variables. The initial outperformances of some strategies using classic returns were significantly improved when returns were standardized by the Garman–Klass precise volatility estimator. Additionally, we find a large decrease in the weights of the North American ETF in the best performing strategies, meaning that it is possible to obtain benefits from diversification. These findings are relevant not only for academics but also for active professional managers who can use this technique to add value to their international diversification strategies.
Metabonomics analysis of kidneys in rats administered with chronic low‐dose cadmium by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Meiyan , Jia Siqi , Liu Yajing , Liu Yanli , Li Siqi , Bo Lu , Zhao Xiujuan , Sun Changhao
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to investigate the nephrotoxicity in rats administered with chronic low‐dose cadmium (Cd) by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A total of 40 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups, namely: control; low‐dose (0.13 mg/kg·body weight [bw]); middle‐dose (0.80 mg/kg·bw); and high‐dose (4.89 mg/kg·bw). The rats received CdCl2 daily via drinking water for 24 weeks. Rat kidneys were collected for metabonomics analysis. Principal components analysis and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis were used to investigate the metabonomics profile changes in the kidney samples and to screen the potential biomarkers. Ten metabolites were identified in the positive and negative ion modes. Compared with the control group, the intensities of tetranor 12‐HETE, uric acid, hypoxanthine, phenylacetylglycine, guanidinosuccinic acid and xanthosine significantly increased (P < 0.01), and those of imidazolelactic acid, lactose 6‐phosphate, l‐urobilinogen and arachidonic acid significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the high‐dose group. Results showed that exposure to Cd in rats induced oxidative stress to the kidneys and disrupted amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and energy metabolism.
Strain and interindividual differences in lamotrigine‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Akai Sho , Oda Shingo , Yokoi Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2018

Lamotrigine (LTG) has been widely prescribed as an antipsychotic drug, although it causes idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury in humans. LTG is mainly metabolized by UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase, while LTG undergoes bioactivation by cytochrome P450 to a reactive metabolite; it is subsequently conjugated with glutathione, suggesting that reactive metabolite would be one of the causes for LTG‐induced liver injury. However, there is little information regarding the mechanism of LTG‐induced liver injury in both humans and rodents. In this study, we established an LTG‐induced liver injury mouse model through co‐administration with LTG and a glutathione synthesis inhibitor, l‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine. We found an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (>10 000 U/L) in C57BL/6J mice, with apparent interindividual differences. On the other hand, a drastic increase in ALT was not noted in BALB/c mice, suggesting that the initiation mechanism would be different between the two strains. To examine the cause of interindividual differences, C57BL/6J mice that were co‐administered LTG and l‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine were categorized into three groups based on ALT values: no‐responder (ALT <100 U/L), low‐responder (100 U/L < ALT < 1000 U/L) and high‐responder (ALT >1000 U/L). In the high‐responder group, induction of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules in mRNA was associated with vacuolation and karyorrhexis in hepatocytes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that LTG showed apparent strain and interindividual differences in liver injuries from the aspects of initiation and exacerbation mechanisms. These results would support interpretation of the mechanism of LTG‐induced liver injury observed in humans.