bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of aromatic profile of different crosses of Monastrell white wines
Authors: Moreno‐Olivares Juan Daniel , Paladines‐Quezada Diego , Fernández‐Fernández José Ignacio , Bleda‐Sánchez Juan Antonio , Martínez‐Moreno Alejandro , Gil‐Muñoz Rocio
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Aromatic compounds are responsible for the final quality of wines. A semi‐quantitative analysis was carried out during two consecutive seasons aiming to determine the volatile composition of 12 new white crosses obtained between Monastrell (M) and other varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (C), Syrah (S) and Tempranillo (T) (MC10, MC180, MC9, MC69, MS30, MS33, MS82, MT103, MT19, MV11, MV67 and MV7), using a methodology based on gas chromatography‐solid phase microextraction‐mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

On the one hand, 30 aromatic compounds were identified belonging to different chemical groups (alcohols, acids, terpenes, norisoprenoids and esters). The results showed how some crosses presented significant differences with respect to their parental. For example, in 2016, Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon showed high concentration of alcohols, acids and some terpenes, whereas the corresponding crosses showed a predominance of aromas belonging to esters. In 2017, as a result of edaphoclimatic conditions, the white crosses had higher concentrations of esters and acids. In addition, Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon showed similar concentrations of alcohols compared to 2016. On the other hand, sensorial analyses confirmed these results, so that mint and peppermint aromas and a fresh quality were detected in MC69 wine, especially in 2016, and fruity and acid aromas were detected in MC180 wine, which gave it a wide ranging complexity and aromatic potential.

CONCLUSION

The present study reports the first investigation of the volatile composition and sensory characteristics of directed crosses white wines obtained from Monastrell and other varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo and Verdejo. The results obtained indicate that the use of some of these white crosses could be a good option for growing them in this Mediterranean area as a result of the contribution of a good quality in the wine aroma. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of infrared‐assisted spouted bed drying of flaxseed on the quality characteristics of its oil extracted by different methods
Authors: Dehghan‐Manshadi Afsaneh , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif , Niakousari Mehrdad
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Infrared (IR)‐assisted spouted bed drying (SBD) has emerged as a potential alternative to the traditional hot air drying for heat sensitive components. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of IR‐assisted SBD and application of cold press (CP), solvent extraction (SE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) on the quality of flaxseed oil. SBD and IR‐assisted SBD were performed at air temperatures of 40, 60, 80 °C and their effects on the drying rate, fatty acids composition and oil peroxide and acid values were evaluated. Quality of oil extracted from the dried flaxseeds by CP, SE and UAE methods was then evaluated.

RESULTS

Increasing air temperature in the presence of IR increased the drying rate. The peroxide values (PVs) of IR‐SBD samples were higher than those of SBD at the same temperature. IR treatment did not notably change the composition of fatty acids in flaxseed oil, except in linoleic acid content. UAE gave higher extraction yield than CP and SE methods. UAE yielded an oil with higher percentage of saturated fatty acids, whereas the percentage of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids was higher in the CP method. The oil extracted by CP exhibited lower levels of PV (0.516 meq O2/kg oil) and acid value (1.36%), as compared to oils extracted by SE and UAE methods.

CONCLUSION

Both UAE and conventional methods did not significantly influence the composition of fatty acids in the extracted oils. Nonetheless, the CP method yielded an oil with a high percentage of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Biomolecules extraction from coffee and cocoa by‐ and co‐products using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Ruesgas‐Ramón Mariana , Suárez‐Quiroz Mirna L , González‐Ríos Oscar , Baréa Bruno , Cazals Guillaume , Figueroa‐Espinoza Maria C , Durand Erwann
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Coffee pulp (CP), cocoa husk (CH), and pod husk (CPH) are the main agro‐residues from coffee and cocoa industries. They are sources of useful biomolecules, such as phenolic compounds, fibers, and alkaloids, among others. In this study, different compositions of deep eutectic solvents (DES) were investigated as a green and sustainable extraction media, with respect to their extraction capacity. The extraction yields were evaluated using heat stirring‐assisted extraction (HSE) or ultrasound‐probe assisted extraction (UPAE).

RESULTS

The results showed an important effect of the DES composition. Choline chloride (ChCl) based‐DES were the most effective, specifically lactic acid:ChCl (2:1 mol ratio), and the extraction capacity of DES was higher with UPAE (3 min/constant duty cycle (200 W)), in comparison with HSE (1 h/30 min). Chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theobromine were identified as the main bioactive compounds. Interestingly, under specific conditions, DES allowed the formation of a molecule, identified as furfural by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS), which could not be obtained using conventional extraction solvent (ethanol 70% v/v).

CONCLUSION

DES showed a sustainability and high extraction capacity of biomolecules. In addition, their use as extraction solvents could lead to the formation and production of valuable building block molecules from plant biomass. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Untargeted metabolomics with multivariate analysis to discriminate hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars and their geographical origin
Authors: Ghisoni Silvia , Lucini Luigi , Rocchetti Gabriele , Chiodelli Giulia , Farinelli Daniela , Tombesi Sergio , Trevisan Marco
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

In the present study a metabolomics‐based approach was used to discriminate among different hazelnut cultivars and to trace their geographical origins. Ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI/QTOF‐MS) was used to profile phenolic and sterolic compounds.

RESULTS

Compounds were identified against an in‐house database using accurate monoisotopic mass and isotopic patterns. The screening approach was designed to discern 15 hazelnut cultivars and to discriminate among the geographical origins of six cultivars from the four main growing regions (Chile, Georgia, Italy, and Turkey).

This approach allowed more than 1000 polyphenols and sterols to be annotated. The metabolomics data were elaborated with both unsupervised (hierarchical clustering) and supervised (orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis, OPLS‐DA) statistics. These multivariate statistical tools allowed hazelnut samples to be discriminated, considering both ‘cultivar type’ and ‘geographical origin’.

Flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavanols and flavonols – VIP scores 1.34–1.49), phenolic acids (mainly hydroxycinnamics – VIP scores 1.35–1.55) together with cholesterol, ergosterol, and stigmasterol derivatives (VIP scores 1.34–1.49) were the best markers to discriminate samples according to geographical origin.

CONCLUSIONS

This work illustrates the potential of untargeted profiling of phenolics and sterols based on UHPLC‐ESI/QTOF mass spectrometry to discriminate hazelnut and support authenticity and origin. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Family vacationers' willingness to pay for glamping travel sites: A family functioning segmentation
Authors: Lyu Seong Ok , Kim Jin‐Won , Bae Sang Woo
Published: August 2019

Using a sample of South Korean family glampers, we aim to examine how they exhibit their willingness to pay for glamping travel site attributes. We also employ the notion of family functioning as a segmentation criterion to understand heterogeneity in family glampers' inherent preferences. Results of discrete choice experiments suggest that family glampers place the greatest importance on the site separation. A segmentation scheme using family functioning also provides evidence that glampers from an unbalanced family are willing to pay more for diverse recreation experiences and short‐stay programs. Different management strategies are presented for developing satisfactory family glamping travel sites.
Hepatic Encephalopathy Is Reversible in the Long Term After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hopp Anna‐Elisabeth , Dirks Meike , Petrusch Carlotta , Goldbecker Annemarie , Tryc Anita Blanka , Barg‐Hock Hannelore , Strassburg Christian , Klempnauer Jürgen , Weissenborn Karin , Pflugrad Henning
Published: August 2019

Cognitive dysfunction caused by hepatic encephalopathy (HE) improves within the first year after liver transplantation (LT). However, cognitive restitution seems to be incomplete in a subset of patients and after LT a new‐onset cognitive decline was described. Data about the longterm development of cognitive function after liver transplantation (LT) are sparse. This prospective study analyzed whether a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) before LT had an impact on the longterm outcome of cognitive function after LT and if patients who underwent LT 5 years earlier showed worse cognitive function than healthy controls. The cognitive function of 34 patients was assessed before LT and at 1 year and 5 years after LT by psychometric tests, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the portosystemic encephalopathy syndrome test, which provides the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Furthermore, patients completed surveys to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). An 22 additional patients were included after LT. Patients were subdivided by having a history of HE before LT. The control group consisted of 55 healthy patients adjusted for age and education. Before LT, patients performed significantly worse than controls in the psychometric tests: RBANS Total Scale (TS), mean ± standard deviation (SD), 92.6 ± 13.3 versus 99.9 ± 12.0, P = 0.01; and PHES, median (interquartile range [IQR]), 0 (−3 to 1) versus 1 (0‐2), P < 0.001. At 1 year after LT, patients with a history of HE still showed cognitive impairment compared with controls: RBANS TS, mean ± SD, 89.8 ± 15.1 versus 99.9 ± 12.0, P < 0.01; and PHES, median (IQR), 0 (−2 to 1.25) versus 1 (0‐2), P = 0.03. At 5 years after LT, patients with and without a history of HE showed normal cognitive function and improved HRQOL. In conclusion, HE‐associated cognitive impairment seems to be reversible within 5 years after LT.
Central angiotensin II type 1 receptor as a therapeutic target against frequent urination
Authors: Shimizu Shogo , Shimizu Takahiro , Nagao Yoshiki , Higashi Youichirou , Saito Motoaki
Published: August 2019

Aims

The goal of this study was to test whether central corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) was involved in angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor‐mediated facilitation of micturition reflex and to investigate whether peripherally administered telmisartan, AT1 receptor antagonist, suppresses the central Ang II‐induced facilitation of micturition reflex in rats.

Methods

Urethane anesthetized male Wistar rats were placed under continuous cystometry before and after intracerebroventricular administration of each drug. Rats were intracerebroventricularly administered telmisartan (AT1 receptor antagonist), CP154526 (CRF1 receptor antagonist), or K41498 (CRF2 receptor antagonist) 30 minutes before intracerebroventricular administration of Ang II. Some male Wistar rats were perorally pretreated with either vehicle, AT1 receptor antagonist telmisartan or valsartan, once daily for 8 days, then measured blood pressure. Thereafter, Ang II was intracerebroventricularly administered for continuous cystometry.

Results

Intracerebroventricularly administered telmisartan or CP154526 dose‐dependently suppressed the central Ang II‐induced intercontraction interval (ICI) reduction. In contrast, intracerebroventricularly administered K41498 did not affect the central Ang II‐induced response compared to vehicle pretreatment. Peripherally administered telmisartan but not valsartan suppressed the central Ang II‐induced ICI reduction in rats compared to vehicle administration without altering blood pressure.

Conclusions

Central Ang II induced facilitation of the micturition reflex through AT1 and CRF1 receptors. Peripherally administered telmisartan suppressed central Ang II‐induced facilitation of micturition reflex.
Eigendecomposition‐based convergence analysis of the Neumann series for laminated composites and discretization error estimation
Authors: Bellis Cédric , Moulinec Hervé , Suquet Pierre
Published: August 2019

In computational homogenization for periodic composites, the Lippmann‐Schwinger integral equation constitutes a convenient formulation to devise numerical methods to compute local fields and their macroscopic responses. Among them, the iterative scheme based on the Neumann series is simple and efficient. For such schemes, a priori global error estimates on local fields and effective property are not available, and this is the concern of this article, which focuses on the simple, but illustrative, conductivity problem in laminated composites. The global error is split into an iteration error, associated with the Neumann series expansion, and a discretization error. The featured nonlocal Green's operator is expressed in terms of the averaging operator, which circumvents the use of the Fourier transform. The Neumann series is formulated in a discrete setting, and the eigendecomposition of the iterated matrix is performed. The ensuing analysis shows that the local fields are computed using a particular subset of eigenvectors, the iteration error being governed by the associated eigenvalues. Quadratic error bounds on the effective property are also discussed. The discretization error is shown to be related to the accuracy of the trapezoidal quadrature scheme. These results are illustrated numerically, and their extension to other configurations is discussed.
New insights and access to resources change the perspective on life among persons with long‐term illness—An interview study
Authors: Hedlund Åsa , Nordström Tina , Kristofferzon Marja‐Leena , Nilsson Annika
Published: August 2019

Aim

The aim was to describe individuals’ experiences of living with long‐term illness.

Methods

A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 persons (50–80 years). They were also asked to self‐rate their perceptions of their current health status and confidence in their ability to cope with everyday life.

Results

One main theme was identified: new insights and access to resources change the perspective on life. Personal characteristics and support from others were advantageous in finding ways to deal with limitations related to the illness. Most of the persons experienced a changed approach to life, in that they now valued life more than they had before. However, some persons also experienced lost values and found it difficult to accept medications. The persons rated their current health status as slightly above average, but their confidence in their ability to cope with everyday life as high.
Destitution, treatment adherence and survival of children with Burkitt lymphoma in a twinning programme in Northwest Cameroon
Authors: Afungchwi Glenn M. , Hesseling Peter , van Elsland Sabine L. , Kouya Francine , Kruger Mariana
Published: August 2019

Background

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a curable childhood cancer. Treatment adherence is crucial for a good outcome, but is potentially problematic in low‐ and middle‐income countries owing to parental financial constraints.

Aims

To investigate the association of destitution with treatment adherence and its effect on the survival of patients with BL.

Methods

Patients received free medical treatment from a twinning programme at two Cameroon Baptist hospitals. A destitution assessment questionnaire, based on socioeconomic status, was completed at diagnosis. Medical records were reviewed for treatment adherence and survival. Chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare groups. Kaplan‐Meier plots were used to calculate overall survival, and log‐rank chi‐squared tests when comparing survival rates between patient subgroups. Significance was measured at P < .05.

Results

The 225 children with BL had a mean age of 8.2 years (median 8.0) and the overall survival was 52%. The mean family destitution score was 56% on a linear scale. Few (8%) patients delayed treatment appointments. A quarter (25%) experienced more than a 1‐week follow‐up delay and 9.8% absconded within 1 year. The destitution score was not significantly associated with delay of treatment, but with delay in follow‐up (P < .001). Guardian relationship (single mother) and patient's age were significantly associated with overall survival (P = .025).

Conclusions

Though linked to poor follow‐up, destitution was not significantly associated with absconding patients, poor outcome or poor adherence to treatment, probably due to comprehensive financial support from the international twinning programme. However, additional support for single mothers should be considered.
Multi‐phase extraction of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata and herbal medicine using molecular imprinted polymer coated ionic liquid‐based silica
Authors: Fang Luwei , Xie Jinfeng , Lin Liangwen , Tian Minglei , Row Kyung Ho
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Ephedrine is a typical compound found in lots of plant species that is used in several medicines for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. However, excess amounts are harmful to humans, so it needs to be removed.

Objective

This study developed a multi‐phase extraction (MPE) method with a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) coated ionic liquid (IL)‐based silica (SiO2@IL@MIP) to simultaneously extract and separate ephedrine from Pinellia ternata, 10 medicines, and urine samples.

Methods

IL was immobilized on silica. Subsequently, the IL was combined with the functional monomer, followed by the addition of the crosslinker and template. The resulting sorbent was applied to the MPE, and the extraction, washing and elution solvents were evaluated.

Results

Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the synthesis of SiO2@IL@MIP. A maximum adsorption amount of 5.76 mg/g was obtained at 30°C at a neutral pH. In MPE, 10.00 mL of methanol could extract all the ephedrine from Pinellia ternata. The interference was removed by washing with 4.00 mL of water, ethanol, and acetonitrile. Finally, 8.00 mL of methanol/acetic acid (99:1, v/v) was applied as the elution solvent. The following were extracted: 5.50 μg/g of ephedrine from Pinellia ternata, 0.00–46.50 μg/g from the 10 herbal medicines, and 68.70–102.80 μg/mL in the urine samples.

Conclusion

The proposed method was applied successfully to the simultaneously extraction and separation of ephedrine from plants and medicines. These results are expected to provide important data for the development of new methods for the separation and purification of bioactive compounds.
Diabetes and stroke
Authors: Burton Jenni K , Quinn Terence J , Fisher Miles
Published: August 2019

The association between diabetes and stroke is well established. Recent large‐scale, international population studies suggest that diabetes is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Despite this, we still have a relative paucity of evidence around the management of diabetes in stroke. The landscape is evolving and recent studies are helping establish best practice and suggesting new therapeutic opportunities. It is possible to develop a practical and clinical synthesis of the evidence around managing diabetes in adult patients with stroke and cerebrovascular disease, based on large trials, systematic reviews and guidelines, and focusing on the scenarios most often encountered in clinical practice. It is also important to recognise that there are common situations where robust evidence is lacking, but practical guidance for clinicians can be suggested. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2019; 36 (4): 126–131
Preparation and mechanical properties of green epoxy nanocomposites with cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Seok Hyohee , Kim Dae Su
Published: August 2019

Epoxy resin is widely used to make composites, electronic and electric parts, adhesives, and coating materials because it has excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. Using natural materials in making epoxy composites and nanocomposites would make the final products greener. Therefore, in this study, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were used to make green epoxy nanocomposites. ESO was prepared by epoxidation of soybean oil with peroxyacetic acid and it was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ESO was mixed with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A at different weight ratios (10%–50%) and the stoichiometric amount of ethylene diamine was used for curing. CNC content in the nanocomposites was changed from 0.125 to 1 phr. Mechanical properties of the epoxy samples and the nanocomposites were investigated by universal testing machine and izod impact tester. The epoxy sample showed best mechanical properties at ESO 30%. The nanocomposite with CNC 0.25 phr showed best mechanical properties. Fracture surfaces of the epoxy sample and the nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electronic microscope. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:439–445, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prevalence and Characteristics of Low Back Pain in a Rural Ghana Primary Care Clinic Population
Authors: Miller Derrick , Hasan Kaazim , Kirk Andrew , Ayalew Dawit , Walker William
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability in the developed world. Less is known about the impact of LBP in the developing world, and particularly the rural developing world. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an urgent call for additional research into the prevalence and effect of LBP on developing world populations.

Objective

To calculate the prevalence of LBP in a rural Ghana primary care clinic population.

Design

Survey of LBP prevalence and severity.

Setting

Primary care mission clinic in rural Southeastern Ghana.

Participants

Six hundred eighty‐four adult patients.

Methods

All adult patients were screened for LBP using the definition “any pain occurring within the region between the lower margin of the 12th ribs and the gluteal folds.” The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to further characterize LBP in those screening positive. Chi‐square test was used to assess statistical significance of difference in prevalence between groups, and ordinary least squares regression was used to assess the relationship between LBP severity and gender and age.

Main Outcome Measurements

LBP prevalence and LBP severity as assessed using the ODI.

Results

Overall LBP prevalence was 15.7%, with no statistically significant differences observed by age or gender. The activities of standing, traveling, and walking were most severely affected. Of those with LBP, 10.3% were considered “crippled” based on ODI responses, whereas a further 31.8% were “severely disabled.” No statistically significant relationship between LBP severity and age or gender was found.

Conclusions

LBP is a cause of significant disability within this region of rural Ghana; however, prevalence appears to be lower than in the developed world and parts of the urbanized developing world. Increased attention to screening and treatment of LBP represents an opportunity to improve the health of rural Africans.

Level of Evidence

IV.
An ongoing WE: A focused ethnographic study of the relationship between child and hospital clown during recurrent pain‐related procedures and conditions
Authors: Kristensen Helle Nygaard , Sørensen Erik Elgaard , Stinson Jennifer , Haslund‐Thomsen Helle
Published: August 2019

Aim

This study explored the interaction between child and hospital clown during recurrent hospitalizations for repeated pain‐related procedures and conditions.

Background

Despite improvements in the management of pain in hospitalized children, procedural pain in particular is a common experience for hospitalized children, and they continue to report undertreated pain. Hospital clowns are widely used as a nonpharmacological intervention in hospitalized children. Little research has examined the influence of hospital clowns during recurrent hospitalizations on repeated painful procedures.

Design and methods

Ethnographic fieldwork using focused ethnography was conducted. Data were collected during October–December 2017 using participant observation and informal interviews with children at one pediatric unit at a Danish university hospital. Data include 61 interactions between children aged 4–14 years and hospital clowns. The participants comprised 13 children undergoing recurrent hospitalizations. The data were coded using thematic analysis, and the research team verified the resulting themes.

Results

The overarching theme was defined as An ongoing WE, based on two identified themes, that is, Stronger in a WE and Hope in the WE. The WE was characterized by a responsive interaction between the child and clown, which evolved over the course of an ongoing relationship.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates how an ongoing WE was constructed with children during repeated painful procedures and conditions. Specifically, the study emphasizes the importance of developing a trusting relationship on the child's terms. Children seemed to experience enhanced coping with painful procedures during the recurring hospital clown encounters, thus reinforcing their competence and hope for coping with future painful procedures. These findings may improve psychosocial care for hospitalized children undergoing repeated painful procedures and conditions and may facilitate multidisciplinary initiatives, such as nurses’ advocacy for the inclusion of hospital clowns during recurrent hospitalizations for repeated painful procedures to ensure optimal pain management.
Modeling permafrost changes on the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau from 1966 to 2100: A case study from two boreholes along the Qinghai–Tibet engineering corridor
Authors: Sun Zhe , Zhao Lin , Hu Guojie , Qiao Yongping , Du Erji , Zou Defu , Xie Changwei
Published: August 2019

Warming permafrost on a global scale is projected to have significant impacts on engineering, hydrology and environmental quality. Greater warming trends are predicted on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), but most models for mountain permafrost have not considered the effects of water phase change and the state of deep permafrost due to a lack of detailed information. To better understand historical and future permafrost change based on in situ monitoring and field investigations, a numerical heat conduction permafrost model was introduced which differentiated the frozen and thawed state of soil, and considered unfrozen water content in frozen soil, distribution of ground ice and geothermal heat flow. Simulations were conducted at two sites with validation by long‐term monitoring of ground temperature data. After forcing with reconstructed historical ground surface temperature series starting from 1966, the model predicted permafrost changes until 2100 under different RCP scenarios. The results indicate a slow thermal response of permafrost to climate warming at the two investigated sites. Even under the most radical warming scenario (RCP8.5), deepening of the permafrost table is not obvious before 2040. At both sites, the model indicates that shallow permafrost may disappear but deep permafrost may persist by 2100. Moreover, the simulation shows that the degradation modes may differ between zones of discontinuous and continuous permafrost. The main degradation mode of the site in the discontinuous zone appears to be upward thawing from the permafrost base, while that of the site in the continuous zone is downward thawing at the permafrost table with little change at the permafrost base.
The permeation barrier of plant cuticles: uptake of active ingredients is limited by very long‐chain aliphatic rather than cyclic wax compounds
Authors: Staiger Simona , Seufert Pascal , Arand Katja , Burghardt Markus , Popp Christian , Riederer Markus
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The barrier to diffusion of organic solutes across the plant cuticle is composed of waxes consisting of very long‐chain aliphatic (VLCA) and, to varying degrees, cyclic compounds like pentacyclic triterpenoids. The roles of both fractions in controlling cuticular penetration by organic solutes, e.g. the active ingredients (AI) of pesticides, are unknown to date. We studied the permeability of isolated leaf cuticular membranes from Garcinia xanthochymus and Prunus laurocerasus for lipophilic azoxystrobin and theobromine as model compounds for hydrophilic AIs.

RESULTS

The wax of P. laurocerasus consists of VLCA (12%) and cyclic compounds (88%), whereas VLCAs make up 97% of the wax of G. xanthochymus. We show that treating isolated cuticles with methanol almost quantitatively releases the cyclic fraction while leaving the VLCA fraction essentially intact. All VLCAs were subsequently removed using chloroform. In both species, the permeance of the two model compounds did not change significantly after methanol treatment, whereas chloroform extraction had a large effect on organic solute permeability.

CONCLUSION

The VLCA wax fraction makes up the permeability barrier for organic solutes, whereas cyclic compounds even in high amounts have a negligible role. This is of significance when optimizing the foliar uptake of pesticides. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Event‐triggered control design for nonlinear systems with actuator failures and uncertain disturbances
Authors: Li Yuan‐Xin , Ba Desheng , Tong Shaocheng
Published: August 2019

Traditional adaptive event‐triggered design methods compensated for the event‐triggered error are not direct, and the stability analysis of resulting close‐loop systems is rather complicated. To alleviate the above restrictions, we propose a direct and simple event‐triggered co‐design method to solve the tracking control problem for parameter strict‐feedback systems with actuator faults and uncertain disturbances. By introducing a compensating terms in a smooth function form of a conventional control law and certain positive integrable functions, the effects of actuator faults and event‐triggered error can be compensated completely. Such a direct design method has the following features: (i) a direct compensation of the event‐triggered error is achieved without introducing any extra design parameters; (ii) it is not necessary to know any bound information on the parameters of event‐triggered threshold, and global asymptotic tracking control of the overall closed‐loop system is achieved; and (iii) the resulting stability criteria of the proposed event‐triggered control design are much simpler and easier to fulfill by virtue of the introduced co‐design method. Simulations are then carried out to validate the proposed schemes.
Creep of concrete as influenced by the rate of expansion due to alkali–silica reaction
Authors: Reinhardt Hans W. , Özkan Hasan , Mielich Oliver
Published: August 2019

Three alkali‐sensitive and one insensitive aggregate were used in the concrete mixes. The slow reacting aggregates were greywacke from the Lower Harz, quartz porphyry from Halle and crushed gravel from the Upper Rhine valley. The insensitive aggregate was quartz porphyry from the Black Forest. The concretes showed the typical S‐shaped expansion curve in the 40°C fog room. After a certain time in the fog room, specimens were taken out and creep tests were conducted in a climate of 80% RH and 23°C. This scenario does not necessarily reproduce the situation of real structures but helps to understand the influence of ASR expansion development on creep. The creep deformation depended clearly on the preceding storage duration in the fog chamber. The largest influence on the deformation appeared at the time when the expansion rate in the fog room had a maximum.
Ouabain induces apoptotic cell death in human prostate DU 145 cancer cells through DNA damage and TRAIL pathways
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ming , Shih Yung‐Luen , Chen Chao‐Ping , Liu Ko‐Lin , Lee Mei‐Hui , Lee Ming‐Zhe , Hou Hsin‐Tu , Huang Hsieh‐Chou , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Peng Shu‐Fen , Chen Kuo‐Wei , Yeh Ming‐Yang , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: August 2019

Ouabain, a cardiotonic steroid and specific Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibitor, has a potential to induce cancer cell apoptosis but the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by ouabain are not fully understand. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of ouabain on human prostate cancer DU 145 cells in vitro. Cell morphological changes were examined by phase contrast microscopy. Cell viability, cell cycle distribution, cell apoptosis, DNA damage, the production of ROS and Ca2+, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured by flow cytometry assay. Results indicated that ouabain induced cell morphological changes, decreased total cell viability, induced G0/G1 phase arrest, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis, increased ROS and Ca2+ production, but decreased the levels of ΔΨm in DU 145 cells. Ouabain also increased the activities of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9. Western blotting was used for measuring the alterations of apoptosis‐associated protein expressions in DU 145 cells and results indicated that ouabain increased the expression of DNA damage associated proteins (pATMSer1981, p‐H2A.XSer139, and p‐p53Ser15) and ER‐stress‐associated proteins (Grp78, ATF6β, p‐PERKThr981, PERK, eIF2A, GADD153, CaMKIIβ, and caspase‐4) in time‐dependently. Furthermore, ouabain increased apoptosis‐associated proteins (DR4, DR5, Fas, Fas Ligand, and FADD), TRAIL pathway, which related to extrinsic pathway, promoted the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax, increased apoptotic‐associated proteins, such as cytochrome c, AIF, Endo G, caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, but reduced anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐x in DU 145 cells. In conclusion, we may suggest that ouabain decreased cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death may via caspase‐dependent and mitochondria‐dependent pathways in human prostate cancer DU 145 cells.
Protective effects of Belamcandae Rhizoma against skin damage by ameliorating ultraviolet‐B‐induced apoptosis and collagen degradation in keratinocytes
Authors: Noh Dongjin , Choi Jin Gyu , Lee Young Bae , Jang Young Pyo , Oh Myung Sook
Published: August 2019

Ultraviolet‐B light (UV‐B) is a major cause of skin photoaging, inducing cell death and extracellular matrix collapse by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Belamcandae Rhizoma (BR), the rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis Leman, exhibits antioxidant properties, but it remains unknown whether BR extract ameliorates UV‐B‐induced skin damage. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a standardized BR extract on UV‐B‐induced apoptosis and collagen degradation in HaCaT cells. BR was extracted using four different methods. We used radical‐scavenging assays to compare the antioxidative activities of the four extracts. Cells were irradiated with UV‐B and treated with BR boiled in 70% (vol/vol) ethanol (BBE). We measured cell viability, intracellular ROS levels, the expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, and apoptosis‐related and collagen degradation‐related proteins. The irisflorentin and tectorigenin levels were measured via high‐performance liquid chromatography. BBE exhibited the best radical‐scavenging and cell protective effects of the four BR extracts. BBE inhibited intracellular ROS generation and induced the synthesis of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase and glutathione. BBE attenuated apoptosis by reducing the level of caspase‐3 and increasing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. BBE reduced the level of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and increased that of type I collagen. The irisflorentin and tectorigenin contents were 0.23% and 0.015%, respectively. From these results, BBE ameliorated UV‐B‐induced apoptosis and collagen degradation by enhancing the expression of antioxidative enzymes. It may be a useful treatment for UV‐B‐induced skin damage.
Risk mitigation in the electricity market driven by new renewable energy sources
Authors: Krečar Nikola , Gubina Andrej F.
Published: August 2019

An important indicator of supply and demand uncertainty on electricity markets is risk premium (RP), an integral part of electricity price. The level of RP is describing the risk the market actors expect in the future due to the market uncertainties. With the electricity market price behavior rapidly changing, the rising market supply uncertainty is increasing the volatility of RP. To better understand this behavior, power market participants need new models that will efficiently use the information available in the processes driving the electricity price and RP and to explain the influence of RES uncertainties on the future RP and electricity prices. A decade ago, researchers investigating RP focused primarily on the uncertainties arising from consumption forecast and generation outages. RES share in generation mix was small and its influence on uncertainty was negligible, leading to much lower volatilities of RP than today. With the increasing influence of RES, typically exhibiting variability on a sub‐hourly level, traditional models using daily electricity price to calculate RP were becoming inadequate. In this dynamic period of electricity market transformation, this paper highlights the importance of RP signals to market actors. A stochastic method for RP calculation is discussed with the associated RP model, driven by the intraday dynamics. An example of the RP signal is presented on historical price data from the German electricity market, highlighting uncertainty pattern developed over the years. With such an approach, the market actors can adjust their trading strategies thus mitigating their market risk exposure.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Analysis > Economics and Policy
‘The fragments that are left behind’
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

The brief Conclusion summarises the study’s rich findings and suggests where they could lead to further research.
Gender, Class and Competition
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

Discussing different women academics, this chapter places Barber in the transnational field of natural history, showing that marginalisation was a question of gender, geographic location and class. (Southern) Women depended on networks as well as respective scientific fields, with entomology being relatively open towards women and the working class. Botany and ornithology, however, were much more exclusive, and Barber struggled to gain recognition which, in turn, led to her misrecognition. Metropolitan scientists belittled the colonial sources of the knowledge that they reproduced rather than produced. The chapter draws out the intricate mechanisms of recognition and exclusion, showing both the capital Barber had at hand as well as her constraints.
Proving and Circulating the Theory of Natural Selection
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter addresses Barber’s and Cape society’s engagement with Darwin’s theories. In the course of time, Barber came to combine Darwin’s theory of natural selection with her strong religious beliefs. She serves as a starting point to discuss Darwinism, religious faith and conservationism in the Cape and other settler colonial (mainly US) contexts. Her examples show that ‘southerners’ were not mere recipients of such theories, but actually contributed to them—in Barber’s case by providing corroborative evidence for natural selection, the principle of Batesian mimicry and sexual selection. The chapter does away with any notion of science as a product of individual genius, but links it to broader networks of collaboration and contestation.
Arguing with Artefacts, Biofacts and Organisms: Barber’s Advocacy for 1820 Settlers’ Supremacy and Land Rights
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter focuses on Barber’s promotion of Cape nationalism, showing how her scientific engagement became a tool to stake political claims. Barber and her brothers developed an increasingly hostile and racist attitude towards the amaXhosa, which Hammel sees as linked to specific life events, not least the economic difficulties Barber’s family faced in Kimberley. Barber looked to social Darwinism to ‘prove’ Africans’ alleged intellectual inferiority and would draw analogies between hierarchies among insects, animals and plants and those she claimed to exist among human beings, that is African, Afrikaner and other settler groups. It is shown how archaeological finds were used to claim white ancestry and reinforce belonging in the Cape.
Barber’s World of Birds As a Space of Gender Equality
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter shows how Barber used ornithological observations to argue that there were no biological differences between men and women that would predestine one group for specific tasks such as childrearing. This is the starting point to discuss Barber’s marriage and the life courses of different family members in greater detail. Placing Barber’s views in the wider context of feminist thought at the time and linking it with the bird protection movement, the chapter highlights the radicalism of Barber’s perspective, not only demanding a valuation of ‘female’ virtues but also doing away with gender differences altogether.
A case of evolutionarily stable attainable equilibrium in the laboratory
Authors: Kuzmics Christoph , Rodenburger Daniel
Published: August 2019

We reinvestigate data from the voting experiment of Forsythe et al. (Soc Choice Welf 10:223–247, 1993). In every one of 24 rounds, 28 players were randomly (re)allocated into two groups of 14 to play a voting stage game with or without a preceding opinion poll phase. We find that the null hypothesis that play in every round is given by a particular evolutionarily stable attainable equilibrium of the 14-player stage game cannot be rejected if we account for risk aversion (or a heightened concern for coordination), calibrated in another treatment.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating Severe Acute Pancreatitis in a Low‐Volume Hospital
Authors: Robin‐Lersundi Alvaro , Abella Alvarez Ana , San Miguel Mendez Carlos , Moreno Elalo‐Olaso Almudena , Cruz Cidoncha Arturo , Aguilera Velardo Asunción , Gordo Vidal Federico , García‐Ureña Miguel‐Angel
Published: August 2019

Background

Up to 25% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop severe complications and are classified as severe pancreatitis with a high death rate. To improve outcomes, patients may require interventional measures including surgical procedures. Multidisciplinary approach and best practice guidelines are important to decrease mortality.

Methods

We have conducted a retrospective analysis from a prospectively maintained database in a low‐volume hospital. A total of 1075 patients were attended for acute pancreatitis over a ten‐year period. We have analysed 44 patients meeting the criteria for severe acute pancreatitis and for intensive care unit (ICU) admittance. Demographics and clinical data were analysed. Patients were treated according to international guidelines and a multidisciplinary flowchart for acute pancreatitis and a step‐up approach for pancreatic necrosis.

Results

Forty‐four patients were admitted to the ICU due to severe acute pancreatitis. Twenty‐five patients needed percutaneous drainage of peri‐pancreatic or abdominal fluid collections or cholecystitis. Eight patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis and biliary sepsis or pancreatic leakage, and one patient received endoscopic trans‐gastric endoscopic prosthesis for pancreatic necrosis. Sixteen patients underwent surgery: six patients for septic abdomen, four patients for pancreatic necrosis and two patients due to abdominal compartment syndrome. Four patients had a combination of surgical procedures for pancreatic necrosis and for abdominal compartment syndrome. Overall mortality was 9.1%.

Conclusion

Severe acute pancreatitis represents a complex pathology that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Establishing best practice treatments and evidence‐based guidelines for severe acute pancreatitis may improve outcomes in low‐volume hospitals.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Complete Mesocolon Excision in Right Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Dougaz Mohamed Wejih , Bouasker Ibtissem , Jerraya Hichem , Ghariani Wafa , Khalfallah Mehdi , Nouira Ramzi , Dziri Chadli
Published: August 2019

Background

Laparoscopic complete mesocolon excision (LCME) for right colonic cancer improves oncological outcomes. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes after LCME and open total mesocolon excision (OCME) for right‐sided colonic cancers.

Methods

Literature searches of electronic databases and manual searches up to January 31, 2019, were performed. Random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used. Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for pooled estimates.

Results

After screening 1334 articles, 10 articles with a total of 2778 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared to OCME, LCME improves results in terms of overall morbidity (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.80, p = 0.0001), blood loss (MD = 56.56, 95% CI 19.05 to 94.06, p = 0.003), hospital stay (MD = 2.18 day, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.83, p = 0.009), and local (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.12, p = 0.03) and distant recurrence (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.23–2.16, p = 0.0008). There was no significant difference regarding mortality, anastomosis leakage, number of harvested lymph nodes, and 3‐year disease‐free survival. Open approach was significantly better than laparoscopy in terms of operative time (MD = − 34.76 min, 95% CI − 46.01 to − 23.50, p < 0.00001) and chyle leakage (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.96, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that LCME in right colon cancer surgery is superior to OCME in terms of overall morbidity, blood loss, hospital stay, and local and distant recurrence with a moderate grade of recommendation due to the retrospective nature of the included studies.