bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outlook for osteopathic medical specialists within a reformed healthcare system
Authors: Ross-Lee Barbara , Kiss Lois E. , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Osteopathic specialists enjoy the unique advantages of practicing in a profession with the recommended mix of generalists and specialists as healthcare reform heats up. Ironically, market reforms, driven by cost-containment, challenge the infrastructure of osteopathic physician practice, hospital care, and osteopathic education, all of which support the generalist/specialist mix that healthcare reformers are trying to attain. The authors trace the development of specialties in the osteopathic medical profession in response to persecution and isolation, and explain the differences between allopathic and osteopathic medical specialists. They document the rationale of a physician mix favoring an increased proportion of generalists. Finally, they argue persuasively that no one has a stronger motivation to help position the osteopathic medical infrastructure for survival than the osteopathic medical specialist.
Lyme disease with concurrent ehrlichiosis
Authors: Paparone Philip W. , Glenn William B.
Published: October 2018

Lyme disease constitutes a major health hazard with an increased incidence throughout the United States, in particular the eastern states. Human ehrlichiosis, also a tick-borne illness, has recently been identified It is characterized by fever, headache, malaise, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzyme titers, and has been reported to occur mainly in the South Central and South Atlantic states. As with Lyme disease, most patients have a history of tick exposure. These two diseases may be difficult to differentiate clinically. Physicians must consider the possibility of both infections when patients become ill with a systemic illness after tick exposure. Although certain demographic and clinical features are characteristic of these diseases, they can be misleading. Only serologic evidence can confirm the diagnosis. Two cases of concurrent Borrelia and Ehrlichia infections have been previously reported. The authors herein describe a third case that further illustrates the potential diagnostic dilemma posed by the concurrence of these two entities.
Osteopathic Evaluation of Urinary Retention Caused by Atypical Presentation of Invasive Cervical Cancer Mimicking Primary Urothelial Tumor
Authors: Martingano Daniel , Ramírez Lisamarie Colón , Bjurlin Marc A.
Published: October 2018

Cancer of the uterine cervix is the third most common gynecologic cancer diagnosis and cause of death among gynecologic cancers in the United States. Cervical cancer is frequently asymptomatic until it reaches a locally advanced stage. The authors present a case of urinary retention caused by an atypical presentation of invasive cervical cancer mimicking primary urothelial tumor. The patient was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, with osteopathic structural examination, intraoperative examination, surgical resection, and histopathologic analysis.
Could resistance to lactate accumulation contribute to the better swimming performance ofBrycon amazonicuswhen compared toColossoma macropomum?
Authors: Ferreira Marcio S. , Aride Paulo H.R. , Val Adalberto L.
Published: October 2018

Background

In the wild, matrinchã (Brycon amazonicus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) rely strongly on their swimming capacity to perform feeding, migration and reproductive activities. Sustained swimming speed in fishes is performed almost exclusively by aerobic red muscles. The white muscle has high contraction power, but fatigue quickly, being used mainly in sprints and bursts, with a maximum duration of few seconds. The Ucrit test, an incremental velocity procedure, is mainly a measure of the aerobic capacity of a fish, but with a high participation of anaerobic metabolism close to the velocity of fatigue. Our previous study has indicated a high swimming performance of matrinchã (Ucrit) after hypoxia exposure, despite increased levels of lactate in plasma. In contrast, tambaqui with high lactate levels in plasma presented very low swimming performance. Therefore, we aimed to study the resistance of matrinchã and tambaqui to the increased lactate levels in muscle over an incremental velocity test (Ucrit). As a secondary aim, we analyzed the differences in anaerobic metabolism in response to environmental hypoxia, which could also support the better swimming performance of matrinchã, compared to tambaqui.

Methods

We measured, over incremented velocities in both species, the metabolic rate (the oxygen consumption by the fish; MO2), and the concentrations of lactate and nitrites and nitrates (NOx) in muscles. NOx was measured as an indicator of nitric oxide and its possible role in improving cardiorespiratory capacity in these fishes, which could postpone the use of anaerobic metabolism and lactate production during the swimming test. Also, we submitted fishes until fatigue and hypoxia (0.5 mg L−1) and measured, in addition to the previous parameters, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH; the enzyme responsible for lactate production), since that swimming performance could also be explained by the anaerobic capacity of producing ATP.

Results

Matrinchã exhibited a better swimming performance and higher oxygen consumption rates. Lactate levels were higher in matrinchã only at the moment of fatigue. Under hypoxia, LDH activity increased in the white muscle only in tambaqui, but averages were always higher in matrinchã.

Discussion and conclusions

The results suggest that matrinchã is more resistant than tambaqui regarding lactate accumulation in muscle at the Ucrit test, but it is not clear how much it contributes to postpone fatigue. The higher metabolic rate possibly allows the accumulated lactate to be used as aerobic fuel by the matrinchã, improving swimming performance. More studies are needed regarding matrinchã’s ability to oxidize lactate, the effects of exercise on muscle acidification, and the hydrodynamics of these species, to clarify why matrinchã is a better swimmer than tambaqui.
Interpretive Community
Authors: Berkowitz Dan
Published: October 2018

Among several concepts related to journalism and meanings, interpretive community broadly underlies the way that journalists view their shared lives and the workplace texts they produce. These communities do not, however, function in isolation but adjust and adapt through their interface with other interpretive communities. Some of journalists' interpretive communities exist in a physical place, while others develop shared meanings more abstractly through encounters across time and space.
Press Criticism
Authors: Wyatt Wendy N.
Published: October 2018

This entry provides an overview of press/journalism criticism, particularly in democratic societies. It notes the growth of criticism that has paralleled the emergence of the digital age but also points out that the longstanding call for a sustained, systematic tradition of press criticism has not yet been answered in most democracies. The entry makes a case for why criticism of the news media matters, and it analyzes what has historically counted as criticism, who has counted as critic, and how the journalism community has reacted. The entry also briefly considers several of the most important forums for criticism, and it introduces opportunities and challenges for press criticism in the digital age.
Crowdsourcing
Authors: Springer Nina
Published: October 2018

This entry presents the origins and commonly used definitions of the journalistic practice of “crowdsourcing.” Following a brief overview, journalistic crowdsourcing activities are situated within the news production process. Subsequently, benefits but also challenges, risks, and costs of crowdsourcing in journalism as discussed in the literature are elaborated. The entry concludes with avenues for future research.
Differential effects of alcohol on associative versus item memory
Authors: Maylor Elizabeth A. , Long Hannah R. , Newstead Rhianne A.
Published: October 2018

Alcohol has detrimental effects on a range of cognitive processes, the most prominent being episodic memory. These deficits appear functionally similar to those observed within the normal aging population. We investigated whether an associative memory deficit, as found in older adults, would also be evident in young adults moderately intoxicated by alcohol. Participants were shown unrelated word pairs and then tested on both their item recognition (old/new item?) and associative recognition (intact/recombined pair?). Half the participants were under the influence of alcohol whereas the other half were sober. Alcohol impaired memory performance but significantly more so for associative than for item memory. Moreover, within the alcohol group, the associative memory deficit was significantly related to the amount of alcohol consumed. The findings suggest that not all aspects of episodic memory are equally impaired by alcohol, which may have practical implications for criminal investigations involving eye witnesses who have consumed alcohol.
Single Silicon Nanowire‐Based Fluorescent Sensor for Endogenous Hypochlorite in an Individual Cell
Authors: Cao Xingxing , Mu Lixuan , Chen Min , Bu Congcong , Liang Sen , She Guangwei , Shi Wensheng
Published: October 2018

As a prototype of a single‐cell detecting technique, a single silicon nanowire‐based (SiNW‐based) fluorescent sensor for endogenous hypochlorite in a macrophage is constructed. The fluorescent sensor for hypochlorite is prepared by decorating a near‐infrared dye, IR780 onto the surface of SiNWs. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and linear dependence of the fluorescence intensities on the hypochlorite concentrations. With the help of micromanipulation and laser scanning confocal microscopy, detection of endogenous hypochlorite in a single macrophage is realized by penetrating the single SiNW‐based sensor into individual cells. The current SiNW‐based sensor will possess potential value in revealing the role of hypochlorite in physiology and pathology. Such single‐cell detecting techniques can be expanded to other fields. This work will open a new door to a variety of novel studies by combining the strengths of single‐cell detecting techniques with biology.
Hydrogel Electrolytes for Flexible Aqueous Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Li Hongfei , Tang Zijie , Liu Zhuoxin , Ruan Zhaoheng , Ma Longtao , Yang Qi , Wang Donghong , Zhi Chunyi
Published: October 2018

Hydrogel materials are receiving increasing research interest due to their intriguing structures that consist of a crosslinked network of polymer chains with interstitial spaces filled with solvent water. This feature endows the materials with the characteristics of being both wet and soft, making them ideal candidates for electrolyte materials for flexible energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries that are under intensive studies nowadays. More importantly, the highly abundant and tunable chemistries of these hydrogels allow the introduction of novel functionalities into the existing hydrogels so that it is possible to fabricate unprecedented energy storage devices with additional functions. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art advances of the hydrogel materials for flexible energy storage devices including supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries are reviewed. In addition, devices with various kinds of functions, such as self‐healing, shape memory, and stretchability, are also included to stress the critical role of hydrogel materials. Furthermore, the challenges embedded in the current technologies are also highlighted and discussed with the hope to continually boost future research for the fast‐developing field.
Thermally Responsive Microfibers Mediated Stem Cell Fate via Reversibly Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Zhang Jianguang , Cheng Chong , Cuellar‐Camacho Jose Luis , Li Mingjun , Xia Yi , Li Wenzhong , Haag Rainer
Published: October 2018

The role of mechanical forces is crucial for stem cell adhesion, viability, proliferation, self‐renewal, and differentiation. The relationship between the natural extracellular matrix mechanics and cell behavior is dynamic, such as compressive stress from skeletal muscle contraction. Thus, relatively little is known about how stem cells respond to reversibly dynamic mechanical stimulation (RD‐MS) in a 3D fiber network. Here, thermosensitive electrospun microfibrous cross‐linked hydrogels are investigated from variants of polycaprolactone and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) in which the mechanosensing can be in situ thermo‐induced switched from stiff (37 °C) to soft (25 °C) for multiple cycles. It is found that human mesenchymal stem cells seeded in bioengineered fibrillar microenvironments with multicyclic RD‐MS result in an increased cell spreading area and polarization. This 3D cell shape deformation can ultimately alter the intracellular signaling related to the differentiation. Combining with mechanosensing computer simulations, a positive correlation between the elongated morphology and the cycles of RD‐MS is predicted, suggesting that the cell polarization is proportional to dynamic changes of local stiffness and geometric fiber density of the fiber network. This study reveals RD‐MS as a key design parameter for biomaterial scaffolds as well to control cell behavior in tissue engineering applications.
Heterostructures of MOFs and Nanorods for Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Hao Changlong , Qu Aihua , Sun Maozhong , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua
Published: October 2018

Multifunctional heterostructures fabricated by assembling individual components are identified as a potential theranostic tool in biological fields, representing a strategy of great significance. Herein, heterodimers of the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐8 and gold nanorods (Au NRs) are designed and synthesized for collaborative photothermal treatment and chemotherapy triggered by near‐infrared (NIR) light. Furthermore, Ag2S, Ag2Se, upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles, and doxorubicin hydrochloride loaded into the ZIF‐8 are released after intravenous injection. This release is attributed to the pH‐responsive system, which simultaneously enabled computed tomography, photoacoustic, and NIR fluorescence imaging for tumors. Under NIR irradiation using an 808 nm laser, the tumor can be completely eliminated in vivo through multimodal imaging‐guided chemophotothermal treatment. Overall, the present study makes several noteworthy contributions to the efficient diagnosis and treatment of cancer using the metal‐organic framework‐assisted heterodimer as a versatile nanoplatform.
N‐Doped Carbon‐Coated Ni1.8Co1.2Se4Nanoaggregates Encapsulated in N‐Doped Carbon Nanoboxes as Advanced Anode with Outstanding High‐Rate and Low‐Temperature Performance for Sodium‐Ion Half/Full Batteries
Authors: Hou Bao‐Hua , Wang Ying‐Ying , Liu Dao‐Sheng , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Feng Xi , Fan Haosen , Zhang Tuofeng , Lü Changli , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: October 2018

Transition metal selenides have been attracting significant attention owing to their high conductivity and theoretical capacity. In this article, the N‐doped carbon (NDC)‐coated Ni1.8Co1.2Se4nanoparticles encapsulated in NDC nanoboxes are prepared from the bi‐metal organic framework (Ni3[Co(CN)6]2·6H2O, Ni‐Co BMOF) after the selenization reaction and carbon coating. When used as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries, the prepared anode material delivers excellent rate performance (211 and 153 mA h g−1at ultrahigh current densities of 30 and 50 A g−1, respectively) and good cycling performance (379.3 mA h g−1at 0.5 A g−1after 100 cycles). More importantly, it also exhibits superior sodium‐ion full cell (SIFC) performance when coupled with a high‐voltage Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode recently self‐made by the authors. The fabricated SIFC gives an energy density up to 227 W h kg−1and the capacity retention of above 97.6% even after 60 cycles at 0.4 A g−1in a voltage range of 1.2–4.3 V at 25 °C. Moreover, the low‐temperature (from 25 to −25 °C) Na‐storage performance of the fabricated SIFC is also studied.
Advanced Carbon for Flexible and Wearable Electronics
Authors: Wang Chunya , Xia Kailun , Wang Huimin , Liang Xiaoping , Yin Zhe , Zhang Yingying
Published: October 2018

Flexible and wearable electronics are attracting wide attention due to their potential applications in wearable human health monitoring and care systems. Carbon materials have combined superiorities such as good electrical conductivity, intrinsic and structural flexibility, light weight, high chemical and thermal stability, ease of chemical functionalization, as well as potential mass production, enabling them to be promising candidate materials for flexible and wearable electronics. Consequently, great efforts are devoted to the controlled fabrication of carbon materials with rationally designed structures for applications in next‐generation electronics. Herein, the latest advances in the rational design and controlled fabrication of carbon materials toward applications in flexible and wearable electronics are reviewed. Various carbon materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, natural‐biomaterial‐derived carbon, etc.) with controlled micro/nanostructures and designed macroscopic morphologies for high‐performance flexible electronics are introduced. The fabrication strategies, working mechanism, performance, and applications of carbon‐based flexible devices are reviewed and discussed, including strain/pressure sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, electrochemical sensors, flexible conductive electrodes/wires, and flexible power devices. Furthermore, the integration of multiple devices toward multifunctional wearable systems is briefly reviewed. Finally, the existing challenges and future opportunities in this field are summarized.
Advanced Materials for Next‐Generation Spacecraft
Authors: Levchenko Igor , Bazaka Kateryna , Belmonte Thierry , Keidar Michael , Xu Shuyan
Published: October 2018

Spacecraft are expected to traverse enormous distances over long periods of time without an opportunity for maintenance, re‐fueling, or repair, and, for interplanetary probes, no on‐board crew to actively control the spacecraft configuration or flight path. Nevertheless, space technology has reached the stage when mining of space resources, space travel, and even colonization of other celestial bodies such as Mars and the Moon are being seriously considered. These ambitious aims call for spacecraft capable of self‐controlled, self‐adapting, and self‐healing behavior. It is a tough challenge to address using traditional materials and approaches for their assembly. True interplanetary advances may only be attained using novel self‐assembled and self‐healing materials, which would allow for realization of next‐generation spacecraft, where the concepts of adaptation and healing are at the core of every level of spacecraft design. Herein, recent achievements are captured and future directions in materials‐driven development of space technology outlined.
Aromatic‐Diimide‐Based n‐Type Conjugated Polymers for All‐Polymer Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Yang Jing , Xiao Bo , Tang Ailing , Li Jianfeng , Wang Xiaochen , Zhou Erjun
Published: October 2018

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have attracted immense attention in recent years due to their advantages of tunable absorption spectra and electronic energy levels for both donor and acceptor polymers, as well as their superior thermal and mechanical stability. The exploration of the novel n‐type conjugated polymers (CPs), especially based on aromatic diimide (ADI), plays a vital role in the further improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of all‐PSCs. Here, recent progress in structure modification of ADIs including naphthalene diimide (NDI), perylene diimide (PDI), and corresponding derivatives is reviewed, and the structure–property relationships of ADI‐based CPs are revealed.
Nanoenvelopes: Wrapping a Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube with Graphene using an Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wei Hang , Liu Jia , Zhang Jian , Chi Xiannian , Jiang Peng , Sun Lianfeng
Published: October 2018

Engineering the morphology and structure of low‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials is important to study their mechanical and electrical properties and even superconductivity. Herein, first the techniques that are used to engineer carbon nanotubes, including manipulation, morphology modification, and fabrication of complex nanostructures, are reviewed. This is followed by a summary of the methods applied to fabricate graphene nanostructures, such as heterostructures and nanoenvelopes of graphene. Lastly, an insight into the applications of low‐dimensional‐carbon‐based electronics is given, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors, graphene‐based nanoenvelopes, and graphene‐contacted CNT field‐effect transistors (FETs), which are promising components in future electronics.
Circularly Polarized Luminescent Carbon Dot Nanomaterials of Helical Superstructures for Circularly Polarized Light Detection
Authors: Zheng Hongzhi , Ju Bo , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Wenhui , Li Minjie , Tang Zhiyong , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An , Xu Yan
Published: October 2018

Circularly polarized luminescent carbon dot nanomaterials of self‐organized helical superstructures based on cellulose nanocrystals enable strong, right‐handed, and multicolor tunable circularly polarized luminescence with extraordinary dissymmetry factors up to −0.74. The effects of emission intensity and carbon dots loading on the strength of the right‐handed circularly polarized luminescence are experimentally observed and theoretically explained. Potentials of the carbon dots–cellulose nanomaterials for circularly polarized light detection are demonstrated.
The Renaissance of Luminescent Solar Concentrators: The Role of Inorganic Nanomaterials
Authors: Mazzaro Raffaello , Vomiero Alberto
Published: October 2018

While luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have a simple architecture—a transparent matrix embedding a luminescent fluorophore coupled with solar cells at the lateral side of the LSC slab—multiple paths for possible light losses exist. These are inherently interconnected, and in the past, limited the interest in this device, due to the gap between the theoretical possibilities and experimental achievements. This gap was a result, primarily, of the optical features of the luminescent dyes, since conventional organic luminophores are affected by limited performance in LSC devices. The rise of a wide portfolio of optically active inorganic nanomaterials in the last decade provides an alternative to organic dyes and has lead to a renaissance in the role of LSCs among the unconventional solar energy conversion devices. This paper reviews the latest results in the development of LSCs based on different classes of nanomaterials, focusing on the specific features and critically analyzing the pros and cons of the proposed structures. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the luminescence properties, e.g., the Stokes shift and the photoluminescence quantum yield, with respect to the performance of the LSC device. Future challenges to the successful employment of these devices for building integrated photovoltaics are also discussed.
Selective Nitrogen‐Atom Transfer Driven by a Highly Efficient Intersystem Crossing in the [CeON]+/CH4 System
Authors: Zhou Shaodong , Sun Xiaoyan , Yue Lei , Guo Cheng , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: October 2018

The thermal gas‐phase reactions of [CeON]+ with methane have been explored by FT‐ICR mass spectrometry and high‐level quantum‐chemical calculations. Nitrogen‐atom transfer from the cluster ion to methane was observed as the only reaction channel. Based on computational work, the neutral molecule formed corresponds to either CH2NH2 or CH3NH. In addition to a rather weak OCe+−N bond, this reaction benefits from a highly efficient intersystem crossing. Mechanistic aspects and the associated electronic origins are discussed, and a detailed comparison of [CeON]+, [CeO]+, [CeN]+, [CeO2]+, and atomic N in their reactions with CH4 is given.
Polymeric Acidic Ionic Liquid‐Functionalized SBA‐15 as a Solid Catalyst for Production of Low‐Calorie Structured Lipids
Authors: Xie Wenlei , Zhang Chi , Wang Hongyan
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study is to develop a clean and environmentally friendly process for production of low‐calorie structured lipids in accordance with the requirement of cleaner production and sustainable developments. To achieve this, polymeric acidic ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized SBA‐15 catalysts were prepared by surface grafting copolymerization of IL 1‐propylsulfonate‐3‐vinylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate onto the SBA‐15 support using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The as‐prepared solid catalysts were fully characterized using several techniques. Results demonstrated that the polymeric acidic IL was successfully tethered on the SBA‐15 silica, and the mesoporous structure of the SBA‐15 support remained intact after the grafting copolymerization. The solid catalyst showed high activities in the soybean oil acidolysis with capric and caprylic acids. The acidolysis products were analyzed by a gas chromatographic method, and the incorporation of medium‐chain fatty acids into soybean triacylglycerols was 53.4% over this solid catalyst. Furthermore, the solid catalyst could be recycled several times without appreciable loss of its activity.
Evaluation of the attractant effect and lipid profile modulation of natural fixed oils on the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Piras Alessandra , Carta Gianfranca , Solari Paolo , Crnjar Roberto , Masala Carla
Published: October 2018

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824; Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous pest in horticulture, mainly targeting Citrus fruits. Natural essential and fixed oils are currently under investigation for their broad‐spectrum in pest control. To gain better knowledge about medfly behavior and biochemistry, we examined with behavioral and biochemical assays, the effects on C. capitata from six natural fixed oils obtained from vegetable (five) or animal (one) matrices using the eco‐friendly supercritical CO
2 extraction. Oils were obtained at 250/300 bar and 40°C from the seeds of Laurus nobilis and Citrus paradisi, the fruits of Myristica fragrans and Pistacia terebinthus, wheat germ, and mullet roes (marine oil). Behavioral experiments were performed by means of two‐choice tests to analyze the oil attractant effect compared with control (water or standard diet). The fatty acid composition of oils and the total lipid and fatty acid profile of medflies were characterized by chromatographic techniques. Behavioral bioassays showed that fixed oil obtained from M. fragrans (nutmeg butter) was more attractive than other oils. Medflies fed (24 hr) on marine oil showed significant changes in the total lipid and fatty acid profile induced by oil ingestion without toxic effects. However, 56% mortality was observed in insects fed on M. fragrans oil and no biochemical changes ascribable to oil ingestion were detected in the medflies that survived. Our results advance knowledge about the behavioral and biochemical response of medflies to fixed oils and will be potentially useful in developing new pest management strategies.
The Design of a Coprime‐Factorized Predictive Functional Controller for Unstable Fractional Order Systems
Authors: Sanatizadeh Mahsa , Bigdeli Nooshin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a new approach, called coprime‐factorized predictive functional control method (CFPFC‐F) is proposed to control unstable fractional order linear time invariant systems. To design the controller, first, a prediction model should be synthesized. For this purpose, coprime‐factorized representation is extended for unstable fractional order systems via a reduced approximated model of unstable fractional order (FO) system. That is, an approximated integer model of fractional order system is derived via the well‐known Oustaloup method. Then, the high order approximated model is reduced to a lower one via a balanced truncation model order reduction method. Next, the equivalent coprime‐factorized model of the unstable fractional‐order plant is employed to predict the output of the system. Then, a predictive functional controller (PFC) is designed to control the unstable plant. Finally, the robust stability of the closed‐loop system is analyzed via small gain theorem. The performance of the proposed control is investigated via simulations for the control of an unstable non‐laminated electromagnetic suspension system as our simulation test system.
Agrowastes utilization by Raoultella ornithinolytica for optimal extracellular peroxidase activity
Authors: Falade Ayodeji O. , Mabinya Leonard V. , Okoh Anthony I. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U.
Published: October 2018

The industrial applications and prospects of microbial peroxidase are on the upwards trend, thus necessitating the search for sources with high turnaround time. Actinobacterial species have been a major source of peroxidase for the obvious reasons of having robust metabolite expression capabilities. However, other bacteria species have been underexplored for peroxidase production, hence the motivation for the investigation into the peroxidase production potential of Raoultella ornithinolytica OKOH‐1 (KX640917). The bacteria expressed optimum specific peroxidase activity of 16.48 ± 0.89 U mg−1, which is higher than those previously reported. The optimal fermentation conditions were pH 5 (3.44 ± 0.64 U mL−1), incubation temperature of 35 °C (5.25 ± 0.00 U mL−1), and agitation speed of 150 rpm (9.45 ± 2.57 U mL−1), with guaiacol and ammonium chloride as the best inducer and nitrogen supplement, respectively. On valorization of agrowastes as a sole carbon source for the secretion of peroxidase, sawdust gave the best peroxidase yield (15.21 ± 2.48 U mg−1) under solid‐state fermentation. Also, a nonperoxide‐dependent enzyme activity, which suggests probable laccase activity, was observed. The ability of the bacteria to utilize agrowastes is highly economical and as well a suitable waste management strategy. Consequently, R. ornithinolytica OKOH‐1 is a promising industrial strain with dexterity for enhanced peroxidase production.
Strategy for the selection of the minimum processing scale for the economic feasibility of biorefineries
Authors: Serna‐Loaiza Sebastián , García‐Velásquez Carlos A. , Cardona Carlos A.
Published: October 2018

Moving from fossil‐based economies to bio‐based economies is one of humanity's most important necessities. Bio‐based economies are sustainable alternative ways to obtain chemicals, materials, and energy, and biorefineries have been proposed as promising technological schemes for this purpose. However, the economic performance of biorefineries is strongly related to the scale of the process, as different elements (energy consumption, equipment cost, etc.) vary to different degrees when the scale varies. This situation shows the importance of evaluating the performance of the biorefinery at different scales (analysis of scale) from the design stages. The problem with the analysis of these scales is that there is no unanimous definition of ‘scale’ and the term is used imprecisely to refer to the raw material or product. Taking this into consideration, this work proposed a strategy for determining the Minimum Processing Scale for Economic Feasibility (MPSEF) and identifying the minimum scale at which a given biorefinery can operate. As study cases, three different biorefineries, based on different raw materials (cocoyam, Andes berry, and coffee cut stems) were used to exemplify the applicability of the design strategy. The MPSEF calculated for Andes berry, coffee cut stems, and cocoyam‐based biorefineries were 9.27, 35.6 and 683 ton day−1, respectively. These results showed the application of the design strategy and how it allows the determination of the minimum amount of feedstock to be processed to achieve a positive economic performance, and from this point, to calculate the rate of return that an investor would require and the appropriate scale to achieve it. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Thermoluminescence properties of La3+, Gd3+,Dy3+ and Ho3+ co‐doped MgAl2Si2O8:Mn4+
Authors: Uzun Erdem , Öztürk Esra , Ozpozan Nilgün Kalaycioglu
Published: October 2018

Thermoluminescence properties of Mn4+‐doped and La3+, Gd3+, Dy3+ and Ho3+ co‐doped MgAl2Si2O8 host phosphors were investigated in detailed and reported for the first time. The phosphors were exposed to β‐ and α‐irradiation and the glow curves appeared at 260–262 ± 2°C and 245–252 ± 2°C, respectively. Thermoluminescence analysis show that the main glow peaks actually consisted of three distinct peaks (P1, P2 and P3). In addition, all the phosphors had a main peak, and many satellite peaks also appeared up to 200°C. Moreover, it was observed that La3+, Gd3+, Dy3+ and Ho3+ dopants in MgAl2Si2O8Mn4+ phosphor can change the thermoluminescence peak intensities, but they did not cause any new glow peak. In addition, when α‐irradiation was used, the glow peaks were shift to a lower temperature region. Kinetic parameters of P1, P2 and P3 were calculated, and it was found that P1 and P3 had first‐order kinetics and P2 had general‐order kinetic parameters. In addition, it was found that when the easy and convenient annealing procedure was applied to the phosphorus, the thermoluminescence signal was measured as stable over many repetitions. The dose sensitivity, reproducibility and fading features of the powdered phosphors were investigated and computerized glow curve deconvolution analysis was also performed. Results showed that thermoluminescence properties of these materials were good but the fading reliabilities were poor and therefore the sintered or single crystal forms should be preferred for their better fading properties.
Biosynthesis of au nanoparticles by a marine bacterium and enhancing their catalytic activity through metal ions and metal oxides
Authors: Zhang Haikun , Hu Xiaoke
Published: October 2018

The authors report that a marine Shewanella sp. CNZ‐1 is capable of producing Au NPs under various conditions. Results showed that initial concentration of Au(III), pH values and electron donors affected nucleation of Au NPs by CNZ‐1, resulting in different apparent color of the as‐obtained bio‐Au NPs, which were further characterized by UV‐Vis, TEM, XRD, and XPS analyses. Mechanism studies revealed that Au(III) was first reduced to Au(I) and eventually reduced to EPS‐coated Au0 NPs. FTIR and FEEM analyses revealed that some amides and humic acid‐like matters were involved in the production of bio‐Au NPs through CNZ‐1 cells. In addition, the authors also found that the catalytic activity of bio‐Au NPs for 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) reduction could be enhanced by various metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Sr2+, and Cr3+) and metal oxides (Fe3O4, Al2O3, and SiO2), which is beneficial for their further practical application. The maximum zero‐order rate constant k
1 and first‐order rate constant k2 of all metal ions/oxides supplemented systems can reach 99.65 mg/(L.min) and 2.419 min−1, which are 11.3‐ and 12.6‐fold higher than that of control systems, respectively. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2727, 2019.
Poverty and Family Reunification for Mothers with Substance Use Disorders in Child Welfare
Authors: Lloyd Margaret H.
Published: October 2018

Although prior research has established that maternal substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with poor foster care outcomes, few earlier studies have sought to differentiate between families with maternal SUDs who reunify and those who do not reunify. This study applied the intersectional social determinants of a health framework to examine the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) risks on the likelihood of reunification for 325 mothers with SUDs and their children in foster care. Multivariate Cox regression models assessed four SES risk factors separately and cumulatively: single parent; income less than $15 000; unemployment; and severe housing issues.

The study results reveal that none of the SES factors alone reduced the chances of reunification, but did so in combination. Compared to cases with one risk, cases with three risks were 39.1 per cent less likely to reunify and four‐risk cases were 49.3 per cent less likely to reunify. Cases with zero, one and two risks did not significantly differ.

The primary implication of this study is that families with maternal SUDs in child welfare are a heterogeneous group whereby reunification depends on SES risk severity. In practice, these findings suggest that improving reunification for families with maternal SUDs may be aided by reducing the total number of socioeconomic risk factors, rather than eliminating specific risks. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Examine[s] the effect of socioeconomic status risks on the likelihood of reunification for 325 mothers with substance use disorders and their children in foster care’

Key Practitioner Messages

Families affected by parental SUDs in child welfare are a heterogeneous group whose outcomes vary based on the severity of socioeconomic risk.

Mothers with SUDs in child welfare are significantly worse off socioeconomically compared to fathers with SUDs.

The impact of SES on reunification outcomes depends on the accumulation of risk, rather than individual factors.

Substance abuse treatment must be augmented with efforts to reduce the cumulative SES burden on families.
Xanthocidin Derivatives from the Endophytic Streptomyces sp. AcE210 Provide Insight into Xanthocidin Biosynthesis
Authors: Ortlieb Nico , Bretzel Karin , Kulik Andreas , Haas Julian , Lüdeke Steffen , Keilhofer Nadine , Schrey Silvia Diane , Gross Harald , Niedermeyer Timo Horst Johannes
Published: October 2018

Xanthocidin and six new derivatives were isolated from the endophytic Streptomyces sp. AcE210. Their planar structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as by HRMS. The absolute configuration of one compound was determined by using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy (VCD). The structural similarities of xanthocidin and some of the isolated xanthocidin congeners to the methylenomycins A, B, and C suggested that the biosynthesis of these compounds might follow a similar route. Feeding studies with isotopically labelled [13C5]‐l‐valine showed that instead of utilizing acetyl‐CoA as starter unit, which has been proposed for the methylenomycin biosynthesis, Streptomyces sp. AcE210 employs an isobutyryl‐CoA starter unit, resulting in a branched side chain in xanthocidin. Further evidence for a comparable biosynthesis was given by the analysis of the genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. AcE210 that revealed a cluster of homologues to the mmy genes involved in methylenomycin biosynthesis.
Alkyne‐Tagged Analogue of Jaspine B: New Tool for Identifying Jaspine B Mode of Action
Authors: Rozié Alexandrine , Santos Cécile , Fabing Isabelle , Calsou Patrick , Britton Sébastien , Génisson Yves , Ballereau Stéphanie
Published: October 2018

The first biologically relevant clickable probe related to the antitumor marine lipid jaspine B is reported. The concise synthetic route to both enantiomers relied on the supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) enantiomeric resolution of racemic materials. The eutomeric dextrogyre derivative represents the first jaspine B analogue with enhanced cytotoxicity with IC50 down to 30 nm. These enantiomeric probes revealed a chiralitydependent cytoplasmic imaging of U2OS cancer cells by in situ click labeling.
Effect of lotus seed on viscosity and antioxidant activity of soy‐based porridge
Authors: Kim Jisuk , Shin Woo‐Kyoung , Kim Yookyung
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

Soy and lotus seeds were added to rice porridge to develop its nutritional value. Three types of porridge were prepared: rice with soy (RS), rice with lotus seed (RL), and rice with soy and lotus seed (RSL). The viscosity, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial effect of the three different types of porridge were compared to those of rice porridge (control).

Findings

Compared to control (protein: 1.25% and carbohydrate: 90.5%), RS had higher protein (2.55%) and lower carbohydrate (84.3%) content without any change in the calorie content. The addition of soy decreased the viscosity of rice porridge from 3,861 cP in the control to 751 cP in RS. However, the addition of lotus seed increased the viscosity of rice porridge to 2,788 cP in RL. DPPH value was increased from 9.2% in the control to 18.9% in RS, 59.4% in RL, and 64.4% in RSL. Microbiological index value was decreased from 12,363 CFU/g in the control to 440 CFU/g in RS, while RL and RSL were below the limit of detection. Panelists evaluated the similar tendency of beany, grass, and nutty taste between rice and soy porridges (p > 0.05) as well as the thickness of RSL (4.1) also had a similar score to that of control (5.0; p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Lotus seed could help improve the viscosity properties and antioxidant capacities of soy‐based porridge. Particularly, soy and lotus seed synergistically improved DPPH radical scavenging capacity of porridge.

Significance and novelty

Minimal research has thus far been carried out on porridge with the addition of lotus seed. To develop a protein‐enhanced porridge, around 30% of rice was replaced with soy. The addition of lotus seed increased the viscosity of soy porridge as well as its antioxidant capacity and antibacterial effects.
Fatty acid composition and proximate analysis of improved high‐oil corn double haploid hybrids adapted to subtropical areas
Authors: Ortíz‐Islas Sofia , García‐Lara Silverio , Preciado‐Ortíz Ricardo E. , Serna‐Saldívar Sergio O.
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

Commercial yellow corn contains approximately 4% oil whereas improved high‐oil corn (HOC) genotypes from 6% to 9% oil. The higher oil increases digestible energy and protein content. Improved HOC grains of white and yellow corn hybrids adapted to subtropical ecosystems were analyzed for total oil content and fatty acid (FA) composition. The anatomical properties of kernels were determined, and total oil content and FA compositions were assessed.

Findings

Significant differences were observed among white and yellow hybrids in terms of oil content and FAs. The oil content in yellow and white hybrids ranged from 6% to 9% and from 5% to 8%, respectively. The oil content was positively correlated with the size of the germ (r = 0.55 p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with that of the endosperm (r = −0.484 p < 0.001). Oleic acid (OLA) comprised 36%–51% of the total FAs, whereas linoleic acid (LOA) in yellow and white hybrids ranged from 35% to 52%, and from 37% to 50%, respectively.

Conclusions

The subtropical‐adapted yellow and white HOC hybrids contained from 7% to 8% oil with diverse FA profiles. The observed differences in LOAs and OLAs among genotypes can be further studied in order to obtain refined oils with different iodine values and oxidative stability.

Significance and novelty

This research demonstrated that the development of HOC hybrids adapted to subtropical environments was feasible and that improved hybrids differed in FA composition providing new opportunities for breeding high‐oleic commercial genotypes.
Iron Aquo Complex as an Efficient and Selective Homogeneous Photocatalyst for Organic Synthetic Reactions
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Faisal , Tominaka Satoshi , Peng Wenqin , Takei Toshiaki , Tsunoji Nao , Sano Tsuneji , Ide Yusuke
Published: October 2018

Owing to the inexpensiveness and non‐toxicity of iron, development of highly active and simple homogeneous iron photocatalysts is a crucially important, while challenging, for practical organic synthetic reactions. Here we report that iron(III) nitrate, which is one of the most typical iron salts and can form iron aquo complexes in aqueous and organic solutions, can be used as a highly efficient and selective homogeneous photocatalyst for fine chemical synthesis. We demonstrated the iron aquo complexes catalyzed the oxidation of cyclohexane into cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone with a turnover number (TON) of 88 and a nearly 100 % selectivity using O2 under irradiation of solar light, whereas existing TiO2 and α‐Fe2O3 heterogeneous photocatalysts showed low TON and no activity. The iron aquo complexes impregnated within a mesoporous silica showed the improved TON of up to 100 while maintaining nearly 100 % selectivity.
Preparation of a High Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction by Suppressing the Agglomeration of the Carbon Material with RbCl
Authors: Yuan Bing , Li Ping , Tian Mochong , Qin Qing , Liu Xien
Published: October 2018

Replacing platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts with metal‐free or non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains an enormous challenge. Herein, a new highly active spheroidal nanocarbon ORR electrocatalyst is synthesized by annealing a rubidium‐phytic acid gel. The catalyst is composed of N, P‐doped spheroidal nanocarbon modified by PO4− groups on the surface and with an ultralow content of Rb (0.005 wt%) (PON/C‐“Rb”). The agglomeration caused by annealing in the presence of phytic acid alone is completely suppressed by the addition of RbCl. Because more edges, defects and PO4− groups are present on the PON/C‐“Rb”, the as‐prepared PON/C‐“Rb” electrocatalyst exhibits an outstanding ORR activity with a half‐wave potential that is 40 mV more positive than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst and a similar onset potential of 1.00 V in a 0.1 M KOH solution. More importantly, the primary zinc‐air battery with PON/C‐“Rb” as a cathode catalyst shows a specific capacity and an energy density of 705 mAh gZn−1 and 860 Wh KgZn−1, respectively, which are comparable to most of the best reported metal‐free and non‐precious metal catalysts.
Hierarchically Porous Heteroatoms‐doped Vesica‐like Carbons as Highly Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zn‐air Batteries
Authors: Ren Jin‐Tao , Yuan Ge‐Ge , Weng Chen‐Chen , Chen Lei , Yuan Zhong‐Yong
Published: October 2018

Developing highly efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts to boost the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is vital for the sustainable energy systems. The nitrogen and phosphorus codoped vesica‐like carbons with hierarchical nanoporous structure are synthesized through an efficient self‐polymerization strategy with the template of g‐C3N4 monolith. Featuring sufficient heteroatom‐doping, well‐developed porous hierarchy, and high electrochemical surface area, the fabricated carbon materials exhibit considerable activity and robust stability in both electrocatalyzing ORR and OER, in competition with the precious metal electrocatalysts, which are thus capable of using as air cathode catalysts for rechargeable Zn‐air batteries, affording large discharge current density and impressive operation stability.
Thermodynamic Modeling of the Use of Alkane Mixtures as Working Fluids in Absorption Cycles
Authors: Djezzar Souad , Meniai Abdeslam-Hassen
Published: October 2018

The main objective is to show the effect of the choice of the most adequate combination of activity‐fugacity coefficient models on the vapor‐liquid phase equilibrium (VLE) data quality and on the calculation of the enthalpies of the different vapor and liquid streams in a refrigeration absorption machine. Six alkane binary mixtures, i.e. propane or n‐butane as refrigerants and n‐heptane, n‐octane, or n‐decane as absorbents, were considered as working fluids for their proven positive characteristics. Two activity coefficient models, UNIFAC and NRTL, and two equations of state, virial and Peng‐Robinson (PR), were tested. The obtained results showed that the UNIFAC‐PR combination reproduced the VLE data reasonably well; hence, it should be recommended for this type of refrigeration systems operating with alkanes.