bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetry of a Novel Antimycobacterial Agent 1‐Hydroxy‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)naphthalene‐2‐carboxamide in a Single Drop of a Solution
Authors: Gajdár Július , Goněc Tomáš , Jampílek Josef , Brázdová Marie , Bábková Zuzana , Fojta Miroslav , Barek Jiří , Fischer Jan
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is the development of a miniaturized voltammetric method for the determination of an antimycobacterial agent 1‐hydroxy‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)naphthalene‐2‐carboxamide (HNN) in a single drop (20 μL) of a solution by cathodic and anodic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate its redox properties followed by the optimization of differential pulse voltammetric determination in a regular 10 mL volume. The optimal medium for the analytical application of both cathodic and anodic voltammetry was found to be Britton‐Robinson buffer pH 7.0 and dimethyl sulfoxide (9 : 1, v/v). HNN gave one cathodic peak at around −0.6 V and one anodic peak at around +0.2 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 mol L−1 KCl) reference electrode. Determination of HNN in a 10 mL volume gave the limit of quantification around 10 nmol L−1 by both adsorptive stripping anodic and cathodic voltammetry. Afterwards, miniaturized voltammetric methods in a single drop of solution (20 μL) were investigated. This approach requested some modifications of the cell design and voltammetric procedures. A novel method of removing dissolved oxygen in a single drop had to be developed and tested. Developed miniaturized voltammetric methods gave parameters comparable to the determination of HNN in 10 mL. The applicability of the miniaturized method was verified by the determination of HNN in a drop of a bacterial growth medium.
Support DACA students through uncertain times with creative solutions
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2017

BOSTON — On Sept. 5, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, to go into effect within six months. A few days later, an announcement was made that President Donald Trump had reached a deal with Democrats to restore or renew DACA. Twenty‐four hours after that, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announced that no such deal existed. For colleges and universities, this landscape of constant change makes it difficult to predict what the state of DACA will be in a few weeks, let alone months.
Green‐Synthesized Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon‐Based Aerogels as Environmentally Friendly Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Salvador Gian Paolo , Gerosa Matteo , Sacco Adriano , Garino Nadia , Castellino Micaela , Massaglia Giulia , Delmondo Luisa , Agostino Valeria , Margaria Valentina , Chiodoni Angelica , Quaglio Marzia
Published: October 2017

A green approach to the synthesis of nitrogen‐doped, carbon‐based aerogels with good conductivity and catalytic properties is presented. With the aim to design an easily sustainable process, the starting precursors are selected from abundant waste‐related organic materials. The naturally derived polysaccharide agar acts as the carbon source in a water solution and an amino acid, glycine or lysine, is used as the nitrogen source. Using this synthesis approach, nitrogen defects are created in a 3D porous aerogel. They are shown to act as active catalytic sites for the reaction of oxygen reduction to water as demonstrated by electrochemical measurements. The best performing materials are tested as cathodes in microbial fuel cells for 50 days, in conditions close to those the device would face in a real environment. The glycine‐derived carbon aerogels with the higher content of pyridinic nitrogen exhibit the best performance, as confirmed by several morphological characterizations.
Defect‐Controlled Copper Iodide: A Promising and Ecofriendly Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Mulla Rafiq , Rabinal M. K.
Published: October 2017

Earth‐abundant and non‐toxic materials are important in the utilization of thermoelectric technology. Here, the thermoelectric behavior of copper iodide (CuI), which is prepared in bulk using a simple synthetic approach, is reported. The as‐prepared CuI has a high Seebeck coefficient of ≈431 μV K−1 with a resistivity ≈0.26 Ω cm−1, resulting in a room temperature thermoelectric power factor of ≈70 μW m−1 K−2. The thermoelectric properties are tuned by changing the defect chemistry via thermal annealing. Annealing at moderate temperatures (≈400 K) improves thermoelectric power factor, from its room temperature value of ≈142 μW m−1 K−2 to ≈160 μW m−1 K−2 at 353 K. Detailed analysis reveals that this is caused by iodine depletion upon annealing, which compensates for the intrinsic defects present in the form of copper vacancies that are responsible for the p‐type conductivity of the CuI.
Differential involvement of nigral subregions in idiopathic parkinson's disease
Authors: Sung Young Hee , Lee Jongho , Nam Yoonho , Shin Hyeong‐Geol , Noh Young , Shin Dong Hoon , Kim Eung Yeop
Published: October 2017

In this study, the prevalence of abnormality in putative nigrosome 1 and nigrosome 4 (N1 and N4, respectively) was investigated in early versus late‐stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) patients. A total of 128 IPD patients (early stage[n = 89]; late stage[n = 39]) and 15 healthy subjects were scanned for high‐resolution (0.5 × 0.5 × 1.0 mm3) multiecho gradient‐recalled echo MRI and dopamine transporter PET imaging. The MRI data were processed for susceptibility map‐weighted imaging (SMWI) to improve a contrast‐to‐noise ratio, and the images were resliced at 0.5 mm to define N1 and N4. When each side of N1 and N4 was assessed separately for the loss of hyperintensity by two independent reviewers, the consensus review results showed that in early‐stage IPD (178 substantia nigras [SNs]), the loss of hyperintensity was observed more often in only the N1 region (65.2%) when compared to in both N1 and N4 regions (34.8%). In late‐stage IPD (78 SNs), on the other hand, the loss in only the N1 region (25.6%) was less prevalent than in both N1 and N4 (74.4%) (P < 0.0001). Additionally, intact SNs (both in N1 and N4) were observed 17 SNs (9.6%) of the early‐stage IPD patients, whereas it was not found in any SNs of the late‐stage IPD patients (P = 0.005). Moreover, involvement of both N1 and N4 on both sides was found in 19.1% of the early‐stage IPD patients, whereas its incidence was higher (61.5%) in the late‐stage IPD patients (P < 0.0001), suggesting that the loss of hyperintensity in IPD progresses from N1 to N4 as the disease advances. Hum Brain Mapp 39:542–553, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using narrative evidence synthesis in HRM research: An overview of the method, its application, and the lessons learned
Authors: Madden Adrian , Bailey Catherine , Alfes Kerstin , Fletcher Luke
Published: October 2017

The use of systematic approaches to evidence review and synthesis has recently become more common in the field of organizational research, yet their value remains unclear and largely untested. First used in medical research, evidence review is a technique for identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing existing empirical evidence. With greater demand for the best evidence about “what works” in organizational settings, nuanced approaches to evidence synthesis have evolved to address more complex research questions. Narrative synthesis is perceived to be particularly suited to evaluating diverse evidence types spanning multiple disciplinary fields, characteristic of the HRM domain. This article evaluates the narrative evidence synthesis approach, explains how it differs from other techniques, and describes a worked example in relation to employee engagement. We consider its strengths, the challenges of using it, and its value in HRM research.
Endometrial carcinoma recurrence according to race and ethnicity: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group 210 Study
Authors: Felix A.S. , Brasky T.M. , Cohn D.E. , Mutch D.G. , Creasman W.T. , Thaker P.H. , Walker J.L. , Moore R.G. , Lele S.B. , Guntupalli S.R. , Downs L.S. , Nagel Ci , Boggess J.F. , Pearl M.L. , Ioffe O.B. , Deng W. , Miller D.S. , Brinton L.A.
Published: October 2017

Non‐Hispanic black (NHB) women are more likely to experience an endometrial carcinoma (EC) recurrence compared to non‐Hispanic white (NHW) women. The extent to which tumor characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES) and treatment contribute to this observation is not well defined. In the NRG Oncology/Gynecology Oncology Group (GOG) 210 Study we evaluated associations between race/ethnicity and EC recurrence according to tumor characteristics with adjustment for potential confounders. Our analysis included 3,199 NHW, 532 NHB and 232 Hispanic women with EC. Recurrence was documented during follow‐up. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between race/ethnicity and EC recurrence in models stratified by histologic subtype (low‐grade endometrioid, high‐grade endometrioid, serous, mixed cell, carcinosarcoma, clear cell) or stage (I, II, III) and adjusted for age, SES, body mass index, smoking status and treatment. In histologic subtype‐stratified models, higher EC recurrence was noted in NHB women with low‐grade endometrioid (HR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.21–3.10) or carcinosarcomas (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.99–2.79) compared to NHWs. In stage‐stratified models, higher EC recurrence was noted among NHB women with stage I (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06–2.05) and Hispanic women with stage III disease (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.11–2.95). Our observations of higher EC recurrence risk among NHB and Hispanic women, as compared to NHW women, were not explained by tumor characteristics, SES, treatment or other confounders. Other factors, such as racial differences in tumor biology or other patient factors, should be explored as contributors to racial disparities in EC recurrence.
Using Qualitative Research to Document Variations in Student Experience
Authors: Friedensen Rachel E. , McCrae Byron P. , Kimball Ezekiel
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes a qualitative study focused on the experiences of students with disabilities within the postsecondary learning environment. Reporting unexpected findings related to athletics, it makes the case that qualitative methods are well‐suited for revealing information about minoritized student populations.
Context Matters: Using Qualitative Inquiry to Inform Departmental Effectiveness and Student Success
Authors: Williams Elizabeth A. , Stassen Martha L.A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes efforts to gather and utilize qualitative data to maximize contextual knowledge at one university. The examples provided focus on how academic departments use qualitative evidence to enhance their students’ success as well as how qualitative evidence supports the institution's broader strategic planning goals.
Integration of mechanistic and pharmacokinetic information to derive oral reference dose and margin‐of‐exposure values for hexavalent chromium
Authors: Thompson Chad M. , Kirman Christopher R. , Hays Sean M. , Suh Mina , Harvey Seneca E. , Proctor Deborah M. , Rager Julia E. , Haws Laurie C. , Harris Mark A.
Published: October 2017

The current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference dose (RfD) for oral exposure to chromium, 0.003 mg kg−1 day−1, is based on a no‐observable‐adverse‐effect‐level from a 1958 bioassay of rats exposed to ≤25 ppm hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in drinking water. EPA characterizes the confidence in this RfD as “low.” A more recent cancer bioassay indicates that Cr(VI) in drinking water is carcinogenic to mice at ≥30 ppm. To assess whether the existing RfD is health protective, neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions from the 2 year cancer bioassay were modeled in a three‐step process. First, a rodent physiological‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to estimate internal dose metrics relevant to each lesion. Second, benchmark dose modeling was conducted on each lesion using the internal dose metrics. Third, a human PBPK model was used to estimate the daily mg kg−1 dose that would produce the same internal dose metric in both normal and susceptible humans. Mechanistic research into the mode of action for Cr(VI)‐induced intestinal tumors in mice supports a threshold mechanism involving intestinal wounding and chronic regenerative hyperplasia. As such, an RfD was developed using incidence data for the precursor lesion diffuse epithelial hyperplasia. This RfD was compared to RfDs for other non‐cancer endpoints; all RfD values ranged 0.003–0.02 mg kg−1 day−1. The lowest of these values is identical to EPA's existing RfD value. Although the RfD value remains 0.003 mg kg−1 day−1, the confidence is greatly improved due to the use of a 2‐year bioassay, mechanistic data, PBPK models and benchmark dose modeling.
Portable optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy for volumetric imaging of multiscale organisms
Authors: Jin Tian , Guo Heng , Yao Lei , Xie Huikai , Jiang Huabei , Xi Lei
Published: October 2017

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) provides a fundamentally new tool for a broad range of studies of biological structures and functions. However, the use of PAM has been largely limited to small vertebrates due to the large size/weight and the inconvenience of the equipment. Here, we describe a portable optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (pORPAM) system for 3‐dimensional (3D) imaging of small‐to‐large rodents and humans with a high spatiotemporal resolution and a large field of view. We show extensive applications of pORPAM to multiscale animals including mice and rabbits. In addition, we image the 3D vascular networks of human lips, and demonstrate the feasibility of pORPAM to observe the recovery process of oral ulcer and cancer‐associated capillary loops in human oral cavities. This technology is promising for broad biomedical studies from fundamental biology to clinical diseases.
RECK inhibits cervical cancer cell migration and invasion by promoting p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Lei , Liu Yang , Geng Peng , Li Guilin , Yang Yanling , Song Hongjuan
Published: October 2017

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of RECK on cervical cancer cell migration and invasion to help understand relevant molecular mechanisms. QRT‐PCR and western blot were respectively utilized to examine the transcriptional and translational levels of RECK in cervical cancer cell lines (HELA and C33A) and normal cell line (H8). After transfection with RECK overexpressing vectors, the expression of RECK mRNA, RECK and p53 signaling pathway‐related proteins (p21, p53, bcl‐2, and Bax) in cervical cancer cells were respectively examined using qRT‐PCR and western blot. Cervical cancer cell migration after transfection was detected by wound healing assay and transwell assay. RECK expression was much lower in cervical cancer cell lines compared with normal cell line. Results of wound‐healing assay results indicated that RECK could inhibit cervical cancer cell migration, and transwell assay results demonstrated that cell invasion was suppressed by RECK overexpression. Furthermore, western blot indicated that the overexpression of RECK could promote the activation of p53 signaling pathway by influencing related protein expression; whereas its inhibition by PFT‐α could antagonize the effect of RECK on migrative and invasive abilities of cervical cancer cells. RECK could inhibit the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by activating p53 signaling pathway.
Analysis of Organophosphorous Pesticides Based on Housefly Acetylcholinesterase Using Sequential Injection Analysis
Authors: Shu Hun‐Chi , Chung Shu‐Wen
Published: October 2017

Organophosphorous pesticides were analyzed based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from housefly and the electric eel using a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system. This analytical system is fully computerized and is able to automatically monitor the pesticide residues in an assay cycle of 180 s including 30 s incubation time when the flow is stopped. The optimal operation conditions such as AChE, substrate, pH, flow rate, and stopping time were studied. The experimental setup gave good reproducibility with the linear ranges for paraoxon of 1–70 ppb and dichlorovos of 20–70 ppb. The detection limits of paraoxon and dichlorovos were 1 and 5 ppb, respectively. The AChE from housefly shows 10 times higher sensitivity than the enzyme from the eel for these pesticide determination in this system.
A perspective on flotation: a review
Authors: Peleka Efrosyni N , Gallios George P , Matis Kostas A
Published: October 2017

The problem of fine particles processing has become important both in mineral processing and also for water and wastewater engineering. It is accepted, on the other hand, that the bubble–particle collection efficiency increases with decreasing bubble size. A decrease in bubble size can be obtained using different methods (dispersed‐air, where electroflotation is included, and/or dissolved‐air flotation), as discussed. Following an introduction of the subject, older laboratory results are presented in this review paper (based on 4 decades of experience), explaining the above, giving further ideas and possibly, assisting future researchers in the area. Examples given are: separation of fine mineral particles (such as pyrite and magnesite), and of metal ions (as chromium, arsenic, copper, zinc, germanium and so on); among the various available techniques, mention is given to ion, precipitate, adsorbing colloid, sorptive and biosorptive flotation ‐ including certain comparisons for the same application. The metal ion flotation application deserves further study and work, mainly for selective removal. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of vitamin D deficiency on left atrial function as evaluated by 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography
Authors: Akhavan‐Khaleghi Niloofar , Hosseinsabet Ali , Mohseni‐Badalabadi Reza
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent the world over, and some of its effects on the cardiovascular system have been previously demonstrated. We evaluated left atrial (LA) function via 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in subjects with and without vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

Ninety‐seven consecutive patients without significant coronary artery disease on selective coronary angiography were incorporated in our study and divided according to their serum level of vitamin D into 2 groups: with and without vitamin D deficiency.

Results

The early diastolic strain rate, as a marker of LA conduit function, was increased in patients with vitamin D deficiency (P = .008) and after adjustment for age (P = .046). However, after adjustment for all the confounding factors, vitamin D deficiency showed only a trend to be the independent determinant of LA early diastolic longitudinal strain rate (SRE, P = .065).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that LA function, as evaluated by 2DSTE, was not different between subjects with and without vitamin D deficiency after adjustment for the confounding factors.
Change and stability in offender, behaviours, and incident‐level characteristics of mass public shootings in the United States, 1984–2015
Authors: Capellan Joel A. , Gomez SimonPeter
Published: October 2017

For the last 40 years, the general profile of mass public shooters has enjoyed enduring consensus by experts, and as a result, it has remained static over this time. However, a recent string of mass public shootings perpetrated by “atypical” offenders bring into question the stability of the characteristics, motivations, and methods employed by these offenders. The goal of this study is to examine the stability and change of these characteristics and behaviors over the last 32 years (1984–2015). Using an open‐source database, this study compares mass public shootings in 2000–2015 time period to the attacks committed in 1984–1999. The results illustrate not only sharp increase in number of mass public shootings in the last 16 years but also a significant growth in the racial heterogeneity and background characteristics of these offenders, clearly marking a departure from the general accepted profile of mass public shooters and mass murderers. The results also point to key characteristics, and behaviors that have remained static during the analysis time. Additionally, this study explores the implications these changes and stability on crime prevention strategies, as well as strategies to mitigate the lethality of these attacks.
Changing pattern of prevalence, genetic diversity, and mixed infections of viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis in pediatric patients in New Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Shipra , Krishnan Anuja , Sharma Sumit , Kumar Praveen , Aneja Satinder , Ray Pratima
Published: October 2017

There are very few studies that have assessed multiple viral agents causing Acute‐Gastroenteritis (AGE) in India. The present study compared the changing pattern of prevalence and genetic diversity of five enteric viruses associated with acute‐diarrhea in Delhi children within a gap of 5 years. Fecal samples were collected from diarrheal children (<4 years) during two winter seasons: year 2009‐2010 (n = 59) and year 2014‐2015 (n = 85). Samples were individually tested for rotavirus‐A, norovirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, and sapovirus using EIA/RT‐PCR and genetically characterized by phylogenetic analysis. Rotavirus was the most predominant (54.9%) virus followed by norovirus (25.7%), astrovirus (8.3%), and adenovirus (4.9%) with rare detection of sapovirus (0.7%). While detection rate increased for both rotavirus (49.2‐58.8%) and astrovirus (5.1‐10.6%), norovirus detection rate decreased (30.5‐22.4%) from 2009 to 2015. During the same time period, adenovirus detection remained low (4.7‐5.1%). Interestingly, mixed infections increased from 8.5% to 16.5% after 5 years. G1P[8] rotavirus strain was found most predominant (40%). Both type‐1 and 8 astroviruses were detected. Single sapovirus detected was of genotype GII.1. Both GI (GI.5, GI.3) and GII (GII.1, GII.4, GII.7, GII.21, GII.13) genogroups of norovirus were detected. Of particular significance was the first detection of other NoV genotypes (besides GII.4 and GI.3) in Delhi. This is also the first report of NoV GI.5 from India. A change in prevalence pattern and increased diversity from 2009 to 2015 emphasizes the need for continued enteric virus surveillance to help measure the impact of new diarrhea vaccine(s) introduced in India.
Ensemble evaluation and projection of climate extremes in China using RMIP models
Authors: Niu Xiaorui , Wang Shuyu , Tang Jianping , Lee Dong‐Kyou , Gutowski William , Dairaku Koji , McGregor John , Katzfey Jack , Gao Xuejie , Wu Jia , Hong Song‐you , Wang Yuqing , Sasaki Hidetaka , Fu Congbin
Published: October 2017

Under the framework of the Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project (RMIP III), simulation results from six regional climate models (RCMs) and two global climate models (GCMs) were used to generate climate extreme indices for the present and future over China using two ensemble methods. All the models reasonably captured the observed climate extremes, and performance‐based ensemble averaging (PEA) outperformed the individual model and equal‐weighted averaging (MME) for the control climate. However, noticeable cold deficiencies in temperature extremes were found over areas with complex topography, and too frequent heavy precipitation at smaller intensities was simulated using the multiple model ensembles. Under the A1B scenario for 2041–2060, widespread increases in the 90th percentiles of the maximum temperatures (Tmax90p) and the 10th percentile of the minimum temperatures (Tmin10p) were projected, with larger increases in winter than in summer. Greater intensities in precipitation extremes were projected over China, with the exception of Inner Mongolia. Large uncertainties exist in the projected mean diurnal temperature range (Trange), number of days with precipitation exceeding 10 mm (R10) and the maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD) because of disagreements in both the magnitudes and signs of the climate model projections, and even the two ensemble methods presented opposite signs over some regions.
A review of the reporting of web searching to identify studies for Cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Briscoe Simon
Published: October 2017

The literature searches that are used to identify studies for inclusion in a systematic review should be comprehensively reported. This ensures that the literature searches are transparent and reproducible, which is important for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a systematic review and re‐running the literature searches when conducting an update review. Web searching using search engines and the websites of topically relevant organisations is sometimes used as a supplementary literature search method. Previous research has shown that the reporting of web searching in systematic reviews often lacks important details and is thus not transparent or reproducible. Useful details to report about web searching include the name of the search engine or website, the URL, the date searched, the search strategy, and the number of results. This study reviews the reporting of web searching to identify studies for Cochrane systematic reviews published in the 6‐month period August 2016 to January 2017 (n = 423). Of these reviews, 61 reviews reported using web searching using a search engine or website as a literature search method. In the majority of reviews, the reporting of web searching was found to lack essential detail for ensuring transparency and reproducibility, such as the search terms. Recommendations are made on how to improve the reporting of web searching in Cochrane systematic reviews.
Bioactive compounds from orange epicarp to enrich fish burgers
Authors: Spinelli Sara , Lecce Lucia , Likyova Desislava , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro , Conte Amalia
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The orange industry produces considerable amounts of by‐products, traditionally used for animal feed or fuel production. Most of these by‐products could be used as functional ingredients. To assess the potential food application of orange epicarp, different percentages of micro‐encapsulated orange extract were added to fresh fish burgers. Then, an in vitro digestion was also carried out, before and after micro‐encapsulation, to measure the bio‐accessibility of the active compounds.

RESULTS

A significant increase of bio‐accessibility of bioactive compounds has been observed in the orange epicarp extract after micro‐encapsulation by spray‐drying. From the sensory point of view, the fish sample enriched with 50 g kg−1 micro‐encapsulated extract was the most comparable to the control burger, even if it showed a higher phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid bio‐accessibility.

CONCLUSION

Orange epicarp may be used as a food additive to enhance the health content of food products. The micro‐encapsulation is a valid technique to protect the bioactive compounds and increase their bio‐accessibility. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of polysaccharide‐based edible coatings as carriers of prebiotic fibers on quality attributes of ready‐to‐eat fresh blueberries
Authors: Alvarez María V , Ponce Alejandra G , Moreira María R
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Little information is available regarding the effect of dietary fibers added into edible coatings on quality attributes of ready‐to‐eat fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium alginate (AL) and chitosan (CH) edible coatings enriched with four different dietary fibers (apple fiber, orange fiber, inulin and oligofructose) on microbiological, nutritional, physico‐chemical and sensorial properties of ready‐to‐eat fresh blueberries stored for 18 days at 5 °C.

RESULTS

The most encouraging results were found for CH coatings (with and without fibers) which significantly inhibited the growth of mesophilic bacteria and yeasts/molds (reductions up to 1.9 log CFU g−1), reduced decay rate by more than 50%, enhanced antioxidant properties, retained fruit firmness, delayed off‐odor development and improved overall visual quality of blueberries. Oligofructose and orange fiber added to CH coatings enhanced antioxidant properties of fruits and allowed higher reductions in yeast/mold counts compared to the use of CH alone. CH‐based coatings enriched with inulin, oligofructose and apple fiber extended sensory shelf life of blueberries by 6 days. AL coatings (with and without fiber) allowed delaying fungal decay and also retaining antioxidant properties but did not improve the microbiological and sensory quality of fruits.

CONCLUSION

The results proved that fiber‐enriched CH treatments allowed the maintenance of freshness and the improvement of the quality of ready‐to‐eat blueberries. It might be an interesting option to offer consumers a healthy product with prebiotic potential and an extended shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening and separation of α‐amylase inhibitors from Solanum nigrum with amylase‐functionalized magnetic graphene oxide combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Cen Yin , Xiao Aiping , Chen Xiaoqing , Liu Liangliang
Published: October 2017

A screening method using α‐amylase‐functionalized magnetic graphene oxide combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was proposed and utilized to screen and separate α‐amylase inhibitors from extract of Solanum nigrum. The α‐amylase‐functionalized magnetic graphene oxide was characterized and found to demonstrate satisfactory structure, magnetic response (24.5 emu/g), and reusability (retained 90% of initial activity after five cycles). The conditions for the screening with α‐amylase functionalized magnetic graphene oxide were optimized and set at pH 7.0 and 25°C. As a result, two potent flavonoid compounds, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide (1) and astragalin (2), were separated and collected through high‐speed counter‐current chromatography and subjected to high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis with purity higher than 90% (according to HPLC data), which were identified as α‐amylase inhibitors. These results suggested that utilization of α‐amylase functionalized magnetic graphene oxide in the rapid screening and isolation bioactive compounds from complex natural products is a feasible and environmentally friendly method.
Advanced online mass spectrometry detection of proteins separated by capillary isoelectric focusing after sequential injection
Authors: Páger Csilla , Biherczová Nikoleta , Ligetvári Roland , Berkics Balázs Viktor , Pongrácz Tamás , Sándor Viktor , Bufa Anita , Poór Viktória , Vojs Staňová Andrea , Kilár Ferenc
Published: October 2017

Capillary isoelectric focusing hyphenated with mass spectrometry detection, following the sequential injection of the carrier ampholytes and the sample zone, is highly efficient for the characterization of proteins. The main advantage of the sequential injection protocol is that ampholytes, with pH ranges, which are not supposed to cover the isoelectric points of the sample components, can be used for separation. The method then allows online mass spectrometry detection of separated analytes either in the absence (substances that have left the pH gradient) or in the presence of low‐level ampholytes (substances that are migrating within the pH gradient). The appearance of the substances within, or outside the pH gradient depends on, e.g., the composition of the ampholytes (broad or narrow pH range) or on the composition of electrolyte solutions. The experiments performed in coated capillaries (with polyvinyl alcohol or with polyacrylamide) show that the amount and the injection length of the ampholytes influence the length of the pH gradient formed in the capillary.
Discrete choice modeling of season choice for Minnesota turkey hunters
Authors: Schroeder Susan A. , Fulton David C. , Cornicelli Louis , Merchant Steven S.
Published: October 2017

Recreational turkey hunting exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of modern wildlife management. Turkey populations in Minnesota have reached social or biological carrying capacities in many areas, and changes to turkey hunting regulations have been proposed by stakeholders and wildlife managers. This study employed discrete stated choice modeling to enhance understanding of turkey hunter preferences about regulatory alternatives. We distributed mail surveys to 2,500 resident turkey hunters. Results suggest that, compared to season structure and lotteries, additional permits and level of potential interference from other hunters most influenced hunter preferences for regulatory alternatives. Low hunter interference was preferred to moderate or high interference. A second permit issued only to unsuccessful hunters was preferred to no second permit or permits for all hunters. Results suggest that utility is not strictly defined by harvest or an individual's material gain but can involve preference for other outcomes that on the surface do not materially benefit an individual. Discrete stated choice modeling offers wildlife managers an effective way to assess constituent preferences related to new regulations before implementing them. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Sharing a Common Origin Between the Rotational and Linear Doppler Effects
Authors: Fang Liang , Padgett Miles J. , Wang Jian
Published: October 2017

The well‐known linear Doppler effect arises from the linear motion between source and observer, while the less well‐known rotational Doppler effect arises from the rotational motion. Here, we present both theories and experiments illustrating the relationship between the rotational and linear Doppler effects. A spiral phaseplate is used to generate a light beam carrying orbital angular momentum and the frequency shift is measured arising from its rotational and/or linear motion. By considering either the motion‐induced time‐evolving phase or the momentum and energy conservation in light‐matter interactions, we derive the rotational Doppler shift, linear Doppler shift, and overall Doppler shift associated with rotational and linear motions. We demonstrate the relationship between rotational and linear Doppler shifts, either of which can be derived from the other effect, thereby illustrating their shared origin. Moreover, the close relationship between rotational and linear Doppler effects is also deduced for a more general moving rough surface.
Aqueous PCDTBT:PC71BM Photovoltaic Inks Made by Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Prunet Geoffrey , Parrenin Laurie , Pavlopoulou Eleni , Pecastaings Gilles , Brochon Cyril , Hadziioannou Georges , Cloutet Eric
Published: October 2017

The fabrication of organic solar cells from aqueous dispersions of photoactive nanoparticles has recently attracted the interest of the photovoltaic community, since these dispersions offer an eco‐friendly solution for the fabrication of solar cells, avoiding the use of toxic solvents. In this work, aqueous dispersions of pure poly[n‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) nanoparticles, as well as of composite PC71BM:PCDTBT nanoparticles, are prepared using the nanoprecipitation postpolymerization method. These dispersions are subsequently used to form the active layer of organic photovoltaic cells. Thin films of PC71BM and PCDTBT are obtained by spray deposition of the nanoparticles' dispersions, and are characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Photovoltaics that incorporate these active layers are fabricated thereafter. The impact of the annealing temperature and of the composition of the active layer on the efficiency of the solar cells is studied.
A New Polymer Electron Acceptor Based on Thiophene‐S,S‐dioxide Unit for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Meng Bin , Miao Junhui , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: October 2017

For polymer solar cells (PSCs), efficient polymer electron acceptors are always based on strong electron‐withdrawing imide unit or boron–nitrogen coordinative bond (B←N). In this paper, a new polymer electron acceptor based on thiophene‐S,S‐dioxide (TDO) unit is reported. The polymer electron acceptor, PBDT‐TDO, consists of alternating TDO unit and 4,8‐bis(alkylthienyl)‐2‐yl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) unit. For comparison, a control polymer with alternating BDT unit and thiophene unit has also been synthesized. Replacing thiophene unit with TDO unit in the polymer backbone leads to large downshift of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital/highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels by 0.9 eV/0.4 eV, which is attributed to the dearomatization and electron deficiency of TDO unit. The replacement also leads to redshift of absorption spectra by ≈110 nm. PSC device with PBDT‐TDO as the electron acceptor shows photovoltaic response with the preliminary power conversion efficiency of 0.64%. This work suggests a new approach to design polymer electron acceptors using the TDO unit.
Immunodetection of acetylated alpha‐tubulin in stony corals: Evidence for the existence of flagella in coral male germ cells
Authors: Shikina Shinya , Chiu Yi‐Ling , Chen Chieh‐Jhen , Yang Shih‐Han , Yao Jack I‐Chen , Chen Che‐Chun , Wei Jiou‐Di , Shao Zih‐Fang , Chang Ching‐Fong
Published: October 2017

The molecular and cellular characteristics of male germ cell development remain largely unknown in corals. This study focused on the expression pattern of acetylated α‐tubulin (Ac‐α‐Tu), which is involved in male germ cell development in various animals across taxa, to gain a better understanding of male germ cell development in the stony coral Euphyllia ancora. Immunohistochemical analysis of the different stages of male germ cells showed the presence of filamentous Ac‐α‐Tu in the early to late stages of male germ cells—such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids—as well as in the flagella of mature sperm. Immunocytochemical and transmission electron microscope analyses demonstrated that early‐stage male germ cells possess long flagella containing Ac‐α‐Tu. The presence of filamentous Ac‐α‐Tu was also immunohistochemically demonstrated in the male germ cells from 14 other coral species, implying that possession of flagella with Ac‐α‐Tu is a common characteristic of male germ cells in stony corals. Therefore, as a distinctive cellular characteristic of male germ cells, Ac‐α‐Tu could be used as a male germ cell marker in stony corals; indeed, immunolabeling for Ac‐α‐Tu may be a useful method to aid in the identification and morphological observation of male germ cells in various corals in basic and applied biology (e.g., aquaculture) as well as in ecological studies.
Interactions of Protonated Guanidine and Guanidine Derivatives with Multiply Deprotonated RNA Probed by Electrospray Ionization and Collisionally Activated Dissociation
Authors: Vušurović Jovana , Schneeberger Eva‐Maria , Breuker Kathrin
Published: October 2017

Interactions of ribonucleic acid (RNA) with guanidine and guanidine derivatives are important features in RNA–protein and RNA–drug binding. Here we have investigated noncovalently bound complexes of an 8‐nucleotide RNA and six different ligands, all of which have a guanidinium moiety, by using electrospray ionization (ESI) and collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) mass spectrometry (MS). The order of complex stability correlated almost linearly with the number of ligand atoms that can potentially be involved in hydrogen‐bond or salt‐bridge interactions with the RNA, but not with the proton affinity of the ligands. However, ligand dissociation of the complex ions in CAD was generally accompanied by proton transfer from ligand to RNA, which indicated conversion of salt‐bridge into hydrogen‐bond interactions. The relative stabilities and dissociation pathways of [RNA+m L−n H]n− complexes with different stoichiometries (m=1–5) and net charge (n= 2–5) revealed both specific and unspecific ligand binding to the RNA.
Way‐finding strategies of blind persons in urban scale
Authors: Kan‐Kilic Didem , Dogan Fehmi
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to determine whether urban environments with different prominent sensory inputs have an impact on the way‐finding strategies of blind people and to identify these impacts, where applicable. We specifically investigated how blind people use their senses to compensate for the lack of visual information and how the priority of senses changes according to the urban context. The participants of the study consisted of nine congenitally blind individuals and the study took place in two urban settings: a dense urban district, Kemeralti district in İzmir; and an urban park, the İzmir Fair Park. During the learning phase, a first trial along the selected routes was conducted for each participant individually along with one of the researchers. In the test phase, the participants were requested to re‐walk the route and verbally report the environmental cues they attended to. The participants’ verbal reports were recorded and transcripts of the recordings were coded according to the environmental sensory inputs. In addition, the short‐term memory of each participant was also evaluated. The results show that the characteristics of the urban environment seem to have an impact on way‐finding strategies of blind individuals. It was found that the sound of the city and the echo from the environment are the most important factors for blind participants in the dense urban environment. Environmental boundaries provided echoes and gave a sense of enclosure that helped them orient themselves, whereas, in the park environment, the sense of enclosure was not enhanced due to a lack of boundaries in the environment.
Structural changes and energy absorption mechanisms during fracture of thermoplastic protein blends using synchrotron FTIR
Authors: Smith Matthew J. , Verbeek Casparus J. R.
Published: October 2017

Novatein thermoplastic protein embrittles quickly after processing due to desorption of plasticizer, leading to poor energy absorbing properties such as impact strength. However, impact modified Novatein blends, containing functionalized polyethylene or nano‐scale core‐shell particles exhibit increased energy absorbing properties. The phase distribution of reinforced blends, and the protein secondary structure changes as a result of blending and fracture was investigated using synchrotron FT‐IR microspectroscopy. Morphological changes in Novatein/polyethylene blends were responsible for variations in mechanical properties, rather than changes in secondary structure. In contrast, a greater impact strength was correlated to an increase of disordered secondary structures in core‐shell particle reinforced Novatein. Blends which exhibited greater elongation or yielding during fracture showed a significant difference between protein secondary structure in the bulk matrix and the yielded material after fracture. It was concluded that the change in conformation of protein structures during fracture is an energy absorbing mechanism that acts in conjunction with the free elongation of the matrix due to decreasing interparticle distance for materials reinforced with nano‐particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E124–E134, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
CdS impregnated cellulose nanocrystals/PVDF composite flexible and freestanding films: Impedance spectroscopic studies
Authors: Das Debabrata , Bhunia Ritamay , Das Shirsendu , Dey Rajkumar , Hussain Shamima , Ghosh Anup K. , Pal Arun K.
Published: October 2017

Nanocrystalline CdS impregnated cellulose nanocrystals (CdS‐Cellulose) were embedded in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix and free‐standing flexible films of CdS‐cellulose/PVDF nanocomposite were made by sol‐gel technique. Effect of CdS loadings in cellulose embedded in the host matrix (PVDF) on the impedance properties was studied critically for the above samples. Dielectric constants were studied as a function of frequencies (1–100 kHz) at room temperatures. The dielectric constant increased significantly in CdS‐cellulose/PVDF nanocomposite than that for pristine PVDF film. The higher values of dielectric constant as well as dielectric loss were obtained at lower frequencies. This may be caused due to contributions arising out of space charge, dipole, and electronic polarizations. At higher frequencies, only dipole and electronic polarization were seen to contribute significantly. The nature of the Cole‐Cole plots could be seen to deviate significantly from one impedance semicircular arc before diverging after a frequency of 3,158, 2,147, and 1,925 Hz for CdS‐cellulose/PVDF nanocomposite with increased loading of CdS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1419–1427, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
An In Situ Polymerization‐Encapsulation Approach to Prepare TiO2–Graphite Carbon–Au Photocatalysts for Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Jin Xin , Yu Xin , Sang Yuanhua , Razzari Luca , Liu Hong , Claverie Jerome
Published: October 2017

A complex nanoarchitecture composed of TiO2 nanobelts, graphite‐like carbon, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) is developed using an in situ surface polymeric encapsulation technique. The precise arrangement of the carbon layer and Au NPs on a TiO2 surface can be programmed to form three different core@shell structures by simply varying the addition sequence of materials during the encapsulation process. The photocatalytic activity of the three nanoarchitectures is assessed in H2 generation, degradation of dye molecules as well as photoelectrochemical cells under solar and visible light irradiation. In the reaction of H2 generation, no activity can be detected for all samples under visible‐light, while under solar light the sample with Au on the surface of carbon layers wrapped on TiO2 shows the highest activity. By stark contrast, in the photodegradation test, significant difference in activity under visible light is observed, where the sample with Au NPs sandwiched between carbon layers demonstrates the highest activity. All the results indicate that the synergistic effect of carbon‐layers and Au NPs is essential for the catalytic activity enhancement. Moreover, the activity of the photocatalysts is not only highly dependent on the architecture of the catalyst, but also on the type of reaction investigated.
Sleep disordered breathing in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Ortiz Luis E. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Sterni Laura M. , Collaco Joseph M.
Published: October 2017

Background

There are limited data on the effect of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We hypothesized that both the severity of prematurity and BPD would increase the likelihood of SDB in early childhood. Our secondary aim was to evaluate the association of demographic factors on the development of SDB.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patient factors and overnight polysomnogram (PSG) data of children enrolled in our BPD registry between 2008 and 2015. Association between PSG results and studied variables was assessed using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

One‐hundred‐forty children underwent at least one sleep study on room air. The mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was elevated at 9.9 events/hr (SD: 10.1). The mean obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (OAHI) was 6.5 (9.1) events/hr and the mean central event rate of 3.0 (3.7) events/hr. RDI had decreased by 22% or 1.5 events/hour (95%CI: 0.6, 1.9) with each year of age (P = 0.005). Subjects with more severe respiratory disease had 38% more central events (P = 0.02). Infants exposed to secondhand smoke had 2.4% lower (P = 0.04) oxygen saturation nadirs and a pattern for more desaturation events. Non‐white subjects were found to have 33% higher OAHI (P = 0.05), while white subjects had a 61% higher rate of central events (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

RDI was elevated in a selected BPD population compared to norms for non‐preterm children. BPD severity, smoke exposure, and race may augment the severity of SDB. RDI improved with age but was still elevated by age 4, suggesting that this population is at risk for the sequelae of SDB.