bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Gas‐Phase Condensation of Bioethanol to 1‐Butanol over Bifunctional Pd/Mg and Pd/Mg–Carbon Catalysts
Authors: López‐Olmos Cristina , Morales Maria Virtudes , Guerrero‐Ruiz Antonio , Ramirez‐Barria Carolina , Asedegbega‐Nieto Esther , Rodríguez‐Ramos Inmaculada
Published: July 2018

The condensation of ethanol to 1‐butanol in the presence of different catalyst systems based on a Pd dehydrogenating/hydrogenating component and magnesium hydroxide‐derived materials as basic ingredient was studied in a fixed‐bed reactor. The metal was incorporated by wetness impregnation, and the resulting material was then reduced in situ with hydrogen at 573 K for 1 h before reaction. The bifunctional catalysts were tested in a fixed‐bed reactor operated in the gas phase at 503 K and 50 bar with a stream of helium and ethanol. A bifunctional catalyst supported on a synthetic composite based on Mg and high surface area graphite (HSAG) was also studied. Improved catalytic performance in terms of selectivity towards 1‐butanol and stability was shown by the Pd catalyst supported on the Mg–HSAG composite after thermal treatment in helium at 723 K, presumably due to the compromise between two parameters: adequate size of the Pd nanoparticles and the concentration of strongly basic sites. The results indicate that the optimal density of strongly basic sites is a key aspect in designing superior bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst systems for the condensation of ethanol to 1‐butanol.
River ecosystem resilience to extreme flood events
Authors: Milner Alexander M. , Picken Jessica L. , Klaar Megan J. , Robertson Anne L. , Clitherow Leonie R. , Eagle Lawrence , Brown Lee E.
Published: July 2018

Floods have a major influence in structuring river ecosystems. Considering projected increases in high‐magnitude rainfall events with climate change, major flooding events are expected to increase in many regions of the world. However, there is uncertainty about the effect of different flooding regimes and the importance of flood timing in structuring riverine habitats and their associated biotic communities. In addition, our understanding of community response is hindered by a lack of long‐term datasets to evaluate river ecosystem resilience to flooding. Here we show that in a river ecosystem studied for 30 years, a major winter flood reset the invertebrate community to a community similar to one that existed 15 years earlier. The community had not recovered to the preflood state when recurrent summer flooding 9 years later reset the ecosystem back to an even earlier community. Total macroinvertebrate density was reduced in the winter flood by an order of magnitude more than the summer flood. Meiofaunal invertebrates were more resilient to the flooding than macroinvertebrates, possibly due to their smaller body size facilitating greater access to in‐stream refugia. Pacific pink salmon escapement was markedly affected by the winter flood when eggs were developing in redds, compared to summer flooding, which occurred before the majority of eggs were laid. Our findings inform a proposed conceptual model of three possible responses to flooding by the invertebrate community in terms of switching to different states and effects on resilience to future flooding events. In a changing climate, understanding these responses is important for river managers to mitigate the biological impacts of extreme flooding effects.
Northern range shift may be due to increased competition induced by protection of species rather than to climate change alone
Authors: Marion Loïc , Bergerot Benjamin
Published: July 2018

Few long‐term, large‐scale studies have been conducted about the factors likely to explain changes in species abundance and distribution in winter. Range shifts are generally attributed to the climate change or land use. This study shows that other factors such as species protection and the ensuing increasing numbers of individuals and competition could be involved. It details the progressive conquest of France, the most important European wintering area for great cormorant, in three decades as its legal protection by the EU Birds Directive. It is based on 13 exhaustive national counts. Cormorants first occupied the farthest areas (Atlantic and Mediterranean lagoons, then larger rivers) from the main‐core European breeding area, with only progressive occupancy of the northeastern part later. This strategy mainly resulted from competition for optimal available feeding areas. Suboptimal areas (smaller wetlands harboring smaller night roosts, colder northeastern French areas) and progressive fragmentation of large night roosts into smaller, better located ones minimized flight costs. The coldest areas were occupied last, once other areas were saturated. Their occupancy was favored locally by the global climate change, but it played a minor role in these strategies. Both factors induced only a small NNE shift of the weighted centroid range of the wintering population (2.6 km/year) which mainly resulted from competition (buffer effect). Only the 2009 cold wave decreased the total number of wintering cormorants at the national scale, once the population had probably reached the carrying capacity of the country, while the previous cold waves had a minor effect. Comparatively, there was a greater SSE range shift of the weighted centroid of the breeding population (4.66 km/year). Range shifts of other recently protected species have been attributed to the sole climate change in the literature, but competition due to the saturation of usual wintering or breeding areas should be considered too.
Reduced competition enhances community temporal stability under conditions of increasing environmental stress
Authors: Douda Jan , Doudová Jana , Hulík Josef , Havrdová Alena , Boublík Karel
Published: July 2018

The stress‐gradient hypothesis predicts a switch from competition to facilitation, under increasing environmental stress. However, it is unclear how important is the change in competition–facilitation balance (i.e., the net outcome of plant–plant interactions) along the stress gradient in the regulation of community temporal stability (i.e., the inverse of temporal variability in total biomass). Increasing environmental stress may enhance community temporal stability by reduced competition or eventually by leading to facilitative interactions between the dominant and subordinate species. Here, we present the results of a 5‐yr mesocosm experiment that demonstrates the effects of interspecific interactions on the temporal stability of a riparian community across different drought‐stress scenarios. We constructed artificial communities of dominant species (Carex elata) and three subordinate species to simulate the independent effects of environmental stress and interspecific interactions. Using removal of the dominant species, we evaluated the interplay of various mechanisms regulating the temporal stability of the subordinate species (competition–facilitation balance, species asynchrony, and dominant species stability). By simultaneous testing of these stabilizing mechanisms, we show their importance differs depending on environmental variability and harshness. The predominant role is taken by species asynchrony in a seasonally dry environment, whereas in a permanently dry environment, the importance of reduced competition increases. Reduced competition was stabilizing, in particular through increased total community biomass, whereas species asynchrony increased total community biomass and decreased biomass variation. These results suggest experiments and simulations that exclude interspecific interactions may not offer realistic predictions of the effects of changing hydrological regimes on ecosystem functioning.
Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of a Cysteine Derivative‐Loaded Deformable Liposomes in Hydrogel for Enhancing Whitening Effects
Authors: Ha Ji Hoon , Jeong Yun Ju , Kim A Young , Hong In Ki , Lee Nan Hee , Park Soo Nam
Published: July 2018

Whitening materials cannot easily cross the skin barrier (stratum corneum) to reach melanocytes in the basal layer for inhibiting melanin production. This study aims to construct a novel deformable liposome using polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate as an edge activator and a hydrogel containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), as well as to investigate the synergistic effect of this system on the delivery of a cysteine derivative, methyl‐2‐acetylamino‐3‐(4‐hydroxyl‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoylthio)propanoate (MP) as a whitening agent. The optimized deformable liposome (DL2) contains 10% edge activator and has a particle size of 78.2 ± 2.7 nm, a zeta potential of −29.9 ± 1.8 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.248, and an entrapment efficiency of 90.7 ± 1.7%. MP‐loaded DL2 has higher stability and deformability than DL2 without MP, as well as exerting a higher whitening effect than that observe with MP alone. In addition, MP‐loaded DL2 is incorporated into a hydrogel in a dual drug‐delivery system and the stability after hydrogel incorporation is evaluated. In Franz cells, the MP‐loaded deformable liposome‐hydrogel complex shows the highest skin permeation and penetration of MP.

Practical Applications: In general, it is very difficult for whitening agents to penetrate a skin layer for reducing skin pigmentation. It is important to transfer whitening agents to the basal layer without causing physical damage to the skin. Deformable liposomes containing 10% polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate in a hydrogel complex maximize the skin permeation of a cysteine derivative as a whitening agent. This finding indicates that the deformable liposome‐hydrogel complex is a potential delivery system for treatment of skin hyperpigmentation.

The penetration mechanism of drugs in the skin by deformable liposome‐hydrogel complexes is as follows: Hydrogel hydrates stratum corneum to secure the route of drugs or nanocarrier permeation. polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate as an edge activator enhances the fluidity of the stratum corneum lipid layer and the deformability of liposome. The edge activator‐based deformable liposomes pass through the stratum corneum stably.
Chemical Modification and Performance Evaluation of an Agro‐Waste for Column Mode Removal of Textile Dyes
Authors: Samchetshabam Gita , Shukla Satya Prakash , Matolia Jyoti , Prakash Chandra , Bharti Vidyashree , Singh Arvind Rajdeo
Published: July 2018

The performance of a newly designed column bed device packed with chemically modified agro‐waste (sugarcane bagasse) is evaluated for efficient removal of two textile dyes, Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown and textile industry dye effluent. The parameters used for performance evaluation are removal efficiency (R%), adsorption capacity (q), and breakthrough (Ce/C0). The column exhibits >90% removal of both the dyes and >80% removal of textile industry dye effluent. The experimental data are fitted to three models, viz., Thomas, Adams–Bohart, and Yoon–Nelson for understanding the kinetic behavior of adsorption. The results reveal that the Yoon–Nelson model is the best‐fitted model for both the dyes with R2 values 0.995 and 0.905 for Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown, respectively. However, Thomas and Yoon–Nelson fit the best for textile industry effluent. Overall, this investigation provides baseline information about the column mode removal of textile dyes using the agro‐waste material as an adsorbent. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra show the characteristic vibrational mode of CH stretching of hydroxyl group around 2800–3000 cm−1. The change in the vibrational pattern is evident after alginic acid treatment, indicating delignification of the bagasse after treatment.
Adjunctive brexpiprazole for elderly patients with major depressive disorder: An open‐label, long‐term safety and tolerability study
Authors: Lepola Ulla , Hefting Nanco , Zhang Doris , Hobart Mary
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term safety and tolerability of flexible‐dose brexpiprazole adjunct to antidepressant treatment (ADT) in elderly patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Elderly patients (≥65 years) with MDD and inadequate response to ≥1 ADT during the current episode were recruited to a 26‐week, interventional, open‐label study (NCT02400346) at outpatient centers in the USA and Europe. All patients received brexpiprazole 1 to 3 mg/day adjunct to their current ADT. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs), movement disorder scales, and standard safety assessments (vital signs, laboratory safety parameters, physical examination, electrocardiograms). Exploratory efficacy outcomes included the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity of Illness (CGI‐S), and Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale (SASS).

Results

Of the 132 treated patients, 88 (66.7%) completed the study and 44 (33.3%) withdrew, including 24 who withdrew because of AEs (18.2%). Overall, 102 patients (77.3%) experienced ≥1 treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE), which were mostly mild or moderate in severity. Treatment‐emergent AEs with the highest incidence were fatigue (15.2%) and restlessness (12.9%). The most common TEAE leading to withdrawal was fatigue (3.0%). No consistent clinically relevant findings were seen with regard to movement disorder scales or standard safety assessments. Mean (standard error) efficacy score changes from baseline to week 26 were: MADRS total, −14.5 (0.9); CGI‐S, −1.8 (0.1); and SASS, 3.2 (0.5).

Conclusions

Long‐term (26‐week) treatment with adjunctive brexpiprazole was generally well tolerated in elderly patients with MDD and inadequate response to prior ADT. Improvements were observed in depressive symptoms and social functioning.
Prevalence of unjustified emergency department x‐ray examination referrals performed in a regional Queensland hospital: A pilot study
Authors: Rawle Marnie , Pighills Alison
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The underpinning principles of radiation protection are justification, optimisation and limitation. Each medical imaging referral that uses ionising radiation must balance the justification of exposure to radiation against the benefits of the examination. Scrutiny of justification is the role of radiographers, for general radiography, and is usually performed using the clinical details provided on the referral. International studies report up to 77% of medical imaging examinations are unjustified or inappropriate. In regional Queensland, justification seems to involve a subjective assessment and enforcement is ad hoc. This study aimed to determine the number of unjustified emergency department x‐ray examinations performed in a regional Queensland hospital.

Methods

An audit of the clinical details provided on x‐ray referrals and in the medical records was performed on x‐ray examinations undertaken within an 11‐day period. Justification was determined by compliance with the Government of Western Australia's diagnostic imaging pathways.

Results

Of the 186 referrals assessed, 75.3% were categorised as not having complied with the imaging pathway and were considered unjustified. When the clinical details in the patient's medical record were reviewed, in conjunction with the referral, the unjustified rate reduced to 49.2% of examinations.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate a lack of information transfer by referring clinicians and a lack of compliance with justification requirements for imaging by medical imaging staff. Improved communication regarding the need for imaging, and the refusal of referrals that are not justified, will ensure that patients are only exposed to radiation when clear benefit has been demonstrated.
The value of the erect abdominal radiograph for the diagnosis of mechanical bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain
Authors: Geng Wendy Z. M. , Fuller Michael , Osborne Brooke , Thoirs Kerry
Published: July 2018

Introduction

There is discord on the value of the erect abdominal radiograph for diagnosing acute abdominal pathologies. The erect radiograph can be uncomfortable for patients in pain and increases patient radiation dose.

Aim

To determine if including the erect abdominal radiograph in plain abdominal radiography (PAR) improved diagnostic accuracy for identifying mechanical bowel obstruction and/or paralytic ileus in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain.

Methods

PAR of 40 consecutive adults presenting with suspected bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus was retrospectively sampled and independently reviewed by two emergency department (ED) consultants and two radiology consultants for bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus across two sessions. In session 1, the assessors assessed the supine abdominal radiographs (PAR 1) and clinical details in a randomised order, and session 2, at least 6 weeks later, they assessed the supine and erect radiographs (PAR 2) and clinical details of the randomly re‐ordered cases. Computed tomography was the reference standard. Pair‐wise comparisons of receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to assess for significant differences in participants’ diagnostic accuracy using MedCalc 16.4.3.

Results

Average sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were 69.7%, 61.0% and 0.642 for PAR 1, respectively, and 80.0%, 53.4% and 0.632 for PAR 2 respectively. For AUROC there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between PAR 1 and PAR 2. Intra‐rater and inter‐rater agreement improved in PAR 2.

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy when including the erect radiograph in PAR for the acute abdomen.
Who are the most engaged at work? A meta‐analysis of personality and employee engagement
Authors: Young Henry R. , Glerum David R. , Wang Wei , Joseph Dana L.
Published: July 2018

In order to identify the employees who are most likely to be engaged in their work, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 114 independent samples (N = 44,224) to provide estimates of the relationship between eight personality traits and employee engagement. Results indicated that these personality traits explained 48.10% of the variance in engagement. Supporting energy management theories, relative weights analysis revealed that positive affectivity was by far the strongest predictor of engagement (31.10% of the explained variance; ρ = .62), followed by proactive personality (19.60%; ρ = .49), conscientiousness (14.10%; ρ = .39), and extraversion (12.10%; ρ = .40), whereas neuroticism, negative affectivity, agreeableness, and openness to experience were the least important. We highlight the importance of positive affectivity for engagement and support personality‐based selection as a viable means for organizations to build a highly engaged workforce. Implications for using personality assessment to select engaged employees are discussed.
Use of probabilistic medium‐ to long‐range weather‐pattern forecasts for identifying periods with an increased likelihood of coastal flooding around the UK
Authors: Neal Robert , Dankers Rutger , Saulter Andrew , Lane Andrew , Millard Jonathan , Robbins Gavin , Price David
Published: July 2018

A medium‐ to long‐range forecast highlighting periods with an increased likelihood of coastal flooding is useful to United Kingdom governments and response agencies when considering proactive, large‐scale and multiregional responses. For this purpose, a new operational forecasting tool called Coastal Decider was developed for use by the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC). Coastal Decider is used for internal preparedness within the FFC and provides the likelihood of coastal flooding around the UK, which is associated with the occurrence of specific predefined weather patterns in combination with high astronomical tides. Forecasts are available for medium‐range and monthly time‐scales using output from several ensemble prediction systems, whereby ensemble members are objectively assigned to the closest matching weather pattern definition. Ensemble members already clustered by weather pattern are then grouped to provide objective probabilities of a broader cluster of coastal‐risk weather patterns occurring. The coastal‐risk weather patterns were objectively derived for 21 coastal sites by relating daily historical weather pattern classifications to a wave hindcast, using a Met Office configuration of WAVEWATCH III, as well as observed skew surges, derived using tide‐gauge data from the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC). Finally, metrics based on the pressure‐anomaly difference between ensemble members and their assigned weather patterns, alongside forecasts of daily maximum 10 m wind speed are used to estimate the magnitude of coastal flooding.
Selection of coordinate transformation matrix for discrete‐time H2/H∞ static‐output‐feedback control: A two‐step optimization method
Authors: Feng Zhi‐Yong , She Jin‐Hua , He Yong
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a method to solve the problem of single‐ or multiobjective H2/H∞ static‐output‐feedback control for discrete‐time systems. The selection of a coordinate transformation matrix (CTM) is important when using linear matrix inequality–based approach to solve the static‐output‐feedback control problem. A two‐step optimization method for selecting the optimum CTM that produces a locally optimal solution is developed. The first step uses a direct search method to choose an initial CTM. The second step implements an iterative linear matrix inequality method to obtain the optimum CTM. Numerical examples demonstrate the good performance and high computational efficiency of the method.
Diphase flame‐retardant effect of ammonium polyphosphate and dimethyl methyl phosphonate on polyisocyanurate‐polyurethane foam
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Yuen Richard K. K.
Published: July 2018

Building energy consumption is an important component in the total social energy consumption. How to reduce building energy consumption became an important issue in today's society. Therefore, building insulation materials, as a kind of effective energy saving method, has been widely used for the external walls. However, the occurrence of many building fires caused by the ignition of the flammable insulation materials has brought serious damage to people. Consequently, it is significant to develop insulation materials which possess high level of fire safety. The aim of this study was to develop high efficient phosphorus‐based flame‐retardant system for polyisocyanurate‐polyurethane (PIR‐PUR) foam. Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was used as condensed phase flame retardant and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) were used as gas phase flame retardant for preparing flame‐retardant PIR‐PUR foam. The flame retardancy, thermal decomposition, and combustion behaviors of PIR‐PUR foams were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical burning test, thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter test (Cone), and microscale combustion calorimeter test, respectively. The LOI results showed that the PIR‐PUR sample simultaneously containing APP and DMMP possessed higher flame retardant efficiency, which indicated that APP and DMMP possessed synergistic flame‐retardant effect in PIR‐PUR foam. Cone results indicated that the presence of DMMP can delay the ignition of specimen and delay the time to reach the maximal peak heat release rate. Moreover, the mechanical performance and thermal insulating properties were evaluated, respectively.
High open‐circuit voltage CuSbS2 solar cells achieved through the formation of epitaxial growth of CdS/CuSbS2 hetero‐interface by post‐annealing treatment
Authors: Zhang Yuanfang , Huang Jialiang , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Cui Xin , Liu Fangyang , Liu Ziheng , Zhang Xueyun , Liu Xu , Stride John A. , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2018

The earth‐abundant and environmentally‐friendly CuSbS2 solar cells have been struggling with low device performance, especially poor open circuit voltage (Voc). In this work, post‐annealing treatment of the CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction performed on CuSbS2‐based solar cells was firstly reported. With this treatment, we demonstrated CuSbS2 solar cells with a record Voc of 622 mV. The improvement of device performance was found peaked at 250°C post‐annealing which mainly benefits from the significantly boosted open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current. The study of microstructure by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that such improvement could be attributed to the formation of epitaxial CuSbS2/CdS hetero‐interface upon heat treatment, which reduces the interface defect density that may lead to reduced Voc deficit. Besides, results of photoluminescence and time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements also indicated improved electrical properties of completed devices with higher photoluminescence intensity and longer minority carrier lifetime.
A Systematic Method to Determine and Test the Ignition and Growth Reactive Flow Model Parameters of a Newly Designed Polymer‐Bonded Explosive
Authors: Li Xiao , Sun Yi , Zhao Hongda , Xiao Youcai , Cai Xuanming , Zhang Qiuhua , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a systematic method to determine and test the ignition and growth reactive flow model parameters of a new energetic material PBX 1314 (60 weight % RDX, 16 weight % aluminum and 24 weight % HTPB) is presented. Cylinder test and shock initiation experiments are performed to study the shock initiation property of the explosive. Ignition and growth parameters are determined based on the experimental data. Test of the obtained parameters is performed by the comparison of the reaction fraction in the impact initiation and energy release experiments and the corresponding numerical simulations. The simulation results reveal that the proceeding of reaction and energy release are unsteady and inhomogeneous. Pressure decline quenches the reaction in the impact layer of the specimen although the impact pressure is more than 7 GPa. Wave reflection and superposition strengthen the pressure in the top of the specimen and triggers detonation.
iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteome revealed metabolic changes of Sitophilus zeamais in response to terpinen‐4‐ol fumigation
Authors: Huang Yong , Liao Min , Yang Qianqian , Xiao Jinjing , Hu Zhaoyin , Cao Haiqun
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Terpinen‐4‐ol has high insecticidal activity towards the stored‐grain pest Sitophilus zeamais, a key pest of cereals worldwide. Comparative proteomic analysis can identify proteins related to the response to terpinen‐4‐ol fumigation in S. zeamais, improving our understanding of the mechanisms behind the insecticidal activity and the detoxification of terpinen‐4‐ol in insects.

RESULTS

Using an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐based strategy, 2761 proteins were obtained from S. zeamais adults. Comparative proteomic analysis showed that 215 proteins were upregulated and 129 were downregulated after exposure to terpinen‐4‐ol. Based on functional classifications, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in the carbohydrate, energy and xenobiotics metabolism pathways. DEPs associated with lactose, sucrose and starch metabolism were identified, including alcohol dehydrogenase, aldose reductase, β‐galactosidase, maltase, and myrosinase. Among detoxification‐related proteins, the levels of 14 cytochrome P450s, seven glutathione S‐transferases, and three UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases were altered, most of which were upregulated after exposure to terpinen‐4‐ol.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic changes indicated that terpinen‐4‐ol could affect the energy supply and potentially be metabolized and detoxified by various enzymes in S. zeamais. The results provide a foundation for further functional studies of key proteins mediated by terpinen‐4‐ol. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
NF‐κB and AMPK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways are involved in the protective effects of Platycodon grandiflorum saponins against acetaminophen‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Leng Jing , Wang Zi , Fu Cheng‐lin , Zhang Jing , Ren Shen , Hu Jun‐nan , Jiang Shuang , Wang Ying‐ping , Chen Chen , Li Wei
Published: July 2018

Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug‐induced liver injury. Saponins from Platycodon grandiflorum (PGSs) ameliorate alcohol‐induced hepatotoxicity and enhance human lung carcinoma cell death via AMPK signaling pathway. However, whether PGS could protect from APAP‐induced ALI through AMPK activation and its downstream signals is still poorly elucidated. This work investigated the protective effect and the underlying mechanisms of PGS against APAP‐induced liver toxicity in mouse. PGS was administered at 15 or 30 mg/kg i.g./day for 1 week before a single injection of APAP (250 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 hr after last treatment of PGS. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases, liver tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β levels, liver malondialdehyde formation, liver glutathione depletion, cytochrome P450 E1, and 4‐hydroxynonenal levels were measured to demonstrate the protective efficacy of PGS against APAP‐induced ALI. Liver histological observation provided further evidence on PGS's protective effects. PGS treatment altered the phosphorylation of AMPK and PI3K/Akt, as well as the downstream signals including Bcl‐2 family, caspase, and NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrate that PGS exhibits a significant liver protection against APAP‐induced ALI, mainly through NF‐κB and AMPK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
Event‐triggered filtering and intermittent fault detection for time‐varying systems with stochastic parameter uncertainty and sensor saturation
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Christofides Panagiotis D. , He Xiao , Wu Zhe , Zhang Zhihao , Zhou Donghua
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the event‐triggered filtering and intermittent fault detection problems are investigated for a class of time‐varying systems with stochastic parameter uncertainty and sensor saturation. Due to the existence of event‐triggered mechanism, the measured signal could be transmitted only when it satisfies the triggering condition. An event‐triggered filter is developed, which takes the event‐triggered mechanism, parameter uncertainty, and sensor saturation into full consideration but does not depend on any specific uncertainty structure. By utilizing the inductive and stochastic analysis technique, the filter gain is designed to ensure that the upper bound of the estimation error covariance is minimized at each time step. Based on the proposed filter, a residual is generated and the corresponding evaluation function and detection threshold are given to achieve fault detection. At last, two simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
Adaptive prescribed performance control of nonlinear output‐feedback systems with unknown control direction
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Xi , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: July 2018

This paper focuses on the output‐feedback tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with both unknown nonlinearities and unknown control directions. An adaptive prescribed performance controller combined with a Nussbaum gain and a dividing line is proposed to solve the problem. Compared with the existing results, (i) both the convergence rate and the ultimate bound of the tracking error can be prescribed; (ii) no approximating structures such as neuro/fuzzy systems are used, regardless of unknown nonlinear functions; and (iii) the computational burden is alleviated in the sense that the iterative calculation of command derivatives is avoided and the number of online learning parameters is largely reduced. Simulation results are given to further illustrate the established theoretical findings.
Analyzing differences between microbiome communities using mixture distributions
Authors: Shestopaloff Konstantin , Escobar Michael D. , Xu Wei
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we present a method to assess differences between microbiome communities that effectively models sparse count data and accounts for presence‐absence bias frequently encountered when zeros are present. We assume that the observed data for each operational taxonomic unit is Poisson generated with the rate for each sample originating from an underlying rate distribution. We propose to model this distribution using a mixture model, specifying the components based on the posterior rate distribution of a count and estimating the optimal weights using a least squares objective function. The distribution incorporates varying resolutions of samples, a point mass for differentiating structural and nonstructural zeros, and a truncation point mass to account for high values that are too sparse to model. As mixture component specification is not always straightforward, a method to estimate a joint model from several mixture distributions using minimum distances of bootstrap iterates is proposed. Once the population rate distribution is approximated, we obtain sample‐specific distributions by conditioning on the observed operational taxonomic unit count, resolution, and estimated mixture distribution and then use these to estimate pairwise distances for a permutation test. The method gives an accurate estimate of the true proportion of zeros for presence‐absence, effectively models the distribution of low counts using the mixture distribution, and achieves good power for detecting differences in a variety of scenarios. The method is tested using a simulation study and applied to two microbiome datasets. In each case, the results are compared with a number of existing methods.
Unactivated sp3 C‐H Functionalization by I2/DMSO: An Efficient Method to Synthesize Isatins†
Authors: Salvanna Nayaki , Reddy Lonka Madhava , Kumar Rathod Aravind , Das Biswanath
Published: July 2018

Iodine‐mediated efficient synthesis of isatins in one‐pot from easily available 2‐ethylanilines using I2/TBHP and DMSO is developed via oxidation of sp3bond and intramolecular C−N bond formation. The reaction involves iodination, Kornblum oxidation and intramolecular amidation in a single reactor. The present method is simple under metal and base‐free conditions to access isatins in good yields (72‐84%).The method is also applicable for the synthesis of isatins from 2‐vinylanilines.
Laboratorial Analysis of Inclusions Formed by Reoxidation in Tundish Steelmaking
Authors: Alves Pedro Cunha , Pereira Julio Aníbal Morales , da Rocha Vinicius Cardoso , Bielefeldt Wagner Viana , Vilela Antônio Cezar Faria
Published: July 2018

In order to investigate the formation of inclusions by reoxidation in the tundish, an MgO–CaO gunning mass (GM1), an MgO gunning mass (GM2), a calcium aluminate tundish slag (TS), and a rice husk ash (RHA) silica based are evaluated. The interaction between the steel and these materials is analyzed under laboratory conditions. The experimental results for the chemical composition of steel and the types of inclusions formed satisfactory reach the thermodynamic equilibrium calculated by FactSage. GM1 presents better results for inclusion density and average size of inclusions compared to GM2. The experiment with TS presents a good steel cleanliness despite the formation of numerous alumina inclusions, caused by the reaction between the slag and the alumina crucible. The addition of RHA increases the inclusion density and average size of inclusions, and also the formation of CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 oxides inclusions is favored. RHA has harmful effects concerning reoxidation events, deteriorating the good cleanliness obtained with the TS. The experiments with GM1 and TS are less reoxidative and presents a better steel cleanliness. Thus, the usage of this gunning mass and a calcium aluminate slag without RHA is preferable in order to diminish reoxidation during the tundish steelmaking.
Photo‐Controlled Release of Small Signaling Molecules to Induce Biological Responses
Authors: Nakagawa Hidehiko
Published: July 2018

Chemical modifications of proteins or cofactors, including acetylation and oxidation of amino acid residues of various signal proteins, whether transient or successive, play key roles in modulating biological functions. Small molecules that have signaling functions in biological systems through the chemical modification of proteins include nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. To investigate the pathophysiological roles of these molecules, caged compounds have been developed that allow precise spatiotemporal control of the release of these species in response to photoirradiation in the ultraviolet or visible region. For example, photocontrollable NO releasers can regulate the responses of blood vessels in vivo and ex vivo. In addition, photocontrollable (caged) inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) can be used to regulate HDAC activity in response to photoirradiation. Such photocontrol technology has provided chemical tools for a variety of biological studies, including investigations of epigenetic mechanisms.
Conceptualization of the real economy and Islamic finance: Transformation beyond the asset‐link rhetoric
Authors: Farooq Mohammad O. , Selim Mohammad
Published: July 2018

A key factor behind the chronic crises in modern economies is the growing dominance of financialization and the resulting disconnect between the real economy and the financial sector, to which conventional financial industry is a key contributor. In contrast, Islamic finance claims to be real‐economy‐oriented, as all transactions must be asset‐linked (asset‐backed or asset‐based). However, is Islamic Finance based on proper conceptualization of the real economy? What is the real economy and its dynamics? How Islamic finance is interfaced with the real economy? In this article, the claimed real‐economy‐orientation is examined by presenting a conceptualization of the real economy and then evaluating the related discourse accordingly. The analysis presented, especially for noneconomists, exposes a serious gap between the claims about Islamic finance and the real economy it is supposed to advance. Appropriate conceptualization of the real economy can help the industry to be relevant and effective for broader socioeconomic transformation.
High‐throughput computational screening of layered and two‐dimensional materials
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen An , Zhou Zhen
Published: July 2018

The successful exfoliation of graphene and other kinds of two‐dimensional (2D) materials from their corresponding three‐dimensional (3D) bulk counterparts has inspired researchers to screen layered bulk compounds as parent materials for potential 2D materials. With the rapid development of supercomputers and high‐performance computations, high‐throughput materials screening is a growing new power in materials science for the discovery of novel kinds of materials with desired functionality. Recently, many parent 3D bulks have been identified by high‐throughput screening from materials databases for potential 2D materials, and several 2D materials databases are established through numerous efforts. In addition, on the basis of high‐throughput computations for electronic properties and data‐mining algorithms, several functional layered and 2D materials, such as electrode materials, photohydrolytic catalysts, half metals, piezoelectric monolayers and heterostructures, have been achieved. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the high‐throughput screening of parent candidates for 2D materials and their further applications, and the challenges and perspectives are also briefly discussed. We highly expect that this review could lead the way forward in the discovery of novel 2D materials and provide a guide for the further development of 2D materials.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Code obfuscation against abstraction refinement attacks
Authors: Bruni Roberto , Giacobazzi Roberto , Gori Roberta
Published: July 2018

Code protection technologies require anti reverse engineering transformations to obfuscate programs in such a way that tools and methods for program analysis become ineffective. We introduce the concept of model deformation inducing an effective code obfuscation against attacks performed by abstract model checking. This means complicating the model in such a way a high number of spurious traces are generated in any formal verification of the property to disclose about the system under attack.We transform the program model in order to make the removal of spurious counterexamples by abstraction refinement maximally inefficient. Because our approach is intended to defeat the fundamental abstraction refinement strategy, we are independent from the specific attack carried out by abstract model checking. A measure of the quality of the obfuscation obtained by model deformation is given together with a corresponding best obfuscation strategy for abstract model checking based on partition refinement.
Phytobeozar large bowel obstruction – The prickly pear (A single centre experience and case series report)
Authors: Zahra Samuel , Sammut Matthew , Debono Joseph
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

A bezoar, describes a non-digestible item material. Phytobezoars described in the literature include celery, pumpkins and grape skins. There is a lack of literature describing the Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as the prickly pear, as a cause of phytobezoar obstruction.

Aim:

To describe a single centre experience with prickly pear bowel obstruction and to perform a case series about prickly pear obstruction.

Results:

23 patients required surgical manual disimpaction under anaesthesia due to large bowel obstruction caused by prickly pears between 2014 and 2017. No correlation was identified between quantity ingested and risk of obstruction. A ′faecoloma' was visible on plain abdominal radiographs in most patients. Administration of laxatives was administered in most patients after the manual disimpaction.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the opuntia ficus indica is a ‘multi-purpose’ fruit used from the agricultural sector to the pharmaceutical industry. Its use is likely to increase worldwide, including as a source of food/delicacy, espiceially in countries who promote it as part of their traditional gastronomy. Our experience, has taught us, the prickly pear seeds can lead to large bowel faecal impaction secondary to distal faecoloma formation, when consumed, with no obvious correlation between quantity ingested and risk of obstruction. Utilisation of the osmotic based laxatives is effective but manual disimpaction may be necessary for the phytobezoar induced large bowel obstruction to be relieved.

Highlights:
An Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Lateral Medullary Syndrome
Authors: Chan Ivan T.F.
Published: July 2018

This case report describes occupational therapy interventions focussed on improving the activities of daily living performance of a 73-year-old male recovering from Wallenberg syndrome, which resulted from a lateral medullary infarction. Historically, one of the most widely used approaches to physical rehabilitation in neurological populations has been the reflex-hierarchical theories, which are not supported in the literature as being effective for improving functional performance. Therefore, a contemporary task-oriented approach was used as a theoretical base for this case report. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework was used to structure the occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcome of this case.
Client-Centred Concepts in a Personalized E-Mail Support Intervention Designed for Chinese Caregivers of Family Members with Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chiu Teresa M.L. , Marziali Elsa , Tang Mary , Colantonio Angela , Carswell Anne
Published: July 2018

Objective

A new personalized e-mail supported intervention was designed based on client-centred occupational therapy concepts. Research showed that the new intervention benefit Chinese caregivers. This study aimed to analyze the content and process of the new intervention and explore how the client-centred concepts can be applied to Internet-mediated intervention.

Methods

Twenty-eight Chinese Canadian family caregivers exchanged e-mails with Chinese clinicians for 6 months. E-mail was the sole form of communication between the caregivers and clinicians who provided conventional one-to-one support intervention via the e-mail medium. All e-mail exchanges were analyzed using an open coding system.

Results

The communication process through e-mail exchanges paralleled those presented in face-to-face support interventions. The caregivers' approach to caregiving was guided by Chinese beliefs in (a) honouring and respecting parents and grandparents; (b) sharing the care among family members, thereby insuring a harmonious family life; and (c) shaping emotional responses to avoid disruption to the harmonious family life. Core client-centred concepts were reflected in the intervention strategies, and the caregivers were responsive to the strategies. Therapists used special questions and responses to compensate for a lack of nonverbal cues in the communication process but had difficulty in assessing what prevented some caregivers from participating in the intervention process.

Conclusion

Client-centred occupational therapy can be successfully applied in the context of e-mail intervention and benefited Chinese caregivers. As the Internet has become a daily activity among many clients and occupational therapists, more studies are needed to advance the theory and practice of Internet-mediated occupational therapy.
Transfer of pathogens to and from patients, healthcare providers, and medical devices during care activity—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wolfensberger Aline , Clack Lauren , Kuster Stefan P. , Passerini Simone , Mody Lona , Chopra Vineet , Mann Jason , Sax Hugo
Published: July 2018

Objective

The transfer of pathogens may spread antimicrobial resistance and lead to healthcare-acquired infections. We performed a systematic literature review to generate estimates of pathogen transfer in relation to healthcare provider (HCP) activities.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline/Ovid, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published before July 7, 2017. We reviewed the literature, examining transfer of pathogens associated with HCP activities. We included studies that (1) quantified transfer of pathogens from a defined origin to a defined destination surface; (2) reported a microbiological sampling technique; and (3) described the associated activity leading to transfer. For studies reporting transfer frequencies, we extracted data and calculated the estimated proportion using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation and the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model.

Results

Of 13,121 identified articles, 32 were included. Most articles (n=27, 84%) examined transfer from patients and their environment to HCP hands, gloves, and gowns, with an estimated proportion for transfer frequency of 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12%–57%), 30% (95% CI, 23%–38%) and 10% (95% CI, 6%–14%), respectively. Other articles addressed transfer involving the hospital environment and medical devices. Risk factor analyses in 12 studies suggested higher transfer frequencies after contact with moist body sites (n=7), longer duration of care (n=5), and care of patients with an invasive device (n=3).

Conclusions

Recognizing the heterogeneity in study designs, the available evidence suggests that pathogen transfer to HCPs occurs frequently. More systematic research is urgently warranted to support targeted and economic prevention policies and interventions.