bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Congeners from Distilled Spirits of Different Sources
Authors: Iwouno Jude O. , Ofoedu Chigozie E. , Aniche Vivian N.
Published: February 2019

Aim: With recent increase in health-related incidence arising from consumption of spirit beverages in Nigeria, there is need to investigate the prevalence of possible contaminants in spirits that may have toxicological effect on human when consumed. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and levels of congeners present in spirits obtained from fermentates of cassava, molasses and palm wine purchased from different locations.

Study Design: This study was made to fit a one way Analysis of Variance.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at laboratory of Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Project Development Agency (PRODA) Enugu and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between April 2017 and November 2018.

Methodology: Analysis of common congeners in spirits of cassava, molasses and palm wine fermentates obtained through distillation method was carried out using the Gas-Chromatography. Physicochemical properties of the spirits measured were specific gravity, pH and viscosity. The spirit distillates were analysed for concentrations of ethanol, higher alcohols and possible congeners such as esters, ethyl carbamate (EC) and ethyl acetate.

Results: The distillates yielded alcoholic content of 39.00 to 46.71%. Ethyl carbamate content of spirits from cassava recorded an average mean value of 13.44 µg/l which was not significantly different from (P > .05) spirits from molasses and palm wine, with an average mean values of 12.49 µg/l and 13.75 µg/l respectively. The most important higher alcohols of the spirit distillates responsible for aromatic characteristic of spirits were found to be 1-propanol (0.06-0.11%), isobutyl alcohol (0.02-0.09%) and isoamyl alcohol (0.12-0.76%). The type and location of raw materials did not significantly affect the concentrations of the available congeners found in the distilled spirits. Good fermentation employed in this research work significantly reduced the concentrations of the detected congeners.

Conclusion: Comparing the results with data from literature, it can be concluded that the concentrations of all investigated volatile compounds in the samples of spirits from cassava, palm wine and molasses are commonly acceptable. Federal regulatory agencies such as National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) should be encouraged to carry out routine analysis on commonly produced and sold spirit beverages in order to prevent sale of contaminated drinks.
Influence of Coral Architecture on Species Richness and the Hierarchical Structuration of Species Abundances in Reef Fish Communities: A Case Study in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: February 2019

The role of coral reef architecture on species richness and the internal structuration of the associated fish communities has already been addressed several times. The reported results, however, usually remain controversial, possibly because they are based upon incomplete field data issued from partial inventories. Indeed, incomplete samplings are almost unavoidable in practice with such species-rich communities having very uneven distribution of abundances. In this context, the numerical extrapolation of incompletely sampled communities may serve as a reliable surrogate. Accordingly, numerical extrapolations were implemented, here, to compare two fish-communities respectively associated to coral reefs that sharply differ from each-other by their topographic architectures. Both a higher total species richness and a sharper unevenness of species abundances were found to characterize the fish community associated to the more tormented reef habitat exhibiting the more complex architecture. Yet, paradoxically, the true intensity of the underlying process of hierarchical structuring of abundances proves being insensitive to the architecture of coral habitats. This apparent opposition between the unevenness pattern and the underlying structuring process results, in fact, from the additional negative dependence of abundance unevenness upon species richness.
Farm Level Indicators of Sustainable Land Management: Effect on Agricultural Production in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyewo I. O. , Oladeebo J. O. , Adesope A. A. , Raufu M. O.
Published: February 2019

Farmland sustainability and increased agricultural production have been a major concern of average farmers in Nigeria especially in South Western part of the Country. The study examines the farm level indicators and their effects on agricultural production among rural farmers. Multi-stage methods of sampling technique were used to select fifty respondents for this study using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed by the use of descriptive such as means, percentage, standard deviation and fuzzy logic analysis. The result shows that average age of farmer, farm size, household size and farming experience are 52.28 years, 2.072 hectare, 6.80 and 29.42 years of farming experience respectively. The fuzzy logic method was used to compute the composite indicator of sustainable land use (ISLU) which was 0.2843 indicating that farmers' land management practices in the study area are generally sustainable with the current application of the indicators. Land fallowing, trends of vegetative cover, irrigation, pesticide used among others contributed a higher percentage of land use sustainability with about 3.8% each, while minimum tillage, cover crops, crop rotation and cassava cutting use had no contribution to land use sustainability. The study recommends that rural water should be made available and that informal training through extension services should be conducted to educate farmers on sustainable land management (SLM) practices in order to have a better environment and improve production in the study area.
Selection in Base Population of Ornamental Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Lima José Ayron Moraes de , Rêgo Elizanilda Ramalho do , Porcino Mirelly Miguel , Silva Glauber Henrique Nunes da , Carvalho Michelle Gonçalves de , Pessoa Ângela Maria dos Santos , Rêgo Mailson Monteiro do
Published: February 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize and select plants with ornamental potential and resistant to pathogens in generation F2.

Study Design: For genetic divergence analysis, Tocher's grouping method was used, based on the standardized Euclidean distance. Analyses were carried out for the quantitative and qualitative data separately and also for the data together. In addition, the relative importance of the characteristics evaluated for genetic divergence was calculated using SINGH's Methodology (1981). All analyses were performed using the computational Genes program.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Center of Agrarian Sciences (CCA) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). The treatments consisted of 354 progenies, an F2 generation of ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum L), belonging to the Germplasm Bank of UFPB, derived from the controlled self-fertilization of F1 and obtained from the crossing between the parents UFPB390 X UFPB137. Plants grown in vessels of 900 mL filled with commercial substrate. There was variability among genotypes for the evaluated characters.

Methodology: Genotypes were characterized according to the descriptors for Capsicum suggested by IPGRI. 20 quantitative characters and 4 qualitative in ornamental peppers were evaluated. Leaves identified from an optical microscope using the illustrated descriptor of imperfect fungus.

Results: The variability between genotypes was higher for qualitative characters related to disease resistance. It is possible to select individual plants for opening lines in Generation F3. 7 plants; 7; 15; 50; 69; 120; 155; 157; 196; 314; 326; 331; 347 should be selected for not presenting symptoms of fungi diseases.

Conclusion: Greater diversity among genotypes was detected when the incidence of diseases in the plants was evaluated. The plants 7; 15; 50; 69; 120; 155; 157; 196; 314; 326; 331; 347 should be selected because they do not present symptoms of fungal diseases.
Improved recombinant expression and purification of functional plant Rubisco
Authors: Wilson Robert H. , Thieulin‐Pardo Gabriel , Hartl Franz‐Ulrich , Hayer‐Hartl Manajit
Published: February 2019

Improving the performance of the key photosynthetic enzyme Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) by protein engineering is a critical strategy for increasing crop yields. The extensive chaperone requirement of plant Rubisco for folding and assembly has long been an impediment to this goal. Production of plant Rubisco in Escherichia coli requires the coexpression of the chloroplast chaperonin and four assembly factors. Here, we demonstrate that simultaneous expression of Rubisco and chaperones from a T7 promotor produces high levels of functional enzyme. Expressing the small subunit of Rubisco with a C‐terminal hexahistidine‐tag further improved assembly, resulting in a ~ 12‐fold higher yield than the previously published procedure. The expression system described here provides a platform for the efficient production and engineering of plant Rubisco.
Strong Damping‐Like Spin‐Orbit Torque and Tunable Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya Interaction Generated by Low‐Resistivity Pd1−xPtx Alloys
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Sobotkiewich Kemal , Ma Xin , Li Xiaoqin , Ralph Daniel C. , Buhrman Robert A.
Published: February 2019

Despite their great promise for providing a pathway for very efficient and fast manipulation of magnetization, spin‐orbit torque (SOT) operations are currently energy inefficient due to a low damping‐like SOT efficiency per unit current bias, and/or the very high resistivity of the spin Hall materials. This work reports an advantageous spin Hall material, Pd1−xPtx, which combines a low resistivity with a giant spin Hall effect as evidenced with three independent SOT ferromagnetic detectors. The optimal Pd0.25Pt0.75 alloy has a giant internal spin Hall ratio of >0.60 (damping‐like SOT efficiency of ≈0.26 for all three ferromagnets) and a low resistivity of ≈57.5 µΩ cm at a 4 nm thickness. Moreover, it is found that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), the key ingredient for the manipulation of chiral spin arrangements (e.g., magnetic skyrmions and chiral domain walls), is considerably strong at the Pd1−xPtx/Fe0.6Co0.2B0.2 interface when compared to that at Ta/Fe0.6Co0.2B0.2 or W/Fe0.6Co0.2B0.2 interfaces and can be tuned by a factor of 5 through control of the interfacial spin‐orbital coupling via the heavy metal composition. This work establishes a very effective spin current generator that combines a notably high energy efficiency with a very strong and tunable DMI for advanced chiral spintronics and spin torque applications.
Using Soft Robotic Technology to Fabricate a Proof‐of‐Concept Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR) Device
Authors: Amiri Moghadam Amir Ali , Jang Sun‐Joo , Caprio Alexandre , Liu Jun , Singh Harsimran S. , Min James K. , Dunham Simon , Mosadegh Bobak
Published: February 2019

Soft robotic technology has great potential for advancing the performance of transcatheter cardiac devices, due to its inherent properties for conformability and simple actuation. This work provides a proof‐of‐concept tricuspid valve that can be delivered via a catheter and made with soft balloons in order to avoid critical anatomical features in the tricuspid valve and to enhance anchoring. This soft valve is inflatable and thus can be repositioned during delivery to conform and anchor well to the native anatomy. Using a 3D printed model of the tricuspid valve, which is segmented from a patient CT scan, the anchoring force, functionality of the valve, and prevention of paravalvular leakage are demonstrated.
Low‐Power, Flexible Nonvolatile Organic Transistor Memory Based on an Ultrathin Bilayer Dielectric Stack
Authors: Pak Kwanyong , Choi Junhwan , Lee Changhyeon , Im Sung Gap
Published: February 2019

Organic thin film transistor nonvolatile memories (OTFT‐NVMs) with polymeric electret layers have attracted research attention for the application to emerging wearable electronics. However, it is challenging to develop low‐power flexible OTFT‐NVMs due to the lack of candidate polymers for flexible electret and blocking dielectric layer (BDL) equipped with the thickness downscalability and sufficiently strong insulating properties. Here, this study reports a low‐power, flexible OTFT‐NVM fabricated with a bilayer dielectric stack composed of a 3 nm thick polymer electret layer and a high‐performance BDL prepared via an initiated chemical vapor deposition process. Especially, a crosslinked poly(1,4‐butanediol diacrylate) film is newly synthesized as a BDL, which shows excellent insulating properties with high breakdown field (Ebreak > 8 MV cm−1 with its thickness of 21.3 nm). Coupled with a 3 nm thick polymer electret layer (poly(1,3,5‐trimethyl‐1,3,5‐trivinyl cyclotrisiloxane)), the fabricated NVMs exhibit a tunable memory window with dramatically reduced programming/erasing voltages less than 15 V and an extrapolated retention time as long as 108 s. Moreover, the device maintains their memory performance up to 1.6% of applied tensile strain. The OTFT‐NVMs with the ultrathin dielectric stack can serve as a promising dielectric for stable data storage in various future wearable electronics.
Tailored Plum Pudding‐Like Co2P/Sn Encapsulated with Carbon Nanobox Shell as Superior Anode Materials for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Ren Xiaochuan , Ren Zhiguo , Li Qingwei , Wen Wen , Li Xiaofang , Chen Ye , Xie Lei , Zhang Liao , Zhu Daming , Gao Biao , Chu Paul K. , Huo Kaifu
Published: February 2019

Sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) are emerging energy storage devices with high energy, high power, and durable life. Sn is a promising anode material for lithium storage, but the poor conductivity of the a‐NaSn phase upon sodaition hinders its implementation in SICs. Herein, a superior Sn‐based anode material consisting of plum pudding‐like Co2P/Sn yolk encapsulated with nitrogen‐doped carbon nanobox (Co2P/Sn@NC) for high‐performance SICs is reported. The 8–10 nm metallic nanoparticles produced in situ are uniformly dispersed in the amorphous Sn matrix serving as conductive fillers to facilitate electron transfer in spite of the formation of electrically resistive a‐NaSn phase during cycling. Meanwhile, the carbon shell buffers the large expansion of active Sn and provides a stable electrode–electrolyte interface. Owing to these merits, the yolk–shell Co2P/Sn@NC demonstrates a large capacity of 394 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, high rate capability of 168 mA h g−1 at 5000 mA g−1, and excellent cyclability with 87% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles. By integrating the Co2P/Sn@NC anode with a peanut shell‐derived carbon cathode in the SIC, high energy densities of 112.3 and 43.7 Wh kg−1 at power densities of 100 and 10 000 W kg−1 are achieved.
A conductive cell‐imprinted substrate based on CNT–PDMS composite
Authors: Kavand Hanie , Rahaie Mahdi , Koohsorkhi Javad , Haghighipour Nooshin , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: February 2019

Cell function regulation is influenced by continuous biochemical and biophysical signal exchange within the body. Substrates with nano/micro‐scaled topographies that mimic the physiological niche are widely applied for tissue engineering applications. As the cartilage niche is composed of several stimulating factors, a multifunctional substrate providing topographical features while having the capability of electrical stimulation is presented. Herein, we demonstrate a biocompatible and conductive chondrocyte cell‐imprinted substrate using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers. Unlike the conventional silicon wafers or structural photoresist masters used for molding, cell surface topographical replication is challenging as biological cells showed extremely sensitive to chemical solvent residues during molding. The composite showed no significant difference compared with PDMS with regard to cytotoxicity, whereas an enhanced cell adhesion was observed on the conductive composite's surface. Integration of nanomaterials into the cell seeding scaffolds can make tissue regeneration process more efficient.
An evolutionary and developmental biology approach to gastroschisis
Authors: Opitz John M. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Botto Lorenzo D.
Published: February 2019

Recent advances have now made it possible to speak of gastroschisis narrowly in morphogenetic terms invoking the Rittler–Beaudoin (R–B) model. This proceeds from the appreciation of gastroschisis as a congenital intestinal herniation (without cover or liver) within the primordial umbilical ring, mostly to the right side of a normally formed umbilical cord. Presently, it is unresolved whether this visceral prolapse represents failure of ring closure before return of the physiological hernia into the abdomen or rupture of the delicate amniotic/peritoneal membrane at the ring's edge to the right of the cord. Animal observations and experiments will be required to address this question effectively.

If gastroschisis is, in fact, a primary malformation with the primordial umbilical ring as the developmental field involved, then homology implies potential gastroschisis in all amniotes with corresponding nourishment from yolk sac (aka omphalomesenteric) vessels going into the embryo and excretory products out via the ancient umbilical connection. It also implies homology of corresponding morphogenetic signal transduction cascades.

We review the history of gastroschisis, its presumed pathogenesis, and the developmental biology of the amniotic umbilical ring from this perspective. Therefore, based on the animal and human evidence to date, we propose that gastroschisis is a primary midline malformation that involves the umbilical canal from amniotic to peritoneal space and its primordial umbilical ring, either through nonclosure or rupture of the membrane covering the area, mostly to the right, between the cord and the edge of the ring.
BIS‐guided deep anesthesia decreases short‐term postoperative cognitive dysfunction and peripheral inflammation in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery
Authors: Quan Chengxuan , Chen Jia , Luo Yuting , Zhou Lei , He Xi , Liao Yan , Chou Jing , Guo Qulian , Chen Alex F. , Wen Ouyang
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common clinical complication, with an underlying pathophysiology linked to heightened levels of neuroinflammation. However, it requires clarification as to whether the depth of anesthesia modulates postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the association between depth of anesthesia and POCD in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods

A total of 120 patients aged 60 years or older who were planned for abdominal surgery under total intravenous anesthesia were included in this study. The depth of anesthesia was guided by monitoring Bispectral Index (BIS) data. All study participants completed a battery of nine neuropsychological tests before surgery and at 7 days and 3 months after surgery. POCD was calculated by using the reliable change index. Plasma concentration of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐10, S‐100β, and norepinephrine (NE) were measured.

Results

The incidence of POCD at 7 days after surgery in the deep anesthesia group was 19.2% (10/52), which was significantly lower (p = 0.032) than the light anesthesia group 39.6% (21/53). The depth of anesthesia had no effect on POCD at 3 months after surgery (10.3% vs 14.6%, respectively, p = 0.558). Similarly, plasma levels of CRP and IL‐1β in deep anesthesia group were lower than that in light anesthesia group at 7 days after surgery (p < 0.05), but not at 3 months after surgery (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the plasma concentration of IL‐10, S‐100β, and NE between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Deep anesthesia under total intravenous anesthesia could decrease the occurrence of short‐term POCD and inhibit postoperative peripheral inflammation in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery, compared with light anesthesia.
Production of 2,3‐butanediol byKlebsiella pneumoniaeBLh‐1 andPantoea agglomeransBL1 cultivated in acid and enzymatic hydrolysates of soybean hull
Authors: Cortivo Paulo R. D. , Machado Jonas , Hickert Lilian R. , Rossi Daniele M. , Ayub Marco A. Z.
Published: February 2019

We investigated the production of 2,3‐butanediol by two enterobacteria isolated from an environmental consortium,Klebsiella pneumoniaeBLh‐1 andPantoea agglomeransBL1, in a bioprocess using acid and enzymatic hydrolysates of soybean hull as substrates. Cultivations were carried out in orbital shaker under microaerophilic conditions, at 30°C and 37°C, for both bacteria. Both hydrolysates presented high osmotic pressures, around 2,000 mOsm/kg, with varying concentrations of glucose, xylose, and arabinose. Both bacteria were able to grow in the hydrolysates, at both temperatures, and they efficiently converted sugars into 2,3‐butanediol, showing yields varying from 0.25 to 0.51 g/g of sugars and maximum 2,3‐butanediol concentrations varying from 6.4 to 21.9 g/L. Other metabolic products were also obtained in lower amounts, notably ethanol, which peaked at 3.6 g/L in cultures using the enzymatic hydrolysate at 30°C. These results suggest the potential use of these recently isolated bacteria to convert lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates into value‐added products.
Anatomic morphology and clinical significance of intraforaminal ligaments of the cervical spine
Authors: Yang Yemei , Shi Benchao , Duan Yang , Qiu Sujun , Liu Zhenhua
Published: February 2019

The cause of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy could be related to the intraforaminal ligaments (IFLs) of the cervical spine. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the IFLs and assess their clinical significance. Six intact cervical spine specimens from adult embalmed cadavers were dissected to expose the cervical nerve roots and their surrounding intraforaminal tissues fully. From the C1‐C2 to the C7‐T1 intervertebral foramina (IVF), the connective structures between each nerve root and its surrounding foraminal wall were examined under a surgical microscope. The morphology, number, and attachment points of the IFLs of each segment were documented, and the length, width, or diameter and thickness of the ligaments were measured with a vernier caliper. IFLs were observed in all 84 IVFs of the cervical spine. According to their locations, they can be divided into two categories: the first is entrance‐zone IFLs, which are radially distributed around the nerve root; the second is mid‐zone IFLs, which are thin, strip‐shaped fibrous tissues intertwined around the nerve roots, the number of ligaments being considerable but difficult to quantify. Ligament structures have been identified in the IVF of the cervical spine. Under physiological conditions, they could be protective in maintaining the position, shape, and function of nerve roots. However, under pathological conditions, the IFLs of the cervical spine could aggravate the symptoms of cervical nerve root radicular pain associated with other types of compression. Clin. Anat. 32:654–660, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Properties of Novel Phosphonium Salts Bearing 1,4‐Dihydroxyaryl Fragment
Authors: Khasiyatullina Nadezhda R. , Mironov Vladimir F. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Sapunova Anastasiya S.
Published: February 2019

A versatile two‐step pathway to the synthesis of triaryl(2,5‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐3‐(propan‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐ and triaryl(1,4‐dihydroxynaphthyl)phosphonium salts from triarylphosphonium trifluoroacetates was developed. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions (20 °C, CH2Cl2) with high yields (88–95 %). Some representatives of this series possess low hemolytic and high bactericidal activity against Gram‐positive bacteria.
Iron Doping Effect for Oxygen Evolution Hybrid Catalysts based on Nickel Phosphate/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanoflakes
Authors: Cheng Xian , Zheng Jianfeng , Li Jintang , Luo Xuetao
Published: February 2019

Developing highly eﬃcient and earth‐abundant oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is of great significance for sustainable energy conversion technologies. Herein, a facile thermal transformation strategy was developed to synthesize nickel iron phosphate nanoparticles incorporated in N‐doped carbon (NiFeP/N−C) nanoflakes as highly efficient OER electrocatalysts based on a metal organophosphonate precursor. The amino trismethylene phosphonic acid ligand used here has excellent affinity toward various metals and thus can act as a P, C, and N source on a molecular scale, which simplifies the synthesis of conductive material‐supported multi‐metal phosphates. Benefiting from the derived N‐doped carbon and the synergistic effect of bimetal ions, the sample denoted NiFeP/N−C‐700 exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity. It exhibits a lower overpotential of 280 mV, a small Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1 at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, and superior stability in 1 M KOH solution.
Patients and informal caregivers' experience of surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Real‐world data contributing to establish value‐based medicine in Denmark
Authors: Rosseel Liesbeth , Bieliauskas Gintautas , Brodersen Bente B. , Olsen Peter S. , Søndergaard Lars , De Backer Ole
Published: February 2019

Background

The concept of value‐based medicine (VBM) is increasingly implemented in therapeutic decision‐making processes, but only few data on patient‐perceived values are available in the field of aortic stenosis treatment.

Hypothesis

This study aimed to deliver data on patient‐perceived values and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a real‐world, all‐comers patient population.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 637 patients who had undergone elective AVR 12 to 24 months earlier in the period September 2015 to August 2016. The questionnaires were specifically designed to assess physical and mental impact of the entire AVR process on patients and their nearest relative and to capture HR‐QoL.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 429 patients (SAVR: N = 265; TAVR: N = 164). Both physical and mental impact of the intervention and its recovery period were experienced more stressful by SAVR as compared with TAVR patients. Also, nearest relatives of SAVR patients experienced the entire process mentally more stressful and enduring than relatives of TAVR patients. In both groups, 10% of patients reported no change in HR‐QoL, whereas HR‐QoL improved in 76% vs 83% (P = 0.092) and worsened in 14% vs 7% (P = 0.040) of the SAVR and TAVR populations, respectively.

Conclusion

The perioperative experience tends to be more stressful for SAVR as compared with TAVR patients; however, HR‐QoL finally improves to a similar degree in both groups. Given the increasing importance of VBM, patient‐perceived values will have to be considered in future decision‐making processes, both at individual and public policy‐making level.
Topology optimization of fixed complete denture framework
Authors: Park Jaejong , Lee Damian , Sutradhar Alok
Published: February 2019

The functionality of a denture is directly related to the quality of life of the edentulous patients because treatment failure results in demoralizing consequences including difficulties in oral activities. Framework for fixed complete dentures plays a crucial role by transferring loads from the denture to the implants, which are integrated into the remaining bones and gingiva, thereby providing stability to the denture. Current techniques utilize 3D scan data of the implant site to capture the locations and soft tissue contours to design customized framework using computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) technology to properly support the denture teeth in their position. The performance and efficiency of these frameworks may be enhanced by incorporating a design optimization in the design process. We tested the feasibility of using the topology optimization to design patient‐specific dental frameworks. The shapes of the optimized frameworks may be significantly different from the traditional designs, but better structural integrity is likely to be achieved with potentially less material. The numerical study reveals that commercially available dental framework would experience 16% less maximum stress when topology optimized even with a compliance minimization formulation with 50% volume fraction constraint. Topology optimization for designing dental frameworks might improve current clinical methods and provide better long‐term patient satisfaction.
Dose‐Response Pharmacological Study of Mephedrone and Its Metabolites: Pharmacokinetics, Serotoninergic Effects, and Impact of CYP2D6 Genetic Variation
Authors: Olesti Eulàlia , Farré Magí , Carbó Marcel·lí , Papaseit Esther , Perez‐Mañá Clara , Torrens Marta , Yubero‐Lahoz Samanta , Pujadas Mitona , Pozo Óscar J. , de la Torre Rafael
Published: February 2019

Mephedrone (MEPH), the most widely consumed synthetic cathinone, has been associated with acute toxicity episodes. The aim of this report was to study its metabolic disposition and the impact of genetic variation of CYP2D6 on MEPH metabolism, in a dose range compatible with its recreational use. A randomized, crossover, phase I clinical trial was performed. Subjects received 50 and 100 mg (n = 3) and 150 and 200 mg (n = 6) of mephedrone and were genetically and phenotypically characterized for the CYP2D6 allelic variation. Our results showed a linear kinetics of mephedrone at the dose range assayed: plasma concentrations, cardiovascular and subjective effects, and blood serotonin concentrations all correlated in a dose‐dependent manner. Mephedrone metabolic disposition is mediated by CYP2D6. Mephedrone pharmacology presented a linear dose‐dependence within the range of doses tested. The metabolism of mephedrone by CYP2D6 implies that recreational users with no or low CYP2D6 functionality are exposed to unwanted acute toxicity episodes.
A Cobalt‐Free Li(Li0.17Ni0.17Fe0.17Mn0.49)O2 Cathode with More Oxygen‐Involving Charge Compensation for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Hezhuan , Cheng Xiaolu , Fan Hongwei , Shan Qian , An Shengli , Qiu Xinping , Jia Guixiao
Published: February 2019

High‐energy‐density and low‐cost lithium‐ion batteries are sought to meet increasing demand for portable electronics. In this study, a cobalt‐free Li(Li0.17Ni0.17Fe0.17Mn0.49)O2 (LNFMO) cathode material is chosen, owing to the reversible anionic redox couple O2−/O−. The aim is to elucidate the Fe‐substitution function and oxygen redox mechanism of experimentally synthesized Li(Li0.16Ni0.19Fe0.18Mn0.46)O2 by DFT. The redox processes of cobalt‐containing Li(Li0.17Ni0.17Co0.17Mn0.49)O2 (LNCMO) are compared with those of LNFMO. Redox couples including Ni2+/Ni3+/Ni4+, Fe3+/Fe4+ or Co3+/Co4+, and O2−/O− are found, confirmed by a X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and explained by redox competition between O and transition metals. In LNFMO and LNCMO, O ions with an Li‐O‐Li configuration readily participate in oxidation, and the most active O ions are coordinated to Mn4+ and Li+. Oxidation of O in LNCMO is triggered earlier, along with that of Co. Fe substitution activates O ions, contributes additional oxygen redox charge compensation of 0.44 e per formula unit, avoids concentrated accumulation of oxygen oxidation, and improves structural stability. This work provides new scope for designing cobalt‐free, low‐cost, and higher‐energy‐density cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries.
A reliable and efficient single‐phase modular multilevel inverter topology
Authors: Maddugari Santosh Kumar , Borghate Vijay B. , Sabyasachi Sidharth
Published: February 2019

Bilevel inverters are replaced by multilevel inverters due to their capability of producing quality output voltage with low total harmonic distortion (THD). On the contrary, increase in number of semiconductor switches has questioned the reliability of the multilevel inverter topologies. To enhance the reliability, this paper proposes a single‐phase five‐level inverter topology with inherent fault‐tolerant feature. The proposed inverter can sustain faults in sources and semiconductor switches by amending the switching combinations. No healthy switch is needed to be bypassed during the fault to ensure the optimum utilization of the switches. An analysis on the basis of reliability, cost, and efficiency is carried out of the proposed inverter and compared with the existing topologies. To prove the claim, the experimental results of the developed hardware model is analyzed and compared with the simulation results of MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Elucidating the challenges for the praxis of fog computing: An aspect‐based study
Authors: Martin John Paul , Kandasamy A. , Chandrasekaran K. , Joseph Christina Terese
Published: February 2019

The evolutionary advancements in the field of technology have led to the instigation of cloud computing. The Internet of Things paradigm stimulated the extensive use of sensors distributed across the network edges. The cloud datacenters are assigned the responsibility for processing the collected sensor data. Recently, fog computing was conceptuated as a solution for the overwhelmed narrow bandwidth. The fog acts as a complementary layer that interplays with the cloud and edge computing layers, for processing the data streams. The fog paradigm, as any distributed paradigm, has its set of inherent challenges. The fog environment necessitates the development of management platforms that effectuates the orchestration of fog entities. Owing to the plenitude of research efforts directed toward these issues in a relatively young field, there is a need to organize the different research works. In this study, we provide a compendious review of the research approaches in the domain, with special emphasis on the approaches for orchestration and propose a multilevel taxonomy to classify the existing research. The study also highlights the application realms of fog computing and delineates the open research challenges in the domain.
SKWN: Smart and dynamic key management scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mesmoudi Samira , Benadda Belkacem , Mesmoudi Amin
Published: February 2019

In the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), we are witnessing to an unprecedented data production because of the massive deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Typically, a network of several hundred sensors is created to ensure the interactions between the cyber world and the physical world. Unfortunately, the intensive use of this kind of networks has raised several security issues. Indeed, many WSN‐based applications require secure communication in order to protect collected data. This security is generally ensured by encryption of communication between sensors, which requires the establishment of many cryptographic keys. Managing these keys, within a protocol, is an important task that guarantees the effectiveness of the security mechanism. The protocol should be intelligently adaptable not only to intrusion events but also to the security level needed by some applications. An efficient protocol optimizes also sensors energy and consequently increases the network life cycle. In this paper, we propose, a smart and dynamic key management scheme for hierarchical wireless sensor networks (SKWN). Our protocol offers three subschemes to deal with key establishment, key renewal, and new node integration. Regarding existing schemes, SKWN does not only provide reliable security mechanisms, but it also optimizes energy consumption and overheads related to the communication and memory usage. Furthermore, our approach relies on a machine learning approach to monitor the state of the network and decide the appropriate security level. We provide a formal approach and its implementation, together with simulations allowing to compare resources usage with respect to existing approaches.
Island biogeography theory explains the genetic diversity of a fragmented rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) population
Authors: Costanzi Jean‐Marc , Steifetten Øyvind
Published: February 2019

The island biogeography theory is one of the major theories in ecology, and its applicability to natural systems is well documented. The core model of the theory, the equilibrium model of island biogeography, predicts that species diversity on an island is positively related to the size of the island, but negatively related by the island's distance to the mainland. In recent years, ecologists have begun to apply this model when investigating genetic diversity, arguing that genetic and species diversity might be influenced by similar ecological processes. However, most studies have focused on oceanic islands, but knowledge on how the theory applies to islands located on the mainland (e.g., mountain islands, forest islands) is scarce. In this study, we examined how the size and degree of isolation of mountain islands would affect the genetic diversity of an alpine bird, the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). Within our study area, we defined the largest contiguous mountain area as the mainland, while smaller mountains surrounding the mainland were defined as islands. We found that the observed heterozygosity (Ho) was significantly higher, and the inbreeding coefficient (Fis) significantly lower, on the mainland compared to islands. There was a positive significant relationship between the unbiased expected heterozygosity (Hn.b.) and island size (log km2), but a negative significant relationship between Ho and the cost distance to the mainland. Our results are consistent with the equilibrium model of island biogeography and show that the model is well suited for investigating genetic diversity among islands, but also on islands located on the mainland.
Understanding Synthetic Peculiarities of Cationic Molybdenum(VI) Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Schowner Roman , Frey Wolfgang , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: February 2019

We report on novel synthetic approaches to molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes including the first NHC alkylidene complexes featuring pentafluorophenyl‐substituted imido ligands, highly basic 6‐Mes (6‐Mes = 1,3‐dimesityl‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyrimidin‐2‐ylidene) NHC ligands and the preparation of the first representatives of cationic 14‐electron Mo imido alkylidene NHC catalysts bearing sterically demanding anionic terphenoxide ligands. Also, the Mo imido alkylidene and alkylidyne NHC bisalkoxide complexes [Mo(NR)(CHCMe2Ph)(NHC)(OR′)2], [Mo(NH‐C6F5)(CCMe2Ph)(aIMes){OCMe(CF3)2}2] (aIMes = 1,3‐dimesitylimidazol‐5‐ylidene, an abnormally C5‐bound imidazolylidene) and [Mo(NH‐2‐CF3‐C6H4)(CCMe2Ph)(6‐Mes){OCMe(CF3)2}2] are presented. Anionic Mo amido alkylidyne complexes have been found to form preferentially in the presence of sterically demanding NHC and alkoxide ligands. The first Mo imido alkylidene NHC complexes containing the strongly basic 6‐Mes ligand, namely [Mo(N‐C6F5)(CHCMe2Ph)(6‐Mes)(Br)2], [Mo(N‐2‐CF3‐C6H4)(CHCMe2Ph)(6‐Mes)(Br)2] and [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me2‐C6H3)(CHCMe2Ph)(6‐Mes)(Br)2], were synthesized from the corresponding Mo imido dibromo alkylidene‐DME complexes (DME = 1,2‐dimethoxyethane) and transformed into their cationic monobromo or monoalkoxide derivatives. Finally, we developed the high yield synthesis of Mo imido alkylidene NHC dichloro complexes via direct protonation of [Mo(N‐Adamantyl)2(CH2CMe2Ph)2] with HCl followed by stabilization with NHCs.
Investigating the effect of mono‐ and multivalent counterions on the conformation of poly(styrenesulfonic acid) by nanopores
Authors: Zhao Yating , Liu Lei , Tu Yingfeng , Wu Hai‐Chen
Published: February 2019

Polyelectrolytes are useful materials that have many technical, medical, physiological and biological applications. The properties of polyelectrolytes are determined not only by their chemical composition but also by their conformational states. However, the conformations of polyelectrolytes in solution are very difficult to characterize. Herein, we propose to use a protein nanopore to investigate the effect of mono‐ and multivalent counterions on the conformational changes of a simple polyelectrolyte, sodium poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (NaPSS). High concentration of KCl induced a conformational transition of NaPSS from “swollen random coil” form in low salt concentration to “random coil” form and was evidenced by the changes of the translocation event pattern. Addition of Mg2+ in buffer solution did not cause notable changes of NaPSS translocation events, but Dy3+ and Y3+ were shown to have remarkable effects on the translocation profile of NaPSS. Bridging events caused by Dy3+ or Y3+ between polyelectrolyte chains largely affected current blockage and dwell time of the translocation events. Our results provide experimental evidence for the classical theories of conformational transitions of polyelectrolytes and may find applications in many other polyelectrolyte‐related researches.
Vertical‐Space‐Limit Synthesis of Bifunctional Fe, N‐Codoped 2D Multilayer Graphene Electrocatalysts for Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Zhongfang , Wang Likai , Lu Xuewei , Wang Suwen , Niu Xueliang
Published: February 2019

Developing a green, cost‐efficient air‐cathode catalyst with high oxygen evolution and reduction reaction (OER/ORR) performance for rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) has gained attention. Iron‐containing nitrogen‐doped graphene (Fe/N‐G) that contains Fe‐Nx coordination sites is prepared by pyrolyzing the complex of iron ion and PANI sheets intercalated with the unique layer gaps of H‐montmorillonite nanoreactors. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirm that there are no crystalline materials, such as iron lattice, iron carbide, or iron nitride. The as‐prepared Fe/N‐G show a high electrocatalytic activity in ORR with a 4e− transfer process and the half‐wave potential of Fe/N‐G (0.877 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode—RHE), which is better than that of Pt/C in oxygen saturated 0.1 m KOH solution. In an acid electrolyte, the Fe/N‐G possesses a half‐wave potential similar to that of 20 wt% Pt/C. For OER, the Fe/N‐G exhibits the overpotential of 400 mV versus RHE at 10 mA cm−2. However, the Fe/N‐G as the air‐cathode of the homemade rechargeable ZABs exhibits a high power density (156.8 mW cm−2) and an excellent long discharge–charge cycling stability (787 cycles) at 20 mA cm−2. This work provides an inspiring guideline to prepare a high‐performance bifunctional air‐cathode for a rechargeable ZAB.
An experimental study on the performance combustion and emission characteristics on diesel: Simarouba glauca biodiesel blended fuel for diesel engine with ethanol as additive
Authors: Vijayaragavan Mathan Raj , Lalgudi Ramachandran Ganapathy Subramaniam
Published: February 2019

The present study deals with combustion, emission and performance characteristics of a single cylinder, four‐stroke DI, water cooled diesel engine fuelled with diesel, Simarouba glauca oil added with ethanol as additives and its various blends. In current research, experiments were conducted to study the effect of viscosity, calorific value and density on combustion, performance and emission characteristics of S. glauca oil with ethanol as additives, and its different blends, including BD50, BD50E5%, and BD50E10%. The result shows that diesel has the lowest brake specific fuel consumption with other biodiesel, whereas BD50E10% showed the lowest value as compared to other biodiesel. Furthermore, it was found that Brake Thermal Efficiency of diesel was the highest as compared to other biodiesel while BD50E10% was the highest among all. The maximum peak pressures for diesel, BD50, BD50E5%, and BD50E10% are 74.71 bar, 69.26 bar, 71.40 bar, and 73.69 bar, respectively, at 100% load condition. The HRR for BD50E10% was the highest at 100% load condition as compared with diesel and biodiesel. Conclusively, the findings of this study indicate that BD50E10% is the best alternative fuel for diesel engines. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Improving the qualitative indicators of apple juice by Chitosan and ultrasound
Authors: Belgheisi Saba , EsmaeilZadeh Kenari Reza
Published: February 2019

Today's consumers desire for tasty, nutritious, and safe food products, so researchers are looking for new ways in which little heat or no heat at all is used for processing. This study was to evaluate the effect of treatment using an ultrasonic bath (for 15, 30, and 60 min at 40 and 60°C) and ultrasonic probe (for 10, 15, and 20 min at 40 and 60°C), treatment with Chitosan, and combination of them on the quality of apple juice that includes physicochemical features (pH, acidity, total solid matter), total polyphenol, total antioxidant capacity, the cloud point, and color values of Hunter (L*, a*, b*) in the treated samples and comparing them with each other. The results showed that ultrasound has no effect on the pH and acidity, while the total solid of ultrasound treatment was higher than controls in combination with Chitosan (p < 0.05). Total polyphenols of apple juice samples treated by ultrasonic probe are higher than an ultrasonic bath (p < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity has improved in treatments (p < 0.05). According to the results there is a significant difference between the cloud point of control samples and Chitosan (p < 0.05). The L* (brightness) increased in ultrasonic probe method and had a significant decline in Chitosantreatment (p < 0.05). Findings from this study suggest that the use of ultrasound treatment in the production of apple juice can improve quality factors, and in this regard, ultrasonic probe is more effective.
Low intakes of dietary fiber and magnesium are associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cohort study
Authors: Cutler Dylan A. , Pride Sheila M. , Cheung Anthony P.
Published: February 2019

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have insulin resistance (IR) which may be worsened by obesity. The roles of dietary intake and activity are unclear. Our objectives were to determine whether (a) high caloric intake or inactivity explains obesity in PCOS, and (b) dietary composition is associated with PCOS phenotypes.

Methods

Eighty‐seven women with PCOS and 50 women without PCOS participated in this cohort study at a reproductive medicine center. Data collected included 3‐day food and physical activity records, anthropometrics, and metabolic and hormonal assays.

Results

Women with PCOS had increased body mass index (BMI) but similar caloric intake and activity to women without PCOS. There were no differences in protein, carbohydrates, fat, or glycemic load consumption, but women with PCOS consumed less fiber (medians: 19.6 vs. 24.7 g) and less magnesium (medians: 238.9 vs. 273.9 mg). In women with PCOS, those with IR consumed less fiber, less magnesium, and greater glycemic load than those without IR (medians: 18.2 vs. 22.1 g, 208.4 vs. 264.5 mg, 89.6 vs. 83.5). Fiber intake of women with PCOS was negatively correlated with IR, fasting insulin, glucose tolerance, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Magnesium intake was negatively correlated with IR, C‐reactive protein, and testosterone, but positively correlated with HDL cholesterol. Fiber intake and BMI accounted for 54.0% of the variance observed in IR.

Conclusions

Obesity in women with PCOS could not be explained by overeating or inactivity. Increasing dietary fiber and magnesium intakes may assist in reducing IR and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS.