bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations on anticorrosive, thermal, and mechanical properties of conducting polyurethanes with tetraaniline pendent groups
Authors: Arukula Ravi , Thota Apparao , Boga Karteek , Narayan Ramanuj , Rao Chepuri R.K.
Published: March 2018

This article describes the synthesis of conducting hybrid polyurethanes from novel tetraaniline‐diol as Gly‐TAni (glycidol with TAni). A new diol Gly‐TAni has been synthesized in a simple process using tetraaniline (TAni) and glycidol via SN2 reaction in a single‐step process. The asymmetric diol (Gly‐TAni) and polyols (PTMEG and TMP) were reacted with isophorone diisocyanate at OH:NCO ratio of 1:1.2 to obtain ―NCO terminated hybrid conducting polyurethanes. These were subjected for curing under atmospheric moisture to obtain conducting polyurethane‐urea coatings. The conducting coatings showed considerable enhancement in thermal and mechanical stabilities. All these conducting coatings films showed excellent corrosion resistance (on mild steel electrode) with an increase in the percentage of Gly‐TANi (5 to 15 wt%). The films of these hybrid polyurethanes containing pendent tetraanilines showed good surface conductivity in the range of 3.69 × 10−4 to 2.21 × 10−3 S/cm. The electrochemical investigation showed 2 single electron oxidation and 2 single reductions reversibly, centred around tetraaniline segments present in the polymer.
Effect of carbon nanofibers on mechanical and electrical behaviors of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Pingot Martyna , Szadkowski Bolesław , Zaborski Marian
Published: March 2018

Recently, carbon nanofibers have become an innovative reinforcing filler that has drawn increased attention from researchers. In this work, the reinforcement of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was studied to determine the potential of carbon nanofibers as reinforcing filler in rubber technology. Furthermore, the performance of NBR compounds filled with carbon nanofibers was compared with the composites containing carbon black characterized by spherical particle type. Filler dispersion in elastomer matrix plays an essential role in polymer reinforcement, so we also analyzed the influence of dispersing agents on the performance of NBR composites. We applied several types of dispersing agents: anionic, cationic, nonionic, and ionic liquids. The fillers were characterized by dibutylphtalate absorption analysis, aggregate size, and rheological properties of filler suspensions. The vulcanization kinetics of rubber compounds, crosslink density, mechanical properties, hysteresis, and conductive properties of vulcanizates were also investigated. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images were used to determine the filler dispersion in the elastomer matrix. The incorporation of the carbon nanofibers has a superior influence on the tensile strength of NBR compared with the samples containing carbon black. It was observed that addition of studied dispersing agents affected the performance of NBR/CNF and NBR/carbon black materials. Especially, the application of nonylphenyl poly(ethylene glycol) ether and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate contributed to enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of NBR/CNF composites.
Innovative materials of this era for toughening the epoxy matrix: A review
Authors: Jayan Jitha S , Saritha Appukuttan , Joseph Kuruvilla
Published: March 2018

This review aims to bring to light the potential efficiency of various materials as toughening agents for epoxy thermosets. The area of epoxy toughening has fascinated material scientists since toughened epoxies are employed as the appropriate candidates in a wide arena of applications. Based on the structure–property relationships, the traditional chemistry approaches have been tried so far to toughen the epoxy matrix. With the advent of the era of nanotechnology, the field of epoxy toughening has also gained momentum through the utilization of various types of modified and unmodified nanofillers in the epoxy matrix. In fact many new materials have replaced the conventional agents in the field of epoxy toughening. We are giving a comprehensive review which hints the various mechanisms of toughening as well as the novel materials used in the present scenario as potential toughening agents in the epoxy matrix with special reference to rubber, block copolymers, and nanofillers. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1959–E1986, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mixed Mode I/II interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon Fiber/RTM‐6 laminates manufactured by VARTM
Authors: Mendonça Sales Rita de Cássia , Guimarães Fernando , Gouvêa Ricardo Francisco , Cândido Geraldo Maurício , Donadon Maurício Vicente
Published: March 2018

This work investigates and compares the interlaminar fracture behavior of composites manufactured by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding subjected to three different temperatures (–54, 25, and 80°C) and mode ratios (25, 50, and 75%). The results indicate ductility enhancement with increasing temperature, which were confirmed by fractographic analyses. In tested specimens with 25% mode ratio, the GI and GII values were not greatly affected by the temperature. As the temperature and the mode ratio increases, the specimens exhibited higher GI and GII values compared with those measured at −54°C. In the tested specimens with 75% mode ratio, an unstable crack propagation was observed at −54°C due to brittle behavior of matrix, which is promoted by the decrease of the adhesion represented by cusps and broken fibers in SEM images. The cusps formation is less pronounced for specimens tested at 80°C and the fracture surface is flatter compared with those tested at −54 and 25°C. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1029–E1040, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of “Z” factor for strength of interphase layers on the tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Peng Wanxi , Rhim Sungsoo , Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: March 2018

The influences of “Z” factor for the strength of interphase layers on the tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites and various interphase properties are explained applying three approaches including developed Leidner‐Woodhams, Pukanszky, and Callister‐Rethwisch models. All models and equations for interphase parameters are developed based on a multi‐layered interphase in different polymer nanocomposites. The calculations reveal that the role of “Z” factor is highlighted when much volume fraction of nanofiller (
) is used attributed to the high probability of nanoparticles agglomeration and poor interfacial properties in this condition. However, both “
” and “Z” parameters positively affect the tensile strength. Additionally, the highest values of interphase properties including “B” in Pukanszky and “s” in Callister‐Rethwisch models are achieved by the high levels of nanofiller strength and “Z” factor. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1117–1122, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multi Response Optimization of Fabrication Parameters of Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Aluminium Laminates (CARAL): By Taguchi Method and Gray Relational Analysis
Authors: Muthu Chozha Rajan B. , Senthil Kumar A. , Sornakumar T. , Senthamaraikannan P. , Sanjay M. R.
Published: March 2018

In this article, the fabrication parameters of carbon fiber‐reinforced aluminium laminates (CARAL) were optimized using gray relational analysis. CARAL were fabricated by hand layup technique as per the control factors and levels designed using Taguchi's L9orthogonal array. The control factors are layer thickness, orientation, and matrix. The CARAL were fabricated with different layer thickness, orientation and matrix. Flexural and Impact tests were carried out using universal testing machine and impact testing machine.Using gray relational analysis, the optimum levels of parameters have been identified and significant contributions of parameters were determined by analysis of variance. The significant fabrication parameters layer thickness and matrix influence the multi‐response characteristics such as flexural strength and impact energy. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1041–E1048, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phosphorylation control of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl is conserved in choanoflagellates
Authors: Amacher Jeanine F. , Hobbs Helen T. , Cantor Aaron C. , Shah Lochan , Rivero Marco‐Jose , Mulchand Sarah A. , Kuriyan John
Published: March 2018

Cbl proteins are E3 ubiquitin ligases specialized for the regulation of tyrosine kinases by ubiquitylation. Human Cbl proteins are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation, thus setting up a feedback loop whereby the activation of tyrosine kinases triggers their own degradation. Cbl proteins are targeted to their substrates by a phosphotyrosine‐binding SH2 domain. Choanoflagellates, unicellular eukaryotes that are closely related to metazoans, also contain Cbl. The tyrosine kinase complement of choanoflagellates is distinct from that of metazoans, and it is unclear if choanoflagellate Cbl is regulated similarly to metazoan Cbl. Here, we performed structure‐function studies on Cbl from the choanoflagellate species Salpingoeca rosetta and found that it undergoes phosphorylation‐dependent activation. We show that S. rosetta Cbl can be phosphorylated by S. rosetta Src kinase, and that it can ubiquitylate S. rosetta Src. We also compared the substrate selectivity of human and S. rosetta Cbl by measuring ubiquitylation of Src constructs in which Cbl‐recruitment sites are placed in different contexts with respect to the kinase domain. Our results indicate that for both human and S. rosetta Cbl, ubiquitylation depends on proximity and accessibility, rather than being targeted toward specific lysine residues. Our results point to an ancient interplay between phosphotyrosine and ubiquitin signaling in the metazoan lineage.
Optimization of sample preparation for intact cell mass spectrometry (matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization linear time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry) of endophytic Xylaria
Authors: da Silva Amaral Luciana , Rodrigues‐Filho Edson , Kubicek Christian P. , Herwig Christoph , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Allmaier Günter
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Although the fruiting‐body of the fungi of the genus Xylaria shows a great variety of morphological characteristics, their mycelial forms are always very similar, imposing difficulties for their identification. Intact cell mass spectrometry (ICMS) using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) can be a fast and reliable strategy to support the differentiation/identification of Xylaria species in those cases where fruit‐bodies are not available.

Methods

Many experimental parameters such as sample preparation and culture media are crucial for filamentous fungi analysis by MALDI‐TOFMS. For the purposes of this study, we used four matrices (CHCA, DHB, FA and SA) with five different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5%) of TFA in the matrix, the influence of six different culture media (solid and liquid), and three mycelium peptide/protein extraction protocols (acid, basic and thymol‐supported solution) to optimize the sample preparation of the endophytic fungus X. arbuscula.

Results

It was observed that sinapinic acid (30 mg/mL) dissolved in acetonitrile/0.1% TFA and PDA were the best matrix solution and culture medium, respectively, for the ICMS of X. arbuscula. The formic acid and ammonium bicarbonate (AB) protocols provided similar mass spectra; however, a higher number of peaks were observed using AB extraction. Mass spectra obtained from different thymol‐containing solutions (EtOH/aqueous 0.1% TFA and ACN/aqueous 0.1% TFA) show increasing peak abundances at m/z 3000–6500.

Conclusions

X. arbuscula could be analyzed by ICMS. However, an extraction step was required to provide suitable MALDI mass spectra. Formic acid‐, AB‐ and thymol‐containing solutions were demonstrated to be good cocktails for the extraction of peptide/protein biomarkers from these fungi.
Robot‐assisted duodenum‐preserving pancreatic head resection with pancreaticogastrostomy for benign or premalignant pancreatic head lesions: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Jiang Yu , Jin Jia‐Bin , Zhan Qian , Deng Xia‐Xing , Peng Cheng‐Hong , Shen Bai‐Yong
Published: March 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes of modified robot‐assisted duodenum‐preserving pancreatic head resection (RA‐DPPHR) versus robot‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RA‐PD).

Methods

Matched for age, sex, ASA classification, tumour size, history of abdominal surgery and pathological type, 34 patients undergoing RA‐DPPHR and 34 patients undergoing RA‐PD between January 2010 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The RA‐DPPHR group had shorter surgical time (188.2 vs. 386.3 min, p < 0.001) and less blood loss (168.2 vs. 386.3 ml, p = 0.026) but higher complication rate (47.1% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.105) and pancreatic fistula rate (32.4% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.161). Hospital mortality was 2.9%. Exocrine insufficiency was lower in the RA‐DPPHR group (3.0% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.027). Endocrine insufficiency was observed in one RA‐DPPHR patient and 5 RA‐PD patients (p = 0.197).

Conclusions

Modified RA‐DPPHR benefits in terms of better conservation of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions at the expense of a significant morbidity and non‐zero mortality.
Cell-Based and Exosome Therapy in Diabetic Stroke
Authors: Venkat Poornima , Chopp Michael , Chen Jieli
Published: March 2018

Stroke is a global health concern and it is imperative that therapeutic strategies with wide treatment time frames be developed to improve neurological outcome in patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus who suffer a stroke have worse neurological outcomes and long-term functional recovery than nondiabetic stroke patients. Diabetes induced vascular damage and enhanced inflammatory milieu likely contributes to worse post stroke outcomes. Diabetic stroke patients have an aggravated pathological cascade, and treatments that benefit nondiabetic stroke patients do not necessarily translate to diabetic stroke patients. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop therapeutics for stroke specifically in the diabetic population. Stem cell based therapy for stroke is an emerging treatment option with wide therapeutic time window. Cell-based therapies for stroke promote endogenous central nervous system repair and neurorestorative mechanisms such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis, vascular remodeling, white matter remodeling, and also modulate inflammatory and immune responses at the local and systemic level. Emerging evidence suggests that exosomes and their cargo microRNA mediate cell therapy derived neurorestorative effects. Exosomes are small vesicles containing protein and RNA characteristic of its parent cell. Exosomes are transported by biological fluids and facilitate communication between neighboring and remote cells. MicroRNAs, a class of naturally occurring, small noncoding RNA sequences, contained within exosomes can regulate recipient cell's signaling pathways and alter protein expression either acting alone or in concert with other microRNAs. In this perspective article, we summarize current knowledge and highlight the promising future of cell based and exosome therapy for stroke and specifically for diabetic stroke.
Quantitative analysis of Yb 4d photoelectron spectrum of metallic Yb
Authors: Pauly N. , Yubero F. , Tougaard S.
Published: March 2018

The measured Yb 4d3/2 intensity is larger than the Yb 4d5/2 in X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) emission of metallic Yb, which is unexpected. The shape and intensity of photoelectron peaks are strongly affected by extrinsic excitations due to electron transport out of the surface (including bulk and surface effects) and to intrinsic excitations due to the sudden creation of the static core hole. To quantitatively extract from experimental XPS the primary excitation spectrum (ie, the initial excitation process) of the considered transition, these effects must be included within the theoretical description. The combined effect of both extrinsic and intrinsic excitations can be described by an effective energy‐differential inelastic electron scattering cross section for XPS evaluated by a dielectric response model with the dielectric function as only input. Then, using this cross section, a direct evaluation of the primary excitation spectrum is performed by standard peak shape analysis for thick homogeneous samples. We use this approach in the present paper to determine the Yb 4d photoemission spectrum for metallic Yb. We show that the unexpected larger intensity of Yb 4d3/2 compared to 4d5/2 can be fully accounted for by our model and that the total spectrum consists of a sum of symmetric primary excitation peaks.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of graphene‐supported Si‐TiO2 nanospheres as anode material for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Wang Qiufen , Bi Wenyan , Miao Juan , Lu Mengwei , Zhang Dafeng , Chen Yumei , Yang Hong
Published: March 2018

Graphene‐supported Si‐TiO2 (Si‐Ti‐GE) composites have been synthesized by a simple polymerization and sintering method. In the Si‐Ti‐GE composites, many small Si‐TiO2 particles are scattered on the graphene sheet, which can mitigate the agglomeration of the material and further reduce the particle size. The initial discharge capacities of Si‐TiO2, Si‐Ti‐GE‐1, Si‐Ti‐GE‐2, and Si‐Ti‐GE‐3 are 336.9, 337.2, 339.8, and 356.6 mAh g−1 at the current density of 200 mA g−1, respectively. The discharge rate capacities of TiO2, Si‐TiO2, and Si‐Ti‐GE‐3 composites retain 57.5%, 41.7%, and 82.1% at the current density from 100 to 400 mA g−1, respectively. Therefore, the introduction of graphene not only could facilitate the Li+ diffusion and electron transport but also could make better electrical conductivity.
Reduction and covalent modification of graphene‐oxide by nitrogen in glow discharge plasma
Authors: Mohai M. , László K. , Bertóti I.
Published: March 2018

In this work, we performed plasma treatment of thin layers of graphene oxide samples in various nitrogen containing gases (mainly NH3 and N2). Experiments were performed in the preparation chamber of the X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer, allowing “in situ” characterization of the treated surface. Introduction of nitrogen into the top surface was intensified by applying negative voltage on the sample between 0 and 300 V accelerating the positive plasma ions towards the sample.

Significant amount of nitrogen (≈10 atomic %) was built into the top atomic layers of the graphene oxide samples at application of the 2 types of plasma gases for 10‐minute reaction time. When comparing the NH3 and N2 plasma treatments, more complete reduction and closely similar amount of nitrogen was found at applying NH3 plasma.

When increasing the bias, the N‐content increased, together with decrease of the O content. The high‐resolution C1s, O1s, and N1s spectra are broad, representing different chemical states. The peak envelopes of the O1s and N1s lines could be decomposed essentially to 3, while the C1s spectrum to 5 different, well‐separated peaks, being identical for all samples.

The component peaks were assigned to specific chemical bonding states (N1s: 398.3 eV sp2 pyridine N, 399.7 eV sp2 pyrrole, diazine or triazine N, 401.0 eV N in graphite plane; O1s: 530.8 eV carbonyl, 532.2 eV ether, epoxy, alcohol, ester C═O, 533.6 eV ester C―O―C, carboxyl OH). The relative amounts of C―O and C―N bonding states changed significantly with advancement of the treatment performed at increasing biases.
A Terminally Capped Synthetic, Acyclic Tripeptide Forms Dimer in the Solid, Liquid and Gaseous States
Authors: Samui Satyabrata , Chakraborty Arpita , Biswas Soumi , Singh Gajendra , Mondal Swastik , Ghosh Semanti , Bagchi Angshuman , Ampapathi Ravi S. , Naskar Jishu
Published: March 2018

Boc‐Ala‐Leu‐Tyr‐OMe (Boc: tert‐butyloxycarbonyl, Me: methyl), an acyclic, terminally capped tripeptide forms dimer in the solid, liquid and gaseous states. In the solid state, the dimer structure has been confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. From the analysis of diffraction data, it is revealed that two independent peptide molecules, in the antiparallel β‐sheet arrangement, are present in the asymmetric unit and are stabilized by three intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In the liquid phase, the structure has been established from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The Δδ/ΔT values obtained from temperature dependent NMR studies are in good agreement with the antiparallel dimer structure in solution. Further, the rotating frame overhauser effect spectroscopic (ROESY) study also supports the antiparallel staking of the peptide in solution. The existence of dimer in the gas phase has been proved by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric (ESI‐MS) study. The m/z values of the ESI‐MS spectrum support the formation of dimer at the gaseous condition. Molecular mechanics simulation study also corroborates the results. This is the first report of the robust peptide‐dimer that exists in all the three physical states and facilitates the understanding of intermolecular β‐sheet interactions in various complex biological systems.
Sonogashira Reaction: Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of 3‐Aryl‐Substituted 6‐Chloroimidazo[2, 1‐a]phthalazines Catalyzed by Pd‐Cu in Water
Authors: Bakherad Mohammad , Karami Saeed , Keivanloo Ali
Published: March 2018

The reaction of 1‐chloro‐4‐propargylaminophthalazine with various aryl halides catalyzed by Pd−Cu in the presence of potassium carbonate, as the base, in water leads to the one‐pot formation of new derivatives of 3‐aryl‐substituted‐6‐chloroimidazo‐[2, 1‐a]phthalazines in moderate‐to‐good yields. Their structures are confirmed by IR and NMR spectra as well as elemental analyses. All the compounds prepared are screened in vitro for their anti‐bacterial activities. The preliminary results indicate that some target compounds exhibit promising anti‐bacterial potency.
A Cytocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Loaded with an Amphiphilic Arsenal for Alleviation of Staphylococcus Biofilm
Authors: Chauhan Preeti , Dey Poulomi , Mukherjee Sandipan , Manna Utsab , Das Gopal , Ramesh Aiyagari
Published: March 2018

The high prevalence and innate resistance of S. aureus biofilm towards antibiotics underscores a critical need for antibiofilm therapeutics. In this regard, membrane‐targeting bactericidal synthetic amphiphiles emerge as attractive candidates for anti‐staphylococcal therapy. In order to harness the potential of bactericidal amphiphiles for mitigation of Staphylococcus biofilm, an efficient delivery system needs to be developed, which is biocompatible and supports efficient loading and delivery of the antibiofilm cargo. In line with this rationale, the present investigation is an endeavor towards the generation of a bactericidal amphiphile‐loaded iron‐doped zinc oxide nanocomposite (C1‐FeZNP2) that exhibited superior cytocompatibility, facilitated sustained release of the payload and displayed antagonistic activity against S. aureus biofilm. Interestingly, the antibiofilm potential of the nanocomposite in combination with vancomycin against a clinical strain of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) could also be captured in the present study.
Cu‐WOx‐TiO2 Catalysts by Modified Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly Method for Glycerol Hydrogenolysis to 1, 3‐Propanediol
Authors: Li Dong , Zhou Zhiwei , Qin Juan , Li Yang , Liu Zhirui , Wu Wenliang
Published: March 2018

A series of Cu‐WOx‐TiO2 catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis with different molar ratios of copper and tungsten species loadings were prepared by modified evaporation‐induced self‐assembly method. Their physical and chemical properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, liquid N2 sorption, Py‐IR, Raman, inductive coupled plasma, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope techniques, and their catalytic performances were investigated in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. The mesoporous framework for Cu‐WOx‐TiO2 materials can be kept well when the molar ratio of tungsten species is lower than 6%. Although the tungsten species loading is the same, the 2Cu‐6WOx‐ TiO2 sample has distinctly more Brønsted acid sites than the 2Cu‐6WOx/TiO2‐I sample prepared by impregnation method, which is owing to homogeneous tetrahedrally WOx species dispersion resulting in the formation of W5+ species. The 2Cu‐6WOx‐TiO2 sample has a higher catalytic performance than other samples, and the glycerol conversion of 12.7%, 1, 3‐Propanediol selectivity of 32.3% and the ratio of 1, 3‐Propanediol to 1, 2‐Propanediol of 1.17 can be obtained. The 2Cu‐6WOx‐TiO2 sample shows good catalytic reusability, whose glycerol conversion 12.1% and 1, 3‐PDO selectivity 30.8% can be reached even though after repeated reaction for 5 times.
Investigation of the effect of openings of interior reinforced concrete flat slabs
Authors: Balomenos Georgios P. , Genikomsou Aikaterini S. , Polak Maria A.
Published: March 2018

Installation of building utilities often requires the creation of openings near existing slab–column connections. These openings reduce the concrete area that sustains the shear stresses, thus, the developed shear stresses are increased and contribute to the risk of punching shear failure. In this paper, nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) using a previously calibrated coupled plasticity‐damage model for concrete is performed for interior slabs with square openings. An interior reinforced concrete flat slab without shear reinforcement, which was tested under gravity loading, is considered as the reference slab. The effect of the location and the size of the opening on the punching shear resistance are examined. Punching shear predictions according to ACI 318‐14, Eurocode 2‐2004, and fib Model Code 2010 are compared to the FEA results. Finally, probabilistic analyses using the Monte Carlo simulation are considered, and fragility analysis is performed to estimate the probability of the punching shear resistance related to the size and distance of the opening.
Path following for podded propulsion unmanned surface vehicle: Theory, simulation and experiment
Authors: Mu Dongdong , Wang Guofeng , Fan Yunsheng , Bai Yiming , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses three interrelated problems concerning the path following of a podded propulsion unmanned surface vessel (USV), namely, the modeling of podded propulsion USV, the model parameter identification and the guidance law design. Based on hypotheses and simplification, three degree of freedom (DOF) manipulating mathematical model group (MMG) models of podded propulsion USV are reduced to the response model, and then, a series of field experiments (turning experiment and zig‐zag experiment) is carried out to collect corresponding data. On this basis, the parameters of the model are obtained through the method of system identification. Meanwhile, the simulation data are compared with the actual data to verify the accuracy of the identification results. The conventional line‐of‐sight guidance is modified by adaptive sideslip angle and a time‐varying lookahead distance, where the lookahead distance is adjusted by fuzzy algorithm. Lyapunov function is used to prove that all error signals in the system are uniformly ultimately bounded. Three numerical examples and the real ship field experiment have been described to illustrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed scheme. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of cobblestone quarries in Addis Ababa and implication for resource use efficiency, environmental quality, and sustainability of land after‐use
Authors: Worku Hailu
Published: March 2018

The extraction of construction material in Addis Ababa has been a source of public conflict for many years, especially in terms of quarry operation, displacement of people, rehabilitation of quarry sites, and land after‐use. One of the main reasons for the conflict has been the extraction sector's inability to adjust to the existing laws. This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken to assess the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of quarry mining in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it prescribes interventions that can assist in mitigating the negative impacts of mining. Marked operational, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts have occurred as a result of cobblestone quarrying in Addis Ababa. Improvements in the mitigation of these impacts can be achieved if quarrying operations are planned prior to commencement; resource‐efficient and sustainable mining techniques are employed; stakeholder participation is enhanced; the government provides institutional, organizational, and technical support to the operators; regulations are improved and regulatory implementations receive strict follow‐up; and the provision of the Ethiopian constitution's regarding “rights to development” is respected.
On the question of managing sustainable development of industrial enterprises in a Russian region
Authors: Rokotyanskaya Violetta V.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the theoretical foundations for the sustainable development of a Russian region's industrial system. For this study, we made an assessment of the production activities of the Rostov region's light‐manufacturing enterprises. The light‐industrial sector of the Rostov region's economy has been characterized, and the level of sustainable development of the region's enterprises has been calculated. The algorithm of development strategy was developed based on the rational use of natural resources. We have worked out several innovative proposals and calculated the cost‐effectiveness of their implementation in the region's light‐manufacturing enterprises. The economic and mathematical decision‐making model is based on the analytic hierarchy process, and the optimization calculation results that we obtained are presented in the article.
Estimation of effect of sugarcane bagasse biochar amendment in landfill soil cover on geotechnical properties and landfill gas emission
Authors: Sudhakar Ayshwarya , Remya Neelancherry , Varghese George K
Published: March 2018

In a sanitary landfill, the final cover plays an important role in reducing the landfill gas emission to the atmosphere and in preventing the ingress of rainwater into the dumped waste. The present study investigated the suitability of sugarcane bagasse biochar as an amendment to the cover soil to improve the required landfill liner properties. The amended cover soil sugarcane bagasse (SSB) was tested for its stability and effectiveness, in terms of both geotechnical properties and methane mitigation efficiency. The effects of amending 15%, 20%, and 25% of sugarcane bagasse biochar (passing through 300 micron Indian Standard sieve) on the geotechnical properties of the SSB indicated that the SSB with 25% biochar showed the required values as per the standard with maximum dry density of 1.57 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3), liquid limit, plasticity index, and percentage of fines 48.5%, 16.3%, and 74.7%, respectively, and permeability of 0.9 × 10−7. A column study that was conducted to determine the methane emission from the cover soil showed a 65.8% reduction in the methane emission compared to that of a column without SSB cover, with a cumulative methane emission of 410 milliliters (mL) at the end of 200 hours (h). On the other hand, the volume of methane emitted after 310 h from the column without cover and with the SSB cover was 1850 mL and 692 mL, respectively. The difference between these two values is found to be 22% of the total methane that the cover would have handled in its lifetime (5267 mL). Thus, there is an increase in the percentage of methane adsorption by soil cover from 15% to 22% when the soil was amended with 25% sugarcane bagasse biochar.
Writing an effective literature review: Part II: Citation technique
Authors: Lingard Lorelei
Published: March 2018

None
Parents' and early adolescents' self‐efficacy about anger regulation and early adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems: A longitudinal study in three countries☆
Authors: Di Giunta Laura , Iselin Anne‐Marie R. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Eisenberg Nancy , Lunetti Carolina , Thartori Eriona , Basili Emanuele , Pastorelli Concetta , Bacchini Dario , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Gerbino Maria
Published: March 2018

The present study examines whether early adolescents' self‐efficacy beliefs about anger regulation mediate the relation between parents' self‐efficacy beliefs about anger regulation and early adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems. Participants were 534 early adolescents (T1: M age = 10.89, SD = .70; 50% female), their mothers (n = 534), and their fathers (n = 431). Families were drawn from Colombia, Italy, and the USA. Follow‐up data were obtained two (T2) and three (T3) years later. At T1 and T3, parents' self‐efficacy beliefs were self‐reported and internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed via mothers', fathers', and early adolescents' reports. At T2, early adolescents' self‐efficacy beliefs were self‐reported Within the overall sample, mothers with higher self‐efficacy beliefs about anger regulation had children with similar beliefs. Early adolescents' low self‐efficacy beliefs were associated with higher internalizing and externalizing problems.
The Cranky Thermometers: Visual analogue scales measuring irritability in youth
Authors: Melvin Glenn A. , Tonge Bruce J. , Mulraney Melissa , Gordon Michael , Taffe John , Klimkeit Ester
Published: March 2018

This study assessed the psychometric properties of two visual analogue scales of irritability, known as the Cranky Thermometers (CT), in both an Australian community secondary‐school sample (N = 164) and a sample of adolescents with a depressive disorder (N = 127). The first scale Cranky Now measures current irritability, and the second, Cranky Two Weeks, measures peak irritability within the last two weeks. CT scores were significantly higher in adolescents with major depressive disorder than in the school sample and showed improvement following treatment for depression. Positive associations were found between CT and irritability scores as determined by Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (not irritable, sub‐threshold, threshold irritability) and Affective Reactivity Index scores. Results suggest that the CTs are rapidly administered, have promising psychometric properties and demonstrate utility in measuring irritability in clinical and community settings.
The tetrapartite synapse: a key concept in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia
Authors: Chelini Gabriele , Pantazopoulos Harry , Durning Peter , Berretta Sabina
Published: March 2018

Growing evidence points to synaptic pathology as a core component of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Significant reductions of dendritic spine density and altered expression of their structural and molecular components have been reported in several brain regions, suggesting a deficit of synaptic plasticity. Regulation of synaptic plasticity is a complex process, one that requires not only interactions between pre- and post-synaptic terminals, but also glial cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, these elements are referred to as the ‘tetrapartite synapse’, an emerging concept supported by accumulating evidence for a role of glial cells and the extracellular matrix in regulating structural and functional aspects of synaptic plasticity. In particular, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), one of the main components of the ECM, have been shown to be synthesized predominantly by glial cells, to form organized perisynaptic aggregates known as perineuronal nets (PNNs), and to modulate synaptic signaling and plasticity during postnatal development and adulthood. Notably, recent findings from our group and others have shown marked CSPG abnormalities in several brain regions of people with SZ. These abnormalities were found to affect specialized ECM structures, including PNNs, as well as glial cells expressing the corresponding CSPGs. The purpose of this review is to bring forth the hypothesis that synaptic pathology in SZ arises from a disruption of the interactions between elements of the tetrapartite synapse.
A New Technique for Coronaplasty in Penile Reconstruction
Authors: Sommeling Casper E. , De Wolf Edward J. , Salim Ali , Monstrey Stan , Opsomer Dries , Claes Karel , D'Arpa Salvatore
Published: March 2018

Background

The coronaplasty is an important step of the phalloplasty procedure as it creates a prominent coronal ridge and a constricted coronal sulcus, resulting in the transformation of a regular skin flap into a flap resembling a circumcised penis.

Aim

The aim of this article is to describe our new coronaplasty technique that exploits opposing contracting forces of 2 different skin grafts to hold the shape of a thick, distally based skin flap, resulting in a natural looking neo-phallus.

Methods

A distally based flap is raised at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the neo-phallus. The dissection continues until adequate mobilization is obtained, so the flap can stand almost perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. 2 separate full-thickness skin grafts are harvested and placed: the first at the raw undersurface of the flap, the second at the flap's donor site. To make the sulcus deeper and to define the ridge, the lower part of the graft placed on the undersurface of the distal flap is sutured with tacking sutures. Depending on the type of flap used this procedure can be done during the phalloplasty procedure itself (axial flaps) or at least 1 week later (perforator flaps).

Outcomes

The new technique that we developed shows a more distinct coronal sulcus and coronal ridge, long-lasting results, and a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-appearing glans penis.

Results

The harvested distal flap is progressively thicker and not folded, resulting in a more naturally looking ridge. The donor site is deeper than other techniques, creating a well-defined sulcus. By using 2 skin grafts the opposing force vectors increase the projection of the ridge and the deepness of the sulcus.

Clinical Translation

This technique results in a more prominent glans penis and is an important step in creating an almost naturally looking neo-phallus.

Conclusions

This procedure can be applied to all different kind of flaps used for phalloplasty, both in an immediate or delayed fashion. As grafts are used, partial or complete graft lost can appear. Furthermore, attention must be paid not to incise the distal flap too deep so vascularity to the distal part of the flap will not be impaired. A continuous search to optimize the aesthetic outcome of the phalloplasty procedure is necessary and with this new coronaplasty technique we hope to raise attention and take another step toward creating “the real thing.”
miR‐429 expression in bladder cancer and its correlation with tumor behavior and clinical outcome
Authors: Wu Chia‐Lun , Ho Jar‐Yi , Hung Shun‐Hsing , Yu Dah‐Shyong
Published: March 2018

We previously showed that microRNA‐429 (miR‐429) played an important role in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. We herein evaluated the expression of miR‐429 in bladder cancer and its potential relevance to clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival. Relative expression levels of miR‐429 in surgical bladder cancer tissue specimens obtained from 76 patients with bladder cancer were measured by chromogenic in situ hybridization. miR‐429 expression was significantly higher in specimens from alive patients than expired patients in both of 5‐year overall survival (OS) (0.59 ± 0.09 vs. 0.27 ± 0.12; p < 0.05) and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (0.63 ± 0.10 vs. 0.33 ± 0.10; p < 0.05). The univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that tumor grade, stage, and miR‐429 expression were significantly associated with patient survival. In multivariate analysis, tumor stage and miR‐429 expression were significantly associated with 5‐year OS (hazard ratio [HR] 4.70, p < 0.001) and 5‐year‐RFS (HR 2.20, p < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with miR‐429 expression had significantly better 5‐year OS and 5‐year RFS rates than those without miR‐429 expression (84.4% vs. 61.4%, p < 0.05 and 71.9% vs. 45.5%, p < 0.05, respectively). miR‐429 may be considered as an adjunctive prognostic marker in addition to tumor grade and stage in bladder cancer.
Dairy product consumption is associated with pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in the Lifelines Cohort Study
Authors: Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M. , Sluik Diewertje , Singh-Povel Cecile M. , Feskens Edith J. M.
Published: March 2018

Previous studies show associations between dairy product consumption and type 2 diabetes, but only a few studies conducted detailed analyses for a variety of dairy subgroups. Therefore, we examined cross-sectional associations of a broad variety of dairy subgroups with pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (ND-T2DM) among Dutch adults. In total, 112 086 adults without diabetes completed a semi-quantitative FFQ and donated blood. Pre-diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) between 5·6 and 6·9 mmol/l or HbA1c% of 5·7–6·4 %. ND-T2DM was defined as FPG ≥7·0 mmol/l or HbA1c ≥6·5 %. Logistic regression analyses were conducted by 100 g or serving increase and dairy tertiles (T1ref), while adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and dietary covariates. Median dairy product intake was 324 (interquartile range 227) g/d; 25 549 (23 %) participants had pre-diabetes; and 1305 (1 %) had ND-T2DM. After full adjustment, inverse associations were observed of skimmed dairy (OR100 g 0·98; 95 % CI 0·97, 1·00), fermented dairy (OR100 g 0·98; 95 % CI 0·97, 0·99) and buttermilk (OR150 g 0·97; 95 % CI 0·94, 1·00) with pre-diabetes. Positive associations were observed for full-fat dairy (OR100 g 1·003; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·06), non-fermented dairy products (OR100 g 1·01; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·02) and custard (ORserving/150 g 1·13; 95 % CI 1·03, 1·24) with pre-diabetes. Moreover, full-fat dairy products (ORT3 1·16; 95 % CI 0·99, 1·35), non-fermented dairy products (OR100 g 1·05; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·09) and milk (ORserving/150 g 1·08; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·15) were positively associated with ND-T2DM. In conclusion, our data showed inverse associations of skimmed and fermented dairy products with pre-diabetes. Positive associations were observed for full-fat and non-fermented dairy products with pre-diabetes and ND-T2DM.
The effect of short-term coenzyme Q10supplementation and pre-cooling strategy on cardiac damage markers in elite swimmers
Authors: Emami Ali , Tofighi Asghar , Asri-Rezaei Siamak , Bazargani-Gilani Behnaz
Published: March 2018

Strenuous physical exercise and hyperthermia may paradoxically induce oxidative stress and adverse effects on myocardial function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 14-d coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) supplementation and pre-cooling on serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), myoglobin (Mb), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and CoQ10concentration in elite swimmers. In total, thirty-six healthy males (mean age 17 (sd1) years) were randomly selected and divided into four groups of supplementation, supplementation with pre-cooling, pre-cooling and control. During an eighteen-session protocol in the morning and evening, subjects attended speed and endurance swimming training sessions for 5 km in each session. Blood sampling was done before (two stages) and after (two stages) administration of CoQ10and pre-cooling. ANCOVA and repeated measurement tests with Bonferronipost hoctest were used for the statistical analysis of the data. There was no significant statistical difference among groups for the levels of CK-MB, cTnI, Mb, LD, TAC, LPO and CoQ10at the presampling (stages 1 and 2) (P>0·05). However, pre-cooling and control groups show a significant increase in the levels of CK-MB, cTnI, Mb, LD and LPO compared with the supplementation and supplementation with pre-cooling groups in the post-sampling (stages 1 and 2) (P<0·05), except for the TAC and CoQ10. Consequently, CoQ10supplementation prevents adverse changes of myocardial damage and oxidative stress during swimming competition phase. Meanwhile, the pre-cooling strategy individually has no desired effect on the levels of CK-MB, cTnI, Mb, LD, LPO, TAC and CoQ10.
Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics profiling on flesh quality of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea fed a diet with hydroxyproline supplementation
Authors: Wei Zehong , Zhou Huihui , Zhang Yanjiao , Zhang Qin , Zhang Wenbing , Mai Kangsen
Published: March 2018

A previous study showed that flesh quality of large yellow croaker (LYC) was improved by feeding dietary hydroxyproline (Hyp, 0·69 %). The aim of the present study was to explore the underlying mechanisms using transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis. The metabolomics analysis showed that muscle metabolite profiles could be clearly separated between the basal diet and Hyp supplementation diet. Metabolites including betaine, Hyp, lactate, glucose-6-phosphate, trimethylamine N-oxide, taurine, creatine, inosine monophosphate, histamine and serine made significant contribution to the separation. Compared with the control diet, the transcriptomics analysis identified a total of 334 different expressed genes, of which 298 genes were up-regulated and thirty-six genes were down-regulated in the Hyp supplementation group. The altered genes of the Hyp supplementation group were involved in collagen metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. The integrated results revealed that the increased muscle collagen content in the Hyp supplementation diet was partly because of its enhancement of biosynthesis and the reduction of degradation. The improvement of muscle quality by dietary Hyp supplementation could also be related to a good utilisation of glucose through enhancement of glycolysis. It was concluded that dietary Hyp supplementation could improve flesh quality because of comprehensive metabolism changes including elevated collagen content, glycolysis, lipid metabolism and flesh flavour of LYC. The present study provided a novel strategy to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of flesh quality of LYC fed diet with Hyp supplementation.
Disaster risk, climate change, and poverty: assessing the global exposure of poor people to floods and droughts
Authors: Winsemius Hessel C. , Jongman Brenden , Veldkamp Ted I.E. , Hallegatte Stephane , Bangalore Mook , Ward Philip J.
Published: March 2018

People living in poverty are particularly vulnerable to shocks, including those caused by natural disasters such as floods and droughts. This paper analyses household survey data and hydrological riverine flood and drought data for 52 countries to find out whether poor people are disproportionally exposed to floods and droughts, and how this exposure may change in a future climate. We find that poor people are often disproportionally exposed to droughts and floods, particularly in urban areas. This pattern does not change significantly under future climate scenarios, although the absolute number of people potentially exposed to floods or droughts can increase or decrease significantly, depending on the scenario and region. In particular, many countries in Africa show a disproportionally high exposure of poor people to floods and droughts. For these hotspots, implementing risk-sensitive land-use and development policies that protect poor people should be a priority.