bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolved Gas Analysis‐Mass Spectrometry to Identify the Earliest Organic Binder in Aegean Style Wall Paintings
Authors: Linn Ravit , Bonaduce Ilaria , Ntasi Georgia , Birolo Leila , Yasur‐Landau Assaf , Cline Eric H. , Nevin Austin , Lluveras‐Tenorio Anna
Published: August 2018

An organic binder was identified in the painted fragments from the Canaanite palace of Tel Kabri, Israel. Recently dated to the late 18th century B.C.E. by 14C, Tel Kabri is the most ancient of the Eastern Mediterranean sites in which Aegean style paintings have been found. The application of pigments was suspected to be using an organic binding medium, particularly for the Egyptian Blue pigment. Samples of blue paint were examined using evolved gas analysis‐mass spectrometry (EGA‐MS) in order to overcome the analytical challenges imposed by highly degraded aged proteinaceous materials. Egg was identified as the binder based on the presence of hexadecanonitrile and octadecanonitrile, confirming the use of a secco painting technique. Lysozyme C from Gallus gallus was detected by proteomics analysis, confirming the presence of egg. To our knowledge, this is the earliest use of egg as a binder in Aegean style wall paintings.
Self‐Propelled Nanomotors for Thermomechanically Percolating Cell Membranes
Authors: Xuan Mingjun , Shao Jingxin , Gao Changyong , Wang Wei , Dai Luru , He Qiang
Published: August 2018

We report a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐powered Janus mesoporous silica nanomotor (JMSNM) with macrophage cell membrane (MPCM) cloaking that can actively seek cancer cells and thermomechanically percolate cell membrane. Upon exposure to NIR light, a heat gradient across the Janus boundary of the JMSNMs is generated by the photothermal effect of the Au half‐shells, resulting in a self‐thermophoretic force that propels the JMSNMs. In biological medium, the MPCM camouflaging can not only prevent dissociative biological blocks from adhering to JMSNMs but also improve the seeking sensitivity of the nanomotors by specifically recognizing cancer cells. The biofriendly propulsion and recognition capability enable JMSNMs to achieve the active seeking and bind to the membrane of cancer cells. Subsequent illumination with NIR then triggers the photothermal effect of MPCM@JMSNMs to thermomechanically perforate the cytomembranes for guest molecular injection. This approach integrates the functions of active seeking, cytomembranes perforating, and thermomechanical therapy in nanomotors, which may pave the way to apply self‐propelled motors in biomedical fields.
Lithium Nitrate Solvation Chemistry in Carbonate Electrolyte Sustains High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Yan Chong , Yao Yu‐Xing , Chen Xiang , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2018

The lithium metal anode is regarded as a promising candidate in next‐generation energy storage devices. Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) is widely applied as an effective additive in ether electrolyte to increase the interfacial stability in batteries containing lithium metal anodes. However, because of its poor solubility LiNO3 is rarely utilized in the high‐voltage window provided by carbonate electrolyte. Dissolution of LiNO3 in carbonate electrolyte is realized through an effective solvation regulation strategy. LiNO3 can be directly dissolved in an ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate electrolyte mixture by adding trace amounts of copper fluoride as a dissolution promoter. LiNO3 protects the Li metal anode in a working high‐voltage Li metal battery. When a LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode is paired with a Li metal anode, an extraordinary capacity retention of 53 % is achieved after 300 cycles (13 % after 200 cycles for LiNO3‐free electrolyte) and a very high average Coulombic efficiency above 99.5 % is achieved at 0.5 C. The solvation chemistry of LiNO3‐containing carbonate electrolyte may sustain high‐voltage Li metal anodes operating in corrosive carbonate electrolytes.
Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, cytotoxicity and molecular docking properties of Cu (II) and Mn (II) complexes with 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid
Authors: Gao Enjun , Xing Jialing , Qu Yun , Qiu Xue , Zhu Mingchang
Published: August 2018

Two novel complexes, [Cu (L)(H2O)]⋅H2O (1) and [Mn (H2O)6] ⋅L ⋅H2O (2) (L = 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized using elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Intramolecular weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, and intermolecular interactions play important roles in the construction of the complexes. The interaction of these complexes with fish sperm DNA (FS‐DNA) was monitored and binding constants were determined using UV–visible spectroscopy, which revealed their ability to bind to FS‐DNA, with binding constants for the two complexes of 1.88 × 104 M−1 (1) and 1.06 × 104 M−1 (2). Viscosity experiments further demonstrated the binding of the complexes to DNA. The complexes were further studied using gel electrophoresis assay with supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA. In addition, anticancer activities of the metal complexes investigated through MTT assays in vitro indicated good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and apoptosis experiments showed that these complexes induced apoptosis of two different cancer cell lines (HeLa and KB cells), demonstrating a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. Finally, a further molecular docking technique was employed to confirm the binding of the complexes towards the molecular target DNA.
Assembly of Sub‐Crystals on the Macroscale and Construction of Composite Building Units on the Microscale for SAPO‐34
Authors: Yuan Delin , Xing Aihua , Miao Ping , Sun Qi , Cui Lishan , Wang Hui , Ma Linge , Chiang FuKuo , Kong Jiechen
Published: August 2018

The nucleation and growth of SAPO‐34 crystals with triethylamine (TEA) as a single template was monitored with ex situ time‐resolved characterization methods. The investigation focused on the evolution of the intermediate phases at different crystallization stages of SAPO‐34. The morphology transformation of the intermediate phases at different crystallization times revealed the unique self‐assembly process of the sub‐crystals. The cubic SAPO‐34 crystals can be constructed from eight pyramidal subunits. Additionally, the construction order of cha cages and double‐six‐membered ring (d6r) units in the initial crystallization stage was determined. The appearance of cha cages prior to d6r units can be attributed to the structure‐directing effect of protonated TEA, which is charge balanced with the negative charge of the framework from Si incorporation. Further analysis showed that Si species were incorporated into the framework by direct participation in the initial crystallization stage and substitution for framework P atoms during the later stage.
Micellar enhanced spectrofluorimetric approach for nanogram detection of certain α1‐blocker drugs: Application in pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma
Authors: Omar Mahmoud A. , Hammad Mohamed A. , Salman Baher I.
Published: August 2018

Alpha1‐adrenergic‐blocking drugs, namely; alfuzosin hydrochloride (ALF), doxazosin mesylate (DOX) and terazosin hydrochloride (TER) are effective as antihypertensive agents as well as in management of benign prostatic hypertrophy. In this study, a simple, very fast, highly sensitive and cheap technique was optimized for assay of these drugs in pure states and pharmaceutical tablets. The proposed method is dependent on enhancement of the native fluorescence of investigated drugs using the polyoxyethylene 50 stearate (POE50S) micellar system. The method showed excitation at 325, 340 and 250 nm for ALF, DOX and TER, respectively and an emission maxima at 382 nm. The fluorescence intensity–concentration charts of studied drugs were attained utilizing concentration ranges (2.0–60.0 ng mL−1) for DOX and (4.0–100.0 ng mL−1) for ALF and TER with quantitation limits 2.9, 1.6 and 2.5 ng mL−1for ALF, DOX and TER, respectively. The suggested technique was approved according to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) standards and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) bioanalytical method validation and has been effectively applied for assay of these medications in their dosage forms as well as for content uniformity test. The developed procedure was also efficiently applied for determination of these drugs in real human plasma with high accuracy.
Community initiative investments as a strategy for development‐led business: Comparative analysis
Authors: Anbarasan Periyasami , Sushil
Published: August 2018

Businesses have the potential to enhance the livelihoods of societies and individuals. Business activities do not occur in isolation but instead are an integral part of social activities. There may be developmental activities that cause the loss of livelihood due to involvement in mass production; therefore, responsibility is not enforced in business operations, and local communities must be viewed as integral parts of business activities. Development activities may not be sufficient to support the business activities; only an increase in income will decrease poverty. Therefore, low incomes must be addressed by expanding the local communities' capabilities. Hence, community initiative investment is a strategy for development‐led business that is demonstrated by the two case studies of Dabur and Tech Mahindra. Total interpretive structural modeling is developed, reverse causality is discussed, and the study is validated by a simple linear regression analysis. Further implications and the future scope of this research are discussed.
Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment
Authors: Scarcella Giuseppe , Dethlefsen Markus Wied , Nielsen Michael Canova Engelbrecht
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical Message

Treating solar lentigines using picosecond‐switched lasers that selectively remove the excess pigment was combined with Kleresca® biophotonic treatment. This therapy uses fluorescent light energy to stimulate healing by increasing collagen production and reducing inflammation. Combining these therapies successfully removed solar lentigines and achieved normalized and rejuvenated treated skin.
Near‐Infrared Light Responsive Imaging‐Guided Photothermal and Photodynamic Synergistic Therapy Nanoplatform Based on Carbon Nanohorns for Efficient Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gao Cunji , Dong Pei , Lin Zhaoxing , Guo Xiaolu , Jiang Bang‐Ping , Ji Shichen , Liang Hong , Shen Xing‐Can
Published: August 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Xing‐Can Shen at the Guangxi Normal University. The image depicts how SWNH‐ICGs efficiently inhibit the growth of tumor cells under NIR light irradiation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201802611.
Hydrolytischer Faulschlammaufschluss durch Direktdampfeinspeisung
Authors: Herter Alexander , Rädle Matthias , Weigert Claudia , Methner Frank‐Jürgen
Published: August 2018

Während der Fermentation von Faulschlamm werden die organischen Inhaltsstoffe etwa zur Hälfte von Mikroben zu Biogas umgewandelt, bevor dieser einer Verwertung zugeführt wird. Über ein Aufbereitungsverfahren wie die in diesem Beitrag vorgestellte Thermodruckhydrolyse, kann die Bioverfügbarkeit der organischen Inhaltsstoffe für die Fermentation erhöht werden. Der hydrolytische Faulschlammaufschluss sieht Direktdampf zum Aufheizen der Biomasse vor. Somit kann das Fouling von Wärmeenergie‐übertragenden Flächen vermieden werden. Das Konzept wird dvorgestellt und erste experimentelle Ergebnisse und Anwendungsbeispiele werden gezeigt.
Carbon2Polymer – Chemical Utilization of CO2 in the Production of Isocyanates
Authors: Leitner Walter , Franciò Giancarlo , Scott Martin , Westhues Christian , Langanke Jens , Lansing Markus , Hussong Christine , Erdkamp Eric
Published: August 2018

CO2 was investigated as carbon source for the synthesis of the polymer precursor toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI). A four‐step synthesis was envisaged. The first step, i.e., the Ru‐catalyzed CO2 hydrogenation to [HCOOH·amine] adducts, was carried out under biphasic conditions allowing for straightforward reutilization of the catalyst phase. The investigation of the second step, the esterification of formic acid with methanol to yield methyl formate (MF), is ongoing with a strong focus on the integration with the hydrogenation step. The potential hazards of the third step, the Pd‐catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of toluene‐2,4‐diamine with MF, have been addressed developing a sophisticated protocol for a safe operation with organics/CO/O2 mixtures. For the final step, the carbamate cleavage of toluene‐2,4‐dicarbamate (TDC) towards TDI, monofunctional model substrates and TDC were cleaved in the presence of bifunctional catalysts. The obtained kinetic data allowed to implement the reaction in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor and will serve as starting point for further process optimization.
Impact of glucose concentration on productivity and yield of hydrogen production by the new isolate Clostridium beijerinckii Br21
Authors: Constante Fonseca Bruna , Schmidell Willibaldo , Reginatto Valeria
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the batch kinetic fermentative assays data used to evaluate how glucose concentration influences fermentative H2 production, including the non‐dissociated acid concentration threshold, with the new isolate Clostridium beijerinckii Br21. Fermentative batch assays for hydrogen (H2) production were conducted with initial glucose concentrations of 5.2, 27.2, 54.4, 97.2, or 154.4 mmol/L without pH control. The dry cell mass (X), glucose (S), and product (H2) concentrations and the pH were monitored for 60 h. Increasing initial glucose concentration raised the maximum specific H2 production rate to values as high as 1.19 mmol H2/mg X · h. However, the H2 production yield (YH2/S) decreased from 2.23 to 0.2 mmol H2/mmol glucose. The initial glucose concentration that provided the best compromise between YH2/S and H2 productivity was 37 mmol/L (6.7 g/L). The lactic acid, acetic acid, and butyric acid concentrations enhanced at higher initial glucose concentrations, leading to the largest pH decrease. Lower pH favoured non‐dissociated acids, which switched the Clostridium metabolism to solventogenesis. The threshold acid concentrations for C. beijerinckii Br21 solventogenesis were non‐dissociated butyric acid at 8 mmol/L and total non‐dissociated acetic and butyric acids at 13 mmol/L. Glucose supply and pH control in continuous or fed‐batch biorreactors could culminate in higher H2 productivity and yield by C. beijerinckii Br21.
Benchmarked small area prediction
Authors: Berg Emily , Fuller Wayne A.
Published: August 2018

Small area estimation often involves constructing predictions with an estimated model followed by a benchmarking step. In the benchmarking operation, the predictions are modified so that weighted sums satisfy constraints. The most common constraint is the constraint that a weighted sum of predictions is equal to the same weighted sum of the original observations. Two benchmarking procedures for nonlinear models are proposed: a linear additive adjustment and a method based on an augmented model for the expectation function. Variance estimators for benchmarked predictors are presented and vetted through simulation studies. The benchmarking procedures are applied to county estimates of the proportion of area in cropland using data from the National Resources Inventory. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 482–500; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
Characterization of a novel Drosophila melanogaster cis‐regulatory module that drives gene expression to the larval tracheal system and adult thoracic musculature
Authors: Wester Jorge Victor Wilfredo Cachay , Lima Carlos Antonio Couto , Machado Maiaro Cabral Rosa , Zampar Patrícia Vieira , Tavares Simone Sakagute , Monesi Nadia
Published: August 2018

In a previous bioinformatics analysis we identified 10 conserved Drosophila melanogaster sequences that reside upstream from protein coding genes (CGs). Here we characterize one of these genomic regions, which constitutes a Drosophila melanogaster cis‐regulatory module (CRM) that we denominate TT‐CRM. The TT‐CRM is 646 bp long and is located in one of the introns of CG32239 and resides about 3,500 bp upstream of CG13711 and about 620 bp upstream of CG12493. Analysis of 646 bp‐lacZ lines revealed that TT‐CRM drives gene expression not only to the larval, prepupal, and pupal tracheal system but also to the adult dorsal longitudinal muscles. The patterns of mRNA expression of the transgene and of the CGs that lie in the vicinity of TT‐CRM were investigated both in dissected trachea and in adult thoraces. Through RT‐qPCR we observed that in the tracheal system the pattern of expression of 646 bp‐lacZ is similar to the pattern of expression of CG32239 and CG13711, whereas in the thoracic muscles 646 bp‐lacZ expression accompanies the expression of CG12493. Together, these results suggest new functions for two previously characterized D. melanogaster genes and also contribute to the initial characterization of a novel CRM that drives a dynamic pattern of expression throughout development.
Daily motor characteristics in children with developmental coordination disorder and in children with specific learning disorder
Authors: Baldi Silvia , Caravale Barbara , Presaghi Fabio
Published: August 2018

An association between learning disorders and coordination problems has been reported in several studies over the last few decades. In this study, we have investigated daily motor characteristics in children with a diagnosis of specific learning disorder (SLD) and compared them with those of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and those of typically developing controls. Ninety‐six children aged 5 to 12 years were included: 29 with a diagnosis of SLD, 33 of DCD, and 34 controls. The Italian version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ‐Italian) was used to measure children's coordination in everyday functional activities. The mean DCDQ‐Italian total score was significantly lower in both SLD and DCD groups as compared with controls. Regarding subscores, both clinical groups scored significantly lower than controls on “Fine motor/handwriting” skills and on “General coordination.” The DCD group scored also significantly lower than controls on “Control during movement.” Moreover, clinical groups differed from each other, with SLD children scoring significantly higher on “Control during movement” and “General coordination” subscores. SLD children diverged from typically developing children in some motor skills during ordinary activities, and although this discrepancy was not as severe as in DCD children, it could have an impact on self‐esteem and sport inclusion.
Noise monitoring method inside IC using full‐digital circuits under actual environment
Authors: Fujimoto Daisuke , Hayashi Yu‐ichi
Published: August 2018

In our daily lives, information devices are interconnected each other. So, there is a possibility that the immunity may degrade compared to the single unit under the actual use environment, and it may be susceptible to interference from external noise. To evaluate the noise in such a real environment, we propose a dynamically configurable noise measuring circuit. The proposed measurement circuit has high dynamic range and measures noise with high resolution in time domains. Through experiments, we implement the proposal circuit in a FPGA and show that the proposed circuit can accurately measure the conducted noise propagating from the outside of the circuit.
Evaluation and Comparison of Lipid Composition, Oxidation Stability, and Antioxidant Capacity of Sesame Oil: An Industrial‐Scale Study Based on Oil Extraction Method
Authors: Shi Longkai , Zheng Li , Zhang Yiren , Liu Ruijie , Chang Ming , Huang Jianhua , Jin Qingzhe , Zhang Hui , Wang Xingguo
Published: August 2018

Sesame oils are widely consumed around the world, but a study on their lipid composition, oxidation stability, and free radical scavenging capacity is limited. In this article, characterizations of 13 sesame oils extracted by four different processing techniques are evaluated. The results show that triacylglycerol and fatty acid compositions are not significantly affected by the oil extraction technology. However, differences in minor component composition, oxidation stability, and free radical scavenging capacity among the various sesame oil samples are observed. Roasted sesame oils are much better than refined and cold pressed sesame oils, especially in terms of their oxidation stability and antioxidant capacity. Further, the results observed verify that qualities of the final oils can be affected by the processing technologies such as roasting and oil refining processes. This work may help manufacturers to produce sesame oil products with high nutritional value, abundant natural antioxidants, and better bioactive properties.

Practical Applications: Four extraction methods are used to extract sesame oils from sesame seeds on an industrial‐scale. Roasting is a critical process to create natural antioxidants like Maillard reaction products and sesamol showing strong reductive activity, thus improving the antioxidant capacity and stability of the obtained oil product. The results also indicate that one should pay close attention to some specific crafts like roasting and oil refining during sesame oil processing procedure, which would intensively influence the character of the commercial oil product.

In the present study, profiles of 13 sesame oils obtained by four different processing techniques (hot pressing, cold pressing, solvent extraction, and aqueous extraction) are evaluated. Differences of fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions among the test sesame oils are not significant. However, the contents of minor component, oxidative stability, and in vitro antioxidant capacity are considerably different. Roasted sesame oils (HPSOs and SMSOs) are much better than the other two kinds (CPSOs and RSOs), which show superior oxidative stability and free radical scavenging capacity.
Detrifluoroacetylation Reaction of Trifluoromethyl‐β‐diketones: Facile Method for the Synthesis of Succinimide Derivatives and 1,4‐Diketones
Authors: Wang Li‐Hua , Zhao Jing
Published: August 2018

Currently, a great deal of research efforts are focused on C–C bond activation for development of novel synthetic methodology. In this paper, a detrifluoroacetylation of trifluoromethyl‐β‐diketones is described, which allows for the synthesis of succinimides and 1,4‐diketones through cascade Michael addition/retro‐Claisen reaction and nucleophilic substitution/retro‐Claisen reaction. The readily available trifluoromethyl‐β‐diketones, wide substrate scope, and mild conditions make this method very practical.
Global metabolomic responses in urine from atm deficient mice in response to LD50/30 gamma irradiation doses
Authors: Laiakis Evagelia C. , Mak Tytus D. , Strawn Steven J. , Wang Yi‐Wen , Moon Bo‐Hyun , Ake Pelagie , Fornace Albert J
Published: August 2018

Exposures to ionizing radiation (IR) may either be accidental or intentional, for medical purposes or even through terrorist actions. As certain populations emerge to be more radiosensitive than others, it is imperative to assess those individuals and treat them accordingly. To demonstrate the feasibility of rapid identification of such cases, we utilized the highly radiosensitive mouse model Atm–/– in the C57BL/6 background, and evaluated the urinary responses in 8–10 week old male mice at early time points (4, 24, and 72 h) after exposure to their respective LD50/30 doses [4 Gy for Atm–/–, and 8 Gy for wild type (WT)]. Urinary profiles from heterozygous animals exhibited remarkably similar responses to WT before and after radiation exposure. However, genotypic differences (WT or Atm–/–) were the primary driver to responses to radiation. Putative metabolites were validated through tandem mass spectrometry and included riboflavin, uric acid, d‐ribose, d‐glucose, pantothenic acid, taurine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, 2‐oxoadipic acid, glutaric acid, 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine, and hippuric acid. These metabolites mapped to several interconnected metabolic pathways which suggest that radiosensitive mouse models have underlying differences significantly impacting overall metabolism. This was further amplified by ionizing radiation at different time points. This study further emphasizes that genetically based radiosensitivity is reflected in the metabolic processes, and can be directly observed in urine. These differences in turn can potentially be used to identify individuals that may require altered medical treatment in an emergency radiological situation or modification of a regimen during a radiotherapy session. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:576–585, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
D‐Galactose based hydrophobic ionic liquid: A new adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution
Authors: Jayachandra R. , Reddy S. Rajasekhara , Lakshmipathy R.
Published: August 2018

The present study reports the synthesis of D‐galactose based hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) and its potential application in the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. The synthesized D‐galactose based hydrophobic ionic liquid is insoluble in water and stable at room temperature as a solid. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the sorption capacity of IL toward Cd2+ ions. The experimental data was analyzed with various isotherm and kinetic models to understand the adsorption process. The Arrhenius activation energy was found to be 12.7 and 22.5 kJ/mol, respectively, for 10 and 30 mg/L of initial metal ion concentration suggesting physisorption of Cd2+ ions on to IL. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that the present process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The present IL exhibited superior adsorption capacity toward Cd2+ ions in presence of other co‐cations in aqueous solution. These results suggest that, the synthesized IL can be a superior adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S139–S145, 2019
Food addiction and other addictive behaviours in bariatric surgery candidates
Authors: Müller Astrid , Leukefeld Crispin , Hase Carolin , Gruner‐Labitzke Kerstin , Mall Julian W. , Köhler Hinrich , de Zwaan Martina
Published: August 2018

Objective

The present study investigated the association between food addiction (FA) and other addictive behaviours in 216 bariatric surgery candidates (91.7% class 3 obesity; 80.1% women; age Mdn = 44.00 years, range 18–73).

Method

Assessment included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and standardized self‐report questionnaires to measure symptoms of disorders related to substance use (alcohol and nicotine) and behavioural addictions (gambling, Internet‐use, buying, hypersexual disorders, and exercise dependence).

Results

Bivariate correlations indicated a moderate relationship of YFAS 2.0 FA symptoms with buying disorder symptoms and a weak association with Internet‐use disorder symptoms. Fifty‐nine patients (27.3%) met the YFAS 2.0 threshold for FA, 1.9% for alcohol use disorder, 6.0% for nicotine use disorder, 17.3% for buying disorder, 2.3% for Internet‐use disorder, and 1.4% for hypersexual disorder. None of the patients scored above the respective questionnaire thresholds for gambling disorder or exercise dependence. Patients with versus without YFAS 2.0 FA diagnosis did not differ with regard to prevalence estimates of addictive behaviours.

Conclusions

Clinical implications and potential limitations of the findings are discussed. Future studies should address the potential risk of postoperative addiction transfer using long‐term follow‐ups and controlled study designs.
Predictors of outcome among young adult patients with anorexia nervosa in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nyman‐Carlsson Erika , Birgegård Andreas , Engström Ingemar , Gustafsson Sanna Aila , Nevonen Lauri
Published: August 2018

Objective

The prognosis in cases of anorexia nervosa (AN) is unsatisfactory, and it is therefore important to examine pretreatment predictors of outcome.

Methods

Female AN patients (N = 74) included in a randomised controlled trial receiving individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or family‐based treatment (FBT) were included. Predictors of the outcome were explored using pretreatment eating disorder psychopathology.

Results

In the CBT group, lower levels of emotional dysregulation and greater deficits in identifying and coping with inner states were predictors of weight increase, explaining 37.7% of the variance. In the FBT group, lower interoceptive deficits predicted an increase in weight (explaining 17.7% of the variance), whereas bulimic behaviour (32.4%) and problems with emotional regulation (23.3%) were predictors of increased diagnostic symptoms.

Conclusions

Bulimic symptoms and the ability to identify and cope with emotional states appear to be important aspects that should be addressed in the treatment of young adult patients with AN.
Forecasting accident frequency of an urban road network: A comparison of four artificial neural network techniques
Authors: Behbahani Hamid , Amiri Amir Mohamadian , Imaninasab Reza , Alizamir Meysam
Published: August 2018

Considerable effort has been made to determine which of the most common prediction modeling techniques performs best, based on crash‐related data. Accordingly, the present study aims to evaluate how crashes in the urban road network are affected by contributing factors. Therefore, in the present paper, a comparison has been done among four artificial neural network (ANN) techniques: extreme learning machine (ELM), probabilistic neural network (PNN), radial basis function (RBF), and multilayer perceptron (MLP). According to the measures used, including Nash–Sutcliffe (NS), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE), ELM was found to be the most successful approach in addressing the objectives defined in the present study. Moreover, not only is ELM the fastest algorithm due to its different structure, but it has also led to the most accurate prediction. In the end, the RReliefF algorithm was utilized to find the importance of variables used, including V/C, speed, vehicle kilometer traveled (VKT), roadway width, existence of median, and allowable/not‐allowable parking. It was proved that VKT is the most influential variable in accident occurrence, followed by two traffic flow characteristics: V/C and speed.
Europa? Europa!
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: August 2018

Worauf gründet die europäische Forschungsförderung der Zukunft? Die EU‐Kommission setzt für ihr nächstes Rahmenprogramm auf Open Science, Bürgerorientierung und Missionen. Das sollte für die Forschung selbst Grund zu kritischer Begleitung der Pläne sein.
Über den Wolken
Authors: Schmidt Jörg , Wendisch Manfred , Curtius Joachim , Scheinert Mirko , Sinnhuber Björn‐Martin
Published: August 2018

Ein Flieger im Dienste der Atmosphären‐, Klima‐ und Geoforschung: Getragen von einem internationalen Konsortium, ist HALO binnen Kurzem zum leistungsstärksten Forschungsflugzeug in Europa avanciert. Seine ebenso moderne wie variable Apparatur ermöglicht aufwendige Messkampagnen, sei es zu Aerosolpartikeln oder Luftschadstoffen.
Geochemical and isotopic evidence for magma mixing/mingling in the Marshenan intrusion: Implications for juvenile crust in the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, Central Iran
Authors: Sarjoughian Fatemeh , Azizi Mozhgan , Lentz David R. , Ling Wenli
Published: August 2018

The 20.5 Ma Marshenan intrusion, situated to the north‐east of Isfahan City, comprises a small part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA). According to the field and microscopic observations, the study area is composed of two major units: intermediate‐mafic and felsic magmatic rocks. The felsic units include spheroidal to ellipsoidal mafic microgranular enclaves ranging in size from a few millimetres to meters in size. These enclaves are composed of monzodiorite and gabbroic diorite, whereas the felsic and intermediate‐mafic rocks mainly consist of granite, granodiorite, diorite, and rarely gabbro on the basis of both mineralogical and chemical compositions. Enclaves are characterized by a microgranular texture and also reveal some special types of disequilibrium textures, for example, anti‐rapakivi, poikilitic K‐feldspar, skeletal amphibole, acicular apatite, sieve textures, spongy cellular textures in plagioclase, small lath‐shaped plagioclase in large plagioclase phenocrysts, large quartz phenocrysts in enclaves, and mafic clots. These features along with crenulated and occasionally diffuse contacts with the host granite and megacrysts of host feldspar in enclaves, implied that the enclaves have been injected as magmas to form globules into host granodioritic magma and underwent rapid cooling (quenching). They are mostly calc‐alkaline and metaluminous and show strong enrichment of LILEs and LREEs and depletion in HFSEs with negative Eu. The whole rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) and εNd(T) for the host intermediate‐mafic and felsic rocks vary from 0.70528 to 0.70555 and −0.7 to 1.7 and for the enclaves from 0.70526 to 0.70552 and −0.05 to 1.39. Sr–Nd isotope modelling results, in combination with young Nd model ages, indicate their “juvenile” character and suggest their derivation from source rocks or magmas separated from the upper mantle. It probably originates by partial melting of a juvenile lower crust (70–80%) with variable amounts of old lower crust (30–20%), involving mantle components. It is believed to have resulted from intense basaltic underplating and subsequent remelting that took place during the Early Miocene related to the Neo‐Tethys subduction processes. It resulted from a change in the geodynamic regime, including breakoff/rollback of the subducted slab and subsequent regional extension. Moreover, it suggests that new crustal growth during the Meso‐ to Neoproterozoic is an important mechanism in the early development of the central UDMA.
Development of the Glossopteris flora and its end Permian demise in the Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Son–Mahanadi Basin, India
Authors: Saxena Anju , Singh Kamal Jeet , Cleal Christopher J. , Chandra Shaila , Goswami Shreerup , Shabbar Husain
Published: August 2018

Diverse macrofloral assemblages recovered from the Barakar, Raniganj, and Panchet formations of Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield have been analysed. Plant fossils from nine localities represent typical Glossopteris floras of Permian age with Glossopteris as the dominant genus (33 species), whereas younger floral elements recorded from five locations are characterized by the presence of Triassic species, i.e., Glossopteris senii and G. gopadensis along with the genus Dicroidium.

The complete flora includes 24 genera and 73 species. Three floristic assemblages identified on the basis of the macrofloras are the Barakar assemblage with 31 taxa, the Raniganj assemblage with 38 taxa, and the Panchet assemblage having 33 taxa. All the available data concerning megaplant remains, palynology, and petrology of this basin are reviewed and analysed to infer the diversity trends of Glossopteris flora through the sequence and its transformation at the Raniganj–Panchet boundary (?Permian/Triassic boundary) in this coalfield. The Barakar Formation has a moderate diversity of Glossopteris (18 species), which increases in Raniganj Formation (26 species) and declines in the Panchet Formation (16 species). There is a gradual upwards change in the taxonomic composition of the Raniganj assemblage, with a decline in diversity, although some typical Permian taxa (e.g., Paracalamites, Schizoneura, Dizeugotheca, Glossopteris, and Vertebraria) continued up to the Panchet Formation.

In India, the continental Permian–Triassic boundary has been resolved mainly on the basis of palynomorph and macrofloral data and is conventionally taken to coincide with the boundary between the Raniganj and Panchet formations. The Raniganj–Panchet boundary has been tentatively proposed in one of the sections of this coalfield. At this boundary, the Glossopteris species typical of the Raniganj Formation (i.e., G. stenoneura and G. stricta) disappear. Some of the Glossopteridales taxa, continuing into the Panchet Formation, show relatively little discernable change from those found in the Raniganj Formation. The Panchet Formation exhibits a dominance of Dicroidium and also marks the appearance of ?Autunia, Heidiphyllum, Lepidopteris, Linguifolium, and Rissikia. Therefore, it is envisaged that plant life was only gradually transformed and evolved near this boundary, rather than being the subject of a comprehensive taxonomic turnover. The genus ?Autunia is reported for the first time from Indian Gondwana.
An exploratory case study of the organizational functioning of a decision‐making and referral support call center for frontline providers of maternal and new born care in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Edith , Oduro‐Mensah Ebenezer , Vanotoo Linda , Agyepong Irene Akua
Published: August 2018

A call center was designed and started implementation in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana in 2015, to support frontline provider decision‐making and referral for maternal and new born care. This study aimed to understand the organizational functioning of the center and lessons for design improvement, implementation, and scale‐up. The study design was a single case study. Data collection involved participant and nonparticipant observation, conversations, and in‐depth interviews with call center staff. Data were coded and analyzed manually. Findings showed a high adherence to call center protocols, good client service skills, a strong local sense of ownership of the center, and staff resilience in performing their functions despite a context of scarce resources and no prior experience with running a call center. Perceptions of lack of involvement of some call center staff in decision‐making, and the resource constrained working conditions sometimes hampered the functioning of the center. The locally driven bottom‐up process used to establish the center appeared to be an important element in sustaining it despite the resource constraints. More attention to locally driven bottom‐up approaches, organizational functioning, and resilience are critical to develop and sustain innovations for health outcome improvement in resource‐constrained contexts.
Chronic exposure to environmental stressors enhances production of natural and specific antibodies in rats
Authors: Cuervo Pablo Fernando , Beldomenico Pablo Martín , Sánchez Amorina , Pietrobon Elisa , Valdez Susana Ruth , Racca Andrea Laura
Published: August 2018

Although the immunosuppressive effect of chronic stress has been established, a stress response that downregulates the whole immune system does not make biological sense, especially if an animal has to endure difficult times in which there is also increased infection risk. At high animal densities, animals are faced simultaneously with food restriction (FR), social conflict (SC), and greater parasite–pathogen exposure. We hypothesized that the stress response to chronic stressors that covary with infection risk is not entirely immunosuppressive. Our prediction was that a chronically stressed animal would respond by enhancing innate defenses, while reducing investment in acquired immunity. In a laboratory setting, rats were exposed to prolonged FR and/or SC, and natural and specific antibody levels were repeatedly measured. Our prediction was fulfilled only partly, as FR and SC interacted to enhance natural antibodies, but rats exposed to either or both stressors also showed significantly higher levels of specific antibodies. These results suggest that, in the rat, chronic stress results in a prioritization of both innate and acquired humoral defenses, which makes biological sense provided the stressors examined usually signal an increased infection risk.
Polyethylene glycol plus bisacodyl: A safe, cheap, and effective regimen for colonoscopy in the South Asian patients
Authors: Jha Ashish Kumar , Chaudhary Madhur , Jha Praveen , Kumar Uday , Dayal Vishwa Mohan , Jha Sharad Kumar , Purkayastha Shubham , Ranjan Ravish , Mishra Manish , Sehrawat Kuldeep
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

Data regarding the comparison of colonoscopic preparation regimens are still variable. We aimed to assess the adequacy and tolerability of two bowel preparation regimens for afternoon colonoscopy.

Methods

In a randomized, investigator‐blinded trial, two preparation regimens [4‐L split‐dose polyethylene glycol‐electrolytes (PEG‐ELS) and 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl) were compared in terms of bowel cleansing efficacy and adverse effects.

Results

The mean (±SD) age (years) of the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS group (N = 147) and the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl (N = 155) were 44.09 (±15.62) (M:F : 2:1) and 44.12 years (±15.61) (M:F : 1.7:1), respectively. Percentage of patients with excellent and good preparation was higher in the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen compared with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen (22.44 vs 17.41 and 44.21% vs 36.12%). Percentage of patients with fair and poor preparation was lower in 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen compared with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen (21.08% vs 27.74% and 12.24% vs 18.70%). In comparison with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl group, the incidences of abdominal pain (11% vs 15%), bloating (9% vs 12.24%), nausea/vomiting (8.38% vs 9.52%), and sleep disturbance (11% vs 12%) were slightly more common in the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two regimens with regard to bowel cleansing efficacy and adverse events.

Conclusions

The 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl (10 mg) preparation is as efficacious as the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen for afternoon colonoscopy. Optimal preparation for colonoscopy can be achieved with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen with slightly fewer adverse events and lower cost compared to the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen.
Effect of culture duration on chondrogenic preconditioning of equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in self‐assembling peptide hydrogel
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Colbath Aimee C. , Tangtrongsup Suwimol
Published: August 2018

Ex vivo induction of chondrogenesis is a promising approach to improve upon the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering. This study evaluated the potential to induce chondrogenesis with days of culture in chondrogenic medium for MSCs encapsulated in self‐assembling peptide hydrogel. To simulate the transition from preconditioning culture to implantation, MSCs were isolated from self‐assembling peptide hydrogel into an individual cell suspension. Commitment to chondrogenesis was evaluated by seeding preconditioned MSCs into agarose and culturing in the absence of the chondrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Positive controls consisted of undifferentiated MSCs seeded into agarose and cultured in medium containing TGFβ. Three days of preconditioning was sufficient to produce chondrogenic MSCs that accumulated ∼75% more cartilaginous extracellular matrix than positive controls by day 17. However, gene expression of type X collagen was ∼65‐fold higher than positive controls, which was attributed to the absence of TGFβ. Potential induction of immunogenicity with preconditioning culture was indicated by expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), which was nearly absence in undifferentiated MSCs, and ∼7% positive for preconditioned cells. These data demonstrate the potential to generate chondrogenic MSCs with days of self‐assembling peptide hydrogel, and the ability to readily recover an individual cell suspension that is suited for injectable therapies. However, continued exposure to TGFβ may be necessary to prevent hypertrophy indicated by type X collagen expression, while immunogenicity may be a concern for allogeneic applications. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1368–1375, 2019.
Raman spectra of hydrous minerals investigated under various environmental conditions in preparation for planetary space missions
Authors: Weber Iris , Böttger Ute , Pavlov Sergey G. , Stojic Aleksandra , Hübers Heinz‐Wilhelm , Jessberger Elmar K.
Published: August 2018

Raman spectrometers will be part of the scientific payload of the future lander missions to Mars, icy moons, and asteroids. Their primary task is the search for life including the detailed characterization of the planetary environment. H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals are essential for biological processes; thus, their investigation will have a special focus. Cyclic temperature variations on planetary surfaces, for example, on Mars between 300 and 140 K from summer midday to winter night, induce re‐organization of the internal mineral structures, which can be monitored by Raman spectroscopy. Therefore, temperature dependent changes in Raman spectra under step‐wise cooling/re‐heating of typical planetary surface related H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals (e.g., carnallite, natrolite, gypsum, phlogopite, talc, and tremolite) are the focus of this work. Spectra were taken under space relevant simulated conditions, from vacuum and cryogenic temperature to room conditions, including those that resemble the Martian surface atmosphere. Special attention was dedicated to the typical vibrational stretching modes of H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals. H2O‐bearing minerals exhibit significantly different temperature related changes when compared to OH−‐bearing minerals. We observed the formation of an ice‐like Raman spectrum during step‐wise deep cooling of carnallite. Gypsum shows a blue shift of the H2O band with decreasing temperature. All other investigated minerals display no significant variations over the entire Raman relevant spectral range. The results of this study are be made available in a Raman database of the flight Raman instruments.
Development of an Ultraviolet‐Spectrophotometric Method for Analysis of Esterquat‐Containing Flotation Collectors in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ibragimova Olga , Kleiv Rolf Arne
Published: August 2018

In this study, a rapid and simple ultraviolet‐spectrophotometric method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of esterquat‐containing flotation collector FLOT 2015 in aqueous solutions. This method is based on the formation of an ion pair by FLOT 2015 and bromocresol purple, an anionic dye, and the subsequent measurement of the reduction in absorbance without extraction by organic solvents. The optimum conditions for FLOT 2015 detection and analysis were established. Sample solutions were stable up to 3 h. Maximum absorbance was obtained at 574 nm. The proposed method showed linearity in the range of 5–45 μg mL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9917. Standard and relative standard deviation obtained by intraday and interday precision tests of the proposed method were within the permissible bias range and considered satisfactory. This method was found to be selective and specific for successful determination of FLOT 2015 in aqueous flotation systems.