bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders adapted for a group setting
Authors: Wade Stephanie , Byrne Sue , Allen Karina
Published: May 2017

Objective

This randomized control trial is an evaluation of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT‐E) for eating disorders adapted for a group setting. The study aimed to examine the effects of group CBT‐E on eating disorder psychopathology and additional maintaining pathology.

Method

A transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders with a BMI ≥ 18 kg/m2 (N = 40) were randomized to an immediate‐start or delayed‐start condition so as to compare therapeutic effects of group CBT‐E with a waitlist control. Global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores, BMI, and measures of Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were measured across the 8‐week control period, throughout the group treatment and at 3‐months post‐treatment.

Results

Over 70% of those who entered the trial completed treatment. The first eight weeks of group CBT‐E were more effective at reducing Global EDE‐Q scores than no treatment (waitlist control). By post‐treatment, good outcome (a Global EDE‐Q within 1 SD of Australian community norms plus BMI ≥ 18.5) was achieved by 67.9% of treatment completers and 66.7% of the total sample. Symptom abstinence within the previous month was reported by 14.3% of treatment completers and 10.3% of the total sample. Significant reductions in Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were also observed.

Discussion

This study demonstrated that a group version of CBT‐E can be effective at reducing eating disorder psychopathology in a transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders. Group CBT‐E could provide a means of increasing availability of evidence‐based treatment for eating disorders.
The relative contribution of drift and selection to phenotypic divergence: A test case using the horseshoe bats Rhinolophus simulator and Rhinolophus swinnyi
Authors: Mutumi Gregory L. , Jacobs David S. , Winker Henning
Published: May 2017

Natural selection and drift can act on populations individually, simultaneously or in tandem and our understanding of phenotypic divergence depends on our ability to recognize the contribution of each. According to the quantitative theory of evolution, if an organism has diversified through neutral evolutionary processes (mutation and drift), variation of phenotypic characteristics between different geographic localities (B) should be directly proportional to the variation within localities (W), that is, B ∝ W. Significant deviations from this null model imply that non‐neutral forces such as natural selection are acting on a phenotype. We investigated the relative contributions of drift and selection to intraspecific diversity using southern African horseshoe bats as a test case. We characterized phenotypic diversity across the distributional range of Rhinolophus simulator (n = 101) and Rhinolophus swinnyi (n = 125) using several traits associated with flight and echolocation. Our results suggest that geographic variation in both species was predominantly caused by disruptive natural selection (B was not directly proportional to W). Evidence for correlated selection (co‐selection) among traits further confirmed that our results were not compatible with drift. Selection rather than drift is likely the predominant evolutionary process shaping intraspecific variation in traits that strongly impact fitness.
Engineering the nucleation of edible fats using a high behenic acid stabilizer
Authors: Kim Ga Y. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: May 2017

A stabilizer high in behenic acid (HBS) was used to control nucleation of edible fats. The addition of HBS led to an enhanced nucleation of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) and palm oil (PO) which had lower levels of high melting triacylglycerols (HMTs) (melting point >30°C, relative to the temperature used to crystallize samples) compared to other fats. With the addition of 1.5% HBS, there was an increase in crystallization onset temperatures and density of the microstructure in these two fats. Further studies were conducted to investigate the interactions between HBS and specific homogeneous triacylglycerols (TAGs) or a mixture of triacylglycerols. HBS displayed solid‐state incompatibility (eutectic behavior) with tripalmitin and tristearin, whereas it displayed compatibility (monotectic partial solid solution formation) behavior when mixed with the high‐melting milk fat fraction (HMF). This suggests two mechanisms for nucleation enhancement of HBS. One mechanism would involve surface nucleation on top of pre‐formed TAG surfaces, for tripalmitin and tristearin, while the other mechanism would involve additionally co‐crystallization with the nucleating agent, for the case of milkfat's HMF.

Practical application: HBS may be used to accelerate the nucleation of PO, AMF, and HMF. A slow crystallization behavior of PO often leads to post‐hardening problems and a long α‐lifetime. Thus, HBS has a potential to solve these issues. Our results showed that HBS is more effective on fats with relatively low amounts of HMTs (20–50%). In addition, the nucleation enhancing mechanism of HBS was more effective in a mixture of TAGs, rather than in pure TAGs.

High behenic acid stabilizers (HBS) are used to stabilize fat‐structured and oil‐rich food products. It is shown that HBS interacts with high‐melting triacylglycerols (HMTs) present in the fats and oils to be stabilized and reduces their free energy of nucleation, as shown in the graphical abstract. This leads to the formation of large numbers of smaller, stabilizing crystals in the system. Moreover, it also shown that HBS interacts differently with different HMTs. It displays incompatibility with tristearin and tripalmitin but displays compatibility with the high melting fraction of milkfat. A greater molecular compatibility is postulated to lead to greater stabilization.
Reactivity of 7‐Azanorbornenes in Bioorthogonal Inverse Electron‐Demand Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Karaki Fumika , Ohgane Kenji , Imai Hirotaka , Itoh Kennosuke , Fujii Hideaki
Published: May 2017

In the preparation of multicomponent compounds, the accumulation of components through sequential click reactions is an attractive strategy. In this work we examined the reactivity of various N‐substituted 7‐azanorbornenes in inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) reactions with tetrazines to explore the potential of 7‐azanorbornenes as clickable hub molecules. The iEDDA reaction of 7‐azanorbornene is expected to proceed faster when the nitrogen atom at the 7‐position is substituted with an electron‐donating substituent. Contrary to this expectation, the electron‐donating alkyl‐bearing derivative reacted much more slowly than those bearing electron‐withdrawing acyl groups. The results of DFT calculations indicate that the reaction rates correlate well with an increase in sp2 character of the 7‐nitrogen atoms: The ease of conversion of the more stable exo conformer into the more reactive endo conformer may lower the activation energy of the first rate‐determining hetero‐Diels–Alder step. Indeed, the reaction rates of N‐acylated 7‐azanorbornenes, which have a more planar nitrogen atom, were found superior to those of other derivatives and comparable to those of norbornenes. Finally, we successfully labeled a tetrazine on a protein surface by fluorophore‐conjugated 7‐azanorbornene in the presence of other proteins.
Can solid-phase microextraction replace solvent extraction for water analysis in fish bioconcentration studies with highly hydrophobic organic chemicals?
Authors: Böhm Leonard , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Bruckert Hans-Jörg , Schlechtriem Christian
Published: May 2017

With the aim to refine water analysis in fish bioconcentration studies, automated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was used as an alternative approach to conventional solvent extraction (liquid–liquid extraction [LLE]) for the extraction of 3 hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs; log KOW 5.5–7.8) from flow-through studies with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results showed that total concentrations extracted by SPME combined with internal standards and LLE are equal. The results further verify the possibility of simultaneous extraction of total and freely dissolved HOC concentrations by SPME. Freely dissolved concentrations allow the assessment of sorption and bioavailability of HOCs in bioconcentration studies and their potential impact on resulting bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Reduction in freely dissolved water concentrations can result in an underestimation of BCFs if they are calculated based on total water concentrations. For polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153, a significant increase in BCF value was observed when freely dissolved concentrations were taken into account. However, log BCF values calculated based on freely dissolved concentrations did not correlate linearly with log KOW values above 5 to 6. This pointed to further influences besides a reduction in freely dissolved water concentrations by sorption to organic matter. The results can aid in assessment of the factors that influence bioconcentration systems and also give important information regarding the possible replacement of LLE by SPME for water analysis of highly HOCs in fish bioconcentration studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2887–2894. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract
Impaired swim bladder inflation in early life stage fathead minnows exposed to a deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid
Authors: Cavallin Jenna E. , Ankley Gerald T. , Blackwell Brett R. , Blanksma Chad A. , Fay Kellie A. , Jensen Kathleen M. , Kahl Michael D. , Knapen Dries , Kosian Patricia A. , Poole Shane T. , Randolph Eric C. , Schroeder Anthony L. , Vergauwen Lucia , Villeneuve Daniel L.
Published: May 2017

Inflation of the posterior and/or anterior swim bladder is a process previously demonstrated to be regulated by thyroid hormones. We investigated whether inhibition of deiodinases, which convert thyroxine (T4) to the more biologically active form, 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), would impact swim bladder inflation. Two experiments were conducted using a model deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid (IOP). First, fathead minnow embryos were exposed to 0.6, 1.9, or 6.0 mg/L or control water until 6 d postfertilization (dpf), at which time posterior swim bladder inflation was assessed. To examine anterior swim bladder inflation, a second study was conducted with 6-dpf larvae exposed to the same IOP concentrations until 21 dpf. Fish from both studies were sampled for T4/T3 measurements and gene transcription analyses. Incidence and length of inflated posterior swim bladders were significantly reduced in the 6.0 mg/L treatment at 6 dpf. Incidence of inflation and length of anterior swim bladder were significantly reduced in all IOP treatments at 14 dpf, but inflation recovered by 18 dpf. Throughout the larval study, whole-body T4 concentrations increased and T3 concentrations decreased in all IOP treatments. Consistent with hypothesized compensatory responses, deiodinase-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was up-regulated in the larval study, and thyroperoxidase mRNA was down-regulated in all IOP treatments in both studies. These results support the hypothesized adverse outcome pathways linking inhibition of deiodinase activity to impaired swim bladder inflation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2942–2952. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Abstract

Exposure to the deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid, results in impaired anterior and posterior swim bladder inflation during early development in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).
How do individual differences in children's domain specific and domain general abilities relate to brain activity within the intraparietal sulcus during arithmetic? An fMRI study
Authors: Matejko Anna A. , Ansari Daniel
Published: May 2017

Previous research has demonstrated that children recruit the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) during arithmetic, which has largely been attributed to domain‐specific processes such as quantity manipulations. However, the IPS has also been found to be important for domain‐general abilities, such as visuo‐spatial working memory (VSWM). Based on the current literature it is unclear whether individual differences in domain‐specific skills, domain‐general skills, or a combination of the two, are related to the recruitment of the IPS during arithmetic. This study examines how individual differences in both domain general and domain specific competencies relate to brain activity in the IPS during arithmetic, and whether the relationships are related to how brain activity is measured. In a sample of 44 school‐aged children, we found that VSWM was only weakly related to a neural index of arithmetic complexity (neural problem size effect), whereas symbolic number processing skills (symbolic comparison and ordering) were related to overall arithmetic activity (both small and large problems). By simultaneously examining multiple domain‐general and domain specific measures, we were also able to determine that symbolic skills were a stronger predictor of brain activity within the IPS than domain general skills such as VSWM and domain specific skills such as non‐symbolic number processing. Together, these findings highlight that neural problem size effect may reflect different cognitive processes than brain activity across both small and large arithmetic problems, and that symbolic number processing skills are a critical predictor of variability in IPS activity during arithmetic. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3941–3956, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nociceptor plasticity: A closer look
Authors: Pace Maria Caterina , Passavanti Maria Beatrice , De Nardis Lorenzo , Bosco Fabio , Sansone Pasquale , Pota Vincenzo , Barbarisi Manlio , Palagiano Antonio , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Panza Elisabetta , Aurilio Caterina
Published: May 2017

Nociceptors are receptors specifically involved in detecting a tissue damage and transducing it in an electrical signal. Nociceptor activation provoked by any kind of acute lesion is related to the release of several mediators of inflammation, within the framework of a process defined as “peripheral sensitization.” This results in an exaggerated response to the painful stimulus, clinically defined as “primary hyperalgesia.” The concept of “neuroplasticity” may explain the adaptive mechanisms carried out by the Nervous System in relation to a “harmful” damage; also, neuroplasticity mechanisms are also fundamental for rehabilitative intervention protocols. Here we review several studies that addressed the role of different receptors and ionic channels discovered on nociceptor surface and their role in pain perception. The changes in expression, distribution, and functioning of receptors and ionic channels are thought to be a part of the neuroplasticity property, through which the Nervous System constantly adapts to external stimuli. Moreover, some of the reviewed mediators are also been associated to “central sensitization,” a process that results in pain chronicization when the painful stimulation is particularly prolonged or intense, and lastly leads to the memorization of the uncomfortable painful perception.
Hypomorphic conditional deletion of E11/Podoplanin reveals a role in osteocyte dendrite elongation
Authors: Staines Katherine A. , Javaheri Behzad , Hohenstein Peter , Fleming Robert , Ikpegbu Ekele , Unger Erin , Hopkinson Mark , Buttle David J. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Farquharson Colin
Published: May 2017

The transmembrane glycoprotein E11/Podoplanin (Pdpn) has been implicated in the initial stages of osteocyte differentiation. However, its precise function and regulatory mechanisms are still unknown. Due to the known embryonic lethality induced by global Pdpn deletion, we have herein explored the effect of bone‐specific Pdpn knockdown on osteocyte form and function in the post‐natal mouse. Extensive skeletal phenotyping of male and female 6‐week‐old Oc‐cre;Pdpnflox/flox (cKO) mice and their Pdpnflox/flox controls (fl/fl) has revealed that Pdpn deletion significantly compromises tibial cortical bone microarchitecture in both sexes, albeit to different extents (p < 0.05). Consistent with this, we observed an increase in stiffness in female cKO mice in comparison to fl/fl mice (p < 0.01). Moreover, analysis of the osteocyte phenotype by phalloidin staining revealed a significant decrease in the dendrite volume (p < 0.001) and length (p < 0.001) in cKO mice in which deletion of Pdpn also modifies the bone anabolic loading response (p < 0.05) in comparison to age‐matched fl/fl mice. Together, these data confirm a regulatory role for Pdpn in osteocyte dendrite formation and as such, in the control of osteocyte function. As the osteocyte dendritic network is known to play vital roles in regulating bone modeling/remodeling, this highlights an essential role for Pdpn in bone homeostasis.
Active application of primer acid on acid‐treated enamel: Influence on the bond effectiveness of self‐etch adhesives systems
Authors: Araújo Cíntia Tereza Pimenta , Prieto Lúcia Trazzi , Costa Daiane Cristianismo , Bosso Mariana Avalone , Coppini Erick Kamiya , Dias Carlos Tadeu Santos , Paulillo Luis Alexandre Maffei Sartini
Published: May 2017

Aim: Evaluate the composite‐to‐enamel bond after passive or active application of self‐etching primer systems on polished or pre‐etched enamel with phosphoric acid. Materials and Methods: Two self‐etch adhesives systems (SEAS) were used: Clearfil SE Bond and Easy Bond. Third human molars were divided into 8 groups (N = 10). The crown of each tooth was sectioned into halves and the mesial/distal surfaces were used. The adhesives were actively or passively applied on enamel with or without prior phosphoric‐acid etching. Resin composite cylinders were built after adhesive application. After stored in relative humidity for 24 hr/37°C the specimens were subjected to microshear test in universal testing a machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The results were analyzed with three‐way ANOVA and the Tukey test. The enamel‐etching pattern was evaluated under SEM. Results: The 2‐step SEAS system presented significantly higher adhesive bond strength means (47.37 MPa) than the 1‐step (36.87 MPa). A poor enamel‐ etching pattern was observed in active mode showing irregular and short resin tags, however there was not compromised the bond strength. Conclusion: Active or passive application produced similar values of bond strength to enamel regardless of enamel pretreatment and type of SEAS.
Variability of precipitation extremes and dryness/wetness over the southeast coastal region of China, 1960–2014
Authors: Wang Ren , Chen Jianyao , Chen Xingwei , Wang Yuefeng
Published: May 2017

The spatio‐temporal variability of precipitation extremes was investigated over the southeast coastal region of China, based on daily precipitation records from 73 meteorological stations for the period of 1960–2014. The standardized precipitation index (SPI), rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF), and wavelet analysis methods were used to assess the characteristics of dryness/wetness patterns, as well as their correlations with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Most of the extreme indices exhibited increasing trends at the regional scale over the past 55 years and generally had larger magnitudes than in other regions, with heavy precipitation that was more concentrated in time. The annual total wet day precipitation (PRCPTOT), total precipitation on very wet days (R95p), and total precipitation on extremely wet days (R99p) displayed sharp increases, with magnitudes of 22.60 (P = 0.33), 21.50 (P = 0.02) and 7.80 (P = 0.06) mm decade−1, respectively. In contrast, the regional averaged maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) decreased by −0.10 days decade−1 (P = 0.48). The stations with sharp increases in extreme heavy precipitation were mainly located in the north and coastal areas. In addition, three dominant dryness/wetness patterns (REOFs) corresponding to different climatic partitions were identified. With regard to the time coefficients (PCs) of each REOF, no significant trend in PC1 was detected, while an increasing trend (P < 0.001) in PC2 and decreasing trend (P < 0.001) in PC3 were found. The evolution of dryness/wetness occurred over a 4‐ to 12‐year period in the first three REOFs, and their PCs all had significant positive correlations with ENSO at a 12‐month lag time. This study suggests that the risks of heavy precipitation and flooding are likely to increase in southeast China, particularly in the northern and coastal areas, and extreme events may be strengthened in the southern subtropical zone during certain seasons.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial evaluating the role of systemic antihistamine therapy for the reduction of adverse effects associated with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy
Authors: Vanaman Wilson Monique J. , Jones Isabela T , Wu Douglas C. , Goldman Mitchel P.
Published: May 2017

Background and Objective

Following photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA‐PDT), patients experience inflammation that may be partially attributable to H1 histamine receptor activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of antihistamines upon adverse effects following ALA‐PDT.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial conducted at a single study site. Twenty subjects with facial actinic keratoses were randomized to ALA‐PDT plus cetirizine 10 mg (n = 10) versus placebo daily (n = 10) from 3 days pre‐treatment to 3 days post‐treatment for a total of 7 days. Signs of inflammation including erythema, edema, crusting, exudation, vesiculation, and erosion were evaluated on post‐treatment days 1, 2, 3, 7, 30, 90, and 180. Actinic keratosis counts, investigator‐rated Global Assessment Improvement Score (GAIS), healing, tolerability, and subject satisfaction were also assessed.

Results

Erythema, edema, crusting, exudation, vesiculation, and erosion were not different between treatment groups. Actinic keratoses were significantly reduced by day 30 in both the antihistamine and placebo groups (P = 0.01 and 0.0009, respectively), with results sustained to day 60 in the antihistamine group and day 180 for the placebo group. However, counts were not different between groups at any time point. Investigator‐rated GAIS, subject satisfaction, healing, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that while H1 antihistamines do not impair the efficacy of ALA‐PDT, they also do not relieve post‐treatment inflammation and discomfort. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:738–742, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperelastic Tough Gels through Macrocross‐Linking
Authors: Goswami Shailesh K. , McAdam Christopher John , Hanton Lyall R. , Moratti Stephen C.
Published: May 2017

The wet and soft nature of hydrogels makes them useful as a mimic for biological tissues, and in uses such as actuators and drug delivery vehicles. For many applications the mechanical performance of the gel is critical, but gels are notoriously weak and prone to fracture. Free radical polymerization is a very powerful technique allowing for fine spatial and temporal control of polymerization, but also allows for the use of a wide range of monomers and mixtures. In this work, it is demonstrated that extremely tough and extensible hydrogels can be readily produced through simple radical polymerization of acrylamide or acrylic acid with a poly(ethylene oxide) macrocross‐linker. These gels, with a water content of 85%, are extremely elastic with an extension much more than 15 000% at 9 MPa true stress. They can be compressed over 98% at a stress of 17 MPa. They are notch‐insensitive, and the usual trouser tear test does not work because the tear simply does not propagate. This highly extensible nature seems to be related to very long chain lengths between cross‐links and efficient incorporation of chains into the network.

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Poly(amino acid)‐Based Gel Fibers with pH Responsivity by Coaxial Reactive Electrospinning
Authors: Molnar Kristof , Jedlovszky‐Hajdu Angela , Zrinyi Miklos , Jiang Shaohua , Agarwal Seema
Published: May 2017

Electrospinning is a well‐known technique for the preparation of scaffolds for biomedical applications. In this work, a continuous electrospinning method for gel fiber preparation is presented without a spinning window. As proof of concept, the preparation of poly(aspartic acid)‐based hydrogel fibers and their properties are described by using poly(succinimide) as shell polymer and 2,2,4(2,4,4)‐trimethyl‐1,6‐hexanediamine as cross‐linker in the core of the nozzle. Cross‐linking takes place as the two solutions get in contact at the tip of the nozzle. The impact of solution concentrations and feeding rates on fiber morphology, proof of the presence of cross‐links as well as pH sensitivity after the transformation of the poly(succinimide)‐based material to poly(aspartic acid) is presented.

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Controlled Synthesis of Poly(p‐phenylene) Using a Zincate Complex, tBu4ZnLi2
Authors: Ochiai Yuto , Goto Eisuke , Higashihara Tomoya
Published: May 2017

Well‐defined poly(2,5‐dihexyloxyphenylene‐1,4‐diyl) (PPP) is successfully synthesized by the Negishi catalyst‐transfer polycondensation (NCTP) using dilithium tetra(tert‐butyl)zincate (tBu4ZnLi2). The obtained PPP possesses the number‐averaged molecular weight (Mn) values in the range of 2100–22 000 and the molar‐mass dispersity (ÐM) values in the range of 1.09–1.23. In addition, block copolymers containing PPP and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) segments (PPP‐b‐P3HT) are synthesized to confirm the feasibility of chain extension between the different monomers based on NCTP.

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Breastfeeding Considerations for Mothers of Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Holmes Amy P. , Schmidlin Holly N. , Kurzum Eliana N.
Published: May 2017

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to both mother and baby. Breastfeeding is generally recommended for mothers of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) unless some associated risk outweighs the benefits. Evidence indicates that infants with NAS who receive human milk require less pharmacologic treatment and have shorter hospital lengths of stay. Perhaps the greatest barrier to breastfeeding for women with opioid dependence is the inaccurate and inconsistent information they receive from different sources, including health care professionals. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) have published statements that support breastfeeding infants with NAS. The ABM has a dedicated protocol to guide clinicians in deciding which mothers should and which mothers should not breastfeed their infants. In this review, studies evaluating the effects of breastfeeding, professional organizations’ protocols and recommendations regarding breastfeeding, and barriers to breastfeeding infants with NAS are discussed, as well as the dangers of illicit drug exposure and avoiding rebound NAS in a breastfed infant. Clinicians can play an important role in in identifying, supporting, counseling, and advocating for mothers who wish to breastfeed their infant with NAS.
Spatially resolved measurements of the physical plasma parameters and the chemical modifications in a twin surface dielectric barrier discharge for gas flow purification
Authors: Offerhaus Björn , Lackmann Jan‐Wilm , Kogelheide Friederike , Bracht Vera , Smith Ryan , Bibinov Nikita , Stapelmann Katharina , Awakowicz Peter
Published: May 2017

A twin surface dielectric barrier discharge consisting of an aluminium oxide plate with grid‐structured copper traces on both sides is presented. Due to the size of the electrode configuration spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy for characterisation of the discharge is performed on two different length scales in order to show its homogeneous behaviour. A broadband echelle spectrometer is employed for a comparison of the plasma parameters at different sites along the copper traces with a spatial resolution on a scale of millimetres. In addition, an ICCD camera with bandpass filters yields homogeneity of the plasma parameters on a scale of micrometres at a given node of the grid‐structured copper traces. The discharge is shown to be homogeneous all along the electrode. However, due to the changing composition of the gas stream, it cannot be concluded that the gas phase chemistry follows the same trend. Therefore, FTIR spectroscopy of cysteine is used to monitor the spatial dependence of the gas phase chemistry, showing a transition from purely oxygen‐related modifications at the front of the electrode to a mixture of oxygen‐related and nitrogen‐related modifications at the rear.
Design for the transfer of a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analytical method for the determination of antimicrobial residues in honey from low‐resolution to high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: El Hawari Khaled , Al Iskandarani Mohamad , Mompelat Sophie , Hurtaud‐Pessel Dominique , Verdon Eric
Published: May 2017

Rationale

This paper investigates the validity of the transfer of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination of veterinary medicinal products in honey and compares it with an LC/linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometry method. A descriptive statistical approach was used in order to assess whether such a transfer would succeed or fail. This approach is based on the simultaneous evaluation of the trueness and of the intermediate precision for each compound at a 95% interval of confidence of both analytical techniques.

Methods

Two grams of honey were placed in a centrifuge tube and diluted with 2.5 mL of ultra‐pure water and 2.5 mL of acidified methanol with hydrochloric acid at 2 mol.mL–1. The extract was purified with 50 mg of primary secondary amine and then analyzed using LC/MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and LC/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry in full scan mode. Both analytical techniques were compared by using the descriptive statistical approach for the determination of antimicrobial residues in honey.

Results

The transfer of the method showed that the Orbitrap system provides the same accurate analytical results compared with the LC/MS/MS method except for 4‐epitetracycline, anhydroerythromycin A, erythromycin A enol ether, and dihydrostreptomycin. Furthermore, the LC/LTQ‐Orbitrap system is capable of successfully competing with the LC/MS/MS method by additional provision of high mass resolution and mass accuracy even though it shows less sensitivity compared with the LC/MS/MS instrument. CCα levels for most analytes were 1.3 times higher by LC/MS/MS than those observed by LC/LTQ‐Orbitrap. The method was assessed in terms of relative bias through analysis of a reference material provided by FAPAS (Food Analysis Performance and Assessment Scheme) and also through the control of several contaminated honey samples from local Lebanese markets. Satisfactory relative bias was below 22% except for tetracycline found in one sample that showed a higher bias at 29%.

Conclusions

The LC/LTQ‐Orbitrap method offers adequate performance in comparison with previously validated method on a LC/MS/MS system resulting in acceptance of the transfer of the method from LC/MS/MS to LC/LTQ‐Orbitrap. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Influence of TPOACl on the Post‐Synthesis of Hierarchical Zeolite Y and the Catalytic Cracking Application
Authors: Li Wenlin , Zheng Jinyu , Luo Yibin , Tu Chunyan , Han Lei , Da Zhijian
Published: May 2017

A hierarchical zeolite Y was prepared through a facile SiCl4‐dealumination plus alkaline treatment process with the addition of surfactant TPOACl. It was investigated in detail by XRD, BET, MAS NMR, NH3‐TPD and Py‐IR. Compared with single alkaline treatment, the alkaline treatment in the presence of TPOACl could protect the microporosity of zeolite and led to hierarchical pore structures with increased mesoporosity and narrow distribution of mesopores. Accordingly, the mechanism for the desilication and the formation of mesopores in the presence of TPOACl was proposed based on the measurement results of NMR and Py‐IR. The EFAl species could be assembled to poly‐aluminum species in the presence of TPOACl and leads to low content of Lewis acid sites. The hierarchical zeolite Y with high ratio of B/L and high percent of mesopores possesses excellent catalytic performance in the conversion of 1,3,5‐TIPB.
Manipulating Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Removal of Both Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Wastewater
Authors: Dutta Dimple P. , Venugopalan Ramani , Chopade Suresh
Published: May 2017

This study explores the application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for efficient removal of a mixture of cationic and anionic dyes. The multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been synthesized using a thermal chemical vapor deposition technique and they have been functionalized via acid treatment (ACNT), heat treatment (HCNT) and have also been treated with amine (NH2CNT). Specific surface area, powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, zero point charge (pHzpc) of MWCNT, ACNT, HCNT and NH2CNT have been investigated in this study. The sorption studies have been done using rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The conditions for optimum adsorption of the dyes onto these CNTs have been determined by investigating the effect of the contact time, pH of solution, and initial solution concentration in batch adsorption process. MWCNT and ACNT showed greater affinity for cationic MB, MG and RhB dyes whereas NH2CNT exhibited better sorption of the anionic dye MO. For adsorption of MG by MWCNT, ACNT and HCNT and MO by NH2CNT, the Langmuir adsorption equilibrium isotherm data provides a better fit than the Freundlich isotherm. Furthermore, the separation factor, RL and the surface coverage, for Langmuir isotherm confirms that the proposed adsorption process is the most suitable for MWCNT, ACNT, HCNT and NH2CNT for these selected dyes. The reusability of the sorbents has also been tested and they have been found to retain their efficiency after three consecutive runs. The composites of NH2CNT with MWCNT/ACNT exhibits good sorption affinity for both cationic and anionic dyes which suggest that these could be effectively used for the removal of dye effluents from waste water.
Cascades of Interrupted Pummerer Reaction‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement
Authors: Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: May 2017

A new class of Pummerer chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool in organic synthesis. The new technology consists of a beautiful cascade of an interrupted Pummerer reaction and the subsequent [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement. The interrupted Pummerer reactions of alkenyl or aryl sulfoxides with unsaturated nucleophiles such as allylic silanes, ketones, and phenols provide sulfonium intermediates, which are ready to undergo smooth charge‐accelerated [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement with excellent to exclusive regioselectivity. Some of the transformations proceed with transient loss of aromaticity. The reactions afforded five‐membered heterocycles, benzofurans, and biaryls of importance, depending on the sulfoxides and nucleophiles used. The reactions are unique and game‐changing because they are efficient, robust, redox‐neutral, regioselective, and metal‐free, which perfectly fits the need of modern organic synthesis. This chemistry also underscores the synthetic potential of organosulfur chemistry.
Virtual endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: models and uncertainty
Authors: Sarrami‐Foroushani Ali , Lassila Toni , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: May 2017

Virtual endovascular treatment models (VETMs) have been developed with the view to aid interventional neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons to pre‐operatively analyze the comparative efficacy and safety of endovascular treatments for intracranial aneurysms. Based on the current state of VETMs in aneurysm rupture risk stratification and in patient‐specific prediction of treatment outcomes, we argue there is a need to go beyond personalized biomechanical flow modeling assuming deterministic parameters and error‐free measurements. The mechanobiological effects associated with blood clot formation are important factors in therapeutic decision making and models of post‐treatment intra‐aneurysmal biology and biochemistry should be linked to the purely hemodynamic models to improve the predictive power of current VETMs. The influence of model and parameter uncertainties associated to each component of a VETM is, where feasible, quantified via a random‐effects meta‐analysis of the literature. This allows estimating the pooled effect size of these uncertainties on aneurysmal wall shear stress. From such meta‐analyses, two main sources of uncertainty emerge where research efforts have so far been limited: (1) vascular wall distensibility, and (2) intra/intersubject systemic flow variations. In the future, we suggest that current deterministic computational simulations need to be extended with strategies for uncertainty mitigation, uncertainty exploration, and sensitivity reduction techniques. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1385. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1385

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Brodie's Notes on Chosen Poems of Thomas Hardy
Authors: Handley Graham
Published: May 2017

Part of the Brodie’s Notes series, this book aids English literature GCSE and A-Level students in their coursework projects and study of set texts by increasing understanding and enjoyment of the books. It is designed to provide imaginative responses, and should help to stimulate independent critical appraisal of Forster’s Howard’s End.
Laundry Detergency of Solid Non‐particulate Soil or Waxy Solids: Part I. Relation to Oily Soil Removal Above the Melting Point
Authors: Chanwattanakit Jarussri , Scamehorn John F. , Sabatini David A. , Chavadej Sumaeth
Published: May 2017

In this work, methyl palmitate or palmitic acid methyl ester, a monoglyceride, was used as both a model solid fat below the melting point and as an oily soil above the melting point. An anionic extended surfactant [branched alcohol propoxylate sulfate sodium salt (C123‐(PO)4‐SO4Na)] was used to remove methyl palmitate from cotton and from polyester. Above the melting point (~30 °C) of methyl palmitate, the maximum oily soil removal was found to correspond to the lowest dynamic interfacial tension, as is common with liquid soils. Below the melting point, the lower the contact angle of the wash solution against the soil (indicating higher wettability), the higher the solid fat soil detergency. The removed methyl palmitate was found to be mostly in unsolubilized droplets or particles with a small fraction of micellar solubilization for both solid and liquid forms. The presence of surfactant can prevent the agglomeration of detached methyl palmitate particles in both liquid and solid forms, reducing redeposition and enhancing detergency. Below the melting point, the surfactant aids the solution wetting the surfaces, then penetrating the waxy solid, causing detachment as small particles, and dispersion of these particles. Unlike particulate soil detergency, electrostatic forces are not the dominant factor in fatty soil detergency.
Application of Dispersed Particle Gel to Inhibit Surfactant Adsorption on Sand
Authors: Wu Yining , Chen Wenxia , Hu Mei , Dai Caili , Zhao Mingwei , He Long
Published: May 2017

This article highlights an efficient and cost‐effective additive‐dispersed particle gel (DPG) to reduce surfactant adsorption on sand. Indoor experiments were conducted to study the effect of DPG on static adsorption and dynamic adsorption of the surfactant. The static adsorption data were evaluated using different isotherm models and the Redlich–Peterson isotherm matched the best. Results showed a significant inhibition of surfactant adsorption in the presence of DPG. The dynamic adsorption of SDS on sand decreased to 0.78, 0.68 and 0.61 mg/g compared with original value of 1.17 mg/g by adding 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 wt% DPG particles, respectively. This study suggests that DPG can inhibit the adsorption of surfactant on sand effectively.
Streaming flow by oscillating bubbles: quantitative diagnostics via particle tracking velocimetry
Authors: Bolaños-Jiménez Rocío , Rossi Massimiliano , Fernandez Rivas David , Kähler Christian J. , Marin Alvaro
Published: May 2017

Oscillating microbubbles can be used as microscopic agents. Using external acoustic fields they are able to set the surrounding fluid into motion, erode surfaces and even to carry particles attached to their interfaces. Although the acoustic streaming flow that the bubble generates in its vicinity has been often observed, it has never been measured and quantitatively compared with the available theoretical models. The scarcity of quantitative data is partially due to the strong three-dimensional character of bubble-induced streaming flows, which demands advanced velocimetry techniques. In this work, we present quantitative measurements of the flow generated by single and pairs of acoustically excited sessile microbubbles using a three-dimensional particle tracking technique. Using this novel experimental approach we are able to obtain the bubble’s resonant oscillating frequency, study the boundaries of the linear oscillation regime, give predictions on the flow strength and the shear in the surrounding surface and study the flow and the stability of a two-bubble system. Our results show that velocimetry techniques are a suitable tool to make diagnostics on the dynamics of acoustically excited microbubbles.
The antifungal Aureobasidin A and an analogue are active against the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiibut do not inhibit sphingolipid biosynthesis
Authors: ALQAISI A. Q. I. , MBEKEANI A. J. , LLORENS M. BASSAS , ELHAMMER A. P. , DENNY P. W.
Published: May 2017

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa, and toxoplasmosis is an important disease of both humans and economically important animals. With a limited array of drugs available there is a need to identify new therapeutic compounds. Aureobasidin A (AbA) is an antifungal that targets the essential inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC, sphingolipid) synthase in pathogenic fungi. This natural cyclic depsipeptide also inhibitsToxoplasmaproliforation, with the protozoan IPC synthase orthologue proposed as the target. The data presented here show that neither AbA nor an analogue (Compound 20), target the protozoan IPC synthase orthologue or total parasite sphingolipid synthesis. However, further analyses confirm that AbA exhibits significant activity against the proliferative tachyzoite form ofToxoplasma, and Compound 20, whilst effective, has reduced efficacy. This difference was more evident on analyses of the direct effect of these compounds against isolatedToxoplasma, indicating that AbA is rapidly microbicidal. Importantly, the possibility of targeting the encysted, bradyzoite, form of the parasite with AbA and Compound 20 was demonstrated, indicating that this class of compounds may provide the basis for the first effective treatment for chronic toxoplasmosis.
Relative Clauses in Old High German: A Corpus-Based Statistical Investigation of Their Syntactic and Information-Structural Properties
Authors: Coniglio Marco , Linde Sonja , Ruette Tom
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the properties of Old High German relative clauses. A striking fact is that the finite verb in these constructions may either precede or follow its object(s). We survey different possible factors proposed in the literature that could determine the relative order of the verb and its objects (VO/OV order), such as type, time, and place of origin of the text, information-structural properties of the object of the relative clause, presence of a relative particle, definiteness of the antecedent, specificity of the referent, and type of the relative clause (restrictive or appositive). Our investigation is based on a corpus of nontranslated texts. It reveals that the only factors that have statistically significant influence on word order are the type of the relative clause and some information-structural properties of the object of the relative clause.*
Non-parametric estimation for a pure-jump Lévy process
Authors: Cai Chunhao , Guo Junyi , You Honglong
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we propose an estimator of the survival probability for a Lévy risk model observed at low frequency. The estimator is constructed via a regularised version of the inverse of the Laplace transform. The convergence rate of the estimator in a sense of the integrated squared error is studied for large sample size. Simulation studies are also given to show the finite sample performance of our estimator.
Febrile Harnwegsinfektion bei Kindern – Limitierende Faktoren der peroralen Therapie?
Authors: Hehli Deborah J. , Aebi Christoph , von Vigier Rodo O.
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Wirksamkeit der peroralen antibiotischen Therapie bei Säuglingen und Kleinkindern mit akuter Pyelonephritis wurde unlängst gezeigt; systematische Daten über die Häufigkeit limitierender Faktoren dieser Therapieform sind nicht verfügbar. Ziel: Charakterisierung von Patienten mit erstmaliger Pyelonephritis unter dem Gesichtspunkt möglicher erfolgslimitierender Faktoren einer peroralen Therapie. Methoden: Retrospektive Analyse 108 stationär behandelter Patienten mit erstmaliger Pyelonephritis, unterteilt in zwei Altersgruppen (A: 2–6 Monate, B: 7–36 Monate). Resultate: Ältere Patienten (B) hatten vor Eintritt länger andauerndes und höheres Fieber (p <0,05), bei Aufnahme höhere CRP-Werte (p <0,01) und wurden später afebril (p <0,001). Mehrfaches Erbrechen fand sich bei 9 % (A = B), resistente Erreger bei 2 %, und persistierendes Fieber (Tag 3) bei 19 % (B >>A) der Patienten. Schlussfolgerungen: Persistierendes Erbrechen und Fieber nach Therapiebeginn können limitierende Faktoren der peroralen Therapie akuter Pyelonephritiden bei pädiatrischen Patienten darstellen.
Konservative Behandlung der nicht oder nur wenig dislozierten lateralen Malleolarfraktur
Authors: Hurni Philipp , Spycher Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die operative Stabilisation der isoliert lateralen Malleolarfrakturen galt lange als Gold-Standard. Stabile, laterale können jedoch zur grossen Patientenzufriedenheit konservativ behandelt werden. Dabei fällt das Risiko einer Wundheilungsstörung oder Osteosynthesematerialentfernung weg, ohne dabei in der längerfristigen Nachbehandlung Einbussen in der Bewegungsamplitude oder Alltagseinschränkung durch die konservative Therapie zu riskieren. Eine frühfunktionelle Nachbehandlung nach einer Operation wird zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt, insbesondere bei älterem Patientenkollektiv, nicht angewendet, weshalb dabei kein Benefit zur konservativen Therapieform gesehen werden kann. Anhand von Diagnosekriterien nach Anfertigung einer belasteten Röntgenaufnahme kann eine Instabilität mit grosser Zuverlässigkeit ausgeschlossen und die Indikation zur konservativen Therapie gestellt werden. Die Wahl der Ruhigstellung bei oben genannten Frakturformen wird mittels Unterschenkelgehgips oder Immobilisationsstiefel (VacoPed) unter Vollbelastung für sechs Wochen empfohlen.