bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change does not impact on Coffea arabica yield in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Williams PM , Ribeiro Júnior José I , de Fátima Souza Cecília
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world. Studies on climate change estimate large impacts on the production of Coffea arabica (C. arabica). In this context, it is necessary to know the quantitative production values to provide evidence for policy makers to target the prompt answer.

RESULTS

Using data from 18 municipalities located in five Brazilian states that produce more coffee in Brazil, in an unprecedented way, in this work it is shown that although the minimum temperature is the most important climatic variable for the production, its effect, although positive, and its degree of explanation, were technically too small to explain the volume of production in Brazilian conditions. According to the model of non‐stationary time series ARIMA (1, 1, 0) coffee production in the future may reach almost four million tons, and the productivity almost 2500 kg ha−1 on average, with the advancement of technology as the main factor that should promote simultaneous increases in production and productivity. However, despite natural climate variations, which make it the most responsible for the variability of annual coffee production, the producer must increase the use of the technologies to support the Brazilian coffee agribusiness.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reveal that coffee production in Brazil is due much more to productivity than to the minimum ambient temperature change over the long term; despite this, the climate variable should be considered the most influential on the production and productivity of coffee. © 2017 Embrapa. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compounds change during the ageing of Tempranillo and Verdejo sparkling wines
Authors: Martínez‐Lapuente Leticia , Apolinar‐Valiente Rafael , Guadalupe Zenaida , Ayestarán Belén , Pérez‐Magariño Silvia , Williams Pascale , Doco Thierry
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Verdejo and Tempranillo are traditional varieties for producing still wines; however, they could provide an alternative for the manufacturing of sparkling wines. Sparkling wines were elaborated by the traditional method, followed by ageing on lees for 9 months. A study on the changes that take place in polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compounds during the ageing on lees of Tempranillo and Verdejo sparkling wines has been undertaken.

RESULTS

Mannoproteins and the glucose residue of oligosaccharides were the major carbohydrates detected in all vinification stages. Yeast polysaccharides and glucan‐like structures of the oligosaccharides increased after 3 months of ageing. The evolution of yeast polysaccharides and the composition of PRAG‐like structure were different among grape varieties. A decrease in amino acids and biogenic amines was observed during the ageing. The contents of polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compound were significantly higher in Tempranillo than in Verdejo sparkling wines at the end of the ageing period.

CONCLUSION

Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides from yeast were more significant autolysis markers of sparkling wines than the nitrogenous compounds. Our data suggest a potential cultivar effect on the evolution of yeast polysaccharides and on the composition of PRAG, which may influence the physico‐chemical and sensory properties of sparkling wines. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Yield, quality and biochemical properties of various strawberry cultivars under water stress
Authors: Adak Nafiye , Gubbuk Hamide , Tetik Nedim
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Although strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) species are sensitive to abiotic stress conditions, some cultivars are known to be tolerant to different environmental conditions. We examined the response of different strawberry cultivars to water stress conditions in terms of yield, quality and biochemical features. The trial was conducted under two different irrigation regimes: in grow bags containing cocopeat (control, 30%; water stress, 15% drainage) with four different cultivars (Camarosa, Albion, Amiga and Rubygem).

RESULTS

Fruit weight declined by 59.72% and the yield per unit area by 63.62% under water stress conditions as compared to control. Albion and Rubygem were found to be more tolerant and Amiga the most sensitive in terms of yield under stress conditions. Water stress increased all biochemical features in fruits such as total phenol, total anthocyanin, antioxidant activity and sugar contents. Among the cultivars, glucose and fructose was higher in Albion.

CONCLUSION

Considering the rise in global warming, identification of resistant and tolerant cultivars to stress conditions are crucial for future breeding programmes. Our results showed that some of the fruit's physical features were affected negatively by stress conditions whereas many of the biochemical features such as total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were positively modulated. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and antibacterial, antifungal, allelopathic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of cassumunar‐ginger
Authors: Verma Ram S , Joshi Neeta , Padalia Rajendra C , Singh Ved R , Goswami Prakash , Verma Sajendra K , Iqbal Hina , Chanda Debabrata , Verma Rajesh K , Darokar Mahendra P , Chauhan Amit , Kandwal Manish K
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as cassumunar‐ginger, is a folk remedy for the treatment of inflammations, sprains, rheumatism and asthma. The aim of the present study was to assess the chemical composition, and antibacterial, antifungal, allelopathic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the essential oil of Z. montanum originating from India.

RESULTS

The hydrodistilled essential oil of Z. montanum rhizome was analyzed using gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 49 constituents, forming 98.7–99.9% of the total oil compositions, was identified. The essential oil was characterized by higher amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons (32.6–43.5%), phenylbutanoids (27.5–41.2%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (11.4–34.1%). Major constituents of the oil were sabinene (13.5–38.0%), (E)‐1‐(3',4'‐dimethoxyphenyl)buta‐1,3‐diene (DMPBD) (20.6–35.3%), terpinen‐4‐ol (9.0–31.3%), γ‐terpinene (1.1–4.8%) and β‐phellandrene (1.0–4.4%). The oil was evaluated against eight pathogenic bacteria and two fungal strains. It exhibited low to good antibacterial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration: 125–500 µg mL–1) and moderate antifungal activity (250 µg mL–1) against the tested strains. The oil reduced germination (69.8%) and inhibited the root and shoot growth of lettuce significantly (LD50: 3.58 µL plate–1). However, it did not demonstrate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity up to a concentration of 10 mg mL–1.

CONCLUSIONS

The essential oil of Z. montanum can be used as a potential source of DMPBD, terpinen‐4‐ol and sabinene for pharmaceutical products. The results of the present study add significant information to the pharmacological activity of Z. montanum native to India. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of four short‐chain fatty acids or salts on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage
Authors: Yuan Xian J , Wen Ai Y , Wang Jian , Desta Seare T , Dong Zhi H , Shao Tao
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of four chemicals on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage. Wilted alfalfa was ensiled without additive (control), or with formic acid (FA), potassium diformate (KDF), sodium diacetate (SDA) or calcium propionate (CAP).

RESULTS

After 60 days of ensiling, the pH values in FA, KDF and SDA silages were lower (P < 0.05) compared to that of control and CAP silages, and chemicals (P < 0.05) decreased butyric acid and ammonia N concentrations and populations of aerobic bacteria and yeasts compared to the control. The SDA and CAP silages had a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria content compared to the FA and KDF silages. The SDA and CAP silages had higher (P < 0.05) acetic and propionic acid contents compared to the other silages, respectively. The ammonia N concentrations in the FA and KDF silages were lower compared to the other silages during the first 5 days of aerobic exposure, and then increased sharply to 105 and 100 g kg–1 total N, respectively, which was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the SDA and CAP silages on day 9 of aerobic exposure. Yeasts and aerobic bacteria counts in SDA silage slowly increased and remained at lower levels compared to the other silages after 7 days of aerobic exposure.

CONCLUSION

Additives prolonged the aerobic stability duration compared to the control, and the SDA and CAP silages remained stable for more than 216 h, followed by the KDF and FA silages (202 and 196 h, respectively). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study
Authors: Brom Danny , Stokar Yaffa , Lawi Cathy , Nuriel‐Porat Vered , Ziv Yuval , Lerner Karen , Ross Gina
Published: June 2017

This study presents the first known randomized controlled study evaluating the effectiveness of somatic experiencing (SE), an integrative body‐focused therapy for treating people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There were 63 participants meeting DSM‐IV‐TR full criteria for PTSD included. Baseline clinical interviews and self‐report measures were completed by all participants, who were then randomly assigned to study (n = 33) or waitlist (n = 30) groups. Study participants began 15 weekly SE sessions, whereas waitlist participants waited the same period, after which the second evaluation was conducted. All participants were evaluated a third time after an additional 15 weeks, during which time the waitlist group received SE therapy. Pretreatment evaluation showed no significant differences between groups. Mixed model linear regression analysis showed significant intervention effects for posttraumatic symptoms severity (Cohen's d = 0.94 to 1.26) and depression (Cohen's d = 0.7 to 1.08) both pre‐post and pre‐follow‐up. This randomized controlled study of SE shows positive results indicating SE may be an effective therapy method for PTSD. Further research is needed to understand who shall benefit most from this treatment modality.
Retracted: Early Detection of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection With Doppler Renal Resistive Index
Authors: Qin Huai , Wu Haibo , Chen Yi , Zhang Nan , Fan Zhanming
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the early efficiency of Doppler renal resistive index (DRRI) in prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery in acute Stanford Type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients.

Methods

Sixty‐one AAAD patients who planned to receive Sun's surgical management were prospectively enrolled. The DRRI was measured by ultrasonography Doppler on the day before surgery (DRRIpre), on admission to the intensive care unit (DRRIT0), 6 hours after surgery (DRRIT6), 24 hours after surgery (DRRIT24), and 48 hours after surgery (DRRIT48). The maximum DRRI value (DRRImax) was recorded. The AKI was evaluated according to the classifications of the Acute Kidney Injury Network. The DRRI and serum creatinine (sCr) were compared between the pre‐ and postoperative time stations, as well as between the AKI and no‐AKI groups.

Results

Thirty‐nine (63.9%) patients suffered from AKI, and 12 (19.6%) patients received dialysis. No significant difference was found in DRRIpre (0.63 ± 0.04 versus 0.65 ± 0.06, P = .059) and sCrpre (84.13 ± 23.77 versus 94.29 ± 51.11, P = .383) between the two groups with and without AKI. Both the DRRI and sCr increased significantly after surgery in the AKI groups (P < .001). However, the DRRI reached its maximum 6 hours after surgery, whereas the sCr reached its maximum after 24 hours. Both the DRRI and sCr improved 48 hours after surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for DRRImax (0.864, 95% confidence interval: 0.770–0.957) and DRRIT6 (0.861, 95% confidence interval: 0.766‐0.957) was larger than the other three DRRIs measured at different time points. The cutoff value of DRRImax was 0.71, a sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 95.5%.

Conclusions

Postoperative DRRI predicts the AKI earlier than sCr after AAAD surgery. The best time to detect DRRI was 6 hours after surgery.
Diastolic Dysfunction of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genotype‐Positive Subjects Without Hypertrophy Is Detected by Tissue Doppler Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Wen , Sun Dandan , Yang Jun
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To evaluate whether diastolic dysfunction derived by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) would be an earlier manifestation in genotype‐positive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) subjects without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

We systematically searched Pubmed, Medline, and Web of Science with an upper date limit of June 2016 for studies evaluating the diastolic function of HCM genotype‐positive subjects without hypertrophy (G+/LVH−). Based on the inclusion criteria, eligible studies were selected. The quality of selected studies was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale before being included in the meta‐analysis. The statistic data such as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Stata 12.0 software.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review, and 12 were finally involved in the meta‐analysis. The G+/LVH− subjects showed decreased Ea derived by TDI on both the interventricular septum (WMD [95% CI] = –1.822 [–3.104, –0.541]) and lateral wall (WMD [95% CI] = –2.269 [–3.820, –0.719]), and increased E/Ea on both interventricular septum (WMD [95% CI] = 1.363 [0.552, 2.174]) and lateral (WMD [95% CI] = 1.339 [0.386, 2.293]) wall.

Conclusions

Tissue Doppler imaging–derived diastolic dysfunction can be found in HCM genotype‐positive subjects without hypertrophy.
Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Ultrasound First!
Authors: Revzin Margarita V. , Scoutt Leslie M. , Garner Joseph G. , Moore Christopher L.
Published: June 2017

Acute right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is a common presenting symptom in emergency departments and outpatient medical practices, and is most commonly attributable to biliary and hepatic pathology. Ultrasound should be used as a first‐line imaging modality for the diagnosis of gallstones and cholecystitis, as it allows the differentiation of medical and surgical causes of upper abdominal pathology, and in many circumstances is sufficient to guide patient management. Knowledge of strengths and limitations of ultrasound in the evaluation of RUQ is paramount in correct diagnosis. A spectrum of RUQ pathology for which a RUQ ultrasound examination should reasonably be considered as the initial imaging modality of choice will be reviewed.
On the nonlinear dynamic model of open‐type constant flow hydrostatic bearings
Authors: Mao Kuanmin , Du Yikang , Li Bin , Gan Shiyu , Jin Lan
Published: June 2017

This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies used to assess the dynamic performance of open‐type constant flow hydrostatic bearings. A nonlinear dynamic model accounting for the compressibility effect, the squeeze effect, and the hydrostatic effect of hydrostatic fluid for the analytical perdition of the step response is proposed. Moreover, an innovative point‐to‐point contact step excitation setup is designed. In addition, a test rig is developed to measure the step response of the hydrostatic bearings by removing the imposed displacement within 0.0002 second. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The results show that the maximum dynamic displacement is twice the imposed displacement. Furthermore, the settling time of the step response is related to the inlet flow rate, irrespective of the imposed displacement.
Quantitative skin assessment using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) in patients with or at high risk for pressure ulcers
Authors: Yafi Amr , Muakkassa Fuad K. , Pasupneti Tejasvi , Fulton Judy , Cuccia David J. , Mazhar Amaan , Blasiole Kimberly N. , Mostow Eliot N.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objective

Pressure ulcers (PU) are a significant problem facing the health system in the United States. Here, we present preliminary case studies demonstrating feasibility of Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) to assess skin status in high‐risk populations and pre‐existing wounds. SFDI is a wide‐field non‐contact optical imaging technology that uses structured light to obtain tissue optical properties and of tissue constituents. This study aims to determine the fit of SFDI for PU care and determine the next steps.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Patients at risk for pressure ulcers were imaged using a near‐infrared SFDI system. SFDI‐derived images of tissue function (tissue hemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation) and structure (tissue scattering) were then compared to each other as well as a blinded dermatologist's clinical impressions.

Results

Four case series were chosen to demonstrate the imaging capability of this technology. The first scenario demonstrates normal skin of three patients without skin breakdown with spatially uniform measures of tissue oxygen saturation, scattering, and blood volume. The second scenario demonstrates a stage II PU; the third case shows non‐blanchable erythema of an unstageable PU; a fourth scenario is a clinically indistinguishable skin rash versus early stages of a PU. In all these cases, we observe spatial changes in tissue constituents (decrease in tissue oxygen saturation, increased blood pooling, decreased scattering).

Conclusion

We have presented the first use of SFDI for pressure ulcer imaging and staging. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of this optical technology to assess tissue oxygen saturation and blood volume status in a quantitative manner. With the proposed improvements in modeling and hardware, SFDI has potential to provide a means for pressure ulcer risk stratification, healing and staging. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:827–834, 2017 © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular stress response mechanisms as therapeutic targets of ginsenosides
Authors: Qi Hong‐yi , Li Li , Ma Hui
Published: June 2017

Ginseng, one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines and dietary supplements, has historically been recognized as a tonic herb and adaptogen that can enhance the body's tolerance to various adversities. Ginsenosides are a diverse group of steroidal saponins that comprise the major secondary metabolites of ginseng and are responsible for its multiple pharmacological effects. Emerging evidence suggests that hormetic phytochemicals produced by environmentally stressed plants can activate the moderate cellular stress response mechanisms at a subtoxic level in humans, which may enhance tolerance against severe dysfunction or disease. In this review, we initially describe the role of ginsenosides in the chemical defense of plants from the genus Panax suffering from biotic and abiotic stress. Next, we summarize the diverse evolutionarily conserved cellular stress response pathways regulated by ginsenosides and the subsequent stress tolerance against various dysfunctions or diseases. Finally, the structure–activity relationship involved in the effect of ginsenosides is also analyzed. The evidence presented in this review implicates that ginseng as “the King of all herbs” could be regarded as a well‐characterized example of the critical role of cellular stress response mechanisms in understanding the health benefits provided by herbal medicines from an evolutionary and ecological perspective.
VSPrep: A General KNIME Workflow for the Preparation of Molecules for Virtual Screening
Authors: Gally José‐Manuel , Bourg Stéphane , Do Quoc‐Tuan , Aci‐Sèche Samia , Bonnet Pascal
Published: June 2017

Over the past decades, virtual screening has proved itself to be a valuable asset to identify new bioactive compounds. The vast majority of commonly used techniques can be described in three steps: pre‐processing the dataset i. e. small (ligands) and eventually larger (receptors) molecules, execute the method and finally analyse the results. Hence, the preparation of ligands is a critical step for success of commonly used virtual screening approaches such as protein‐ligand docking, similarity or pharmacophore search. We present here a new workflow, VSPrep, for the pre‐processing of small molecules; it is based on freely accessible tools for academics and is integrated within the KNIME platform. It can be used to perform several chemoinformatics tasks such as molecular database cleaning, tautomer and stereoisomer enumeration, focused library design and conformer generation. Additionally, graphical reports of the results are provided to the user as a convenient analysis tool.
A numerical method based on extended Raviart–Thomas (ER‐T) mixed finite element method for solving damped Boussinesq equation
Authors: Parvizi Maryam , Eslahchi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present the approximate solution of damped Boussinesq equation using extended Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element method. In this method, the numerical solution of this equation is obtained using triangular meshes. Also, for discretization in time direction, we use an implicit finite difference scheme. In addition, error estimation and stability analysis of both methods are shown. Finally, some numerical examples are considered to confirm the theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotical stability of almost periodic solution for an impulsive multispecies competition–predation system with time delays on time scales
Authors: Li Yongkun , Wang Pan
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we consider the almost periodic dynamics of an impulsive multispecies Lotka–Volterra competition system with time delays on time scales. By establishing some comparison theorems of dynamic equations with impulses and delays on time scales, a permanence result for the model is obtained. Furthermore, based on the permanence result, by studying the Lyapunov stability theory of impulsive dynamic equations on time scales, we establish the existence and uniformly asymptotic stability of a unique positive almost periodic solution of the system. Finally, we give an example to show the feasibility of our main results, and our example also shows that the continuous time system and its corresponding discrete time system have the same dynamics. Our results of this paper are completely new even if for both the case of the time scale
and the case of the time scale
. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pru p 3‐Epitope‐based sublingual immunotherapy in a murine model for the treatment of peach allergy
Authors: Rodriguez Maria J. , Mascaraque Ainhoa , Ramos‐Soriano Javier , Torres Maria J. , Perkins James R. , Gomez Francisca , Garrido‐Arandia Maria , Cubells‐Baeza Nuria , Andreu David , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Rojo Javier , Mayorga Cristobalina
Published: June 2017

Scope

Food‐specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a promising treatment for lipid transfer protein (LTP)‐syndrome. We propose a novel sublingual‐SIT (SLIT) that combines a Pru p 3 T‐cell peptide and an oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) with CpG motifs (ODN‐CpG) as adjuvants to induce a specific Th1/Treg response.

Methods and results

LTP‐peach allergic mice were treated sublingually with a combination of a CpG sequence and mono‐ or tetravalent systems including a Pru p 3 peptide, D1(Prup3) or D4(Prup3). Mice were challenged intraperitoneally with Pru p 3 one or three weeks after SLIT and tolerance was assessed.

Mice treated with D1(Prup3)+CpG were protected from anaphylaxis after Pru p 3 challenge. They showed no change in body temperature, lower levels of Pru p 3‐specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies and higher levels of sIgG2a compared to the untreated group. They had fewer IgE and IgG1 secreting cells and more sIgG2a secreting cells. Moreover, a significantly lower number of Pru p 3‐specific CD4+T cells and a higher number of Treg cells were found, alongside a Th1 cytokine pattern. These changes were maintained for three weeks after stopping treatment.

Conclusion

D1Prup3+CpG represents a promising SIT for food allergy. It is easily synthesized and induces protection from anaphylaxis to Pru p 3 that is maintained for at least three weeks.
Xanthophyll esters are found in human colostrum
Authors: Ríos José J. , Xavier Ana Augusta Odorissi , Díaz‐Salido Elena , Arenilla‐Vélez Isabel , Jarén‐Galán Manuel , Garrido‐Fernández Juan , Aguayo‐Maldonado Josefa , Pérez‐Gálvez Antonio
Published: June 2017

Scope

Carotenoids in human milk are associated with other lipid counterparts in several metabolic processes. One interesting association that has not been demonstrated to date is the presence of xanthophyll esters. Colostrum and mature milk samples were analyzed to determine the occurrence of xanthophyll esters and identify the compounds. Thus, the association of the amounts of these compounds with lactation and whether they are significant contributors to the carotenoid profile of human milk was assessed.

Methods and results

Pre‐term and term delivering mothers were included in the study to donate colostrum at 3–5 days postpartum and mature milk at 15 days postpartum. Carotenoids extracts were subjected to a clean‐up procedure to remove the triacylglycerol fraction and then analyzed by HPLC‐MSn. Identification of xanthophyll esters was achieved by considering their chromatographic behaviour, UV‐visible characteristics and MSn features.

Conclusion

Xanthophyll esters are significant contributors to the carotenoid profile in the colostrum, while mature milk does not contain these compounds. Therefore, fatty acid acylation to xanthophylls is activated during the accumulation of carotenoids in the human mammary gland. The sharp decline in the amount of xanthophyll esters in mature milk indicates that the lipophilic components are those recently incorporated in the mammary epithelium.
Ganglioside GM3 induces cumulus cell apoptosis through inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor‐mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathways during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes
Authors: Park Hyo‐Jin , Chae Sung‐Kyu , Kim Jin‐Woo , Yang Seul‐Gi , Jung Jae‐Min , Kim Min‐Ji , Wee Gabbine , Lee Dong‐Seok , Kim Sun‐Uk , Koo Deog‐Bon
Published: June 2017

Gangliosides are components of the mammalian plasma membrane that help regulate receptor signaling. Ganglioside GM3, for example, plays an important role in initiating apoptosis in cancer cells; however, physiological roles for GM3 in normal processes, such as during pig oocyte maturation, are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional link between GM3 and cellular apoptosis in porcine cumulus‐oocyte‐complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation. Our results indicated that denuded oocytes possess less ST3GAL5, a GM3‐synthesizing enzyme, than cumulus cells or COCs after 44 hr of in vitro maturation. GM3 also affected the meiotic maturation of cultured pig oocytes, as evaluated by orcein staining. In vitro treatment of COCs with exogenous GM3 also reduced cumulus cell expansion, the proportion of meiotic maturation, and increased cumulus cell transcription ofPTX3, TNFAIP6, andHAS2. Interestingly, GM3 treatment reduced the expression of Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mediated Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT signaling proteins in COCs in a concentration‐dependent manner, instead increasing the abundance of pro‐apoptotic factors such as AIF, activated Caspase 9, cleaved PARP1, and Caspase 3 were. Thus, GM3 might affect porcine oocyte maturation via suppression of EGFR‐mediated PI3K/AKT signaling and/or induction of apoptosis during in vitro maturation.
Tomoelastography of the prostate using multifrequency MR elastography and externally placed pressurized‐air drivers
Authors: Dittmann Florian , Reiter Rolf , Guo Jing , Haas Matthias , Asbach Patrick , Fischer Thomas , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) of the prostate using externally placed drivers.

Methods

Three pressurized‐air drivers were used to excite shear waves within the prostate at vibration frequencies of 60, 70, and 80 Hz. Full 3D wave fields were acquired by multislice spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging in conjunction with tomoelastography wave speed recovery for generating full field‐of‐view stiffness maps. Twelve healthy volunteers were repeatedly scanned to analyze test–retest reproducibility. Five patients with suspected prostate cancer were investigated to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of the method.

Results

In healthy volunteers, the shear wave speed of the entire prostate was 2.24 ± 0.20 m/s with a repeatability coefficient of 0.14 m/s and 88% intraclass correlation coefficient. No significant difference between the peripheral zone (2.27 ± 0.20 m/s) and the central gland (2.22 ± 0.23 m/s) was observed. In patients, wave‐speed maps displayed stiff regions consistent with the localization of suspicious masses detected by other imaging markers.

Conclusions

The proposed method provides reproducible quantitative maps of tissue stiffness throughout the pelvic region and can easily be integrated into clinical imaging protocols. Clinical stiffness maps display many details of potential interest for cancer diagnosis. Magn Reson Med 79:1325–1333, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Quantitative assessment of fascia preservation improves the prediction of membranous urethral length and inner levator distance on continence outcome after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Grivas Nikolaos , van der Roest Rosanne , Schouten Daan , Cavicchioli Francesca , Tillier Corine , Bex Axel , Schoots Ivo , Artibani Walter , Heijmink Stijn , Van Der Poel Henk
Published: June 2017

Aims

To determine whether preoperative prostate/pelvic anatomical structures and intraoperative fascia preservation (FP) predict continence recovery after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

Between January 2012 and March 2016, 439 prostate cancer (PCa) patients with normal preoperative continence were retrospectively included. FP score was defined as the extent of FP from base to apex of the prostate, quantitatively assessed by the surgeon. Anatomical prostate structures were measured on endorectal preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) was used to assess urinary incontinence (UI). Cox analysis was used to determine predictive factors for early continence recovery. Finally a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to develop a risk calculator.

Results

At a median follow up of 12.1 months 50.8% of men reported UI. In the Cox multivariate analysis longer membranous urethral length (MUL; P < 0.0001; OR 1.309; CI 1.211, 1.415) and shorter inner levator distance (ILD; P < 0.0001; OR 0.904; CI 0.85, 0.961) were predictors of earlier continence recovery. In the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis longer MUL (P < 0.0001; OR 1.565, CI 1.362, 1.798), shorter ILD (P < 0.0001; OR 0.819, CI 0.742, 0.904) and higher FP score (P = 0.024; OR 1.089, CI 1.011, 1.172) were independent predictors of continence outcome. The risk calculator predicted continence recovery between 1.3% and 99%.

Conclusions

Preoperative longer MUL and shorter ILD, but also intraoperative FP independently improve continence recovery after RARP. The risk calculator could be used to identify patients at high risk of UI.
Adaptive hierarchical refinement of NURBS in cohesive fracture analysis
Authors: Chen Lin , Lingen Erik Jan , de Borst René
Published: June 2017

Adaptive hierarchical refinement in isogeometric analysis is developed to model cohesive crack propagation along a prescribed interface. In the analysis, the crack is introduced by knot insertion in the NURBS basis, which yields
continuous basis functions. To capture the stress state smoothly ahead of the crack tip, the hierarchical refinement of the spline basis functions is used starting from a coarse initial mesh. A multilevel mesh is constructed, with a fine mesh used for quantifying the stresses ahead of the crack tip, knot insertion to insert the crack, and coarsening in the wake of the crack tip, since a lower resolution suffices there. This technique can be interpreted as a moving mesh around the crack tip. To ensure compatibility with existing finite element programs, an element‐wise point of view is adopted using Bézier extraction. A detailed description is given how the approach can be implemented in a finite element data structure. The accuracy of the approach to cohesive fracture modelling is demonstrated by several numerical examples, including a double cantilever beam, an L‐shaped specimen, and a fibre embedded in an epoxy matrix.
Functionalization of oxabenzonorbornadiene: Manganese(III)‐mediated oxidative addition of dimedone
Authors: Çalışkan Raşit , Sari Ozlem , Balci Metin
Published: June 2017

3‐Chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐1,4‐epoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐3‐hydroxy‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one, synthesized by the reaction of oxabenzonorbornadiene with Mn(OAc)3 and dimedone in the presence of HCl in acetic acid, was submitted to ring‐opening reactions with BBr3 and H2SO4. Reaction with BBr3 yielded 2 products, a 5‐membered ring and an 8‐membered ring, with the former being the major product. However, the H2SO4‐supported reaction exclusively formed an 8‐membered ring. The mechanism of formation of these products was supported by theoretical calculations.
Multifunctional Small Molecule Fluorophore for Long‐Duration Tumor‐Targeted Monitoring and Dual Modal Phototherapy
Authors: Ma Yi , Zhang Min , Li Ping , Han Zhihao , Wu Liming , Li Tingting , Wang Zhaohui , Gao Weidong , Deng Tao , Gu Yueqing
Published: June 2017

In this work, a specific tumor‐targeted small molecular fluorophore for synchronous long‐duration cancer imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy is synthesized. This novel fluorophore exhibits specific targeting ability in certain tumors (U87MG, MDA‐MB‐231, A549, etc.) based on its inherent structure and efficiently generates local hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species simultaneously for imaging‐guided precise cancer therapy combining the photothermic and photodynamic effects under laser irradiation. Meanwhile, compared to traditional near infrared fluorophore, this novel fluorophore with significantly enhanced stability against photobleaching can prolong the time of tumor imaging and improve the phototherapy efficiency. This work presents a potential strategy to develop small‐molecule‐based cancer theranostic agents for simultaneous cancer targeting, imaging, and therapy.
Reduce pests, enhance production: benefits of intercropping at high densities for okra farmers in Cameroon
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Weisser Wolfgang W , Hanna Rachid , Houmgny Raissa , Zytynska Sharon E
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Intercropping can help reduce insect pest populations. However, the results of intercropping can be pest‐ and crop‐species specific, with varying effects on crop yield, and pest suppression success. In Cameroon, okra vegetable is often grown in intercropped fields and sown with large distances between planting rows (∼ 2 m). Dominant okra pests include cotton aphids, leaf beetles and whiteflies. In a field experiment, we intercropped okra with maize and bean in different combinations (okra monoculture, okra–bean, okra–maize and okra–bean–maize) and altered plant densities (high and low) to test for the effects of diversity, crop identity and planting distances on okra pests, their predators and yield.

RESULTS

We found crop identity and plant density, but not crop diversity to influence okra pests, their predators and okra yield. Only leaf beetles decreased okra yield and their abundance reduced at high plant density. Overall, okra grown with bean at high density was the most economically profitable combination.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that when okra is grown at higher densities, legumes (e.g. beans) should be included as an additional crop. Intercropping with a leguminous crop can enhance nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other crops, while also being harvested and sold at market for additional profit. Manipulating planting distances and selecting plants based on their beneficial traits may thus help to eliminate yield gaps in sustainable agriculture. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification and risk assessment of organic products resulting from non‐thermal plasma removal of toluene in nitrogen
Authors: Guo Teng , Du Xubing , Peng Zhen , Xu Li , Dong Junguo , Li Jianquan , Cheng Ping , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2017

Rationale

Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) has proven to be an effective approach for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, harmful organic by‐products, produced during NTP‐mediated removal of VOCs, hinder practical applications of this technology. It is necessary to characterize the organic by‐products to assess their health risks.

Methods

A method is proposed for analyzing and evaluating organic by‐products for NTP‐mediated removal of VOCs in this work. NTP generated by a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor was used for the removal of a model VOC, toluene, in nitrogen. Organic products were characterized using a real‐time proton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐TOF‐MS) apparatus.

Results

The PTR‐TOF‐MS apparatus has been shown to be effective for real‐time high‐sensitivity detection of trace VOCs. The main observed organic compounds, with concentrations on the order of ppb/ppm, were hydrogen cyanide, acetonitrile, propanenitrile, benzene, benzonitrile, and benzyl nitrile, etc.

Conclusions

A health‐related index (HRI) was introduced to assess the health risks associated with these organic products. The HRI was not correlated with the removal efficiency (η), with higher η possibly yielding higher HRI, associated with higher health risks. Specific input energy (SIE) was a key factor affecting the formation of the observed organic products and their HRI values. We conclude that in practical applications, SIE, HRI, and η must be balanced.
Robot for weed species plant‐specific management
Authors: Bawden Owen , Kulk Jason , Russell Ray , McCool Chris , English Andrew , Dayoub Feras , Lehnert Chris , Perez Tristan
Published: June 2017

The rapid evolution of herbicide‐resistant weed species has revitalized research in nonchemical methods for weed destruction. Robots with vision‐based capabilities for online weed detection and classification are a key enabling factor for the specialized treatment of individual weed species. This paper describes the design, development, and testing of a modular robotic platform with a heterogeneous weeding array for agriculture. Starting from requirements derived from farmer insights, technical specifications are put forward. A design of a robotic platform is conducted based on the required technical specifications, and a prototype is manufactured and tested. The second part of the paper focuses on the weeding mechanism attached to the robotic platform. This includes aspects of vision for weed detection and classification, as well as the design of a weeding array that combines chemical and mechanical methods for weed destruction. Field trials of the weed detection and classification system show an accuracy of 92.3% across a range of weed species, while the heterogeneous weed management system is able to selectively apply a mechanical or chemical control method based on the species of weed. Together, the robotic platform and weeding array demonstrate the potential for robotic plant‐species–specific weed management enabled by the vision‐based online detection and classification algorithms.
Ka‐band HTS channel uplink SNIR probability model
Authors: Ai Liping
Published: June 2017

I present a novel analytical study of the signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐interference ratio (SNIR) for Ka‐band high throughput satellite uplink channels. The Ka‐band high throughput satellite systems employ frequency and polarization (color) reuse among the spot beams to achieve throughput increase many times the throughput of the system without reuse. However, color reuse also produces substantial co‐color interference and adding to it, tropospheric precipitation attenuation rises sharply in Ka‐band. The co‐color interference and precipitation induced fading vary randomly; they degrade the system performances. To assess the impact, I develop the uplink channel SNIR probability model in this study. Compared with the known studies of the same topic, this study takes the theoretic approach and is applicable to the urban users in particular. The model is feasible to implement and can provide accurate assessment of the channel SNIR performances statistically in theory for a wide array of system operational scenarios. The SNIR probability model is applied to a model spot beam system of 101 user beams to obtain and compare sample channel performances, which can be used for making system design choices at the early stage of a satellite project. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of statistical ToF‐SIMS applied to minerals recovery by froth flotation
Authors: Smart Roger St. C. , Gerson Andrea R. , Biesinger Mark C. , Hart Brian R.
Published: June 2017

The role of surface chemistry in recovery of minerals is central to several processes such as froth flotation, leaching, and electrostatic separation. In separation of base metals (eg, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni) by froth flotation of their minerals, usually sulphides, the attachment of these mineral particles, after hydrophobic collector addition, to air bubbles is used in operation. The stability of this bubble/particle attachment in both pulp and froth phases is dependent on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio of surface species on individual mineral particle surfaces. The surfaces of individual mineral particles are a complex, distinctly non‐uniform array of hydrophobic collector molecules and hydrophilic species (eg, oxidation products, adsorbed ions, fine particles, and precipitates). Hence, this ratio varies widely between different particles of the same mineral. It has been shown to determine whether particles report, correctly or incorrectly, to concentrate or tail (residue). To improve poor flotation recovery or grade, the analysis needed is the variation of this ratio by particle and as a statistical distribution between different mineral phases across a flotation circuit (eg, feed, successive concentrates, and tails). This requires surface analysis of a large number of particles with high spatial resolution and chemical speciation. In this Surface Science Western special issue article, methods to achieve this, using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and principal component analysis, developed between the Ian Wark Research Institute and Surface Science Western over 25 years are reviewed with applications to flotation. They are equally applicable to interferences in leaching, extraction, and electrostatic separation processes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved confidence interval for average annual percent change in trend analysis
Authors: Kim Hyune‐Ju , Luo Jun , Chen Huann‐Sheng , Green Don , Buckman Dennis , Byrne Jeffrey , Feuer Eric J.
Published: June 2017

This paper considers an improved confidence interval for the average annual percent change in trend analysis, which is based on a weighted average of the regression slopes in the segmented line regression model with unknown change points. The performance of the improved confidence interval proposed by Muggeo is examined for various distribution settings, and two new methods are proposed for further improvement. The first method is practically equivalent to the one proposed by Muggeo, but its construction is simpler, and it is modified to use the t‐distribution instead of the standard normal distribution. The second method is based on the empirical distribution of the residuals and the resampling using a uniform random sample, and its satisfactory performance is indicated by a simulation study. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposal of shoplifting prevention service using image analysis and ERP check
Authors: Yamato Yoji , Fukumoto Yoshifumi , Kumazaki Hiroki
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a software‐as‐a‐service application that prevents shoplifting using image analysis and enterprise resource planning (ERP). In Japan, the total damage due to shoplifting has reached 450 billion per year, and each year more than 1000 small book stores give up their business because of shoplifting damage. Based on the recent advancement in cloud technology and data analysis technology, we propose a shoplifting prevention service with the image analysis of security camera movie and ERP data check for small shops. We also confirm the precision ratio of security camera stream movie analysis using the online machine learning framework Jubatus. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parallel processing and genetic algorithm‐based efficiency optimization for multiconverter power system
Authors: Xie Mingfeng , Qian Qinsong , Yu Juzheng , Sun Weifeng , Lu Shengli
Published: June 2017

An efficient optimization approach based on parallel processing and genetic algorithm for a multiconverter power system is presented in this paper. The system consists of several clients and one server. The genetic algorithm helps the system to reach maximum efficiency over the entire load range. Meanwhile, WiFi is employed to achieve high‐speed data transfer. Also, a benefit from the parallel processing and structure is that the optimization time has been exponentially reduced. The experimental results show that the prototype can achieve optimal efficiency over the entire load range, and the optimizing process is accelerated five times in average because of the parallel processing © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Applying control scheme function of PV inverter for minimizing voltage fluctuation and imbalance with consideration of maximum PV generation
Authors: Chanhome Anuwat , Chaitusaney Surachai
Published: June 2017

At present, connections of photovoltaic (PV) systems to low‐voltage (LV) distribution systems are growing rapidly because of the compliance with government policies, drop in the prices of PV technologies, and environmental awareness. Unfortunately, the high penetration of solar PV systems, which suffers from the intermittence of sunlight, leads to voltage fluctuation and voltage imbalance, thereby deteriorating the power quality. To cope with this problem, this paper proposes a control strategy of the PV inverter to improve the limiting and balancing of voltage profiles in an unbalanced, three‐phase, four‐wire LV distribution system. The control strategy is based on the real power limitation and the reactive power adjustment through a control scheme function that is embedded in all PV inverters for supporting high penetration of PV systems. However, real power limitation leads to less utilization of solar energy. Then, the concern on PV generation (real power) regarding voltage fluctuation and imbalance is optimally analyzed by multi‐objective particle swarm optimization. The optimal solution of the control scheme function is numerically demonstrated in a modified 29‐node LV distribution system. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.