bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of economic uncertainty in forecasting exchange rate returns and realized volatility: Evidence from quantile predictive regressions
Authors: Christou Christina , Gupta Rangan , Hassapis Christis , Suleman Tahir
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we investigate whether the news‐based measure of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) can be used to forecast exchange rate returns and volatility using a quantile regression approach, which accounts for persistence and endogeneity, using data from 13 different countries. Our main findings suggest that: (i) EPU is useful for forecasting exchange rate returns and volatility, (ii) forecasting ability–quantile order relationships exhibit a U‐shape, possibly asymmetric form around the median; and (iii) asymmetries are more pronounced in the case of forecasting volatility.
Effect of cooking treatments on the phytochemical composition and antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina
Authors: Tekou Florian Amel , Kuate Dieudonne , Nguekouo Philippe Tekem , Woumbo Cerile Ypolyte , Oben Julius Enyong
Published: July 2018

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of domestic culinary treatment on phytochemical contents (phenolic content and dietary fiber), and the antidiabetic potential of Vernonia amygdalina in type 2 diabetic rats. The culinary forms implied boiling leaves of V. amygdalina directly and eliminating the leaves’ bitterness before boiling. Seventy wistar rats were artificially induced with type 2 diabetes using streptozotocin and high‐fat diet. They then received by oral intubation powders of different culinary forms of leaves extract or suspensions of V. amygdalina at a dose of 500 mg /kg for a period of 4 weeks. The crude fiber, total phenol contents and the DPPH scavenging ability of these culinary forms were also measured and the results showed that values of these parameters were higher in the unwashed form than the washed form. The washed and unwashed forms of V. amygdalina significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the blood glucose, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, transaminases, urea and creatine levels. Aqueous extract has the highest ability to reduce the blood glucose level (75.76%) followed by the unwashed form (61.17%) which was greater than that of the washed form. Also, these forms significantly increased serum HDL cholesterol and total protein level, with the highest activity obtained with the unwashed form. Washing the V. amygdalina leaves (that consists of multiple trituration of leaves with water) contributes to the reduction of antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.
Characterization of protein isolate from Sesamum indicum seed: In vitro protein digestibility, amino acid profile, and some functional properties
Authors: Fasuan Temitope O. , Gbadamosi Saka O. , Omobuwajo Taiwo O.
Published: July 2018

This work evaluated the impacts of pH and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration on some functional properties, in vitro protein digestibility, and amino acid profile of sesame (Sesamum indicum) protein isolate (SPI) produced using simultaneous recovery of protein and oil technique. The emulsion activity index (EAI), foam capacity (FC), and protein solubility varied with pH and ionic ability. Foam capacity rose with an increase in ionic strength. Protein solubility ranged from 8.39% at pH 4 to 55.08% at pH 10. In vitro protein digestibility of the SPI with pepsin–pancreatin enzyme systems was 89.57%. Amino acid profile showed that essential amino acids constituted 39.48%. The amino acids had good scores well above 50%. The results showed that SPI extracted by aqueous technique could be used as food ingredient, particularly as thickener, binder, and ingredient in baked food products.
Determination of citric acid pretreatment effect on nutrient content, bioactive components, and total antioxidant capacity of dried sweet potato flour
Authors: Kuyu Chala G. , Tola Yetenayet B. , Mohammed Ali , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: July 2018

Orange flashed sweet potatoes are rich and inexpensive source of diet and antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CA pretreatments and convective hot air drying temperature on proximate composition, bioactive components, and total antioxidant capacity of flour of five orange flashed sweet potato varieties. Moisture, protein, ether extract, ash, carbohydrate, fiber, β‐carotene, total phenolic compounds, and total antioxidant capacity in the dried flour samples were evaluated and reported in the range of 4.1–7.4%, 2.4–4.2%, 1.2–1.1.8%, 2.2–3.2%, 82.7–87.1%, 1.3–1.8%, 35.5–91.6 mg/100 g, 49.8–107.9 mg GAE/100 g, and 27.3–85.4%, respectively. The interaction effects of varieties, drying temperature, and CA concentration were significant (p ˂ 0.05) except for fiber. Kulto and SPK006/6/6 performed better for most of the parameters studied followed by SPK00/06. For almost all varieties, samples dried at 55°C and after treated in 3% CA solution had the highest percentage in terms of proximate composition, bioactive components, and total antioxidant capacities.
An efficient and stable method for short maturity Asian options
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Cui Zhenyu , Fan Jiacheng , Liu Mingzhe
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we develop a Markov chain‐based approximation method to price arithmetic Asian options for short maturities under the case of geometric Brownian motion. It has the advantage of being a closed‐form approximation involving only matrices. It is an accurate, efficient, and stable method for the pricing and hedging of short maturity arithmetic Asian options for which previous methods in the literature have shown either slower convergence or instabilities in hedging parameters. We demonstrate that this method is as good as and sometimes better than existing approximation methods in the literature.
Taking the CAA into the 21st Century and Beyond: A Modest Proposal
Authors: Smalling C. William
Published: July 2018

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation, in including Clean Air Act greenhouse gas (CAA GHG) regulations, as well as potential cap‐and‐trade legislation, will negatively affect US industry over time. Included in this article is an example—CAA impact analysis on the US refining industry. Additionally, overregulation is hurting efficiency and will hurt US competitiveness overseas.
Geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the first member of Shahejie Formation (E2s1) source rocks in the Dongpu Depression, East China
Authors: Lyu Xueying , Jiang Youlu , Liu Jingdong , Xu Tianwu
Published: July 2018

The Dongpu Depression, containing huge amounts of hydrocarbons, is a typical petroliferous province in the Bohai Bay Basin, east China. As one set of the main source rocks, the first member of Shahejie Formation (E2s1) shows huge exploration potential with approximately 0.83 × 108 t resources remaining to be discovered. However, the geochemical characteristics and thermal evolution history of E2s1 source rocks have still not been determined. In this study, the sedimentary features were firstly analysed based on the geological data. Then the organic matter abundance, kerogen type, and thermal maturity of E2s1 source rocks in the present day were evaluated according to the Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, micro‐components of kerogen, total organic carbon (TOC), and vitrinite reflectance analysis. Furthermore, the evolution of thermal history and hydrocarbon generation was determined using the PetroMod procedure. The results show that dark mudstones and salt rocks were well developed in E2s1, which are propitious for organic matter to grow and preserve. E2s1 source rocks contain abundant organic matter and moderate to good generative source rock potential. E2s1 source rocks mainly consist of Type II kerogen and have entered early to maturation stage for hydrocarbon generation. Due to the limited buried depth, E2s1 source rocks only attained lower thermal maturity and generated finite hydrocarbons. The initial rapid subsidence and the second rift after uplift erosion resulted in the higher geo‐temperature at the end of E3d and the present day. Corresponding to the geo‐temperature evolution, there are two stages of hydrocarbon generation for E2s1 source rocks: The first stage was in the late E3d period, and the late stage was from the late Neogene to the present day. Moreover, the hydrocarbon generation rate and quantity of the late stage are much higher than the first stage, indicating the major hydrocarbon generation stage. Due to the limited hydrocarbon generation capacity, oils generated from E2s1 source rocks are low maturity; thus, it cannot migrate for a long distance and only accumulated around the sag belts.
Microglia have a more extensive and divergent response to interferon‐α compared with astrocytes
Authors: Li Wen , Viengkhou Barney , Denyer Gareth , West Phillip K. , Campbell Iain L. , Hofer Markus J.
Published: July 2018

Type I interferons (IFN‐I) are crucial for effective antimicrobial defense in the central nervous system (CNS) but also can cause severe neurological disease (termed cerebral interferonopathy) as exemplified by Aicardi‐Goutières Syndrome. In the CNS, microglia and astrocytes have essential roles in host responses to infection and injury, with both cell types responding to IFN‐I. While the IFN‐I signaling pathways are the same in astrocytes and microglia, the extent to which the IFN‐I responses of these cells differ, if at all, is unknown. Here we determined the global transcriptional responses of astrocytes and microglia to the IFN‐I, IFN‐α. We found that under basal conditions, each cell type has a unique gene expression pattern reflective of its developmental origin and biological function. Following stimulation with IFN‐α, astrocytes and microglia also displayed a common core response that was characterized by the increased expression of genes required for pathogen detection and elimination. Compared with astrocytes, microglia had a more extensive and diverse response to IFN‐α with significantly more genes with expression upregulated (282 vs. 141) and downregulated (81 vs. 3). Further validation was documented for selected IFN‐I‐regulated genes in a murine model of cerebral interferonopathy. In all, the findings highlight not only overlapping but importantly divergent responses to IFN‐I by astrocytes versus microglia. This suggests specialized roles for these cells in host defense and in the development of cerebral interferonopathy.
Comparison of heritability estimates on resting state fMRI connectivity phenotypes using the ENIGMA analysis pipeline
Authors: Adhikari Bhim M. , Jahanshad Neda , Shukla Dinesh , Glahn David C. , Blangero John , Fox Peter T. , Reynolds Richard C. , Cox Robert W. , Fieremans Els , Veraart Jelle , Novikov Dmitry S. , Nichols Thomas E. , Hong L. Elliot , Thompson Paul M. , Kochunov Peter
Published: July 2018

We measured and compared heritability estimates for measures of functional brain connectivity extracted using the Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics through Meta‐Analysis (ENIGMA) rsfMRI analysis pipeline in two cohorts: the genetics of brain structure (GOBS) cohort and the HCP (the Human Connectome Project) cohort. These two cohorts were assessed using conventional (GOBS) and advanced (HCP) rsfMRI protocols, offering a test case for harmonization of rsfMRI phenotypes, and to determine measures that show consistent heritability for in‐depth genome‐wide analysis. The GOBS cohort consisted of 334 Mexican‐American individuals (124M/210F, average age = 47.9 ± 13.2 years) from 29 extended pedigrees (average family size = 9 people; range 5–32). The GOBS rsfMRI data was collected using a 7.5‐min acquisition sequence (spatial resolution = 1.72 × 1.72 × 3 mm3). The HCP cohort consisted of 518 twins and family members (240M/278F; average age = 28.7 ± 3.7 years). rsfMRI data was collected using 28.8‐min sequence (spatial resolution = 2 × 2 × 2 mm3). We used the single‐modality ENIGMA rsfMRI preprocessing pipeline to estimate heritability values for measures from eight major functional networks, using (1) seed‐based connectivity and (2) dual regression approaches. We observed significant heritability (h2 = 0.2–0.4, p < .05) for functional connections from seven networks across both cohorts, with a significant positive correlation between heritability estimates across two cohorts. The similarity in heritability estimates for resting state connectivity measurements suggests that the additive genetic contribution to functional connectivity is robustly detectable across populations and imaging acquisition parameters. The overarching genetic influence, and means to consistently detect it, provides an opportunity to define a common genetic search space for future gene discovery studies.
A quantile regression approach to panel data analysis of health‐care expenditure in Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries
Authors: Tian Fengping , Gao Jiti , Yang Ke
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the variation in the effects of various determinants on the per capita health‐care expenditure. A total of 28 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries are studied over the period 1990–2012, employing an instrumental variable quantile regression method for a dynamic panel model with fixed effects. The results show that the determinants of per capita health‐care expenditure growth, involving the growth of lagged health spending, of per capita gross domestic product (GDP), of physician density, of elderly population, of life expectancy, of urbanization, and of female labor force participation, do vary with the conditional distribution of the health‐care expenditure growth, while the changing patterns are dissimilar. Moreover, we show that Baumol's model of “unbalanced growth" has a significantly positive effect on per capita health spending growth, and its effect is quite stable over the entire distribution. However, the correlation between the components (wage growth and labor productivity growth) of the “Baumol variable” and health expenditure growth is more varied. As a comparison, only the growth of lagged health spending, per capita GDP, and the Baumol variable (or its components) are found related to health spending growth in conditional mean regressions. The prediction results were also quite different between the quantile regression dynamic panel instrumental variable models and linear panel data models. More attention needs to be paid to the varying influence of determinants in health expenditure study.
Oncologic outcomes with transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: Results of the French Robotic Surgery Group of GETTEC
Authors: Doazan Marianne , Hans Stéphane , Morinière Sylvain , Lallemant Benjamin , Vergez Sébastien , Aubry Karine , De Monès Erwan , Espitalier Florent , Jegoux Franck , Pradat Pierre , Céruse Philippe
Published: July 2018

Background

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an option to treat supraglottic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). We studied the oncologic outcomes after TORS for supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter observational study of SGL using TORS for patients with supraglottic SCC with at least 2 years of follow‐up.

Results

One hundred twenty‐two patients were included in our study. Mean follow‐up was 42.8 months. Local control was 94.3% at 2 years and 90.2% at 5 years. Overall survival and disease‐free survival were 86.9% and 95.1% at 2 years, and 78.7% and 94.3% at 5 years, respectively. Sixty‐three patients (51.6%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. For 16 of them, this was due to close or positive margins.

Conclusion

Local control rate after TORS SGL was at least equivalent to what has been described in the literature for open or transoral laser surgery, or with radiotherapy. Using TORS seems to be an effective therapeutic treatment of early‐stage and intermediate‐stage supraglottic SCCs.
FUN14 Domain‐Containing 1–Mediated Mitophagy Suppresses Hepatocarcinogenesis by Inhibition of Inflammasome Activation in Mice
Authors: Li Wenhui , Li Yanjun , Siraj Sami , Jin Haojie , Fan Yuyuan , Yang Xinrong , Huang Xiaowu , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Jun , Liu Lei , Du Lei , Chen Quan
Published: July 2018

Mitochondria lie at the heart of innate immunity, and aberrant mitochondrial activity contributes to immune activation and chronic inflammatory diseases, including liver cancers. Mitophagy is a selective process for removing dysfunctional mitochondria. The link between mitophagy and inflammation in tumorigenesis remains largely unexplored. We observed that FUN14 domain‐containing 1 (FUNDC1), a previously characterized mitophagy receptor, accumulates in most human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and we thus explored the role of FUNDC1‐mediated mitophagy in HCC initiation and progression in a mouse model in which HCC is induced by the chemical carcinogen, diethylnitrosamine (DEN). We showed that specific knockout of FUNDC1 in hepatocytes promotes the initiation and progression of DEN‐induced HCC, whereas FUNDC1 transgenic hepatocytes protect against development of HCC. Hepatocyte‐specific FUNDC1 ablation results in the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and triggers a cascade of events involving inflammasome activation and hyperactivation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. Specifically, cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release and caspase‐1 activation are increased in FUNDC1‐depleted hepatocytes. This subsequently results in the elevated release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β (IL1β) and hyperproliferation of hepatocytes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that FUNDC1 suppresses HCC initiation by reducing inflammasome activation and inflammatory responses in hepatocytes, whereas up‐regulation of FUNDC1 expression at the late stage of tumor development may benefit tumor growth. Our study thus describes a mechanistic link between mitophagic modulation of inflammatory response and tumorigenesis, and further implies that FUNDC1‐mediated mitophagy and its related inflammatory response may represent a therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Is the Partial Root Drying Irrigation Method Suitable for Sandy Soils? Field Experiment and Modelling Using the Saltmed Model
Authors: Abdelraouf R.E. , Ragab R.
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the impact of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root drying (PRD) on soil moisture, dry matter, and yield and water productivity of maize grown in sandy soil in Egypt. The experiment was conducted in 2013 and included eight treatments of RDI and PRD. Four RDI treatments [100% full irrigation requirement, FI (control), 80% FI, 60% FI and 40% FI] and four PRD treatments [100% PRD, 80% PRD, 60% PRD and 40% PRD] were conducted. The experimental and simulated results using the SALTMED model showed that maize yields obtained under RDI were higher than those obtained under PRD; this may be due to the fact that the soil is sandy and the PRD treatment received relatively less irrigation water. The latter perhaps have led to a smaller and narrower wetted soil volume within the root zone, and possibly some of the water was partly lost below the root zone due to the high infiltration rate commonly associated with sandy soils. The correlation between the observed and simulated grain yield showed that the SALTMED model was able to simulate grain yield and water productivity for all treatments with high accuracy, producing an average R2 of 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobile financial services, financial inclusion, and development: A systematic review of academic literature
Authors: Kim Minjin , Zoo Hanah , Lee Heejin , Kang Juhee
Published: July 2018

With the flagship success of m‐Pesa, financial services via mobile devices have become an important tool to facilitate the financial inclusion of the previously unbanked population in developing countries. Attempts to provide a landscape of academic research findings at the intersection of mobile financial services, financial inclusion, and development have been rather scant. To determine the key issues and gaps in the current academic research, this study conducts a systematic review of 54 academic research papers vis‐à‐vis the nexus of mobile financial services, financial inclusion, and development. The results show that the extant literature addresses three major clusters of topics: delivery, environmental factors, and the impact of mobile financial services. Still in the nascent stage of research, the topics covered in the literature indicate a bias towards institutional and individual preconditions for the implementation of mobile financial services, rather than actual supply and demand by users, and its impact on society. The choice of research methods also shows limited variety and depth. This study contributes towards understanding the existing research on mobile financial services for financial inclusion in developing countries and finding research gaps for future study.
Time‐dependent response of A549 cells upon exposure to cadmium
Authors: Zhao Wen‐jie , Zhang Zi‐jin , Zhu Zhen‐yu , Song Qun , Zheng Wei‐juan , Hu Xin , Mao Li , Lian Hong‐zhen
Published: July 2018

Cadmium is considered one of the most harmful carcinogenic heavy metals in the human body. Although many scientists have performed research on cadmium toxicity mechanism, the toxicokinetic process of cadmium toxicity remains unclear. In the present study, the kinetic response of proteome in/and A549 cells to exposure of exogenous cadmium was profiled. A549 cells were treated with cadmium sulfate (CdSO4) for different periods and expressions of proteins in cells were detected by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The kinetic expressions of proteins related to cadmium toxicity were further investigated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Intracellular cadmium accumulation and content fluctuation of several essential metals were observed after 0–24 hours of exposure by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fifty‐four protein spots showed significantly differential responses to CdSO4 exposure at both 4.5 and 24 hours. From these proteins, four expression patterns were concluded. Their expressions always exhibited a maximum abundance ratio after CdSO4 exposure for 24 hours. The expression of metallothionein‐1 and ZIP‐8, concentration of total protein, and contents of cadmium, zinc, copper, cobalt and manganese in cells also showed regular change. In synthesis, the replacement of the essential metals, the inhibition of the expression of metal storing protein and the activation of metal efflux system are involved in cadmium toxicity.
Exploiting response surface methodology (RSM) as a novel approach for the optimization of carbon dioxide adsorption by dry sodium hydroxide
Authors: Saeidi Mahsa , Ghaemi Ahad , Tahvildari Kambiz , Derakhshi Pirouz
Published: July 2018

As a novel strategy involving dry NaOH sorbent for CO2 capture from air is described. The influence of significant operating parameters, namely the temperature, pressure, and NaOH loading, on the CO2 capture in a fixed‐bed reactor is experimentally explored using the response surface methodology (RSM). Accordingly, in this paper, RSM based on central composite design (CCD) is exploited to design experiments, build models, and determine the optimum conditions for desirable responses. The NaOH sorbent was then characterized by various approaches such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis before and after the reactions. Besides, numerous isotherm models were applied to mathematically model the CO2 adsorption, and on the basis of the regression coefficient (R2), the Frendlich model was found to deliver a perfect fit to the experimental data, based on the closeness of the R2‐value to unity. In addition to the experiments, the kinetic parameters were evaluated using a nonlinear least squares technique. The outcome achieved in this investigation can serve as a benchmark while searching for inexpensive and superior dry NaOH sorbent production in future studies.
Adsorption of acid red 114 and reactive black 5 in aqueous solutions on dendrimer‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Mohammadi Galangash Mohsen , Ghavidast Atefeh , Bozorgpanah Zahra
Published: July 2018

The adsorption of the dyes Acid Red 114 and Reactive Black 5 in aqueous solutions on polyhydroxyl dendrimer magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2‐TRIS) was studied in a batch system. The Fe3O4@SiO2‐TRIS NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Experiments were performed under different conditions such as the initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH. The pseudo‐second‐order model provided a very good fit for the two anionic dyes. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherms at different temperatures, and the former agreed very well with the experimental data. However, the adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐TRIS NPs was reduced during surface modification, which could be due to the dye occupying the binding sites of the dendrimer. Thermodynamic parameters, namely the change in free energy (ΔG0), enthalpy (ΔH0), and entropy (ΔS0), were also determined.
Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Alectinib
Authors: Morcos Peter N. , Cleary Yumi , Sturm‐Pellanda Carolina , Guerini Elena , Abt Markus , Donzelli Massimiliano , Vazvaei Faye , Balas Bogdana , Parrott Neil , Yu Li
Published: July 2018

Alectinib is approved and recommended as the preferred first‐line treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive non–small cell lung cancer. The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of alectinib was assessed with physiologically based PK modeling prospectively and in a clinical study. An open‐label study (NCT02621047) investigated a single 300‐mg dose of alectinib in moderate (n = 8) and severe (n = 8) hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh B/C), and healthy subjects (n = 12) matched for age, sex, and body weight. Physiologically based PK modeling was conducted prospectively to inform the clinical study design and support the use of a lower dose and extended PK sampling in the study. PK parameters were calculated for alectinib, its major similarly active metabolite, M4, and the combined exposure of alectinib and M4. Unbound concentrations were assessed at 6 and 12 hours postdose. Administration of alectinib to subjects with hepatic impairment increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity of the combined exposure of alectinib and M4 to 136% (90% confidence interval [CI], 94.7‐196) and 176% (90%CI 98.4‐315), for moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, relative to matched healthy subjects. Unbound concentrations for alectinib and M4 did not appear substantially different between hepatic‐impaired and healthy subjects. Moderate hepatic impairment had only a modest, not clinically significant effect on alectinib exposure, while the higher exposure observed in severe hepatic impairment supports a dose adjustment in this population.
Effects of spectral nudging on precipitation extremes and diurnal cycle over CORDEX‐East Asia domain
Authors: Tang Jianping , Sun Xuguang , Hui Pinhong , Li Yan , Zhang Qi , Liu Jianyong
Published: July 2018

In this study, by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, the impact of spectral nudging (SN) on simulating the precipitation extremes and diurnal cycle of precipitation over Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment‐East Asia (CORDEX‐EA) domain is evaluated. The simulations are conducted during 1989–2007 driven by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data with different SN experiments. It is clear that WRF has the ability to reproduce the long‐term climatology as well as the extremes over Asia, while biases are generated in the experiment without SN (NOSN). The simulations with SN, especially SN6 (SN with wavenumber 6) and SN3‐UVT (SN with wavenumber 3 applied to wind and temperature), can efficiently improve the model's skill by reducing the biases of precipitation frequency and intensity as well as the extreme indices except for the consecutive dry days (CDD). The diurnal harmonics of precipitation frequency and amount are well produced by WRF, and the SN experiments also perform better than the NOSN experiment, with SN3‐UVT showing the best skill. However, the SN only with winds shows little improvement in simulating the diurnal cycles, and the additional nudging of temperature can improve the simulation only over south China and Indo‐China. It can be concluded that the strength of nudging parameters can significantly affect the simulation of precipitation, with better performance under the stronger nudging. Moreover, additional nudging of temperature can also improve the simulation.
Degradation products of polycondensed aromatic moieties (black carbon or pyrogenic carbon) in soil: Methodological improvements and comparison to contemporary black carbon concentrations
Authors: Di Rauso Simeone Giuseppe , Benesch Marianne , Glaser Bruno
Published: July 2018

It was found that benzenepolycarboxylic acids (BPCA) do naturally occur in soils. They can be assumed as black carbon degradation products. We propose an improved method to analyse black carbon degradation products in soil. Method optimization comprised extraction duration, sample clean‐up, and chromatographic separation conditions. The method is also suitable for subsequent isotope ratio mass spectrometry of individual BPCA. Accuracy was checked with quartz sand and soil samples spiked with known amounts of BPCA. In soil samples with varying properties we compared contents of black carbon and black carbon degradation products, i.e., total and free BPCA contents, respectively. Results show that our proposed method can extract black carbon degradation products from soil after 48 h of extraction with 500 mM NaOH compared to 72 h of the original method. Polyvalent cations should be removed by Dowex 50 W X 8, 200–400 mesh, while original cation removal with Merck cation exchange resin was not successful. Free BPCA can be separated and quantified directly by ion exchange chromatography followed by ultraviolet spectroscopy or isotope ratio mass spectrometry, while the original method involved another two days for derivatization and isolation of derivatized BPCA. Recovery of spiked BPCA to a range of different soil samples was 81 ± 19%. Free BPCA concentrations of a Cambisol, Chernozem, Ferralsol, and Anthrosol varied between 0 and 0.24 g kg−1 contributing 0–38% of total black carbon concentration. Free BPCA correlated with total black carbon, total organic carbon, and negatively with pH. However, further studies with a larger set of samples are necessary to systematically investigate conditions for black carbon degradation and, thus free BPCA formation in soils.
High pressure and temperature effects on the molecular crystal 2‐amino‐5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole
Authors: A. de Toledo Thiago , R. F. Bento Ricardo , R. Cunha Thiago , S. Pizani Paulo
Published: July 2018

We report a detailed study of 2‐amino‐5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (C3H5N3S) using Raman and infrared spectroscopy techniques combined with density functional theory at the condensed phase and for the isolated molecule in gas phase. This information provides the vibrational mode assignments, which will give a basis for the better understanding of the changes in the Raman spectra due to the temperature (from 10 to 413 K) and pressure (up to 9.2 GPa at room temperature) variation. The anharmonic effects in the Raman spectra of C3H5N3S were identified in the temperature range 10–393 K, corresponding to wavenumber shift, changes in the line intensity, and linewidth. The crystal undergoes to phase transition in the temperature range 403–413 K, as indicated by the discontinuity in the dω/dT of several Raman bands in external and internal mode region. As pressure increases, a notable change in the Raman spectra occurs at 1.6 GPa, suggesting a second‐order phase transition attributed to splitting, discontinuity in the dω/dP, and red shift of the external and internal Raman modes. All changes in the Raman spectrum were reversible after releasing pressure.
Enterococci from ready‐to‐eat food – horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and genotypic characterization by PCR melting profile
Authors: Chajęcka‐Wierzchowska Wioleta , Zadernowska Anna , Zarzecka Urszula , Zakrzewski Arkadiusz , Gajewska Joanna
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the horizontal transfer of genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″)‐Ia, aph(2″)‐Ib, aph(2″)‐Ic, aph(2″)‐Id, ant(4′)‐Ia and ant(6′)‐Ia), tetracyclines (tetM, tetL, tetK, tetO and tetW), and macrolides (ermA, ermB, ermC, msrC, mefAB) in Enterococcus strains isolated from ready‐to‐eat dishes purchased in bars and restaurants in Olsztyn, Poland.

RESULTS

It was found that 74% of tested strains were able to conjugal transfer at least one of the antibiotic resistance genes. Transfer of resistance to tetracyclines in strains was observed with a frequency ranging from 1.3 × 10−6 to 8.7 × 10−7 transconjugants/donor. The int gene and the tetM gene were transferred simultaneously, which indicated that a transposon of the Tn916/Tn1545 also participated in the conjugation process. The frequency of transferring genes of resistance to macrolides ranged from 3.2 × 10−6 to 2.4 × 10−8 transconjugants/donor. The ermB gene was transferred the most frequently. The frequency of acquisition of genes encoding aminoglycosides in strains isolated from food ranged from 1.7 × 10−6 to 3,2 × 10−8 transconjugants/donor. Transfer of the aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″) gene was the most frequent. In all reactions, the clonal character of transconjugants and recipients was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction melting profile (PCR MP) method, which is an alternative to the pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that Enterococcus isolated from ready‐to‐eat food is able to horizontally transfer genes encoding various antibiotic resistance mechanisms. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Antihyperglycemic activities of twig extract of indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) on high‐fat diet and streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemic rats
Authors: Lin Gong‐Min , Hsu Chia‐Yun , Chang Shang‐Tzen
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Cinnamomum osmophloeum (indigenous cinnamon) is an endemic species in Taiwan and its twigs contain abundant A‐type proanthocyanidins. C. osmophloeum twig extracts (CoTEs) were found to have α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities in vitro. The aim of this study is to further investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of CoTEs in hyperglycemic rats.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemic rats were divided into three groups and were treated orally with high‐dosage CoTEs (HCO, 150 mg kg−1), low‐dosage CoTEs (LCO, 30 mg kg−1) and positive control (PC, 30 mg kg−1 pioglitazone). The HCO group showed improved glucose tolerance in an oral glucose tolerance test after 1 month of treatment, contributed by the inhibition of intestinal disaccharidases, amylase, and lipase. Compared with the PC group, both the HCO and LCO groups had decreased weight of visceral fats and lower atherogenic index; while their low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, food intake, feed efficiency, and biochemical parameters remained unchanged compared with the NC group. Furthermore, the HCO group had decreased weight gain and the LCO group had decreased serum leptin level.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CoTE has potential antihyperglycemic activities for treating hyperglycemia without weight gain. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in long‐term water quality of Baltimore streams are associated with both gray and green infrastructure
Authors: Reisinger Alexander J. , Woytowitz Ellen , Majcher Emily , Rosi Emma J. , Belt Kenneth T. , Duncan Jonathan M. , Kaushal Sujay S. , Groffman Peter M.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The steadily rising global urban population has placed substantial strain on urban water quality, and this strain is projected to increase for the foreseeable future. Considerable attention has been given to the hydrological and physico‐chemical effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems. However, due to the relative infancy of the field of urban ecology, long‐term water quality analyses in urban streams are sparse. Using a 15‐yr stream chemistry monitoring record from Baltimore, Maryland, we quantified long‐term trends in nitrate, phosphate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chloride, and sulfate export at several sites along a rural–urban gradient. We found no significant change in solute export at most sites, although we did find specific patterns of interest for certain solutes. For example, nitrogen export declined at the most headwater urban site, while phosphorus export declined at the most downstream urban site. Coupling long‐term monitoring with data on gray and green infrastructure management throughout the landscape, we established relationships between solute export at the most downstream urban monitoring site and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), best management practice (BMP) implementation, and road salt application rates. Phosphorus export was correlated with BMP implementation in the watershed, whereas nitrogen export was related to SSOs. Despite highly urbanized watersheds, water quality does not appear to be declining at most of these sites, suggesting that current management may have limited further impairment. Results of our study suggest that both gray and green infrastructure are key for maintaining and improving water quality in this highly urbanized watershed.
A study of a non‐conventional evaluation of results from salt spray test of aluminum High Pressure Die Casting alloys for automotive components
Authors: Cecchel Silvia , Cornacchia Giovanna , Gelfi Marcello
Published: July 2018

Aim of the present work was to investigate in a non‐conventional way the results of aluminum castings salt spray tests. These experiments were engineered in order to obtain a quantitative measurement of the corrosion rate, instead of the qualitative visual analysis usually employed in the traditional salt spray test. These tests were performed on aluminum EN AC‐46000, EN AC‐44400, and EN AC‐43500 samples. A comparison was made with electrochemical tests on specimens and the traditional salt spray testing on a real dimension component. The results showed a good reliability of the new method that gave outputs in agreement with the electrochemical technique. The new concept of salt spray test data processing was able to detect very small differences in corrosion behavior of tested alloys, demonstrating higher precision and reliability in respect to the polarization technique. Such result was explained considering the adoption of specimen with larger area and longer time of exposure to the selected corrosive environment that reduce respectively the effect of uneven distribution of porosity and intermetallics in the samples, typical of aluminum castings, and the potential local and transient events related to these defects.
Investigation on static and dynamic corrosion behaviors of thermal energy transfer and storage system materials by molten salts in concentrating solar power plants
Authors: Wang Jiaming , Jiang Yiming , Ni Yifan , Wu Angjian , Li Jin
Published: July 2018

With the emergence of the concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, the corrosion behaviors of potential materials applied in thermal energy transfer and storage system attract tremendous attentions. Corrosion behaviors of X80 carbon steel, 304, 316L stainless steels, and 600, 825 nickel alloys in the molten salt mixtures at different temperatures were comparatively investigated using immersion tests under static and dynamic states and electrochemical scans. The corrosion resistance of stainless steels and nickel‐based alloys in molten salt at 530 °C followed the sequence of 304<316L<600<825. The aggressiveness of different molten salt mixtures was compared, indicating that the ternary system was more aggressive than the binary system. The corrosion aggressiveness under dynamic state was more severe when compared to that under the static state. The N2 atmosphere was proved to be protective for alloys immersed in high temperature molten salts.
Impact of Surface Electrostatic Potential on Icephobic Properties of Nanoimprinted Flexible Polymer Foils
Authors: Frolet Nathalie , Durret Jérôme , Panabière Marie , Boisseau Sébastien , Gourgon Cécile
Published: July 2018

Superhydrophobic surfaces have been fabricated on flexible fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) foils using nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and roughening by plasma etching. The combination of these two techniques results in hierarchical structures and superhydrophobic properties. The icephobic behavior of the surfaces has been studied with measurements of the freezing delay time (FDT) of water droplets on cooled surfaces. It is demonstrated in this paper that the variability of the FDT values is due to the electrostatic surface potential Vs. The impact of this parameter is explored and it is shown that the delay of freezing increases when the surface potential decreases from 0 to −500 V, and decreases for lower surface potentials. This decrease is related to the saturation effect of contact angle, which is well known in electrowetting literature. Contact angles analysis confirms that this saturation effect occurs around −500 V in the present experimental case. The effect of potential surface polarity is also discussed. By optimizing surface potentials of FEP hierarchical structures, it is possible to obtain FDT higher than 40 min at −15 °C.
The invasive cell coat at the microsporidian Trachipleistophora hominis–host cell interface contains secreted hexokinases
Authors: Ferguson Sophie , Lucocq John
Published: July 2018

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites causing significant disease in humans and economically important animals. In parallel to their extreme genetic reduction, Microsporidia have evolved novel mechanisms for exploiting host metabolism. A number of microsporidians confer secretion of otherwise cytosolic proteins by coding for signal peptides that direct entry into the endoplasmic reticulum. The human pathogen Trachipleistophora hominis encodes for four hexokinases, three of which have signal peptides at the N‐terminus. Here, we localized hexokinase 2 and hexokinase 3 through developmental stages of T. hominis using light and electron microscopy. Both proteins were concentrated in an extracellular coat previously termed the plaque matrix (PQM). The PQM (containing hexokinases) was morphologically dynamic, infiltrating the host cytoplasm predominantly during replicative stages. Throughout development the PQM interacted closely with endoplasmic reticulum that was demonstrated to be active in membrane protein biosynthesis and export. The impact of hexokinase on the host metabolism was probed using the fluorescent analog of glucose, 2‐NBDG, which displayed spatially restricted increases in signal intensity at the parasite/vacuole surface, coincident with hexokinase/PQM distribution. Gross metabolic aberrations, measured using metabolic profiling with the Seahorse XF Analyzer, were not detectable in mixed stage cocultures. Overall, these results highlight a role for the extended cell coat of T. hominis in host–parasite interactions, within which secreted hexokinases may work as part of a metabolic machine to increase glycolytic capacity or ATP generation close to the parasite surface.
Minkowski plasticity in 3D frames: Decoupled construction of the cross‐section yield surface and efficient stress update strategy
Authors: Magisano D. , Liguori F.S. , Leonetti L. , Garcea G.
Published: July 2018

This work makes the Minkowski sum of ellipsoids into a consolidated tool for the representation of the yield surface of arbitrarily shaped composite cross sections under axial force and biaxial bending and shows how best to use it within the incremental nonlinear analysis of three‐dimensional frames. A geometric interpretation of each term of the sum allows us to construct complex convex surfaces using a low number of ellipsoids, each of them evaluated in a robust and efficient decoupled manner. Specialized algorithms, which exploit the parameterization of the yield surface in terms of a cross‐section collapse mechanism, are proposed for an efficient stress update based on the elastic predictor–return mapping scheme on a three‐dimensional beam finite element. The derivation of the algorithmic tangent moduli for the Minkowski sum completes the elements required for an efficient path‐following nonlinear analysis. The proposed methodology is general and can be applied for the representation of any zonoid yield surface and the corresponding implicit stress integration to a variety of structural and plasticity models.
Electrospun nanofibrous membranes embedded with aerogel for advanced thermal and transport properties
Authors: Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Mishra Rajesh , Militky Jiri , Xiong Xiaoman , Marek Jaromir , Yao Juming , Zhu Guocheng
Published: July 2018

The primary purpose of cold weather clothing is to shield the wearer from the extremities of the external environment. The thermal properties of nanofibers and their potential applications have tremendous scope and application in this area. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of heat transfer through fibrous insulation where the fiber diameter was less than 1 μm. Electrospinning process was used to produce flexible polyurethane and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers embedded with silica aerogel. The thermal and transport behavior of the samples was evaluated, and results were statistically analyzed. Presence of aerogel particles were confirmed through microscopic examination. Thermal behavior was investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibrous membranes embedded with aerogel obtained a good thermal stability with lower weight loss than polyurethane nanofibrous membranes. The glass transition and melting point was not affected by the aerogel content in the layers, validating that polymers are not miscible. The increase in duration of electrospinning led to higher web thickness, which resulted in considerable decrease in air permeability. Considerable improvement of thermal insulation was observed by increasing the number and the weight per unit area of both nanofibrous membranes. The results confirmed increase in thermal insulation by embedding silica aerogel in nanofibrous membranes. With reference to the results, it could be concluded that nanofibers embedded with aerogel are good for thermal insulation in cold weather conditions. Thermal insulation battings incorporating nanofibers could possibly decrease the weight and bulk of current thermal protective clothing.
A brief survey of health habits among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Kappa Sarah S. , Lewis Rebecca W. , Mertens Ann C. , Walsh Stephanie M. , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Meacham Lillian R.
Published: July 2018

Using a survey, we assessed four health habits in 468 pediatric cancer survivors. Approximately 75% were at goal for ≥1 behavior—44% were active ≥1 hr per day, 40% engaged in ≤1 hr of screen time a day, 34% consumed sweetened beverages not often, and 4% ate >4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Survivors' age was associated with being active (P < 0.001) and limited screen time (P = 0.001). Males were more likely to be active (P = 0.003). The most common combination of goal behaviors was activity and screen time. Encouraging healthy behaviors may decrease the burden of late effects in survivors.