bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of gas and liquid chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in pesticides: Multiresidue analysis
Authors: Elbashir Abdalla Ahmed , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: June 2017

Analysis of pesticide residues in water and food matrices is an active research area closely related to food safety and environmental issues. In this aspect mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) has been increasingly used in the analysis of pesticide residues in water and food. The increasing interest in application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry with time‐of‐flight (TOF) and hybrid triple quadrupole TOF in pesticide analysis is due to its capability of performing both targeted and nontargeted analysis. This article discusses an overview of the application of GC‐TOF‐MS and LC‐TOF‐MS in water and food matrices.
Green Energetic Nitrogen‐Rich Salts of 1,1′‐Dinitramino‐5,5′‐bistetrazolate
Authors: He Piao , Wu Le , Wu Jinting , Wang Qianyou , Li Zhimin , Gozin Michael , Zhang Jianguo
Published: June 2017

A series of nitrogen‐rich energetic salts of 1,1′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bistetrazolate (DNABT) guanidinium (1), aminoguanidinium (2), diaminoguanidinium (3), triaminoguanidinium (4), diaminouronium (5), 3,4‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium (6), and ethylenediammonium (7) was synthesized by a metathesis strategy and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The natural bond orbitals (NBOs) and electrostatic potentials (ESPs) were further computed for a better understanding of the structures of the DNABT molecule. The heats of formation were calculated based on the Born–Haber energy cycle. The detonation parameters were evaluated by using the EXPLO5 program, and the sensitivities were measured according to BAM standers. These new salts exhibit highly positive heats of formation (407.0–1377.9 kJ mol−1) and good thermal stabilities (180–211 °C). Most of these compounds possess detonation velocities comparable to RDX and acceptable detonation pressures. The high volumes of explosion gases of the salts 3 and 4 (921 and 933 L kg−1, respectively) further support their power as explosives. The enhancing performances, the fact of being free of metals, and the more moderate sensitivities than K2DNABT, suggest that the salts 4 (D=8851 m s−1, P=29.0 GPa), 5 (D=9053 m s−1, P=32.3 GPa), and 6 (D=8835 m s−1, P=30.2 GPa) might be potential environmentally friendly energetic materials.
Synthesis and Characterization of Aramid Fiber‐Reinforced Polyimide/Carbon Black Composites and Their Use in a Supercapacitor
Authors: Yu Juan , Zhang Tong , Xu Lin , Huang Pei
Published: June 2017

The aramid fabric (AF)‐reinforced polyimide (PI) composites filled with carbon black (CB) were fabricated by means of a thermal imidization and their mechanical, thermal and electrochemical behaviors were comparatively investigated. Experimental results showed that the tensile strength of composite increased with an increase of the CB, meanwhile, the addition of 5 wt% CB and AF increased the tensile modulus to 5682.0 MPa. The superior mechanical properties of the composites were attributed to the good dispersion and effective stress transfer between the polymer and CB, as evidenced by the results from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and morphological studies. Besides, the thermal‐nonoxidative stability of PI was significantly improved by the incorporation of CB and AF. Furthermore, the CB/AF/PI composite was employed as the supercapacitor electrode in the 6 mol/L KOH aqueous electrolyte solution, which exhibited a specific capacitance of 510 F•g−1 at 10 mV•s−1. It also exhibited excellent long‐term stability, and the energy density was stable with the increase in the power density. The super performance of the composite electrode is attributed to the synergistic effects of CB particles and organic polymer.
Ein ungewöhnlicher Lernort: Das Projekt „Experimenteller Lee(h)rstand“
Authors: Beeken Marco , Budke Michael
Published: June 2017

Von „langen Nächten der Naturwissenschaften“ über „Science‐Foren für SchülerInnen“ bis hin zu öffentlichen Forschungsdialogen – viel wurde in den vergangenen Jahren in Deutschland dafür getan, um neue Formate der Wissenschaftskommunikation zu generieren und vor allem zu etablieren. Alle diese und viele andere Formate verfolgen das übergeordnete Ziel, einen Dialog zwischen der (Natur‐)Wissenschaft und der Gesellschaft zu initiieren und auch nachhaltig zu fördern. Dieses stellt gerade im Hinblick auf den gegenwärtigen Nachwuchs‐ und Fachkräftemangel in den MINT‐Berufen eine immanent wichtige Zielsetzung dar [1]. Dieser Beitrag stellt das im Zeitraum von 2014 bis 2016 in der niedersächsischen Kreisstadt Cloppenburg durchgeführte Projekt „Experimenteller Lee(h)rstand“ vor, bei dem Schülerinnen und Schüler u. a. naturwissenschaftliche Experimente und Phänomene in verschiedenen kreativen Formaten in einer leerstehenden innerstädtischen Immobilie präsentierten.
Populations genetically rifting within a complex geological system: The case of strong structure and low genetic diversity in the migratory freshwater catfish,Bagrus docmak,in East Africa
Authors: Basiita Rose Komugisha , Zenger Kyall Richard , Jerry Dean Robert
Published: June 2017

The complex geological history of East Africa has been a driving factor in the rapid evolution of teleost biodiversity. While there is some understanding of how macroevolutionary drivers have shaped teleost speciation in East Africa, there is a paucity of research into how the same biogeographical factors have affected microevolutionary processes within lakes and rivers. To address this deficiency, population genetic diversity, demography, and structure were investigated in a widely distributed and migratory (potamodromous) African teleost species, Ssemutundu (Bagrus docmak). Samples were acquired from five geographical locations in East Africa within two major drainage basins; the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria Basin. Individuals (N = 175) were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci and 93 individuals sequenced at the mitochondrial DNA control region. Results suggested populations from Lakes Edward and Victoria had undergone a severe historic bottleneck resulting in very low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.004 and 0.006, respectively) and negatively significantFuvalues (−3.769 and −5.049;p < .05). Heterozygosity deficiencies and restricted effective population size (NeLD) suggested contemporary exposure of these populations to stress, consistent with reports of the species decline in the East African Region. High genetic structuring between drainages was detected at both historical (ɸST = 0.62 for mtDNA;p < .001) and contemporary (microsatelliteFST = 0.460;p < .001) levels. Patterns of low genetic diversity and strong population structure revealed are consistent with speciation patterns that have been linked to the complex biogeography of East Africa, suggesting that these biogeographical features have operated as both macro‐ and micro‐evolutionary forces in the formation of the East African teleost fauna.
Autoimmune arthritis induces paired immunoglobulin‐like receptor B expression on CD4+ T cells from SKG mice
Authors: Rothe Kathrin , Raulien Nora , Köhler Gabriele , Pierer Matthias , Quandt Dagmar , Wagner Ulf
Published: June 2017

The chronic, destructive autoimmune arthritis in SKG mice, which closely resembles human rheumatoid arthritis, is the result of self‐reactive T cells escaping thymic deletion. Since the inhibitory receptor LIR‐1 is up‐regulated on auto‐reactive T cells in human rheumatoid arthritis, the role of its murine ortholog PIR‐B was investigated. Peripheral CD4+ T cells from SKG mice were found to frequently express PIR‐B, and this population produces more frequently IL‐17 upon in vitro stimulation compared to PIR‐B− cells. A much larger fraction of PIR‐B+ T cells, however, was found to secret no IL‐17, but IFN‐γ. With regards to the clinical course of the disease, high frequencies of PIR‐B+ CD4+ T cells were found to be associated with a milder course of arthritis, suggesting that the net effect of PIR‐B expression is suppression of autoreactive T cells. Our results indicate that overexpression of PIR‐B on IL‐17‐producing SKG CD4+ T cells might represent an effective counter‐regulatory mechanism against the destructive potential of those cells. More importantly, a major population of PIR‐B+ T cells in SKG mice appears to play an inhibitory role by way of their IFN‐γ production, since high frequencies of those cells ameliorate the disease.
Insights into Frustrated and Regular peri‐Substituted (Ace‐)Naphthylaminoboranes and (Ace‐)Naphthylphosphinoboranes
Authors: Furan Sinas , Hupf Emanuel , Lork Enno , Mebs Stefan , Beckmann Jens
Published: June 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Jens Beckmann from Bremen University, Germany. The cover image shows two phosphinoboranes mounted on the peri‐positions of an acenaphthyl scaffold, in which the phosphorus and boron atoms lead to a regular (top) or a frustrated (bottom) Lewis pair, depending on the substituents on the B atom.
Improving fermentative hydrogen production from water hyacinth with genetically modified bacteria
Authors: Song Wenlu , Cheng Jun , Ding Lingkan , Liu Min , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: June 2017

Water hyacinth pretreated with microwave‐assisted dilute acid was used for fermentation to produce hydrogen using four kinds of genetically modified bacteria for the first time in this study. The genes of several hydrogenase were over‐expressed in Enterobacter cloacae CICC10017 and Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC13408. Four recombinant strains including E. cloacae/HPP, E. aerogenes/HycE, E. aerogenes/HycG, and E. aerogenes/HoxEFUYH were obtained. Hydrogen yields from water hyacinth were investigated, which were enhanced using the recombinant strains. When water hyacinth was pretreated by microwave at 140°C for 15 min with 1% H2SO4 and then hydrolyzed by cellulase, the reducing sugar yield of 49.4 g/100 g hyacinth was 91.4% of the theoretical reducing sugar yield. Among the four genetically modified bacteria, E. cloacae/HPP gave the highest hydrogen yield of 74.9 mL/g‐ total volatile solids, which was 50% higher than that given by the wild strain from pretreated water hyacinth. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1296–1300, 2017
Development and enrolee satisfaction with basic medical insurance in China: A systematic review and stratified cluster sampling survey
Authors: Jing Limei , Chen Ru , Jing Lisa , Qiao Yun , Lou Jiquan , Xu Jing , Wang Junwei , Chen Wen , Sun Xiaoming
Published: June 2017

Basic Medical Insurance (BMI) has changed remarkably over time in China because of health reforms that aim to achieve universal coverage and better health care with adequate efforts by increasing subsidies, reimbursement, and benefits. In this paper, we present the development of BMI, including financing and operation, with a systematic review. Meanwhile, Pudong New Area in Shanghai was chosen as a typical BMI sample for its coverage and management; a stratified cluster sampling survey together with an ordinary logistic regression model was used for the analysis. Enrolee satisfaction and the factors associated with enrolee satisfaction with BMI were analysed. We found that the reenrolling rate superficially improved the BMI coverage and nearly achieved universal coverage. However, BMI funds still faced dual contradictions of fund deficit and insured under compensation, and a long‐term strategy is needed to realize the integration of BMI schemes with more homogeneous coverage and benefits. Moreover, Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance participants reported a higher rate of dissatisfaction than other participants. The key predictors of the enrolees' satisfaction were awareness of the premium and compensation, affordability of out‐of‐pocket costs, and the proportion of reimbursement. These results highlight the importance that the Chinese government takes measures, such as strengthening BMI fund management, exploring mixed payment methods, and regulating sequential medical orders, to develop an integrated medical insurance system of universal coverage and vertical equity while simultaneously improving enrolee satisfaction.
MIXED‐METHODS EVALUATION OF PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN THE MOM POWER PARENTING INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Authors: Mucka Lilia E. , Dayton Carolyn J. , Lawler Jamie , Kirk Rosalind , Alfafara Emily , Schuster Melisa m. , Miller Nicole , Ribaudo Julie , Rosenblum Katherine Lisa , Muzik Maria
Published: June 2017

Parenting group success begins with attendance. Using archival pilot data from 99 mothers who enrolled in the Mom Power (MP) parenting intervention, this study sought to understand the factors that influenced participant engagement and retention. MP is a group‐based, early intervention program grounded in attachment theory that utilizes motivational interviewing as a core component to enhance program engagement. Study aims were to qualitatively describe the reasons why mothers were interested in participating in the program, including what they hoped to gain from the experience, and to quantitatively examine the extent to which attendance was associated with demographic, experiential, and psychosocial factors. The qualitative analysis of intake interviews revealed that mothers expected the MP intervention to provide a warm environment for themselves and their children as well as to support and enhance their parenting, and 95% revealed their hopes that the intervention would help them grow and develop as women. Attendance rates were relatively high, with 62% of mothers missing less than one group session. Quantitative analyses using multiple regression to test associations of demographic, experiential, and psychosocial factors with attendance rates were not significant. Results suggest that motivational interviewing may be an important component in promoting participant engagement efforts in parenting interventions.
Validity of medical history taken by pharmacists using a medical history taking tool
Authors: Matsushita Aya , Haruta Junji , Tsutumi Madoka , Sato Takuya , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2017

Background

The progress in aging and the shortage of physicians is a significant problem in Japan. Hence, healthcare professionals including pharmacists should cooperate to provide medical services with limited resources. However, pharmacists might have inadequate skills in taking medical histories. Therefore, we developed an interview tool to collect accurate medical history. In this study, we aimed to validate the contents of medical histories taken by a pharmacist using the interview tool and investigate physician consultation length.

Methods

Setting intervention days alternately, adult outpatients of the Kitaibaraki Center for Family Medicine who had new symptoms had their medical histories taken by one of two pharmacists before their physician visit during the study period. The contents of the medical history taken by a pharmacist using text analysis were validated on other four days. All sentences collected by a pharmacist or five physicians were divided into segments, and six other physicians assessed each segment. Differences in length of the physician consultation between those with and without (intervention and control groups, respectively) medical history taken by a pharmacist were investigated.

Results

Of 23 patients’ medical histories taken by a pharmacist using the interview tool, 84.4% of segments were related to the clinical diagnosis. The mean consultation length was 10.1±8.4 minutes in the intervention group (n=104) and 13.0±10.4 minutes in the control group (n=96) (p=0.048).

Conclusions

Medical histories taken by a pharmacist using the interview tool had high content validity and might reduce physician consultation length.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Screening for Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Schiff Bases of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles Linked With Quinazolin‐4‐One
Authors: Dewangan Dhansay , Nakhate Kartik T. , Verma Vinay Sagar , Nagori Kushagra , Tripathi Dulal Krishna
Published: June 2017

Sixteen Schiff bases of quinazolin‐4‐one‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were synthesized by reaction with different aromatic aldehydes. Purity of newly synthesized derivatives was confirmed through thin‐layer chromatography, combustion analysis, and melting point. The structure of the derivatives was confirmed by determining infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities in mice and rats, respectively. In animal studies, the derivative (E)‐3‐(5‐(4‐(4‐methoxybenzylideneamino)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one showed more potent analgesic activity and the derivative (Z)‐3‐(5‐(2‐(2‐hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one showed more potent anti‐inflammatory activity as compared with other derivatives. The results of the present study indicate that reactions of 3‐(5‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one and 3‐(5‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one with different aromatic aldehydes produce Schiff bases of quinazolin‐4‐one‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles with potent analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Gibberellic acid promoting phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean under calcium lactate treatment
Authors: Hui Qianru , Wang Mian , Wang Pei , Ma Ya , Gu Zhenxin , Yang Runqiang
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Phytic acid as a phosphorus storage vault provides phosphorus for plant development. It is an anti‐nutritional factor for humans and some animals. However, its degradation products lower inositol phosphates have positive effects on human health. In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA) on phytic acid degradation under calcium lactate (Ca) existence was investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that Ca + GA treatment promoted the growth status, hormone metabolism and phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean. At the same time, the availability of phosphorus, the activity of phytic acid degradation‐associated enzyme and phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) increased. However, the relative genes expression of phytic acid degradation‐associated enzymes did not vary in accordance with their enzymes activity.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that GA could mediate the transport and function of calcium and a series of physiological and biochemical changes to regulate phytic acid degradation of soybean sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultralight and Flexible MWNTs/Polyimide Hybrid Aerogels for Elastic Conductors
Authors: Wang Yanan , Ge Qiyan , Chen Xueli , Qi Shengli , Tian Guofeng , Wu Dezhen
Published: June 2017

Aerogels have showed tremendous potential applications because of its unique and outstanding properties. Herein, a novel two‐step approach to form self‐assembly nanocomposite aerogels driven by the strong interactions between water‐soluble polyimide (PI) precursor polyamic acid salt (PAAs) and hydroxyl multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs‐OH) is reported. The PI therein constitutes the framework of the nanocomposite and raises the strength of the cell walls, which endows aerogels with superelasticity and robustness. The MWNTs‐OH is distributed uniformly into water via physical ultrasonic method followed by blending with PAA molecular. During the imidization process, electrically insulating polyamic acid (PAA)/MWNTs‐OH aerogels are converted to conductive PI/MWNTs‐OH nanocomposite aerogels owning to the removal of their oxygenic functional groups of OH functionalized MWNTs. Moreover, adding multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) contributes to the reduction of shrinkage notably, which can be evidenced by scanning electron microscopy measurement and density data. The nanocomposite aerogels display a high elastic modulus, high compressive stress, superior robustness, and high stress‐sensitive electrical conductivity. Interestingly, the variation trend of the electric resistance with compressive strain (R/R0–ε) plots is consistent with the compressive stress–strain (σ–ε) curves, which can be explained by the “interface contact spots” theory. And this finding could facilitate the development of polymer‐based nanocomposite aerogels as elastic conductors for various applications.

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A Sponge‐Like 3D‐PPy Monolithic Material for Reversible Adsorption of Radioactive Iodine
Authors: Mu Peng , Sun Hanxue , Chen Tao , Zhang Wanli , Zhu Zhaoqi , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: June 2017

3D polypyrrole (3D‐PPy) monolith is prepared by a simple chemical oxidation of pyrrole monomer using FeCl3 as an oxidant. The as‐prepared PPy monolith exhibits an abundant porosity and with a mesopore size of about 9.1 nm in diameter. Taking advantage of its mesoprous feature as well as the unique chemical composition, the 3D‐PPy is employed as the porous medium for adsorption and removal of radioactive iodine from environment. A high iodine adsorption capacity of 1.6 g g−1 for 3D‐PPy is obtained which is competing with that of those reported porous organic polymers. Besides, the adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamic experiments show that the adsorption is dominated by the pseudosecond‐order kinetics and Langmuir models. Considering its simple and low cost‐effective preparing method, unique monolithic porous as well as π–π conjugated chemical structure, the resulted 3D‐PPy may be found useful applications for removal of radioactive iodine to address environmental issues.
A novel and fast method for proton range verification using a step wedge and 2D scintillator
Authors: Shen Jiajian , Allred Bryce C. , Robertson Daniel G. , Liu Wei , Sio Terence T. , Remmes Nicholas B. , Keole Sameer R. , Bues Martin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To implement and evaluate a novel and fast method for proton range verification by using a planar scintillator and step wedge.

Methods

A homogenous proton pencil beam plan with 35 energies was designed and delivered to a 2D flat scintillator with a step wedge. The measurement was repeated 15 times (3 different days, 5 times per day). The scintillator image was smoothed, the Bragg peak and distal fall off regions were fitted by an analytical equation, and the proton range was calculated using simple trigonometry. The accuracy of this method was verified by comparing the measured ranges to those obtained using an ionization chamber and a scanning water tank, the gold standard. The reproducibility was evaluated by comparing the ranges over 15 repeated measurements. The sensitivity was evaluated by delivering to same beam to the system with a film inserted under the wedge.

Results

The range accuracy of all 35 proton energies measured over 3 days was within 0.2 mm. The reproducibility in 15 repeated measurements for all 35 proton ranges was ±0.045 mm. The sensitivity to range variation is 0.1 mm for the worst case. This efficient procedure permits measurement of 35 proton ranges in less than 3 min. The automated data processing produces results immediately. The setup of this system took less than 5 min. The time saving by this new method is about two orders of magnitude when compared with the time for water tank range measurements.

Conclusions

A novel method using a scintillator with a step wedge to measure the proton range was implemented and evaluated. This novel method is fast and sensitive, and the proton range measured by this method was accurate and highly reproducible.
Autotransporter Adhesins in Escherichia coli Pathogenesis
Authors: Vo Julieanne L. , Martínez Ortiz Gabriela Constanza , Subedi Pramod , Keerthikumar Shivakumar , Mathivanan Suresh , Paxman Jason J. , Heras Begoña
Published: June 2017

Most bacteria produce adhesion molecules to facilitate the interaction with host cells and establish successful infections. An important group of bacterial adhesins belong to the autotransporter (AT) superfamily, the largest group of secreted and outer membrane proteins in Gram‐negative bacteria. AT adhesins possess diverse functions that facilitate bacterial colonisation, survival and persistence, and as such are often associated with increased bacterial fitness and pathogenic potential. In this review, we will describe AIDA‐I type AT adhesins, which comprise the biggest and most diverse group in the AT family. We will focus on Escherichia coli proteins and define general aspects of their biogenesis, distribution, structural properties and key roles in infection.
SSRIs associated with decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Chan Hsiang‐Lin , Chiu Wei‐Che , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung , Huang Kuo‐You , Wang Tsu‐Nai , Lee Yena , McIntyre Roger S. , Hsu Tsai‐Ching , Lee Charles Tzu‐Chi , Tzang Bor‐Show
Published: June 2017

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cancer‐related cause of mortality worldwide. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used worldwide. Available evidence investigating the association between SSRIs use and HCC risk is limited.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate if the effect of all kinds of SSRIs on HCC was the same or not using population‐based study.

Methods

The nationwide population‐based study herein using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database included a total of 59 859 cases with HCC and 285 124 matched controls. Conditional logistic regression analyses were adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

All common kinds of SSRIs including fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine were associated with lower HCC risk, and the findings were dose‐dependent (eg, fluoxetine: 1‐28 DDD [defined daily dose]: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73‐0.89; 29‐365 DDD: aOR: 0.71, 95% CI, 0.64‐0.79; and ≥366 DDD: aOR: 0.55, 95% CI, 0.45‐0.67) (P for trend < .001).

Conclusions

All kinds of SSRIs were associated with decreased risk of HCC.
Multivariable finite‐time output feedback trajectory tracking control of quadrotor helicopters
Authors: Tian Bailing , Lu Hanchen , Zuo Zongyu , Zong Qun , Zhang Yunpeng
Published: June 2017

A continuous multivariable output feedback control scheme is developed for trajectory tracking and attitude stabilization of quadrotor helicopters. The whole closed‐loop system is composed by position loop and attitude loop. The homogeneous technique is used to design finite‐time stabilizing controller and observer in each loop. The virtual control is introduced in position loop to ensure that the real control is smooth enough such that it can be tracked by attitude loop. The finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed through homogeneity and Lyapunov analysis. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by numerical simulations.
The effect of the shortage of gravel sediment in midstream river channels on riparian vegetation cover
Authors: Asaeda T. , Sanjaya K.
Published: June 2017

The vegetation cover in the steep, gravelly reaches of rivers was originally low. However, significant vegetation colonization can currently be observed in these riparian areas, and understanding the cause of this colonization is important for management. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of sediment deposition and erosion on vegetation colonization in gravel bed rivers. The delay in colonization by herbs and trees after sediment deposition or erosion was investigated using aerial photos of 6 Japanese rivers. A field study was conducted before and after a large flood at depositional and erosional locations. The colonization of vegetation after flushing was substantially delayed at sites where gravels were deposited compared with that at erosional sites, and it was faster in sandy reaches compared with gravelly reaches. Little tree colonization was observed at the depositional sites of gravelly sediments, whereas at erosional sites, new shoots sprouted from the collapsed live trees in the following spring, achieving a rapid increase in tree density. The nutrient and moisture contents of the sediment were significantly higher at the erosional sites. Gravels are deposited after washing and being segregated from fine sediment during floods. This coarse‐sediment layer is low in moisture and nutrients compared with the erosional sites, at which the underlying sediments are exposed by flooding. However, moisture and nutrients are the primary requirements for vegetation colonization. Therefore, the reduction in gravelly sediments due to gravel mining, river regulation, and modification of river basins can have a substantial effect on vegetation colonization.
Direct Reprogramming of Human Suspension Cells into Mesodermal Cell Lineages via Combined Magnetic Targeting and Photothermal Stimulation by Magnetic Graphene Oxide Complexes
Authors: Chiang Min‐Yu , Lin Yi‐Zhen , Chang Shwu‐Jen , Shyu Woei‐Cherng , Lu Huai‐En , Chen San‐Yuan
Published: June 2017

Suspension cells can provide a source of cells for cellular reprogramming, but they are difficult to transfect by nonviral vectors. An efficient and safe nonviral vector (GO‐Fe3O4‐PEI complexes) based on iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe3O4)‐decorated graphene oxide (GO) complexed with polyethylenimine (PEI) for the first time is developed for delivering three individual episomal plasmids (pCXLE‐hOCT3/4‐shp53, pCXLE‐hSK, and pCXLE‐hUL) encoding pluripotent‐related factors of Oct3/4, shRNA against p53, Sox2, Klf4, L‐Myc, and Lin28 into human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) simultaneously. The combined treatment of magnetic stirring and near‐infrared (NIR)‐laser irradiation, which can promote contact between the complexes and floating cells and increase the cell membrane permeability, respectively, is used to conduct multiple physical stimulations for suspension PBMCs transfection. The PCR analysis shows that the combinatorial effect of magnetic targeting and photothermal stimulation obviously promoted the transfection efficiency of suspension cells. The transfected cells show positive expression of the pluripotency markers, including Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2, and have potential to differentiate into mesoderm and ectoderm cells. The results demonstrate that the GO‐Fe3O4‐PEI complex provides a safe, convenient, and efficient tool for reprogramming PBMCs into partially induced pluripotent stem cells, which are able to rapidly transdifferentiate into mesodermal lineages without full reprogramming.
Polar coordinate pattern approach to partial discharge on floating electrode defect in GIS
Authors: Yao Rui , Zhang Yanbin , Si Gangquan , Yuan Yiwei , Xie Qian
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a polar coordinate pattern approach to characterize the floating electrode defect in gas‐insulated metal‐enclosed switchgear (GIS). A 220‐kV GIS bus bar cavity is taken as an object to design the physical model of the floating electrode defect. The partial discharge (PD) development process is studied when the applied voltage is gradually increasing. The phase‐resolved partial discharge (PRPD) patterns and the polar coordinate patterns at different voltage levels are accessed through phase‐resolved pulse sequence (PRPS) data in the ultrahigh‐frequency (UHF) measurement. The proposed polar coordinate pattern approach does not use the traditional positive half‐cycle and negative half‐cycle analysis method in the PRPD pattern. It uses the clustering results to analyze the characteristics of the PD. It can be concluded that there are several advantages to the polar coordinate pattern. First, in the polar coordinate pattern, the phase is in a head‐to‐tail arrangement, so the observation of the PD phase characteristics can be more intuitive. Second, the polar coordinate pattern makes the calculated phase median, amplitude median, and centroid meaningful. With the voltage increasing, the variation law of the phase median and centroid can be observed. Third, the discharge parameters, which are based on the quadrant and statistical theory and the cosine similarity proposed in this paper, are from a new point of view. They can make a clear description of the characteristics of the floating electrode defect quantitatively, which can be distinguished from other insulation faults. Additionally, the continuous mode and phase mode at different voltage levels measured by acoustic detection are obtained to further demonstrate the PD development process. The acoustic results agree with the UHF measurement results. The efficiency and rationale of the polar coordinate pattern are further verified. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multi‐function combined operation and control strategy of electronic power transformer for power quality improvement
Authors: Yang Yun , Mao Chengxiong , Wei Tianliu , Wang Dan , Tian Jie
Published: June 2017

High penetration of power electronic devices and nonlinear loads can negatively affect the power quality of the distribution system. The conventional method of improving the power quality is to employ an extra distribution static synchronous compensator (D‐STATCOM) or an active power filter (APF) for compensating reactive power and mitigating current harmonics. This paper proposes an electronic power transformer (EPT) without the aforementioned additional equipment, which can realize multi‐function coordinated operation, including active power transmission, voltage conversion, reactive power compensation, and current harmonics suppression, based on the distribution system need. The multifunctional EPT consists of three stages, namely cascaded multilevel AC/DC rectifiers, dual‐active bridge (DAB) converters with medium‐frequency transformers, and DC/AC inverters. The mathematical model of each stage is established and analyzed. Meanwhile, the control strategies of three stages are presented. Finally, a simulation model is built by MATLAB/Simulink to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy and operating principle of the proposed EPT. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Constraints violation handling of SSSC with multi‐control modes in Newton–Raphson load flow algorithm
Authors: Ebeed Mohamed , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco
Published: June 2017

The static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) is an important component of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices. SSSC can be used to control the active and reactive power flow in transmission lines. This paper presents a simplified model for SSSC in Newton–Raphson (NR) load flow algorithm. It also presents strategies for handling the operating constraints of SSSC including the series‐injected voltage and current passing through this device. The presented strategies are based on modifying the specified active and reactive powers with the maximum limits of the operating constraints. However, the SSSC is simply implemented in NR load flow algorithm based on the power injection approach. In this model, the SSSC is represented as injected loads as a function of the desired power flow through the transmission line. The main advantages of this model are avoiding the modification of Jacobin matrix and reducing the complexities of incorporating SSSC in the load flow algorithm. Moreover, the resistance of SSSC is considered in this model. Standard IEEE 14‐bus and 30‐bus test systems are used to verify the performance of the developed model and strategies handling the constraints of the SSSC model. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Psychosocial Screening of Alcohol Liver Disease Patients Before Liver Transplantation
Authors: Telles-correia D.
Published: June 2017

In Europe, 30% to 50% of liver transplantations are currently due to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In the United States, this percentage is 17.2%. Post-transplant survival and other predictors of clinical course do not differ significantly from those in other types of transplanted patients, as long as there is no relapse of drinking. However, 20%–25% of these patients lapse or relapse to heavy drinking post-operatively, which has been associated with an increased risk of liver damage and mortality. It is therefore crucial to design specific selection and follow-up strategies aimed at this particular type of patient. Several good and poor prognosis factors that could help to predict a relapse have been suggested, among them the duration of abstinence, social support, a family history of alcoholism, abuse diagnosis versus alcohol dependence, non-acceptance of diagnosis related to alcohol use, presence of severe mental illness, non-adherence in a broad sense, number of years of alcoholism, and daily quantity of alcohol consumption. In this article, we discuss these and other, more controversial factors in selecting ALD patients for liver transplantation. Abstinence should be the main goal after transplantation in an ALD patient. In this article, we review the several definitions of post-transplant relapse, its monitoring and the psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Romanian and International Medical Students: Relationship with Big-five Personality Dimensions and Social Support
Authors: Popescu C.A. , Buzoianu A.D.
Published: June 2017

Background

A wide variety of countries are seeking to attract international medical students. International students are quite distinct from local students with respect to ethnicity, race, social and cultural norms, customs, nationality and physical appearance. Medical students are more predisposed to mental disorders, including depression due to several factors, such as: individual personality characteristics, chronic exposure to stressors from an occupation that deals with pain and death and trouble with the teaching-learning process. In the host country, international medical students meet a lot of stressful situations as: language barriers, academic demands, homesickness and lack of social support.

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Romanian and international medical students studying medicine in Romania. To assess the relationship between symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression and big-five personality dimensions in medical students.

Methods

Overall, 230 first year medical students (90 from English section, 70 from French section and 70 from Romanian sections studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Romania, were evaluated for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the STAI and BDI and for personality using the NEO FFI.

Results

Symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression were prevalent in medical students (43% and 14%, respectively).

Conclusions

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in medical students. Severity of symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression in medical students are negatively related to emotional stability. Special attention should be paid to those students who have high levels of depression and low levels of emotional stability.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Biology of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Authors: Ramy H.
Published: June 2017

Cognitive behavior therapy outcomes and the mechanism of change that are related to its effects have traditionally been investigated on the psychological abilities, personalities or social functioning. Many psychiatrists have also held the unfortunate dichotomized position that psychotherapy is a treatment for “psychologically based” disorders, while medication is for “biologically based” disorders. During the past several decades, it has become clear that all mental processes drive from mechanisms of the brain. This means that any change in our psychologically processes is reflected by changes in the functions or structures of the brain. Straightforward reductionist stances, however, are unfounded because there is clear evidence that our subjective experiences affect the brain. Plastic changes in the brain have been difficult to study in humans, but there has been more than one successful trial. Changes in the brain in relation to experience have been detected at the cellular and molecular level using different experimental approaches. The advent of functional neuro-imaging, including photon emission CT (SPECT), positron emission topography, and functional MRI, has made it possible to study changes at the brain systems level (by measuring changes in the brain blood flow or metabolism) associated with cognitive behavior changes. The presentation will shed light on the biological basis of CBT reviewing the evidence from a historical perspective. In addition the imaging studies will be reviewed with emphasis on future perspectives in the use of CBT in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders and the importance of clarifying the biological changes associated with improvement.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Unresolved Grief and Diogenes Syndrome and Misery Senile
Authors: Färber S. , Färber M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Mourning the death of a loved one, the loss of social aggregation or familiar, or any trauma may not follow the normal process when has any kind of complication In these cases of the complicated mourning, a person may develop or manifest dissociative behaviors, like diogenes syndrome or the misery senile syndrome.

Objective

To investigate the presence of unauthorized mourning, complicated or not elaborate as triggers of diogenes syndrome and misery senile.

Methods

To develop this research we use the systematic literature review, following the process of research, cataloging, careful evaluation and synthesis of the documentation associated with the method of thanatological hermeneutics.

Conclusion

Thanatology is useful tool in scientific and clinical research and care for patients with diogenes syndrome. The need for safety against the distress of fear of the future and loneliness is at the origin of compulsive hoarding. If the mythical diogenes lived in Athens a Spartan life, living in a barrel, as the character Chespirito of Roberto Bolaños (Fig. 1), the carriers of this syndrome follow the opposite path accumulating objects to achieve a sense of stability.

Results

There is a significant presence of unresolved grief in the history of the psychiatric patient with diogenes syndrome.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Added to Pharmacotherapy in Patients Suffering from Pharmacoresistant Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Authors: Vyskocilova J. , Prasko J. , Sipek J. , Slepecky M.
Published: June 2017

Background

The objective of investigation was to determine whether patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) resistant to drug therapy may improve their condition using intensive, systematic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) lasting six weeks and whether it is possible to predict treatment outcome using clinical and selected psychological characteristics.

Method

From 66 OCD patients fifty-seven completed program. The diagnosis was confirmed using the structured mini international neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients were rated using the objective and subjective forms of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), objective and subjective forms of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), dissociative experiences scale, 20-item Somatoform dissociation questionnaire and sheehan disability scale before treatment, and with subjective Y-BOCS, objective and subjective CGI, BAI and BDI at the end of treatment. Patients were treated with antidepressants and daily intensive group CBT for six weeks.

Results

During 6-week intensive CBT program in combination with pharmacotherapy, there was significant improvement in patients suffering from OCD resistant to drug treatment. There were statistically significantly decreased scores of scales assessing severity of OCD symptoms, anxiety, and depressive feelings. A lower treatment effect was achieved specifically in patients who (a) showed fewer OCD themes in symptomatology, (b) showed higher level of somatoform dissociation, (c) had poor insight and (d) had a higher initial level of overall severity of the disorder. Remission of the disorder was more likely in patients who (a) had good insight, (b) had a lower initial level of anxiety and (c) had no comorbid depressive disorder.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Depression in the Elderly with Chronic Medical Illness
Authors: Ghanm L. , Sghaier S. , Toumi R. , Zitoun K. , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: June 2017

Background

There is a bi-directional relationship between depression and chronic medical disorders.

Aims

The objectives of our study were to measure the prevalence of depression in the elderly with chronic medical illness in primary care and to determine the socio-demographic and clinical factors related to depression.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients aged over 65, followed at the outpatient chronic diseases in Oudhref's district hospital (south of Tunisia) during the month of September 2014. We used two instruments: the activity of daily living (ADL) to determine the degree of autonomy and the geriatric depression scale (GDS) validated in Tunisia.

Results

At the end of our investigation, 100 chronic disease patients met inclusion criteria. The average age of our population was 75 years. Prevalence of depression was 48%. The most frequent chronic pathology was hypertension (79%), followed by diabetes (70%). In analytical study, we noted no correlation between depression and socio-demographic variables such as age, sex and marital status. Regarding clinical variables, depression was significantly more frequent in patients with sensory impairments (82% vs 18%, P = 0.017), dependent (80% vs 20%, P = 0.002). Regarding chronic disease, depression was significantly more frequent in patients with respiratory disease (80% vs 20%, P = 0.033), a higher number of comorbidities (P = 0.005), who were hospitalised at least once (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Depression is common in elderly with a chronic disease. Using screening instruments for major depression by primary care clinicians will help to detect depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.