bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Preconcentration and Determination of Brilliant Blue and Sunset Yellow in Foodstuffs by Solid-Phase Extraction Combined UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
Authors: Bişgin Abdullah Taner
Published: May 2018

Background: Brilliant Blue and Sunset Yellow, two highly water-soluble synthetic food dyes, are the most popular food dyes used and consumed. Although they are not highly toxic, some health problems can be observed when excessive amounts of food products containing these dyes are consumed. Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop a simultaneous UV-Vis combined solid-phase extraction method, based on the adsorption onto Amberlite XAD-8 resin, for determination of Brilliant Blue and Sunset Yellow dyes. Methods: Sample solution was poured into the reservoir of the column and permitted to gravitationally pass through the column at 2 mL/min flow rate. Adsorbed dyes were eluted to 5 mL of final volume with 1 mol/L HNO3 in ethanol solution by applying a 2 mL/min flow rate. Dye concentrations of the solution were determined at 483 and 630 nm for Sunset Yellow and Brilliant Blue, respectively. Results: The detection limits of the method for Brilliant Blue and Sunset Yellow were determined as 0.13 and 0.66 ng/mL, respectively. Preconcentration factor was 80. Brilliant Blue contents of real food samples were found to be between 11 and 240 μg/g. Sunset Yellow concentrations of foodstuffs were determined to be between 19 and 331 μg/g. Conclusions: Economical, effective, and simple simultaneous determination of Brilliant Blue and Sunset Yellow was achieved by using a solid-phase extraction combined UV-Vis spectrometry method. Highlights: The method is applicable and suitable for routine analysis in quality control laboratories without the need for expert personnel and high operational costs because the instrumentation is simple and inexpensive.
Biologi dan statistik demografi Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) pada tanaman cabai (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus)
Authors: Hutasoit Rudi Tomson , Triwidodo Hermanu , Anwar Ruly
Published: May 2018

Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) merupakan hama penting pada tanaman cabai di Indonesia. Hama ini dapat ditemukan pada semua bagian tanaman, khususnya bunga dan daun. Informasi mengenai biologi dan statistik demografi T. parvispinus masih terbatas. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari biologi dan statistik demografi serangga hama ini. Sebanyak 50 individu nimfa instar ke-1 dipelihara pada daun cabai dalam kurungan serangga yang terbuat dari gelas plastik (d = 4 cm dan t = 8 cm). Perkembangan, individu yang hidup dan mati, dan jumlah telur yang diletakkan setiap imago dicatat setiap hari. Pergantian instar ditandai dengan adanya eksuvia. Data yang terkumpul digunakan untuk mendapatkan informasi biologi, seperti perkembangan setiap instar, periode praoviposisi, siklus hidup, lama hidup imago, dan fekunditas. Data hasil pengamatan kemudian disusun dalam bentuk neraca kehidupan untuk mendapatkan data statistik demografi dengan menggunakan metode Jackknife. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, tahap perkembangan pradewasa terdiri atas 5 fase, yaitu telur, 2 stadia nimfa, prapupa, dan pupa dengan rataan perkembangan berturut-turut selama 4,79, 1,36, 3,54, 1,08, dan 1,96 hari. Rataan masa praoviposisi, siklus hidup, lama hidup imago, dan fekunditas berturut-turut adalah 1,11 hari, 13,68 hari, 8,55 hari (betina), 6,00 hari (jantan), dan 15,33 telur. Kurva kesintasan T. parvispinus merupakan kurva tipe III dengan laju pertambahan intrinsik (r) 0,16 individu per imago betina per hari, laju reproduksi bersih (R0) 5,71 individu per induk per generasi, lama generasi (T) dan waktu berlipat ganda (DT) 11,49 hari dan 4,57 hari.
Keanekaragaman serangga Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, dan Trichoptera sebagai bioindikator kualitas perairan di Sungai Jangkok, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Authors: Diantari Ni Putu Reny , Ahyadi Hilman , Rohyani Immy Suci , Suana I Wayan
Published: May 2018

Keberadaan serangga Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, dan Trichoptera (EPT) di suatu perairan dapat dijadikan indikator kualitas perairan tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk 1) mengetahui keanekaragaman serangga EPT di Sungai Jangkok, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, 2) menentukan  kualitas perairan Sungai Jangkok berdasarkan family biotic index (FBI), dan 3) mengetahui pengaruh parameter fisik, kimia, dan biologi lingkungan terhadap keberadaan serangga EPT. Pengambilan sampel serangga dilakukan pada bulan Juli 2016 menggunakan eckman grab dan jaring air secara acak sistematik pada 22 titik yang tersebar di bagian hulu, tengah, dan hilir Sungai Jangkok. Selain itu, dilakukan juga pengukuran data fisik, kimia, dan biologi lingkungan perairan. Kualitas perairan ditentukan dengan nilai FBI, serta analisis korelasi berganda untuk mengetahui hubungan antara faktor fisik dan kimia lingkungan perairan dengan keberadaan serangga EPT. Penelitian menemukan 902 individu serangga EPT yang tergolong dalam 12 famili dan 12 genus. Di bagian hulu ditemukan 788 individu (12 famili dan 12 genus), di bagian tengah 114 individu (10 famili dan 10 genus), sedangkan di bagian hilir tidak ditemukan serangga EPT. Dari tujuh parameter fisik dan kimia perairan yang diuji korelasinya terhadap keberadaan serangga EPT, hanya suhu air yang pengaruhnya signifikan. Perbedaan suhu air di hulu, tengah, dan hilir disebabkan oleh perbedaan tutupan dan heterogenitas vegetasi di pinggir sungai. Nilai FBI pada bagian hulu adalah 3,6 yang menunjukkan bahwa kualitas perairannya sangat baik. Pada bagian tengah, nilai FBI sebesar 4,6 dan masuk kategori baik. Pada bagian hilir hasil perhitungan FBI mendapatkan nilai tidak terhingga sehingga masuk kategori buruk sekali.
Pengaruh keberadaan habitat alami terhadap keanekaragaman dan kelimpahan serangga pengunjung bunga mentimun
Authors: Susilawati Susilawati , Buchori Damayanti , Rizali Akhmad , Pudjianto Pudjianto
Published: May 2018

Keberadaan serangga pada suatu habitat pertanian dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor salah satunya adalah habitat alami. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mempelajari pengaruh jarak habitat alami terhadap keanekaragaman dan kelimpahan serangga pengunjung bunga pada pertanaman mentimun. Penelitian dilakukan di lahan mentimun pada 12 lokasi yang terletak di Kabupaten Bogor, Cianjur, dan Sukabumi, Jawa Barat. Jarak habitat alami dengan lahan pertanian dikategorikan dalam dua kelompok, yaitu dekat dengan habitat alami (kurang dari 200 m) dan jauh dari habitat alami (lebih dari 1000 m). Pengamatan serangga pengunjung bunga mentimun dilakukan dengan cara menghitung jumlah serangga pengunjung bunga mentimun yang hinggap pada 100 unit bunga yang dilakukan pada empat transek berbeda. Penghitungan jumlah serangga pengunjung bunga dilakukan pada empat waktu yang berbeda dan pada hari yang berbeda. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan jarak habitat alami dengan lahan pertanian berpengaruh terhadap keanekaragaman spesies serangga pengunjung bunga, tetapi tidak berpengaruh terhadap kelimpahannya. Spesies serangga pengunjung bunga dominan yang ditemukan di pertanaman mentimun adalah Aphis sp., Tapinoma sp., dan Thrips parvispinus Karny, sedangkan serangga penyerbuk dominan yang ditemukan adalah Apis cerana Fabricius. Jarak habitat alami dari lahan pertanian berpengaruh terhadap keberadaan serangga pengunjung bunga khususnya serangga penyerbuk yang memiliki peran penting dalam meningkatkan hasil pertanian.
Ritme aktivitas penerbangan harian Tetragonula laeviceps (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) di Bogor
Authors: Yustia Indah Putri Januar , Rauf Aunu , Maryana Nina
Published: May 2018

Tetragonula laeviceps (Smith) is one of the most common species of stingless bees in Indonesia. However, only few publications available on the flight activity rhythms of the species. Research was conducted with the objectives to determine flight activity of T. laeviceps in relation to daily times and various weather elements. Three colonies of T. laeviceps were observed hourly for 5 minutes beginning at 06.00 a.m. until 06.00 p.m. Number of bees entering with pollen or resin, as well as exiting with waste were counted. Flight activity was significantly different (P < 0.001) among times of day. The preferential times (acrophases) of flight activities occurred at afternoon (11 a.m. to 12 a.m.). Number of entrance and exit flights positively correlated (moderate) with temperature and light intensity, while negatively correlated (moderate) with relative humidity. 
Functional limb muscle innervation prior to cholinergic transmitter specification during early metamorphosis in Xenopus
Authors: Lambert Francois M , Cardoit Laura , Courty Elric , Bougerol Marion , Thoby-Brisson Muriel , Simmers John , Tostivint Hervé , Le Ray Didier
Published: May 2018

In vertebrates, functional motoneurons are defined as differentiated neurons that are connected to a central premotor network and activate peripheral muscle using acetylcholine. Generally, motoneurons and muscles develop simultaneously during embryogenesis. However, during Xenopus metamorphosis, developing limb motoneurons must reach their target muscles through the already established larval cholinergic axial neuromuscular system. Here, we demonstrate that at metamorphosis onset, spinal neurons retrogradely labeled from the emerging hindlimbs initially express neither choline acetyltransferase nor vesicular acetylcholine transporter. Nevertheless, they are positive for the motoneuronal transcription factor Islet1/2 and exhibit intrinsic and axial locomotor-driven electrophysiological activity. Moreover, the early appendicular motoneurons activate developing limb muscles via nicotinic antagonist-resistant, glutamate antagonist-sensitive, neuromuscular synapses. Coincidently, the hindlimb muscles transiently express glutamate, but not nicotinic receptors. Subsequently, both pre- and postsynaptic neuromuscular partners switch definitively to typical cholinergic transmitter signaling. Thus, our results demonstrate a novel context-dependent re-specification of neurotransmitter phenotype during neuromuscular system development.
Developing Care Professionals: Changing Disability Services in Sweden
Authors: Gäddman Johansson Richard , Hellström Muhli Ulla
Published: May 2018

In Sweden, professionalization projects in disability care services are currently being undertaken in order to differentiate and establish a professional identity for professionals within care work. The aim of this paper was to analyse the experiences of care workers’ meaning of the professionalization process concerning their occupation and their occupational identity in relation to tasks they perform in front-line contacts with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities at respite care service homes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten care workers. The meaning of the professionalization projects is an ongoing process of a connected mission, meaning that the care work is performed in close contact with care receivers and that it takes place within an informal and free framework, predicated on a logic of possessing a particular kind of “care-feeling.”
Variations in early life history traits of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus in the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Liu Chunlong , Xian Weiwei , Liu Shude , Chen Yifeng
Published: May 2018

Resources of Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) are undergoing dramatic recessions in China as the consequence of intensifying anthropogenic activities. Elucidating the influences of local-scale environmental factors on early life history traits is of great importance to design strategies conserving and restoring the declining anchovy resources. In this research, we studied hatching date and early growth of anchovy in the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) using information obtained from otolith microstructure. Onset of hatching season and growth rates of anchovy was compared to populations in Japan and Taiwan. In YRE, the hatching date of anchovy ranged from February 26th to April 6th and mean growth rate ranged from 0.27 to 0.77 mm/d. Anchovies hatching later had higher growth rates than individuals hatching earlier before the 25th day. Among populations, hatching onsets of anchovy from the higher latitude were later than populations in the lower latitude, and growth rates of anchovy in YRE were much lower than populations in Japan and Taiwan. Variations in hatching onsets and early growth patterns of anchovy thus provide important knowledge on understanding the adaptation of anchovy in YRE and designing management strategies on conserving China’s anchovy resources.
Comparisons of weed community, soil health and economic performance between wheat-maize and garlic-soybean rotation systems under different weed managements
Authors: Muminov Mahmud A. , Guo Liyue , Song Yanjie , Gu Xian , Cen Yu , Meng Jie , Jiang Gaoming
Published: May 2018

This study compared the impacts of different weed managements on weed community, soil health and economic performance between the wheat–maize (WM) and garlic–soybean (GS) rotations. A total of four treatments (H0T, tillage without herbicide; H0T0, without both herbicide and tillage; HT, both herbicide and tillage; HT0, herbicide without tillage) were designed for both rotations. A total of 16 weed species were recorded in the WM rotation, with life forms of 62% for annuals, 12% for annual + perennial and 20% for perennials. While in the GS rotation, there were 17 weed species, with 71% being annuals. When crop rotation changed from WM to GS, the topsoil layer seed bank (0–5 cm) decreased by 137%. GS rotation always had higher earthworm densities than that of WM under the same condition. Organic weed control (H0T, H0T0) from both WM and GS added more soil organic matters than the chemical methods (HT and HT0). Economically, up to 69% higher net profit had been achieved in the GS than WM for their organic products. This study provides an ecological basis to guide organic farming practices, especially for weed management in the future.
Multi-dimensional Precision Livestock Farming: a potential toolbox for sustainable rangeland management
Authors: di Virgilio Agustina , Morales Juan M. , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Shepard Emily L.C. , Wilson Rory P.
Published: May 2018

Background

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is a promising approach to minimize the conflicts between socio-economic activities and landscape conservation. However, its application on extensive systems of livestock production can be challenging. The main difficulties arise because animals graze on large natural pastures where they are exposed to competition with wild herbivores for heterogeneous and scarce resources, predation risk, adverse weather, and complex topography. Considering that the 91% of the world’s surface devoted to livestock production is composed of extensive systems (i.e., rangelands), our general aim was to develop a PLF methodology that quantifies: (i) detailed behavioural patterns, (ii) feeding rate, and (iii) costs associated with different behaviours and landscape traits.

Methods

For this, we used Merino sheep in Patagonian rangelands as a case study. We combined data from an animal-attached multi-sensor tag (tri-axial acceleration, tri-axial magnetometry, temperature sensor and Global Positioning System) with landscape layers from a Geographical Information System to acquire data. Then, we used high accuracy decision trees, dead reckoning methods and spatial data processing techniques to show how this combination of tools could be used to assess energy balance, predation risk and competition experienced by livestock through time and space.

Results

The combination of methods proposed here are a useful tool to assess livestock behaviour and the different factors that influence extensive livestock production, such as topography, environmental temperature, predation risk and competition for heterogeneous resources. We were able to quantify feeding rate continuously through time and space with high accuracy and show how it could be used to estimate animal production and the intensity of grazing on the landscape. We also assessed the effects of resource heterogeneity (inferred through search times), and the potential costs associated with predation risk, competition, thermoregulation and movement on complex topography.

Discussion

The quantification of feeding rate and behavioural costs provided by our approach could be used to estimate energy balance and to predict individual growth, survival and reproduction. Finally, we discussed how the information provided by this combination of methods can be used to develop wildlife-friendly strategies that also maximize animal welfare, quality and environmental sustainability.
Assessment of the ecotoxicity of urban estuarine sediment using benthic and pelagic copepod bioassays
Authors: Charry Maria P. , Keesing Vaughan , Costello Mark , Tremblay Louis A.
Published: May 2018

Urban estuarine sediments are sinks to a range of contaminants of anthropogenic origin, and a key challenge is to characterize the risk of these compounds to receiving environments. In this study, the toxicity of urban estuarine sediments was tested using acute and chronic bioassays in the benthic harpacticoid Quinquelaophonte sp., and in the planktonic calanoid Gladioferens pectinatus, two New Zealand copepod species. The sediment samples from the estuary tributary sites significantly impacted reproduction in Quinquelaophonte sp. However, results from one of the estuary sites were not significantly different to those from the tributaries sites, suggesting that chemicals other than trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ammonia may be the causative stressors. Sediment elutriate samples had significant effects on reproductive endpoints in G. pectinatus, and on the induction of DNA damage in cells, as shown by the comet assay. The results indicate that sediment contamination at the Ahuriri Estuary has the potential to impact biological processes of benthic and pelagic organisms. The approach used provides a standardized methodology to assess the toxicity of estuarine sediments.
Uracil moieties in Plasmodium falciparum genomic DNA
Authors: Molnár Petra , Marton Lívia , Izrael Richard , Pálinkás Hajnalka L. , Vértessy Beáta G.
Published: May 2018

Plasmodium falciparum parasites undergo multiple genome duplication events during their development. Within the intraerythrocytic stages, parasites encounter an oxidative environment and DNA synthesis necessarily proceeds under these circumstances. In addition to these conditions, the extreme AT bias of the P. falciparum genome poses further constraints for DNA synthesis. Taken together, these circumstances may allow appearance of damaged bases in the PlasmodiumDNA. Here, we focus on uracil that may arise in DNA either via oxidative deamination or thymine‐replacing incorporation. We determine the level of uracil at the ring, trophozoite, and schizont intraerythrocytic stages and evaluate the base‐excision repair potential of P. falciparum to deal with uracil‐DNA repair. We find approximately 7–10 uracil per million bases in the different parasite stages. This level is considerably higher than found in other wild‐type organisms from bacteria to mammalian species. Based on a systematic assessment of P. falciparum genome and transcriptome databases, we conclude that uracil‐DNA repair relies on one single uracil‐DNA glycosylase and proceeds through the long‐patch base‐excision repair route. Although potentially efficient, the repair route still leaves considerable level of uracils in parasite DNA, which may contribute to mutation rates in P. falciparum.
Efficacy of Benzocaine, Eugenol, and Menthol as Anesthetics for Freshwater Angelfish
Authors: Romaneli Rafael de Souza , Boaratti André Zuffo , Rodrigues Andressa Tellechea , Queiroz Daniel Monge de Almeida , Khan Kifayat Ullah , Nascimento Thiago Matias Torres , Fernandes João Batista Kochenborger , Mansano Cleber Fernando Menegasso
Published: May 2018

For the production and commercialization of ornamental fish species, it is indispensable to collect biometric data that facilitate the selection of animals for trade and genetic improvement of the stock. However, during the handling process, fish receive more stress if proper anesthetics are not used. Thus, application of appropriate anesthetics is an important tool for minimizing stress in animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effective concentrations of benzocaine, eugenol, and menthol for achieving anesthesia in Freshwater Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and to develop induction and recovery response curves for different concentrations of these anesthetics. In total, 75 fish were exposed to five concentrations of the three anesthetics in a completely randomized design: benzocaine at 60, 85, 110, 135, and 160 mg/L; eugenol at 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mg/L; and menthol at 50, 75, 150, 200, and 250 mg/L. Each concentration (5 fish/concentration) consisted of five replicates, with each replicate represented by a single fish. The results indicated that the tested substances met the criteria of anesthetic efficiency. The effective concentrations of benzocaine, eugenol, and menthol for the anesthesia of Freshwater Angelfish were identified as 89.25, 90.6, and 92.1 mg/L, respectively.
Bioglass Activated Albumin Hydrogels for Wound Healing
Authors: Zhou Yanling , Gao Long , Peng Jinliang , Xing Min , Han Yan , Wang Xiaoya , Xu Yuhong , Chang Jiang
Published: May 2018

In this study, a novel Bioglass/albumin composite hydrogel with controllable injectability, good adhesiveness, and bioactivity, is developed by utilizing dual‐functional bioactive ions released from Bioglass, which on one side controls the gelling time by creating an alkaline environment to regulate the cross‐linking reaction between human serum albumin and succinimidyl succinate modified poly(ethylene glycol), and on the other side stimulates wound healing. The composite hydrogel exhibits adhesive property that is superior to clinically used fibrin and cyanoacrylate glues. The gelation time of the composite hydrogel could be regulated via changing the amounts of Bioglass which endows the hydrogel with good injectability. The in vivo experiment confirms that this composite hydrogel has good bioactivity to stimulate angiogenesis and enhance chronic wound healing. Moreover, for the first time, the concentrations of the bioactive ions released from the composite hydrogel in situ are quantified during wound healing using a microdialysis technique, and a correlation of the in vitro and in vivo concentration of ions released from the hydrogel is determined, which is extremely important for understanding the bioactivity mechanisms of Bioglass/bioceramic‐based biomaterials and designing biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
Carbon‐Encapsulated WOx Hybrids as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jing Shengyu , Lu Jiajia , Yu Guangtao , Yin Shibin , Luo Lin , Zhang Zengsong , Ma Yanfeng , Chen Wei , Shen Pei Kang
Published: May 2018

Developing non‐noble metal catalysts as Pt substitutes, with good activity and stability, remains a great challenge for cost‐effective electrochemical evolution of hydrogen. Herein, carbon‐encapsulated WOx anchored on a carbon support (WOx@C/C) that has remarkable Pt‐like catalytic behavior for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported. Theoretical calculations reveal that carbon encapsulation improves the conductivity, acting as an electron acceptor/donor, and also modifies the Gibbs free energy of H* values for different adsorption sites (carbon atoms over the W atom, O atom, WO bond, and hollow sites). Experimental results confirm that WOx@C/C obtained at 900 °C with 40 wt% metal loading has excellent HER activity regarding its Tafel slope and overpotential at 10 and 60 mA cm−2, and also has outstanding stability at −50 mV for 18 h. Overall, the results and facile synthesis method offer an exciting avenue for the design of cost‐effective catalysts for scalable hydrogen generation.
Makroskopische kristalline 2D‐Polymere
Authors: Feng Xinliang , Schlüter A. Dieter
Published: May 2018

Monolagen mit interner Periodizität können als 2D‐Polymere oder “molekulare Fischernetze” beschrieben werden. Solche Strukturen sind in der Vergangenheit durch photochemische Reaktionen in Einkristallen hergestellt worden, die aus Monomeren mit spezifisch entworfenen Strukturen bestehen. Einzelne Schichten wurden später durch Exfolierung isoliert. Diese milden Bedingungen ermöglichen zwar exzellente Kontrolle über die gebildete Struktur, allerdings ist die Ausdehnung der erhaltenen 2D‐Polymere durch die Kristallausdehnung limitiert. Dieser Aufsatz befasst sich mit Ansätzen zur Herstellung von 2D‐Polymeren mit makroskopischen lateralen Abmessungen. Solche Abmessungen sind zugänglich, wenn Polymerisationsreaktionen an Grenzflächen zwischen zwei Flüssigkeiten bzw. zwischen einer Flüssigkeit und einem Gas (besonders der Wasser/Luft‐Grenzfläche) durchgeführt werden. Damit lassen sich zwar prinzipiell 2D‐Polymere makroskopischer Größe erzeugen, allerdings eröffnen sich neue analytische Probleme. Einige dieser Herausforderungen werden besprochen und die vielversprechendsten Lösungsansätze hervorgehoben. Anhand dreier repräsentativer Strukturen demonstriert dieser Aufsatz den gegenwärtigen Stand der Technik im noch jungen Feld der 2D‐Polymeranalytik. Zuletzt werden mögliche Anwendungen für neue organische 2D‐Materialien beschrieben, z. B. als Nanomembranen, organische (opto)elektronische Komponenten oder Katalysatoren für die Wasserspaltung.
Reduced‐order Observer for State‐dependent Coefficient Factorized Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ornelas‐Tellez Fernando , Alanis Alma Y. , Rios Jorge D. , Graff Mario
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a reduced‐order observer for state‐dependent coefficient factorized nonlinear systems. By considering that a partial knowledge of the state vector is available from measurements, estimating the full state vector may be unnecessary, which consequently reduces the order of the observer and thus avoids unnecessary implementation issues. In this manuscript, the asymptotic convergence of the proposed reduced‐order observer is established when an adequate state‐dependent factorization for the nonlinear system is obtained. This paper demonstrates the ease of synthesizing reduced‐order observers for state‐dependent coefficient factorized nonlinear systems. The effectiveness of the proposed observer is illustrated in real‐time for the optimal tracking control of a linear induction motor.
Dopamine‐conjugated Poly(acrylic acid) Blended with an Electrically Conductive Polyaniline Binder for Silicon Anode
Authors: Lee Kukjoo , Lim Sanghyun , Kim Tae‐Hyun
Published: May 2018

Poly(aniline) (PANI) blended with a dopamine‐conjugated poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) binder, forming PANI‐dopamine‐PAA, was developed to effectively control the uniformity of a silicon anode. The PANI provided electrical conductivity to this system and formed physical cross links with PAA through acid–base interactions. PAA was functionalized with dopamine, a material known to adhere to the surface of Si. The mechanical and electrical properties of a PANI‐dopamine‐PAA‐based Si electrode displayed stable cycling performance, even after 300 cycles.
Downregulation of AGR2, p21, and cyclin D and alterations in p53 function were associated with tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Alves Mariana Rezende , e Melo Natalia Cruz , Barros‐Filho Mateus Camargo , do Amaral Nayra Soares , Silva Felipe Ilelis de Barros , Baiocchi Neto Glauco , Soares Fernando Augusto , de Brot Andrade Louise , Rocha Rafael Malagoli
Published: May 2018

Anterior gradient 2 protein belongs to a family of chaperone‐like proteins, namely protein disulfide isomerase. Generally, AGR2 is highly expressed in mucus‐secreting cells and endocrine organs, and in this study, we aimed to evaluate AGR2 and cell cycle molecules in epithelial ovarian cancer and its implications on prognosis. One hundred seventy‐five patient's samples that were diagnosed with primary epithelial ovarian carcinoma were selected. All the patients were treated with platinum‐taxane standard chemotherapy after surgery and CA125 serum levels were routinely determined. Four‐micrometer‐thick sections were processed by immunohistochemistry using an automated immunostainer, Ventana BenchMark AutoStainer with AGR2, cyclin D1, p21WAF1, and p53. Forty‐nine of 167 cases (29.3%) showed strong to moderate cytoplasmic marking of AGR2, and 118 (70.7%) had weak to negative expression. The absence of the AGR2 protein was observed in high‐grade serous carcinoma (P < .001) and significantly associated with disease‐free survival (DFS; P = .034). The expression of G1‐S phase‐regulatory proteins showed loss of p21 in high‐grade serous carcinoma (P < .001) and was related with poor DFS (P = .003). Strong and diffuse immunoexpression of p53 plus complete absence of p53 staining was interpreted as likely indicating a TP53 gene mutation. This result showed worse DFS alone (P = .012) and combined with low levels of AGR2 (P = .005). The expression profile of AGR2 and cell cycle proteins here presented was showed as good prognosis marker in epithelial ovarian cancer. This finding suggests AGR2 and as putative biomarker of disease progression in chemotherapy‐treated high‐grade serous carcinoma patients.
Array comparative genomic hybridization identifies high level of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations in anal cancer recurrences
Authors: Cacheux Wulfran , Tsantoulis Petros , Briaux Adrien , Vacher Sophie , Mariani Pascale , Richard‐Molard Marion , Buecher Bruno , Richon Sophie , Jeannot Emmanuelle , Lazartigues Julien , Rouleau Etienne , Mariani Odette , El Alam Elsy , Cros Jérôme , Roman‐Roman Sergio , Mitry Emmanuel , Girard Elodie , Dangles‐Marie Virginie , Lièvre Astrid , Bièche Ivan
Published: May 2018

Genomic alterations of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) remain poorly understood due to the rarity of this tumor. Array comparative genomic hybridization and targeted gene sequencing were performed in 49 cases of ASCC. The most frequently altered regions (with a frequency greater than 25%) were 10 deleted regions (2q35, 2q36.3, 3p21.2, 4p16.3, 4p31.21, 7q36.1, 8p23.3, 10q23.2, 11q22.3, and 13q14.11) and 8 gained regions (1p36.33, 1q21.1, 3q26.32, 5p15.33, 8q24.3, 9q34.3, 16p13.3, and 19p13.3). The most frequent minimal regions of deletion (55%) encompassed the 11q22.3 region containing ATM, while the most frequent minimal regions of gain (57%) encompassed the 3q26.32 region containing PIK3CA. Recurrent homozygous deletions were observed for 5 loci (ie, TGFR2 in 4 cases), and recurrent focal amplifications were observed for 8 loci (ie, DDR2 and CCND1 in 3 cases, respectively). Several of the focal amplified genes are targets for specific therapies. Integrated analysis showed that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was the pathway most extensively affected, particularly in recurrences compared to treatment‐naive tumors (64% vs 30%; P = .017). In patients with ASCC recurrences, poor overall survival (OS) was significantly correlated with a large number of altered regions (P = .024). These findings provide insight into the somatic genomic alterations in ASCC and highlight the key role of the druggable PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
LncRNA SNHG16 drives proliferation, migration, and invasion of hemangioma endothelial cell through modulation of miR‐520d‐3p/STAT3 axis
Authors: Zhao Wenke , Fu Hao , Zhang Shasha , Sun Shengkai , Liu Yang
Published: May 2018

It has been verified that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have great effects on various biological behaviors of human diseases. Although more and more lncRNAs have been studied in human cancers, countless lncRNAs still need to be excavated. This study aims to investigate the impacts of lncRNA SNHG16 on proliferation and metastasis of human hemangioma endothelial cell (HemECs). qRT‐PCR analysis was carried out to explore the expression pattern of SNHG16, miR‐520d‐3p, and STAT3. The effect of SNHG16 on cell proliferation was detected by MTT and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to test the apoptosis of HemECs cells. Migration and invasion of HemECs cells were determined and examined by transwell assays. Tube formation assay helped to observe the influence of SNHG16 expression on the vasoformation of HemECs cells. The correlations among SNHG16, miR‐520d‐3p, and STAT3 were certified by bioinformatics analysis, pull‐down assay, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Finally, rescue assays were conducted to demonstrate the effects of SNHG16‐miR‐520d‐3p‐STAT3 axis on biological behaviors of HemECs cell. SNHG16 was strongly expressed in proliferating phase hemangioma tissues and HemECs cells. Silenced SNHG16 negatively affected proliferation, migration, and invasion of HemECs cell. LncRNA SNHG16 acted as a ceRNA to upregulate STAT3 through binding with miR‐520d‐3p in HemECs cell. LncRNA SNHG16 acted as a ceRNA to drive proliferation, vasoformation, migration, and invasion of HemECs cells through modulating miR‐520d‐3p/STAT3 axis.
Modelling asphaltene precipitation titration data: A committee of machines and a group method of data handling
Authors: Hemmati‐Sarapardeh Abdolhossein , Dabir Bahram , Ahmadi Mohammad , Mohammadi Amir H. , Husein Maen M.
Published: May 2018

Asphaltene precipitation causes different problems in the oil industry. In this study, a large data bank was used to model asphaltene precipitation titration data as a function of temperature, type of solvent, and solvent to crude oil dilution ratio. Three multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks and three radial basis function (RBF) neural networks were developed to estimate asphaltene precipitation data. The MLP models were optimized with scaled conjugate gradient (SCG), Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM), and Bayesian regularization (BR) algorithms and the RBF models were optimized with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), and genetic algorithm (GA). All of the proposed models show an acceptable degree of accuracy and have an average absolute percent relative error (AAPRE) less than 4 %. Afterwards, three of the best models including MLP‐LM, MLP‐BR, and RBF‐GA were combined and a committee machine intelligent system (CMIS) was designed, which offers a higher accuracy compared to the other intelligent models. Aside from these intelligent models, the group method of data handling (GMDH) was used to develop an explicit and simple expression for estimating asphaltene precipitation. The proposed CMIS and GMDH models were compared to models developed based on scaling theory and the results show that the proposed models in this study outperform pre‐existing models. The validity and accuracy of the CMIS and GMDH models were proven by statistical and graphical techniques. Finally, a sensitivity analysis suggested that the solvent to crude oil dilution ratio has the largest effect on asphaltene precipitation.
Effect of human head morphological variability on the mechanical response of blast overpressure loading
Authors: Teferra Kirubel , Tan X. Gary , Iliopoulos Athanasios , Michopoulos John , Qidwai Siddiq
Published: May 2018

A methodology is introduced to investigate the effect of intersubject head morphological variability on the mechanical response of the brain when subjected to blast overpressure loading. Nonrigid image registration techniques are leveraged to warp a manually segmented template model to an arbitrary number of subjects following a procedure to coarsely segment the subjects in batch. Finite element meshes are autogenerated, and blast analysis is conducted. The template model is initially constructed to enable the full automated implementation and application of the proposed methodology. The application of the proposed approach for an anterior‐oriented blast has been demonstrated, and the results reveal that the pressure response in the brain does exhibit some dependence on head morphological variability. While the magnitude of the peak pressure response can vary by more than 30%, its location within the brain is unaffected by head morphological variability. A linear least squares analysis was conducted to demonstrate that the peak magnitude of pressure is uncorrelated with head volume while it is correlated with aspect ratio relating to the amount of exposed surface area to the blast. These features of the pressure response are likely due to the peak pressure occurring during the early stages of stress wave transmission and reflection. As a result, the pressure response due to blast overpressure loading is predominantly loading dependent while morphological variability has a secondary effect.
Targetable Mechanical Properties by Switching between Self‐Sorting and Co‐assembly with In Situ Formed Tripodal Ketoenamine Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Foster Jamie S. , Prentice Andrew W. , Forgan Ross S. , Paterson Martin J. , Lloyd Gareth O.
Published: May 2018

A new family of supramolecular hydrogelators are introduced in which self‐sorting and co‐assembly can be utilised in the tuneability of the mechanical properties of the materials, a property closely tied to the nanostructure of the gel network. The in situ reactivity of the components of the gelators allows for system chemistry concepts to be applied to the formation of the gels and shows that molecular properties, and not necessarily the chemical identity, determines some gel properties in these family of gels.
Engagement of directors representing institutional investors on environmental disclosure
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , López‐Zamora Blanca
Published: May 2018

This paper aims to examine the role performed by representatives of institutional investors in environmental reporting in Spain, where the presence of this type of director is the highest among European countries. Additionally, we make a distinction between those representatives of institutional investors appointed by bank and insurance companies and those appointed by mutual funds, investment funds and pension funds, because they have different motivations, characteristics and incentives, and consequently their role on boards and their influence on environmental disclosure may be dissimilar, as our results suggest. Our research offers a deep analysis revealing the role played by representatives of institutional investors in Spanish listed firms' decisions to disclose environmental information. Thus, our findings show the engagement with the stakeholders of a particular type of director on boards regarding environmental disclosure.
P‐channel logic 2 T eDRAM macro with high retention bit architecture
Authors: Manisankar Sivasundar , Chung Yeonbae
Published: May 2018

This study presents a novel approach which enhances the data retention capability of PMOS gain cell based embedded DRAM. The proposed circuit technique utilizes a parasitic capacitance between the cell storage node and the common n‐well body. During the write operation, an up‐down voltage transition to the n‐well increases the cell storage retention time without using any optional devices. It also results in much high immunity against the write “1” disturbance. Measured and simulated results from an 8192‐wordx8‐bit eDRAM macro implemented in a 0.13‐μm generic CMOS process exhibit 58% increased retention time and approximately 3.6 times stronger write disturbance immunity over the conventional design.
Habitat complexity effects on diversity and abundance differ with latitude: an experimental study over 20 degrees
Authors: Bracewell Sally A. , Clark Graeme F. , Johnston Emma L.
Published: May 2018

Habitat complexity is accepted as a general mechanism for increasing the abundance and diversity of communities. However, the circumstances under which complexity has the strongest effects are not clear. Over 20 degrees of Australia's east coast, we tested whether the effects of within‐site structural habitat complexity on the diversity and community structure of sessile marine invertebrates was consistent over a latitudinal gradient where environmental conditions and species composition vary. We used experimental arrays with varied structural treatments to detect whether community cover, species richness, diversity and community composition (β‐diversity) changed with increasing complexity. Community response to complexity varied over latitude due to differences in species richness and community development. Increased complexity had the greatest positive effects on community cover and species richness at higher latitudes where recruitment and growth were low. At lower latitudes, community cover and species richness were higher overall and did not vary substantially between complexity treatments. Latitudinal variation in within‐treatment β‐diversity relative to complexity further suggest divergent community responses. At higher latitudes, increased similarity in more complex treatments suggests community dominance of successful taxonomic groups. Despite limited effects on species richness and community cover at lower latitudes, β‐diversity was higher in more complex treatments, signifying potential positive effects of increased complexity at these sites. These results demonstrate the context‐dependency of complexity effects in response to variation in species richness and community development and should be taken into consideration to help direct conservation and restoration efforts.
An Unsymmetric Ligand with a N5O2 Donor Set and Its Corresponding Dizinc Complex: A Structural and Functional Phosphoesterase Model
Authors: Das Biswanath , Daver Henrik , Pyrkosz‐Bulska Monika , Gumienna‐Kontecka Elzbieta , Himo Fahmi , Nordlander Ebbe
Published: May 2018

To mimic the active sites of the hydrolytic enzyme zinc phosphotriesterase, a new dinucleating unsymmetric ligand, PICIMP (2‐{[2‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐3‐({[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl](pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino}methyl)benzyl][(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]amino}acetic acid), has been synthesized and characterized. The hydrolytic efficacy of the complex solution (PICIMP/ZnCl2 = 1:2) has been investigated using bis‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP), a DNA analogue substrate. Speciation studies were undertaken by potentiometric titrations at varying pH for both the ligand and the corresponding dizinc complex to elucidate the formation of the active hydrolysis catalyst; these studies reveal that the dinuclear zinc(II) complexes, [Zn2(PICIMP)]2+ and [Zn2(PICIMP)(OH)]+ predominate in solution above pH 4. The obtained pKa of 7.44 for the deprotonation of water suggests formation of a bridging hydroxide between the two ZnII ions. Kinetic investigations of BDNPP hydrolysis over the pH range 5.5–10.5 have been performed. The cumulative results indicate the hydroxo‐bridged dinuclear ZnII complex [Zn2(PICIMP)(µ‐OH)]+ as the effective catalyst. Density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the detailed reaction mechanism. The calculations suggest that the bridging hydroxide becomes terminally coordinated to one of the zinc ions before performing the nucleophilic attack in the reaction.
CO2 Adsorption in SIFSIX‐14‐Cu‐i: High Performance, Inflected Isotherms, and Water‐Triggered Release via Reversible Structural Transformation
Authors: Sensharma Debobroto , Vaesen Sebastien , Healy Colm , Hartmann Jens , Kathalikkattil Amal Cherian , Wix Paul , Steuber Friedrich , Zhu Nianyong , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

SIFSIX‐14‐Cu‐i belongs to a family of metal–organic materials (MOMs) with exciting gas‐sorption properties and high technological impact. CO2‐adsorption isotherms are reported for SIFSIX‐14‐Cu‐i revealing very high uptake combined with CO2 selectivity. Importantly, the isotherms show distinct inflection points that result from CO2‐induced structural transformations and that can be modulated by the CO2 uptake quantity. The observed behaviour directly relates to the unique structure of this azopyridine‐stabilised compound and gives rise to the highest known working capacity for CO2 uptake between 0.1 and 1 bar. Furthermore, the synthetic procedures for the reversible transformation of SIFSIX‐14‐Cu‐i to a non‐porous hydrated form are highlighted, and exploit the reversible porous to non‐porous phase transition for instantaneous, moisture‐mediated CO2 release.
Dinuclear Nickel Complexes Doubly Bridged by Hydrogencyanamido Ligands: Synthesis, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Kuwabara Takuya , Shiga Natsumi , Kodama Shintaro , Sato Hirohiko , Houjou Hirohiko , Ishii Youichi
Published: May 2018

Novel dinuclear nickel complexes bridged by two hydrogencyanamido (NCNH–) ligands [(NiL)2(µ2‐NHCN‐N,N′)2]2+ have been synthesized and structurally characterized. X‐ray diffraction analysis suggests that each hydrogencyanamido ligand coordinates as a cyanamide anion (N≡C–NH–) rather than a carbodiimide anion (N+=C=NH–). The structure of the central (NiNCN)2 ring skeleton varies slightly depending on the ancillary ligands, which affects strength of the Ni···Ni antiferromagnetic coupling judging from the SQUID measurements.
Improving of the workability of heat treated AlMg5 aluminum alloys subjected to the equal channel angular pressing through inter‐pass annealing
Authors: Snopiński P. , Tański T.
Published: May 2018

In recent years, increasing interest in the improvement of the mechanical properties of aluminum‐magnesium alloys has been shown. However, it is known that the addition of magnesium result in a workability decrease. For this reason, it is necessary to find a way to enhance the ductility of aluminum‐magnesium alloys before plastic working. The present study shows that the plasticity of the AlMg5 aluminum alloy can be increased through a solution treatment. However, even after heat treatment, only 2 passes were possible to perform. For this reason, the increase of the workability was achieved by application of the inter stage annealing at 350 °C for 30 min. It was found that there is a possibility to obtain a fine grained bimodal structure of the as annealed material through the partial recrystallization and increase in workability of the severe plastic deformed material. It was also found that further plastic deformation results in obtaining a material with greater mechanical properties (hardness and tensile strength) in comparison to a material without inter pass annealing. To characterize the structure evolution of the material at different stages of treatment, light and electron microscopy was used.
Fatigue crack growth characteristics for powder nickel based metallurgical superalloys at elevated temperatures
Authors: Yoon D.H. , Kim J.H. , Kim H.K. , Kim D.H.
Published: May 2018

This study presents experimental results regarding the fatigue crack growth characteristics of nickel‐based powder metallurgical superalloys used in aircraft turbine disks. The powder metallurgy alloys are manufactured using metal powders with a particulate diameter of less than 1 mm. The powder metallurgy alloys used in aircraft parts or turbine blades have excellent mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. However, fatigue cracks arising from defects in the materials are unpredictable because they depend upon the manufacturing technique. As it is known that structural components may need to operate at elevated temperatures, the behavior of fatigue crack propagation at elevated temperatures is considered. The fatigue crack growth tests are conducted at typical operating conditions of stress ratios and elevated temperatures. Fatigue crack growth rate is measured using the direct current potential drop method, and evaluated by the Forman‐Mettu equation. Considering ΔKth as an important design variable, empirical constants were derived so that the analytic ΔKth value can be obtained directly at a given temperature. Fractography of the fractured specimens was performed using a scanning electron microscopy.