bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación in vitro de la patogenicidad de los hongos aislados en la región de Urabá (Antioquia, Colombia) contra larvas de Aedes aegypti
Authors: Machado-Agudelo Dairon Andrés , García María Alejandra , Rueda-Páramo Manuel E. , Cardona Nadya Lorena
Published: November 2024

Introducción. Aedes aegypti es un vector importante de enfermedades arbovirales como el dengue, entre otras. Las estrategias tradicionales de control, como el uso de insecticidas, han perdido eficacia debido a la aparición de resistencia en las poblaciones de mosquitos. El control biológico y el uso de hongos biocontroladores se presentan como alternativas viables y amigables con el medio ambiente.Objetivo. Evaluar la patogenicidad in vitro de aislamientos del género Trichoderma –obtenidos del Urabá antioqueño– sobre larvas de Ae. aegypti, y determinar la concentración letal media (CL50) y el tiempo letal medio (TL50) del más patógeno. Materiales y métodos. Mediante el método de larvas centinelas con especímenes de Ae. aegypti, se logró aislar hongos de cuerpos de agua de la región del Urabá (Antioquia). Los aislamientos se caracterizaron a nivel morfológico y molecular, para determinar su identidad taxonómica. Se llevaron a cabo pruebas de patogenicidad in vitro utilizando larvas de Ae. aegypti en los estadios L2 y L3. Posteriormente, se seleccionó una cepa para determinar su concentración letal media y tiempo letal medio.Resultados. La cepa AP-91 de Trichoderma sp. causó porcentajes altos de mortalidad en poblaciones de larvas de Ae. aegypti. Se obtuvo una concentración letal media de 1,8 × 107 conidios/ml y un tiempo letal medio de 20,67 horas.Conclusión. La cepa AP-91 tiene potencial para el control biológico de Ae. aegypti y puede ser una candidata idónea para usar en el manejo integrado de vectores mediante su cultivo escalado. La investigación sugiere explorar los compuestos y enzimas producidos por esta cepa para comprender mejor su patogenicidad.
Exploring the Dynamic Concept of Mechanobiology in Regenerative Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gulrandhe Purva , Acharya Sourya , Phansopkar Pratik , Naqvi Waqar
Published: November 2024

Physical therapists, equipped with unique diagnostic and treatment capabilities, play a pivotal role in advancing regenerative medicine. The present review explores the integration of mechanotherapy and mechanical techniques in physiotherapy, shedding light on the burgeoning field of mechanobiology and its implications for rehabilitative therapies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Initially, a total of 217 articles, including research papers, reviews, and systematic reviews, were identified. After thorough evaluation, 26 articles were deemed relevant to the present study. The authors analysed these selected articles to explore the utilisation of mechanotherapy, mechanotransduction, and the integration of mechanobiological principles into physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapists employ mechanotherapy and mechanical techniques, such as manual mobilisation and exercise interventions, to treat diseases and injuries and restore function. Mechanobiology studies the essential functions that these physical variables perform through mechanotransduction, while Mechanotherapies emphasise natural mechano-adaptation to promote healing. They are active mechano-interventions that transform possible damaging mechanical effects into therapeutic benefits. Therefore, interventions should be planned accordingly. The growing field of mechanobiology and regenerative medicine is opening new avenues for rehabilitative therapies. Applying mechanobiology principles to various body systems linked to physical therapy interventions provides scope for future research.
AI-Driven Personalization in Financial Services: Enhancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency
Authors: Vandanapu Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2024

This article explores how emerging technologies are influencing personalization in the financial services sector. Personalized services enhance customer experience and promote financial inclusion. By leveraging big data and AI, financial institutions can collect and analyze customer data to offer tailored services. AI-driven analytics provide real-time insights for financial modeling, risk management, and automation. The integration of machine learning structures in financial services to meet individual customer needs, ensuring product customization. Emerging technologies promise greater accuracy and personalization, driving better financial outcomes within the industry. This technological advancement is crucial for the modern financial landscape, enhancing performance and customer satisfaction.
Effects of Bio-Agents and Selected Botanicals on Alternaria Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Lal Abhilasha A.
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the research plot of the Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in Rabi season of 2023 to evaluate eight treatments viz., T1– (Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2%, T2– Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2%, T3– Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2% + Ocimum sanctum (F.S) @ 10 %, T4- Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2 % + Allium sativum (F.S) @10%, T5– Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2% + Ocimum sanctum (F.S) @ 10%, T6 - Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2% + Allium sativum (F.S) @ 10 %, T7 – Carbendazim @ 0.1% (F.S) (treated control) and control T0 (untreated control) with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD) for management of alternaria leaf spot of broccoli. Study on disease intensity of alternaria leaf spot of broccoli in field conditions revealed that the Minimum percent disease intensity (%) was recorded in T4 – 28.17% Trichoderma viride @ 2% (S.T) combined with Allium sativum @ 10% (F.S) as compared with the untreated control T0 – 38.31 % and treated check T7 – 24.42 % (Carbendazim @ 0.1% (F.S). PDI recorded in broccoli with maximum cost benefit ratio per treatment was recorded 1:1.915 in T4 - Trichoderma viride @ 2% (S.T) combined with Allium sativum @ 10% (F.S) in broccoli.
Comparison of Lethal and Nonlethal Sampling Methods for the Detection of Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) from Largemouth Bass in the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Leis Eric , McCann Rebekah , Standish Isaac , Bestul Anna , Odom Torri , Finnerty Casey , Bennie Barb
Published: July 2018

Traditional methodologies to identify fish pathogens require euthanasia before the collection of tissue samples. While these methods are standardized and proven, there are instances where nonlethal alternatives would be preferred. Despite the need to develop nonlethal sampling techniques, few publications have focused on them and even fewer have used these approaches to identify viruses from infections occurring in wild fish populations. In this study, we compared the ability of nonlethal sampling techniques with traditional methods for the detection of Largemouth Bass virus (LMBV) from a wild population of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides from the upper Mississippi River. Largemouth bass virus was isolated from 30% of the Largemouth Bass sampled using traditional methods where tissue samples were inoculated on Bluegill fry (BF-2) cells. Furthermore, when using tissue cell culture to isolate LMBV, there was no significant difference observed in the overall proportion that was positive between the mucus samples and the kidney and spleen samples. Mucus swabs analyzed with molecular methods (conventional PCR and quantitative PCR) were more sensitive than traditional tissue cell culture-based methods as they detected LMBV from >70% of the samples; limitations to these methods (i.e., carryover contamination) were also identified. The results of this study suggest that nonlethal sampling may be a useful option for detecting LMBV from fish populations.
High‐Performance Flexible Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Smart Miniaturized Instruments
Authors: Amara Selma , Sevilla Gallo A.Torres , Hawsawi Mayyada , Mashraei Yousof , Mohammed Hanan , Cruz Melvin E. , Ivanov Yurii P. , Jaiswal Samridh , Jakob Gerhard , Kläui Mathias , Hussain Muhammad , Kosel Jurgen
Published: July 2018

Flexible electronics is an emerging field in many applications ranging from in vivo biomedical devices to wearable smart systems. The capability of conforming to curved surfaces opens the door to add electronic components to miniaturized instruments, where size and weight are critical parameters. Given their prevalence on the sensors market, flexible magnetic sensors play a major role in this progress. For many high‐performance applications, magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) have become the first choice, due to their high sensitivity, low power consumption etc. MTJs are also promising candidates for non‐volatile next‐generation data storage media and, hence, could become central components of wearable electronic devices. In this work, a generic low‐cost regenerative batch fabrication process is utilized to transform rigid MTJs on a 500 µm silicon wafer substrate into 5 µm thin, mechanically flexible silicon devices, and ensuring optimal utilization of the whole substrate. This method maintains the outstanding magnetic properties, which are only obtained by deposition of the MTJ on smooth high‐quality silicon wafers. The flexible MTJs are highly reliable and resistive to mechanical stress. Bending of the MTJ stacks with a diameter as small as 500 µm is possible without compromising their performance and an endurance of over 1000 cycles without fatigue has been demonstrated. The flexible MTJs are mounted onto the tip of a cardiac catheter with 2 mm in diameter without compromising their performance. This enables the detection of magnetic fields and the angle which they are applied at with a high sensitivity of 4.93%/Oe and a low power consumption of 0.15 μW, while adding only 8 and 5 μm to the weight and diameter of the catheter, respectively.
Stabilization of Mineral Precursors by Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Rao Ashit , Drechsler Markus , Schiller Stefan , Scheffner Martin , Gebauer Denis , Cölfen Helmut
Published: July 2018

Biogenic nucleation and crystallization occur in confined spaces with defined interfacial properties. However, the regulatory functions of organic players in the stabilization and transport of inorganic precursors such as ion clusters, liquid‐condensed phases, and amorphous particles are unclear. Given the prevalence of unstructured proteins in biogenic materials, the present study investigates the effects of biomineral‐associated, intrinsically disordered protein domains with simple and repetitive amino acid compositions on mineral nucleation and their capability to form distinct supramolecular assemblies. The quantitative assessment and structural evaluation of the nucleation process reveal that disordered regions confine hydrated mineral precursors within vesicles, transiently suppressing mineral precipitation. Stabilization of the amorphous mineral is attributed to protein self‐association and restructuration toward β‐configurations, triggered by specific bioinorganic interactions. In consequence, the conditioned macromolecules localize at phase boundaries formed upon liquid–liquid demixing of mineral precursors and stabilize the fluidic mineral precursors against crystallization. Thus, the conformational plasticity and self‐association of intrinsically disordered sequences in response to crystallization environments mediates the selection of functional macromolecular subensembles dedicated to biomaterial growth.
Implantable Energy‐Harvesting Devices
Authors: Shi Bojing , Li Zhou , Fan Yubo
Published: July 2018

The sustainable operation of implanted medical devices is essential for healthcare applications. However, limited battery capacity is a key challenge for most implantable medical electronics (IMEs). The human body abounds with mechanical and chemical energy, such as the heartbeat, breathing, blood circulation, and the oxidation–reduction of glucose. Harvesting energy from the human body is a possible approach for powering IMEs. Many new methods for developing in vivo energy harvesters (IVEHs) have been proposed for powering IMEs. In this context energy harvesters based on the piezoelectric effect, triboelectric effect, automatic wristwatch devices, biofuel cells, endocochlear potential, and light, with an emphasis on fabrication, energy output, power management, durability, animal experiments, evaluation criteria, and typical applications are discussed. Importantly, the IVEHs that are discussed, are actually implanted into living things. Future challenges and perspectives are also highlighted.
Efficient Non‐Fullerene Organic Photovoltaic Modules Incorporating As‐Cast and Thickness‐Insensitive Photoactive Layers
Authors: Zhang Tong , Zeng Guang , Ye Feng , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: July 2018

In this work, a new combination of a wide bandgap polymer poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]‐dithiophene‐alt‐N‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐5′5‐bis[3‐(decylthio)thiophene‐2‐yl]‐2′2‐bithiophene‐3′3‐dicarboximide] (PBTIBDTT) and a non‐fullerene small molecule acceptor based on a bulky seven‐ring fused core (indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) end‐capped with 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydroinden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile groups with one fluorine substituent (ITIC‐F) is proposed, and as‐cast non‐fullerene organic solar cells (NFOSCs) with 11.2% efficiency are achieved. The device efficiencies are also insensitive to the variation of photoactive layer (PAL) thickness and can maintain over 9% efficiency as PAL thickness increases to 350 nm, which is one of the best results for as‐cast organic solar cells. More importantly, non‐fullerene organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules are demonstrated via laser ablation technique for the first time, which delivers a record efficiency of 8.6% (with active area of 3.48 cm2) among large‐area OPV modules. Furthermore, the morphology and performance evolutions of the as‐cast NFOSCs and the ones processed with solvent additive are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate the great advantage of as‐cast solar cells in achieving constant morphology and high performance with thick PALs. The NFOSCs fabricated with simple procedure, insensitive to film thickness and compatible with large‐area OPV modules, show significant potential for application the future.
Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on sepiolite–cyclodextrin nanosponge hybrid: Efficient heterogeneous catalyst for ligand‐ and copper‐free C─C coupling reactions
Authors: Sadjadi Samahe , Heravi Majid M. , Raja Maryam , Kahangi Fatemeh Ghoreyshi
Published: July 2018

A novel hybrid system composed of sepiolite clay and cyclodextrin nanosponge (CDNS) was prepared via reaction of Cl‐functionalized sepiolite with amine‐functionalized CDNS. CDNS–sepiolite was then applied for immobilization of Pd(0) nanoparticles. The resulting hybrid system, Pd@CDNS‐sepiolite, was characterized using various techniques and successfully used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for ligand‐ and copper‐free Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions under mild reaction conditions. Recycling experiments confirmed that Pd@CDNS‐sepiolite was recyclable and could be used for several consecutive reaction runs with slight Pd leaching and loss of catalytic activity.
On the reliability function of a double redundant system with general repair time distribution
Authors: Rykov Vladimir , Kozyrev Dmitry
Published: July 2018

The reliability function is considered for a hot double redundant repairable heterogeneous system with exponentially distributed lifetimes and generally distributed repair times of its components. The problem of its sensitivity to the repair time distribution is discussed.
Efficient UPLC and CE methods for the simultaneous determination of azelastine hydrochloride and its genotoxic impurity
Authors: Abdelwahab Nada S. , Farid Nehal F. , Elagawany Mohamed , Abdelmomen Esraa H.
Published: July 2018

A novel stability‐indicating UPLC and CE method was established and validated for the determination of azelastine hydrochloride (AZL) and its genotoxic impurity, benzohydrazide, in the presence of benzalkonium chloride. The developed UPLC method was based on chromatographic separation using a C18column as a stationary phase and acetonitrile–(0.1% w/v) aqueous sodium lauryl sulfate (55:45, v/v, pH 5 with phosphoric acid) as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min and UV detection at 215 nm. The chromatographic run time was ~2 min. The developed CE method depended on using a stationary phase of Standard Bare Fused Silica Capillaries (75 μm i.d. × 59 cm and 50 cm detection length) and the applied voltage was 30 kV using 40 mmphosphate buffer (pH 2 with aqueous H3PO4); the detection wavelength was 225 nm. The analysis time was about 6 min. The suggested methods were successfully applied for the analysis of AZL in a pharmaceutical preparation. The validity of the developed methods was assessed by applying the standard addition technique and no interference from excipients was observed. The results obtained by the proposed methods were statistically analyzed and compared with the manufacturer's method and no significant difference was found between the compared methods.
Solid‐Phase Gene Synthesis for Mutant Library Construction: The Future of Directed Evolution?
Authors: Li Aitao , Sun Zhoutong , Reetz Manfred T.
Published: July 2018

Directed evolution of stereo‐ and regioselective enzymes as catalysts in organic chemistry and biotechnology constitutes a complementary alternative to selective transition‐metal catalysts and organocatalysts. Saturation mutagenesis at sites lining the binding pocket has emerged as a key method in this endeavor, but it suffers from amino acid bias, which reduces the quality of the library at the DNA level and, thus, at the protein level. Chemical solid‐phase gene synthesis for library construction offers a solution to this fundamental problem, and the Sloning and Twist platforms are two possible options. This concept article analyzes these approaches and compares them to traditional PCR‐based saturation mutagenesis; the superior commercial Twist technique shows almost no bias.
Solid State Supercapacitor Based on Manganese Oxide@Reduced Graphene Oxide and Polypyrrole Electrodes
Authors: Arul N. Sabari , Han Jeong In , Chen Pao Chi
Published: July 2018

A Mn3O4 nanocrystals@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (MRNC) is prepared using a hydrothermal method. Structural analysis of the synthesized MRNC shows the formation of tetragonal hausmannite phase of Mn3O4 nanocrystals and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheet/scrolls. As electrode material for supercapacitors, MRNC reaches a specific capacitance of 611 F g−1 with excellent stability showing a cycling stability of 95 % after 3000 cycles. In addition, polypyrrole (PPy) films with various thicknesses are deposited on flexible carbon fiber via electrodeposition method. A solid state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on MRNC as positive and PPy as negative electrode was assembled. The assembled ASC delivers a maximum energy density and power density of 32 Wh kg−1 and 833 W kg−1, respectively, with excellent cycling stability (90 % capacitance retention after 6000 cycles). The result reveals that the MRNC is a promising candidate as superior electrode material for supercapacitors.
A model‐free approach to reduce the effect of autocorrelation on statistical process control charts
Authors: Ma Xi , Zhang Laibin , Hu Jinqiu , Palazoglu Ahmet
Published: July 2018

The presence of autocorrelation in time series data significantly affects the performance of statistical process control charts. For process data collected in real time, consecutive observations result in serial dependence that violates the assumption of sample independence. This paper focuses on the improvement of statistical process control (SPC) charts of individual observations when they are designed to monitor stationary processes in the presence of data autocorrelation. Three widely used SPC tools, Shewhart chart, Hotelling's T2 chart, and PCA‐based SPC charts, are chosen to demonstrate the proposed approach. There has been a modified version of SPC chart shown to be effective in accommodating the autocorrelation behavior, relying on a model‐based estimation of chart parameters. Process model estimation, however, is a challenging task, especially for complex systems. In this paper, a model‐free monitoring approach is proposed for SPC charts of individual observations, aimed at reducing the effect of autocorrelation on chart performance. It relies on a skipping strategy that creates sample bins with little or no autocorrelation. A single skipping chart and a combined skipping chart (CSC) are established, and a parameter sensitivity study is performed through simulations. In the case studies, the advantages of the CSC are noted as being a model‐free approach and having a performance consistent with that of the benchmark modified chart.
CO2 biomass fluidized gasification: Thermodynamics and reactivity studies
Authors: Bastos Amanda Kuhn , Torres Cindy , Mazumder A. , de Lasa Hugo
Published: July 2018

This study reports biomass gasification in a fluidized CREC Riser Simulator. Steam‐CO2 and steam‐inert gas were used as gasifier agents. Three biomass feedstocks were evaluated in terms of gasification performance, based on carbon conversion, product molar fraction, and H2/CO ratios. Results showed that gasification bed temperature influences syngas yields, as well as tar formation. This is the case regardless of the gasifier agent used. It was also shown that steam‐CO2 gasification significantly reduces tar formation while improving carbon conversion and increasing H2 and CO yields. Experimentally‐observed product molar fractions were compared with thermodynamic equilibrium model results. This thermodynamic equilibrium model accounts for biomass elemental composition, bed temperature, and gasifying agents. It was proven that for steam‐CO2 gasification, the thermodynamic equilibrium model predictions are close to the experimental results obtained in the fluidized CREC Riser Simulator. It was also demonstrated that steam‐carbon dioxide gasification leads to a zero CO2 gain, and therefore, a negligible carbon footprint.
High‐performance low‐power approximate Wallace tree multiplier
Authors: Abed Sa'ed , Khalil Yasser , Modhaffar Mahdi , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: July 2018

Multipliers are considered critical functional units in many systems like Digital Signal Processing (DSP), machine learning, and so on. The overall performance of such systems are dependent on the efficiency of multipliers. However, multipliers are slow and power inefficient components due to their complex circuits, so we aim to reduce their power consumption by relaxing their accuracy requirements and at the same time enhancing their speed. In this paper, we present a fast and a power‐aware multiplier that targets error‐resilient systems. This is achieved by using our proposed approximation algorithm, a hybrid Wallace tree technique for reducing power consumption, and a hybrid ripple‐carry adder for reducing latency. The proposed approximation algorithm is implemented using both a modified bit‐width aware and carry‐in prediction technique, while the proposed hybrid Wallace tree is implemented using high order counters. These proposed algorithms are implemented using HDL language, synthesized, and simulated using Quartus and Modelsim tools. For a 16‐bit multiplier, a mean accuracy of 98.35% to 99.95% was achieved with a 45.77% reduction in power, a 21.48% drop in latency, and a 34.95% reduction in area. In addition, our design performs even better for larger size multipliers (32‐bit multiplier) where a 61.24% reduction in power was achieved, with an 8.74% drop in latency and a 35.24% reduction in area with almost no loss in accuracy.
On optimizing firewall performance in dynamic networks by invoking a novel swapping window–based paradigm
Authors: Mohan Ratish , Yazidi Anis , Feng Boning , Oommen John
Published: July 2018

Designing and implementing efficient firewall strategies in the age of the internet of things is far from trivial. This is because, as time proceeds, an increasing number of devices will be connected, accessed, and controlled on the internet. Additionally, an ever‐increasingly amount of sensitive information will be stored on various networks. A good and efficient firewall strategy will attempt to secure this information and to also manage the large amount of inevitable network traffic that these devices create. The goal of this paper is to propose a framework for designing optimized firewalls for the internet of things. This paper deals with 2 fundamental challenges/problems encountered in such firewalls. The first problem is associated with the so‐called rule matching time problem. Here, we propose a simple condition for performing the swapping of the firewall's rules; using which, we can guarantee the firewall's consistency and integrity and also ensure a greedy reduction in the matching time. Unlike the state of the art, our swapping condition considers rules that are not necessarily consecutive, using a novel concept referred to as a “swapping window.” The second contribution of our paper is a novel “batch”‐based traffic estimator that provides network statistics to the firewall placement optimizer. The traffic estimator is a subtle but modified batch‐based embodiment of the Stochastic Learning Weak Estimator. Further, by performing a rigorous suite of experiments, we demonstrate that both algorithms are capable of optimizing the constraints imposed for obtaining an efficient firewall.
Comparative Evaluation of the Fatty Acids and Aroma Compounds in Selected Iranian Nut Oils
Authors: Kesen Songul , Amanpour Armin , Selli Serkan
Published: July 2018

The aroma and fatty acid compositions of selected Iranian nut oils including bitter almond, sweet almond, walnut, and hazelnut oils are analyzed. The volatile compounds are extracted using purge and trap extraction and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In total, 21, 24, 25, and 37 aroma compounds are detected in extracts of bitter almond, sweet almond, walnut, and hazelnut oils, respectively. A total of 54 different volatile compounds composed of aldehydes, alcohols, terpenes, carboxylic acids, pyrazines, ketones, furans, and lactones are identified and quantified. Among them, aldehydes present the highest quantity of the overall volatiles in all samples, followed by terpenes in bitter and sweet almond oils, alcohols in walnut oil, and carboxylic acids in hazelnut oil. In addition to aroma compounds, a total of 15 fatty acids are identified and quantified in all oils. Among them, oleic acid in bitter almond, sweet almond, and hazelnut oils, while linoleic acid in walnut oils show the highest concentration. In addition, oleic acid is more dominant in hazelnut oil (80.48%) than the others. The findings of principal component analysis (PCA) exhibits that oils are discriminately different from each other according to fatty acids and aroma profiles.

Practical Applications: Nut oil is one of the most widely consumed oils in Iran. The outcomes of this first investigation provide valuable information for understanding the aroma differences between oils of four well‐known Iranian nuts. The purge and trap extraction set for separation followed by analysis and identification of those compounds by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is an effective practical application tool for volatile description in valuable and expensive oil samples. It is observed that the aroma profiles of four samples are quite different than each other.

This research provides valuable information to understand the fatty acids and aroma profile of the four well‐known Iranian nut oils (walnut, hazelnut, bitter and sweet almond oils). Based on the results, sweet and bitter almond oils can be described with relatively similar flavor characteristics due to terpene and aldehyde groups, but hazelnut and walnut oils have different aroma profiles depending on other chemical groups. It can be said that walnut oil is associated with alcohols and furans, while hazelnut nuts oil with acids, lactones, pyrazines, and ketones.
Pore system characterization of Cambrian‐Ordovician carbonates using a new mercury porosimetry‐based petrofacies classification system: application to carbon sequestration reservoirs
Authors: Medina Cristian R. , Mastalerz Maria , Rupp John A.
Published: July 2018

To better understand injection and post‐injection flow processes and the entrapment of supercritical CO2 during geological carbon sequestration in a carbonate reservoir, the pore system was analyzed in 66 Cambrian‐Ordovician carbonate samples from several locations in the midwestern USA. This work employed standard microphotography from thin sections, helium porosimetry for porosity and permeability, and mercury injection capillary pressure analysis, aiming to understand which elements of the pore system dominantly control the overall flow and CO2 storage potential in the subsurface. In particular, mercury injection capillary pressure analysis has been fundamental in understanding several petrophysical properties of rocks, including porosity, permeability, and the pore‐size distribution of the samples under study. This work analyzes mercury injection capillary pressure data and proposes a petrophysical subdivision of the samples into four petrofacies, based on values of porosity, permeability, and capillary entry pressure. This system aims to predict the portions of the studied carbonate sequence that are more likely to have a higher potential for injectivity and storage, and to better understand how porosity, permeability, capillary entry pressure, and pore size all play a role in ensuring both buoyant and capillary trapping mechanisms to secure the injected supercritical CO2.

Results from this investigation suggest that in these Cambrian‐Ordovician carbonate reservoirs, pore size inversely correlates with capillary entry pressure, and that permeability does not always have a direct relationship with pore size but rather relates to the overall interconnectivity of the complex pore system. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling individual health care expenditures in China: Evidence to assist payment reform in public insurance
Authors: Shi Julie , Yao Yi , Liu Gordon
Published: July 2018

Reforming the payment system of public health insurance from fee‐for‐service to more efficient alternative schemes has become an urgent policy issue in developing countries. Using a large sample of administrative data drawn from China, we examine a variety of econometric models for predicting the medical expenditures of individuals. We show that the standard ordinary least squares model performs relatively well compared with other models. We then propose two alternative payment schemes on risk‐adjusted capitation. The first is a prospective capitation model and the second incorporates both prospective and retrospective features. We simulate the corresponding payments based on model predictions and evaluate the payment/cost ratios for health care providers. The results show that the prospective capitation method generates smaller financial fluctuation, suggesting that policymakers may prefer this method to achieve a smooth transition.
Prognostic Significance of Controlled Attenuation Parameter in Patients With Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Margini Cristina , Murgia Giuseppe , Stirnimann Guido , De Gottardi Andrea , Semmo Nasser , Casu Stefania , Bosch Jaime , Dufour Jean‐François , Berzigotti Annalisa
Published: July 2018

Obesity and steatosis have been associated with liver disease progression in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] ≥ 10 kPa). The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) estimates steatosis during LSM by transient elastography. We aimed to evaluate whether CAP is associated with the development of clinically relevant events in cACLD. Consecutive patients with cACLD and CAP measurements observed between September 2013 and September 2015 were retrospectively studied. Classical decompensation and severe bacterial infections on follow‐up were recorded. A predefined CAP cut‐off for steatosis was used (220 dB/m; 90% sensitivity). The association among LSM, CAP, and events was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Among the 193 patients (viral etiology = 58%; median Child score = 5; LSM = 15.1 kPa; CAP = 255 ± 62 dB/m) who were followed up in median for 18 months, 18 developed clinically relevant events (11 liver decompensation, 7 severe bacterial infections). Patients developing events had higher LSM (median: 30.8 versus 14.3 kPa, P < 0.001) and showed trends for higher CAP (275 ± 46 versus 252 ± 63 dB/m, P = 0.07), lower platelet count (134 ± 74 versus 167 ± 74 G/L, P = 0.07), and worse liver function versus patients remaining compensated. Body mass index was similar in the two groups. All events were more frequent in patients with CAP being greater than or equal to 220 dB/m (12.9% versus 1.6% in CAP < 220; P = 0.013), and 10 of 11 episodes of liver decompensation occurred in patients with CAP being greater than or equal to 220 dB/m. Following multivariate analysis, LSM and CAP greater than or equal to 220 dB/m remained independently associated with clinical events in the whole population and in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension. Conclusion: The CAP being greater than or equal to 220 dB/m is associated with increased risk of clinical decompensation and bacterial infections independent of LSM in patients with cACLD and allows refining the noninvasive risk stratification in this population. (Hepatology Communications 2018; 00:000‐000)
Global factors and equity market valuations: Do country characteristics matter?
Authors: Ma Jun , Vivian Andrew , Wohar Mark E.
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the relationship between equity market valuations (dividend‐price ratio) using a dynamic factor model. The factor model decomposes each country's market valuation into a global, region‐specific, and country‐specific component. We find that the amount of variation explained by the factors is related to economic development indicators. Specifically, the valuations in the most developed (emerging) countries are primarily driven by the global (local) component of valuation ratios.
European trading volumes on cross‐market holidays
Authors: Batrinca Bogdan , Hesse Christian W. , Treleaven Philip C.
Published: July 2018

There is anecdotal evidence of reduced trading volume in equity markets when other external markets are not trading. This phenomenon can be called the “cross‐market holiday effect,” and this study investigates it in detail, providing evidence for the existence of a strong cross‐market holiday effect in the pan‐European equity markets. The analysis provides an in‐depth examination of other aspects like lagged volumes, market capitalization, or multistep ahead modelling. The trading volumes on dates when there is at least one cross‐market holiday are on average 8.5% lower than the volumes of the previous period. There are salient effects when the holiday takes place in a dominant market or when most of the European markets are shut. We test whether the lower trading activity on Monday cross‐market holidays is a consequence of the weekend effect or whether the Monday bank holidays push down the Monday trading volume. We report a significantly lower volume associated with the Monday bank holidays, and we argue that the weekend effect has an insignificant impact on the Monday volumes where there is at least one regional cross‐market holiday.
Synthesis, crystal structure and biological evaluation of spectroscopic characterization of Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes with N‐salicyloil‐N′‐maleoil‐hydrazine as anticholinergic and antidiabetic agents
Authors: Gondolova Gulnar , Taslimi Parham , Medjidov Ajdar , Farzaliyev Vagif , Sujayev Afsun , Huseynova Mansura , Şahin Onur , Yalçın Bahattin , Turkan Fikret , Gulçin İlhami
Published: July 2018

[Ni(C11H9N2O5)2(H2O)2]•3(C3H7NO) (1) and [Co(C11H9N2O5)2(H2O)2]•3(C3H7NO) (2) are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal analysis. In addition, the crystal structure of Ni(II) complex is presented. Both complexes show distorted octahedral geometry. In 1 and 2, metal ions are coordinated by two oxygen atoms of salicylic residue and two nitrogen atoms of maleic amide residue from two ligands, and two oxygen atoms from two water molecules. In this paper, both compounds showed excellent inhibitory effects against human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms I, and II, α‐glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Compounds 1 and 2 had Ki values of 18.36 ± 4.38 and 26.61 ± 7.54 nM against hCA I and 13.81 ± 3.02 and 29.56 ± 6.52 nM against hCA II, respectively. On the other hand, their Ki values were found to be 487.45 ± 54.18 and 453.81 ± 118.61 nM against AChE and 199.21 ± 50.35 and 409.41 ± 6.86 nM against BChE, respectively.
Impact of the air temperature and atmospheric circulation on extreme precipitation in Poland
Authors: Wibig Joanna , Piotrowski Piotr
Published: July 2018

There are two aims of this paper: First, the relationship between daily and hourly precipitation extremes and air temperature is investigated for the validity of Clausius–Clapeyron (C–C) scaling; second, the impact of the atmospheric circulation and transport of humidity on the extreme precipitation events occurrence in Poland is analysed based on data obtained from 26 stations across Poland in the period 1951–2015. It was shown that daily‐scale extreme rainfall is less sensitive to changes in local atmospheric temperature but the hourly intensities reveal a similar behaviour at all stations showing a robust signal over the entire country. Regarding the impact of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation, three types were distinguished in cool part of the year: one connected with the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), second with a low‐pressure zone in the north and high‐pressure in the south of Europe and the northern Atlantic and third with a low over central Europe. Each time high precipitation in Poland was connected with the advection of humid air from the western sectors (SW, W or NW). In the warm part of the year three types were distinguished too, Poland was always in the scope of low‐pressure systems with the advection of warm air from the southern sectors or when the warm air from the south meets the colder air from the north. Similar localizations of low centres have been found in the case of local‐scale atmospheric circulation types during events with extreme precipitation. Both in cool and warm part of the year such events are connected with the increase of water vapour in the air. In cool season the wet and warm air masses inflow to Poland the most often from Atlantic, in the warm season—from Mediterranean and/or Black Seas.
Gingival thickness assessment at the mandibular incisors with four methods: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kloukos D. , Koukos G. , Doulis I. , Sculean A. , Stavropoulos A. , Katsaros C.
Published: July 2018

Background

This study was conducted to determine accuracy, precision and repeatability of four different methods for assessing gingival thickness

Methods

This cross‐sectional study evaluated gingival thickness on 200 consecutively included orthodontic patients. Gingival thickness was assessed at both central mandibular incisors with: 1) transgingival probing with a standard periodontal probe, 2) transgingival probing with a stainless‐steel acupuncture needle, 3) ultrasound, and 4) a color‐coded periodontal probe. Intra‐examiner reproducibility and method error were also evaluated.

Results

Transgingival measurements with the standard periodontal probe were found to be more accurate than those with the acupuncture needle, after method error assessment. Acupuncture needle and ultrasound device yielded higher values than the probe. Expected differences between the two methods were 22% more for the mandibular left central incisor (95% confidence interval (CI) = 11% to 32%) and 26% more (95% CI = 13% to 39%) for the mandibular right central incisor when measured with the needle. Ultrasound measurements exceeded probe measurements on average by 0.16 mm at mandibular left central incisor (95% CI = 0.14 to 0.18) and by 0.11 mm for mandibular right central incisor (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.13). Intraclass correlation coefficient concluded good agreement for the color‐coded periodontal probe (0.624).

Conclusions

Within the inherent limit of the uncertainty about the true value of gingival thickness, the present results demonstrate the differences between the tested methods, as far as accuracy and reproducibility are concerned. Based on the reproducibility, the transgingival probing with the periodontal probe as well as the ultrasound determination, seem to present an adequate choice for every day practice.
A new multi‐proxy investigation of Late Quaternary palaeoenvironments along the north‐western Barents Sea (Storfjorden Trough Mouth Fan)
Authors: Melis Romana , Carbonara Katia , Villa Giuliana , Morigi Caterina , Bárcena María A. , Giorgetti Giovanna , Caburlotto Andrea , Rebesco Michele , Lucchi Renata G.
Published: July 2018

A new integrated micropalaeontological study on planktonic and benthic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils and diatoms was performed on three sediment cores from the Storfjorden Trough Mouth Fan to reconstruct the Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental and climatic history. Two main intervals were discussed: the last deglaciation (16.2–11.7 ka BP) and the Holocene. The age model relies on palaeomagnetic parameters together with 10 radiocarbon dates. Deglacial sediments had largely diluted the biogenic content which was scarce and poorly preserved. The first occurrence of Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi (benthic foraminifer), together with Turborotalita quinqueloba (planktonic foraminifer) and Coscinodiscus spp. (diatoms) at 11.3 ka BP followed the end of the Younger Dryas cold event and marked the beginning of the early Holocene warm period. Diatoms and planktonic foraminifers indicated a warming of the surface water from 10.5 to 9.2 ka BP, identifying the Holocene Thermal Maximum event. Bottom water fauna registered these warming conditions less clearly. Cooling events were identified during the Holocene, in particular the 8.2 ka BP event and the Neoglacial between 3.2 and 2 ka BP, as shown by the presence of cold‐water taxa such as Gephyrocapsa muellerae (nannoplankton) and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (planktonic foraminifer). These events were influenced by sea ice extent, cold or relatively warm current influxes.
Evaluation of Noncommercial Ultrasound Gels for Use in Resource‐Limited Settings
Authors: Vinograd Alexandra M. , Fasina Abiola , Dean Anthony J. , Shofer Frances , Panebianco Nova L. , Lewiss Resa E. , Gupta Saurabh , Rao A. K. Raja , Henwood Patricia C.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) is increasingly used in settings where commercial US gel is unavailable. This study evaluated noncommercial gel recipes compared to commercial gel.

Methods

A search for US gel formulations revealed 6 recipes. Half‐strength commercial gel and a modified glucomannan recipe were also tested. Nine gels, including commercial gel, were tested in Liberia and the United States. In each session, 2 physician sonologists evaluated 9 gels on 2 models, obtaining videos from the hepatorenal space with a curvilinear transducer, the cardiac parasternal long view with a phased array transducer, and the left basilic vein with a linear transducer. The sonologists and models, who were blinded to gel identity, made independent quantitative and qualitative gel evaluations comparing the test gel to commercial gel. Two physician sonologists who were blinded to the gel identities and a US operator reviewed the images and rated their quality. An analysis of variance in repeated measures was performed to test for differences in the overall score, real‐time quality, and other characteristics. Post hoc pairwise comparisons to commercial gel were performed with a Tukey‐Kramer adjustment. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability was calculated for the image review.

Results

Commercial gel earned a perfect score. Compared to commercial gel, xanthine gum gel scored highest, followed by half‐strength commercial gel. Hot concentrated glucomannan and cold glucomannan gel were found to be significantly worse than commercial gel. No significant difference was found between images based on the gel used on the image review.

Conclusions

No significant difference in image quality was found between commercial and noncommercial gels on US image review.
Maximality of linear continuous logic
Authors: Malekghasemi Mahya , Bagheri Seyed‐Mohammad
Published: July 2018

The linear compactness theorem is a variant of the compactness theorem holding for linear formulas. We show that the linear fragment of continuous logic is maximal with respect to the linear compactness theorem and the linear elementary chain property. We also characterize linear formulas as those preserved by the ultramean construction.
Viral video ads: Emotional triggers and social media virality
Authors: Nikolinakou Angeliki , King Karen Whitehill
Published: July 2018

Previous studies have found that emotional arousal and emotional valence are important for video ads to be shared. As marketers are exploring new strategies to increase their viral effectiveness in social media, there is a need to provide guidelines on how to elicit emotional engagement that can trigger advertising virality. Drawing on recent findings on the effects of discrete positive emotions, this research examines how specific positive emotions may influence viral sharing. An online experiment was conducted with millennial participants, employing real viral video ads, in order to observe the viral effects of two positive emotions, awe and affection. Awe and affection emotions experienced in relation to online ads may prompt viral sharing by activating specific types of sharing expressions that relate to expressing emotional connection and emotional generosity in social media. Managerial implications for applying positive emotions as triggers to the content of video ads in order to elicit virality in social media are included.
Secondary Structure‐Driven Hydrogelation Using Foldable Telechelic Polymer–Peptide Conjugates
Authors: Otter Ronja , Henke Nina Alexandra , Berac Christian , Bauer Tobias , Barz Matthias , Seiffert Sebastian , Besenius Pol
Published: July 2018

The synthesis of ABA and ABA′ triblock polyethylene glycol‐and polysarcosine‐peptide conjugates is reported. The A/A′ peptides are based on phenylalanine(F)‐histidine(H) pentapeptide sequences FHFHF, which promote pH‐switchable β‐sheet self‐assembly into nanorods in water. Only parallel β‐sheet‐driven folding and intermolecular assembly using ABA triblock polymer–peptide conjugates leads to interstrand cross‐linking and hydrogelation, highlighting the impact of supramolecular interactions‐directed structure formation at the nano‐ and mesoscopic level.