bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yellow Dioxobilin‐Type Tetrapyrroles from Chlorophyll Breakdown in Higher Plants—A New Class of Colored Phyllobilins
Authors: Li Chengjie , Erhart Theresia , Liu Xiujun , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: January 2019

In senescent leaves chlorophyll (Chl) catabolites typically accumulate as colorless tetrapyrroles, classified as formyloxobilin‐type (or type‐I) or dioxobilin‐type (type‐II) phyllobilins (PBs). Yellow type‐I Chl catabolites (YCCs) also occur in some senescent leaves, in which they are generated by oxidation of colorless type‐I PBs. A yellow type‐II PB was recently proposed to occur in extracts of fall leaves of grapevine (Vitis vinifera), tentatively identified by its mass and UV/Vis absorption characteristics. Here, the first synthesis of a yellow type‐II Chl catabolite (DYCC) from its presumed natural colorless type‐II precursor is reported. A homogenate of a Spatiphyllum wallisii leaf was used as “green” means of effective and selective oxidation. The synthetic DYCC was fully characterized and identified with the yellow grapevine leaf pigment. As related yellow type‐I PBs do, the DYCC functions as a reversible photoswitch by undergoing selective photo‐induced Z/E isomerization of its C15=C16 bond.
Hypervalent Iodine(III)‐Mediated Counteranion Controlled Intramolecular Annulation of Exocyclic β‐Enaminone to Carbazolone and Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Synthesis
Authors: Bhattacherjee Dhananjay , Ram Shankar , Chauhan Arvind Singh , Yamini  , Sheetal  , Das Pralay
Published: January 2019

A highly efficient and flexible protocol for intramolecular annulation of exocyclic β‐enaminones has been disclosed for the synthesis of carbazolones and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines through a counter‐anion‐controlled free‐radical mechanism promoted by hypervalent iodine(III). The cooperative behavior of HTIB and AgSbF6 plays a crucial role in the intramolecular annulation process through C−C and C−N bond formation to give the desired products. The mechanistic insights suggest that the two competitive reactions involved in the system are guided by the nature of the counteranion, which determines the formation of the final products. A wide variety of carbazolones and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine molecules have been prepared and isolated in good to excellent yields.
Simple Endotoxin Detection Using Polymyxin‐B‐Gated Nanoparticles
Authors: Otri Ismael , El Sayed Sameh , Medaglia Serena , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Aznar Elena , Sancenón Félix
Published: January 2019

A nanodevice based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles with rhodamine B in the pore framework, functionalized with carboxylates on the outer surface and capped with the cationic polymyxin B peptide, was used to selectively detect endotoxin in aqueous solutions with a limit of detection in the picomolar range.
Chasing BODIPY: Enhancement of Luminescence in Homoleptic Bis(dipyrrinato) ZnII Complexes Utilizing Symmetric and Unsymmetrical Dipyrrins
Authors: Tungulin Dmitry , Leier Julia , Carter Anthony B. , Powell Annie K. , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Unterreiner Andreas N. , Bizzarri Claudia
Published: January 2019

Dipyrromethene metal complexes are fascinating molecules that have applications as light‐harvesting systems, luminophores, and laser dyes. Recently, it has been shown that structurally rigid bis(dipyrrinato) zinc(II) complexes exhibit high fluorescence with comparable quantum yields to those of boron dipyrromethenes or BODIPYs. Herein, eight new bis(dipyrrinato) ZnII complexes, obtained from symmetric and unsymmetrical functionalization of the dipyrromethene structure through a Knoevenagel reaction, are reported. It was possible not only to vary the maximum visible absorption from 490 to 630 nm, but also to enhance the emission quantum yield up to 66 %, which is extraordinarily high for homoleptic bis(dipyrrinato) zinc complexes. These results pave the way for designing highly luminescent bis(dipyrrinato) zinc complexes.
Highly Transparent, Flexible, and Mechanically Strong Nanopapers of Cellulose Nanofibers @Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhou Shengyang , Strømme Maria , Xu Chao
Published: January 2019

Freestanding nanopapers were fabricated by the assembly of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The CNFs are wrapped by continuously nucleated MOF layers (CNF@MOF) by interfacial synthesis, with the charge density on the surface of the CNFs and the dosage of the surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) being carefully adjusted. The obtained CNF@MOF nanofibers with long‐range, continuous, hybrid nanostructures were very different to the composites formed by aggregation of MOF nanoparticles on the substrates. Four typical MOFs (HKUST‐1, Al‐MIL‐53, Zn‐MOF‐74, ZIF‐CO3‐1) were successfully grown onto CNFs in aqueous solutions and further fabricated into freestanding nanopapers. Because of their unique nanostructures and morphologies, the corresponding flexible nanopapers exhibit hierarchical meso‐micropores, high optical transparency, high thermal stability, and high mechanical strength. A proof‐of‐concept study shows that the CNF@MOF nanopapers can be used as efficient filters to separate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. This work provides a new path for structuring MOF materials that may boost their practical application.
Exploration of Nano‐Saturns: A Spectacular Sphere–Ring Supramolecular System
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Tsurumaki Eiji
Published: January 2019

Saturn‐like systems consisting of nanoscale rings and spheres are fascinating motifs in supramolecular chemistry. Several ring molecules are known to include spherical molecules at the center of the cavity via noncovalent attractive interactions. In this Minireview, we generalize the molecular design, the structural features, and the supramolecular chemistry of such “nano‐Saturns”, which consist of monocyclic rings and fullerene spheres (mainly C60), on the basis of previous experimental and theoretical studies. Ring molecules are classified into three types (loop, belt, and disk) according to their shapes and possible interactions. Whereas typical belt‐shaped rings tend to form tight complexes due to the wide contact area via π–π interactions, flat disk‐shaped rings generally form weak complexes due to the narrow contact area mainly via CH–π interactions. In spite of the small association energies, disk‐shaped rings are attractive because such rings can mimic the planet Saturn precisely as exemplified by an anthracene cyclic hexamer–C60 complex.
1,2‐Dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,3,1‐benzodiazaborine Bearing an Acridine Moiety as a Circular Dichroism Probe for Determination of Absolute Configuration of Mono‐Alcohols
Authors: Shimo Shunsuke , Takahashi Kohei , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: January 2019

A new chiral probe molecule for mono‐alcohols is developed by using 1,2‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,3,1‐benzodiazaborine (DAB) bearing an acridine moiety 1. In the presence of mono‐alcohols, DAB 1 forms borate 2 by boronic ester formation, followed by coordination of the acridine moiety to the boron atom. Borate 2 has a chiral center on the boron atom and works as a stereodynamic circular dichroism (CD) probe molecule for chiral mono‐alcohols based on the π–π interaction between the acridine moiety and the carbon–carbon unsaturated moiety on mono‐alcohols.
Solution Structure of Mannobioses Unravelled by Means of Raman Optical Activity
Authors: Pendrill Robert , Mutter Shaun T. , Mensch Carl , Barron Laurence D. , Blanch Ewan W. , Popelier Paul L. A. , Widmalm Göran , Johannessen Christian
Published: January 2019

Structural analysis of carbohydrates is a complicated endeavour, due to the complexity and diversity of the samples at hand. Herein, we apply a combined computational and experimental approach, employing molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations together with NMR and Raman optical activity (ROA) measurements, in the structural study of three mannobiose disaccharides, consisting of two mannoses with varying glycosidic linkages. The disaccharide structures make up the scaffold of high mannose glycans and are therefore important targets for structural analysis. Based on the MD population analysis and NMR, the major conformers of each mannobiose were identified and used as input for DFT analysis. By systematically varying the solvent models used to describe water interacting with the molecules and applying overlap integral analysis to the resulting calculational ROA spectra, we found that a full quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical approach is required for an optimal calculation of the ROA parameters. Subsequent normal mode analysis of the predicted vibrational modes was attempted in order to identify possible marker bands for glycosidic linkages. However, the normal mode vibrations of the mannobioses are completely delocalised, presumably due to conformational flexibility in these compounds, rendering the identification of isolated marker bands unfeasible.
Systemic treatment with the enteric bacterial metabolic product propionic acid results in reduction of social behavior in juvenile rats: Contribution to a rodent model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Shams Soaleha , Foley Kelly A. , Kavaliers Martin , MacFabe Derrick F. , Ossenkopp Klaus‐Peter
Published: January 2019

The role of the gut microbiome and its enteric metabolites, such as short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has recently received increased attention. Of particular interest has been the SCFA, propionic acid (PPA). Several different rodent models have been developed using PPA treatment to examine behaviors of relevance to ASD. The effects of systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.) administration of PPA on social behavior, anxiety‐related behavior, and locomotor activity in juvenile male rats (age 35 days) were examined in this study. Rats received seven i.p. injections of buffered PPA (500 mg/kg) or phosphate‐buffered saline. Behavior was video‐recorded during social interaction in a large open field (first four injections) or assessed in an automated activity system (individual animals, last three injections). PPA treatment significantly reduced social interaction, increased anxiety‐related behavior, and produced hypoactivity and increased abnormal motor movements. These findings suggest that PPA alters behaviors of relevance to ASD in juvenile rats. These results contribute to the behavioral validity of the rodent model of ASD with systemic PPA treatment.
Iron‐Catalyzed Minisci Type Acetylation of N‐Heteroarenes Mediated by CH(OEt)3/TBHP
Authors: Srinivasulu A. , Shantharjun B. , Vani D. , Ashalu K. Chinna , Mohd A. , Wencel‐Delord J. , Colobert F. , Reddy K. Rajender
Published: January 2019

Iron‐catalyzed acetylation of electron deficient N‐heteroarenes has been reported using triethylorthoformate as robust and inexpensive acetyl source. This new method is successfully applied for the acetylation of quinolines, isoquinoline, quinoxalines, arylpyridines, bipyridines, and benzothiazole.
Provenance of the Middle Siwalik sandstones of the Himalayan foreland basin (south central Kumaun, India): Implications for tectonics and paleoclimate of the source area
Authors: Goswami Pradeep K.
Published: January 2019

Thirty medium‐ to fine‐grained sandstone samples of the Middle Siwalik Subgroup of the south central Kumaun Himalaya have been subjected to detailed petrographic and petrofacies analyses. The sandstones are moderately to well‐sorted, lithic and sublithic arenites. They are quartzolithic, having abundance of metasedimentary and sedimentary lithic fragments, which characteristically derive from a recycled, collision orogen provenance of quartzose and mixed quartzose‐lithic terrains. The primary and accessory framework grains of the sandstones are of mixed igneous, sedimentary, and low‐ to high‐grade metamorphic affinity. The petrographic and petrofacies characters suggest derivation of the sandstones from a vast area extending across the nearby located Lesser and Great Himalayan terrains. A comparison of these sandstones' QtFL petrofacies and petrographic characters with the similar data from Middle Siwalik sandstones of other studied sections reveals that their compositions are comparable all across the entire expanse from Potwar Plateau in Pakistan to eastern Himalaya in India; the Middle Siwalik sandstones everywhere have been sourced from the Lesser and Great Himalayan terrains, albeit with varying proportions through space and time.
Entry regulation and the effect of public reporting: Evidence from Home Health Compare
Authors: Wu Bingxiao , Jung Jeah , Kim Hyunjee , Polsky Daniel
Published: January 2019

Economic theory suggests that competition and information are complementary tools for promoting health care quality. The existing empirical literature has documented this effect only in the context of competition among existing firms. Extending this literature, we examine competition driven by the entry of new firms into the home health care industry. In particular, we use the certificate of need (CON) law as a proxy for the entry of firms to avoid potential endogeneity of entry. We find that home health agencies in non‐CON states improved quality under public reporting significantly more than agencies in CON states. Because home health care is a labor‐intensive and capital‐light industry, the state CON law is a major barrier for new firms to enter. Our findings suggest that policymakers may jointly consider information disclosure and entry regulation to achieve better quality in home health care.
The prognostic value of tumor depth for cervical lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal and supraglottic carcinomas
Authors: Ye Lu‐Lu , Rao Jia , Fan Xing‐Wen , Kong Fang‐Fang , Hu Chao‐Su , Ying Hong‐Mei
Published: January 2019

Background

To analyze the prognostic value of the clinicopathological parameters of primary lesions for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal and/or supraglottic carcinoma.

Methods

We enrolled 127 patients with squamous cell carcinomas originating in the hypopharyngeal and/or supraglottic regions.

Results

Multivariate analysis identified the tumor depth as an independent predictive factor for lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 4.959; 95% confidence interval, 2.290‐10.739; P < 0.0001) with a predictive value of 0.966. A cutoff value of 4.5 mm was determined.

Conclusion

The tumor depth of the primary lesion is a potent predictor of cervical lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal and supraglottic carcinomas. In cases with clinically negative nodal status, elective neck dissection should be adopted for patients with a tumor depth reaching 4.5 mm. Regular outpatient follow‐up is recommended for patients with a tumor depth less than 1.0 mm. Close follow‐up or preventative therapy should be considered between 1.0 and 4.5 mm.
Increasing Utilization and Excellent Initial Outcomes Following Liver Transplant of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)‐Viremic Donors Into HCV‐Negative Recipients: Outcomes Following Liver Transplant of HCV‐Viremic Donors
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Paul Sonali , Sandıkçı Burhaneddin , Couri Thomas , Bodzin Adam S. , Little Ester C. , Sundaram Vinay , Charlton Michael
Published: February 2019

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has altered the frequency and outcome of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The high efficacy and tolerability of DAA therapy has also created a rationale for utilizing HCV‐viremic (HCV‐RNA–positive) donors, including into HCV‐negative recipients. We examined trends in frequency of organ utilization and graft survival in recipients of HCV‐viremic donors (HCV‐RNA positive as measured by nucleic acid testing [NAT]). Data were collected from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) on adult patients who underwent a primary, single‐organ, deceased donor LT from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2018. Outcomes of HCV‐negative transplant recipients (R–) who received an allograft from donors who were HCV‐RNA positive (DNAT+) were compared to outcomes for R– patients who received organs from donors who were HCV‐RNA negative (DNAT–). There were 11,270 DNAT–/R–; 4,748 DNAT–/R+; 87 DNAT+/R–; and 753 DNAT+/R+ patients, with 2‐year graft survival similar across all groups: DNAT–/R– 88%; DNAT–/R+ 88%; DNAT+/R– 86%; and DNAT+/R+ 90%. Additionally, there were 2,635 LTs using HCV antibody‐positive donors (DAb+): 2,378 DAb+/R+ and 257 DAb+/R–. The annual number of DAb+/R– transplants increased from seven in 2008 to 107 in 2017. In the post‐DAA era, graft survival improved for all recipients, with 3‐year survival of DAb+/R– patients and DAb+/R+ patients increasing to 88% from 79% and to 85% from 78%, respectively. Conclusion: The post‐DAA era has seen increased utilization of HCV‐viremic donor livers, including HCV‐viremic livers into HCV‐negative recipients. Early graft outcomes are similar to those of HCV‐negative recipients. These results support utilization of HCV‐viremic organs in selected recipients both with and without HCV infection.
Hydroxycamptothecin Prevents Fibrotic Pathways in Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Yao Zhixiao , Zheng Wei , Zhang Xiangqi , Xiong Hao , Qian Yun , Fan Cunyi
Published: January 2019

Peritendinous fibrosis, which leads to impaired tendon function, is a clinical problem worldwide, and it is urgent to explore potential ways to reduce the formation of peritendinous adhesion. Several studies have demonstrated the biological roles of hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) in inhibiting fibrosis in different tissues. In this study, we investigated whether HCPT could inhibit tendon fibrosis in vitro. Our results revealed that HCPT inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced cell viability of human fibroblasts, decreased excessive cell hyperproliferation and promoted fibroblasts apoptosis. In addition, HCPT treatment also inhibited expression of fibrosis genes COL3A1 and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). In terms of mechanism, we pretreated fibroblasts with the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) inhibitor salubrinal and RNA‐dependent protein kinase‐like ER kinase (PERK) short hairpin RNA, these treatments abolished the inhibitory effects of HCPT on fibrosis, thereby suggesting that HCPT's inhibition of TGF‐β1‐induced tendon fibrosis might be mediated by the PERK signaling pathway in vitro. In conclusion, our results suggested that HCPT had protective effects on peritendinous tissue fibrosis and might be promising in future clinical applications. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(5):653–662, 2019
Osteogenesis Imperfecta: New Perspectives From Clinical and Translational Research
Authors: Tauer Josephine T , Robinson Marie‐Eve , Rauch Frank
Published: January 2019

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a monogenic bone fragility disorder that usually is caused by mutations in one of the two genes coding for collagen type I alpha chains, COL1A1 or COL1A2. Mutations in at least 18 other genes can also lead to an OI phenotype. As genetic testing is more widely used, mutations in these genes are also more frequently discovered in individuals who have a propensity for fractures, but who do not have other typical clinical characteristics of OI. Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is still the most widely used drug treatment approach. Preclinical studies in OI mouse models have shown encouraging effects when the antiresorptive effect of a bisphosphonate was combined with bone anabolic therapy using a sclerostin antibody. Other novel experimental treatment approaches include inhibition of transforming growth factor beta signaling with a neutralizing antibody and the inhibition of myostatin and activin A by a soluble activin receptor 2B. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Successful Management Of Tumor‐Induced Osteomalacia with Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Series
Authors: Mishra Sunil Kumar , Kuchay Mohammad Shafi , Sen Ishita Barat , Garg Arpit , Baijal Sanjay Saran , Mithal Ambrish
Published: January 2019

Tumor‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a curable condition when the tumor is correctly located and completely removed. These tumors are, however, small and located in regions that make surgical removal difficult and sometimes risky in some patients. Experience of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of TIO is limited. We describe 3 patients with TIO who were treated in our hospital with RFA. They had suspected lesions in surgically difficult locations and were subjected to single sessions of RFA. The response was documented in terms of improvement in symptoms, normalization of hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia, and disappearance of uptake on follow‐up Ga68 DOTANOC PET/CT imaging. All 3 patients had a clinical and biochemical profile consistent with TIO. The first patient (patient 1) had an intensely Ga68 DOTANOC avid lesion involving the roof of right acetabulum. The second patient (patient 2) had a Ga68 DOTANOC avid intramuscular lesion in left pectineus muscle and the third patient (patient 3) had a Ga68 DOTANOC avid expansile osteolytic lesion involving the angle and ramus of right mandible. All 3 patients achieved complete biochemical as well as clinical remission with single sessions of RFA. Six months after the procedure, Ga68 DOTANOC imaging revealed the absence of uptake at the previous sites, corroborating with the clinical improvement and normalization of hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia. In conclusion, although surgical resection is the standard of care, RFA can be used successfully for treating patients with TIO. It can be an effective, less invasive, and safe modality of treatment in those patients where resection of the lesion is not possible because of inaccessible anatomical location or comorbidity that prohibits surgery. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Characterization and catalytic performance of basaltic dust as an efficient catalyst in the liquid‐phase esterification of acetic acid with n‐butanol
Authors: Said Abd El‐Aziz A. , Heikal Mohamed Th. S. , Goda Mohamed N.
Published: January 2019

Three natural basaltic samples were collected and used as efficient catalysts for the liquid‐phase synthesis of n‐butyl acetate. The samples were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 sorption. The acidity of the samples was determined using isopropanol dehydration, and the strength of the acid sites was measured using chemisorption of basic probes. The catalytic activity of the samples towards the esterification of acetic acid with n‐butanol was extensively examined. The influence of different parameters, such as the reaction refluxing time, molar ratio, catalyst loading, reusability, and calcination temperature, on the esterification reaction was studied in detail. The results revealed that all samples had high catalytic activity with a selectivity of 100% to n‐butyl acetate formation. In addition, the sample obtained from the top hill of Volcano had the highest activity with a 80% yield of n‐butyl acetate. Moreover, the significant catalytic performances were well correlated with the acidity of the samples and to the reaction rate constants.
On Turán problems for Cartesian products of graphs
Authors: Sidorenko Alexander
Published: January 2019

Let be disjoint sets of sizes and . Let be a family of quadruples, having elements from and from , such that any subset with and contains one of the quadruples. We prove that the smallest size of is as . We also solve asymptotically a more general two‐partite Turán problem for quadruples.
Evaluation of Breathworks’ Mindfulness for Stress 8‐week course: Effects on depressive symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, affects, self‐compassion, and mindfulness facets in Brazilian health professionals
Authors: Pizutti Leandro Timm , Carissimi Alicia , Valdivia Lucianne Jobim , Ilgenfritz Carlos Augusto Vieira , Freitas Juliana Jury , Sopezki Daniela , Demarzo Marcelo Marcos Piva , Hidalgo Maria Paz
Published: January 2019

Objectives

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the Breathworks’ Mindfulness for Stress 8‐week course on depressive and psychiatric symptoms, and on positive and negative affects, compared with active control and wait list.

Method

A total of 84 primary care health professionals enrolled in the study, in quasi‐experimental research design. The scales Beck Depression Inventory, Self‐Reporting Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Self‐Compassion Scale, and Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire were applied before and after the interventions.

Results

Depressive symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, and negative affects had a statistically significant decrease before postintervention evaluations in Mindfulness for Stress group, and the levels of self‐compassion and observe and non‐reactivity dimensions of mindfulness improved after the intervention.

Conclusions

The Mindfulness for Stress program can be considered a feasible group intervention to improve the mental health of healthcare professionals.
Estimating lake–climate responses from sparse data: An application to high elevation lakes
Authors: Christianson Kyle R. , Johnson Brett M. , Hooten Mevin B. , Roberts James J.
Published: January 2019

Although many studies demonstrate lake warming, few document trends from lakes with sparse data. Diel and seasonal variability of surface temperatures limit conventional trend analyses to datasets with frequent repeated observations. Thus, remote lakes, including many high elevation lakes, are underrepresented in trend analyses. We used a Bayesian technique to analyze sparse data that explicitly incorporated diel and seasonal variability. This approach allowed us to estimate lake warming in a region of limited knowledge: high elevation lakes (> 2100 m ASL) of the Southern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A. The analysis allowed for inclusion of lakes with few repeated measurements, and observations made before 1980 when more intensive lake monitoring began. We accumulated the largest dataset of high elevation lake temperatures analyzed to date. Data from 590 high elevation lakes in the Southern Rocky Mountains showed a 0.13°C decade−1 increase in surface temperatures and a 14% increase in seasonal degree days since 1955. This result is lower than other regional and global estimates of lake warming; however, it is similar to other high elevation lake studies. Our approach can be applied to other understudied regions, increasing our overall understanding of the effects of climate change on lakes and their temporal dynamics.
Study on the effect of atmospheric corrosion on mechanical properties with impact test: Carbon steel and Galvanized steel
Authors: Vera Rosa , Araya Raquel , Garín Carolina , Ossandón Sebastián , Rojas Paula
Published: January 2019

The present work presents the behavior of carbon steel and galvanized steel against atmospheric corrosion after 3 years of exposure at seven locations around the region of Valparaiso, Chile. Results show a relation between corrosion rates and environmental and meteorological conditions, categorized as CX for the Quintero zone, and C3 and C2 in the remaining six zones. Corrosion rate behaviors and material toughness losses were modeled using power functions and neural networks, found to be a function of environmental exposure time. Losses were greater for carbon steel in coastal and industrial environments, reaching 70 to 80%. This effect was reduced in galvanized steel, not exceeding 15% over the same period of exposure. The relationship between corrosion rate and loss of toughness of both materials was modeled using neural networks.
The strategic effect of retailers' in‐store advertising services under product variety competition
Authors: Kobayashi Haruki , Matsubayashi Nobuo
Published: January 2019

We study a retailer service model of in‐store advertising, in which a neutral retailer provides product information to consumers for free but charges manufacturers. Our results show that the retailer's optimal pricing induces the manufacturers to decrease the number of items they offer. Nevertheless, this relaxes the competition between the manufacturers so that they benefit from using the in‐store service, unless the cost of communicating with consumers about the between‐firm products is lower. Furthermore, the service can be made socially beneficial by reducing the inefficiency resulting from an excessive number of items when manufacturers are not well differentiated.
The design of the dual band folded dipole antenna with a parabolic curved reflector
Authors: Park Jae‐Sung , Choi Hak‐Keun
Published: January 2019

This article proposed a dual band dipole antenna with a curved reflector that can be used in the wireless local area network (WLAN). The shape of the proposed antenna is similar to quasi‐yagi antenna as it combines the dipole antenna with folded dipole.When designing the antenna with a reflector using the standard antenna reflector uses a 2.45 GHz band, and the size of the band used here was relatively large at 5.5 GHz. As a result, a null occurred in the main lobe of the radiation pattern at the 5.5 GHz band, which ultimately reduced the gain. To solve this problem, a parabolic curved reflector was applied in this study. The designed antenna satisfied the condition of return loss smaller than −10 dB at the 2.45 GHz and 5.5 GHz WLAN bands. The gain of the antenna was larger than 8 dBi at 2.45 GHz and at 5.5 GHz.
Design and development of ultrawideband‐stacked triangular prism‐shaped dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Trivedi Kedar , Pujara Dhaval
Published: January 2019

In this letter, a stacked triangular prism shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. A combination of three techniques namely, stacking of DRAs, introduction of triangular shaped conformal patch loop excited by coaxial feed, and fractal geometries are utilized on triangular prism shaped DRA to achieve UWB. Improvement in bandwidth (BW) is achieved by introduction of triangular shaped fractal slots and by sandwiching low permittivity DR material is sandwiched between two high permittivity DR materials. Finally, by introduction of triangular loop shaped conformal patch, UWB is achieved. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured impedance BW of about 120.9% covering frequency range from 3.3 to 13.4 GHz (C‐ and X‐band) is achieved. 98.8% radiation efficiency and average gain of 7 dBi has been achieved over the entire frequency band of interest. Discussions on various design parameters and its associated results are included in this letter.
Topology optimization and experimental verification of compact E‐plane waveguide filters
Authors: Nielsen Daniel Gert , Pedersen Søren Damgaard , Zhurbenko Vitaliy , Johansen Villads Egede , Sigmund Ole , Aage Niels
Published: January 2019

This article presents a numerical method to design compact E‐plane waveguide filters. The key feature of the proposed method is that the conducting layout of the filters is automatically determined based on a desired filter characteristic. This extreme level of design freedom is obtained using the numerical optimization technique called topology optimization. The filters are complex in shape but easy to mass‐produce with low‐cost conventional methods. The method is verified experimentally by measurement of responses similar to the numerical predictions.
Influence of chromatin compaction on simulated early radiation‐induced DNA damage using Geant4‐DNA
Authors: Tang N. , Bueno M. , Meylan S. , Incerti S. , Tran H. N. , Vaurijoux A. , Gruel G. , Villagrasa C.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In this work, we present simulated double‐strand breaks (DSBs) obtained for two human cell nucleus geometries. The first cell nucleus represents fibroblasts, filled with DNA molecules in different compaction forms: heterochromatin or euchromatin only. The second one represents an endothelial cell nucleus, either filled with heterochromatin only or with a uniform distribution of 48% of heterochromatin and 52% of euchromatin, obtained from measurements carried out at IRSN. Protons and alpha particles of different energies were used as projectiles. Each cell nucleus model includes a multi‐scale description of the DNA target from the molecular level to the whole human genome representation.

Methods

The cell nucleus models were generated using an extended version of the DnaFabric software in which a new model of euchromatin was implemented in addition to the existing model of heterochromatin. Thus, each nucleus model contains the complete human genome (a total of 6 Gbp) in the G0/G1 phase of the cycle, filled with a continuous chromatin fiber per chromosome that can take into account the heterochromatin and the euchromatin compaction. These geometries were then exported to a simulation chain using the Monte Carlo toolkit Geant4‐DNA to perform computations of the physical, physicochemical, and chemical stages, in order to evaluate the influence of chromatin compaction on DSB induction and the contribution of direct and indirect damage, as well as DSB complexity.

Results

More direct damage and less indirect damage were observed in the heterochromatin than in the euchromatin. Nevertheless, no difference in terms of DSB complexity was observed between those formed in the heterochromatin or the euchromatin models. Yields of DSB/Gy/Gbp show an increase when both heterochromatin and euchromatin models are taken into account, compared to when only heterochromatin is considered.

Conclusions

The results presented indicate that the chromatin compaction decreases DNA damage generated by ionizing radiation and thus, DNA compaction should be considered for the simulation of DNA repair and other cellular outcomes.
Dynamic metabolic imaging of copolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate and [1,4‐13C2]fumarate using 3D‐spiral CSI with alternate spectral band excitation
Authors: Singh Maninder , Josan Sonal , Zhu Minjie , Jhajharia Aditya , Mayer Dirk
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Developing a method for simultaneous metabolic imaging of copolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate and [1,4‐13C2]fumarate without chemical shift displacement artifacts that also permits different excitation flip angles for substrates and their metabolic products.

Methods

The proposed pulse sequence consists of 2 frequency‐selective radiofrequency pulses to alternatingly excite 2 spectral sub‐bands each one followed by a fast 3D spiral CSI (3D‐spCSI) readout. Spectrally selective radiofrequency pulses were designed to excite differential flip angles on substrates and products in each spectral sub‐band. Number of signal averages analysis was used to determine a spectral width suitable to resolve the metabolites of interest in each of the sub‐bands.

Results

Phantom experiments verified the copolarization strategy and radiofrequency pulse design following differential flip angle used in our method. The signal behavior of the resonances in each sub‐band was unaffected by the excitation of the respective alternate frequency band. Dynamic 3D 13C CSI data demonstrated the ability of the sequence to image metabolites like pyruvate‐hydrate, lactate, alanine, fumarate, and malate simultaneously and detect metabolic changes in the liver in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver damage.

Conclusion

The presented method allows the dynamic CSI of a mixture of [2‐13C]pyruvate and [1,4‐13C2]fumarate without chemical shift displacement artifacts while also permitting the use of different flip angles for substrate and product signals. The method is potentially useful for combined in vivo imaging of inflammation and cell necrosis.
Growth Performance of Bluntnose Black Bream, Channel Catfish, Yellow Catfish, and Largemouth Bass Reared in the In-Pond Raceway Recirculating Culture System
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Xu Gangchun , Nie Zhijuan , Shao Nailin , Li, Quanjie , Xu Pao
Published: January 2019

In China, the in-pond raceway system (IPRS) is a novel aquaculture model that was designed to better control water movement to improve water quality and allow for increased stocking density, thus increasing production efficiency and profitability compared to conventional earthen ponds. In this study, two IPRSs were constructed in a 4.13-ha, annular ecological ditch (circumference waterway) with a mean water depth of 2.5 m. Each raceway (220 m3) consisted of an air-lift area, a fish culture area, and a waste-collecting area. The air-lift system was used to circulate and aerate the water through the culture area, producing a water velocity of 0.03 m/s and a water flow rate of 18 m3/min. This flow rate was equivalent to an average water exchange every 12.2 min for each raceway. Bluntnose Black Bream Megalobrama amblycephala (initial weight = 90 g), Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus (initial weight = 150 g), Yellow Catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco (initial weight = 12 g), and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides (initial weight = 10 g) were reared at densities of 16.36, 13.64, 4.36, and 1.14 kg/m3, respectively, with duplicate raceways for each fish species in the IPRSs. The experiment duration for these species was 176, 389, 208, and 412 d, respectively. Total harvest weight was 21,840 kg (5,288 kg/ha) for Bluntnose Black Bream, 17,850 kg (4,322 kg/ha) for Channel Catfish, 12,960 kg (3,138 kg/ha) for Yellow Catfish, and 10,750 kg (2,603 kg/ha) for Largemouth Bass. Daily weight gain for the four species was 2.90, 2.31, 0.81, and 1.19 g·fish−1·d−1, respectively, and the feed conversion ratio was 1.50, 1.85, 1.51, and 1.22, respectively. These results indicate a high potential for more controllable and efficient production of fish in the IPRSs. Design and engineering modifications need to be enhanced in the future to improve IPRS production capabilities.
Body Fat Loss Automatically Reduces Lean Mass by Changing the Fat‐Free Component of Adipose Tissue
Authors: Abe Takashi , Dankel Scott J. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: February 2019

Fat‐free mass or lean tissue mass includes nonskeletal muscle components such as the fat‐free component of adipose tissue fat cells. This fat‐free component of adipose tissue may need to be taken into consideration when large changes in body fat occur following a weight loss intervention. It is not uncommon to see a loss of lean mass with interventions designed to promote the loss of large amounts of fat mass. However, after eliminating the influence of the fat‐free component of adipose tissue on dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐derived lean mass, the original loss of lean mass is no longer observed or is markedly reduced. This suggests that the majority of the lean mass lost with dieting may be the fat‐free component of adipose tissue. To accurately estimate the change in lean tissue, eliminating the fat‐free adipose tissue from DXA‐derived lean mass is needed when large changes in body fat occur following an intervention.
Use of the new pediatric PROMIS measures of pain and physical experiences for children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Singh Ashima , DasGupta Mahua , Simpson Pippa M. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: January 2019

Background

There are new pediatric domains to measure patients’ pain and physical experiences in the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). The objective of this study was to establish the psychometric properties of these domains for children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Procedure

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of PROMIS assessments of children with SCD recruited from a pediatric tertiary care clinic. Validity of the new PROMIS domains was determined by comparing scores between known groups and describing their correlations with previously validated PROMIS measures. Cronbach's alpha and item response theory (IRT) reliability were used to assess internal consistency reliability. Agreement between parent‐proxy and child self‐report was determined for all domains.

Results

Our study included 164 subjects, of whom 117 were eligible to self‐report. The mean T‐scores for physical stress experience, strength impact, pain behavior, and pain quality sensory scores were significantly different between children who used pain medications in the prior week and those who did not. There were also differences in T‐scores across children reporting mild, moderate, and severe pain on the pain intensity scale. All measures had Cronbach's alpha and IRT reliability > 0.80. The percentage of agreement between child and parent‐proxy PROMIS domains ranged from 36% to 60% depending on the domain.

Conclusions

The new PROMIS domains of physical stress experience, strength impact, pain behavior, and pain quality sensory domains are valid and reliable for children with SCD. The low–moderate agreement between parent‐proxy and child self‐report scores support the complementary information provided by the two perspectives.
The use of a microwave‐assisted solvent extraction coupled with HPLC‐UV/PAD to assess the quality of Marrubium vulgareL. (white horehound) herbal raw material
Authors: Martino Emanuela , Della Volpe Serena , Cavalloro Valeria , Amri Bedis , Kaab Leila Bettaeib Been , Marrubini Giorgio , Rossi Daniela , Collina Simona
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Marrubium vulgare is a herbal remedy presents in several European Pharmacopoeias and commonly marketed as white horehound. The chemotaxonomic marker of Marrubium genus is marrubiin and its content may change in response to biotic and abiotic stress.

Objective

Development of a microwave‐assisted solvent extraction (MASE) methodology suitable for exhaustively extracting marrubiin from M. vulgare leaves, easily applicable to large sets of samples. Evaluation of the influence of copper(II) on marrubiin production.

Material and methods

M. vulgare leaves were dried, extracted exploiting MASE and analysed via high‐performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet photodiode array detection (HPLC‐UV/PAD) system. A design of experiments approach was adopted to select the best extraction conditions. Extraction parameters (solvent composition, extraction time and temperature), were studied applying two full factorial experimental designs in a sequential approach. To analyse samples, a rapid HPLC‐UV/PAD method was set up.

Results

The best results in terms of marrubiin extraction yield were obtained extracting samples at 120°C with 100% ethanol, for 15 min (3 × 5 min microwave cycles). The developed methodology was successfully applied to matrices grown in Greenhouse conditions and under stress induced by copper(II), selected as model agent for abiotic stress. Progressively decreasing production of marrubiin was evidenced in connection with treatment with 80, 200 and 300 mg/L copper sulphate.

Conclusion

An efficient methodology for the extraction and determination of the amount of marrubiin in large sets of samples of M. vulgare plants was developed. Results demonstrated that marrubiin is an easily detectable marker useful for evaluating M. vulgare reaction to stress.
A Breakthrough for Fiber Lasers
Authors: Kliner Dahv A. V. , Victor Brian
Published: January 2019

The sheet metal cutting market is dominated by fiber lasers because of their unmatched combination of productivity, precision, and cost‐effectiveness. Fiber lasers in the 2 – 4 kW range have become the workhorses for many fabrication shops, offering faster and more precise cutting of thin metal than legacy cutting technologies, such as CO2 lasers and plasma torches. Many fiber laser systems are, however, designed for cutting a limited range of metal thicknesses. Specifically, a small, tightly focused laser beam provides the fastest cutting speeds for thin gauges, but for thicker plates this small beam has significant limitations in edge quality and maximum thickness. Alternatively, a larger beam can improve the edge quality for thick plate because of the wider kerf, but with a substantial speed penalty for cutting thin sheet.
Modulation Transfer Function for Optimum Performance in Vision Systems
Authors: Simon Stephanie
Published: January 2019

The quality of a vision system is influenced by many factors; primarily by the resolution of the lens and the sensor. The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a well‐established method for determining and comparing the resolution of lenses. However, for the performance assessment of the overall system, the resolution of the sensor must be taken into additional consideration. How can the sensor be incorporated into this model? This article explains the fundamentals of the optical transfer function and the resulting MTF. In addition, the other important factors that influence sensors and lenses are explained in detail, to provide the optimum performance of a vision system.
Powerful Industrial Excimer Configured for High Altitude Water Vapor Measurements
Authors: Delmdahl Ralph , Emmerichs Ulrich , Trickl Thomas , Vogelmann Hannes
Published: January 2019

To improve the sensitivity and range of atmospheric water vapor measurements by ultraviolet Raman lidar, a powerful 308 nm industrial excimer laser was modified to deliver frequency‐stabilized, narrowline output with low divergence and linear polarization.
Analysis of the Effects of Whole‐Body Vibration in Parkinson Disease – Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dincher Andrea , Schwarz Markus , Wydra Georg
Published: January 2019

Background

Because of discrepant published results, there is a need to systematically analyze the literature that has evaluated the effectiveness of harmonic whole‐body vibration (WBV) and randomized WBV in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of harmonic versus randomized WBV on motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility in people with PD.

Type

Meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

Established databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Trip, and PEDro; library of the Saarland University; and electronic library of journals, including publications from 1960 to November 2017, were scanned by using “Parkinson” and “vibration” as combined search terms.

Methodology

First, data were extracted from the full‐text version, including number of participants, severity of disease, medication status, study design, use of vibration treatment, duration of study, number of treatment sessions and trials per session, vibration frequency and amplitude, duration of trials and rest periods, and pre‐ and posttest data. Qualitative analysis was performed by using the PEDro score. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to verify the efficacy of harmonic versus randomized WBV on mobility, balance, gait, and motor symptoms.

Synthesis

From 244 publications found in online databases, 17 eligible studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were further analyzed qualitatively. Out of those, 7 studies attained moderate to high quality (mean PEDro score 4.6 points, SD 2.9) and were then further analyzed quantitatively. A large variation, between no effects (SMD = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.78 to 0.90) and weak effects (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI = −0.51 to 1.43), was found for motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility.

Conclusions

There is no clear evidence of a PD symptom‐reducing effect (motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility) of WBV compared with respective control conditions. Only a few studies found significant group differences for mobility and motor symptoms. Therefore, the overall effects of vibration therapy on PD remain somewhat inconsistent. Further high‐quality studies should determine the efficacy of harmonic versus randomized WBV.

Level of Evidence

II