bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant capacity of egg, milk and soy protein hydrolysates and biopeptides produced by Bromelia pinguin and Bromelia karatas-derived proteases
Authors: Erik Gustavo Tovar-Perez Libier Meza-Espinoza , Yahia Elhadi M. , Gonzalez-Cordova Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba, , Mendoza Adrian Hernández- , González Efigenia Montalvo-
Published: May 2018

Given the lack of knowledge in the generation and biological activity of biopeptides (BP) produced by Bromelia pinguin and Bromelia karatas-derived proteases, the objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity (AOX) of protein hydrolysates and peptide fractions from hydrolysis of egg, milk and soy proteins with enzymes extracted from Bromelia pinguin and Bromelia karatas fruits. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the mentioned proteins was measured. The hydrolysates were sequentially fractionated by ultrafiltration using different membrane pore sizes (≤30, ≤10, ≤5 and ≤1 kDa) to obtain biopeptide fractions (BPF). The antioxidant capacity (AOX) of protein hydrolysates and BPF were evaluated. AOX was performed using 2,2´-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. after the enzymatic action of B. pinguin and B. karatas proteases, the highest DH values for egg, milk and soy protein hydrolysates ranged from 50-61%, 55-68% and 73-81%, respectively. The AOX was higher for soy hydrolysates than for egg and milk hydrolysates. Additionally, the highest AOX from ABTS and FRAP assays was observed for BPF ≤30 kDa, PF ≤5 kDa and ≤1 kDa, respectively. These results highlight the potential of B. pinguin and B. karatas proteases to hydrolyze food proteins and release bioactive peptides. Moreover, it has been shown that the hydrolysis products are a mixture of BP of different molecular weights, which could present AOX through different mechanisms.
Isolation, identification and characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum from camel milk and its antagonist effect against diarrheal bacteria.
Authors: Delmi Bouras Meriem Toualbia, Abd ElKader , Mohamed Kerkoud Malika Koiche,
Published: May 2018

The main objective of this study is to define probiotic bacteria efficiency against bacterial infantile diarrhea. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was used as a natural resource and extracted of camel milk from southern Algeria. The isolation was followed by molecular identification using the 16S rDNA sequencing method. One hundred and fifty fecal samples were collected over 18 months from children suffering from diarrhea and aged 2 years or under. Identification results reveal the isolated lactic bacteria as Lactobacillus plantarum. In the other side, a total of 120 fecal samples were positive for bacterial growth, these pathogenic bacteria were identified as: Escherichia fergusonii (92%), Salmonella enterica subsp. Diarizonae (7.33%) and Proteus mirabilis (0.66%). The inhibitory effect study of lactic acid bacteria on pathogenic bacteria shows varying effects of L. plantarum in relation to the various pathogenic isolates, mentioning that the most important effect was expressed against Escherichia fergusonii with 22 mm. All the results allow us to classify that camel's milk is a natural source rich in lactic acid bacteria, in particular L. plantarum, with an inhibitory ability against the pathogenic bacteria responsible for diarrhea. Therefore L. plantarum produces bioactive molecules responsible for this effect.
Hypocholesterolemic effect of camel milk on rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Authors: Yahya Mohammed A. , Alhaj Omar A. , AL-Khalifah Abdullrahman S. , Almnaizel Ahmad T.
Published: May 2018

The effects of fermented skim milk versus unfermented skim milk of camel on the levels of cholesterol in blood were investigated in rats. Levels of serum cholesterol and LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio were decreased significantly in Wistar rats that fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet and administered fermented skim camel milk compared with rats administered unfermented milk (P˂0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation showed that liver tissue degeneration, apoptosis/necrosis, inflammation, and fatty changes (steatosis and fibrosis) decreased significantly at (P˂0.05) in the rats that fed with fermented skim camel milk compared to the rats which fed unfermented skim camel milk. Based on these results it can suggest that fermented skim camel milk might reduce the risk of hypercholesterolemia development in rats. The hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects of fermented skim camel milk were evident.
Mating behaviour and semen parameters in dromedary camel bulls (Camelus dromedarius): a comparison between two types of artificial vagina
Authors: Davide Monaco , Lamia Doghbri Fatnassi Meriem, , Barbara Padalino , Touhami, Hammadi Mohamed Seddik Mabrouk-Mouldi, Khorchani , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele
Published: May 2018

Semen collection in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is performed using different types of artificial vagina (AV) (long, short, with cervix imitation, with plastic or silicone inner liner) either held by an operator or fitted inside a camel dummy. However, systematic studies about the acceptance of such modifications by bulls, and their effects on sperm parameters, have yet to be investigated. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a silicone inner liner inserted into a standard cow AV could cause discomfort to camel bulls during mating, but at the same time could improve the quality of the ejaculates collected. Five bulls underwent semen collection sessions, with (n=3) and without (n=3) the silicone liner fitted in the AV, for a total of 30 semen collection sessions. A standard methodology and data-recording system were used for evaluating mating behavior, in addition to evaluation of semen parameters. There was no difference between an AV with or without silicone inner liner used during our standardized semen collection procedure. The use of such an AV modification hence still remains debatable, until further studies are able to identify any potential benefits of using this or other AV types or modifications. Such studies, however, should be performed by applying a standardized semen collection methodology and a proper evaluation of mating behaviour and semen parameters.
The impact of robustness of deformable image registration on contour propagation and dose accumulation for head and neck adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Lian , Wang Zhi , Shi Chengyu , Long Tengfei , Xu X. George
Published: May 2018

Deformable image registration (DIR) is the key process for contour propagation and dose accumulation in adaptive radiation therapy (ART). However, currently, ART suffers from a lack of understanding of “robustness” of the process involving the image contour based on DIR and subsequent dose variations caused by algorithm itself and the presetting parameters. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the DIR caused variations for contour propagation and dose accumulation during ART using the RayStation treatment planning system. Ten head and neck cancer patients were selected for retrospective studies. Contours were performed by a single radiation oncologist and new treatment plans were generated on the weekly CT scans for all patients. For each DIR process, four deformation vector fields (DVFs) were generated to propagate contours and accumulate weekly dose by the following algorithms: (a) ANACONDA with simple presetting parameters, (b) ANACONDA with detailed presetting parameters, (c) MORFEUS with simple presetting parameters, and (d) MORFEUS with detailed presetting parameters. The geometric evaluation considered DICE coefficient and Hausdorff distance. The dosimetric evaluation included D95, Dmax, Dmean, Dmin, and Homogeneity Index. For geometric evaluation, the DICE coefficient variations of the GTV were found to be 0.78 ± 0.11, 0.96 ± 0.02, 0.64 ± 0.15, and 0.91 ± 0.03 for simple ANACONDA, detailed ANACONDA, simple MORFEUS, and detailed MORFEUS, respectively. For dosimetric evaluation, the corresponding Homogeneity Index variations were found to be 0.137 ± 0.115, 0.006 ± 0.032, 0.197 ± 0.096, and 0.006 ± 0.033, respectively. The coherent geometric and dosimetric variations also consisted in large organs and small organs. Overall, the results demonstrated that the contour propagation and dose accumulation in clinical ART were influenced by the DIR algorithm, and to a greater extent by the presetting parameters. A quality assurance procedure should be established for the proper use of a commercial DIR for adaptive radiation therapy.
Connecting Rheumatology Patients to Primary Care for High Blood Pressure: Specialty Clinic Protocol Improves Follow‐up and Population Blood Pressures
Authors: Bartels Christie M. , Ramly Edmond , Johnson Heather M. , Lauver Diane R. , Panyard Daniel J. , Li Zhanhai , Sampene Emmanuel , Lewicki Kristin , McBride Patrick E.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Recognizing high blood pressure (BP) as the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with rheumatic diseases and all adults, experts recommend clinic protocols to improve BP control. The aim of this study was to adapt and implement a specialty clinic protocol, “BP Connect,” to improve timely primary care follow‐up after high BP measurements in rheumatology clinics.

Methods

We examined BP Connect in a 6‐month preimplementation and postimplementation quasi‐experimental design with 24‐month follow‐up in 3 academic rheumatology clinics. Medical assistants and nurses were trained to 1) check (re‐measuring BPs ≥140/90 mm Hg), 2) advise (linking rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases), and 3) connect (timely [<4 weeks] primary care follow‐up using protocoled electronic health record [EHR] orders). We used EHR data and multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the primary outcome of timely primary care follow‐up for patients with in‐network primary care. Staff surveys were used to assess perceptions. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to examine sustainability and BP trends in the clinic populations.

Results

Across both 4,683 preimplementation and 689 postimplementation rheumatology visits by patients with high BP, 2,789 (57%) encounters were eligible for in‐network primary care follow‐up. Postimplementation, the odds of timely primary care BP measurement follow‐up doubled (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.9). Median time to follow‐up decreased from 71 days to 38 days. Moreover, rheumatology visits by patients with high BP decreased from 17% to 8% over 24 months, suggesting significant population‐level declines (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Implementing the BP Connect specialty clinic protocol in rheumatology clinics improved timely follow‐up and demonstrated reduced population‐level rates of high BP. These findings highlight a timely strategy to improve BP follow‐up amid new guidelines and quality measures.
Construction of Six‐Membered Silacyclic Skeletons via Platinum‐Catalyzed Tandem Hydrosilylation/Cyclization with Dihydrosilanes
Authors: Long Peng‐Wei , Bai Xing‐Feng , Ye Fei , Li Li , Xu Zheng , Yang Ke‐Fang , Cui Yu‐Ming , Zheng Zhan‐Jiang , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: May 2018

Catalytic silicon‐carbon or silicon‐heteroatom bond‐forming hydrosilylation has become increasingly important in synthetic chemistry, catalysis and organosilicon chemistry. Herein we report a platinum‐catalyzed one‐pot and tandem hydrosilylation/cyclization of OH‐containing alkynes with dihydrosilanes, allowing for facile synthesis of six‐membered organosilicon compounds, including silyloxycycles and cyclic siloxanes in high yields and with good stereoselectivities.

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Identification of Sulfur‐Containing Impurities in Biodiesel Produced From Brown Grease
Authors: Hughes Michael , Jones Kerby C. , Hums Megan E. , Cairncross Richard A. , Wyatt Victor T.
Published: May 2018

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from waste grease usually contain higher concentrations of sulfur (S) than allowed to meet the specified quality standard for biodiesel (<15 ppm). Brown grease lipid‐derived FAME was produced and fractionated by two passes through a wiped‐film evaporator (WFE) to produce three fractions: (1) a 120 °C pass distillate, (2) a 170 °C pass distillate, and (3) a heavy residue. Solid phase extraction (SPE) was used to concentrate the S species from the distillate fractions so that they could be detected by a gas chromatography–pulsed flame photometric detector (GC–PFPD) and GC–mass spectrometry (MS). The ethyl acetate and methanol (MeOH) fractions obtained by SPE of the 120 °C WFE distillate and methyl tert‐butyl ether and acetone fractions obtained by SPE of the 170 °C WFE distillate had the highest concentration of S and were, therefore, the best candidates for GC–PFPD analysis. GC–PFPD methods were developed to separate the S species adequately enough for those peaks to be analyzed by GC–MS which matched fragmentation patterns identified by the MS chemical library as tetrahydrothiophenes, dithiolanes, and thiophenes. MS fragmentation patterns were used to identify other, larger, S‐bearing species as sulfides and disulfides cross‐linking between two FAME molecules. The results obtained from this study provide a foundation for developing effective purification methods to remove S‐containing impurities from waste grease‐derived biodiesel.
Good Catch Campaign: Improving the Perioperative Culture of Safety
Authors: Lozito Michele , Whiteman Kimberly , Swanson‐Biearman Brenda , Barkhymer Mary , Stephens Kimberly
Published: May 2018

Although health care workers feel pressure to reduce adverse events in the perioperative department, a lack of education, communication, and leadership can prevent hospital personnel from reporting good catches. The purpose of this evidence‐based quality improvement project was to improve the culture of safety in our perioperative department by implementing the Good Catch Campaign. An interprofessional team led staff member education after implementing a standardized electronic reporting system and debriefing process to occur after good catches. Staff members reported 391 good catches from all perioperative areas during the six‐month postimplementation period. Staff members completed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture before and six months after implementation; scores improved in five areas: communication openness, feedback and communication about error, frequency of event reporting, nonpunitive response to error, and organizational learning and continuous improvement. The campaign was a successful strategy for improving perioperative patient safety.
Soluble polyimides with propeller shape triphenyl core for membrane based gas separation
Authors: Dutta Agniva , Bisoi Soumendu , Mukherjee Rajdeep , Chatterjee Rimpa , Das Rajat K. , Banerjee Susanta
Published: May 2018

This article reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of new aromatic polyimides (PIs) having bulky tert butyl group containing propeller shaped triphenylamine unit in its structure. The PIs were prepared by the reaction of 4,4′‐diamino‐4″‐(2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenoxy) triphenylamine with different commercially available aromatic dianhydrides through the formation of corresponding poly(amic acid)s and subsequent thermal cycloimidization. The PIs showed high glass transition temperature (Tg up to 270 °C) and thermal stability (Td10 up to 475 °C). The PI membranes showed good mechanical properties with tensile strength up to 70 MPa, excellent separation performance [P(CO2) = 100.8, P(O2) = 40.4 barrer], and good permselectivity [P(CO2)/P(CH4) = 50.9, P(O2)/P(N2) = 7.6]. The membranes exhibited extremely high solubility selectivity for the CO2/CH4 gas pair due to the strong affinity between CO2 and nitrogen atoms of tertiary amine in triphenylamine. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46658.
Effect of adding carbon fiber on conductive stability of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Duan Qiyue , Wang Jingping , Ren Qinbo , Li Ke , Zhang Zhongzhong , Wang Yangyong
Published: May 2018

In this work, the conductive composites of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) and conductive carbon black (CCB) were prepared. The volume resistivity of NBR/CCB composites became stable when the addition content of CCB reached 12 wt %. However, when carbon fiber (CF) was added into the composites, the volume resistivity of NBR/CCB/CF composites continued to decrease with the increase of CF addition, which resulted from the formation of the three‐dimensional conductive network in composite matrix. In addition, the effect of acid oxidation of CF surface on the mechanical proprieties and conductive stability of NBR/CCB/CF composites was studied. The results indicated the acid oxidation of CF surface improved the bond structure between NBR and CF, which further decreased the resistance and significantly improved the mechanical properties of the composites. It was demonstrated that the conductive stability of NBR composites after cyclic mechanical and temperature fatigues was remarkably enhanced with the addition of CF. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46668.
Preparation of quadruple responsive polymeric micelles combining temperature‐, pH‐, redox‐, and UV‐responsive behaviors and its application in controlled release system
Authors: Dong Yeqing , Ma Xiaoyan , Huo Haohui , Zhang Qilu , Qu Fengjin , Chen Fang
Published: May 2018

A novel series of quadruple responsive copolymers, poly(ethylene glycol)‐ss‐[poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(2‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate)] [PEG‐ss‐(PDMAEMA‐co‐PNBM)], were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization mediated by home‐made PEG‐based macro‐initiator labeled with disulfides. The obtained copolymers could self‐assemble in aqueous solution forming micelles with the disulfide bridge linking the hydrophilic coronas (PEG) and the hydrophobic cores (PDMAEMA‐co‐PNBM). Investigation on the resulted micelles indicated that the micelles could respond to various stimuli, that is, temperature, pH, the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), and UV irradiation. Moreover, the responsive behavior of the micelles depends on the type of stimuli, that is, temperature change causes size change of the micelles, while UV irradiation leads to dissolution of the self‐assembled structures. Such stimulus‐dependent responsive behavior could be applied in smart materials that deal with multi‐tasks or in the construction of complex logic gate. The potential application of the multi‐responsive micelles in cargo release system was also evaluated using Nile Red (NR) as model molecule. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46675.
Estimating fishery effects in a marine protected area: Lamlash Bay
Authors: Boulcott Philip , Stirling David , Clarke John , Wright Peter J.
Published: May 2018

Marine managers are looking increasingly to marine protected areas (MPAs) to deliver benefits to fisheries; however, many of these MPAs have been established in order to address specific conservation objectives unrelated to fisheries management.

This paper describes a small no‐take zone (NTZ) set up in the Clyde, Scotland, for conservation purposes, and examines its effect on the abundance of two commercially fished scallops, Pecten maximus and Aequipecten opercularis, 5 years after closure.

Scallop fishing immediately outside the NTZ has continued since this closure, although at lower intensities, with overall landings in the Clyde and landings per unit area rising until 2013, suggesting a slight increase in regional abundance.

There was neither a significant increase in adult scallop abundance within the NTZ nor evidence of the dispersal of adults into surrounding areas.

Transient dynamics and the small size of the NTZ may have played a role in the lack of demonstrable scallop recovery. The practice of ‘selling’ small conservation MPAs in terms of meeting wider fisheries objectives is discussed in light of this result.
Fish community responses to stream flow alterations and habitat modifications by small hydropower projects in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India
Authors: Jumani Suman , Rao Shishir , Kelkar Nachiket , Machado Siddarth , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Vaidyanathan Srinivas
Published: May 2018

Small hydropower projects (SHPs) are promoted as environmentally benign alternatives to larger dams; however, the impacts of SHPs have been poorly studied, especially in tropical developing countries, where their growth is being encouraged.

This study assessed the impacts of two SHPs on freshwater fish communities in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. Two dammed and one undammed tributary of the Netravathi River, having similar stream order, elevation, and surrounding land‐use types, were identified as test and control sites respectively. Stream geometry, water chemistry, and fish assemblages were compared across upstream, dewatered, and downstream location categories within and across the three streams.

Flow alterations induced by SHPs affected the dewatered river stretches most severely. Stream wetted width and depths diminished drastically in dammed dewatered segments, and consequently this region was characterized by elevated water temperature and reduced dissolved oxygen.

Fish species composition varied significantly between dammed and undammed sites, across the upstream, dewatered, and downstream location categories. Dammed segments had lower fish species richness, diversity, and endemicity, and were dominated by eurytopic species (adapted to lentic conditions), unlike the control site, which was dominated by rheophilic species (adapted to flowing waters). Regression analyses indicated that fish species richness in dammed streams increased with distance from the dam in the upstream direction.

The SHPs were found to have severe impacts on stream geometry, water chemistry, and aquatic biota, especially in the dry season.

Given the ambitious targets of planned SHP growth, most of which are within ecologically fragile regions, changes in SHP operations and policies are proposed to enable the conservation of river fish diversity. These include mandatory environmental impact assessments, conserving undammed headwater streams in regulated basins, maintaining adequate environmental flows, and implementing other mitigation measures.
The Wolbachia protein TomO interacts with a host RNA to induce polarization defects in Drosophila oocytes
Authors: Ote Manabu , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: May 2018

Wolbachia is an endosymbiont prevalent in arthropods. To maximize its transmission thorough the female germline, Wolbachia induces in infected hosts male‐to‐female transformation, male killing, parthenogenesis, and cytoplasmic incompatibility, depending on the host species and Wolbachia strain involved. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these host manipulations by Wolbachia remain largely unknown. The Wolbachia strain wMel, an inhabitant of Drosophila melanogaster, impairs host oogenesis only when transplanted into a heterologous host, for example, Drosophila simulans. We found that egg polarity defects induced by wMel infection in D. simulans can be recapitulated in the natural host D. melanogaster by transgenic overexpression of a variant of the Wolbachia protein Toxic manipulator of oogenesis (TomO), TomOwMel∆HS, in the female germline. RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TomO physically associates with orb mRNA, which, as a result, fails to interact with the translation repressor Cup. This leads to precocious translation of Orb, a posterior determinant, and thereby to the misspecification of oocytes and accompanying polarity defects. We propose that the ability of TomO to bind to orb mRNA might provide a means for Wolbachia to enter the oocyte located at the posterior end of the egg chamber, thereby accomplishing secure maternal transmission thorough the female germline.
Global Adaptive Neural Network Control of Underactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Parametric Modeling Uncertainty
Authors: Yan Zheping , Wang Man , Xu Jian
Published: May 2018

This paper focuses on global adaptive neural network control for a class of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles in the presence of possibly large modeling parametric uncertainty. As the control inputs cannot directly act in the sway and heave directions, two virtual velocities defined here, plus three actual control actions provided by the thrusters and rudders, are used to achieve the convergence of the system errors to around zero. Motivated by real‐time characteristics in the trajectory tracking, the proposed controller presents a significant advantage because it contains only one adaptive parameter to be updated online rather than the neural network weights. In addition, we also consider the practical situation that the velocities of the vehicle may experience sharp speed jumps when the position tracking errors initially change suddenly, which always results in thruster saturation. The biologically inspired model is introduced to smooth the virtual velocity commands such that the vehicle satisfies the control input and velocity constraints. Finally, comparison simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Bifurcation, Chaos and its Control in A Fractional Order Power System Model with Uncertainties
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Anitha , Duraisamy Prakash , Weldegiorgis Riessom , Tadesse Goitom
Published: May 2018

The paper investigates the complex nonlinear behavior of a fractional order four dimension power system (FOFDPS). The discrete mathematical model of the FOFDPS is derived and presented. The equilibrium points along with the Eigen values of commensurate and incommensurate FOFDPS are presented. The existence of chaotic oscillations are supported by a positive Lyapunov exponent. Bifurcation plots are derived for both parameters and fractional orders to show the impact of the same on the dynamic behavior of FOFDPS. Having shown the existence of such complex behaviors in the FOFDPS, we present an adaptive fractional order sliding mode control (FOASMC) to suppress the chaotic oscillations. Numerical results are presented to support the theoretical results.
Metallicity and distance of NGC 6362 from its RR Lyrae and SX Phoenicis stars
Authors: Arellano Ferro A. , Ahumada J. A. , Bustos Fierro I. H. , Calderón J. H. , Morrell N. I.
Published: May 2018

New time‐series VI CCD photometry of the globular cluster NGC 6362 is studied with the aim of estimating the reddening, mean metallicity, and distance of the cluster from its population of RR Lyrae stars. The Fourier decomposition of carefully selected single‐mode RR Lyrae light curves, and the use of well‐established semiempirical calibrations and revised zero points, lead to the values of [Fe/H]UVES −1.066 ± 0.126 and −1.08 ± 0.16 and distances of 7.93 ± 0.32 and 8.02 ± 0.15 kpc from the RRab and RRc stars, respectively. The distribution of RR Lyrae stars in the horizontal branch shows a neat segregation of pulsating modes about the red edge of the first overtone instability strip, which is not necessarily expected in an OoI‐type cluster like NGC 6362. Four RRab stars are found to be likely advanced in their evolution toward the AGB. One new foreground SX Phe star, some 4 kpc in front of the cluster and projected onto the field of our images, is reported. We comment on the heavy light contamination, by a very close neighbouring star, of the peculiar double‐mode V37 variable, recently postulated as a non‐typical RRc variable.
Applications and challenges of using 3D printed implants for the treatment of birth defects
Authors: Wickramasinghe Sameera , Navarreto‐Lugo Monica , Ju Minseon , Samia Anna Cristina S.
Published: May 2018

Pediatric implants are a special subclass of a vast number of clinically used medical implants, uniquely designed to address the needs of young patients who are at the onset of their developmental growth stage. Given the vulnerability of the implant receiver, it is crucial that the implants manufactured for small children with birth‐associated defects be given careful considerations and great attention to design detail to avoid postoperative complications. In this review, we focus on the most common types of medical implants manufactured for the treatment of birth defects originating from both genetic and environmental causes. Particular emphasis is devoted toward identifying the implant material of choice and manufacturing approaches for the fabrication of pediatric prostheses. Along this line, the emerging role of 3D printing to enable customized implants for infants with congenital disorders is presented, as well as the possible complications associated with prosthetic‐related infections that is prevalent in using artificial implants for the treatment of birth malformations.
Zerstörungsfrei zur Bauwerksfestigkeit
Authors: Merkel Melanie , Breit Wolfgang
Published: June 2018

Die Rückprallhammerprüfung ist in Deutschland seit Jahrzehnten ein genormtes Prüfverfahren, mit dem die Betondruckfestigkeitsklasse abgeschätzt werden kann. Bei der Prüfung und der anschließenden Bewertung der Ergebnisse wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Oberflächenhärte und Betondruckfestigkeit ausgenutzt. Die mit dem Original Schmidthammer ermittelten Rückprallwerte basieren auf der gemessenen Rückprallstrecke und können Rückschlüsse auf das elastische Verhalten oberflächennaher Schichten von Betonbauwerken geben. In einem mittlerweile fast sechzigjährigen Anwendungszeitraum haben sich die Funktionsweise und das Handling des Schmidthammers kaum verändert. Mit Einführung der DIN EN 13791/A20 ist es seit Februar 2017 möglich, die Druckfestigkeit von Bauwerksbetonen auch auf Basis der Q‐Werte abzuschätzen. Die Ermittlung des Rückprallwerts erfolgt dabei über die Energie‐ oder Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz und ist dem älteren mechanischen Verfahren (Original Schmidthammer) in einigen Punkten überlegen. Die Messergebnisse sind unter anderem nicht mehr vom Schlagwinkel abhängig, sodass z. B. geneigte Betonuntergründe geprüft und auf ihre Druckfestigkeit abgeschätzt werden können.
Development and validation of rapid and sensitive LC methods with PDA and fluorescence detection for determination of piribedil in rat plasma and brain tissues and their pharmacokinetic application
Authors: Uppuluri Chandra Teja , Dalvi Avantika V. , Bommireddy Ekta Prasanthi , Ravi Punna Rao
Published: May 2018

Simple, selective and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) bioanalytical methods using fluorescence (FL) and photodiode array (PDA) detectors were developed and validated for determination of piribedil (PBD), an anti‐Parkinson's drug, in rat plasma and brain samples, with telmisartan as internal standard (IS). Protein precipitation technique was used to extract PBD from both biological matrices. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Kinetex C18 end‐capped column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), with 38:62 v/v acetonitrile and ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) as mobile phase at 1.0 mL/min flow rate. Linear response in the concentration ranges 5–300 and 150–3000 ng/mL in plasma, and 15–900 and 450–9000 ng/g in brain tissue were achieved in FL and PDA detectors, respectively. The chromatograms were extracted at 239 nm in case of PDA detection and at excitation wavelength of 239 nm and emission wavelength of 385 nm in case of FL detection. FL detection was found to be more sensitive compared with PDA detection. The developed methods were successfully employed in determining the plasma time course, brain distribution and the pharmacokinetic parameters of PBD following intravenous bolus administration of the drug in male Wistar rats.
Understand how FERPA regs define ‘legitimate educational interest’
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: May 2018

All of 34 CFR §99.31 in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is about disclosures. And those disclosures are related to transmitting education record information to individuals or organizations without the student's written consent. It's that simple.
Protect institution's bottom line, student safety by ensuring compliance with Clery Act
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2018

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — Colleges have seen an increase in fines for violations of the Clery Act.
Report shows overall decrease in crime — but sexual assault rises more than 250 percent
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2018

Sexual violence on public and nonprofit four‐year and two‐year campuses increased more than 250 percent between 2001 and 2015, according to a report released by the National Center for Education Statistics. Between academic years 2014 and 2015 alone, the rate of sexual assault on campus increased a whopping 18 percent. During the 15 years studied, campus alcohol violations decreased, but drug violations increased from 10.1 violations per 10,000 students to 13.1 per 10,000 students.
(Simulated) listener gaze in real‐time spoken interaction
Authors: Frädrich Laura , Nunnari Fabrizio , Staudte Maria , Heloir Alexis
Published: May 2018

Gaze is an important aspect of social communication. Previous research has concentrated mainly on the role of speaker gaze and listener gaze in isolation, neglecting the effect of the listener's gaze behavior on the speaker's behavior. This paper presents an exploratory eye‐tracking study involving an interactive human‐like agent following participants' gaze. This study demonstrates that a rather simple gaze‐following mechanism convincingly simulates active listening behavior engaging the speaker. The study also highlights how speakers rely on their interlocutors' gaze when establishing common references.
Thickness‐aware voxelization
Authors: Zhang Zhuopeng , Morishima Shigeo , Wang Changbo
Published: May 2018

Voxelization is a crucial process for many computer graphics applications such as collision detection, rendering of translucent objects, and global illumination. However, in some situations, although the mesh looks good, the voxelization result may be undesirable. In this paper, we describe a novel voxelization method that uses the graphics processing unit for surface voxelization. Our improvements on the voxelization algorithm can address a problem of state‐of‐the‐art voxelization, which cannot deal with thin parts of the mesh object. We improve the quality of voxelization on both normal mediation and surface correction. Furthermore, we investigate our voxelization methods on indirect illumination, showing the improvement on the quality of real‐time rendering.
Adaptive learning‐based projection method for smoke simulation
Authors: Xiao Xiangyun , Yang Cheng , Yang Xubo
Published: May 2018

Traditional Eulerian‐based fluid simulations require much time and computational resources to solve the projection step, especially the large linear system produced by the Poisson equation. In this paper, we propose an adaptive machine‐learning‐based projection method combining deep neural network and incremental learning technique. We provide two modes: Fast Mode and Normal Mode to solve the most time‐consuming projection step and deal with various simulation scenes largely different from the training data set. We introduce patch‐based feature vectors to represent the whole velocity field and a loss function to keep the divergence‐free constraint. We have demonstrated the acceleration and extrapolation ability of our method by testing various smoke scenes far different from our training data set.
Metabolites from the Dark Septate Endophyte Drechslera sp. Evaluation by LC/MS and Principal Component Analysis of Culture Extracts with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Siless Gastón E. , Gallardo Gabriela L. , Rodriguez María Alejandra , Rincón Yuliet A. , Godeas Alicia M. , Cabrera Gabriela M.
Published: May 2018

Secondary metabolites from the cultures of the dark septate fungal endophyte (DSE) Drechslera sp., isolated from the roots of rye grass (Lollium sp.) and cultured under different experimental conditions, are described here for the first time. The use of suberoylanilidehydroxamic acid (SAHA) and other histone deacetylase inhibitors as epigenetic modifiers in the culture medium was evaluated by LC/MS and LC/MS/MS. Several differences in the metabolite production were detected by means of supervised principal component analysis (PCA) of LC/MS data. The presence of the compounds in the culture medium or in the mycelium was compared.

In order to confirm their structure, many of these natural products were isolated from a larger scale culture. These metabolites were characterized as prenylhydroxybenzoic acids and chromans, two compounds, one of each class were previously undescribed, prenylquinoids, diketopiperazines and macrosphelides. Some of the compounds, which were released to the medium, showed good antifungal activity, suggesting that these compounds could protect Lollium from fungal phytopatogens.

The use of SAHA as an additive of the cultures also induced the release of hexosylphytosphyngosine to the culture medium. The biotransformation of the inhibitors was observed in addition to the production of antifungal metabolites, showing the ability of this endophytic strain to control xenobiotics.
The suppressive effect of soluble Klotho on fibroblastic growth factor 23 synthesis in UMR‐106 osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Ma Lulu , Gao Min , Wu Lin , Zhao Xiufen , Mao Huijuan , Xing Changying
Published: May 2018

Fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone secreted primarily by bone. FGF23 is elevated in the serum of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, but the exact mechanism is not well known. Klotho is identified as an aging suppressor, which is mainly expressed in the kidney, and the level of soluble Klotho is negatively associated with FGF23 in CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of Klotho on FGF23 synthesis in osteoblast‐like UMR‐106 cells. UMR‐106 cells were divided into five groups: (i) control group; (ii) β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP) group; (iii) β‐GP + Klotho group; (iv) β‐GP+ lithium chloride (LiCl, a Wnt/β–catenin pathway agonist) group; and (v) β‐GP + Klotho + LiCl group. Subsequently, UMR‐106 cells were cultured for 72 h, and the expression of FGF23, P‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (P‐GSK‐3β), and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β(GSK‐3β) were measured with Western blot analysis. The mRNA levels of FGF23 and the Wnt/β–catenin pathway target gene c‐myc were determined with RT‐qPCR. The results showed that β‐GP induced increased expression of FGF23 mRNA and protein. Compared with the β‐GP group, expression of FGF23 mRNA and protein expression were downregulated in the β‐GP + Klotho group. In addition, β‐GP induced increased expression of P‐GSK‐3β/GSK‐3β and c‐myc, which were all downregulated in the β‐GP + Klotho group. Moreover, the expression of FGF23, P‐GSK‐3β/GSK‐3β, and c‐myc mRNA were upregulated when treated with LiCl. These results demonstrate that soluble Klotho suppresses FGF23 synthesis in osteoblast‐like UMR‐106 cells. The mechanism of this suppression may be partially through the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Industrial Crystallization – BIWIC 2017
Authors: Wohlgemuth Kerstin
Published: May 2018

No abstract.
Chemie Ingenieur Technik und ACHEMA – Zwei Partner mit langer Tradition
Authors: Böck Barbara , Deutschmann Olaf , Nieken Ulrich
Published: May 2018

No abstract.
Surface Engineering of Two‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Niu Tianchao , Zhang Jialin , Chen Wei
Published: May 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have attracted intensive interest because of their unique optical and electronic properties, their potential applications in next generation electronic devices, as well as serving as an ideal platform to explore new physics or chemistry at the 2D limit. As an atomically thin layered material, their atomic/electronic structures and device performances are susceptible to the various surfaces presented. In this regard, plenty of surface modification approaches have been applied to enrich their functionalities and complement their limitations. In this review, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art progress on the surface engineering of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). We begin with the defect and single‐atomic incorporation in graphene lattice and surface transfer doping of graphene, followed by the bandgap and mobility engineering, and the construction of versatile heterostructures of TMDCs. Although this review mainly focuses on graphene and TMDCs, it is not an exhaustive list of the experimental results, but it rather summarizes the established knowledge in surface engineering and pinpoints the most promising future trends. These surface engineering approaches can also be applied to other 2D materials, such as phosphorene and antimonene.
A Highly Efficient and Robust Perovskite Anode with Iron–Palladium Co‐exsolutions for Intermediate‐Temperature Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Jingwei , Wei Bo , Yue Xing , Lü Zhe
Published: May 2018

The low performance and insufficient catalytic activity of perovskite anodes hinder their further application in intermediate‐temperature solid‐oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). A novel La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.9Nb0.1Pd0.04O3−δ (LSFNP) anode material has been developed with Fe–Pd co‐exsolutions for IT‐SOFCs. Fe0 and Pd0 metallic nanoparticles are confirmed to exsolve on the surface of the perovskite anode during operation under a hydrogen atmosphere. The introduced Pd exsolutions promote the charge‐transfer process slightly and the H2‐adsorption ability of the La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.9Nb0.1O3−δ (LSFN) parent anode significantly, as metallic Pd is a conductor with excellent catalytic activity and an absorber of hydrogen that can absorb a large amount of H2 by forming unstable chemical bonds. A single cell with the LSFNP anode exhibits high output performance (maximum power density of 287.6 mW cm−2 at T=800 °C by using humidified H2 as the fuel), excellent redox stability, and considerable coking and sulfur tolerances. After the introduction of Pd exsolutions, the increase in the electrochemical performance is more significant under low H2 concentrations and at low temperatures with a maximum power density ratio of the LSFNP anode cell/LSFN anode cell reaching 18 under 5 % H2/argon at T=650 °C. Pd‐decorated LSFNP is a high‐performance, redox‐stable, coking‐tolerant, and sulfur‐tolerant anode material for IT‐SOFCs, making Pd exsolution a reliable nanodecoration strategy to improve the low kinetics of perovskite anodes.
Engineering the Interfaces of Superadsorbing Graphene‐Based Electrodes with Gas and Electrolyte to Boost Gas Evolution and Activation Reactions
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Jun , Lv Li‐Bing , Zhao Tian‐Jian , Lin Yun‐Xiao , Yu Qiu‐Ying , Su Juan , Hirano Shin‐Ichi , Li Xin‐Hao , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: May 2018

Electrochemical gas evolution and activation reactions are complicated processes, involving not only active electrocatalysts but also the interaction among solid electrodes, electrolyte, and gas‐phase products and reactants. In this study, multiphase interfaces of superadsorbing graphene‐based electrodes were controlled without changing the active centers to significantly facilitate mass diffusion kinetics for superior performance. The achieved in‐depth understanding of how to regulate the interfacial properties to promote the electrochemical performance could provide valuable clues for electrode manufacture and for the design of more active electrocatalysts.
Spinel MnCo2O4 Nanoparticles Supported on Three‐Dimensional Graphene with Enhanced Mass Transfer as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Tingwei , Li Zhongfang , Wang Likai , Sun Peng , Zhang Zhixu , Wang Suwen
Published: May 2018

The rational design of highly efficient and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is critical for the commercial application of fuel cells. Herein, three‐dimensional graphene (3D‐G) is synthesized by the template method, which used coal tar pitch as the carbon source and nano MgO as the template. Then, spinel MnCo2O4 is in situ supported on the 3D‐G by a facile hydrothermal method, giving MnCo2O4/3D‐G. The resultant MnCo2O4/3D‐G retains the multilayered mesoporous graphene structure where MnCo2O4 nanoparticles are deposited on the inner walls of pores in the 3D‐G. The catalyst MnCo2O4/3D‐G shows high electrocatalytic activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.81 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is clearly superior to those of MnCo2O4/reduced graphene oxide (0.78 V), MnCo2O4/carbon nanotubes (0.74 V), MnCo2O4/C (0.72 V), and 20 wt % Pt/C (0.80 V). The electron transfer number of MnCo2O4/3D‐G indicates a four‐electron process of ORR. The durability test demonstrates that the MnCo2O4/3D‐G catalyst has a much better durability than 20 wt % Pt/C. Our work makes an inspiring strategy to prepare high‐performance electrocatalysts for the development of fuel cells.
Genome‐wide association studies of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cotsapas Chris , Mitrovic Mitja
Published: May 2018

Large‐scale genetic studies of multiple sclerosis have identified over 230 risk effects across the human genome, making it a prototypical common disease with complex genetic architecture. Here, after a brief historical background on the discovery and definition of the disease, we summarise the last fifteen years of genetic discoveries and map out the challenges that remain to translate these findings into an aetiological framework and actionable clinical understanding.
Joint load balanced stable routing and communication segment assignment in mobile cognitive radio ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Amiri‐Doomari Soodeh , Mirjalily Ghasem , Abouei Jamshid
Published: May 2018

The fundamental issues in mobile cognitive radio ad‐hoc networks are the selection of the optimal stable paths between nodes and proper assignment of the frequency channels/time slots (communication segments) to the links. In this paper, a joint load balanced stable routing and communication segment assignment algorithm is proposed that considers jointly the mobility prediction, mitigating the co‐channel interference and energy consumption. The novelty of the proposed algorithm lies in the increasing of the path stability, which benefits from the maximum link lifetime parameter and introduced weighting function to keep routes away from the PU's region. This avoids the negative impacts on the PUs' operations and decreases the conflict of the cognitive nodes. In the proposed algorithm, the concept of load balancing is considered that yields in the balancing energy consumption in the network, improving the network performance and distributing traffic loads on all available channels. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by evaluating the aggregate interference energy, average end‐to‐end delay, goodput, and the energy usage per packet under 6 scenarios. The results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is significantly better than the recently proposed joint stable routing and channel assignment protocol.
The role of assessment in strategic planning
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: May 2018

Not too long ago, a colleague and I presented a session at our college's Professional Development Days. The college is revising its strategic plan, so our assignment was to discuss assessment's role in the plan.
Use data to drive success for each student
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2018

“It's hard to be totally student‐centered inside traditional universities. They're not built for that,” said Marni Baker Stein, Ph.D. provost and chief academic officer at Western Governors University.
An in‐house disability compliance workshop for health science programs
Authors: Eidtson William , Shoop Glenda , Stebbins Cori , Brandon Alicia J. , Albright Amanda
Published: May 2018

Health science disability services is a complex and rapidly evolving landscape. Faculty and staff with other professional duties often find it challenging to stay informed of the most current legal, instructional, and technological advances in disability compliance. The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth's Office of Student Accessibility Services recently tackled this challenge through two three‐hour workshops that addressed key areas of disability compliance, including.