bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating seasonal variations of tile drainage discharge in an agricultural catchment
Authors: De Schepper G. , Therrien R. , Refsgaard J. C. , He X. , Kjaergaard C. , Iversen B. V.
Published: April 2017

Seasonal variations of tile drainage discharge were simulated in the 6 km2 Fensholt catchment, Denmark, with the coupled surface and subsurface HydroGeoSphere model. The catchment subsurface is represented in the model by 3 m of topsoil and clay, underlain by a heterogeneous distribution of sand and clay units. Two subsurface drainage networks were represented as nodal sinks. The spatial distribution of the heterogeneous units was generated stochastically and their hydraulic properties were calibrated to reproduce drainage discharge for one network and verified with drainage discharge for the other network. Simulated discharge was compared to that of another model for which the heterogeneous sand and clay units were replaced by a homogeneous unit, whose hydraulic conductivity was the mean value of the heterogeneous model. With the homogeneous model, drainage dynamics were correctly simulated but drainage discharge was less accurate compared to the heterogeneous model. Simulated discharge was also compared to that of a larger‐scale model created with the MIKE SHE code, built with the same heterogeneous model. HydroGeoSphere and MIKE SHE generated drainage discharge that was significantly different, with better simulated groundwater dynamics data produced by HydroGeoSphere. Nodal sinks in HydroGeoSphere reproduced drain flow peaks more accurately. Calibration against drainage discharge data suggests that drain flow is controlled primarily by geological heterogeneities included in the model and, to a lesser extent, by the nature of the soil units located between the drains and ground surface.
Pyroxenite causes fat plumes and stagnant slabs
Authors: Adam Claudia , Caddick Mark J. , King Scott D.
Published: April 2017

Conventional wisdom holds that there is a change in the pattern of mantle convection between 410 and at 660 km, where structural transformations convert olivine into its high‐pressure polymorphs. In this regard, recent tomographic studies have been a complete surprise, revealing (i) rapid broadening of slow seismic anomalies beneath hotspots from hundreds of kilometers wide at shallow depths to 2000–3000 km wide deeper than ~800 km, and (ii) fast seismic anomalies associated with subducted lithosphere that appear to flounder at 800–1000 km. It is difficult to reconcile these observations with the conventional view of a mantle that experiences limited mineralogical change below 660 km. Here we propose that plumes and slabs contain significant proportions of lithologies that experience an entirely different suite of mineral reactions, demonstrating that both subducted basalt and pyroxenite upwelling in plumes experience substantial changes in mineralogy and thus physical properties at ~800 km depth. We show the importance of this for mantle rheology and dynamics and how it can explain hitherto puzzling mantle tomographic results.
W
insorized Robust Measures
Authors: Wilcox Rand R.
Published: April 2017

Winsorizing observations leads to robust measures of location, variation, and correlation, and it plays a fundamental role in a variety of situations where the goal is to compare groups or study associations. For example, it has been used to judge the relative importance of the independent variables in the usual linear regression model in a manner that takes into account which independent variables are included in the model.
Standby System
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan
Published: April 2017

This article discusses the effect of adding standby redundancy to a general coherent structure at system and component levels.
Measurement Error in Astronomy
Authors: Banerjee Tathagata , Roy Surupa
Published: April 2017

Measurement error is ubiquitous in astronomy. In the astronomical literature, discussion on measurement error problems is almost entirely confined to linear regression. We introduce a linear regression measurement error model (LRMM) highlighting the distinguishing features of the model and the data that typically arise in astronomy. Standard methods, proposed in the statistics literature for tackling measurement error problems in regression analysis, are not useful for the analysis of astronomical data. We briefly discuss the methods, and their appropriateness, commonly used by the astronomers for analysis of data using LRMM. A short discussion, on their relative performances based on the available numerical studies, is given. We conclude with some remarks on data characteristics typical to astronomical data and on an emerging measurement error problem in astronomy.
Resource partitioning in tolerant and intolerant macaques
Authors: Rebout Nancy , Desportes Christine , Thierry Bernard
Published: April 2017

The clumped distribution of food resources promotes food defensibility and can lead to the monopolizing of resources by high‐ranking individuals. However, the balance of power is set at different levels according to societies, meaning that resource partitioning should vary between them. This study investigates whether dominance asymmetry and resource partitioning are related in non‐human primates by comparing two species with contrasting social styles, namely rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) which display strong social intolerance and a steep gradient of dominance, and Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana), which exhibit higher levels of tolerance and more balanced dominance relationships. Study groups were kept in semi‐free ranging conditions. Animals were provided with fruit in three different clumped conditions during 30‐min trials. We found that higher‐ranking rhesus macaques had priority for the access to fruit: these individuals spent longer in the feeding area in the first 10‐min period of trials, while lower‐ranking individuals had diminished access to fruit under the most clumped condition; this was associated with sustained agonistic interactions. Dominance effects were weaker in Tonkean macaques. They exhibited co‐feeding between high‐ and low‐ranking individuals in the first period; there was no significant effect of dominance even in the most clumped condition; and frequencies of agonistic interactions remained moderate relative to the number of individuals present in the feeding area. These results show that food resources were more equitably distributed among group members in tolerant macaques than in their intolerant counterparts. Dominance gradient and social tolerance may be considered as two aspects of the same phenomenon.
Flexible, Semitransparent, and Inorganic Resistive Memory based on BaTi0.95Co0.05O3 Film
Authors: Yang Yuxi , Yuan Guoliang , Yan Zhibo , Wang Yaojin , Lu Xubing , Liu Jun‐Ming
Published: April 2017

Perovskite ceramics and single crystals are commonly hard and brittle due to their small maximum elastic strain. Here, large‐scale BaTi0.95Co0.05O3 (BTCO) film with a SrRuO3 (SRO) buffered layer on a 10 µm thick mica substrate is flexible with a small bending radius of 1.4 mm and semitransparent for visible light at wavelengths of 500–800 nm. Mica/SRO/BTCO/Au cells show bipolar resistive switching and the high/low resistance ratio is up to 50. The resistive‐switching properties show no obvious changes after the 2.2 mm radius memory being written/erased for 360 000 cycles nor after the memory being bent to 3 mm radius for 10 000 times. Most importantly, the memory works properly at 25–180 °C or after being annealed at 500 °C. The flexible and transparent oxide resistive memory has good prospects for application in smart wearable devices and flexible display screens.
Best Practices for Mitigating Irreversible Capacity Loss of Negative Electrodes in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Aravindan Vanchiappan , Lee Yun‐Sung , Madhavi Srinivasan
Published: April 2017

Development of high performance lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) power packs is a topic receiving significant attention in research today. Future development of the Li‐ion power packs relies on the development of high capacity and high rate anodes. More specifically, materials undergo either conversion or an alloying mechanism with Li. However, irreversible capacity loss (ICL) is one of the prime issues for this type of negative electrode. Traditional insertion‐type materials also experience ICL, but it is considered negligible. Therefore, eliminating ICL is crucial before the fabrication of practical Li‐ion cells with conventional cathodes such as LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, etc. There are numerous methods for eliminating ICL such as pre‐treating the electrode, usage of stabilized Li metal powder, chemical and electrochemical lithiation, sacrificial salts for both anode and cathode, etc. The research strategies that have been explored are reviewed here in regards to the elimination of ICL from the high capacity anodes as described. Additionally, mitigating ICL observed from the carbonaceous anodes is discussed and compared.
Vascular twin nevi
Authors: Agirgol Senay , Ozturk Hatice Nur , Akbulut Tugba Ozkok , Gunduzoglu Ceyda , Koc Leyli Kadriye , Turkoglu Zafer
Published: April 2017

Vascular twin nevi (VTN) are characterized by the simultaneous dermatological manifestatiton of a telangiectatic naevus close to a nevus anemicus. Nevus anemicus (NA) is a vascular anomaly characterized by localized pale patches with normal melanine and melanocyte level. According to twin spotting phenomenon crossing‐over in heterozygous somatic‐cells during mitosis results in two different offspring homozygous cells. Consequent to this mechanism, two different vascular anomalies may occur at the same region. We present a patient with VTN and NA combination which we think serves as an example for a rare twin spotting phenomenon in the literature.
KBG syndrome: An Australian experience
Authors: Murray Natalia , Burgess Bronwyn , Hay Robin , Colley Alison , Rajagopalan Sulekha , McGaughran Julie , Patel Chirag , Enriquez Annabelle , Goodwin Linda , Stark Zornitza , Tan Tiong , Wilson Meredith , Roscioli Tony , Tekin Mustafa , Goel Himanshu
Published: April 2017

In 2011, heterozygous mutations in the ANKRD11 gene were identified in patients with KBG syndrome. Since then, 100 cases have been described with the expansion of the clinical phenotype. Here we present 18 KBG affected individuals from 13 unrelated families, 16 with pathogenic mutations in the ANKRD11 gene. Consistent features included intellectual disability, macrodontia, and the characteristic broad forehead with hypertelorism, and a prominent nasal bridge. Common features included hand anomalies, cryptorchidism, and a large number of palate abnormalities. Distinctive findings in this series included malrotation of the abdominal viscera, bilateral inguinal herniae in two patients, basal ganglia calcification and the finding of osteopenia in three patients. Nine novel heterozygous variants were found and the genotype‐phenotype correlation was explored. This report highlights the need for thorough examination and investigation of the dental and skeletal systems. The results confirm the specificity of ANKRD11 mutations in KBG and further evidence for this transcription repressor in neural, cardiac, and skeletal development. The description of further cases of KBG syndrome is needed to further delineate this condition, in particular the specific neurological and behavioral phenotype.
Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed Arylation of Phosphonamides and Phosphinamides with Aryl Siloxanes
Authors: Zhong Longjin , Su Qiong , Xiao Jing , Peng Zhihong , Dong Wanrong , Zhang Yingjun , An Delie
Published: April 2017

A general arylation protocol between phosphonamides and phosphinamides with aryl siloxanes is herein described. The reaction proceeded in the presence of catalytic amounts of Cu(OAc)2 and tetra‐n‐butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) and in the absence of any external ligands. The arylated products were obtained in high efficiency (up to 88 % yields), and the reaction demonstrated good substituent tolerance (up to 26 examples). Furthermore, competition experiments revealed that the amino groups of the phosphonamides and phosphinamides have similar activities under the reaction conditions.
Amide‐Directed C−H Sodiation by a Sodium Hydride/Iodide Composite
Authors: Huang Yinhua , Chan Guo Hao , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: April 2017

A new protocol for amide‐directed ortho and lateral C−H sodiation is enabled by sodium hydride (NaH) in the presence of either sodium iodide (NaI) or lithium iodide (LiI). The transient organosodium intermediates could be transformed into functionalized aromatic compounds.
Analyzing Reaction Rates with the Distortion/Interaction‐Activation Strain Model
Authors: Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Houk Kendall N.
Published: April 2017

The activation strain or distortion/interaction model is a tool to analyze activation barriers that determine reaction rates. For bimolecular reactions, the activation energies are the sum of the energies to distort the reactants into geometries they have in transition states plus the interaction energies between the two distorted molecules. The energy required to distort the molecules is called the activation strain or distortion energy. This energy is the principal contributor to the activation barrier. The transition state occurs when this activation strain is overcome by the stabilizing interaction energy. Following the changes in these energies along the reaction coordinate gives insights into the factors controlling reactivity. This model has been applied to reactions of all types in both organic and inorganic chemistry, including substitutions and eliminations, cycloadditions, and several types of organometallic reactions.
Thermal behavior of extruded and injection‐molded poly(lactic acid)–talc engineered biocomposites: Effects of material design, thermal history, and shear stresses during melt processing
Authors: Barletta M. , Pizzi E. , Puopolo M. , Vesco S. , Daneshvar‐Fatah F.
Published: April 2017

Reinforced biocomposites were compounded by the reactive extrusion of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and chemically modified microlamellar talcs. Talc was functionalized by the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of its surface hydroxyl groups with different kinds of organosilanes, namely, 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane and (3‐glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and commercially available tri‐isocyanates, namely, Bayhydur 3100 and Desmodur 3900, which feature hydrophilic and hydrophobic behaviors, respectively. PLA–talc biocomposites were also compounded by the addition of two types of reactive biodegradable compatibilizing agents, namely, maleic anhydride and glycidyl methacrylate modified PLA. The resulting compounds were melt‐processed by injection molding to get flat substrates with different formulations. The thermal responses of the extruded compounds and injection‐molded items, specifically the first and second thermal transitions, were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. In particular, the influence of the different material formulations, their thermal history, and/or shear stress in single‐ or multiple‐stage heating and/or melt processing on the glass transition, crystallinity, and melting behavior of the biocomposites was investigated. The experimental findings revealed that the macroscopic thermal response of the compounds (i.e., extruded pellets) and substrates (i.e., injection‐molded flat slabs) manufactured by the melt processing of the available formulations was controlled and significantly improved by the fine‐tuning of the chemical (i.e., reaction mechanisms, chemical bonds) and physical interactions (i.e., steric hindrances, physical bonds) among the modified talc, PLA, and compatibilizing agents. These results are of great practical importance and open up broader scenarios for the industrial application of biopolymers and biocomposites, specifically in all of those consumer goods where thermal stability and the preservation of mechanical performance at moderate and high temperatures of the materials are pivotal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45179.
Solution of six chemical engineering problems using the Chebyshev orthogonal collocation technique
Authors: Binous Housam , Kaddeche Slim , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: April 2017

The Chebyshev orthogonal collocation is a powerful and accurate numerical technique, which is also relatively easy to implement using modern mathematical software (e.g., MATHEMATICA
© and MATLAB
®). This technique allows the elucidation of engineering problems involving partial differentials equations or boundary value problems. Six chemical engineering problems concerning the transfer of momentum, heat, and mass, with varying degree of complexity, are elucidated. The results obtained using the subject numerical technique were systematically bench‐marked against the results derived from alternative approaches. Benchmarking indicates good agreement between the results, despite the simplicity of this technique. Thus, this technique has a great potential for the elucidation of problems, for which no known solutions exist.
Sex Hormones Function as Sex Attractant Pheromones in House Mice and Brown Rats
Authors: Takács Stephen , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard
Published: April 2017

Sex hormones of mammals control the expression of sexual characteristics and bodily functions. The male hormone testosterone and the female hormones progesterone and estradiol are known to occur in urine markings of mice. Here, we show that all three hormones are also present in urine of brown rats, and that they are effective sexual communication signals (pheromones) that elicit attraction behavior of prospective mates in both brown rats and house mice. When added as lures to trap boxes in field experiments, synthetic testosterone, for example, increased captures of adult female mice 15‐fold, and a blend of progesterone and estradiol increased captures of male mice eightfold and male rats 13‐fold. Remarkably, these hormones increased captures even though the food‐ and pheromone‐based baits to which they were added had previously been shown to be superior to current commercial rodent attractants. We predict that these sex hormones will function as sex attractant pheromones in diverse taxa.
Rational Design of Nanobody80 Loop Peptidomimetics: Towards Biased β2 Adrenergic Receptor Ligands
Authors: Martin Charlotte , Moors Samuel L. C. , Danielsen Mia , Betti Cecilia , Fabris Cecilia , Sejer Pedersen Daniel , Pardon Els , Peyressatre Marion , Fehér Krisztina , Martins José C. , Mosolff Mathiesen Jesper , Morris May C. , Devoogdt Nick , Caveliers Vicky , De Proft Frank , Steyaert Jan , Ballet Steven
Published: April 2017

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) play an important role in many cellular responses; as such, their mechanism of action is of utmost interest. To gain insight into the active conformation of GPCRs, the X‐ray crystal structures of nanobody (Nb)‐stabilized β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR) have been reported. Nb80, in particular, is able to bind the intracellular G protein binding site of β2AR and stabilize the receptor in an active conformation. Within Nb80, the complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) is responsible for most of the binding interactions. Hence, we hypothesized that peptidomimetics of the CDR3 loop might be sufficient for binding to the receptor, inhibiting the interaction of β2AR with intracellular GPCR interacting proteins (e.g., G proteins). Based on previous crystallographic data, a set of peptidomimetics were synthesized that, similar to the Nb80 CDR3 loop, adopt a β‐hairpin conformation. Syntheses, conformational analysis, binding and functional in vitro assays, as well as internalization experiments, were performed. We demonstrate that peptidomimetics can structurally mimic the CDR3 loop of a nanobody and its function by inhibiting G protein coupling as measured by partial inhibition of cAMP production.
Metal‐Free Arene and Heteroarene Borylation Catalyzed by Strongly Electrophilic Bis‐boranes
Authors: Liu Yun‐Lin , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Erker Gerhard
Published: April 2017

The geminal chelate bis‐borylalkanes 4 and 5 featuring strongly electrophilic B(C6F5)2 and B(C6F5) groups, respectively, serve as efficient catalysts for the borylation of arenes and heteroarenes. The borylation reactions proceed under mild conditions with liberation of dihydrogen.
Identifying outlier opinions in an online intelligent argumentation system
Authors: Arvapally Ravi S. , Liu Xiaoqing Frank , Nah Fiona Fui‐Hoon , Jiang Wei
Published: April 2017

Online argumentation systems enable stakeholders to post their problems under consideration and solution alternatives and to exchange arguments over the alternatives posted in an argumentation tree. In an argumentation process, stakeholders have their own opinions, which very often contrast and conflict with opinions of others. Some of these opinions may be outliers with respect to the mean group opinion. This paper presents a method for identifying stakeholders with outlier opinions in an argumentation process. It detects outlier opinions on the basis of individual stakeholder's opinions, as well as collective opinions on them from other stakeholders. Decision makers and other participants in an argumentation process therefore have an opportunity to explore the outlier opinions within their groups from both individual and group perspectives. In a large argumentation tree, it is often difficult to identify stakeholders with outlier opinions manually. The system presented in this paper identifies them automatically. Experiments are presented to evaluate the proposed method. Their results show that the method detects outlier opinions in an online argumentation process effectively.
Measuring lip force by oral screens. Part 1: Importance of screen size and individual variability
Authors: Wertsén Madeleine , Stenberg Manne
Published: April 2017

To reduce drooling and facilitate food transport in rehabilitation of patients with oral motor dysfunction, lip force can be trained using an oral screen. Longitudinal studies evaluating the effect of training require objective methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate a method for measuring lip strength, to investigate normal values and fluctuation of lip force in healthy adults on 1 occasion and over time, to study how the size of the screen affects the force, to evaluate the most appropriate measure of reliability, and to identify force performed in relation to gender. Three different sizes of oral screens were used to measure the lip force for 24 healthy adults on 3 different occasions, during a period of 6 months, using an apparatus based on strain gauge. The maximum lip force as evaluated with this method depends on the area of the screen size. By calculating the projected area of the screen, the lip force could be normalized to an oral screen pressure quantity expressed in kPa, which can be used for comparing measurements from screens with different sizes. Both the mean value and standard deviation were shown to vary between individuals. The study showed no differences regarding gender and only small variation with age. Normal variation over time (months) may be up to 3 times greater than the standard error of measurement at a certain occasion. The lip force increases in relation to the projected area of the screen. No general standard deviation can be assigned to the method and all measurements should be analyzed individually based on oral screen pressure to compensate for different screen sizes.
Two cases of adenocarcinoma in situ arising in lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia indicating localization of mucin on the cluster surface as an early cytological finding of malignant transformation
Authors: Okuyama Rikiya , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Miura Tamaki , Sugita Masatoshi , Arai Masakazu , Tsunoda Hajime , Sasajima Yuko , Horiuchi Hajime
Published: April 2017

Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is an endocervical glandular hyperplastic lesion containing pyloric gland‐like mucin, and has recently been recognized as a precursor lesion of malignant glandular lesions of the endocervix. The pyloric gland‐like mucin contained in LEGH and gastric‐type adenocarcinoma is observed as golden‐yellowish by Papanicolaou staining. However, to our knowledge, the chronological course of the endocervical cytology of LEGH, eventually resulting in malignancy, has never been demonstrated to date. Here, we report two cases of gastric‐type adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) arising in LEGH, together with an analysis of their cytological course. In both cases, localization of mucin on the surface of glandular cell clusters was observed prior to nuclear atypia in endocervical cytology. In addition, the diagnosis of gastric‐type AIS arising in LEGH was confirmed by pathological diagnosis of hysterectomy specimens in both cases. Histologically, all glandular cells of the LEGH without nuclear atypia contained a large amount of PAS‐positive mucin. On the other hand, in atypical glandular cells, localization of the mucin on the luminal surface was observed, although mucin was abundant throughout the cytoplasm in some areas. Our cases show the course of acquirement of cytological atypia of LEGH, and indicate the significance of localization of mucin on the surface of glandular cell clusters as an early finding of the malignant transformation of LEGH in endocervical cytology. Our results indicate that the distribution of mucin in glandular cells should be analyzed together with nuclear atypia in the endocervical cytology of suspected cases of LEGH.
Helical Folding of Hydroxy‐Substituted N‐Hetero‐ortho‐phenylenes Directed by Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Tokoro Yuichiro , Ohtsuka Nobuhiko , Kusakabe Akinori , Fukuzawa Shin‐ichi
Published: April 2017

Derivatives of the ortho‐phenylene hexamer containing pyridine moieties and hydroxy groups were prepared through Negishi cross‐coupling reactions between bis(chloropyridyl)biphenyl and alkoxy‐substituted arylzinc reagents. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed a closed helical folding directed by π–π stacking and hydrogen bonds. No broadening or coalescence of 1H NMR peaks was observed between 213 and 313 K, which indicates the high stability of the helical folding in CDCl3 solution. DFT calculations on the rotation of a single bond in the obtained compound indicated that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds led to exceptional stabilization of the closed helical folding. Right and left helices were separated by chiral column chromatography.
Homogeneous Electrochemical Assay for Real‐time Monitoring of Exonuclease III Activity Based on a Graphene Monolayer
Authors: Lee Heon‐Kyu , Heo Jihye , Myung Sung , Shin Ik‐Soo , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: April 2017

A homogeneous electrochemical assay based on a graphene monolayer electrode was developed for simple, sensitive, rapid and quantitative analysis of the exonuclease III (Exo III) activity. The method utilized a methylene blue (MB) tagged DNA substrate with hairpin structure, and a graphene monolayer attached on the working electrode. Before digestion, the hairpin structure prevents the adsorption of the DNA substrate to the graphene surface. Degradation of the substrate by the 3′–5′ Exo III, however, yields single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA), resulting in its subsequent binding to the graphene surface through π‐π stacking, which produces the voltammetric current from electrochemical reduction of the MB tag anchoring at the end of ssDNA. A direct quantification of the Exo III activity can be achieved by measuring the reductive peak current of the MB tag under easily attainable potential (∼ −0.1 V vs Ag/AgCl) range comparably sensitive to the conventional methods such as a gel‐based or fluorescence‐based assays. Our approach can be applied to measure various exonucleases activity by adjusting the structure of DNA substrate suggesting a new assay method in drug screening and basic research related to the enzymes.
An integrated analysis of non‐renewable energy use, GHG emissions, carbon efficiency of groundnut sole cropping and groundnut‐bean intercropping agro‐ecosystems
Authors: Firouzi Saeed , Nikkhah Amin , Rosentrater Kurt A.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the non‐renewable energy use efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and carbon efficiency of groundnut sole cropping and groundnut‐bean intercropping agro‐ecosystems. Data were collected from 136 farmers using face‐to‐face questionnaires in the Kiashahr region of northern Iran. The results analysis suggested that the non‐renewable energy ratio of groundnut‐bean intercrop agro‐ecosystem (6.03) was greater than that of groundnut sole cropping system (4.59). The highest share of non‐renewable energy belonged to diesel fuel, which was followed by the nitrogen fertilizer for both systems. This demonstrates the importance of fossil fuel and N fertilizer use management in both agro‐ecosystems. The total GHG emissions from groundnut and groundnut‐bean intercrop agro‐ecosystems were computed as 636.14 and 657.36 kgCO2eq ha−1, respectively. The highest impact of GHG emissions was from diesel fuel within both farming systems, confirming the prominent role of the fossil fuel input again. The carbon efficiency for groundnut‐bean intercrop agro‐ecosystem (14.78) was greater than that of the groundnut sole cropping system (11.14). Therefore, groundnut‐bean agro‐ecosystem can be observed to be more effective for carbon sequestration. The use of greater amounts of biological resources helps to improve the efficiency of energy use and mitigation of GHG emissions in both agro‐ecosystems. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1832–1839, 2017
Adsorption on activated carbon derived from tannery fleshing waste: Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics, and kinetics
Authors: Palani Yuvaraj , Rao Jonnalagadda Raghava , Fathima Nishter Nishad
Published: April 2017

Fleshings, an abundant protein source are disposed in large quantity as a solid tannery wastes. Herein, an approach for complete utilization of pre‐treated fleshing waste has been developed to obtain functional rich activated carbon, which can be used as bio‐adsorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution. In this study, Functional rich Fleshing Waste Activated Carbon (FWAC) was characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) BET, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and (Scanning Electron Microscope) SEM analysis. The thermal and FT‐IR studies showed innovative functionalities with superior physico‐chemical properties. The functional rich bio‐adsorbent provided greater opportunity to utilise this material as an adsorbent for trapping toxic metal ions. The maximum adsorption capacity of functional rich bio‐adsorbent was found to be 60.8 mg g−1. Effect of pH, temperature, adsorbent dose and metal ion concentration on adsorption of metal ions were thoroughly investigated also the kinetics and thermodynamic study were carried out. The maximum removal of chromium was obtained at pH 3 with ≥97% for about 0.5 g adsorption dose of 100 mg L−1 initial concentration. The fleshings dealt out as solid tannery wastes, now provides ample solution for ecological crisis of toxic chromium(VI). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1725–1733, 2017
What can we learn from the fifties?
Authors: Gouret Fabian
Published: April 2017

Economists have increasingly elicited probabilistic expectations from survey respondents. Subjective probabilistic expectations show great promise to improve the estimation of structural models of decision making under uncertainty. However, a robust finding in these surveys is an inappropriate heap of responses at “50%,” suggesting that some of these responses are uninformative. The way these 50s are treated in the subsequent analysis is of major importance. Taking the 50s at face value will bias any aggregate statistics. Conversely, deleting them is not appropriate if some of these answers do convey some information. Furthermore, the attention of researchers is so focused on this heap of 50s that they do not consider the possibility that other answers may be uninformative as well. This paper proposes to take a fresh look at these questions using a new method based on weak assumptions to identify the informativeness of an answer. Applying the method to probabilistic expectations of equity returns in three waves of the Survey of Economic Expectations in 1999–2001, I find that: (i) at least 65% of the 50s convey no information at all; (ii) it is the answer most often provided among the answers identified as uninformative; (iii) but even if the 50s are a major contributor to noise, they represent at best 70% of the identified uninformative answers. These findings have various implications for survey design.
A Development in Direct Borohydride/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell Using Nanostructured Ni‐Pt/C Anode
Authors: Abdolmaleki M. , Hosseini M. G.
Published: April 2017

A direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) using H2O2 as oxidizer has been developed. The NaBH4/H2O2 fuel cell is assembled by using Ni‐Pt/C composite as anode catalyst, Pt/C as cathode catalyst, and Nafion® membrane as electrolyte. The compositions, morphology and particle sizes and of catalysts are evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. TEM images show that Ni‐Pt/C nanoparticles have an even size distribution with an average diameter of less than 20 nm. In this work, DBFC performance is studied under different operation conditions including operation temperature, borohydride concentration, and oxidant concentration. The experimental results show that the power density increased by increasing the temperature and increasing the concentration of oxidant. Experiments also show that electrochemical performance is not considerably affected by NaBH4 concentration. So that, it is found that 1.5M NaBH4 concentration is optimum for DBFC operation. A maximum power density of 140 mW cm−2 or 0.11 mW µg−1Pt total has been achieved at a cell voltage of 1.011 V at 55 °C. The cell is operated for about 72 h and its performance stability is recorded.
Triode Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Operation Under Sulfur‐Poisoning Conditions
Authors: Caliandro P. , Diethelm S. , Van herle J.
Published: April 2017

The triode solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a three electrodes configuration. The third electrode, so‐called auxiliary, is connected in a way to run in electrolysis mode, while cathode and anode operate in normal fuel cell mode. This mixed operation allows to reach anode–cathode potential differences which are not accessible in normal operation. In this work, the benefits of triode operation under sulfur‐poisoning conditions are shown. In particular, the difference between conventional and triode operation mode under 2ppm of H2S in H2 are analyzed. The partial reversibility of sulfur poisoning is investigated and the observed regeneration processes are discussed for both the conventional and triode operation. After each sequence of exposure and regeneration, IV and EIS characteristics are taken. The electrochemical impedance spectra are further processed by computing the distribution of relaxation times (DRT). During triode operation, less degradation during exposure and faster stabilization after exposure and regeneration with respect to conventional operation mode are observed.
Utilizing a Segmented Fuel Cell to Study the Effects of Electrode Coating Irregularities on PEM Fuel Cell Initial Performance
Authors: Phillips A. , Ulsh M. , Porter J. , Bender G.
Published: April 2017

An understanding of the impact of coating irregularities on beginning of life polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) performance is essential to develop and establish manufacturing tolerances for its components. Coating irregularities occurring in the fuel cell electrode can either possess acceptable process variations or potentially harmful defects. A segmented fuel cell (SFC) is employed to understand how 100% catalyst reduction irregularities ranging from 0.125 to 1 cm2 in the cathode electrode of a 50 cm2 sized cell impact spatial and total cell performance at dry and wet humidification conditions. By analyzing the data in a differential format the local performance effects of irregularity sizes down to 0.25 cm2 were detected in the current distribution of the cell. Slight total cell performance impacts, due to irregularity sizes of 0.5 and 1 cm2, were observed under dry operation and high current densities.
Differential proteome profiling in the hippocampus of amnesic mice
Authors: Baghel Meghraj Singh , Thakur Mahendra Kumar
Published: April 2017

Amnesia or memory loss is associated with brain aging and several neurodegenerative pathologies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This can be induced by a cholinergic antagonist scopolamine but the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. This study of proteome profiling in the hippocampus could provide conceptual insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in amnesia. To reveal this, mice were administered scopolamine to induce amnesia and memory impairment was validated by novel object recognition test. Using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI‐MS/MS, we have analyzed the hippocampal proteome and identified 18 proteins which were differentially expressed. Out of these proteins, 11 were downregulated and 7 were upregulated in scopolamine‐treated mice as compared to control. In silico analysis showed that the majority of identified proteins are involved in metabolism, catalytic activity, and cytoskeleton architectural functions. STRING interaction network analysis revealed that majority of identified proteins exhibit common association with Actg1 cytoskeleton and Vdac1 energy transporter protein. Furthermore, interaction map analysis showed that Fascin1 and Coronin 1b individually interact with Actg1 and regulate the actin filament dynamics. Vdac1 was significantly downregulated in amnesic mice and showed interaction with other proteins in interaction network. Therefore, we silenced Vdac1 in the hippocampus of normal young mice and found similar impairment in recognition memory of Vdac1 silenced and scopolamine‐treated mice. Thus, these findings suggest that Vdac1‐mediated disruption of energy metabolism and cytoskeleton architecture might be involved in scopolamine‐induced amnesia.
C‐reactive protein variability is associated with vascular access outcome in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kuo Wei‐Hung , Lee Yueh‐Ting , Ng Hwee‐Yeong , Wang Chun‐Yeh , Wu Chien‐Hsing , Lee Chien‐Te
Published: April 2017

Background

Hemodialysis (HD) vascular access failure is one of the most important causes of morbidity and contributes to the cost of dialysis care. There is paucity of data evaluating long‐term monitoring of C‐reactive protein (CRP) on outcome of HD vascular access.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to investigate whether variability of serum CRP level was associated with vascular access failure rate over a 7‐year period. A total of 318 HD patients were included. Their demographic data, co‐morbidities and biochemical data were reviewed and collected. Serum high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) level was measured every 6 months. Patients were divided into three groups according to their serial hs‐CRP levels. Patients with their hs‐CRP below 2 mg/L were defined as low group (n=65, 20.4%) and those with higher than 4 mg/L were defined as high (n=39, 12.3%). The rest were classified as fluctuated hs‐CRP group (n=214, 67.3%). Treatment of vascular access failure includes angioplasty and access re‐creation.

Results

Their body mass index, indicators of dialysis adequacy and serum albumin and hs‐CRP levels differed significantly among three groups. The annual vascular access failure rate was significantly higher in fluctuated hs‐CRP group than in high hs‐CRP group (0.41 vs 0.36, P=.037). Serum albumin was a significant associate of vascular access failure. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis indicated patients with high or fluctuated hs‐CRP had shorter free interval of vascular access failure than low hs‐CRP group.

Conclusions

HD patients with fluctuated hs‐CRP levels were associated with increased vascular access failure.
Maintaining postharvest quality of cold stored ‘Hass’ avocados by altering the fatty acids content and composition with the use of natural volatile compounds – methyl jasmonate and methyl salicylate
Authors: Glowacz Marcin , Bill Malick , Tinyane Peter P , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Low temperatures are often used to reduce metabolic processes and extend the storage life of fruit; however, in the case of avocado, a temperature below 3 °C will often result in the development of physiological disorders associated with chilling injury. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl salicylate (MeSA) vapours to alleviate chilling injury in ‘Hass’ avocado fruit kept at 2 °C for 21 days followed by 6–7 days of shelf‐life at 20 °C, simulating supply chain conditions.

RESULTS

The incidence and severity of chilling injury were significantly reduced in MeJA‐ and MeSA‐exposed fruit, especially at 100 µmol L−1. The mechanism involved improved membrane integrity via alteration of the fatty acid content and composition, down‐regulation of LOX gene expression and reduced activity of lipoxygenase.

CONCLUSION

MeJA and MeSA have the potential for being used with ‘Hass’ avocado fruit shipped at low temperature to reduce its susceptibility to chilling injury. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Predicting off‐site impacts on breeding success of the marsh harrier
Authors: Senzaki Masayuki , Yamaura Yuichi , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: April 2017

Construction of buildings, and other types of land uses by humans can exert negative impacts on wildlife that live in the areas surrounding such developments (i.e., off‐site impacts). To reduce or lessen such impacts, it is important to determine the biological metrics (e.g., abundance, breeding success) that are affected and at which spatial scales. We monitored the eastern marsh harrier (Circus spilonotus) breeding in wetland patches in northern Japan for 4 years and quantified its abundance (no. pairs) and breeding success (no. juveniles) in natural environments compared to artificial land uses in the surrounding areas. We developed a hierarchical model to simultaneously infer the effects of foraging habitats and artificial land uses on the numbers of pairs and juveniles. We found that the amount of foraging habitat within 0.5 km of wetland patches positively influenced the number of pairs per patch and that the amount of artificial land use within 2.0 km from the patches negatively influenced the number of pairs per patch and the number of juveniles per pair. The number of juveniles per patch was therefore affected by these 2 features and was most susceptible to increased land use by humans within 2.0 km from the patches. Our results can be used to predict the magnitudes of off‐site impacts on eastern marsh harriers before any additional development occurs. To effectively manage off‐site impacts, we highlight the importance of considering species abundance and the biological processes mediating breeding success that are possibly affected by different land uses. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
In vitro comparison of renal stone laser treatment using fragmentation and popcorn technique
Authors: Klaver Paul , de Boorder Tjeerd , Rem Alex I. , Lock Tycho M. T. W. , Noordmans Herke Jan
Published: April 2017

Objective

To study the effectiveness of two laser techniques clinically used to fragment renal stones: fragmenting technique (FT) and popcorn technique (PT).

Methods

Phantom stones were placed in a test tube filled with water, mimicking a renal calyx model. A Holmium:YAG laser was used for fragmentation using both techniques. Four series of experiments were performed with two parameters: the technique (FT or PT) and the number of stones in the test tube (one or four). The mass decrease of the phantom stones was measured before, during, and after the experiment to quantify the effect of both techniques.

Results

Visualization of PT showed that the main effect of PT takes place, when the stone moves in front of the laser fiber and is subject to direct radiant exposure. Both FT and PT resulted in a decrease in stone weight; the mass decrease of the stones subjected to FT exceeded that of the stones subjected to PT, even with less laser energy applied. This difference in mass decrease was evident in both the experiments with one and four stones.

Conclusions

PT was less effective in decreasing stone weight compared with FT. The FT is more effective regarding the applied energy than PT, even in a shorter time period and regardless of the number of stones. This study suggests that FT is to be preferred over PT, when stones are accessible by the laser fiber. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:698–704, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solutions in Bessel‐potential spaces for wave equations with nonlinear damping
Authors: Banquet Carlos , Ferreira Lucas C. F. , Villamizar‐Roa Élder J.
Published: April 2017

We consider a semilinear wave equation with nonlinear damping in the whole space
. Local‐in‐time existence and uniqueness results are obtained in the class of Bessel‐potential spaces
. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric properties of the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents (MIA) in a population‐based sample
Authors: Côté Sylvana M. , Orri Massimiliano , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank , Boivin Michel , Japel Christa , Séguin Jean R. , Geoffroy Marie‐Claude , Rouquette Alexandra , Falissard Bruno , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: April 2017

We report on the psychometric properties of the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents (MIA), a self‐report instrument for quantifying the frequency of mental health and psychosocial adaptation problems using a dimensional approach and based on the DSM‐5. The instrument includes 113 questions, takes 20–25 minutes to answer, and covers the past 12 months. A population‐based cohort of adolescents (n = 1443, age = 15 years; 48% males) rated the frequency at which they experienced symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Social Phobia, Eating Disorders (i.e. DSM disorders), Self‐harm, Delinquency, Psychopathy as well as social adaptation problems (e.g. aggression). They also rated interference with functioning in four contexts (family, friends, school, daily life). Reliability analyses indicated good to excellent internal consistency for most scales (alpha = 0.70–0.97) except Psychopathy (alpha = 0.46). The hypothesized structure of the instrument showed acceptable fit according to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) [Chi‐square (4155) = 9776.2, p = 0.000; Chi‐square/DF = 2.35; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.031; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.864], and good convergent and discriminant validity according to multitrait‐multimethods analysis. This initial study showed adequate internal validity and reliability of the MIA. Our findings open the way for further studies investigating other validity aspects, which are necessary before recommending the wide use of the MIA in research and clinical settings.