bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structurally Folded Curvature Surface Models of Geodes/Agate Rosettes (Cathode/Anode) as Vehicle/Truck Storage for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Khalifa Hesham , El‐Safty Sherif A. , Reda Abdullah , Shenashen Mohamed A. , Elmarakbi Ahmed , Metawa Hussain A.
Published: September 2019

The synchronized development of low cost, high energy density, full‐scale lithium‐ion battery (LIB) vehicle/truck storages with long charge/discharge cycles, long‐term stability, and excellent rate capacity and Coulombic efficiency is crucial. Here, structurally folded curvature surface cathode/anode models were designated as vehicle/truck storages. The modulation of LIB vehicle folds with diverse surface functions such as cave‐in‐hollow nests, shell‐walled/fenced edges, and convex/concave spheroid‐capped gradients of geode (G)/agate rosette (AR) (cathode/anode) electrodes may be used as leverage to motivate the dynamic mobility of electron‐ion motion systems directly and generate vehicle/truck storage loading on sustainable electrode surface geometrics, leading to long‐term charge/discharge cycles. In this vehicle/truck storage design, evidence of the effect of structurally folded curvature surface models on the creation of anode/cathode designs is first reported as the force‐driven modulation of high energy density of full‐scale G‐cathode//AR‐anode LIBs. The built‐in LIB is formulated with structurally shaped spheroids along whole‐, eroded‐, and unopened G‐cathodes and AR‐anodes that exhibit the effect of the remarkable surface curvature function changes on fabrication of well‐defined geometric LIBs. The building design of G‐cathode//AR‐anode LIBs with a bundle of convex/concave spheroid‐capped gradients, and three‐dimensional (3D) surface curvatures offer a massive gate‐in transport of electrons/Li+ ions for long periods of charge/discharge cycles and outstanding discharge capacities. Outstanding long‐term cycling performance and stability, excellent retention capacity ∼85 % with a first discharge specific capacity of 162.5 mAh g−1 and an approximate Coulombic efficiency of 99.7 %, were obtained after 2000 cycles at a rate of 1 C in a potential region from 0.8 V to 3.5 V versus Li/Li+ at room temperature by using 3D super‐scalable G@C//AR@C built‐in full‐scale LIB models. A high value of specific energy density ≈131.6 Wh kg−1. The full‐scale LIB models may offer all mandatory requirements overcoming the energy density limits that required a driving range of long‐term EVs.
Increased cytoplasmatic expression of cancer immune surveillance receptor CD1d in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Weber Florian , Junger Henrik , Werner Jens M. , Velez Char Natalia , Rejas Carolina , Schlitt Hans J. , Hornung Matthias
Published: September 2019

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas are associated with rapid tumor growth, short survival time and without any promising therapy to improve the poor prognosis. In this study, expression of immunoregulative receptor CD1d and lymphocyte infiltration in different thyroid tumors as well as in healthy tissue were analyzed in order to find new targets for an immunotherapeutic approach.

Methods

CD1d immunohistochemistry was performed in samples of 18 anaplastic, 17 follicular, 27 papillary, and 4 medullary thyroid carcinomas as well as in 19 specimens from normal thyroid tissue and additionally in 10 samples of sarcoma, seven malignant melanoma and three spindle‐cell lung carcinoma. Furthermore, thyroid samples were stained with antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD56, CD68, and LCA in order to analyze lymphocyte infiltration.

Results

For the first time CD1d receptor expression on normal thyroid tissue could be demonstrated. Moreover, anaplastic thyroid carcinomas showed significantly higher expression levels compared to other thyroid samples. Most astonishingly, CD1d expression disappeared from the cellular surface and was detected rather in the cytoplasm of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells. In addition, histologically similar tumors to anaplastic carcinoma like sarcoma and malignant melanoma revealed distinct CD1d staining patterns. Furthermore, infiltration of T cells, B cells, and macrophages in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas was different when compared to normal thyroid tissue and all other thyroid carcinomas.

Conclusions

Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas show significantly higher expression of CD1d, a receptor for NKT cells, which are subject of several anticancer therapy studies. These results may offer a novel approach to explore immunotherapeutic treatment options.
Parvovirus B19‐induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kalmuk James , Matar Sara , Feng Gong , Kilb Edward , Lim Ming Y.
Published: September 2019

HLH is a catastrophic and likely underdiagnosed pathology with multiple triggers including infection. PVB19 can cause persistent marrow infection leading to HLH despite negative acute serologic markers making timely diagnosis difficult. Increased awareness of PVB19‐HLH is warranted given its potentially lethal nature and the careful interpretation required with serologic markers.
Spontaneous resolution of untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of maxillary bone after incisional biopsy
Authors: Flatow‐Trujillo Lainey , Win Khine , Jencks Amy , Andritsos Leslie , Arana Yi Cecilia
Published: September 2019

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphomas which require multiagent therapy for remission induction and are associated with relapse in more than 40% of patients. Spontaneous remission of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare occurrence.
Spontaneous rupture of isolated splenic hydatid cyst without acute abdomen: A case report
Authors: Acharya Suman , Ghimire Bikal , Khanal Nischal
Published: September 2019

Isolated splenic hydatid cyst is a very rare manifestation of hydatid cyst. Rarely, patients present late after the cyst is ruptured. They might not present with usual presentations such as the acute abdomen, anaphylaxis, or urticarial rashes but only with a distended abdomen. Splenectomy is the emergency operative management.
A folded‐blister pill pack causes ileal perforation
Authors: Otaka Yukihiro , Yukawa Naoko , Yoshida Yuichi , Tamura Jun'ichi , Tsutsui Takaaki
Published: September 2019

Ileal perforation by an accidental ingestion of a blister pill pack is rare. A detailed history of the present illness is the initial key to proceed appropriate investigations. Computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosis of the disease.
Adult entero‐enteric intussusception secondary to lipoma
Authors: Hanafiah Mohammad , Abdul Aziz Mardiana , Rusli Siti Mayuha
Published: September 2019

Diagnostic imaging methods are normally required to make the preoperative diagnosis of adult intussusception. Furthermore, it helps to define the location and nature of the associated mass as lead point if present. Lipoma may appear as lesion of fat attenuation expressed in Hounsfield unit on CT scan.
Directed Evolution of P450 Fatty Acid Decarboxylases via High‐Throughput Screening towards Improved Catalytic Activity
Authors: Xu Huifang , Liang Weinan , Ning Linlin , Jiang Yuanyuan , Yang Wenxia , Wang Cong , Qi Feifei , Ma Li , Du Lei , Fourage Laurent , Zhou Yongjin J. , Li Shengying
Published: September 2019

P450 fatty acid decarboxylases (FADCs) have recently been attracting considerable attention owing to their one‐step direct production of industrially important 1‐alkenes from biologically abundant feedstock free fatty acids under mild conditions. However, attempts to improve the catalytic activity of FADCs have met with little success. Protein engineering has been limited to selected residues and small mutant libraries due to lack of an effective high‐throughput screening (HTS) method. Here, we devise a catalase‐deficient Escherichia coli host strain and report an HTS approach based on colorimetric detection of H2O2‐consumption activity of FADCs. Directed evolution enabled by this method has led to effective identification for the first time of improved FADC variants for medium‐chain 1‐alkene production from both DNA shuffling and random mutagenesis libraries. Advantageously, this screening method can be extended to other enzymes that stoichiometrically utilize H2O2 as co‐substrate.
Immobilization of γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase from Equine Kidney for the Synthesis of kokumi Compounds
Authors: Bruni Margherita , Robescu Marina S. , Ubiali Daniela , Marrubini Giorgio , Vanna Renzo , Morasso Carlo , Benucci Ilaria , Speranza Giovanna , Bavaro Teodora
Published: September 2019

γ‐Glutamyl transpeptidase from equine kidney (ekGGT, E.C. 2.3.2.2) is an intrinsic membrane enzyme which transfers the γ‐glutamyl moiety of glutathione to amino acids and peptides, thus producing γ‐glutamyl derivatives. An immobilization study of ekGGT was carried out with the aim to develop a robust biocatalyst for the synthesis of γ‐glutamyl amino acids which are known as kokumi compounds. Heterofunctional octyl‐glyoxyl‐agarose resulted in a high immobilization yield and activity recovery (93 % and 88 %, respectively). Immobilized ekGGT retained more than 95 % activity under reaction conditions (Tris‐HCl, pH 9, 0.05 M) after 6 days, whereas the residual activity after 6 reaction cycles (18 days) was 85 %. The synthesis of γ‐glutamylmethionine catalyzed by octyl‐glyoxyl‐agarose‐ekGGT afforded the product in 42 % yield (101 mg). The immobilized ekGGT was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The immobilization protocol developed for ekGGT could be of general applicability to membrane proteins.
MoP4 Nanoparticles as a Novel and Efficient Cocatalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Xing , Jiang Yanqiu , Li Yudong , Wang Zhe , Li Junzhuo , Huo Hang , Lin Kaifeng , Du Yunchen
Published: September 2019

In this work, MoP4 nanoparticles were in situ loaded onto CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) via vapor‐solid phase synthesis and the composite of MoP4/CdS proved to be active for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible‐light irradiation, in which MoP4 nanoparticles can work as a novel and efficient cocatalyst. MoP4/CdS can achieve a much higher hydrogen evolution rate of 494.5 μmol h−1 than that of the pristine CdS NRs (22.6 times), and even higher than of the noble metal Pt (2.0 %) loaded on CdS NRs, indicating that MoP4 nanoparticles can replace noble metals as a potential cocatalyst with ultra‐high catalytic activity. Based on the structural and photoelectrical characterization results, the catalytic mechanism of MoP4/CdS was proposed. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of MoP4/CdS is attributed to the promoted charge separation, low hydrogen evolution over‐potential, a long average lifetime for photogenerated carriers and enhanced abilities to inhibit electron‐hole pair recombination. In the field, this work provides guidance for the design and preparation of novel and efficient cocatalyst of phosphide.
Highly Selective Fluorimetric Turn‐Off Detection of Copper(II) by Two Different Mechanisms in Calix[4]arene‐Based Chemosensors and Chemodosimeters
Authors: O'Sullivan Justine , Colleran John , Twamley Brendan , Heaney Frances
Published: September 2019

Isoxazolo‐pyrene tethered calix[4]arenes selectively detect copper(II) ions without interference from related perchlorate ions. The fluorescence emission of the probes, synthesised by nitrile oxide alkyne cycloaddition, and characterised by spectroscopic and crystallographic data, is rapidly reduced by Cu(II) ions. Detection limits are in the micromolar or sub‐micromolar range (0.3–3.6 μM) based on a 1 : 1 sensor:analyte interaction. Voltammetric behaviour and 1H NMR data provide new insights into the sensing mechanism which is dependent on the calixarene substitution pattern. When the calixarene lower rim is fully substituted, Cu(II) detection occurs through a traditional chelation mechanism. In contrast, for calixarenes 1,3‐disubstituted on the lower rim, detection takes place through a chemodosimetric redox reaction. The isolation of a calix[4]diquinone from the reaction with excess Cu(ClO4)2 provides confirmation that the sensor–analyte interaction culminates in irreversible sensor oxidation.
Retracted: Dual targeting of RANKL and PD‐1 with a bispecific antibody improves anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Dougall William C. , Roman Aguilera Amelia , Smyth Mark J.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The addition of RANKL/RANK blockade to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 and anti‐CTLA4 antibodies is associated with increased anti‐tumor immunity in mice. Recent retrospective clinical studies in patients with advanced melanoma and lung cancer suggest the addition of anti‐RANKL antibody to ICI increases the overall response rate relative to ICI treatment alone. Based on this rationale, we developed a novel bispecific antibody (BsAb) co‐targeting RANKL and PD‐1.

Methods

We characterized target binding and functional activity of the anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb in cell‐based assays. Anti‐tumor activity was confirmed in experimental lung metastasis models and in mice with established subcutaneously transplanted tumors.

Results

The anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb retained binding to both RANKL and PD‐1 and blocked the interaction with respective counter‐structures RANK and PD‐L1. The inhibitory effect of anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb was confirmed by demonstrating a complete block of RANKL‐dependent osteoclast formation. Monotherapy activity of anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb was observed in anti‐PD‐1 resistant tumors and, when combined with anti‐CTLA‐4 mAb, increased anti‐tumor responses. An equivalent or superior anti‐tumor response was observed with the anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb compared with the combination of parental anti‐RANKL plus anti‐PD‐1 antibodies depending upon the tumor model.

Discussion

Mechanistically, the anti‐tumor activity of anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 BsAb required CD8+T cells, host PD‐1 and IFNγ. Targeting RANKL and PD‐1 simultaneously within the tumor microenvironment (TME) improved anti‐tumor efficacy compared with combination of two separate mAbs.

Conclusion

In summary, the bispecific anti‐RANKL/PD‐1 antibody demonstrates potent tumor growth inhibition in settings of ICI resistance and represents a novel modality for clinical development in advanced cancer.
Exploring a Pool‐seq‐only approach for gaining population genomic insights in nonmodel species
Authors: Kurland Sara , Wheat Christopher W. , de la Paz Celorio Mancera Maria , Kutschera Verena E. , Hill Jason , Andersson Anastasia , Rubin Carl‐Johan , Andersson Leif , Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda
Published: September 2019

Developing genomic insights is challenging in nonmodel species for which resources are often scarce and prohibitively costly. Here, we explore the potential of a recently established approach using Pool‐seq data to generate a de novo genome assembly for mining exons, upon which Pool‐seq data are used to estimate population divergence and diversity. We do this for two pairs of sympatric populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta): one naturally sympatric set of populations and another pair of populations introduced to a common environment. We validate our approach by comparing the results to those from markers previously used to describe the populations (allozymes and individual‐based single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) and from mapping the Pool‐seq data to a reference genome of the closely related Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We find that genomic differentiation (FST) between the two introduced populations exceeds that of the naturally sympatric populations (FST = 0.13 and 0.03 between the introduced and the naturally sympatric populations, respectively), in concordance with estimates from the previously used SNPs. The same level of population divergence is found for the two genome assemblies, but estimates of average nucleotide diversity differ ( ≈ 0.002 and  ≈ 0.001 when mapping to S. trutta and S. salar, respectively), although the relationships between population values are largely consistent. This discrepancy might be attributed to biases when mapping to a haploid condensed assembly made of highly fragmented read data compared to using a high‐quality reference assembly from a divergent species. We conclude that the Pool‐seq‐only approach can be suitable for detecting and quantifying genome‐wide population differentiation, and for comparing genomic diversity in populations of nonmodel species where reference genomes are lacking.
Tree species identity determines wood decomposition via microclimatic effects
Authors: Gottschall Felix , Davids Sophie , Newiger‐Dous Till E. , Auge Harald , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: September 2019

Empirical evidence suggests that the rich set of ecosystem functions and nature's contributions to people provided by forests depends on tree diversity. Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning research revealed that not only species richness per se but also other facets of tree diversity, such as tree identity, have to be considered to understand the underlying mechanisms. One important ecosystem function in forests is the decomposition of deadwood that plays a vital role in carbon and nutrient cycling and is assumed to be determined by above‐ and belowground interactions. However, the actual influence of tree diversity on wood decay in forests remains inconclusive. Recent studies suggest an important role of microclimate and advocate a systematical consideration of small‐scale environmental conditions. We studied the influence of tree species richness, tree species identity, and microclimatic conditions on wood decomposition in a 12‐year‐old tree diversity experiment in Germany, containing six native species within a tree species richness gradient. We assessed wood mass loss, soil microbial properties, and soil surface temperature in high temporal resolution. Our study shows a significant influence of tree species identity on all three variables. The presence of Scots pine strongly increased wood mass loss, while the presence of Norway spruce decreased it. This could be attributed to structural differences in the litter layer that were modifying the capability of plots to hold the soil surface temperature at night, consequently leading to enhanced decomposition rates in plots with higher nighttime surface temperatures. Therefore, our study confirmed the critical role of microclimate for wood decomposition in forests and showed that soil microbial properties alone were not sufficient to predict wood decay. We conclude that tree diversity effects on ecosystem functions may include different biodiversity facets, such as tree identity, tree traits, and functional and structural diversity, in influencing the abiotic and biotic soil properties.
Functional richness shows spatial scale dependency in Pheidole ant assemblages from Neotropical savannas
Authors: Neves Karen , Moura Mario R. , Maravalhas Jonas , Pacheco Renata , Pie Marcio R. , Schultz Ted R. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: September 2019

There is a growing recognition that spatial scale is important for understanding ecological processes shaping community membership, but empirical evidence on this topic is still scarce. Ecological processes such as environmental filtering can decrease functional differences among species and promote functional clustering of species assemblages, whereas interspecific competition can do the opposite. These different ecological processes are expected to take place at different spatial scales, with competition being more likely at finer scales and environmental filtering most likely at coarser scales. We used a comprehensive dataset on species assemblages of a dominant ant genus, Pheidole, in the Cerrado (savanna) biodiversity hotspot to ask how functional richness relates to species richness gradients and whether such relationships vary across spatial scales. Functional richness of Pheidole assemblages decreased with increasing species richness, but such relationship did not vary across different spatial scales. Species were more functionally dissimilar at finer spatial scales, and functional richness increased less than expected with increasing species richness. Our results indicate a tighter packing of the functional volume as richness increases and point out to a primary role for environmental filtering in shaping membership of Pheidole assemblages in Neotropical savannas.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has been awarded Open Materials, Open Data, Preregistered Research Designs Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.31201jg
Using the Ecology and Evolution‐Measuring Achievement and Progression in Science assessment to measure student thinking across the Four‐Dimensional Ecology Education framework
Authors: Smith Michelle K. , Walsh Cole , Holmes N. G. , Summers Mindi M.
Published: September 2019

The newly developed Four‐Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework, produced by the Ecological Society of America, provides updated guidance for undergraduate instruction. To help instructors align their courses to this framework and assess student progress toward its goals, we have recoded the comprehensive programmatic assessment Ecology and Evolution‐Measuring Achievement and Progression in Science (EcoEvo‐MAPS) and reanalyzed a national dataset of over 2000 undergraduate student responses. Here, we show how the EcoEvo‐MAPS questions align to the 4DEE framework and provide student performance data across the dimensions and elements. We also include information from student interviews to help inspire educators to develop new lessons, additional assessment questions, and other course materials in these areas. Finally, we provide information on a new web‐based portal that allows instructors to easily administer EcoEvo‐MAPS to students and receive an automatically generated score report that aligns results to the 4DEE framework.
Effects of Humidity, Temperature and Bismuth Electrodeposition on Electroanalytical Performances of Nafion‐coated Printed Electrodes for Cd2+ and Pb2+ Detection
Authors: Colozza Noemi , Cacciotti Ilaria , Moscone Danila , Arduini Fabiana
Published: September 2019

The synergistic use of Nafion polymeric membrane and in situ electrodeposited bismuth film is a worthwhile strategy to develop electrochemical sensors for the detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+. However, Nafion thin films morphological and conductivity properties have a strong dependence on the environmental conditions, such as relative humidity and temperature, while the bismuth in situ electroplating can affect the repeatability of measurements. With the aim to overcome these drawbacks, the effects of the storage environmental conditions were investigated to improve the morphological stability and electroanalytical performances of Nafion film‐based sensor for the detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+. Nafion‐coated graphite‐based screen‐printed electrodes were stored at different humidity and temperature conditions and characterised by using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Significant differences were observed at the varying of humidity conditions, with an enhancement of sensor electrochemical performances at lower humidity. Furthermore, different approaches for bismuth in situ electrodeposition on Nafion‐coated screen‐printed electrodes were compared by using overlap or removal approach. This study disclosed considerable differences in the electrochemical performances and morphology of the resulting bismuth‐sensor, obtaining an enhancement of the working stability for the removal approach.
Talking policy into being—How street‐level bureaucrats and vulnerable unemployed talk about labor market participation
Authors: Caswell Dorte
Published: September 2019

Active labor market policy is talked into being in meetings between street‐level bureaucrats and vulnerable unemployed. Recent developments in the street‐level bureaucracy literature has identified potentials in more ethnographic work and a closer attention to responsiveness as a core value of the frontline work (Brodkin 2012; Zacka 2017). Contributing to this, the analytical perspective in this article is informed by conversation analysis and data consist of naturally occurring institutional interactions. The patterns of talk consist of both general and concrete talk. The general talk is broad and unclear, but institutionally and politically legitimate. The concrete talk is characterized by words specifically addressing work places, wishes, and experiences of the unemployed client. General talk function is to keep a labor market perspective acceptable and relevant, even when talking to vulnerable clients. This is, however, insufficient in a policy implementation perspective, as it is the concrete talk that enables the parties to negotiate and promote possible positive policy outcomes in ways that are responsive to the needs and wishes of the individual client.
Effect of initial pH, different nitrogen sources, and cultivation time on the production of yellow or orange Monascus purpureus pigments and the mycotoxin citrinin
Authors: Patrovsky Matej , Sinovska Kristyna , Branska Barbora , Patakova Petra
Published: September 2019

Monascus purpureus was grown in submerged liquid culture using ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, and peptone as nitrogen sources while initial medium pH was adjusted to 2.5, 5.5, 6.5, or 8.0. The combined effect of culture pH and nitrogen source on the biosynthesis of yellow (ankaflavin and monascin) and orange (rubropunctatin and monascorubrin) pigments, plus the mycotoxin citrinin, was evaluated chromatographically. Optimum cultivation conditions, that is, initial pH 2.5 and 8.8 g/L peptone as a nitrogen source, resulted in high levels of production of yellow and orange pigments (sum of pigment concentration 1,138 mg/L) and negligible citrinin concentration (2 mg/L).
Extraction of rapeseed cake oil using subcritical R134a/butane: Process optimization and quality evaluation
Authors: Guo Tingting , Wan Chuyun , Huang Fenghong
Published: September 2019

The optimal extraction conditions of rapeseed cake oil using subcritical R134a/butane were established by response surface methodology. The quality of subcritical R134a/butane extraction oil (SRBEO) was compared with supercritical CO2 extraction oil (SCO2EO) and hexane extraction oil (HXEO). The results showed the highest extraction yield obtained by subcritical R134a/butane in the condition of R134a‐butane ratio of 1.5 kg/kg, at 45°C for 50 min. Compared with SCO2EO and HXEO, the extraction yield and β‐carotene content of SRBEO (87.76%, 357.21 μg/100g) were the highest. The content of phospholipids and canolol in SRBEO (3.01 mg/g, 118.51 mg/100 g) was higher than SCO2EO (not detected, 95.82 mg/100 g) and less than HXEO (25.78 mg/g, 131.85 mg/100 g). The tocopherols in SRBEO were equivalent to SCO2EO but phytosterol content of SRBEO (560.19 mg/100 g) was less than SCO2EO (591.40 mg/100 g). For fatty acids, the three extraction oils had slight difference. Thus, subcritical R134a/butane extraction appeared to be feasible for rapeseed cake oil extraction.
RETRACTED: Tamarind: A diet‐based strategy against lifestyle maladies
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Imran Muhammad , Ahmed Aftab , Sohaib Muhammad , Ullah Azmat , Nisa Mehr un , Hina Gule , Khalid Waseem , Rehana Hafiza
Published: September 2019

The modern‐day review article is an exquisite attempt to demonstrate the extreme therapeutic potential of tamarind fruit (Tamarindus indica), particularly its pulp, seed, and leaf extract, against lifestyle‐related chronic disorders. The rapid transition in the diet patterns and also the varying lifestyle of the people has made its way forth, a momentous upsurge in a number of chronic as well as degenerative diseases. An excess of foods having functional and nutraceutical significance has come into view recently. These foods have emerged as effective therapeutical remedies against these disorders owing to their natural phytochemical constituents present in them, in abundance. Tamarindus indica serves as a proverbial herbal medicine in each and every part of the world that is known to mankind. Also, the tamarind kernel powder (TKP) is of immense commercial significance in some of the major, leading industries of the World. The derivation of an important gel‐forming substance (polysaccharide), named as “jellose,” from the decorticated seed kernels of tamarind fruit has led to the manufacture of pectin. It is used in industrial scale in the preparation of various products like jams, jellies, and most important in the preparation of cheese. It plays an evident role as a stabilizer of commercial significance, and it has also been greatly recommend by the scientists to be used as a potent ingredient in a range of pharmaceutical products. The leaves of tamarind plant are also used as part of the daily diet in several countries where they are readily consumed in fresh form and especially during drought season.
Citric acid treatment reduces decay and maintains the postharvest quality of peach (Prunus persica L.) fruit
Authors: Yang Can , Chen Tao , Shen Borui , Sun Shuxia , Song Haiyan , Chen Dong , Xi Wanpeng
Published: September 2019

Peaches are easily perishable fruit, and their quality is quickly lost after harvest. In this study, “Hujingmilu” peach (Prunus persica L.) fruit was treated with citric acid (CA) and stored at 20°C for 15 days. Fruit decay and quality were evaluated during the storage period. Compared with the control, CA treatment did not inhibit climacteric ethylene release, but CA was significantly effective at maintaining firmness, inhibiting decay, and preventing a decrease in titration acid (TA). CA treatment inhibited the increase in total soluble solids (TSS), sucrose, and fructose in the first week after fruit harvest, but then their content was significantly higher in CA‐treated fruits than that in the control group. The decrease in malic acid and citric acid was significantly prevented by CA treatment. During storage, the concentrations of C6 volatile compounds decreased rapidly whereas lactones sharply increased, and the concentrations of δ‐decalactone, γ‐decalactone, and γ‐dodecalactone were found to be significantly high in CA fruits compared with the control after the eighth day of storage (p < .05). Similarly, higher contents of chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, catechin, and L‐epicatechin were maintained in fruits treated with CA during the same storage period (p < .05). Our findings suggest that treatment with 10 g/L citric acid can reduce postharvest decay and effectively maintain the texture, flavor, and nutrition quality of peach fruit.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies of Novel Cobalt Free (Nd0.9La0.1)1.6Sr0.4 Ni0.75Cu0.25O3.8 (NLSNC4) Cathode Material for IT‐SOFCs
Authors: Shirani‐Faradonbeh H. , Paydar M. H. , Paydar S. , Gholaminezhad I. , Bazargan‐Lari R.
Published: September 2019

A novel cathode material of (Nd0.9La0.1)1.6Sr0.4Ni0.75Cu0.25O3.8 (NLSNC4), is synthesized by solid state reaction and is further investigated in combination with samarium doped ceria (SDC) as composite cathodes including 0, 10, 30, 50, and 70 of SDC electrolyte phase. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that NLSNC4 was produced in pure phase and was chemically compatible with SDC electrolyte. Electrical conductivities of single phase and composite cathode materials along with their electrochemical performances on SDC electrolytes in symmetric cells were measured by DC four‐probe method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. Results indicated that the maximum electrical conductivity is 135.56 S cm−1 at 350 °C, measured for single phase NLSNC4, sintered at 1,300 °C. Polarization resistance of pure NLSNC4 cathode was 2.71 Ω cm2 at 800 °C, and NLSNC4‐x wt.% SDC composite cathodes displayed Rp value of 0.35, 0.14, 0.12, and 0.32 Ω cm2 at 800 °C, for x = 10, 30, 50, and 70, respectively.
An evaluation of SecondBite®'s FoodMate®, a nutrition education and skill‐building program aimed at reducing food insecurity
Authors: Stephens Lena D. , Smith Geoff , Olstad Dana Lee , Ball Kylie
Published: September 2019

Issue addressed

Enhancing food skills and nutrition knowledge may help promote healthy eating among people who are food insecure. FoodMate® by SecondBite®, an 8‐week nutrition education and food hamper program, focuses on developing food skills and independence among Australians at risk of/experiencing food insecurity. This study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of and experiences with FoodMate® over a long‐term (up to 2 years) follow‐up.

Methods

For evaluation purposes, SecondBite® previously collected data from participants prior to (T1) and following completion (T2) of FoodMate®. This paper reports results from semi‐structured telephone interviews conducted in a follow‐up study (2016/2017, T3) among 19 adults enrolled in FoodMate® programs delivered in Victoria and New South Wales within the previous two years. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis of responses to T3 open‐ended questions, and descriptive analysis of closed‐ended question responses (T1 vs T2 vs T3).

Results

Major qualitative themes included program enjoyment; perceived positive long‐term program impact on participants' eating and related attitudes and skills; barriers to cooking; suggested program modifications; and impact on others. In descriptive quantitative analyses, participants' diet; confidence to cook using basic ingredients, follow simple recipes and try new foods; cooking and food‐related skills; social engagement and life satisfaction all improved between T1 and T3.

Conclusions

Overall, FoodMate® was well‐received and associated with long‐term positive changes in a range of outcomes. Wider implementation among vulnerable groups should be considered.

So what?

Future health promotion initiatives could adopt FoodMate® to increase food skills and knowledge among adults experiencing food insecurity.
Problem Framing: Identifying the Right Models for the Job
Authors: Martin James N.
Published: September 2019

In the world of modeling, we are now confronted with a new problem. The richness of the tools and methods available to us now have led to an “agony of abundance” when it comes to available options for modeling a system. The recently released Unified Architecture Framework, for example, has specified 71 possible architecture views that can be created. How can systems engineering cope with all the choices? How do you effectively choose the right models? How do you determine the appropriate contents of the models you do choose? This paper presents a Problem Framing approach that facilitates selection of the right models for the job, the ones that can add the greatest value and have the greatest utility for the various potential users of these models, and those that can provide the greatest insight into system trade‐offs and successful outcomes.
Optimizing the Requirement Engineering Process: A Case Study of I/O List Management in Integrated Automation Systems
Authors: Kløcker Snorre Tryggestad , Zhao Yang‐Yang
Published: September 2019

Integrated Automation Systems (IAS) suppliers in the maritime sector have been facing the cost pressure to deliver projects over the years, while the system complexity rapidly increases. How to improve the IAS delivery process to assert the project margins thus has become a critical issue. The IAS delivery process is mainly related to design and production activities of the software activities. For instance, the requirements documentation and Input/Output list (I/O list) management during the software design and engineering phases tend to be recurring reasons for delays in the IAS production. Thus, this paper focuses on how to optimize the requirements engineering (RE) process related to I/O list management in the IAS production. A real‐life case study is conducted from both the customer (i.e. Shipyard) and supplier (i.e. The case company) perspectives to investigate I/O list management in the RE process of the IAS production. It is found that late design changes to the I/O list are the main reasons for delays in the IAS production; the lack of standardization, documentation, inconsistency between customer and supplier milestones as well as the I/O list ownership by customers are the important root causes. Based on the case data, the solution in resolving those root causes is derived for reduced man‐hours in the RE process of the IAS production.
Recommended Best Practices based on MBSE Pilot Projects
Authors: Noguchi Ryan A.
Published: September 2019

Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an emerging paradigm for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of systems engineering through the pervasive use of integrated descriptive representations of the system to capture knowledge about the system for the benefit of all stakeholders. This paper describes some of the key engineering lessons and recommended best practices that have emerged from several MBSE pilot projects over the past few years.
The Enduring Path to System Success: Investment in Quality Early‐phase Systems Engineering
Authors: Cook Stephen C , Wilson Shaun A
Published: September 2019

System stakeholders responsible for defining, delivering, and commissioning engineered systems often work in resource‐constrained environments. This means that it is not always possible to apply systems engineering processes as comprehensively as practitioners would like. The question then becomes where and when best to allocate systems engineering resources to maximize project success. A review paper that analyzed lessons learned twenty years ago highlighted inadequate early‐phase systems engineering effort as a major cause of project issues. This paper opens with a discussion of this review material and progresses to review contemporary materials. The conclusion drawn is that the quality of early‐phase systems engineering is as vital as ever to project success and that the recommended levels of expenditure on SE are unchanged. The newer work, however, provides us with important new information: guidance on the sorts of activities that provide the greatest payoff in the early stages of the lifecycle and what proportion of the SE budget should be allocated to each major area of activity. The foremost areas to resource are mission definition and project scoping, with systems architecting, technical analysis, and system design also featuring prominently. Requirements also features but not in terms of volume of effort rather in terms of the need to use good systems engineering and analysis to translate the high‐level originating needs (that rarely change) into the detailed technical requirements. Model‐based approaches are claimed to much better support early‐stage SE than older, document‐based approaches.
The Drone System II: Availability Performance Analysis and Modeling
Authors: MacCarthy John
Published: September 2019

This paper is the second of two papers that together provide an example of how to use the systems engineering processes outlined in the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook and ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 to develop a SysML system architecture from a user's statement of need and then to develop a mathematical system model for system reliability, availability, and maintainability that may be used to perform system design and cost‐effectiveness trade‐off analyses. This paper focuses on the development of an analytic Markov model that may be used to determine the operational availability that results from alternative designs for the drone system described in the first paper and the use of this model to perform a design performance analysis and a design trade‐off analysis. It also compares the results of this analytic stochastic model to a simple deterministic model.
Comparing Implications of ‘Robustness’ and ‘Optimality’ for Decision Support under Uncertainty
Authors: Moallemi Enayat A. , Turan Hasan H. , Elsawah Sondoss , Ryan Michael J.
Published: September 2019

Conventional simulation‐optimisation approach in decision support under uncertainty aims to find optimal decisions which can meet decision objective(s) under reference scenarios with well‐characterised uncertainty. However, futures often emerge with unexpected circumstances which cannot be predicted in our pre‐specified reference scenarios, and their uncertainty cannot be fully characterised a priori. This article uses robust optimisation based on simulation models as an alternative approach to address such uncertainties of decision support. To show how the two approaches work and how better robust optimisation can be, we formulate a fleet mix problem under uncertainty and implement it in two experiments to compare the results. We conclude that robust optimisation could lead to decisions with probably lower performance than conventional optimisation at imagined future scenarios. However, the advantage of robust optimisation is that the results have better performance in overall and are more reliable over a wide variety of scenarios in the future.
Framework for Improving Complex System Performance
Authors: Keating Charles B. , Katina Polinpapilinho F. , Jaradat Ra'ed , Bradley Joseph M. , Hodge Richard
Published: September 2019

This paper introduces a framework for improvement of complex system performance. Complex systems are besieged with conditions marked by increasing uncertainty, emergence, and ambiguity. Additionally, demands for increased productivity, resource efficiencies, and performance improvement make new approaches paramount for modern systems engineers. In response, a framework to improve complex system performance is developed. Following an introduction, the paper pursues four objectives: (1) introduction of Complex System Governance (CSG) as a foundation to describe essential system functions, (2) suggest system ‘pathologies’ as an explanation for deep system performance issues, (3) exploration of system performance improvement as a function of ‘requisite variety’ to compensate for deep system issues, and (4) introduce a framework for complex system performance improvement using system pathologies as ‘unab‐sorbed variety’. The paper closes with some challenges for further development of the framework for deployment and application guidance for practitioners.
Does the time‐point of orthodontic space closure initiation after tooth extraction affect the incidence of gingival cleft development? A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Neuner Hemma , Meran Antonia , Bertl Michael H. , Reich Ilse , Nemec Michael , Bruckmann Corinna , Stavropoulos Andreas , Bantleon Hans‐Peter
Published: September 2019

Background

Gingival clefts (GCs) develop frequently during orthodontic space closure and may compromise the treatment outcome. This study assessed whether the time‐point of orthodontic space closure initiation, after permanent tooth extraction, affects the incidence of GC.

Methods

In 25 patients requiring bilateral premolar extraction because of orthodontic reasons, one premolar, chosen at random, was extracted 8 weeks before space closure initiation (“delayed movement,” DM), whereas the contralateral premolar was extracted 1 week before (“early movement,” EM) (“treatment group”). Presence or absence of GC after 3 and 6 months (“time‐point”) was recorded and any association with various parameters (i.e., treatment group, time‐point, gender, jaw, craniofacial growth, gingival biotype, buccal bone dehiscence after extraction, space closure) was statistically assessed.

Results

Twenty‐one patients contributing with 26 jaws were finally included in the analysis. Overall, GCs were frequent after 3 (DM: 53.9%; EM: 69.2%) and 6 months (DM: 76.9%; EM: 88.5%). EM (P = 0.014) and larger space closure within the study period (P = 0.001) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of GC. Further, there was a tendency for GC development in the presence of buccal bone dehiscence (P = 0.052) and thin gingival biotype (P = 0.054). “Fast movers” (herein cases with a tooth movement ≥1 mm per month) developed a GC in >90% of the cases already after 3 months. “Slow movers” developed a GC in 25% and 70% after 3 months and final evaluation, respectively.

Conclusions

GC development is a frequent finding during orthodontic space closure and seems to occur more frequently with early tooth movement initiation and in “fast movers.”
Effect of cattle slurry application techniques on N2O and NH3 emissions from a loamy soil
Authors: Herr Christina , Mannheim Thomas , Müller Torsten , Ruser Reiner
Published: September 2019

We determined N2O fluxes from an unfertilized control (CON), from a treatment with mineral N‐fertilizer (MIN), from cattle slurry with banded surface application and subsequent incorporation (INC), and from slurry injection (INJ) to silage maize (Zea mays, L.) on a Haplic Luvisol in southwest Germany. In both years, amount of available N (total N fertilized + Nmin content before N application) was 210 kg N ha−1. In the slurry treatment of the 1st year, 140 kg N ha−1 were either injected or incorporated, whereas 30 kg N ha−1 were surface applied to avoid destruction of the maize plants. In the 2nd year, all fertilizers were applied with one single application. We calculated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) on field level including direct N2O emissions (calculated from the measured flux rates), indirect N2O emissions (NH3 and induced N2O emission), net CH4 fluxes, fuel consumption and pre‐chain emissions from mineral fertilizer. NH3 losses were measured in the 2nd year using the Dräger‐Tube Method and estimated for both years. NH3 emission was highest in the treatment without incorporation. It generally contributed less than 5% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from silage maize cultivation. The mean area‐related N2O emission, determined with the closed chamber method was 2.8, 4.7, 4.4 and 13.8 kg N2O‐N ha−1 y−1 for CON, MIN, INC, and INJ, respectively. Yield‐related N2O emission showed the same trend. Across all treatments, direct N2O emission was the major contributor to GHG with an average of 79%. Trail hose application with immediate incorporation was found to be the optimum management practice for livestock farmers in our study region.
Kinetic study of CO2 absorption in aqueous solutions of 2‐((2‐aminoethyl)amino)‐ethanol using a stirred cell reaction calorimeter
Authors: Mukherjee Satyajit , Samanta Amar N.
Published: September 2019

In the literature, aqueous 2‐((2‐aminoethyl)amino) ethanol (AEEA) is identified as a promising solvent for postcombustion CO2 capture. In this work, the kinetics of CO2 absorption in the aqueous AEEA, containing a primary and a secondary amino group, is studied over a wide temperature range of 303.15‐343.15 K and the amine concentration in the range of 0.47‐2.89 M using the fall‐in‐pressure technique in a stirred cell reaction calorimeter setup with a horizontal gas‐liquid interface. The overall rate constants for (AEEA + H2O + CO2) reaction system are estimated in the pseudo–first‐order reaction regime. The kinetic models based on zwitterion and the termolecular reaction mechanisms are used to predict kinetic rate constants. The experimental kinetic data are better correlated using the zwitterion mechanism (AAD 9.18%) than that of the termolecular mechanism (AAD 10.4%). The density, viscosity, and physical solubility of pure components and aqueous binary mixtures of AEEA are also measured at the similar temperature and concentration ranges of rate kinetics. Empirical models are proposed to predict pure component density and viscosity data with AAD of 0.02% and 7.17%, respectively. The Redlich‐Kister model, the Grunberg‐Nissan model, and the O'Connell's model are used to correlate experimental density, viscosity, and physical solubility data of the binary mixtures with AAD of 0.034%, 4.92%, and 6.5%, respectively. The reaction activation energy (Ea ∼ 32 kJ/mol) of the (AEEA + H2O + CO2) system is calculated from the Arrhenius power‐law model using the zwitterion mechanism, which indicates lower energy barrier than that of the reported value for monoethanolamine (∼44 kJ/mol) in the literature.