bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferrocene‐appended donor–π–acceptor Schiff base: Structural, nonlinear optical, aggregation‐induced emission and density functional theory studies
Authors: David Ezhumalai , Thirumoorthy Krishnan , Palanisami Nallasamy
Published: August 2018

New ferrocenyl Schiff bases [Fc─C(H)═N─C6H3(OH)(R)] (R = H (1), NO2 (2)) have been synthesized and characterized using various techniques. Compound 2 was further confirmed using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Solvatochromism studies of 2 showed redshift from nonpolar to polar solvents. In addition, results of fluorescence studies indicated excellent aggregation‐induced emission properties. The quasi‐reversible redox wave in electrochemical studies of the Schiff bases evidenced the electron transfer ability of ferrocene to the Schiff base (─C═N─) conjugation group. The second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 1 and 2 were investigated using the Kurtz–Perry powder technique and 2 showed an effect 1.46 times greater than that of urea reference. Although 2 crystallized in the P21/c centrosymmetric space group, NLO property was observed, due to non‐covalent interactions (C─H⋅⋅⋅π). The band gaps were calculated using the diffuse reflectance spectroscopic method and 2 exhibited a low band gap of 2.9 eV which is due to the more electron‐withdrawing nature of the nitro group. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on the synthesized compounds using the density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT approach. The theoretical studies showed that the band gap for the Schiff bases was 3.8 eV (1) and 3.2 eV (2) and they can be considered as candidates for use in optical applications.
“First They Came for the Muslims”: Psychoanalytic reflections on the threat and the challenge of contemporary populism
Authors: Kemp Martin
Published: August 2018

This paper is a response to the rise of populism across and beyond the Western world. It takes seriously the possibility that there are parallels between the unconscious dynamics underlying contemporary threats to liberal democracy and those which were mobilised during the inter‐war crisis in Europe. The paper explores how historical contexualization and ideological orientation shape psychoanalytic theorizing, with significant consequences for our conceptualizations of the nature of the “fascist” mind. It suggests that a “basic fault” in the evolution of nation states that seek to reconcile political democracy and economic anarchy provides the conditions in which irrationality and the politics of scapegoating is a permanent temptation. It is this, the paper argues, that provides the link between inter‐war fascism and the present rise of populist movements around the world.
Mapping the subsurface structures of a lost medieval village in South‐Western Romania by combining conventional geophysical methods
Authors: Hegyi Alexandru , Urdea Petru , Floca Cristian , Ardelean Adrian , Onaca Alexandru
Published: August 2018

The medieval fortification of Mașloc, known as the ‘Șanțul Turcilor’ (Turkish ditch) is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Banat region, Romania. To reconstruct the subsurface archaeological features at the Mașloc site we combined three different geophysical methods: magnetometry, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and we used SfM (structure‐from‐motion) to achieve a detailed digital elevation model and an orthophoto mosaic also. Six hectares were investigated by magnetometry in order to define the basic outline of the medieval settlement, which gradually developed around the fortification. Several GPR and ERT profiles were constructed over the ramparts and ditches of the fortification to determine their extent and the internal structure of the ramparts, ditches and the houses within. The interpretation of these profiles shows for the first time the existence of a second ditch around the fortification: this is not visible in the field. The geophysical mapping precisely identifies the dwellings within the site, which shows the spatial organization of the village. Houses were developed along its main street, oriented northeast–southwest (NE–SW), which were constructed using well‐established rules and must have been planned by a local administration. Such organization demonstrates the importance of the village in medieval times, due probably to its location near to the road between two important towns: Timișoara and Lipova. The geophysical results now allow us to associate this settlement with the lost Machalaka, an important village mentioned in the medieval documents. The geophysical investigation demonstrates how this method can delineate village boundaries and the planimetry of internal archaeological features.
Trajectory Tracking for Underwater Swimming Manipulators using a Super Twisting Algorithm
Authors: Borlaug Ida Louise G. , Gravdahl Jan Tommy , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Jørgen , Pettersen Kristin Y. , Loria Antonio
Published: August 2018

The underwater swimming manipulator (USM) is a snake‐like, multi‐articulated, underwater robot that is equipped with thrusters. One of the main purposes of the USM is to act like an underwater floating base manipulator. As such, it is essential to achieve good station‐keeping and trajectory tracking performance for the USM by using the thrusters and by using the joints to attain the desired position and orientation of the head and tail of the USM. In this ‘paper, we propose a sliding mode control (SMC) law, specifically the super‐twisting algorithm with adaptive gains, for the trajectory tracking of the USM's centre of mass. A higher‐order sliding mode observer is proposed for state estimation. Furthermore, we show the ultimate boundedness of the tracking errors. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed control law and show that it leads to better performance than a linear PD‐controller.
The Feasibility and Effectiveness of PASS Plus, A Lay Health Worker Delivered Comprehensive Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Pilot RCT in a Rural Low and Middle Income Country Setting
Authors: Divan Gauri , Vajaratkar Vivek , Cardozo Percy , Huzurbazar Shilpa , Verma Mamta , Howarth Elizabeth , Emsley Richard , Taylor Carol , Patel Vikram , Green Jonathan
Published: August 2018

The treatment gap for autism globally is high. Our previous PASS intervention, delivered by community based lay health workers, showed effectiveness. This article reports the development and evaluation of a new “PASS ‘Plus’” intervention in a rural population in India. Using formative research methods, we supplemented the PASS intervention with additional (Plus) modules to address autism comorbidities. This is the first time that a rigorous methodology has been used to evaluate autism symptom outcomes in a low and middle‐income country setting. 40 parent–child dyads were recruited in a pilot randomized controlled trial against usual care (mean age 65 months (34 boys); n = 19 PASS Plus, n = 21 UC). 89% of intervention families partially or entirely completed the 12‐session intervention. Intention to treat analysis showed a reduction in mean scores of autism symptom severity, though the confidence interval contains zero, (adjusted mean difference AMD −2.42 95% CI −7.75, 2.92; ES 0.22); large treatment effects on proximal outcomes of proportion of parent synchronous responses (AMD 0.35; 95% CI 0.18, 0.52; effect size ES 3.97) and proportion of child communication initiations with parent (AMD 0·17; 95% CI 0.03, 0.32; ES 1.02). Confidence intervals for effects on mutual shared attention (AMD 0.10; 95% CI −0.07, 0.27; ES 0.5) and co‐morbid symptoms (AMD −9.0; 95% CI −24.26, 6.26; ES 0.32) contained zero. There were significant effects to improve parental mental health. PASS Plus shows good feasibility and adds to the evidence of the effectiveness of task sharing complex autism interventions to lay health workers in India. Autism Res 2019, 12: 328–339 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This article describes the development of a comprehensive, community‐delivered, intervention for young children with autism, which combines a previously developed parent‐mediated communication intervention with support for co‐morbid problems like challenging behaviors and sensory sensitivities. The unique aspect of this intervention is that it can be delivered by community health workers, addressing the lack of specialists in low resource settings. Our study reports the encouraging findings of a pilot trial evaluating its feasibility and effectiveness.
Evaluation of continuous nonaffinity capture chromatography for a recombinant enzyme—optimization for a changing perfusion feedstream and comparison to batch processing
Authors: Thompson Christopher , Wilson Kelly , Larkin Christopher , Lee Jeong , Wang William K. , Wendeler Michaela
Published: August 2018

This work presents the optimization and critical evaluation of continuous capture chromatography in the downstream process of a recombinant enzyme. For the upstream manufacturing of this molecule, a perfusion process was implemented due to benefits for product quality and productivity. This process is, however, characterized by low titer and significant changes over the course of the harvest duration in terms of active enzyme concentration and impurity content. We evaluated the feasibility and benefits of a continuous capture operation. This case study illustrates the design approach that can be utilized to address challenges presented by a changing feedstream, and the statistical measures that can be employed to characterize and optimize the operating space under material and time constraints. Process economic modeling in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations indicate that even for a nonaffinity capture step utilizing a relatively cheap ion‐exchange resin, the smaller column volume used in a continuous set‐up results in cost savings compared to the batch process. We compare this option to the scenario of repeated processing using a small capture column in batch mode. Our analysis establishes that continuous processing becomes economically attractive for processes where only a small portion of the potential column lifetime can be utilized or for column steps with slow mass transport and shallow breakthrough curves. In cases where column breakthrough is sharp and resin lifetime is relatively short, continuous processing may offer an improvement over traditional batch processing, but much of the productivity and cost savings can be realized through repeated column cycling. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2018 © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1195–1204, 2018
An intelligent navigation of humanoid NAO in the light of classical approach and computational intelligence
Authors: Kumar Priyadarshi Biplab , Mohapatra Saktiswarup , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: August 2018

The development of robotics research toward industrialization has created an enhanced demand for modernization of the automation industry. Humanoid robots being advanced than other forms of robots bear a large resemblance to humans and are very much helpful in replacing humans in tedious and repetitive tasks. Therefore, the navigation and path planning of the humanoids bear a large importance in robotics research. The current investigation deals with the path planning of NAO humanoid robots. In the present work, a classical method of regression analysis and an artificial intelligence technique of fuzzy logic are implemented separately for the purpose of obstacle avoidance during the motion of humanoid NAOs toward respective targets. The simulation analysis of the proposed techniques is carried out using V‐REP software. The experiments are performed in laboratory conditions with a proper environment for working of the humanoid NAOs. Finally, a comparison has been made between the simulation and experimental results. The results obtained from the simulation and experimental analyses are in good agreement with each other, which suggest that the proposed methodologies can be used as methods of robust control for the navigation of humanoids.
Single‐Site Heterogeneous Catalysts: From Synthesis to NMR Signal Enhancement
Authors: Burueva Dudari B. , Kovtunova Larisa M. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: August 2018

Catalysts with well‐defined, single, active centers are of great importance and their utilization allows the gap between homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysis to be bridged and, importantly, the main selectivity problem of heterogeneous catalysis and the main separation challenge of homogeneous catalysis to be overcome. Moreover, the use of single‐site catalysts allows the NMR signal to be significantly enhanced through the pairwise addition of two hydrogen atoms from a parahydrogen molecule to an unsaturated substrate. This review covers the fundamentals of the synthesis of single‐site catalysts and shows the new aspects of their applications in both modern catalysis and the field of parahydrogen‐based hyperpolarization. The different novel aspects of the formation and utilization of single‐site catalysts, along with the possibility of NMR signal enhancement observations are described.
An efficient boundary control for porous media equation: Motivated by water coning problem
Authors: Safari Mehdi , Ameri Mohammad Javad , Naderifar Abbas
Published: August 2018

The porous media equation is a nonlinear partially differential equation (PDE) that is extensively applied in industries. One such case is regarding the water coning problem in oil reservoirs. This phenomenon may result in decreasing oil production rates and increasing water cut production as well as costs that may lead to the early closure of an oil well. Conventionally, well shutting‐in is the only treatment approach when a well faces this problem; however, this does not lead to full reservoir depletion. Recently, the boundary control approach has been proposed to solve the water coning problem. The most important and challenging question is the following: which controllers guarantee that this issue will be resolved?

To deal with the water coning issue, first, several types of controllers were considered and applied on the nonlinear PDE. Next, to investigate the stability behaviour of each controller, the direct Lyapunov approach was employed. Finally, to support the results of the analytical part of this paper and to compare the performance of those controllers, numerical simulations were performed. The results show that only for those control laws that guarantee the asymptotic and exponential stability of the nonlinear PDE, the thickness of the oil column tends to zero as time tends to infinity for the whole spatial domain. In addition, a novel controller, which is introduced in the present study, fulfills the exponential stability and is more efficient than other presented controllers. Using the controller, the whole oil column is drained out about 16 % faster without water breakthrough.
Using cupriethylenediamine (CED) solution to decrease cellulose fibre network strength for removal of pulp fibre plugs
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Hui , Christensen Ryan Mitchell , Lutes Ryan , Liu Xuesi , Zhang Jinli , Martinez Mark , Pande Harshad , Marcoccia Bruno , Ni Yonghao
Published: August 2018

The pulp and paper industry is the largest industrial sector that converts wood‐based materials into fibre‐related products. It is common for pulp fibre plugs to develop within pipelines and equipment causing operational downtime, which ultimately requires the use of costly procedures for plug removal. In this study, a laboratory‐scale set‐up was developed to measure the breakup pressure of pre‐formed plugs to indicate the plug (fibre network) strength. A cupriethylenediamine (CED) solution was investigated with regards to its ability to decrease the plug strength. When the concentration of the CED solution is 0.1 M or lower, the plug breakup pressure increases due to fibre swelling. Conversely, when the CED concentration is 0.2 M or greater, the plug breakup pressure decreases significantly due to partial fibre dissolution.
Prior‐based model checking
Authors: Al‐Labadi Luai , Evans Michael
Published: August 2018

Model checking procedures are considered based on the use of the Dirichlet process and relative belief. This combination is seen to lead to some unique advantages for this problem. Of considerable importance is the selection of the hyperparameters for the Dirichlet process. A particular choice is advocated here for the base distribution that avoids prior‐data conflict and double use of the data, while the choice of the concentration parameter is based on elicitation. Several examples are presented in which the proposed approach exhibits excellent performance.The Canadian Journal of Statistics46: 380–398; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
The gut microbiome and aquatic toxicology: An emerging concept for environmental health
Authors: Adamovsky Ondrej , Buerger Amanda N. , Wormington Alexis M. , Ector Naomi , Griffitt Robert J. , Bisesi Joseph H. , Martyniuk Christopher J.
Published: August 2018

The microbiome plays an essential role in the health and onset of diseases in all animals, including humans. The microbiome has emerged as a central theme in environmental toxicology because microbes interact with the host immune system in addition to its role in chemical detoxification. Pathophysiological changes in the gastrointestinal tissue caused by ingested chemicals and metabolites generated from microbial biodegradation can lead to systemic adverse effects. The present critical review dissects what we know about the impacts of environmental contaminants on the microbiome of aquatic species, with special emphasis on the gut microbiome. We highlight some of the known major gut epithelium proteins in vertebrate hosts that are targets for chemical perturbation, proteins that also directly cross-talk with the microbiome. These proteins may act as molecular initiators for altered gut function, and we propose a general framework for an adverse outcome pathway that considers gut dysbiosis as a major contributing factor to adverse apical endpoints. We present 2 case studies, nanomaterials and hydrocarbons, with special emphasis on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, to illustrate how investigations into the microbiome can improve understanding of adverse outcomes. Lastly, we present strategies to functionally relate chemical-induced gut dysbiosis with adverse outcomes because this is required to demonstrate cause–effect relationships. Further investigations into the toxicant–microbiome relationship may prove to be a major breakthrough for improving animal and human health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2758–2775. © 2018 SETAC
Modeling and forecasting intraday VaR of an exchange rate portfolio
Authors: Abbara Omar , Zevallos Mauricio
Published: August 2018

The main task of this work was to predict, for the next 15 minutes, the value‐at‐risk (VaR) of an equally weighted portfolio composed of four exchange rates against the American dollar: Japanese yen, euro, Australian dollar and Swiss franc. The dataset consists of transaction prices of each asset recorded every 15 minutes, from January 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013. For each time series, the multiplicative‐component generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model of Engle and Sokalska (Journal of Financial Econometrics, 2012, 10, 54–83) is fitted, and the dependence among the series is modeled by a D‐vine pair‐copula. VaR predictions are estimated based on simulated observations of the fitted model following the proposal of Berg and Aas (European Journal of Finance, 2009, 15, 639–659). The proposed method presents good results in terms of out‐of‐sample intraday VaR forecasting.
Reduced local segregation of single‐subject gray matter networks in adult PTSD
Authors: Niu Running , Lei Du , Chen Fuqin , Chen Ying , Suo Xueling , Li Lingjiang , Lui Su , Huang Xiaoqi , Sweeney John A. , Gong Qiyong
Published: August 2018

To psychoradiologically investigate the topological organization of single‐subject gray matter networks in patients with PTSD. Eighty‐nine adult PTSD patients and 88 trauma‐exposed controls (TEC) underwent a structural T1 magnetic resonance imaging scan. The single‐subject brain structural networks were constructed based on gray matter similarity of 90 brain regions. The area under the curve (AUC) of each network metric was calculated and both global and nodal network properties were measured in graph theory analysis. We used nonparametric permutation tests to identify group differences in topological metrics. Relationships between brain network measures and clinical symptom severity were analyzed in the PTSD group. Compared with TEC, brain networks of PTSD patients were characterized by decreased clustering coefficient (Cp) (p = .04) and local efficiency (Eloc) (p = .04). Locally, patients with PTSD exhibited altered nodal centrality involving medial superior frontal (mSFG), inferior orbital frontal (iOFG), superior parietal (SPG), middle frontal (MFG), angular, and para‐hippocampal gyri (p < .05, corrected). A negative correlation between the segregation (Cp) of gray matter and functional networks was found in PTSD patients but not the TEC group. Analyses of topological brain gray matter networks indicate a more randomly organized brain network in PTSD. The reduced segregation in gray matter networks and its negative relation with increased segregation in the functional network indicate an inverse relation between gray matter and functional changes. The present psychoradiological findings may reflect a compensatory increase in functional network segregation following a loss of segregation in gray matter networks.
Pillar[6]arene‐based Molecular Trap with Unusual Conformation and Topology
Authors: Tan Li‐Li , Li Yupeng , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: August 2018

A new low‐density pillar[6]arene‐based SOF (P6‐SOF‐2) with unusual topology of 3D uninodal 6‐connected pcu alpha‐Po primitive cubic topology for P6 was successfully constructed. In P6‐SOF‐2, each P6 ring adopts unprecedented C2 symmetric chair‐like conformation. More importantly, P6‐SOF‐2 owned 3D interconnected channels and large void volume, which would facilitate gas molecule transportation and adsorption. Binding sites, binding energies and interactions of C2H2, CO2 and C2H4 were investigated via SCC‐DFTB calculations. These gases preferred to trap in unguiculate intrinsic cavity of P6, like a molecular trap. Governed by size‐exclusive effect and van der Waals interactions, the order of the binding of the adsorbed gases by P6‐SOF‐2 is CO2>C2H2>C2H4, which facilitates the possible selective adsorption properties. Our study opens new perspectives in the development of SOFs.
Production and recovery of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) from biodiesel liquid waste (BLW)
Authors: Martla Mananya , Umsakul Kamontam , Sudesh Kumar
Published: August 2018

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has been paid great attention because of its useful thermoplastic properties and complete degradation in various natural environments. But, at industrial level, the successful commercialization of PHAs is limited by the high production cost due to the expensive carbon source and recovery processes. Pseudomonas mendocina PSU cultured for 72 h in mineral salts medium (MSM) containing 2% (v/v) biodiesel liquid waste (BLW) produced 79.7 wt% poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) at 72 h. In addition, this strain produced 43.6 wt% poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with 8.6 HV mol% at 60 h when added with 0.3% sodium propionate. The synthesized intracellular PHA granules were recovered and purified by the recently reported biological method using mealworms. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) of the biologically extracted PHA were higher than that from the chloroform extraction with comparable melting temperature (Tm) and high purity. This study has successfully established a low‐cost process to synthesize PHAs from BLW and subsequently confirmed the ability of mealworms to extract PHAs from various kinds of bacterial cells.
Assessment of future changes in Southeast Asian precipitation using the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections data set
Authors: Mandapaka Pradeep V. , Lo Edmond Y. M.
Published: August 2018

Extreme precipitation and associated flooding cause severe damage to society and the environment. Future climate projections suggest an intensification of precipitation extremes in many regions. However, there is an increasing need for climate change impact assessment at higher spatial resolution, particularly for regions with complex geography such as Southeast Asia (SEA). In this study, we analysed the NASA Earth Exchange 0.25° resolution daily precipitation projections from an ensemble of 20 climate models under two emission scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The variability in future precipitation projections is analysed and quantified for six geographical subregions, two climatological regions (wet and dry), and the low‐elevation coastal zones in SEA. Various aspects of precipitation structure are studied using indices that characterize precipitation amount, number of heavy precipitation days, extreme precipitation amount, and maximum daily precipitation at annual and seasonal scales. The results show substantial increases in mean and extreme precipitation in many parts of SEA by the end of the 21st century under both emission scenarios, thus increasing the region's vulnerability to precipitation‐driven hazards. The projected centennial increase in total annual precipitation relative to the baseline period of 1970–1999 when averaged over all land grid cells is about 15% under RCP8.5 scenario, with larger values (∼20%) over mainland SEA and Philippines and smaller values (∼6%) in Java island. The projected changes in extreme precipitation are stronger compared to the total annual precipitation under both emission scenarios. The New Guinea and Java regions show the largest and smallest increases in annual maximum daily precipitation, with ensemble mean values of 30 and 17%, respectively, under RCP8.5 scenario. The results also reveal large inter‐model spread in projected changes, particularly during boreal winter and summer months.
Blends of lemongrass derivatives and lime for the preparation of mixed beverages: antioxidant, physicochemical, and sensory properties
Authors: Kieling Dirlei Diedrich , Prudencio Sandra Helena
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Lemongrass is an aromatic plant with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, used for the preparation of medicinal tea and for essential oil production. Previous studies have shown that extracts of lemongrass leaves contain phenolic compounds associated with health benefits. Although essential oils have been widely used as flavoring agents, there is no scientific evidence regarding the use of lemongrass essential oils in beverages. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to develop blends with lemongrass derivatives (aqueous extract, lyophilized extract, and essential oil) and lime juice for the preparation of mixed beverages, to evaluate the antioxidant and physicochemical characteristics of blends, and to determine the sensory profile and acceptance of mixed beverages.

RESULTS

The formulated blends showed favorable physicochemical characteristics such as acidity and color, and they contained bioactive compounds (phenolics and vitamin C) and important antioxidant properties. Mixed beverages prepared from blends containing aqueous extract or lyophilized extract plus essential oil, which showed higher intensity of lemongrass aroma and flavor, were more readily accepted.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that it is possible to make suitable blends with lemongrass derivatives and lime juice for the preparation of high‐quality mixed beverages with sensory pleasantness, and potentially beneficial health components. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Leaf removal at veraison stage differentially affects qualitative attributes and bioactive composition of fresh and dehydrated grapes of two indigenous Cypriot cultivars
Authors: Constantinou Savvas , Gómez‐Caravaca Ana Maria , Goulas Vlasios , Fernandez‐Gutierrez Alberto , Koundouras Stefanos , Manganaris George A
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of leaf removal on postharvest performance of dehydrated grapes has been poorly analyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf removal at veraison stage on the metabolites of fresh and dehydrated grapes of two indigenous Cypriot cultivars (‘Mavro’ and ‘Xynisteri’), which are destined for the production of ‘Commandaria’, a protected designation of origin (PDO) premium sweet wine.

RESULTS

Leaf removal led to a reduction of soluble solids, titratable acidity, aroma potential and most of the phenolic groups in the musts of both cultivars. Dehydration led to a significant increase in all of these parameters in both cultivars, being more pronounced in cv. ‘Mavro’. Interestingly, leaf removal indicated differential response in the dehydrated product of the cultivars examined; liquid chromatography (LC‐DAD‐qTOF‐MS) data showed a significant decrease in phenolic compounds in ‘Xynisteri’ must (from 66.73 to 44.15 mg L−1), while ‘Mavro’ must registered similar values of phenolic compounds (from 94.78 to 96.72 mg L−1), but with a different distribution among phenolic groups. Intriguingly, flavonols and flavan‐3‐ols that present significant health‐promoting properties showed higher concentrations in the must from dehydrated ‘Mavro’ grapes that were subjected to preharvest leaf removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaf removal at veraison stage followed by sun drying differentially affected the chemical composition of the examined cultivars. This preharvest application followed by postharvest dehydration was beneficial for cv. ‘Mavro’, while this was not the case for cv. ‘Xynisteri’. The effects of leaf removal in other developmental stages (i.e. pre/post bloom stage) need to be dissected with the ultimate goal of providing an end product with high bioactive content. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Global weak solutions for a generalized Camassa–Holm equation
Authors: Tu Xi , Yin Zhaoyang
Published: August 2018

In this paper we mainly investigate the Cauchy problem of a generalized Camassa–Holm equation. We first derive two global existence results and two blow‐up results from the relationship between the Degasperis–Procesi equation and the generalized Camassa–Holm equation. We then prove the existence and uniqueness of global weak solutions under some certain sign conditions on the initial data.
Programming of the Beige Phenotype in White Adipose Tissue of Adult Mice by Mild Resveratrol and Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementations in Early Postnatal Life
Authors: Serrano Alba , Asnani-Kishnani Madhu , Rodríguez Ana María , Palou Andreu , Ribot Joan , Bonet María Luisa
Published: August 2018

Scope

Resveratrol (RSV) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are food compounds with anti‐obesity actions in adult rodents. Here, the long‐term effects of RSV and NR mild supplementation throughout lactation on adiposity‐related parameters and the appearance of the beige phenotype in white adipose tissue (WAT) in adulthood are assessed.

Methods and results

Newborn mice received orally RSV or NR from day 2 to 20 of life. Control littermates received the vehicle. All animals are weaned onto a chow diet on day 21. On day 90, half the animals of each group are assigned to a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, while the other remained on a normal‐fat diet. Energy‐balance‐related parameters, blood parameters, and gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis of WAT are assessed. Treated male mice show an improved response to the HFD, such as delayed body weight gain, a blunted increase in the plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio, and a decreased lipolytic response, together with signs of white‐to‐brown fat remodeling in inguinal WAT. These effects are absent in female mice.

Conclusion

RSV and NR supplementations in early postnatal life affect WAT's thermogenic/oxidative transcriptional phenotype and metabolic responses in adulthood, with upregulatory and beneficial effects evidenced in male animals.
Intravesical prostatic protrusion is not always the same shape: Evaluation by preoperative cystoscopy and outcome in HoLEP
Authors: Ito Katsuhiro , Takashima Yasushi , Akamatsu Shusuke , Terada Naoki , Kobayashi Takashi , Yamasaki Toshinari , Inoue Takahiro , Kamba Tomomi , Ogawa Osamu , Negoro Hiromitsu
Published: August 2018

Aims

To examine how morphological differences in intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) predict outcome of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) treatment.

Methods

We analyzed 173 patients who had undergone HoLEP in our hospital. The protrusion shape was evaluated by outpatient preoperative flexible cystoscopy and classified into five groups: A, no protrusion; B, middle lobe only; C, unilateral lobe only; D, bilateral lobes; and E, B + C or B + D. Paired‐match analysis that adjusted for preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) voiding/storage subscores and IPP was performed between the group with middle lobe protrusion (B + E) and the group without it (C + D).

Results

Type A prostate shape was found in 23 patients, type B in 14, type C in 31, type D in 71, and type E in 34. Groups with middle lobe protrusion (B and E) had better changes in the total IPSS (P < 0.05) and the IPSS storage subscore (P < 0.01). Pair matching identified 37 patients each with or without middle lobe protrusion. The group with middle lobe protrusion had significantly more improved total IPSS (−17.5 ± 7.5 vs −13.5 ± 8.3, P < 0.05) and IPSS storage subscore (−6.9 ± 3.4 vs −4.8 ± 3.3, P < 0.05) than did those without middle lobe protrusion.

Conclusions

Patients with middle lobe protrusion had greater IPSS improvement after HoLEP than those having comparable‐length IPP but without middle lobe protrusion. IPP is not always the same shape and should be clinically divided into at least two groups.
A note on the block alternating splitting implicit iteration method for complex saddle‐point problems
Authors: Wang Zeng‐Qi
Published: August 2018

Recently, Bai has proposed a class of block alternating splitting implicit (BASI) iteration methods [Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 19(6):914‐936] for the complex generalized saddle‐point problems. The author demonstrates the unconditional convergence of the methods when the (1,1) block of the saddle‐point coefficient matrix is positive definite. In this paper, we display that the BASI iteration method is convergent for wider problems, for instance, the (1,1) block is positive semidefinite, provided the splittings meet certain requirements. The theoretical result encourages us to explore more efficient iteration schemes for more general problems. We present new BASI iteration schemes for the algebraic linear systems from time‐harmonic eddy current models. The corresponding matrix splitting preconditioners are presented for the generalized minimal residual method. Experimental results show the feasibility and effectiveness of our new iteration methods and the corresponding preconditioned generalized minimal residual methods.
Does Spending More Get More? Health Care Delivery and Fiscal Implications From a Medicare Fee Bump
Authors: Chen Alice J. , Graves Amy J. , Resnick Matthew J. , Richards Michael R.
Published: August 2018

While salient features of the Affordable Care Act include insurance expansions and private coverage reforms, various other provisions are embedded within the law. We focus on a temporary 10 percent fee increase for primary care visits supplied to publicly insured (Medicare) beneficiaries. Using administrative and survey data, we assess the price shock's impact on service volume, physician labor supply, and quality of care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) in independent practices demonstrate, at most, a marginal 2 percent increase in new patient visits while horizontally and vertically integrated PCPs show no change. Both PCP organizational types witness declines in established patient visits, on average, but there is marked heterogeneity: established patient visits increase by 1 to 2 percent among PCPs with fewer Medicare claims in the pre‐period. The Medicare fee bump did not observably impact other labor supply outcomes and quality of care margins. We estimate that the policy introduced a $1.5 billion transfer from taxpayers to providers during the initiative's first three years.
Properties of novel bismaleimide resins and thermal ageing effects on the ILSS performance of their carbon fibre–bismaleimide composites
Authors: Liu Siyang , Chen Yizi , Chen Ping , Xu Dongwei , Xiong Xuhai , Wang Jing
Published: August 2018

An oligomeric bismaleimide (BMI) containing both phthalide cardo and cyano group (PCBMI) was mixed with O,O'‐diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA). The thermal properties of PCBMI/DABPA in different proportions (1:0.87, 1:1, and 1:1.2) and their composites were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In addition, the mechanical properties of the prepared composites were also investigated. The results exhibited excellent thermal stability, heat resistance, and mechanical properties. We further investigated the effects of thermal ageing at 200°C and 250°C in air for up to 1000 h on inter laminar shear strength (ILSS) of the carbon fiber–bismaleimide composites (T700/DPC87). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) were employed to characterize interfacial property changes, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was employed to characterize chemical changes due to ageing. The results indicated PCBMI/DABPA resin had an excellent interface bonding capacity and aging resistance. It can, therefore, be widely used in aeronautics and space industries. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1283–E1293, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of factors related to the occurrence of important drug‐specific postmarketing safety‐related regulatory actions: A cohort study focused on first‐in‐class drugs
Authors: Ikeda Junji , Kaneko Masayuki , Narukawa Mamoru
Published: August 2018

Purpose

First‐in‐class (FIC) drugs with novel modes of action pose concerns regarding important postmarketing safety issues. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors related to the occurrence of postmarketing safety‐related regulatory actions (PSRAs) for drugs approved in the United States (US), with a focus on FIC drugs.

Methods

New molecular entities and new therapeutic biologics approved in the United States between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2013 were included in the analysis. Important drug‐specific PSRAs were defined as market withdrawal or the addition of new black box warnings or warnings due to adverse drug reactions. The relationship between baseline characteristics and the occurrence of important drug‐specific PSRAs was investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model. We also defined the event as the first important PSRA and estimated the time‐to‐event for each factor.

Results

ATC category L (antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents) and FIC drug classification were shown to be statistically significant factors, with odds ratios of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.12‐4.11; P = 0.0203) and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.06‐3.31; P = 0.0309), respectively. ATC category L and FIC drugs were also significant factors for time to occurrence of the first event.

Conclusion

FIC designation and ATC category L were identified as factors related to important drug‐specific PSRAs. These factors were also associated with the time to occurrence of the first important drug‐specific PSRAs.
Synthesis and characterization of the novel nylon 12 6 based on 1,12‐diaminododecane
Authors: Chen Guangjian , Tang Kailiang , Niu Guorui , Pan Kai , Feng Xinxing , Zhang Lili
Published: August 2018

Successful polymerization of nylon 12 6 was accomplished in two‐steps, the preparation of nylon salts and involvement of the salts with a pressure vessel followed by high temperature melt polymerization. Chemical composition, thermal properties, crystal structure, mechanical properties, and moisture absorption were characterized in detail. Melting temperature and glass transition temperature were recorded at 234°C and 75°C, respectively, while the β‐relaxation peak was determined to be −64°C. The results indicated that nylon 12 6 could be used at a broad range of temperatures. Characterization of the mechanical properties showed that nylon 12 6 exhibited a better flexibility and elongation compared with other industrially important nylons. The moisture absorption of nylon 12 6 decreased by 36.7% compared with that of nylon 6 12, suggesting that nylon 12 6 will exhibit a better dimensional stability in the humid environment. Overall, in this research, the novel nylon, that is, the nylon 12 6, shows a relatively low water absorption and excellent toughness contributing to its potential technological application in the future. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:192–197, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Toughening of epoxy systems by brominated epoxy
Authors: Sheinbaum Lizzie , Sheinbaum Maria , Weizman Orli , Dodiuk Hanna , Dichter Shay , Kenig Samuel
Published: August 2018

Blends of brominated epoxy (BE) and conventional epoxy resins were studied following curing with aliphatic triethylenetetramine (TETA), etheric (polyether diamine‐ PEA4), and aromatic (3,3′‐diamino diphenyl sulfone [DDS]) hardeners. The addition of BE resulted in an increase in Tg in all tested blends. Blends with 50 wt% BE cured with TETA demonstrated an increase in flexural modulus and flexural strength, while preserving the elongation. Blends with 40 wt% BE cured with PEA4 and 50 wt% BE cured with DDS resulted in a significant enhanced tensile elongation. The shear strength of all cured systems decreased moderately with the addition of BE exhibiting a mixed mode failure. Analysis of the fracture morphology using electron microscopy supported the increase of toughness levels as a result of incorporating BE to conventional epoxy. A unique nodular and rough fracture morphology was obtained, which is related to a toughening mechanism caused by the addition of BE. It was concluded that blends of BE and conventional epoxy could be used as structural adhesives having high Tg, enhanced mechanical properties and increased toughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:206–215, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental and theoretical study on filling imbalance in geometrically balanced injection molds
Authors: Wilczyński Krzysztof , Narowski Przemysław
Published: August 2018

Experimental and theoretical studies were performed on filling imbalance in geometrically balanced injection molds. Balancing the melt flow between cavities was investigated using several different runner systems at various operating conditions. Experiments indicate that injection rate, mold, and melt temperatures substantially affect the filling imbalance. It is strongly dependent on runners layouts geometry, and it has never been eliminated completely. It is most difficult to remove for high injection rates and low melt temperatures. Standard element geometry and circled element geometry cause positive imbalance which means that inner cavities fills faster, and it is opposite for one/two overturn element geometries which induce negative imbalance. A special modeling procedure is required to simulate properly the imbalance. This includes inertia effects, geometrical modeling of the nozzle where the imbalance starts, 3D tetrahedron meshing with minimum 12 layers. Simulations were consistent with experiment, however, when the imbalance increased, the discrepancies between simulation and experiment also increased. It can be stated that filling imbalance problem is still unsolved. There are serious thermo‐rheological aspects to explain for better understanding this phenomenon. Trends in modeling of injection molding are presented and new concepts solving the problem are discussed including simulation/optimization approach and a novel concept of global modeling of injection molding process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:233–245, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural and functional characterization of hMEX‐3C Ring finger domain as an E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Moududee Sayed Ala , Jiang Yiyang , Gilbert Nshogoza , Xie Guodong , Xu Zheng , Wu Jihui , Gong Qingguo , Tang Yajun , Shi Yunyu
Published: August 2018

MEX‐3C, a novel RNA binding E3 ubiquitin ligases, contains two N‐terminal heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K homology (KH) domains and C‐terminal Ring finger domain. Recent evidence has suggested that human MEX‐3C has a strong bondage with carcinogenesis and the MEX‐3C‐mediated ubiquitination of RIG‐I is essential for the antiviral innate immune response. Moreover, the Ring finger domain of MEX‐3C could regulate the degradation of HLA‐A2 (an MHC‐I allotype) mRNA with a novel mechanism. However, the structural basis for the ubiquitination catalyzed by hMEX‐3C Ring finger domain remains evasive. In this study, we solved the crystal structure of dimeric Ring finger domain of hMEX‐3C and compared it with the complex structure of MDM2/MDMX–UbcH5b–Ub. Our ubiquitination assay demonstrated that the Ring finger domain of hMEX‐3C acts as a ubiquitin E3 ligase in vitro, cooperating with specific E2 to mediate ubiquitination. Then, we identified several key residues in Ring finger domain of hMEX‐3C possibly involved in the interaction with E2–Ub conjugate and analyzed the E3 ligase activities of wild type and mutants at key sites. Additionally, zinc chelation experiments indicated that the intact structural stability is essential for the self‐ubiquitination activity of the Ring finger domain of hMEX‐3C. Taken together, our studies provided new insight into the mechanism of the Ring finger domain of hMEX‐3C that may play an important role in eliciting antiviral immune responses and therapeutic interventions.
Overexpression of MCM10 promotes cell proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Cui Feilun , Hu Jianpeng , Ning Songyi , Tan Jian , Tang Huaming
Published: August 2018

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most malignant tumors of the male urogenital system. There is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers for PCa.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of MCM10 in prostate cancer by analyzing public datasets (including The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE21032). Furthermore, loss of function assays was performed to evaluate the effects of MCM10 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation. Furthermore, we performed microarray and bioinformatics analyses to explore the potential mechanisms of MCM10.

Results

In the present study, we for the first time revealed MCM10 was significantly upregulated in PCa. Moreover, we found increased MCM10 expression was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage and high Gleason score PCa. Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated higher MCM10 expression was associated with a poorer patient prognosis in PCa. Furthermore, loss of function assays showed that MCM10 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, but promoted cell apoptosis. Additionally, we performed microarray and bioinformatics analysis and found MCM10 regulated PCa progression by regulating a series of biological processes including cancer, cell death, and apoptosis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MCM10 may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for PCa.