bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE EFFECT OF CONFIGURATIONS OF THE COAST ON THE STORM SURGES IN THE ISE BAY
Authors: Tanaka Kiyoshi , Murota Akira
Published: June 2017

Wind drift is generally considered as the predominant factor of the storm surge along the sea coast. Authors noticed the fact that the duration of the wind blow of any direction is not long even at a big typhoon, while the storm surges more than 2 m are sometimes observed in the interiors of Osaka-, Ise-, and Tokyo-bay, and they have studied on another factor which might cause such water rise. A hump of water caused by a low atomospheric pressure transmits in the manner of a long wave and is deformed under the topographical effect when it comes into a bay. Authors are intending to show that the build-up of water due to topographical effect is sometimes larger than that occurring by wind drift. In this paper, the calculation was carried on neglecting the effect of wind drift and its result was compared with the observed value.
SIMILARITY IN SEDIMENT TRANSPORT DUE TO WAVES
Authors: Yalin S. , Russell R.C.H.
Published: June 2017

The paper concerns the movement by waves of cohesionless sediment lying on a horizontal bed. In particular it concerns the number of dimensionless parameters that are necessary to define the 2-phase motion at the bed; the specification of which would enable perfect similarity to be obtained. It is shown that in general four dimensionless parameters are necessary but that when the motion of the water at the bed can be adequately defined by an orbit length (a) and a period (T), the two-phase motion can be described by the numerical value of three dimensionless parameters. This condition is satisfied when the wave-height is low, because then the orbital motion at the bed is sinusoidal and the drift velocity is negligible.

Model and prototype experiments were conducted in a wave channel, using low waves, in which the scale for depth of water and for wavelengths was -37?. The dependent parameters, three of -which are sufficient to verify similarity of all aspects of the phenomenon were chosen to be ripple height, ripple length and transport of sediment. The identity of the dimensionless numbers signifying the ripple height, ripple length and transport in model and prototype, shown in Figs, 8, 9 and 11, is proof that similarity had been obtained.
ATTENUATION OF WIND WAVES BY A HYDRAULIC BREAKWATER
Authors: Williams John A. , Wiegel R.L.
Published: June 2017

Waves generated in a tank by air blowing over the water surface were subjected to a horizontal current of water created by horizontal water jets issuing from a manifold at the water surface (hydraulic breakwater). The energy spectra of the waves were computed for conditions before and after the hydraulic breakwater was turned on. It was found that the shorter, steeper wave components were attenuated to a much greater extent than were the longer wave components. Thus, although a large portion of the wave energy could get past such a breakwater, the waves in the lee of the breakwater looked considerably lower to the observer.
THE SURFACE WAVE IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL VORTEX LAYER
Authors: Hamada Tokuichi
Published: June 2017

Progressive surface wave in a two-dimensional vortex layer is theoretically treated. Dynamical equations and free surface conditions are shown by using the two-dimensional stream functions of wave and vortex.

Then the perturbation equations are given by assuming that the ratio of length scale of vortices and wave is fairly small. The first approximate solution of wave has a usual form of an irrotational progressive wave. Vortices are assumed to be steady and to have simplified Fourier-

Stleltjes form. Then the interaction of this primary wave and the vortices are examined. To satisfy the free surface condition of the second order, existent waves are formed.

In the second order term of the free surface elevation, these secondary waves offset the effect of the above mentioned interaction, and so the surface profile of the primary wave is not altered by the existence of inner vortices of high frequency. Some pictures of Irregular surface waves in a turbulent flow are shown to verify this property.
CONTRIBUTION OF MATAGORDA BAY MODEL TO DESIGN OF MATAGORDA BAY DEEP DRAFT NAVIGATION PROJECT
Authors: Rhodes H.J. , Boland R.A.
Published: June 2017

The area under discussion in this paper is located on the central Texas coast in the Matagorda Bay area (see Fig 1). Matagorda Bay is one of the larger coastal bays on the Texas coast and is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a long, narrow barrier beach known as Matagorda Peninsula. The long northeast arm of the bay is divided into two separate bodies of water by the delta of the Colorado River. Natural depths of 11 to 12 feet are available over a large portion of Matagorda Bay. Lavaca and Tres Palacios Bays, arms of Matagorda Bay, have natural depths of 6 to 7 feet.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DUTCH COAST
Authors: Edelman T. , Eggink D.N.
Published: June 2017

The Dutch coast is over its whole length a sandy coast* Along such a coast the changes in shape of the coast-line are determined by transport of sediments, in oasu sand, along the coast. This transport is brought about by water and by air. The latter, the eolian transport, though it may here some importance, has been neglected in this study* The marine transport along the Dutch coast is caused by currents and by waves; we do not know which is the most important. In this study the transport by waves is considered to be the effect of waves, moving in one predominant direction; the transport by currents is taken into aooount as a transport by tidal currents only. We should like to underline her* the very general character of the following considerations.
Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazines, Heteroaromatics Containing Two Nitrogen Atoms
Authors: Hu Shu‐Bo , Chen Zhang‐Pei , Song Bo , Wang Jie , Zhou Yong‐Gui
Published: June 2017

An enantioselective iridium‐catalyzed direct hydrogenation of heteroaromatics containing two nitrogen atoms, 3‐substituted pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazines, has been successfully achieved, providing a facile synthesis of optically active 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazines with up to 96% ee.

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Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrole‐Annulated Medium‐Sized‐Ring Compounds
Authors: Huang Lin , Cai Yue , Zheng Chao , Dai Li‐Xin , You Shu‐Li
Published: June 2017

Enantioselective synthesis of pyrrole‐annulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds by an iridium‐catalyzed allylic dearomatization/retro‐Mannich/hydrolysis sequence is presented. Various substituted pyrrole‐annulated seven‐ and eight‐membered‐ring products were obtained under mild reaction conditions with moderate to good yields and excellent enantioselectivity. Additionally, these products contain a scaffold widely distributed in natural products and biologically active compounds. The current method provides a convenient way for accessing such pyrrole‐anuulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds.
Ni3FeN‐Supported Fe3Pt Intermetallic Nanoalloy as a High‐Performance Bifunctional Catalyst for Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Cui Zhiming , Fu Gengtao , Li Yutao , Goodenough John B.
Published: June 2017

Electrocatalysts for both the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) are vital for the performances of rechargeable metal–air batteries. Herein, we report an advanced bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst consisting of porous metallic nickel‐iron nitride (Ni3FeN) supporting ordered Fe3Pt intermetallic nanoalloy. In this hybrid catalyst, the bimetallic nitride Ni3FeN mainly contributes to the high activity for the OER while the ordered Fe3Pt nanoalloy contributes to the excellent activity for the ORR. Robust Ni3FeN‐supported Fe3Pt catalysts show superior catalytic performance to the state‐of‐the‐art ORR catalyst (Pt/C) and OER catalyst (Ir/C). The Fe3Pt/Ni3FeN bifunctional catalyst enables Zn–air batteries to achieve a long‐term cycling performance of over 480 h at 10 mA cm−2 with high efficiency. The extraordinarily high performance of the Fe3Pt/Ni3FeN bifunctional catalyst makes it a very promising air cathode in alkaline electrolyte.
Bromination of Cycloparaphenylenes: Strain‐Induced Site‐Selective Bis‐Addition and Its Application for Late‐Stage Functionalization
Authors: Kayahara Eiichi , Qu Rui , Yamago Shigeru
Published: June 2017

Bromination of [n]cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) is herein reported. Small [n]CPPs (n<8) underwent a bis‐bromine addition reaction with high site selectively to produce tetrabromo adducts in moderate to excellent yields. Theoretical calculations revealed that thermodynamic stability dictates both the reactivity and site selectivity of the reaction. The addition product was further converted into the octabromo product by a FeBr3‐catalyzed site‐selective bromination reaction. The tetra‐ and octabromine adducts were then transformed into mono‐ to tetrabromo CPPs, which were further converted into several CPP derivatives. Therefore, bromination and subsequent transformations provide a path for late‐stage functionalization of CPPs.
A Dimeric NHC–Silicon Monotelluride: Synthesis, Isomerization, and Reactivity
Authors: Chan Yuk‐Chi , Leong Bi‐Xiang , Li Yongxin , Yang Ming‐Chung , Li Yan , Su Ming‐Der , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: June 2017

The reaction of the NHC–disilicon(0) complex [(IAr)Si=Si(IAr)] (1, IAr=:C{N(Ar)C(H)}2, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) with two equiv of elemental Te in toluene at room temperature for three days afforded a mixture of the first dimeric NHC–silicon monotelluride [(IAr)Si=Te]2 (2) and its isomeric complex [(IAr)Si(μ‐Te)Si(IAr)=Te] (3). When the same reaction was performed for ten days, only 3 was isolated from the reaction mixture. Compound 1 reacted with four equiv of elemental Te in toluene for four weeks, which proceeded through the formation of 2, 3 and the NHC–disilicon tritelluride complex [{(IAr)Si(=Te)}2Te] (5‐Te), to form the dimeric NHC–silicon ditelluride [(IAr)Si(=Te)(μ‐Te)]2 (4). The reactions are in line with theoretical mechanistic studies for the formation of 4. Compound 3 reacted with one equiv of elemental sulfur in toluene to form the first NHC–disilicon sulfur ditelluride complex [{(IAr)Si(=Te)}2S] (5‐S).
Mixture model with multiple allocations for clustering spatially correlated observations in the analysis of ChIP‐Seq data
Authors: Ranciati Saverio , Viroli Cinzia , Wit Ernst C.
Published: June 2017

Model‐based clustering is a technique widely used to group a collection of units into mutually exclusive groups. There are, however, situations in which an observation could in principle belong to more than one cluster. In the context of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) experiments, for example, the signal observed in the data might be produced by two (or more) different biological processes operating together and a gene could participate in both (or all) of them. We propose a novel approach to cluster NGS discrete data, coming from a ChIP‐Seq experiment, with a mixture model, allowing each unit to belong potentially to more than one group: these multiple allocation clusters can be flexibly defined via a function combining the features of the original groups without introducing new parameters. The formulation naturally gives rise to a ‘zero‐inflation group’ in which values close to zero can be allocated, acting as a correction for the abundance of zeros that manifest in this type of data. We take into account the spatial dependency between observations, which is described through a latent conditional autoregressive process that can reflect different dependency patterns. We assess the performance of our model within a simulation environment and then we apply it to ChIP‐seq real data.
A UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics study of rattan stems of Schisandra chinensis effects on Alzheimer's disease rats model
Authors: Yang Bing‐You , Tan Jin‐Yan , Liu Yan , Liu Bo , Jin Shuang , Guo Hong‐Wei , Kuang Hai‐Xue
Published: June 2017

A UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics method was established to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of rattan stems of S. chinensis (SCS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental AD model was induced by intra‐hippocampal Aβ1–42 injection in rats. Cognitive function and oxidative stress condition in brain of AD rats were assessed using Morris water maze tests and antioxidant assays [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px)], respectively. UPLC‐TOF/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to study the changes in metabolic networks in serum of rats. The results indicated that the AD model was established successfully and the inducement of Aβ1–42 caused a decline in spatial learning and memory of rats. The injection of Aβ1–42 in rat brains significantly elevated the level of MDA, and reduced SOD and GSH‐Px activities. In addition, SCS showed significant anti‐AD effects on model rats. A total of 30 metabolites were finally identified as potential biomarkers of AD and 14 of them had a significant recovery compared with the AD model after SCS administration. Changes in AD metabolite profiling were restored to different levels through the regulation of 13 pathways. This is first report on the use of the UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based serum metabolomics method to investigate therapeutic effects of SCS on AD, and enrich potential biomarkers and metabolic networks of AD.
A new concept of fairness in flow‐aware networking
Authors: Wójcik Robert , Domżał Jerzy , Gawłowicz Piotr
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate a new approach to assuring fairness in flow‐aware networking. Standard routine in flow‐aware networking guarantees that each flow receives the same amount of resources. This property can be exploited by dividing a single transmission into a number of flows. We propose and evaluate the per‐user fair packet scheduling mechanism, which ensures fairness among users (not flows). We also compare the new mechanism with the one already known from the literature, which is based on altering the admission control routine. Evaluation shows that the new concept of fairness provides better performance and fair resource distribution regardless of the behavior of users.
Antiproliferative Copper(II) and Platinum(II) Complexes with Bidentate N,N‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Sommerfeld Nadine S. , Gülzow Jana , Roller Alexander , Cseh Klaudia , Jakupec Michael A. , Grohmann Andreas , Galanski Mathea Sophia , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: June 2017

Three copper(II) complexes of a series of bidentate dipyridylmethane ligands, as well as their structurally related platinum(II) analogues, have been synthesised and fully characterised to evaluate their coordination chemistry and antiproliferative properties. New crystal structures of the complexes L3CuCl2, L2PtCl2 and L3PtCl2, where L2, L3 have one and two methyl substituents on the bridgehead carbon atom between the coordinated pyridine ligands, respectively, were obtained. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the free ligands and their corresponding platinum and copper complexes was evaluated in the cisplatin‐sensitive ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line CH1/PA1, as well as in rather cisplatin‐insensitive colon (SW480) and lung (A549) carcinoma cells, using the MTT assay. All six complexes showed higher cytotoxicity than the ligands L1–L3 alone, giving IC50 values in the low micromolar range.
An Integrated Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of a Key Oxazolidine Intermediate to Noroxymorphone from Naturally Occurring Opioids
Authors: Mata Alejandro , Cantillo David , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: June 2017

A telescoped procedure for the direct preparation of an advanced intermediate towards noroxymorphone from the naturally occurring alkaloids oripavine and thebaine is presented. The reaction procedure involves an intensified continuous‐flow hydroxylation, followed by a continuous solvent switch and hydrogenation in a packed‐bed hydrogenator (H‐Cube). The obtained reaction mixture, containing oxymorphone as intermediate in excellent yield and purity, can be then directly converted into the desired noroxymorphone oxazolidine intermediate through palladium catalyzed N‐methyl oxidation.
RpeakChrom: Novel R package for the automated characterization and optimization of column efficiency in high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis
Authors: Peris‐Díaz Manuel David , Alcoriza‐Balaguer Maria Isabel , García‐Cañaveras Juan Carlos , Santonja Francisco , Sentandreu Enrique , Lahoz Agustín
Published: June 2017

Characterization of chromatographic columns using the traditional van Deemter method is limited by the necessity of calculating extra‐column variance, issue particularly relevant when modeling asymmetrical peaks eluted from monolithic columns. A novel R package that implements Parabolic Variance Modified Gaussian approach for accurate peak modeling, van Deemter equation and two alternatives approaches, based on van Deemter, has been developed to calculate the height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP). To assess package capabilities conventional packed reverse‐phase and monolithic HPLC columns were characterized. Peaks eluted from the monolithic column showed a high value of factor asymmetry due, in part, to the contribution of extra‐column factors. Such deviation can be circumvented by the two alternatives approaches implemented in the R‐package. Furthermore, increased values of eddy diffusion and mass transfer kinetics terms in HETP were observed for the packed column, while accuracy was below 9% in all cases. These results showed the usefulness of the R‐package for both modeling chromatographic peaks and assessing column efficiency. The RpeakChrom package could become a helpful tool for testing new stationary phases during column development and to evaluate column during its lifetime. This R tool is freely available from CRAN (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=RpeakChrom).
Sex differences between parental pregnancy characteristics and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents
Authors: Ayonrinde Oyekoya T. , Adams Leon A. , Mori Trevor A. , Beilin Lawrence J. , de Klerk Nicholas , Pennell Craig E. , White Scott , Olynyk John K
Published: June 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex chronic liver disorder. Examination of parental pregnancy‐related characteristics may provide insights into the origins of risk of NAFLD in offspring. We examined relationships between parental pregnancy‐related characteristics and NAFLD in 1,170 adolescent offspring aged 17 years participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort Study. Fatty liver was diagnosed using liver ultrasound. NAFLD was diagnosed in 15.2% of adolescents at age 17 years. In univariate analysis, maternal factors associated with NAFLD in female offspring were younger maternal age (P = 0.02), higher maternal prepregnancy BMI (P < 0.001), higher maternal weight gain by 18 weeks' gestation (P < 0.001), and maternal smoking during pregnancy (P = 0.04). Paternal age or body mass index (BMI) were not associated with NAFLD in female offspring. In contrast, higher paternal BMI (P < 0.001), maternal prepregnancy BMI (P < 0.001), and lower family socioeconomic status (SES) at time of birth (P = 0.001), but not parental age nor maternal gestational weight gain, were associated with NAFLD in male offspring. Using multivariate logistic regression, factors independently associated with NAFLD after adjusting for obesity in adolescent females included maternal obesity (odds ratio [OR], 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49‐8.05; P = 0.004) and maternal weight gain ≥6.0 kg by the 18th week of gestation (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.15; P < 0.001). In adolescent males, family SES at the time of birth (OR, 9.07; 95% CI, 1.54‐53.29; P = 0.02) remained significantly associated with NAFLD after multivariate modeling adjusted for adolescent obesity. Conclusion: Early‐life contributors to NAFLD show considerable sexual dimorphism. Maternal obesity and higher early‐mid gestational weight gain were associated with NAFLD in female offspring, whereas lower family SES at birth was associated with NAFLD in male offspring independent of adolescent obesity. (Hepatology 2018;67:108‐122).
Hepatitis B virus evades innate immunity of hepatocytes but activates cytokine production by macrophages
Authors: Cheng Xiaoming , Xia Yuchen , Serti Elisavet , Block Peter Daniel , Chung Michelle , Chayama Kazuaki , Rehermann Barbara , Liang T. Jake
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes specifically and causes immune‐mediated liver damage. How HBV interacts with the innate immunity at the early phase of infection, either with hepatocytes or other cells in the liver, remains controversial. To address this question, we utilized various human cell‐culture models and humanized Alb‐uPA/SCID mice. All these models were unable to mount an interferon (IFN) response despite robust HBV replication. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the lack of IFN response, we examined whether HBV actively inhibits innate immune functions of hepatocytes. By treating HBV‐infected cells with known inducers of the IFN signaling pathway, we observed no alteration of either sensing or downstream IFN response by HBV. We showed that the DNA innate sensing pathways are poorly active in hepatocytes, consistent with muted innate immune recognition of HBV. Upon exposure to high‐level HBV, human macrophages could be activated with increased inflammatory cytokine expressions. Conclusion: HBV behaves like a “stealth” virus and is not sensed by, nor actively interferes with, the intrinsic innate immunity of infected hepatocytes. Macrophages are capable of sensing HBV, but require exposure to high HBV titers, potentially explaining the long “window period” during acute infection and HBV's propensity to chronic infection. (Hepatology 2017;66:1779–1793)
IMPLEMENTING AN ATTACHMENT‐BASED PARENTING INTERVENTION WITHIN HOME‐BASED EARLY HEAD START: HOME‐VISITORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
Authors: West Allison L. , Aparicio Elizabeth M. , Berlin Lisa J. , Jones Harden Brenda
Published: June 2017

Implementation of evidence‐based interventions in “real‐world” settings is enhanced when front‐line staff view the intervention as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. This qualitative study addresses Early Head Start (EHS) home visitors’ perceptions and experiences of an evidence‐based parenting intervention, the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up program (M. Dozier, O. Lindhiem, & J. Ackerman, 2005), when added to EHS services as usual within the context of a research‐practice partnership. Thematic analysis of in‐depth, qualitative interviews indicates that home visitors experienced the intervention as positive and helpful for EHS families. Some challenges included scheduling and uncertainty regarding the goals of the intervention. Concerns over participation in the research centered on information exchange, confidentiality, and time limitations.
Morphological Integration and Alternative Life History Strategies: A Case Study in a Facultatively Paedomorphic Newt
Authors: Tomašević Kolarov Nataša , Cvijanović Milena , Denoël Mathieu , Ivanović Ana
Published: June 2017

Tetrapod limbs are serially homologous structures that represent a particularly interesting model for studies on morphological integration, i.e. the tendency of developmental systems to produce correlated variation. In newts, limbs develop at an early larval stage and grow continuously, including after the habitat transition from water to land following metamorphosis. However, aquatic and terrestrial environments impose different constraints and locomotor modes that could affect patterns of morphological integration and evolvability. We hypothesize that this would be the case for alternative heterochronic morphs in newts, i.e. aquatic paedomorphs that keep gills at the adult stage and adult metamorphs that are able to disperse on land. To this end, we analyzed patterns and strengths of correlations between homologous skeletal elements of the fore‐ and hindlimbs as well as among skeletal elements within limbs in both phenotypes in the alpine newt, Ichthyosaura alpestris. Our results showed that metamorphs and paedomorphs had similar, general patterns of limb integration. Partial correlations between homologous limb elements and within limb elements were higher in paedomorphs when compared to metamorphs. A decrease in partial correlation between homologous limb elements in metamorphs is accompanied with a higher evolvability of the terrestrial morph. All these results indicate that environmental demands shaped the patterns of morphological integration of alpine newt limbs and that the observed diversity in correlation structure could be related to a qualitative difference in the modes of locomotion between the morphs.
Ring Transformation of a 2(3H)‐furanone Derivative into Oxazinone and Pyrimidinone Heterocycles
Authors: Hashem Ahmed I. , Abou‐Elmagd Wael S. I. , El‐Ziaty Ahmed K. , Ramadan Sayed K.
Published: June 2017

The conversion of the 2(3H)‐furanone into the oxazinone and pyrimidinone derivatives is studied. A 2‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylene)‐4‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutanoyl azide 3 was synthesized to carry out these conversions through its thermolysis in dry benzene and/or base‐catalyzed decomposition of this azide in the presence of different amines. The structures of all compounds were demonstrated from their spectral data and elemental analyses.
Fully automatic and precise data analysis developed for time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Meyer Stefan , Riedo Andreas , Neuland Maike B. , Tulej Marek , Wurz Peter
Published: June 2017

Scientific objectives of current and future space missions are focused on the investigation of the origin and evolution of the solar system with the particular emphasis on habitability and signatures of past and present life. For in situ measurements of the chemical composition of solid samples on planetary surfaces, the neutral atmospheric gas and the thermal plasma of planetary atmospheres, the application of mass spectrometers making use of time‐of‐flight mass analysers is a technique widely used. However, such investigations imply measurements with good statistics and, thus, a large amount of data to be analysed. Therefore, faster and especially robust automated data analysis with enhanced accuracy is required. In this contribution, an automatic data analysis software, which allows fast and precise quantitative data analysis of time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric data, is presented and discussed in detail. A crucial part of this software is a robust and fast peak finding algorithm with a consecutive numerical integration method allowing precise data analysis. We tested our analysis software with data from different time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers and different measurement campaigns thereof. The quantitative analysis of isotopes, using automatic data analysis, yields results with an accuracy of isotope ratios up to 100 ppm for a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 104. We show that the accuracy of isotope ratios is in fact proportional to SNR−1. Furthermore, we observe that the accuracy of isotope ratios is inversely proportional to the mass resolution. Additionally, we show that the accuracy of isotope ratios is depending on the sample width Ts by Ts0.5. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of harvest, drying and storage on the bitterness, moisture, sugars, free amino acids and phenolic compounds of jujube fruit (Zizyphus jujuba cv. Junzao)
Authors: Pu Yunfeng , Ding Tian , Wang Wenjun , Xiang Yanju , Ye Xingqian , Li Mei , Liu Donghong
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The taste of dried jujube fruit when compared with fresh ones is less palatable, as it develops bitterness during drying and storage. Therefore, identifying the methods by which bitterness occurs is essential for developing strategies for processing and storage.

RESULTS

Bitterness in fresh jujube fruit was negligible; however, it increased by 0.9‐, 1.5‐ and 1.8‐fold during drying and storage over 6 and 12 months. The moisture significantly decreased during harvesting and drying. Free amino acids, except proline and tyrosine, significantly decreased during drying and storage. Fructose, glucose and sucrose hardly changed during harvest, drying and storage. Titratable acidity, total phenolic and total flavonoids contents were stable during harvest and drying, but increased upon storage. Additionally, protocatechuic and ellagic acids were not detected in fresh jujube fruit, however, were found to increase during drying and storage.

CONCLUSION

Bitterness in fresh jujube fruit tasted negligible because of meagre amount of phytochemicals, while the condensation effect of moisture reduction, the loss of free amino acids, and the formation of protocatechuic and ellagic acids could aggravate the bitterness of jujube fruit during drying and storage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the volatile fraction extracted from air‐dried fruits of Tunisian Eryngium maritimum L. ecotypes
Authors: Ben Lajnef Houda , Ferioli Federico , Pasini Federica , Politowicz Joanna , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Filippo D'Antuono L , Caboni Maria Fiorenza , Nasri Nizar
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Eryngium maritimum L., also known as ‘sea holly’, is a typical dune plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family and commonly used in Tunisia for therapeutic purposes in folk medicine. In the present study, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the volatile fraction extracted from air‐dried fruits of five Tunisian E. maritimum ecotypes were determined.

RESULTS

The total volatile amount ranged from 0.31% to 0.93% (w d.w.−1). Sixty‐six volatile components were identified by means of GC–MS and accounted for 77.05–86.65% of the total extracted volatile oil. The majority of the identified metabolites were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, amounting on average to 46.69% and 30.01% of total volatiles, respectively. The principal individual components were germacrene D (13.62–31.71%), 15‐hydroxy‐α‐muurolene (12.04–18.58%), and germacrene B (6.77–15.04%). Significant differences were noticed among E. maritimum populations. The volatile profile of E. maritimum fruits was consistently different from those of the aerial parts and roots of plants of the same species reported in previous investigations. Average radical scavenging capacity of the volatile fraction, as determined by DPPH and ABTS tests, was twice higher than that of the Trolox control.

CONCLUSION

This study characterised for the first time the fruits of E. maritimum for the composition and radical‐scavenging capacity of their volatile fraction. The growth location confirmed as a pivotal factor in influencing the volatile profile of the fruits. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of bulk and shear properties of basmati and non‐basmati rice flour
Authors: Jan Shumaila , Ghoroi Chinmay , Saxena Dharmesh Chandra
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Flours are often unstable in relation to their flow performance, which is evident when a free‐flowing material ceases to flow and the processing, handling, and production parameters depend on the inherent powder characteristics and their bulk behaviour. The present study was conducted to compare the flowability of basmati and non‐basmati rice flour affecting bulk handling, which could be related to its particle size, shape and surface roughness (measured by atomic force microscopy) as well as bulk and shear properties, depending upon the processing conditions.

RESULTS

Particle size (171.1–171.9 μm) of both samples was not significantly different. However, the flowability of the non‐basmati rice flour was significantly affected by its particle shape (circularity 0.487), surface roughness (124.23 nm) and compressibility (25.32%) in comparison to basmati rice flour (circularity 0.653, surface roughness 113.59 nm and compressibility 21.09%), making it more cohesive than basmati rice flour. Also, basic flow energy was significantly higher in non‐basmati flour, thus requiring more energy (147.54 mJ) to flow than basmati rice flour (130.15 mJ).

CONCLUSION

Overall, flowability was analysed by applying three different pressures (3, 6 and 9 kPa), among which non‐basmati rice flour was found to be less flowable (flow function coefficient (FFC) 2.33 at 9 kPa) in comparison to basmati (FFC 3.35 at 9 kPa), making bulk handling difficult. This study could be useful in designing processing equipment, hoppers and silos for rice flour handling. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses of the Modified Wind Erosion Equation for Application in Canada
Authors: Huang Qiang , Badreldin Nasem , Lobb David A. , Li Sheng , Feng Gary , McConkey Brian G.
Published: June 2017

The wind erosion equation (WEQ) was used for several decades for predicting soil loss by wind erosion, but few systematic studies on the uncertainty of predicting wind erosion have been conducted. Several researchers found that WEQ is not accurately representing soil erosion and under‐represents soil erodibility that consequently results in WEQ underestimations. WEQ was modified under Canadian conditions for the National Agri‐Environmental Health Analysis and Reporting Program, referred as (WEQ‐NAHARP). The model, input, and parameter uncertainties that control model efficiency were used to analyze the local and universal uncertainties for WEQ‐NAHARP. One and ninety‐nine percentiles were used as lower and upper boundaries of uncertainty bound when using general likelihood uncertainty estimation for estimating the uncertainty of WEQ‐NAHARP's prediction. The soil erodibility (I), climate factor (C), and soil surface roughness factor (K) were found as the three most sensitive factors in predicting wind erosion in WEQ‐NAHARP. The vegetation cover factor (V) was discovered not sensitive to the prediction model as it is less than 1,000 kg ha−1 and became very sensitive as V‐value is greater than 5,000 kg ha−1. Field length along the prevailing wind erosion direction (L) and V have lower local sensitivity indexes than the other three factors. WEQ‐NAHARP underestimated wind erosion rate of Pampas, Argentina, and overestimated at Washington State, USA. This probably reflected the nature of WEQ‐NAHARP's behavior, which had a great uncertainty of its prediction. The model appears to underestimate total annual soil loss for coarse soil and overestimate annual soil loss for finer soil. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐Induced Bending Behavior of Post‐Crosslinked Liquid Crystalline Polymer/Polyurethane Blend Films
Authors: Pang Xinlei , Xu Bo , Qing Xin , Wei Jia , Yu Yanlei
Published: June 2017

Photoresponsive blend films with post‐crosslinked liquid crystalline polymer (CLCP) as a photosensitive component and flexible polyurethane (PU) as the matrix are successfully fabricated. After being uniaxially stretched, even at low concentration, the azobenzene‐containing CLCP effectively transfers its photoresponsiveness to the photoinert PU matrix, resulting in the fast photo‐induced bending behavior of whole blend film thanks to the effective dispersion of CLCP. Specifically, the blend film shows photo‐induced deformations upon exposure to unpolarized UV light at ambient temperature. The film unbends after thermal treatment, and the randomly orientated mesogens in the film can be realigned by the mechanical stretching, which endows the film with a reversible deformation behavior. The photosensitive blend film possesses favorable mechanical property and good processability at low cost, and it is a promising candidate for a new generation of actuators.
Feasibility of dynamic adaptive passive scattering proton therapy with computed tomography image guidance in the lung
Authors: Moriya Shunsuke , Tachibana Hidenobu , Hotta Kenji , Nakamura Naoki , Sakae Takeji , Akimoto Tetsuo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Hypo‐fractionated proton beam therapy (PBT) is an approach that has been increasingly explored over the past decade. It requires high geometric accuracy for targeting of the PBT beams. However, image‐guided PBT is currently commonly performed with kV X‐ray images of bony anatomy. A dynamic adaptive passive scattering PBT system using computed tomography‐based three‐dimensional image guidance was developed, and its effectiveness was then evaluated retrospectively in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The dynamic adaptive PBT system consisted of computed tomography‐based image registration and proton dose calculation using a simplified Monte Carlo algorithm, with a range adaptation system that could adjust the range shifter thickness to alter the dose distribution. Three patients were retrospectively analyzed. All plans, which each had a total dose of 60 Gy (relative biological effectiveness; RBE), were generated using two fields (Gantry angles: 270 degree and 180 degree) in a passive scattering method. Three dose distributions were generated for each patient according to the following different registrations: bone registration, tumor registration, and tumor registration with range adaptation. The following dosimetric parameters were compared with the original plan: target dose coverage at D95% for the clinical target volume (CTV), homogeneity of D5% to D95% for the CTV, and dose distributions in normal tissue (Dmax of Spinal cord and V20 Gy of lung).

Results

For the bone registration method, the average D95% and D5% to D95% for the CTV showed average differences from the original plan of −3.7 ± 4.1 Gy (mean ± 1SD; RBE) and 3.6 ± 3.9 Gy (RBE) respectively. The tumor registration method achieved better coverage than the bone registration method, although the dosimetric parameters for coverage and homogeneity still showed average differences in −2.0 ± 2.3 Gy (RBE) and 1.9 ± 2.2 Gy (RBE) respectively. The range adaptive plan showed comparable coverage and homogeneity [D95%: −1.0 ± 1.3 Gy (RBE) and D5% to D95%: 0.9 ± 1.0 Gy (RBE) on average] to the original plan, as well as demonstrating similar normal tissue sparing. The approach could be completed in less than 10 min, including CT acquisition, image registration, dose recalculation with range optimization, and the operator's visual verification.

Conclusions

The tumor dose coverage in patients with NSCLC may deteriorate as a result of respiratory or body movement if daily proton range adaptation is not performed. Our approach may provide higher geometric accuracy for localization of the tumor, and the dynamic range adaptation enables us to achieve the planned dose distribution for hypo‐fractionated PBT in the lung.
Conditional neuromodulation of neurogenic detrusor overactivity using transrectal stimulation in patients with spinal cord injury: A proof of principle study
Authors: Knight Sarah Louise , Edirisinghe Nuwani , Leaker Brian , Susser Judith , Craggs Michael Duncan
Published: June 2017

Aims

A proof of principle study of a novel wearable device to control neurogenic detrusor over‐activity in eight male spinal cord injured subjects using conditional neuromodulation.

Methods

Transrectal stimulation was delivered through the device in response to simultaneously recorded external anal sphincter (EAS) contraction as a marker for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). The effect of conditional neuromodulation on bladder capacity and maximum detrusor pressure was investigated in addition to reliability of dyssynergic sphincter contraction as a marker for NDO.

Results

Conditional neuromodulation through the novel device showed a statistically significant increase in bladder capacity and reduction in maximum detrusor pressure in six male subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). EAS activity was a reliable surrogate for detection of NDO.

Conclusions

It has been shown for the first time that conditional neuromodulation can be delivered and triggered via a single biocompatible device placed in the anal canal. The pudendal nerves lying in Alcock's canal were stimulated through the wall of the anal canal, and the dyssynergic activity of the EAS was used to detect NDO and trigger neuromodulation giving significant increases in bladder capacity and reduction in detrusor pressure in six male subjects with SCI.
Proteomes and Phosphoproteomes of Anther and Pollen: Availability and Progress
Authors: Zhang Zaibao , Hu Menghui , Feng Xiaobing , Gong Andong , Cheng Lin , Yuan Hongyu
Published: June 2017

In flowering plants, anther development plays crucial role in sexual reproduction. Within the anther, microspore mother cells meiosis produces microspores, which further develop into pollen grains that play decisive role in plant reproduction. Previous studies on anther biology mainly focused on single gene functions relying on genetic and molecular methods. Recently, anther development has been expanded from multiple OMICS approaches like transcriptomics, proteomics/phosphoproteomics, and metabolomics. The development of proteomics techniques allowing increased proteome coverage and quantitative measurements of proteins which can characterize proteomes and their modulation during normal development, biotic and abiotic stresses in anther development. In this review, we summarize the achievements of proteomics and phosphoproteomics with anther and pollen organs from model plant and crop species (i.e. Arabidopsis, rice, tobacco). The increased proteomic information facilitated translation of information from the models to crops and thus aid in agricultural improvement.
Reduced Graphene Oxide decorated with Manganese Cobalt Oxide as Multifunctional Material for Mechanically Rechargeable and Hybrid Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Qaseem Adnan , Chen Fuyi , Qiu Chuanzhou , Mahmoudi Abdelaziz , Wu Xiaoqiang , Wang Xiaolu , Johnston Roy L.
Published: June 2017

Spinel MnCo2O4 nanoparticles on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (MnCo2O4/NGr) are synthesized for advanced zinc–air batteries with remarkable cyclic efficiency and stability. The synthesized MnCo2O4/NGr exhibits good oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) activity with half‐wave potential E1/2 of 0.85 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), comparable to commercial Pt/C with E1/2 of 0.88 V (vs RHE) along with superior oxygen electrode activity ΔE = 0.91 V for the ORR/OER (oxygen‐evolution reaction) in alkaline media. Durability tests confirm that MnCo2O4/NGr is more stable than Pt/C in alkaline environment. MnCo2O4/NGr functions with stable discharge profile of 1.2 V at 20 mA cm−2, large discharge capacity of 707 mAh g−1Zn at 40 mA cm−2 and a high energy density of 813 Wh kg−1Zn in a mechanically rechargeable zinc–air battery. The electrically rechargeable MnCo2O4/NGr zinc–air battery displays hybrid behavior with both Faradaic and oxygen redox charge–discharge characteristics, operating at higher voltage and providing higher power density and excellent cyclic efficiency of 86% for over 100 cycles compared to Pt/C with efficiency of around 60%. Moreover, hybrid zinc–air battery operates with a stable and energy efficient profile at different current densities.
Northern bobwhite population responses to winter weather along their northern range periphery
Authors: Janke Adam K. , Terhune Theron M. , Gates Robert J. , Long C. Robert
Published: June 2017

Relationships between northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population dynamics and weather are well‐established and managed in the southern and western core of their range. Although a qualitative recognition of effects of winter weather at the northern edge of the northern bobwhite range exists, quantitative evaluations that examine impacts of severe winter weather events on declining northern populations are lacking. We used radiotelemetry to evaluate relationships between daily survival and winter weather in 2 northern populations in Maryland and Ohio, USA. Ninety‐day winter (Dec–Feb) survival varied with total snow accumulation among years and sites, with lowest survival (0.007, SE = 0.007) occurring during greatest snow accumulation and highest survival (0.498, SE = 0.088) during the mildest winter. Snow depths were negatively associated with daily survival in Ohio and Maryland, whereas association with temperature was marginal and differed among sites and years. We used northern bobwhite counts from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (NABBS) to test whether local effects of snow accumulation on winter survival manifest in population reductions up to 5 years following locally extreme snow accumulation events on 128 routes in the northern bobwhite range. Our best‐supported linear mixed model showed snow accumulation during 4 preceding winters was associated with population declines, with declining associations between abundance and snow accumulation over longer time lags. Our NABBS analysis linked local demographic effects from the radiotelemetry study to population‐level changes in abundance at a wide geographic scale, collectively illustrating the capacity for comparatively rare but severe winter weather events to produce a legacy of population change among northern populations. Conservation strategies for these populations should take into account the potential effect of severe winter weather on population stability and seek to employ conservation measures that increase resiliency to severe winter weather events. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Avian gametologs as molecular tags for sex identification in birds of prey of Iran
Authors: Valadan Reza , Nejatollahi Foroogh , Ehsani‐nori Hoda , Habibi Hassan , Amini Hamid , Aliabadian Mansour
Published: June 2017

Global environmental change and rapid destruction of natural habitats necessitate the conservation of endangered and threatened birds of prey. Recently, molecular sex identification methods based on amplification of introns of chromodomain‐helicase DNA binding protein1 (CHD1) have provided valuable tools for ecological study and conservation breeding programs of birds. These methods employ a primer pair flanking an intron which varies considerably in length between the avian gametologs CHD1Z and CHD1W. Herein, we test the applicability of CHD1Z and CHD1W as universal tags for molecular sex identification in birds of prey of Iran. We showed successful sex identification in 22 species of birds of prey using feathers as the source of DNA. The results suggest that the regions of CHD1W and CHD1Z amplified in this study are conserved among most of Falconiformes, enabling accurate sex identification in birds of prey.
Women's Experience with Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing and Emotional Well‐being and Satisfaction after Test‐Results
Authors: van Schendel Rachèl V. , Page‐Christiaens G. C. M. Lieve , Beulen Lean , Bilardo Caterina M. , de Boer Marjon A. , Coumans Audrey B. C. , Faas Brigitte H. W. , van Langen Irene M. , Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , van Maarle Merel C. , Macville Merryn V. E. , Oepkes Dick , Pajkrt Eva , Henneman Lidewij ,   for the Dutch NIPT Consortium
Published: June 2017

Increasingly, high‐risk pregnant women opt for non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) instead of invasive diagnostic testing. Since NIPT is less accurate than invasive testing, a normal NIPT result might leave women less reassured. A questionnaire study was performed among pregnant women with elevated risk for fetal aneuploidy based on first‐trimester combined test (risk ≥1:200) or medical history, who were offered NIPT in the nationwide Dutch TRIDENT study. Pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires (n = 682) included measures on: experiences with NIPT procedure, feelings of reassurance, anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), child‐related anxiety (PRAQ‐R), and satisfaction. The majority (96.1%) were glad to have been offered NIPT. Most (68.5%) perceived the waiting time for NIPT results (mean: 15 days, range 5–32) as (much) too long. Most women with a normal NIPT result felt reassured (80.9%) or somewhat reassured (15.7%). Levels of anxiety and child‐related anxiety were significantly lower after receiving a normal NIPT result as compared to the moment of intake (p < 0.001). Women with inadequate health literacy or a medical history (e.g. previous child with trisomy) experienced significantly higher post‐test‐result anxiety (Mean (M) STAI = 31.6 and 30.0, respectively) compared to those with adequate health literacy (M = 28.6) and no medical history (M = 28.6), indicating these women might benefit from extra information and/or guidance when communicating NIPT test‐results. Introducing NIPT as an alternative to invasive testing, led to an offer that satisfied and largely reassured high‐risk pregnant women.