bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical origin of Chinese apples based on multiple element analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianyi , Nie Jiyun , Kuang Lixue , Shen Youming , Zheng Haidong , Zhang Hui , Farooq Saqib , Asim Syed
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Apples from different regions of China show different qualities and internal characteristics, and appeal to different customers. However, these aspects have not been studied in depth. We characterized the profiles of 14 elements in 317 apple samples collected from five regions of China. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and back‐propagation artificial neural networks analysis (BP‐ANN) were used to build models for apple authentication.

RESULTS

Fourteen elements were successfully identified in apple samples by performing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) analyses. Comparative analysis showed significantly different element profiles in samples from different regions. The first five principal components obtained by PCA accounted for 71.8% of the total variance. The LDA obtained 70.0% classification rates. The BP‐ANN obtained 82.7% classification rates.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated the possibility that apples could be authenticated based on differences in their element profiles, and provided a basis for further geographical origin studies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of hydrothermal treatment on the structural and digestive changes of actomyosin
Authors: Zhao Di , He Jing , Zou Xiaoyu , Xie Yunting , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong , Li Chunbao
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Heat treatment induces both structural and digestive change of meat protein. However, little has been revealed regarding the associations between structural changes and digested peptides of myofibrillar proteins. This work investigated the effects of heat treatment on the structures and in vitro digestibility of actomyosin, and the peptidomics of the digests were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

RESULTS

Heat treatment resulted in unfolding and aggregation behavior of actomyosin according to the results of surface hydrophobicity and particle size. Formation of disulfide bonds and increase in carbonyl groups that occurred during heat treatment of actomyosin indicated the oxidation of specific residues. Unfolding behavior could elevate digestibility of actomyosin by exposing residues, based on the identification of peptides in digests of actomyosin using LC–MS/MS. However, the disulfide bond proved to reduce the action of digestive proteases, since the peptides number (increased from 56 to 86 in sample heated at 70 °C for 30 min) and peptides intensity in digests largely increased after the addition of dithiothreitol (DTT). Heating at higher temperature (100 °C) induced severer aggregation and oxidation, which resulted in lower digestibility of actomyosin than that heated at 70 °C by burying or damaging partial cleavage sites for digestive proteases.

CONCLUSIONS

This work highlights the huge influence of heat treatment on the multi‐scale structures of myofibrillar proteins, which largely changed the peptides composition in protein digests. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Interesterified blend‐based and physical blend‐based special fats: storage stability under fluctuating temperatures
Authors: Zhu Ting‐Wei , Zhang Xia , Zong Min‐Hua , Linhardt Robert J , Li Bing , Wu Hong
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Temperatures that special fat faces in a real environment fluctuate, thus, understanding the property changes of special fats under fluctuating temperatures will be helpful in guiding how to keep its high quality in the production and application process. Therefore, a comparative study was carried out on the storage stability of physical blend‐based and interesterified blend‐based special fats (PBSFs and IBSFs) and their oxidative stability, crystallization and physical properties were studied under fluctuating temperatures.

RESULTS

The peroxide values of IBSFs and PBSFs were less than 10.0 mmol kg−1 after 4 weeks of storage, and IBSFs had better oxidative stability. There was little change in the solid fat content, and the hardness decreased when IBSFs and PBSFs were stored for 4 weeks. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that PBSFs had only β‐crystal, but IBSFs had β‐ and β′‐crystal after storage. Moreover, in IBSFs, the transformation from β′‐ to β‐form in PS:RO‐IBSF was more obvious than that in PS:SO‐IBSF (PS, palm stearin; SO, soybean oil; RO, rapeseed oil) after 4 weeks of storage, and the good integrity of crystalline network in fast‐frozen special fats during fluctuating temperature storage followed the order: IBSF > PBSF, PS:RO‐PBSF > PS:SO‐PBSF.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest IBSF can better maintain its quality during fluctuating temperature storage than PBSF. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparative study on proximate and mineral composition of coloured potato peel and flesh
Authors: Vaitkevičienė Nijolė
Published: June 2019

BACKGOUND

Potato peels are usually discarded before consumption of the tubers. However, it could be expected that red‐ and purple‐fleshed potato peels contain more minerals. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the proximate and mineral composition in flesh and peels of six coloured potato cultivars. Five proximate compositions (dry matter, total soluble solids, protein, fibre, and ash) and nine minerals [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Boron (B), manganese (Mn)] content were determined. The data obtained were evaluated employing the multivariate analysis techniques: principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The results show that proximate and mineral composition depends on potato tissue and cultivar. Potato peels have significantly higher levels of protein, fibre, ash and minerals (except Mg) than the flesh. However, flesh contains the highest contents of dry matter and total soluble solids. Of the studied elements, K has the highest content in both parts of the potato tuber followed by P, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu. Violetta peels had the highest contents of ash, K and Mg, and Highland Burgundy Red peels had the highest protein, fibre, Ca, Mn contents. The flesh of the Highland Burgundy Red cultivar shows the highest contents of dry matter and total soluble solids.

CONCLUSION

Based on the present study, it can be concluded that the investigated red and purple potato peels showed significantly higher protein, fibre, ash and element (K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, B) contents compared to the flesh. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimizing the use of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs: physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of meat
Authors: Lima Talma Jordana , Ribeiro Neila Lidiany , Costa Roberto Germano , de Medeiros Geovergue Rodrigues , de Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes , de Sousa Solange , de Cassia Ramos do Egypto Queiroga Rita , Serrano Martina P , Barba Francisco J , Lorenzo José M
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of spineless cactus in finishing diets for lambs improves the carcass quality. However, data about its influence on meat traits is very scarce. The effects of spineless cactus inclusion in the finishing diet of lambs at four levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 g kg−1 of dry matter, DM) in replacement of Tifton hay on the physicochemical and sensory properties of meat were studied.

RESULTS

The spineless cactus modified the chemical composition increasing the protein (P < 0.001) and the fat (P < 0.01) contents of meat, presenting the greatest values in lambs fed diets with 150 and 300 g kg−1 (DM) replacing levels, respectively. However, the spineless cactus did not influence the growth performance from 23.7 to 37.3 kg of body weight (on average). In addition, colour parameters of the meat were not affected by the inclusion of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs, resulting in mean values of 37.55, 14.96 and 8.49 for lightness, redness and yellowness, respectively. There were no statistical differences among treatments for cooking loss and shear force, with mean values of 34.8% and 14.8 N, respectively. Finally, the sensorial properties were not affected by the inclusion of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs.

CONCLUSION

Spineless cactus could be included up to the level of 300 g kg−1 DM in the finishing diets of lambs to increase the fat content of meat without compromising its sensorial properties. However, further studies about the fatty acid composition of meat from lambs fed diets containing spineless cactus are necessary. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Apple juice concentrate impregnation enhances nutritional and textural attributes of the instant controlled pressure drop (DIC)‐dried carrot chips
Authors: Peng Jian , Bi Jinfeng , Yi Jianyong , Allaf Karim , Besombes Colette , Jin Xin , Wu Xinye , Lyu Jian , Asghar Ali Mian Noor Hussain
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Osmotic pretreatment is an effective processing unit for improving the textural quality of dried fruit and vegetable snacks, whereas nutrition loss and high calorie after impregnation is still a noteworthy shortcoming of sugar‐immersed products. Therefore, the use of apple juice concentrate as a clean label solution to improve the qualities of instant controlled pressure drop (DIC)‐dried carrot chips was investigated.

RESULTS

Apple juice concentrate impregnation substantially enhanced the physical properties of the carrot chips, including hardness (38.28 N), crispness (2.01 mm), porosity (66.72%) and homogeneous microstructure, comparable to chips obtained using sucrose and maltiltol based osmotic solutions. Additionally, compared to the sucrose and maltiltol impregnated chips, a higher retention of carotenoids (302.81 μg g–1, dry basis), a higher multiplicity of phenolic compounds, stronger antioxidant activities and a superior sensory score were observed in the chips pretreated with apple juice concentrate.

CONCLUSION

Apple juice concentrate could be used as a clean label osmotic solution to enhance the organoleptic attributes and fortify the nutritional properties of DIC‐dried carrot snacks. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of mobile health on patient enrollment for cleft lip‐palate surgery: A comparative study using SMS blast text messaging in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Tollefson Travis T. , Fuller Jennifer C. , Muchemwa Faith C. , Gonga Aleck , Shaye David A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Patients' lack of awareness of available services is a significant barrier to delivering surgical care in resource‐limited settings. Short message service (SMS) text messaging is a potential means to disseminate this information in resource‐limited settings, where rates of mobile phone usage are high.

Methods

A blast SMS text informing local populations of upcoming cleft lip‐palate (CLP) surgical services was distributed to 25% of the subscriber base 1 week prior to arrival of a (CLP) surgical team in Zimbabwe. A retrospective cohort analysis comparing characteristics of patients presenting to the CLP clinic in the year prior to (2016) and 2 years following (2017–2018) the implementation of the blast SMS text messaging system is performed to assess its impact.

Results

Patients presenting to a single Zimbabwean CLP surgical program in the years with SMS messaging notifications were significantly more likely (52 [64%] vs. 5 [17%], P < .001) to have been informed of surgical services through their mobile phones. The average distance traveled per patient was not significantly different prior to implementation of mass text messaging (180.4 km [SD114.8] vs. 167.4 km [SD105.9], P = .580). The average patient age was significantly higher following the implementation of mass text messaging (7.4 [SD8.7] vs. 3.0 [SD2.8] years, P = .010).

Conclusions

SMS messaging is an effective method of informing patients of CLP surgical services in resource‐limited settings. After implementation of SMS text notifications, surgical patients were of increased age, but showed no difference in distance traveled.

Level of Evidence

IV
Current use of PROMs and factors associated with their use in patients with nonspecific low back pain
Authors: Brinkman Marjon , Barten Di‐Janne , Pisters Martijn , Verheij Robert
Published: June 2019

Objective

Patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) can guide clinicians in providing evidence‐based treatment and have the potential to empower patients, support clinical decision making, and improve quality of care. In order to make the information coming from PROMs useful, it is important to know to what extent the use of PROMs is biased in any way. Therefore, we assessed (a) the current level of use of PROMs among primary care physiotherapists and (b) which factors on the patient level, therapist level, and primary care practice level are associated with the use of PROMs in patients with nonspecific low back pain (LBP).

Design

An observational study based on electronic health record data recorded routinely in Nivel Primary Care Database.

Participants

A total of 2916 patients aged 18 years or older with nonspecific LBP consulting a primary care physiotherapist.

Methods

Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors at the level of the patient, physiotherapist, and primary care practice, which may affect the use of PROMs.

Results

PROMs were used in 46% of the patients, by 72% of the physiotherapists, and in 71% of the physiotherapy practices. None of the included independent variables were associated with the use of PROMs. Only 1% of the variance was explained by the final model.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of PROMs is mostly dependent on characteristics of patients. However, we did not succeed in identifying characteristics of patients that are responsible for that. This could mean that therapists randomly choose patients for PROMs or that there is some other unmeasured patient characteristic determining the use of PROMs. The former explanation implies no systematic bias in the information resulting from PROMs. More research is needed to examine possible related factors to improve implementation and a more frequent use of PROMs in the future.
Neuromelanin, aging, and neuronal vulnerability in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vila Miquel
Published: June 2019

Neuromelanin, a dark brown intracellular pigment, has long been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD, neuromelanin‐containing neurons preferentially degenerate, tell‐tale neuropathological inclusions form in close association with this pigment, and neuroinflammation is restricted to neuromelanin‐containing areas. In humans, neuromelanin accumulates with age, which in turn is the main risk factor for PD. The potential contribution of neuromelanin to PD pathogenesis remains unknown because, in contrast to humans, common laboratory animals lack neuromelanin. The recent introduction of a rodent model exhibiting an age‐dependent production of human‐like neuromelanin has allowed, for the first time, for the consequences of progressive neuromelanin accumulation—up to levels reached in elderly human brains—to be assessed in vivo. In these animals, intracellular neuromelanin accumulation above a specific threshold compromises neuronal function and triggers a PD‐like pathology. As neuromelanin levels reach this threshold in PD patients and presymptomatic PD patients, the modulation of neuromelanin accumulation could provide a therapeutic benefit for PD patients and delay brain aging. © 2019 The Author. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Primary congenital glaucoma due to paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 2 and CYP1B1 deletion
Authors: Souzeau Emmanuelle , Dubowsky Andrew , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Craig Jamie E.
Published: June 2019

Background

CYP1B1 variants and deletions are the most common cause of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).

Methods

We investigated an individual with PCG from the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma. We performed sequencing of the CYP1B1 gene, followed by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification and SNP array.

Results

We identified a homozygous deletion of the CYP1B1 gene by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification and confirmed that the father was heterozygous for a CYP1B1 deletion but the mother had normal gene copy number. SNP array identified paternal uniparental isodisomy of the entire chromosome 2.

Conclusions

This study is the first report of a homozygous CYP1B1 whole gene deletion due to paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 2 as a cause of PCG. These results illustrate the importance of genetic testing in providing appropriate genetic counseling regarding the risks of recurrence.
Identification of a novel splice site mutation in the SERAC1 gene responsible for the MEGDHEL syndrome
Authors: Snanoudj Sarah , Mordel Patrick , Dupas Quentin , Schanen Cécile , Arion Alina , Gérard Marion , Read Marie‐Hélène , Nait Rabah Djamel , Goux Didier , Chapon Françoise , Jokic Mickael , Allouche Stéphane
Published: June 2019

Background

MEGDHEL is an autosomal recessive syndrome defined as 3‐MEthylGlutaconic aciduria (3‐MGA) with Deafness, Hepatopathy, Encephalopathy, and Leigh‐like syndrome on magnetic resonance imaging, due to mutations in the SERAC1 (Serine Active Site Containing 1) gene, which plays a role in the mitochondrial cardiolipin metabolism.

Methods

We report the case of a young patient who presented with a convulsive encephalopathy, 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria, deafness, and bilateral T2 hypersignals of the putamen and the thalami, who passed away at 8 years of age.

Results

Analysis of nuclear genes using an ampliSeq™ targeted custom panel disclosed two compound heterozygous variants in the SERAC1 gene: a nonsense substitution in exon 4, c.202C>T, resulting in a premature stop codon (p.Arg68*), and a novel variant at a canonical splicing site upstream exon 4 (c.129‐1G>C). mRNAs sequencing from the fibroblasts of the patient showed that the splice site variant resulted in exon 3 skipping without frameshift while Western blot experiments showed the absence of SERAC1 expression compared to controls and abnormal filipin staining.

Conclusion

We showed that the loss of the putative transmembrane domain of SERAC1, due to a novel splice site variant, impairs the protein expression and is responsible for the MEGDHEL syndrome.
Numerical manifold method for dynamic consolidation of saturated porous media with three‐field formulation
Authors: Wu Wenan , Zheng Hong , Yang Yongtao
Published: June 2019

In terms of the three‐field formulation of Biot's dynamic consolidation theory, the numerical manifold method (NMM) is developed, where the same approximation to skeleton displacement (u) and fluid velocity (w) is employed and able to reflect incompressible as well as compressible deformation, but the approximation to pore pressure (p) takes two different types, respectively. The first type of approximation to p is continuous piecewise linear interpolation and the second type assumes that p is a constant within each element. It is verified that using the second type of approximation to p naturally satisfies the inf‐sup condition even in the limits of rigid skeleton and very low permeability, avoiding the locking problem accordingly. Energy components done by various forces are calculated to verify the accuracy and stability of the time integration scheme. A mass lumping technique in the NMM framework is employed to effectively reduce the unphysical oscillations and increase computational efficiency, which is another unique advantage of NMM over other numerical methods. A number of numerical tests are conducted to demonstrate the robustness and versatility of the proposed mixed NMM models.
Updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of the predictive value of serum biomarkers in the assessment and management of fever during neutropenia in children with cancer
Authors: Arif Tasnim , Phillips Robert S.
Published: June 2019

Routinely measurable biomarkers as predictors for adverse outcomes in febrile neutropenia could improve management through risk stratification. This systematic review assesses the predictive role of biomarkers in identifying events such as bacteraemia, clinically documented infections, microbiologically documented infection, severe sepsis requiring intensive care or high dependency care and death. This review collates 8319 episodes from 4843 patients. C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and procalcitonin (PCT) consistently predict bacteraemia and severe sepsis; other outcomes have highly heterogeneous results. Performance of the biomarkers at admission using different thresholds demonstrates that PCT > 0.5 ng/mL offers the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity: sensitivity 0.67 (confidence interval [CI] 0.53‐0.79) specificity 0.73 (CI 0.66‐0.77). Seventeen studies describe the use of serial biomarkers, with PCT having the greatest discriminatory role. Biomarkers, potentially with serial measurements, may predict adverse outcomes in paediatric febrile neutropenia and their role in risk stratification is promising.
Effect of sirolimus on coagulopathy of slow‐flow vascular malformations
Authors: Mack Joana M. , Verkamp Bethany , Richter Gresham T. , Nicholas Richard , Stewart Kelly , Crary Shelley E.
Published: June 2019

Background/Objectives

Stagnant blood flow present in slow‐flow vascular malformations can lead to localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC), measured by elevated D‐dimer levels, low fibrinogen, and/or thrombocytopenia. LIC can lead to localized thrombosis and/or bleeding, resulting in pain, swelling, and functional limitations. Patients with complex vascular malformations treated with sirolimus show clinical improvement in these symptoms. We hypothesized that the clinical benefits of sirolimus may correlate with improvements in coexisting LIC.

Design/Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed, including D‐dimer, fibrinogen, and platelet count, in patients with slow‐flow vascular malformations treated with sirolimus. Laboratory values were assessed at three time points (presirolimus, 1‐3 months postsirolimus, and last clinic visit). Clinical response, as defined by decreased pain and swelling, was extracted from the record.

Results

Thirty‐five patients at our vascular anomalies center had been prescribed sirolimus between 2014 and 2017. Fifteen patients (12 combined slow‐flow vascular malformations and three pure venous malformations) remained after excluding patients that did not have adequate records or a venous component to their vascular malformation. Patients who did not adhere to the treatment were also excluded. All 15 had elevated D‐dimer levels prior to treatment and there was a statistically significant decrease in D‐dimer levels following treatment with sirolimus. Symptomatic improvement of pain and swelling was reported after 3 months of starting sirolimus in 13/15 patients.

Conclusion

This study suggests that sirolimus improves coagulopathy in slow‐flow vascular malformations, as evidenced by reduced D‐dimer levels. Improvement in LIC symptoms also correlates with sirolimus‐corrected coagulopathy.
Discovery of novel insecticidal 3‐aminopyridyl ureas
Authors: Lambert William T , Buysse Ann M , Wessels Frank J
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Commercial compound databases represent rich sources of potential starting points for pharmaceutical and agrochemical product development. Routine insecticidal screening of compounds ordered from these sources led to the identification of a 3‐aminopyridyl urea with activity against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (green peach aphid). Based on this activity and its structural novelty, further exploration of the chemical space around this hit was initiated.

RESULTS

A series of ureas based on the structure of the initial hit were synthesized and screened for insecticidal activity. A broad range of tail groups derived from cyclic secondary amines were explored, and many of these compounds were found to be insecticidally active. However, only compounds featuring a 3‐aminopyridine or 4‐aminopyridazine head group exhibited significant insecticidal potency. Although activity against M. persicae was consistently observed, these ureas were largely inactive against another key sap‐feeding insect pest, Bemisia tabaci (Glennadius) (sweetpotato whitefly).

CONCLUSIONS

Follow‐up of an insecticide hit identified from commercial compound acquisition led to the discovery of a novel class of ureas with activity against M. persicae. Despite considerable effort to identify related compounds with additional insecticidal spectrum, however, activity on other important pests remains limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Review of Mathematical Models for Tumor Dynamics and Treatment Resistance Evolution of Solid Tumors
Authors: Yin Anyue , Moes Dirk Jan A.R. , van Hasselt Johan G.C. , Swen Jesse J. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan
Published: June 2019

Increasing knowledge of intertumor heterogeneity, intratumor heterogeneity, and cancer evolution has improved the understanding of anticancer treatment resistance. A better characterization of cancer evolution and subsequent use of this knowledge for personalized treatment would increase the chance to overcome cancer treatment resistance. Model‐based approaches may help achieve this goal. In this review, we comprehensively summarized mathematical models of tumor dynamics for solid tumors and of drug resistance evolution. Models displayed by ordinary differential equations, algebraic equations, and partial differential equations for characterizing tumor burden dynamics are introduced and discussed. As for tumor resistance evolution, stochastic and deterministic models are introduced and discussed. The results may facilitate a novel model‐based analysis on anticancer treatment response and the occurrence of resistance, which incorporates both tumor dynamics and resistance evolution. The opportunities of a model‐based approach as discussed in this review can be of great benefit for future optimizing and personalizing anticancer treatment.
Downstream influence of mesoscale convective systems. Part 1: influence on forecast evolution
Authors: Clarke Samantha J. , Gray Suzanne L. , Roberts Nigel M.
Published: June 2019

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are difficult to forecast due to their inherent‐60 unpredictability and development from scales that are subgrid in typical global models. Here the impacts of model representation of convection on MCS structure and downstream forecast evolution are examined using two configurations of the Met Office Unified Model: the convection‐permitting (4.4‐km grid spacing) limited‐area Euro4 and convection‐parametrizing (25‐km grid spacing) Global configurations.

MCSs are associated with a characteristic potential vorticity (PV) structure: a positive PV anomaly in the mid‐troposphere and negative PV anomalies above and to the side of it. Convection‐permitting models produce larger‐amplitude MCS PV anomalies than convection‐parametrizing models. These differences are shown to persist after coarse graining the output from a Euro4 simulation to the 25 km grid spacing of the Global configuration for a case study from July 2012, and are largest in magnitude and extent in the upper troposphere.

The effect of the poor representation of this PV structure by convection‐ parametrizing models on forecasts is investigated by adding “MCS perturbations”, calculated as differences between the coarse‐grained Euro4 and the Global outputs, to five‐day Global configuration forecasts. Upper‐level MCS perturbations lead to greater forecast differences than those at middle levels, though using perturbations at all levels yields the greatest impact. For the first 36 hr, differences grow on the convective scale related to the MCS and its influence on a developing UK cyclone, despite perturbation amplitudes initially reducing. Subsequently, differences grow rapidly onto the synoptic scale and by five days impact the entire Northern Hemisphere. MCS perturbations slow the eastward movement of Rossby waves due to ridge amplification. Thus, perturbing convection‐parametrizing models to include PV anomalies associated with MCSs produces synoptic‐scale forecast differences implying that the misrepresentation of the PV structures associated with MCSs are a potential source of forecast errors.
Simultaneous fault estimation for uncertain Markovian jump systems subjected to actuator degradation
Authors: Li Xiaohang , Zhang Weidong , Wang Yueying
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates simultaneous estimations of states, system fault, and sensor fault for a class of Markovian jump systems, resorting to the design of a robust observer, in which both the external disturbance and actuator degradation are taken into consideration. The loss‐of‐effectiveness, stuck, and outage fault cases are involved, and the considered Markovian jump system is assumed to possess generally uncertain transition rates, which can generalize the traditional bounded uncertain transition rates and partially unknown transition rates. In particular, an augmented system whose states cover the original states, system fault, and sensor fault is constructed. Then, a novel adaptive observer is presented with time‐varying gain matrices and parameter accommodation being injected to deal with the disturbance and actuator degradation. Finally, a practical example is shown to demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed method as well as its advantages over some existing results.
Conformation of D‐π‐A Molecular with Functional Imidazole Group: Achieving High Color Contrast Mechanochromic Behavior and Selectively Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Zhang Shuaishuai , Zhu Huichao , Huang Jianyan , Kong Lin , Tian Yupeng , Yang Jiaxiang
Published: June 2019

Multi‐stimuli responsive D‐π‐A molecular (named CZIZ) comprising of carbazole as D, dicyano as A and imidazole as functional group was designed and synthesized. The photophysical properties showed that CZIZ possessed the property of aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) property, which was verified by UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence spectra. In addition, the large twisted structure and loose arrangement induced CZIZ performed high color contrast mechanochromic (MC) behaviors from 537 nm to 584 nm, which was successfully applied in ink‐free rewritable paper. Furthermore, CZIZ showed high selective detection for picric acid (PA) in aqueous medium due to the excellent proton‐binding property of the imidazole group, which was verified by1H NMR spectra. The density functional theory verified that the fluorescent quenching mechanism is a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process between CZIZ and PA. The compound CZIZ described herein will efficiently expand the development of design principles to supply diverse multifunctional tools for material science and material engineering.
Aqueous Phase Exfoliating Quasi‐2D CsPbBr3 Nanosheets with Ultrahigh Intrinsic Water Stability
Authors: Xie Meilin , Liu Huan , Chun Fengjun , Deng Wen , Luo Chao , Zhu Zhihao , Yang Min , Li Yongmei , Li Wen , Yan Wei , Yang Weiqing
Published: June 2019

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as attractive optoelectronic materials due to the excellent optical and electronic properties. However, their environmental stability, especially in the presence of water, is still a significant challenge for their further commercialization. Here, ultrahigh intrinsically water‐stable all‐inorganic quasi‐2D CsPbBr3 nanosheets (NSs) via aqueous phase exfoliation method are reported. Compared to conventional perovskite NCs, these unique quasi‐2D CsPbBr3 nanosheets present an outstanding long‐term water stability with 87% photoluminescence (PL) intensity remaining after 168 h under water conditions. Moreover, the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of quasi‐2D CsPbBr3 NSs is up to 82.3%, and these quasi‐2D CsPbBr3 NSs also present good photostability of keeping 85% PL intensity after 2 h under 365 nm UV light. Evidently, such quasi‐2D perovskite NSs will open up a new way to investigate the intrinsic stability of all‐inorganic perovskites and further promote the commercial development of perovskite‐based optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Detection of vasa praevia in the mid‐trimester ultrasound by Australian sonographers
Authors: Humphries‐Hart Ffion , Davies Braidy , Bethune Michael , Saxton Virginia
Published: June 2019

Objective

To ascertain Australian obstetric sonographers knowledge and current practice when assessing for vasa praevia in the mid‐trimester ultrasound with the view to improve prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

Between August and September 2018, a survey was emailed to 4868 Australian sonographers registered to participate in Australian Sonography Association Registry (ASAR) facilitated research projects. A total of 577 responses were received. The sonographers survey response was compared with published Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) recommendations.

Results

There appears to be an unfamiliarity with the RANZCOG recommendations, in particular that vasa praevia is defined as a fetal vessel lying within 20 mm of the cervical internal os (IOS). Transabdominally, if a vasa praevia risk factor is identified (including a fetal vessel observed in the lower uterine segment), less than 48% of surveyed sonographers proceed to a targeted transvaginal scan.

Conclusion

To enable effective diagnosis of vasa praevia, it is important to recognise associated risk factors that can raise suspicion for a potential vasa praevia; these are velamentous cord insertion, succenturiate lobe, and low‐lying placenta. A lower threshold of performing a transvaginal ultrasound when risk factors are identified (including a fetal vessel is identified in the lower uterine segment) may significantly improve vasa praevia diagnosis in the mid‐trimester ultrasound.
A spark‐based big data analysis framework for real‐time sentiment prediction on streaming data
Authors: Kılınç Deniz
Published: June 2019

There are many data sources that produce large volumes of data. The Big Data nature requires new distributed processing approaches to extract the valuable information. Real‐time sentiment analysis is one of the most demanding research areas that requires powerful Big Data analytics tools such as Spark. Prior literature survey work has shown that, though there are many conventional sentiment analysis researches, there are only few works realizing sentiment analysis in real time. One major point that affects the quality of real‐time sentiment analysis is the confidence of the generated data. In more clear terms, it is a valuable research question to determine whether the owner that generates sentiment is genuine or not. Since data generated by fake personalities may decrease accuracy of the outcome, a smart/intelligent service that can identify the source of data is one of the key points in the analysis. In this context, we include a fake account detection service to the proposed framework. Both sentiment analysis and fake account detection systems are trained and tested using Naïve Bayes model from Apache Spark's machine learning library. The developed system consists of four integrated software components, ie, (i) machine learning and streaming service for sentiment prediction, (ii) a Twitter streaming service to retrieve tweets, (iii) a Twitter fake account detection service to assess the owner of the retrieved tweet, and (iv) a real‐time reporting and dashboard component to visualize the results of sentiment analysis. The sentiment classification performances of the system for offline and real‐time modes are 86.77% and 80.93%, respectively.
Pretensioned pullout test of 18 mm (0.7 in.) diameter strand with different embedment lengths
Authors: Jiang Xin , Gui Qiang , Ma Zhongguo John
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a pretensioned pullout test method was proposed to better understand the bond mechanism and evaluate the bond behavior of pretensioned concrete members. A total of 15 pullout specimens with a centered 18‐mm (0.7 in.) diameter strand were tested. The specimens were divided into three sets according to their strand embedment lengths. For each set, there are two non‐pretensioned specimens and three pretensioned specimens with different initial prestress levels. In this way, the effects of the strand embedment length and the pretension level on the bond behavior were studied, in terms of the development of strand slip subject to the pullout force, initial P–S slope, the distribution of concrete surface strain, the ultimate failure mode and the pullout energy. The experimental results verified that the strand transfer length was dependent of prestress level. The transfer length may be predicted based on the different level of effective pretension force or stress in pretensioned specimens with different strand embedment lengths at detensioning. In essence, the disparities of the bond behaviors in the tests were caused by the contributions of different bond mechanisms. In return, the former, especially the characteristics of the development of strand slip and pullout energy, may be used for the quantificational evaluation of the bond mechanisms. Hoyer effect is verified as the dominant bond mechanism within transfer length.
Experimental analysis of fiber‐reinforced recycled aggregate self‐compacting concrete using waste recycled concrete aggregates, polypropylene, and steel fibers
Authors: Aslani Farhad , Hou Lijun , Nejadi Shami , Sun Junbo , Abbasi Samer
Published: June 2019

Self‐compacting concrete (SCC) is a cementitious composite which serves complex formworks without mechanical vibrations with superior deformability and high resistance to segregation. Besides, the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is also developing rapidly and along with the ever‐increasing sustainable demand for infrastructure. The combination of the fibers, RAC, and SCC may create advantages for the construction industry. In this study, the polypropylene (PP) fiber at 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25% volume fractions and steel fibers at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% volume fractions are introduced into fiber‐reinforced recycled aggregate self‐compacting concrete (FR‐RASCC). Both fresh property and hardened mechanical performance, comprising compressive and tensile strengths and modulus of elasticity are analyzed. The fibers validate the optimal 0.1% volume fraction for PP fiber and 0.75% volume fraction for steel fiber. In addition, the results are proved to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce cracking despite the negative impact on the fresh property. Moreover, the experimental outcomes are compared with previous researches to establish the linear model, demonstrating the relationship between fiber fraction and the mechanical properties.
Nonlethal Detection of Asian Fish Tapeworm in the Federally Endangered Humpback Chub Using a Molecular Screening Tool
Authors: Campbell Meredith C. , Caldwell Colleen A. , Lewis Teresa D. , Wilson Wade D. , Gard Charlotte C.
Published: June 2019

Optimal spawning habitat of federally endangered Humpback Chub Gila cypha exists within the Little Colorado River; however, temperatures in the Little Colorado River are also ideal for proliferation of the invasive pathogenic Asian fish tapeworm Schyzocotyle acheilognathi. The current standard for positive identification of the parasite is necropsy and visual examination of the gut via microscopy, a methodology undesirable for assessing infection in endangered fishes. A swab taken at the rectum of the fish and analyzed using a novel DNA primer targeting the cestode cytochrome oxidase I subunit mtDNA gene region offers a convenient nonlethal sampling tool. To validate the nonlethal methodology, primer sensitivity (51.9%) and specificity (79.5%) were calculated by exposing captive fish to the parasite and comparing results using the lethal standard method (i.e., visual examination). Subsequently, we utilized this nonlethal methodology to address prevalence of infection and infection frequency across a range of size‐classes in a wild population of Humpback Chub and addressed possible patterns and mechanisms of infection in the Little Colorado River. When wild Humpback Chub were screened for infection prevalence in spring 2015 (21.4%, n = 140) and fall 2015 (6.6%, n = 258), the relative frequency of infection was highest in juveniles and subadult fish (200–300 mm). Elevated levels of infection near the major spawning grounds of Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River promote parasitic infection, which may continue to persist without treatment or actions to control infections. We demonstrated that rectal swabs, in conjunction with PCR and primer‐specific identification, offer a time‐efficient nonlethal method to detect infection of Asian fish tapeworm in an endangered fish.
From machine learning to deep learning: Advances in scoring functions for protein–ligand docking
Authors: Shen Chao , Ding Junjie , Wang Zhe , Cao Dongsheng , Ding Xiaoqin , Hou Tingjun
Published: June 2019

Molecule docking has been regarded as a routine tool for drug discovery, but its accuracy highly depends on the reliability of scoring functions (SFs). With the rapid development of machine learning (ML) techniques, ML‐based SFs have gradually emerged as a promising alternative for protein–ligand binding affinity prediction and virtual screening, and most of them have shown significantly better performance than a wide range of classical SFs. Emergence of more data‐hungry deep learning (DL) approaches in recent years further fascinates the exploitation of more accurate SFs. Here, we summarize the progress of traditional ML‐based SFs in the last few years and provide insights into recently developed DL‐based SFs. We believe that the continuous improvement in ML‐based SFs can surely guide the early‐stage drug design and accelerate the discovery of new drugs.

This article is categorized under:

Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
In-season plot area loss and implications for yield estimation in smallholder rainfed farming systems at the village level in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Wahab Ibrahim
Published: June 2019

The shortfalls in the quality, quantity, and reliability of agriculture performance data are neither new nor confined to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is, however, a more dire challenge given the overwhelming importance of agriculture in the economies of most countries in the region in terms of food security and poverty reduction. While farmers’ self-reported (SR) data on crop outputs and farm sizes remain popular variables for computing plot productivity and yields, especially in SSA, other methods such GPS measurement and remote sensing measurement of crop area, crop cuts (CC) as well as whole plot harvests have been touted as the gold standard methods for yield measurement. All these approaches to yield estimation are insufficient in capturing real agriculture productivity in rainfed farming systems due to the significant area loss that characterizes these farming systems in the course of each cropping season. This paper compares yield data of smallholder maize plots from two farming communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana based on farmer self-reported outputs and crop cuts, as well as GPS and aerial imagery measurement of plot area. The study finds a high level of agreement between GPS-measured plot area and that measured using remote sensing methods (R2 = 0.80) with the minor deviations between the two measures attributable to changes in farmers’ plans in the course of the season with regards to their cultivation extent. More interestingly, the study finds a substantial disparity between measured CC yields and SR yields; 2174 kg/ha for CC yields compared to 651 kg/ha for SR yields. The significant disparity between the two measures of yield is partly attributable to the significant intra-plot variability in crop performance leading to plot area loss in the course of the season. This area loss (ranging from 15 to 30% of the planted area) is usually not taken into account in current yield measurement approaches. Delineating the productive and planted-but-unproductive sections of plots has important implications not only for yield estimation methodologies but also for shedding more light on the factors underlying current poor yields and pathways to improving productivity on smallholder rainfed maize farms.
Integrated production optimisation and monitoring of multi-zone intelligent wells
Authors: Malakooti Reza , Ayop Ahmad Zhafran , Maulianda Belladonna , Muradov Khafiz , Davies David
Published: June 2019

Multi-zone intelligent wells (I-wells) completed with interval control valves and downhole sensors divide the well completion into a number of production intervals that can be managed individually. The production rate from these wells is optimised using either reactive or proactive control strategy. Zonal inflow property values are often used to estimate the zonal multi-phase flow rates (MPFRs) to inform such control strategies. Real-time measurements of the zonal downhole pressure and temperature can be used to estimate the zonal MPFRs, which are considered the main input information to production optimisation algorithms. This paper presents an integrated control and monitoring (ICM) algorithm to maximise production from multi-zone I-wells. The algorithm includes two-level optimisation to design optimum number of required flow tests and optimise either reliability of estimated zonal production (monitoring) or oil production (control). An in-house optimiser has been developed to initiate the required flow tests to perform the ICM workflow, while active soft-sensing algorithm is used to design further flow tests required either to maximise the reliability of estimated zonal properties or maximise oil production. The algorithm was validated using a commercial transient wellbore simulator OLGA™ in which a five-zone intelligent well was modelled. The simulator results were used as inputs into the ICM algorithm to test the applicability of proposed workflow. Two different workflows of ICM and MPFR were compared in this synthetic case study, and both workflows achieve satisfactory estimates of the zonal properties. However, the ICM workflow attempts to achieve the maximum oil production with a reduced number of flow tests and results in higher cumulative oil production compared to the MPFR workflow. This confirmed that there is a potential to monitor and control zonal production simultaneously with less flow tests in comparison with applying a separate control and monitoring approach. The findings of this study showed it is not necessary to have the accurate estimation of zonal properties in order to maximise the oil production from a multi-zone I-well. The proposed ICM algorithm can also be applied in multi-well flow rate allocation of an interest production system network and optimisation of start-up of multi-zone I-wells.