bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum concentrations of soluble ST2 predict mortality after burn injury
Authors: Hacker Stefan , Dieplinger Benjamin , Werba Gregor , Nickl Stefanie , Roth Georg A. , Krenn Claus G. , Mueller Thomas , Ankersmit Hendrik J. , Haider Thomas 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background:
Large burn injuries induce a systemic response in affected patients. Soluble ST2 (sST2) acts as a decoy receptor for interleukin-33 (IL-33) and has immunosuppressive effects. sST2 has been described previously as a prognostic serum marker. Our aim was to evaluate serum concentrations of sST2 and IL-33 after thermal injury and elucidate whether sST2 is associated with mortality in these patients.

Methods:
We included 32 burn patients (total body surface area [TBSA] >10%) admitted to our burn intensive care unit and compared them to eight healthy probands. Serum concentrations of sST2 and IL-33 were measured serially using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.

Results:
The mean TBSA was 32.5%±19.6%. Six patients (18.8%) died during the hospital stay. Serum analyses showed significantly increased concentrations of sST2 and reduced concentrations of IL-33 in burn patients compared to healthy controls. In our study cohort, higher serum concentrations of sST2 were a strong independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusions:
Burn injuries cause an increment of sST2 serum concentrations with a concomitant reduction of IL-33. Higher concentrations of sST2 are associated with increased in-hospital mortality in burn patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pd exchanged MMT Clay for Mizoroki-Heck Reaction
Authors: Srivastava Vivek 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We successfully synthesized Pd@MMT clay using a cation exchange process. We characterized all the synthesized Pd@MMT clays using sophisticated analytical techniques before testing them as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Mizoroki - Heck reaction (mono and double). The highest yield of the Mizoroki-Heck reaction product was recovered using thermally stable and highly reactive Pd@ MMT-1 clay catalyst in the functionalized ionic liquid reaction medium. We successfully isolated 2-aryl-vinyl phosphonates (mono-Mizoroki-Heck reaction product) and 2,2-diaryl-vinylphosphonates (double-Mizoroki-Heck reaction product) using aryl halides and dialkyl vinyl phosphonates in higher yields. The low catalyst loading, easy recovery of reaction product and 8 times catalyst recycling are the major highlights of this proposed protocol.
Comparative analysis of the polyphenols profiles and the antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties of various blue honeysuckle varieties
Authors: Wang Yuehua , Xie Xu , Ran Xulong , Chou Shurui , Jiao Xinyao , Li Enhui , Zhang Qi , Meng Xianjun , Li Bin 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity (particularly peroxyl radical-scavenging capacity (PSC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA)) and cytotoxicity of extracts from seven varieties of blue honeysuckle were compared in this study. Moreover, an analysis of correlations between individual polyphenol profiles and antioxidant activities was also conducted. Seventeen components were found in the investigated blue honeysuckle extracts, with anthocyanins being the prominent bioactive components among polyphenols. Fruit peel contained higher concentrations of individual anthocyanins compared to the fruit pulp. Beilei blue honeysuckle had the highest antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant activity values were highly associated with cyanidin-3-glucoside levels. Blue honeysuckle extracts were not cytotoxic over the range of doses tested. Among the varieties analyzed, Beilei possessed the highest antioxidant properties and was found to be the most appropriate source of natural antioxidants.
Nano-TiO2 Phosphate Conversion Coatings – A Chemical Approach
Authors: Bagal Nilesh S. , Kathavate Vaibhav S. , Deshpande Pravin P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe present study aims at deposition of zinc phosphate coatings on low carbon steel with incorporated nano- TiO2 particles by chemical phosphating method. The coated low carbon steel samples were assessed in corrosion studies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques (Tafel) in 3.5% NaCl solution. Morphology and chemical composition of the coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in order to observe growth of coating. Significant variations in the coating weight, porosity and corrosion resistance were observed with the addition of nano- TiO2 in the phosphating bath. Corrosion rate of nano-TiO2 chemical phosphate coated samples was found to be 3.5 milli inches per year which was 3 times less than the normal phosphate-coated sample (8 mpy). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal reduction of porosity of nano-TiO2 phosphate coated samples. It was found that nano-TiO2 particles in the phosphating solution yielded uniform phosphate coatings of higher coating weight, fewer defects and enhanced corrosion resistance than the normal zinc phosphate coatings (developed using normal phosphating bath).
The well-posedness of a nonlocal multipoint problem for a differential operator equation of second order
Authors: Gorodetskyi Vasyl V. , Martynyuk Olga V. , Feduh Olesia V. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We establish the well-posedness of a nonlocal multipoint problem for a second-order evolution equation with respect to a time variable with an operator having a discrete spectrum. A nonlocal condition is considered to be satisfied in a weak sense in the space of formal Fourier series that are identified with continuous linear functionals (generalized elements) on some space connected with the operator.
Synthesis and preliminary anti-inflammatory evaluation of xanthone derivatives
Authors: Żelaszczyk Dorota , Lipkowska Anna , Szkaradek Natalia , Słoczyńska Karolina , Gunia-Krzyżak Agnieszka , Librowski Tadeusz , Marona Henryk 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Xanthone derivatives of acetic, propionic and 2-methylpropionic acids were synthesized and assayed for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and ulcerogenic activities. Compound 8 causes a dose-dependent diminution of paw edema (up to 61%) in the carrageenan model and at the highest tested dose reduces mechanical hyperalgesia in the Randall-Selitto test more effectively than the reference compound (~75% and ~32%, respectively). It shows high in vitro metabolic stability (Clint=12.5 μL/mg/min, t1/2=138.6 min) in the rat liver microsomes. None of the studied xanthone derivatives are ulcerogenic. The results of the present study suggest that compound 8 can be of interest in the future for the search for antinociceptive and antiedematous agents devoid of ulcerogenic effect.
Synthesis of 1,4-oxathian-2-ones by triton B-catalyzed one-pot reaction of epoxides with ethyl mercaptoacetate
Authors: Wechteti Lassaad , Mekni Nejib Hussein , Romdhani-Younes Moufida 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
A rapid one-pot reaction of epoxides with ethyl mercaptoacetate furnishing 1,4-oxathian-2-ones in the presence of a catalytic amount of eco-friendly triton B is reported. High regioselectivity is due to the nucleophilic attack on the less sterically hindered carbon atom of the aliphatic unsymmetrical epoxide.
Changes in weight, physical activity and its theory-based psychosocial correlates within an adolescent bariatric clinic: contrasts with adults with extreme obesity
Authors: Annesi James J. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Albeit their practical implications, psychosocial correlates of physical activity and related weight loss in the treatment of extreme obesity have been only sparsely addressed in adults; and even more minimally focused upon in adolescents. This research contrasted results of a 6-month social cognitive theory-based physical activity-support protocol along with standard nutrition counseling in groups of adolescents (n = 19; agemean = 15.4 years) and adults (n = 26, agemean = 44.7 years) with class 3 (extreme) obesity [overall body mass index (BMI)mean = 53.4 kg/m2, standard deviation (SD) = 8.2]. Although baseline total mood disturbance scores were significantly greater in both groups when contrasted with age-corresponding normative values, between-group scores did not significantly differ. BMI and physical activity changes over 3 and 6 months were significantly more favorable in the adult group. There were significant overall improvements in exercise self-efficacy, physical activity self-regulation and total mood disturbance scores, however, the self-efficacy and self-regulation increases were significant in only the adult group. Inverse relationships between changes in physical activity and BMI were stronger in the adult group. Regardless of group, simultaneous entry of changes in exercise self-efficacy, physical activity self-regulation and total mood disturbance scores, over both 3 and 6 months, significantly predicted physical activity changes (R2-values = 0.45–0.75, p-values < 0.001). In each model, self-regulation change was the most salient of those three psychosocial predictors. Although findings suggested that psychosocial correlates of physical activity, leading to weight change, are similar in adolescents and adults with extreme obesity, facilitation of larger effect sizes and/or foci on additional theory-based determinants may be required for clinically meaningful treatment outcomes in adolescents.
Experimental and Kinetic Production of Ethanol Using Mucilage Juice Residues from Cocoa Processing
Authors: Romero Cortes Teresa , Cuervo-Parra Jaime A. , José Robles-Olvera Víctor , Rangel Cortes Eduardo , López Pérez Pablo A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEthanol was produced using mucilage juice residues from processed cocoa with Pichia kudriavzevii in batch fermentation. Experimental results showed that maximum ethanol concentration was 13.8 g/L, ethanol yield was 0.50 g-ethanol/g glucose with a productivity of 0.25 g/L h. Likewise, a novel phenomenological model based on the mechanism of multiple parallel coupled reactions was used to describe the kinetics of substrate, enzyme, biomass and product formation. Model parameters were optimized by applying the Levenberg-Marquardt approach. Analysis of results was based on statistical metrics (such as confidence interval), sensitivity and by comparing calculated curves with the experimental data (residual plots). The efficacy of the proposed mathematical model was statistically evaluated using the dimensionless coefficient for efficiency. Results indicated that the proposed model can be applied as a way of augmenting bioethanol production from laboratory scale up to semi-pilot scale.
The relative role of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge in L2 reading comprehension: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Choi Yunjeong , Zhang Dongbo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the findings in the literature on the relative contribution of two types of linguistic knowledge (i. e., vocabulary and grammatical knowledge) to L2 reading comprehension; and to discuss the possible factors that might have led to the complexity and incongruity of the research findings. Nineteen studies were identified for this review through a systematic process of selection, and were analyzed in terms of the relationship of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge with L2 reading comprehension and their relative significance. The result of this review showed that there was no clear evidence supporting which type of linguistic knowledge is more contributive than the other; and the inconclusive findings might be attributed to the variations in the design of the studies. Two factors emerged, including participants’ language proficiency and construct definition, operationalization, and measurement. Some considerations for future research are suggested.
Efficient and fast monitoring and disruption management for a pressure diecast system
Authors: Hegenbarth Yvonne , Bartsch Thomas , Ristow Gerald H. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
An increasing amount of information is collected in industrial production processes. In many cases, this data is only accessible to the vendor of the machines involved in the production process. In the government-funded research project BigPro, we propose a flexible and fast Big Data platform that allows detection and reaction to incidents and anomalies in the production process in near real-time.
Blockchain in Industrie 4.0: Beyond cryptocurrency
Authors: Laabs Martin , Đukanović Siniša 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Industrie 4.0, the transition from static, centrally controlled production to dynamic, decentralized manufacturing, is aiming to increase product quality, customization and efficiency. Autonomous production systems and flexible inter-organizational cooperation are key challenges. Blockchain seems to be a natural fit to cope with these challenges. This article derives major challenges of I4.0 and compares them with benefits of blockchain technology. Use cases demonstrate where challenges and benefits match. Also, well known blockchain issues and possible solutions are addressed.
Dual-pivot and beyond: The potential of multiway partitioning in quicksort
Authors: Wild Sebastian 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Since 2011 the Java runtime library uses a Quicksort variant with two pivot elements. For reasons that remained unclear for years it is faster than the previous Quicksort implementation by more than 10 %; this is not only surprising because the previous code was highly-tuned and is used in many programming libraries, but also since earlier theoretical investigations suggested that using several pivots in Quicksort is not helpful.
In my dissertation I proved by a comprehensive mathematical analysis of all sensible Quicksort partitioning variants that (a) indeed there is hardly any advantage to be gained from multiway partitioning in terms of the number of comparisons (and more generally in terms of CPU costs), but (b) multiway partitioning does significantly reduce the amount of data to be moved between CPU and main memory. Moreover, this more efficient use of the memory hierarchy is not achieved by any of the other well-known optimizations of Quicksort, but only through the use of several pivots.
Strategic Timing of Investment over the Business Cycle: Machine Replacement in the US Rental Industry
Authors: McClelland John , Rust John 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We analyze a data set containing rental revenues, maintenance costs, and sale prices of five different types of rental machines to econometrically estimate key relationships needed to implement a dynamic programming model of the optimal timing of replacement of rental equipment owned by a large multi-location firm in the equipment rental industry. The model reveals significant potential to improve rental company profitability by improving the strategic timing of equipment replacement. The gains from the optimal replacement strategy come from exploiting seasonal variation in rental demand and the timing of the business cycle due to their effects on rental revenues and the cost of replacement. For some machines we find the optimal replacement strategy is procyclical, but for others we find that a countercyclical replacement strategy –- where replacements are concentrated in slow periods of the business cycle –- can significantly increase firm profits.
A Proposal for All Optical XNOR Gate Using Photonic Crystal Based Nonlinear Cavities
Authors: Karimzadeh Mahsa , Andalib Alireza 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
All optical logic gates can play very important roles in all optical digital systems. In this paper we designed an all optical XNOR gate. The switching part of the designed XNOR consists of two nonlinear resonant cavities. The nonlinear cavities were created by adding two nonlinear defects made of doped glass. Plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain methods were used for simulating the designed structure. The final structure has two input and one output ports. The output port is ON when the input ports have similar states. For the designed structure the delay time is about 2.5 ps.
Ductus venosus agenesis and fetal malformations: what can we expect? – a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pacheco Diana , Brandão Otília , Montenegro Nuno , Matias Alexandra 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
The ductus venosus agenesis (DVA) is a rare condition with a variable prognosis that relies partly on the presence of associated conditions. The purpose of our study was to analyze the literature regarding the post-natal outcome of fetuses with DVA associated with fetal malformations, in order to discuss the best management options for couples.

Methods
We performed a systematic review of the literature of MEDLINE and SCOPUS electronic databases in a 25-year period from 1992 to September 2017.

Methods
We found 340 cases of DVA associated with fetal abnormalities. The most common chromosomal abnormalities were: monosomy X (12/48, 25%), trisomy 21 (11/48, 22.9%) and trisomy 18 (6/48, 12.5%). From the 340 cases with DVA, in 31 cases the umbilical venous shunt type was not reported. Of the fetuses, 60.8% (188/309) had an extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage while 39.2% (121/309) presented an intrahepatic connection. The DVA was associated in 71 cases (23.0%) with cardiac abnormalities, in 82 cases (26.5%) with extracardiac abnormalities and in 85 cases (27.5%) with both cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities.

Conclusion
DVA associated with both cardiac and extracardiac malformations may confer a poorer fetal outcome, a clinically relevant fact that should clarify what can be expected from this entity and help prenatal counseling.
Historical record of Holochilus vulpinus (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) from northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Agnolin Federico L. , Lucero Sergio O. , Torres Julio 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Marsh rats of the species Holochilus vulpinus inhabit mesic and humid environments. For this reason, it is frequently used in paleoenviromental studies to infer past humid conditions. Holocene archeological record indicates that H. vulpinus had a wider geographical distribution than today. Its regional extinction in north Patagonia at the XIX century was attributed to the dry and cold Little Ice Age (LIA). Here we present the finding of a specimen of H. vulpinus from northeastern Patagonia (Valcheta stream, Río Negro province, Argentina), just at the end of LIA. Implications of this novel historical record are discussed.
The crystal structure of 2-(tert-butyl)-4-chloro-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine, C13H14Cl1N3
Authors: Song Xiao , Tang Zhishu , Zuo Zhenyu , Duan Jinao 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C13H14Cl1N3, orthorhombic, Pma2 (no. 28), a = 6.7623(2) Å, b = 21.1431(6) Å, c = 8.8708(2) Å, Z = 4, V = 1268.31(6) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0362, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0969, T = 200(2) K.
Crystal structure of N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)acetamide, C14H10Cl3NO
Authors: Sun Wei , Zuo Li-Min , Zhao Ting , Zhu Zhi-Ling , Liu Yong-Hua , Shan Guang-Zhi 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C14H10Cl3NO, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 13.7865(2) Å, b = 13.0725(2) Å, c = 15.9606(2) Å, β = 100.7371(14)°, V = 2826.11(7) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0662, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1980, T = 293(2) K.
Exploring face, identity and relationship management in disagreements in business meetings in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Angela , Schnurr Stephanie , Zayts Olga 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
This paper examines the discursive processes involved in the construction and negotiation of face in Chinese business interactions. Drawing on 20 hours of authentic video- and audio-recorded business meetings in two companies in Hong Kong, we analyse how interlocutors do facework while orienting to and actively constructing their interpersonal relationships. Our particular focus is disagreements upwards, i. e., those, potentially very face-threatening, disagreements that are uttered by subordinates targeted at their superiors. Findings illustrate that some disagreements are relatively strong but face and relationship maintaining, while others are relatively weak but face and relationship challenging. We not only argue that the processes of doing facework and managing relationships are closely interwoven, but we also illustrate the important role of identity in these processes, and argue that the notion of identity should be incorporated into theories of face and relationship management as it constitutes an integral aspect of how interlocutors construct and negotiate face.
Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical research and industry
Authors: Jung Nathalie , Windbergs Maike 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
In the fast-developing fields of pharmaceutical research and industry, the implementation of Raman spectroscopy and related technologies has been very well received due to the combination of chemical selectivity and the option for non-invasive analysis of samples. This chapter explores established and potential applications of Raman spectroscopy, confocal Raman microscopy and related techniques from the early stages of drug development research up to the implementation of these techniques in process analytical technology (PAT) concepts for large-scale production in the pharmaceutical industry. Within this chapter, the implementation of Raman spectroscopy in the process of selection and optimisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and investigation of the interaction with excipients is described. Going beyond the scope of early drug development, the reader is introduced to the use of Raman techniques for the characterization of complex drug delivery systems, highlighting the technical requirements and describing the analysis of qualitative and quantitative composition as well as spatial component distribution within these pharmaceutical systems. Further, the reader is introduced to the application of Raman techniques for performance testing of drug delivery systems addressing drug release kinetics and interactions with biological systems ranging from single cells up to complex tissues. In the last part of this chapter, the advantages and recent developments of integrating Raman technologies into PAT processes for solid drug delivery systems and biologically derived pharmaceutics are discussed, demonstrating the impact of the technique on current quality control standards in industrial production and providing good prospects for future developments in the field of quality control at the terminal part of the supply chain and various other fields like individualized medicine.
On the way from the active drug molecule (API) in the research laboratory to the marketed medicine in the pharmacy, therapeutic efficacy of the active molecule and safety of the final medicine for the patient are of utmost importance. For each step, strict regulatory requirements apply which demand for suitable analytical techniques to acquire robust data to understand and control design, manufacturing and industrial large-scale production of medicines. In this context, Raman spectroscopy has come to the fore due to the combination of chemical selectivity and the option for non-invasive analysis of samples. Following the technical advancements in Raman equipment and analysis software, Raman spectroscopy and microscopy proofed to be valuable methods with versatile applications in pharmaceutical research and industry, starting from the analysis of single drug molecules as well as complex multi-component formulations up to automatized quality control during industrial production.