bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of PLS path algorithm in water utilization rate of sponge city
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Xu Ying , Wu Chanti 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIt is of great significance to evaluate the water utilization rate with the promotion of sponge city work. For the water resources utilization in pilot cities of 10 sponge cities in China, an evaluation index system that can reflect the water utilization rate has been set up, and a comparative analysis method for water utilization rate in sponge cities of the Partial Least Squares path model has been proposed. An evaluation model of water utilization rate based on Partial Least Squares path model has been established. The results show that the water utilization rate in sponge cities is a comprehensive reflection of water resources self level, the relationship between water resources and the environment, the relationship between water resources and economy, and the relationship between water resources and society, and its path coefficients are 0.420, 0.270, 0.239, and 0.190 in turn. The cities in the comprehensive ranking of the water resources utilization rate are Wuhan, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nanning, Jinan, Zhenjiang, Pingxiang, Baicheng, Jiaxing, and Suining, successively, and there are great differences in the water utilization rate between sponge cities.
Electrochemical Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Functionalization: Electricity as Clean Surrogates of Chemical Oxidants
Authors: Chen Jianbin , Lv Shide , Tian Siyu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTransition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H activation has attracted much attention from the organic synthetic community because it obviates the need to prefunctionalize substrates. However, superstoichiometric chemical oxidants, such as copper‐ or silver‐based metal oxidants, benzoquinones, organic peroxides, K2S2O8, hypervalent iodine, and O2, are required for most of the reactions. Thus, the development of environmentally benign and user‐friendly C−H bond activation protocols, in the absence of chemical oxidants, are urgently desired. The inherent advantages and unique characteristics of organic electrosynthesis make fill this gap. Herein, recent progress in this area (until the end of September 2018) is summarized for different transition metals to highlight the potential sustainability of electro‐organic chemistry.
How to quantify animal activity from radio‐frequency identification (RFID) recordings
Authors: Iserbyt Arne , Griffioen Maaike , Borremans Benny , Eens Marcel , Müller Wendt 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAutomated animal monitoring via radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology allows efficient and extensive data sampling of individual activity levels and is therefore commonly used for ecological research. However, processing RFID data is still a largely unresolved problem, which potentially leads to inaccurate estimates for behavioral activity. One of the major challenges during data processing is to isolate independent behavioral actions from a set of superfluous, nonindependent detections. As a case study, individual blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) were simultaneously monitored during reproduction with both video recordings and RFID technology. We demonstrated how RFID data can be processed based on the time spent in‐ and outside a nest box. We then validated the number and timing of nest visits obtained from the processed RFID dataset by calibration against video recordings. The video observations revealed a limited overlap between the time spent in‐ and outside the nest box, with the least overlap at 23 s for both sexes. We then isolated exact arrival times from redundant RFID registrations by erasing all successive registrations within 23 s after the preceding registration. After aligning the processed RFID data with the corresponding video recordings, we observed a high accuracy in three behavioral estimates of parental care (individual nest visit rates, within‐pair alternation and synchronization of nest visits). We provide a clear guideline for future studies that aim to implement RFID technology in their research. We argue that our suggested RFID data processing procedure improves the precision of behavioral estimates, despite some inevitable drawbacks inherent to the technology. Our method is useful, not only for other cavity breeding birds, but for a wide range of (in)vertebrate species that are large enough to be fitted with a tag and that regularly pass near or through a fixed antenna.
Porphyromonas gingivalis triggers NLRP3‐mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages in a bacterial gingipains‐independent manner
Authors: Okano Tokuju , Ashida Hiroshi , Suzuki Shiho , Shoji Mikio , Nakayama Koji , Suzuki Toshihiko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPorphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram‐negative anaerobic bacterium that has been considered to be one of the bacteria associated with progression of human periodontitis. Subgingival biofilms formed by bacteria, including P. gingivalis, induce chronic inflammation, and activation of inflammasome in the gingival tissue. However, the mechanisms of P. gingivalis‐triggering inflammasome activation and the role of bacteria–host interactions are controversial. In this study, we investigated the potential of P. gingivalis for triggering inflammasome activation in human cells and mouse models. We demonstrated that secreted or released factors from bacteria are involved in triggering NLR family, pyrin‐domain containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasome in a gingipain‐independent manner. Our data indicated that released active caspase‐1 and mature IL‐1β are eliminated by proteolytic activity of secreted gingipains. These results elucidate the molecular bases for the mechanisms underlying P. gingivalis‐triggered inflammasome activation.
Separation‐free single‐base extension assay with fluorescence resonance energy transfer for rapid and convenient determination of DNA methylation status at specific cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites
Authors: Fujita Keisuke , Hashimoto Masahiko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA separation‐free single‐base extension (SBE) assay utilizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was developed for rapid and convenient interrogation of DNA methylation status at specific cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites. In this assay, the SBE was performed in a tube using an allele‐specific oligonucleotide primer (i.e., extension primer) labeled with Cy3 as a FRET donor fluorophore at the 5′‐end, a nucleotide terminator (dideoxynucleotide triphosphate) labeled with Cy5 as a FRET acceptor, a PCR amplicon derived from bisulfite‐converted genomic DNA, and a DNA polymerase. A single base‐extended primer (i.e., SBE product) that was 5′‐Cy3‐ and 3′‐Cy5‐tagged was formed by incorporation of the Cy5‐labeled terminator into the 3′‐end of the extension primer, but only if the terminator added was complementary to the target nucleotide. The resulting SBE product brought the Cy3 donor and the Cy5 acceptor into close proximity. Illumination of the Cy3 donor resulted in successful FRET and excitation of the Cy5 acceptor, generating fluorescence emission from the acceptor. The capacity of the developed assay to discriminate as low as 10% methylation from a mixture of methylated and unmethylated DNA was demonstrated at multiple cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites.
Unravelling the role and mechanism of adipokine and gastrointestinal signals in animal models in the nonhomeostatic control of energy homeostasis: Implications for binge eating disorder
Authors: Novelle Marta G. , Diéguez Carlos 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCentral and peripheral signals regulating energy homeostasis interact tightly with neuronal pathways to modulate the hedonic component of food intake. Dysregulation of these interactions could explain the development of binge eating disorder (BED) and/or obesity and the increasing incidence of food addiction. In this review, we have highlighted the crucial role of peripheral hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, among others, in these nonhomeostatic pathways. We have also emphasised the relevance of central cannabinoid pathway and lateral hypothalamus, with orexin and melanin‐concentrating hormone neurons, as the critical hub controlling motivation and reward. Throughout the manuscript, we have focused on mechanisms learned from animal models of BED/food addiction in order to understand how these peripheral signals can modulate the motivation to eat. Understanding these mechanisms could help us to develop new treatment options for BED and/or obesity.
Multistage tectono‐magmatic evolution of the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc, south Ardestan, Iran: Insights from zircon geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Babazadeh Shahrouz , Ghorbani Mohammad Reza , Cottle John M. , Bröcker Michael 
Published: October 2018

Combining high‐spatial resolution geochronology and geochemistry of zircon provides constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros orogen. This study underlines the significance of hitherto unknown magmatic/geological events in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) of Iran at ca. 35–22 and 10 Ma. Recently reported U–Pb zircon ages of 25–24 Ma for the granodioritic rocks from the south Ardestan area were interpreted to constrain the crystallization age. Newly determined U–Pb zircon ages of ca. 35 to 22 Ma from south Ardestan gabbroic to granitic rocks and related dikes indicate that the melt evolution continued from the Oligocene into Early Miocene time. In addition, a ca. 10 Ma U–Pb age for the zircons from a south Ardestan diorite provides evidence for a so far unknown, igneous episode. Representing the youngest magmatic stage recognized in the central part of the UDMA, the 10 Ma age is interpreted to document magmatic activity related to the Arabia–Eurasia collision, as recognized elsewhere in the Zagros orogen. South Ardestan zircons with geochemical signatures indicating continental affinity likely recrystallized in the course of a major event (asthenospheric mantle melt formation) that has affected crustal rocks. The significant lower LREEs of these zircons compared to hydrothermal zircons, moderate Th/U (>0.4), and high (Sm/La)N (>10) ratios associated with low [La] (<1 ppm) suggest that these crystals have an igneous origin and are not related to hydrothermal or metamorphic processes. These findings bear important implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros orogen and support a model suggesting that magmatic activity still affected the UDMA in Late Miocene time.
Neural correlates of time distortion in a preaction period
Authors: Iwasaki Miho , Noguchi Yasuki , Kakigi Ryusuke 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn intention to move distorts the perception of time. For example, a visual stimulus presented during the preparation of manual movements is perceived longer than actual. Although neural mechanisms underlying this action‐induced time distortion have been unclear, here we propose a new model in which the distortion is caused by a sensory–motor interaction mediated by alpha rhythm. It is generally known that viewing a stimulus induces a reduction in amplitude of occipital 10‐Hz wave (“alpha‐blocking”). Preparing manual movements are also known to reduce alpha power in the motor cortex (“mu‐suppression”). When human participants prepared movements while viewing a stimulus, we found that those two types of classical alpha suppression interacted in the third (time‐processing) region in the brain, inducing a prominent decrease in alpha power in the supplementary motor cortex (SMA). Interestingly, this alpha suppression in the SMA occurred in an asymmetric manner (such that troughs of alpha rhythm was more strongly suppressed than peaks), which can produce a gradual increase (slow shift of baseline) in neural activity. Since the neural processing in the SMA encodes a subjective time length for a sensory event, the increased activity in this region (by the asymmetric alpha suppression) would cause an overestimation of elapsed time, resulting in the action‐induced time distortion. Those results showed a unique role of alpha wave enabling communications across distant (visual, motor, and time‐processing) regions in the brain and further suggested a new type of sensory–motor interaction based on neural desynchronization (rather than synchronization).
Effect of Water Regime on Growth Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) During Different Vegetative Phases
Authors: Fellah Sihem , Khiari Abdelkader , Kribaa Mohammed , Arar Abdelkrim , Chenchouni Haroun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPlant growth and yield of cereal crops are seriously affected in drought‐prone environments, hence effective agricultural means are needed. This paper aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of supplemental irrigation, at different phenological phases, on theoretical yield components of two varieties (GTA‐Dur and Vitron) of durum wheat under field conditions. Field experiments included six water regime treatments: crop evapotranspiration ‘ETc’ throughout the wheat‐growing season (i.e. adequately irrigated); rainfed conditions (no irrigation); and four supplemental irrigation treatments (T1–T4) applied respectively at the beginning of four phenological phases of wheat growth (tillering, heading, flowering and grain filling). Yield components were significantly influenced at the beginning of the cropping season, while the components expressed in weights were influenced at late cropping. Theoretical grain yield of the variety Vitron increased by 33% at T1, 84.3% at T2, 424% at T3, 902% at T4 and 1100% at ETc. Water productivity (WP) increased by 45–70% in irrigation treatments compared to rainfed conditions. Our findings stress that the consistency between appropriate water regime and adequate varietal choice increases WP and crop productivity, and improves irrigation water conservation. Complementary irrigation substantially improves the valorization of water by crops in water‐limited areas such as hot arid and semi‐arid regions. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Montelukast abrogates prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats: Modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and apoptosis
Authors: Hegab Islam Ibrahim , El‐Horany Hemat El‐Sayed , Elbatsh Maha M. , Helal Duaa S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of montelukast (MTK) against prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats. Twenty‐eight male albino rats were categorized into four equal groups. Group I served as the control group; group II: rats orally received prednisolone (5 mg·kg−1·d−1) for 30 days; groups III and IV: rats orally received MTK at 10 and 20 mg·kg−1·d−1, respectively, simultaneously with prednisolone for 30 days. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated, and the results were confirmed by histopathological examination. MTK showed significant hepatic protection evidenced by alleviated histological lesion and improvement of mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic changes induced by prednisolone, with more profound protection in higher MTK dose (20 mg·kg−1). In view of these findings, we can conclude that MTK may have hepatoprotective potential, beyond its therapeutic value for asthmatic patients during their course of corticosteroid therapy.
Continuous preparation of nimesulide nanoparticles by liquid antisolvent precipitation using spinning disc reactor
Authors: Rathod Wadilal R , Rathod Virendra K 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDNimesulide (NIM), a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) acts as an antipyretic, analgesic and anti‐inflammatory agent, and it is widely used in treating acute pain due to various diseases such as headache, migraine, back pain and postoperative pain. Nimesulide is reported to have poor solubility in water (0.01 mg mL−1). In this work, the solvent–antisolvent (S:AS) precipitation of NIM using spinning disc reactor (SDR) was investigated.RESULTSComparative studies were investigated between stirred tank reactor and SDR. The effects of different functional parameters of spinning disc process such as S:AS ratio and flow rate, nimesulide concentration, disc surface texture, capping agent concentration, different capping agents and speed of rotating disc were studied on the particle size of nimesulide. The average particle size of 192 nm for nimesulide was successfully achieved with a considerable particle size distribution at a 300 mL min−1 total flow rate, with the following parameters: concentration of nimesulide in ethanol 0.5 mg mL−1; concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in deionized water 1 mg mL−1; S:AS ratio 1:6 and at 3000 rpm rotating disc speed. This result should be compared with 9.5 µm particle size with mechanical agitated contactor at S:AS ratio 1:6 and speed of agitation 600 rpm.CONCLUSIONThe NIM nanoparticles can be continuously prepared in a SDR with a control and uniform particle size. This leads to increased dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Temporal and spatial expression of the Fox gene family in the Leech Helobdella austinensis
Authors: Kwak Hee‐Jin , Ryu Kyoung‐Bin , Medina Jiménez Brenda Irene , Park Soon Cheol , Cho Sung‐Jin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Forkhead box (Fox) gene family is an evolutionarily ancient gene family named after the Drosophila melanogaster forkhead gene (fkh). Fox genes are highly conserved transcription factors critical for embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. In the current study, we report a whole‐genome survey of Fox genes and their expression patterns in the leech Helobdella austienesis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that some Fox genes of leeches are correlated with other Lophotrochozoa and vertebrate Fox genes. Here we have performed semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and whole‐mount in situ hybridization of Fox genes throughout the embryonic development of H. austinensis. We found that each one of the leech Fox genes (FoxA1, FoxA3, FoxC, FoxL2, FoxO1, and FoxO2) is expressed in a specific set of cells or tissue type. From Stages 9–11, Hau‐FoxA1 was expressed in the foregut of the anterior region, and Hau‐FoxL2 was expressed in mesodermal muscle fiber. Hau‐FoxA3 was temporally expressed in the ventral neuroectoderm. At Stage 11, Hau‐FoxC was expressed in the foregut. Hau‐FoxO genes have a ubiquitous expression. Our results provide more insight on the evolutionary linkage and role of the Fox gene function in Bilateria.
Time‐based differences in the effects of positive and negative affectivity on perceived supervisor support and organizational commitment among newcomers
Authors: Vandenberghe Christian , Panaccio Alexandra , Bentein Kathleen , Mignonac Karim , Roussel Patrice , Ayed Ahmed Khalil Ben 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBuilding on the broaden‐and‐build theory and research on the negativity bias, this study examines how trait affectivity, as a stable predisposition predicting the pattern of emotional responding, shapes newcomers' perceptions of supervisor support and experience of organizational commitment. Using latent growth modeling and data collected at four points in time from newcomers (N = 158), we found the initial level of perceived supervisor support to mediate a negative relationship between negative affectivity and the level of commitment. Moreover, although newcomers experienced a general decrease in perceived supervisor support and a related decrease in commitment, those with high positive affectivity experienced a weaker decrease in perceived supervisor support, which led to a weaker decrease in commitment. Incidentally, positive affectivity was also positively related to the initial level of commitment. Two post hoc studies indicated that positive and negative affectivity exerted their effects controlling for state affect and replicated the relationship between change in perceived support and commitment. We discuss how these findings inform our understanding of trait affectivity's influence on newcomers' work attitudes.
Drop coating deposition Raman spectroscopy of dipicolinic acid
Authors: Kočišová Eva , Procházka Marek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDipicolinic acid (DPA) is an important spore biomarker for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). Drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) spectroscopy on a commercial hydrophobic SpectRIM™ plate allowed DPA to be detected at 5 × 10−7‐M deposited concentration, equivalent to approximately 90 spores, significantly below the infective dose (104 spores). The DCDR spectra of DPA differ from Raman spectrum of DPA powder, crystalline state, and aqueous solution.
Optimization of a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method followed by UHPLC analysis for fluoxetine quantification in environmental water resources
Authors: Runfola Massimiliano , Lima Diana L.D. , Fonseca Ana Paula , Barbosa Zélia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFluoxetine is the most prescribed drug for treatment of depression. Recently, its presence in aquatic environment has been receiving a growing interest as several studies assessed its effects on aquatic fauna. Therefore, it's important to have an analytical method capable of monitoring these compounds at low concentrations. In this study, a new method was developed based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction to preconcentrate fluoxetine in a small volume of water sample (6 mL) before chromatographic analysis using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Effect of composition and volume of extracting mixture, sample pH, vortexing time and salt addition were evaluated. Optimization of extraction conditions lead to an enrichment factor of 61 ± 18. After extraction optimization, recovery percentages of fluoxetine spiked into different water matrices between 83–110% were obtained. For the optimized method, the calibration curve was obtained in the range of 160–2500 ng/L with a limit of detection of 98.9 ng/L and a limit of quantification of 329.8 ng/L.
A novel method for cross‐polarization reduction of conical horns
Authors: Azizi Seyed Mohammad Mehdi , Mohseni Armaki Seyyed Hossein 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this article, a new method for exciting the TM11 mode to symmetrize the radiation pattern and reduce the cross‐polarization level of the conical horn antennas is presented. The main idea of this paper is to excite TM11 mode with a frequency‐dependent phase difference relative to the TE11 mode in a manner that these modes appear in phase on the radiation aperture of the antenna in the desired frequency range of 8‐8.4 GHz. Finally, the performance of the TM11 exciter and horn antenna together were simulated and after reaching the predefined goals they were fabricated.
Even and odd mode CPW‐fed pattern diversity antenna for body centric communication systems
Authors: Faiz A. M. , Gogosh N. , Khan S. A. , Shafique M. Farhan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA patterns diversity slot antenna loaded with a dielectric resonator is presented for on‐body communication systems in 2.45 GHz band. The diversity is achieved by launching even and odd modes on coplanar feed lines resulting in end‐fire and broadside radiation pattern respectively. Loading of dielectric resonator enhances impedance bandwidth and improves isolation between broadside and end‐fire patterns. A common impedance bandwidth of 4% is obtained along with ports isolation of 22 dB. Diversity gain is calculated for three unique on‐body channels and the maximum diversity gain of 8.5 dB is achieved for nonline‐of‐sight on body channel. Large diversity gain and planar geometry makes this antenna suitable for various on‐body communication applications.