bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized sham‐controlled trial evaluating efficacy and safety of endoscopic gastric plication for primary obesity: The ESSENTIAL trial
Authors: Sullivan Shelby , Swain James M. , Woodman George , Antonetti Marc , De La Cruz‐Muñoz Nestor , Jonnalagadda Sreeni S. , Ujiki Michael , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Ponce Jaime , Ryou Marvin , Reynoso Jason , Chhabra Rajiv , Sorenson G. Brent , Clarkston Wendell K. , Edmundowicz Steven A. , Eagon J. Christopher , Mullady Daniel K. , Leslie Daniel , Lavin Thomas E. , Thompson Christopher C. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveEvaluate safety and efficacy of the pose™ procedure for obesity treatment.MethodsSubjects with Class I to II obesity were randomized (2:1) to receive active or sham procedure, after each investigator performed unblinded lead‐in cases. All subjects were provided low‐intensity lifestyle therapy. Efficacy end points were the mean difference in percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) at 12 months between randomized groups, and responder rate achieving ≥5% TBWL. The primary safety end point was incidence of reported adverse events.ResultsThree hundred thirty‐two subjects were randomized (active, n = 221; sham, n = 111); thirty‐four subjects were included in the unblinded lead‐in cohort. Twelve‐month results were mean TBWL 7.0 ± 7.4% in lead‐in, 4.95 ± 7.04% in active, and 1.38 ± 5.58% in sham groups, respectively. Responder rate was 41.55% in active and 22.11% in sham groups, respectively (P < 0.0001); mean responder result was 11.5% TBWL. The differences observed between active and sham groups for co‐primary end points were statistically significant (P < 0.0001); however, super superiority margin as set forth in the study design was not met. No unanticipated adverse events or deaths occurred. Procedure‐related serious adverse event rates were 5.0% (active) and 0.9% (sham), P = 0.068.ConclusionsThe pose procedure was safe and resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss over sham through 1 year.
New state estimator of nonlinear discrete‐time systems
Authors: Aljuwaiser E. , Badr R. , Hassan M. F. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIn this paper, a new technique is developed to estimate the states of both deterministic and stochastic discrete‐time nonlinear systems. The stochastic system can be uncertain. The corrupting input and/or the output noise vectors may be either Gaussian or non‐Gaussian zero‐mean sequences. The proposed filter is based on pole placement technique, in which a set of constraints are imposed of the estimated outputs. The stability of the estimator is rigorously analyzed. An extension to the developed estimator is proposed to deal with constrained estimation problems. To illustrate the effectiveness and simplicity of the developed technique, illustrative examples are presented. Simulations results show that, for the deterministic case, the developed procedure leads to better results when compared with High‐gain observer, Thau's filter, and the Iterative Regularized Least Square estimator. On the other hand, for the stochastic case, the proposed estimator is superior to the extended Kalman filter and the iterative constrained estimator (ICE) with non‐ideal situations where the statistics of the noise signals and/or the system parameters are unknown, or the noise signals are non‐Gaussian. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressing regional disparities in pediatric oncology: Results of a collaborative initiative across the Mexican–North American border
Authors: Aristizabal Paula , Fuller Spencer , Rivera‐Gomez Rebeca , Ornelas Mario , Nuno Laura , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Ribeiro Raul , Roberts William 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundCancer is emerging as a major cause of childhood mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In Mexico, cancer is the number one cause of death in children aged 5–14. Until recently, many children with cancer from Baja California, Mexico, went untreated. We reasoned that an initiative inspired by the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) “twinning” model could successfully be applied to the San Diego–Tijuana border region. In 2008, a twinning project was initiated by Rady Children's Hospital, SJCRH, and the General Hospital Tijuana (GHT). Our aim was to establish a pediatric oncology unit in a culturally sensitive manner, adapted to the local healthcare system.ProcedureAn initial assessment revealed that despite existence of basic hospital infrastructure at the GHT, the essential elements of a pediatric cancer unit were lacking, including dedicated space, trained staff, and uniform treatment. A 5‐year action plan was designed to offer training, support the staff financially, and improve the infrastructure.ResultsAfter 7 years, accomplishments include the opening of a new inpatient unit with updated technology, fully trained staff, and a dedicated, interdisciplinary team. Over 700 children have benefited from accurate diagnosis and treatment.ConclusionsInitiatives that implement long‐term partnerships between institutions along the Mexican–North American border can be highly effective in establishing successful pediatric cancer control programs. The geographic proximity facilitated accelerated training and close monitoring of project development. Similar initiatives across other disciplines may benefit additional patients and synergize with pediatric oncology programs to reduce health disparities in underserved areas.
Intrinsically flame retarded foams based on melamine − formaldehyde condensates: thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Luo Fubin , Wu Kun , Zhu Hongyan , Li Xiaoya , Lu Mangeng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTwo kinds of foam based on melamine − formaldehyde (MF) condensates (PVA/MF (PVA, polyvinyl alcohol), PVA/APTES/MF (APTES, 3‐triethoxysilylpropylamine)) were prepared by chemical modification. Pure MF foam has the serious disadvantage that it is very hard and brittle, breaks easily and crumbles when handled. After modification, PVA/MF and PVA/APTES/MF display excellent resilience. The structures of the foams were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), SEM and XRD. XRD data indicate that modifiers hinder the crystallization of MF, which might contribute to the improvement of resilience. Flame retardancy of the foams was characterized by limiting oxygen index testing, and the thermal degradation behavior was studied using TGA. The mode of flame retardant action is suggested by gaseous and solid phase analysis. TGA‐FTIR results demonstrate that the sublimation of the melamine of MF and foams based on MF occurs during thermal decomposition, which contributes to the high flame retardancy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of specific proline residues on the kinetic stability of the triosephosphate isomerases of two trypanosomes
Authors: Guzmán‐Luna Valeria , Quezada Andrea G. , Díaz‐Salazar A. Jessica , Cabrera Nallely , Pérez‐Montfort Ruy , Costas Miguel 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe effect of specific residues on the kinetic stability of two closely related triosephosphate isomerases (from Trypanosoma cruzi, TcTIM and Trypanosoma brucei, TbTIM) has been studied. Based on a comparison of their β‐turn occurrence, we engineered two chimerical enzymes where their super secondary β‐loop‐α motifs 2 ((βα)2) were swapped. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments showed that the (βα)2 motif of TcTIM inserted into TbTIM (2Tc) increases the kinetic stability. On the other hand, the presence of the (βα)2 motif of TbTIM inserted into TcTIM (2Tb) gave a chimerical protein difficult to purify in soluble form and with a significantly reduced kinetic stability. The comparison of the contact maps of the (βα)2 of TbTIM and TcTIM showed differences in the contact pattern of residues 43 and 49. In TcTIM these residues are prolines, located at the N‐terminal of loop‐2 and the C‐terminal of α‐helix‐2. Twelve mutants were engineered involving residues 43 and 49 to study the effect over the unfolding activation energy barrier (EA). A systematic analysis of DSC data showed a large decrease on the EA of TcTIM (ΔEA ranging from 468 to 678 kJ/mol) when the single and double proline mutations are present. The relevance of Pro43 to the kinetic stability is also revealed by mutation S43P, which increased the free energy of the transition state of TbTIM by 17.7 kJ/mol. Overall, the results indicate that protein kinetic stability can be severely affected by punctual mutations, disturbing the complex network of interactions that, in concerted action, determine protein stability. Proteins 2017; 85:571–579. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Manganese and Cobalt Co–doped CeO2 Catalysts for Diesel Soot Oxidation
Authors: Govinda Rao Bolla , Jampaiah Deshetti , Venkataswamy P. , Reddy Benjaram M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNanosized manganese and cobalt codoped ceria (Ce0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2−δ) solid solutions have been prepared through simple coprecipitation method to study the effect of Mn and Co bi‐dopants towards diesel soot oxidation. Pure ceria (CeO2), manganese doped ceria (Ce0.8Mn0.2O2−δ), and cobalt doped ceria (Ce0.8Co0.2O2−δ) solid solutions have also been prepared for comparison. XRD results revealed the formation of solid solutions in doped samples. XPS results confirmed the presence of more Ce3+ ions and surface adsorbed oxygen in codoped ceria. H2‐TPR study disclosed that the codoping of ceria exceptionally improves the redox behaviour of CeO2. The catalytic activity results demonstrate that Ce0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2−δ shows much better activity (T50 ∼ 636 K) while compared to pure CeO2 (T50 ∼ 874 K) in tight contact conditions. A larger surface area, facile redox behaviour, and high concentration of surface adsorbed oxygen species are proposed to be the crucial factors for the enhanced catalytic activity.
3D Framework and Supramolecular Structures Assembly from a Carboxyphosphonic Acid and Transition Metals: Sensing of Nitro Compounds and Surface Photovoltage Properties
Authors: Zhu Yanyu , Wang Tingting , Su Yuming , Sun Zhengang , Dong Dapeng , Cai Xiao'ou , Sun Hongmei , Li Jing 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThree new metal carboxyphosphonates with 3D framework and supramolecular structures, namely, [Zn(H4L)2] (1), [Cu2(HL)(H2O)2] (2) and [NH(CH2)4NH]0.5[Cu(H3L)] (3) (H5L=4‐HOOC‐C6H4‐CH2N‐(CH2PO3H2)2), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. For compound 1, {ZnO6} and {CPO3} polyhedra are interconnected into a 2D layer via corner‐sharing, which is further assembled into a 3D supramolecular structure through π‐π stacking interactions. Compound 2 exhibits a 3D framework structure. The interconnection of {CuO4N}, {CuO5} polyhedra and {CPO3} tetrahedra via corner‐sharing forms a 2D inorganic layer. These inorganic layers are further linked via the organic backbone {−C6H4CH2N(CH2)2−} of the carboxyphosphonate ligands, generating a 3D framework structure. In compound 3, two {CuO4N} polyhedra and four {CPO3} tetrahedra are interconnected into a unit, and then these units are further connected into a 1D infinite chain via corner‐sharing. Neighboring chains are assembled into a 2D layered structure through hydrogen bond interactions between the nitrogen atoms from piperazine and uncoordinated phosphonate oxygen atoms. Then, such layers are further assembled into a 3D supramolecular network via interlayer hydrogen bonds. Compound 1 has been realized for the sensitive sensing of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) by luminescence quenching method in the liquid phase. Surface photovoltage properties of compounds 2 and 3 have been investigated.
High Performance Nitroazacubane Energetic Compounds: Structural, Thermochemical and Detonation Characteristics
Authors: Roknabadi Akbar Gholami , Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Esmailpour Karim , Zamani Mehdi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this article, density functional theory (DFT) and electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis are used to predict enthalpy of sublimation, crystal density and enthalpy of formation for some isomers of 20 new derivatives of nitroazacubane as new high performance energetic compounds. These data are used to predict detonation and physicothermal properties of the mentioned compounds, including heat, pressure, velocity and temperature of detonation as well as deflagration temperature, melting point and entropy of fusion through appropriate theoretical methods. The predicted properties are compared with octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) as one of well‐known high performance energetic compounds. Detonation performance of nitroazacubane compounds are surprisingly much higher than HMX, which confirm that they can be introduced as novel high performance energetic compounds.
TfOH Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropane 1,1‐Diesters with Nitriles: A Density Functional Study
Authors: Kurup Sudheer S. , Singh Priti , Joshi Kaustubh A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe mechanistic pathways for TfOH catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between cyclopropane 1, 1 diesters and MeCN has been investigated using density functional theory. The study sheds light on selective synthesis of 1‐pyrroline or γ‐lactone derivatives in two different reaction conditions. Analysis of global reactivity descriptors in the solvent free medium predicts the protonated cyclopropane 1,1 diesters and MeCN as strong electrophile and nucleophile respectively, favoring intermolecular reaction to give 1‐pyrroline derivative as the product. On the other hand, the presence of solvent environment with DCM solvent significantly supresses this nature of the two molecules to undergo intermolecular reaction. Protonated cyclopropane 1,1 diester, therefore, prefers intramolecular rearrangement to yield γ‐lactone. While the synthesis of 1‐pyrroline derivative follows pathway involving a transition state showing weak interaction between two reactants, γ‐lactone synthesis undergo mechanism preferring initial cyclopropane ring opening transition state. Molecular electron density topography yield support to the proposed mechanism.
In situ Electrochemical Transformation of Ni3S2 and Ni3S2‐Ni from Sheets to Nanodisks: Towards Efficient Electrocatalysis for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)
Authors: Busupalli Balanagulu , Battu Shateesh , Haram Santosh K. , Prasad B. L. V. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTransition metal sulphides have been viewed as alternatives to platinum based electrocatalysts for HER. Herein, we report the preparation of Ni3S2 in conjunction with Ni in a novel nanosheet morphology and verified its performance for HER. During cyclic polarization, exotic morphological transformation of Ni3S2‐Ni from nanosheets to nanodisks has been noted. This change is accompanied with initial increase in over‐potential that passed through maxima (∼ 100mV above the starting potential) and decreased to ∼ 50mV below the starting value. Enhanced electrocatalytic activity due to the morphological changes from sheets to nanodisks has been attributed to the formation of more number of exposed edge‐planes known to promote HER. Kinetic analysis based on Tafel slope displayed by this composite is comparable to that of Pt based catalysts.
Synthesis of Dissymmetric Malonic Acid Monoamides from Symmetric Dithiomalonates
Authors: Wauke Hisashi , Matsuo Kazumasa , Matsumoto Kenji , Shindo Mitsuru 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe report a highly selective synthesis of dissymmetric S,N‐malonates from symmetric dithiomalonates under mild conditions. This reaction was accelerated using a Cu(II) catalyst developed by us. When an aliphatic amine was used as the nucleophile, the amine also worked as a base and accelerated the amination reaction. Kinetic studies indicated that the key step of this reaction is the thermal formation of an acylketene; its stability mainly contributes to the selectivity of the reaction. The synthetic utility of dissymmetric S,N‐malonates is also shown by the synthesis of linomide.
Rapid Access to Indoline Spiropyran Scaffolds by Domino‐Knoevenagel/oxa‐Diels‐Alder (DKODA) Reaction at Room Temperature
Authors: Dommaraju Yuvaraj , Borthakur Somadrita , Prajapati Dipak 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA facile method has been developed for the synthesis of a novel indoline spiropyran derivatives via three‐component, catalyst‐free domino Knoevenagel/oxa‐Diels‐Alder (DKODA) reaction strategy at room temperature. The key step of the methodology is the in situ generation of oxa diene from Knoevenagel condensation of 4‐hydroxycoumarin 1 and aldehyde 2 undergoes oxa‐Diels‐Alder cyclization with dienophile 1,3,3‐trimethyl‐2‐methyleneindoline 3 to give the indoline spiropyran derivative 4.
Electrochemical Deposition of Platinum Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Hydrogen Evolution from Acid Water
Authors: Kalasapurayil Aruna K. , Ramasamy Manoharan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGraphene is attracting a lot of researchers due to its diversified applications in various fields. However, till now there is no report about the usage of graphene as an electrocatalyst for catalyzing electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in a water electrolyzer. Here, we demonstrate that chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) exhibits hydrogen evolution activity close to that of 20 wt.% Pt/C in an acid electrolyte when it is subjected to electrochemical cycling in the potential window −180 to +420 mV vs. RHE. rGO exhibits an increase in the HER activity after cyclic voltammetry (CV) activation, provided Platinum (Pt) is used as the Counter Electrode (C.E). When pure graphite rod is employed as a C.E, unfortunately, the HER activity on rGO is negligible. When Pt is used as the C.E, Pt dissolves from the Pt C.E and subsequently deposites on the rGO material coated onto the Working Electrode (W.E). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicates that the deposited particles remain as Pt Nanoparticles (Nps) on the surface of the rGO material. Possibly, improved activity is achieved due to the presence of Pt Nps on the surface of the rGO material rather than the activation of the rGO material itself.
Doing Feminist Research in Political and Social Science
Authors: Ackerly Brooke , True Jacqui 
Published: December 2016

Guiding students step-by-step through the research process while simultaneously introducing a range of debates, challenges and tools that feminist scholars use, the second edition of this popular textbook provides a vital resource to those students and researchers approaching their studies from a feminist perspective. Interdisciplinary in its approach, the book covers everything from research design, analysis and presentation, to formulating research questions, data collection and publishing research. Offering the most comprehensive and practical guide to the subject available, the text is now also fully updated to take account of recent developments in the field, including participatory action research, new technologies and methods for working with big data and social media.
Doing Feminist Research is required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate courses taking a feminist approach to social science methodology, research design and methods. It is the ideal guide for all students and scholars carrying out feminist research, whether in the fields of international relations, political science, interdisciplinary international and global studies, development studies or gender and women's studies.
New to this Edition:
- New discussions of contemporary research methods, including participatory action research, survey research and technology, and methods for big data and social media.
- Updated to reflect recent developments in feminist and gender theory, with references to the latest research examples and new boxes considering recent shifts in the social and political sciences.
- Brand new boxed examples throughout covering topics including collaborations, femicide, negotiating changing research environments and the pros and cons of feminist participatory action research.
- The text is now written in the first (authors) and second (readers) person making the text clearer, more consistent and inclusive from the reader point of view.
How does the longevity of Sasa kurilensis ramets respond to a light gradient? An analysis of ontogenetic changes to hydraulic resistance and carbon budget within a ramet
Authors: Tsunoda Yuuki , Furukawa Shoko , Mizunaga Hiromi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe investigated how Sasa kurilensis ramet longevity differs under three light conditions. Ramet longevity is an important factor affecting the abundance of ramet populations and their biomass. The objectives of this study were to clarify: (1) whether ramet longevity varies spatially along a gradient of light conditions; (2) whether physiological functions, including water transport in culms, change with ontogenesis; (3) whether ramet longevity is associated with the most effective turnover for gaining a carbon profit within a ramet following a cost‐benefit model or is affected by other factors such as death caused by a decline in physiological function. We analyzed S. kurilensis ramet longevity, hydraulic resistance, photosynthetic rate, and carbon content. We then estimated the ramet carbon budget. The longevity of S. kurilensis ramets was 2.8–4.5 years in Beneath‐patch plots, 5.8–8.7 years in Edge‐patch plots, and 1.6–2.2 years in Open‐patch plots. Although leaf photosynthetic activity was stable, the instantaneous photosynthetic rate decreased during clear days in the open area. This may have been due to increased ramet hydraulic resistance. The rotation period of the most efficient carbon budget quantified by ecophysiological measurements was consistent with ramet longevity in Open‐patch (2 years) and Edge‐patch (5 years) sites. Meanwhile, the longevity of ramets grown under canopies was inconsistent with the cost‐benefit model rules for a carbon budget because the carbon gain was low throughout the ramet life span.
Thermal stability of low and high Mw fractions of bio-oil derived from lignin conversion in subcritical water
Authors: Lyckeskog Huyen Nguyen , Mattsson Cecilia , Olausson Lars , Andersson Sven-Ingvar , Vamling Lennart , Theliander Hans 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe thermal stability of bio-oil influences its application in industry and is, therefore, a very important factor that must be taken into consideration. In this study, the stability of low and high molecular weight (Mw) fractions of bio-oil obtained from the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of lignin in subcritical water was studied at an elevated temperature (80 °C) for a period of 1 h, 1 day and 1 week. The changes in molecular weight (gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) and chemical composition (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and 2D heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR (18.8 T, DMSO-d6)) of low and high Mw fractions of the HTL bio-oil (i.e. light oil (LO) and heavy oil (HO)) were evaluated before and after ageing. It was found that only a slight formation of high Mw insoluble structures was obtained during ageing at elevated temperature for 1 week: 0.5% for the LO and 3.1% for the HO. These higher Mw moieties might be formed from different polymerisation/condensation reactions of the reactive compounds (i.e. anisoles, guaiacols, phenols, methylene (–CH2–) groups in phenolic dimers and xanthene). The high Mw insolubles in both the LO and the HO were analysed for structural composition using 2D HSQC NMR to obtain a better understanding of the changes in the composition of bio-oil fractions during the accelerated ageing process. In addition, a chemical shift database in DMSO-d6 was analysed for a subset of phenolic model compounds to simplify the interpretation of the 2D HSQC NMR spectra.