bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of reduced sulfur compounds from diluted gas streams by iron(III)EDTA in a trickling filter with in situ iron re‐oxidation
Authors: Kasper Pernille L , Feilberg Anders
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The relatively low solubility of reduced sulfur compounds can limit their removal in trickling filters treating large volumes of air at low residence times. This could be overcome by addition of an oxidizing agent. In this study, the oxidative absorption of reduced sulfur compounds – hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (CH3SH) and dimethyl sulfide (CH3S2CH3) – in a high‐porosity trickling filter with added iron chelated by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was examined. The process was observed online by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS).

RESULTS

Removal efficiencies of H2S remained in the range 80–99% for all combinations of operating parameters tested. The removal efficiency of CH3SH was found to be limited compared to this, with removal efficiencies ranging from 10% to 74% and a strong dependence on gas flow rate and residence time was observed; CH3S2CH3 was found to be inactive. The FeEDTA solutions were prepared from ferrous chloride (FeCl2) as solutions of this compound were more stable than solutions prepared from ferric salts. Oxygen present in the gas stream allowed oxidation of Fe2+EDTA to Fe3+EDTA in situ, making regeneration prior to experimental runs unnecessary. To maintain high removal efficiencies during start‐up, pH should be kept above 7.

CONCLUSION

Chelated iron catalysts could be effectively applied for H2S removal in a one‐step trickling filter process treating low‐concentration (<3.5 ppm) and diluted waste gas streams, which are characteristic for environmental waste treatment facilities and livestock houses. However, removal of other reduced sulfur compounds important for deodorization was found to be limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dilatation of the common channel in pediatric congenital biliary dilatation remaining after radical operation
Authors: Fukuzawa Hiroaki , Akasaka Yoshinobu , Maeda Kosaku
Published: January 2019

Background

In congenital biliary dilatation, the protein plug is likely impacted, especially in a dilated common channel. However, nobody has discussed whether this dilatation of common channel remains after radical operation. The aim of this study was to investigate the situation of the dilated common channel after radical operation.

Methods

The status of the common channel was investigated at radical operation and follow‐up. We then evaluated whether dilation of the common channel remained postoperatively. Moreover, the association between status of the common channel and postoperative pancreatic complication was evaluated.

Results

Postoperative condition of the common channel was able to be evaluated ultrasonographically in 42 patients. The common channel was dilated at the time of operation in 18 patients and remained dilated postoperatively in 11 of these 18 patients. Dilatation of the common channel was not identified in any patients without dilatation at the time of operation. No patients in this series showed any postoperative pancreatic complications, even if a dilated common channel remained.

Conclusions

Dilatation of the common channel can remain postoperatively in congenital biliary dilatation, but does not appear to be associated with postoperative pancreatic complications.
Epidemiological and molecular investigation of norovirus and astrovirus infections in Rio Branco, Acre, Northern Brazil: A retrospective study
Authors: Bitencurt Evandro Leite Rodrigues , Siqueira Jones Anderson Monteiro , Medeiros Tallyta Barros , Bandeira Renato da Silva , de Souza Oliveira Darleise , de Paula Souza e Guimarães Ricardo José , da Silva Soares Luana , Macarenhas Joana D'Arc Pereira , Teixeira Dielle Monteiro , Silva Rita S.U. , Loureiro Edvaldo Carlos Brito , de Moraes Silva Mônica Cristina , da Silva Luciana Damascena , Gabbay Yvone Benchimol
Published: January 2019

Norovirus (NoV) is a major cause of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide, with infections reported in semiclosed environments, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes. Astrovirus (HAstV) is prevalent worldwide, especially in developing countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution, and genetic diversity of NoV and HAstV in children under 5 years of age in Rio Branco city, Acre State, Amazon Region, Brazil. Stool samples from children with (n = 240) and without (n = 248) AGE were collected from January to December 2012 from seven neighborhoods. The overall NoV prevalence was 12.3% (60 of 488); representing 15.8% (38 of 240) of the symptomatic samples and 8.9% (22 of 248) of the controls. HAstVs infection was observed in 4.7% (23 of 488) of the samples tested, 6.2% (15 of 240) of AGE cases, and 2.4% (6 of 248) of the controls (plus two without information about feces consistency). Infections were found in all age groups with higher frequency in children less than two years of age, for both viruses. NoV was detected in all neighborhoods, with a higher concentration in the fourth (30%; 18 of 60). NoV nucleotide sequencing performed in 86.7% (52 of 60) of the positive samples showed the circulation of the strains GII.4 (57.7%; 30 of 52), GIIPe/GII.4 (19.2%; 10 of 52), GII.7, GII.Pg/GII.1, and GII.Pc (3.8%; 2 of 52 for each), GII.6 and GII.Pg (1.9%; 1 of 52 for each), and GI.3 (7.7%; 4 of 52). Three GII.4 variants were detected: Den Haag_2006b (n = 1), New Orleans_2009 (n = 1), and Sydney_2012 (n = 14). HAstV types HAstV‐1a (81.8%; 9 of 11) and HAstV‐2c (18.2%; 2 of 11) were observed in the 47.8% (11 of 23) of characterized samples. This is the first data obtained in Acre State regarding the prevalence of these viruses and provides epidemiological and molecular information for a better understanding of their role among children with and without AGE.
Spatial identification of conservation priority areas for urban ecological land: An approach based on water ecosystem services
Authors: Peng Jian , Wang An , Luo Lingwei , Liu Yanxu , Li Huilei , Hu Yi'na , Meersmans Jeroen , Wu Jiansheng
Published: January 2019

How to effectively prevent land degradation and ecosystem deterioration in the process of urbanization has been the focus of land degradation researches in urban areas. Urban ecological land can be defined as the natural base on which a city relies to ecologically survive. It closely links the social economy with the natural eco‐environment, providing an important integrated approach to resolve the contradiction between urban expansion and natural ecosystems conservation in the process of urbanization. The research question addressed in this study is how to accurately identify the conservation priority areas for urban ecological land. Taking Zhuhai City, located in China, as an example, an approach based on seven kinds of water ecosystem services was put forward, combining social demand and natural supply for the services to determine service targets and conservation priority areas. The results showed that the conservation priority areas in Zhuhai City covered 868 km2, accounting for 51.03% of the total land area, which were mainly covered by woodlands or paddy fields and fish ponds. In addition, by synthesizing ecological importance and ecological sensitivity, management zones for urban ecological land were delineated, including 510 km2 of primary control areas and 358 km2 of secondary control areas. In the supply and demand view of water ecosystem services, this study put forward an integrated ecosystem‐based approach for conservation priority area identification of urban ecological land, aiming to prevent land degradation and achieve urban ecological sustainability.
Silk Fibroin‐Based Films Enhance Rhodamine 6G Emission in the Solid State: A Chemical–Physical Analysis of their Interactions for the Design of Highly Emissive Biomaterials
Authors: Gasymov Oktay K. , Botta Chiara , Ragona Laura , Guliyeva Aytaj J. , Molinari Henriette
Published: January 2019

Described herein is the preparation of dye‐doped films employing silk fibroin (SF) as a biomaterial, capable of preserving the optical properties of the monomeric dye in the solid state, a critical requisite for optical and biolaser applications. A comprehensive physical–chemical characterization is reported for SF films doped with Rhodamine 6G, an ideal candidate for photonics and optoelectronics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) provide information on SF secondary conformation in the presence of rhodamine. UV–vis absorption spectra and exciton CD inform on the structure of encapsulated rhodamine, while changes in dye photophysical properties illuminate the molecular mechanism of the involved host–guest interactions. SF host environment inhibits rhodamine dimer formation, indicating that SF is an optimum matrix to keep rhodamine essentially monomeric at concentrations as high as 7 mm in the film. The relevant optical properties of these films and the easiness of their preparation, make these systems optimal candidates for innovative photonic technologies.
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 1—New Mutation, Characteristic Phenotype
Authors: Balint Bettina , Rispoli Vittorio , Latorre Anna , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: January 2019

View Supplementary Video 1
Bilateral striatal necrosis due to homoplasmic mitochondrial 3697G>A mutation presents with incomplete penetrance and sex bias
Authors: Zhong Shanshan , Wen Shumeng , Qiu Yusen , Yu Yanyan , Xin Ling , He Yang , Gao Xuguang , Fang Hezhi , Hong Daojun , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

Background

Heteroplasmic mitochondrial 3697G>A mutation has been associated with leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), and LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome. However, homoplasmic m.3697G>A mutation was only found in a family with Leigh syndrome, and the phenotype and pathogenicity of this homoplasmic mutation still need to be investigated in new patients.

Methods

The clinical interviews were conducted in 12 individuals from a multiple‐generation inherited family. Mutations were screened through exome next‐generation sequencing and subsequently confirmed by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mitochondrial complex activities and ATP production rate were measured by biochemical analysis.

Results

The male offspring with bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) were characterized by severe spastic dystonia and complete penetrance, while the female offspring presented with mild symptom and low penetrance. All offspring carried homoplasmic mutation of NC_012920.1: m.3697G>A, p.(Gly131Ser). Biochemical analysis revealed an isolated defect of complex I, but the magnitude of the defect was higher in the male patients than that in the female ones. The ATP production rate also exhibited a similar pattern. However, no possible modifier genes on the X chromosome were identified.

Conclusion

Homoplasmic m.3697G>A mutation could be associated with BSN, which expanded the clinical spectrum of m.3697G>A. Our preliminary investigations had not found the underlying modifiers to support the double hit hypothesis, while the high level of estrogens in the female patients might exert a potential compensatory effect on mutant cell metabolism.
A collocation method for differential equations with one‐point Taylor initial conditions
Authors: Ghabarpoor Mojgan , Tavassoli Kajani Majid , Allame Masoud
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a new multistep collocation method for nth order differential equations. The interval of interest is first divided into N subintervals. By determining interval conditions in Taylor interpolation in each subinterval, Taylor polynomials are calculated with different step lengths. Then the obtained solutions in each subinterval are used as initial conditions in the next step. Optimal error is assessed using Peano lemma, which shows that the errors decay by decreasing the step length. In particular, for fixed step length h, the error is of O(m−m), where m is the number of collocation points in each subinterval. Meanwhile, for fixed m, the error is of O(hm). Numerical examples demonstrate the validity and high accuracy of the proposed method even for stiff problems.
Automatic calibration of an arbitrarily‐set near‐infrared camera for patient surface respiratory monitoring
Authors: Saito Akito , Ohashi Atsuyuki , Nishio Teiji , Hashimoto Daiki , Maekawa Hidemasa , Murakami Yuji , Ozawa Shuichi , Suitani Makiko , Tsuneda Masato , Ikenaga Koji , Nagata Yasushi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

A patient's respiratory monitoring is one of the key techniques in radiotherapy for a moving target. Generally, such monitoring systems are permanently set to a fixed geometry during the installation. This study aims to enable a temporary setup of such a monitoring system by developing a fast method to automatically calibrate the geometrical position by a quick measurement of calibration markers.

Methods

One calibration marker was placed on the isocenter and the other six markers were placed at positions 5‐cm apart from the isocenter to the left, right, anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior directions. A near‐infrared (NIR) camera (NIC) [Kinect v2 (Microsoft Corp.)] was arbitrarily set with ten different angles around the calibration phantom with a fixed tilting‐down angle at approximately 45° in a linear accelerator treatment vault. The three‐dimensional (3D) coordinates in the camera (Cam) coordinate system (CS; and are the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the image, respectively, and is a coordinate along the NIR time‐of‐flight) were taken for 1 min with 30 frames per second. The data corresponding to the measurement times of 1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 s were created to mimic various measurement times. These data were used to calculate the initial matrix elements, which included six parameters of the pitching, yawing, and rolling angles; horizontal two‐dimensional translation in the treatment room; and the source‐to‐axis distance of NIC, for a conversion from the Cam CS to the treatment room CS for which the origin was defined at the isocenter (Iso coordinate). The six parameters were then optimized to minimize the displacements of the calculated marker coordinates from the actual positions in the Iso CS. The 3D positional accuracy and angular accuracy of the conversion were evaluated. The random error of the Iso coordinates was analyzed through a relation with the angle of each measurement setup.

Results

Three angles of NIC and relative translation vectors were successfully calculated from the measurement data of the calibration markers. The achieved spatial and angular accuracies were 0.02 mm and 1.6°, respectively, after the optimization. Among the mimicked measurement times investigated in this study, both spatial and angular accuracies had no dependence on the measurement time. The average random error of a static marker was 0.46 mm after the optimization.

Conclusion

We developed an automatic method to calibrate the 3D patient surface monitoring system. The procedure developed in this study enabled a quick calibration of NIC, which can be easily repeated multiple times for a frequent and quick setup of the monitoring system.
Cost of illness, cost of immunoglobulin therapy and their determinants in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A.
Published: January 2019

See editorial on page E23 in this issue.
Burch colposuspension
Authors: Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Dubuisson Jean , Ford Abigail , Dubuisson Jean‐Bernard , Mourad Sherif , Digesu Alex
Published: January 2019

Aims

To evaluate the historic and pathophysiologic issues which led to the development of Burch colposuspension, to describe anatomic and technical aspects of the operation and to provide an update on current evidence.

Methods

We have performed a focused literature review and have searched the current available literature about historic dimension, technical descriptions, and efficacy of Burch colposuspension.

Results

Burch colposuspension, performed either by an open or a laparoscopic approach, is an effective surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

In current recommendations, Burch colposuspension remains an option for secondary treatment. Because midurethral slings have recently become under scrutiny, it may return as a first‐line treatment procedure. Both open and laparoscopic Burch colposuspension should therefore nowadays be provided in fellowship programs worldwide.
On the distribution of real eigenvalues in linear viscoelastic oscillators
Authors: Mohammadi Seyyed Abbas , Voss Heinrich
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a linear viscoelastic system is considered where the viscoelastic force depends on the past history of motion via a convolution integral over an exponentially decaying kernel function. The free‐motion equation of this nonviscous system yields a nonlinear eigenvalue problem that has a certain number of real eigenvalues corresponding to the nonoscillatory nature. The quality of the current numerical methods for deriving those eigenvalues is directly related to damping properties of the viscoelastic system. The main contribution of this paper is to explore the structure of the set of nonviscous eigenvalues of the system while the damping coefficient matrices are rank deficient and the damping level is changing. This problem will be investigated in the cases of low and high levels of damping, and a theorem that summarizes the possible distribution of real eigenvalues will be proved. Moreover, upper and lower bounds are provided for some of the eigenvalues regarding the damping properties of the system. Some physically realistic examples are provided, which give us insight into the behavior of the real eigenvalues while the damping level is changing.
Superhydrophobic plasma polymerized nanosponge with high oil sorption capacity
Authors: Torasso Nicolás , Trupp Federico , Arias Durán Andrés , D'Accorso Norma , Grondona Diana , Goyanes Silvia
Published: January 2019

Oil spills in water cause environmental and economic disasters. Herein, a superhydrophobic and oleophilic carbonaceous nanosponge (CN) with high adsorption capacity for selective oil removal from water was developed. It was grown by plasma polymerization of commercial acetylene in a radio frequency glow discharge (RFGD), a single‐step, scalable technique. The CN is a porous network of spherical nanoparticles with a broad pore size distribution. It adsorbs 33 times its own weight of light crude oil, with null water adsorption in shaking conditions (ASTM F726‐12). Because the CN could be used under sunlight exposure, the effect of UV light irradiation was studied. Potential applications of the CN arise, as it can be deposited on many substrates and change their wetting properties.
Spin Rectification dc Voltage Spectra via Sweeping Frequency
Authors: Pan Lining , Soh Wee Tee , Liu Qingfang , Wang Jianbo , Ong Chong Kim
Published: January 2019

A new measurement method of a spin rectification dc voltage spectrum through fixing the magnetic field and sweeping the frequency has been proposed, which is compared to the common method to acquire a typical spectrum via sweeping an external magnetic field. Based on the shortened microstrip fixture, the measurements of rectified dc voltage as a function of frequency have been performed. From the analysis of results of the permalloy (Py) film with various thicknesses, the magnetic parameters are presented. This method can be used in samples with magnetic domains varied with respect to the external magnetic field, such as, stripe domain structures.
Impedance Spectroscopy: A Versatile Technique to Understand Solution‐Processed Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Ali Shmshad , Chang Shuai , Imran Muhammad , Shi Qingfan , Chen Yu , Zhong Haizheng
Published: January 2019

Solution‐processed optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymers, colloidal quantum dots (CQDs), halide perovskites, and so on are now emerging as a new‐generation semiconductor technology which prevails its conventional counterparts in terms of low fabrication cost, ease of scalable manufacturing, and abundant material designability. However, the solution‐processed thin films obtained through spin‐coating, spray, inkjet printing, and doctor blading usually suffer from low film quality and a high defect density especially at the interfaces of different functional layers. Currently, the most significant subject is to address the non‐ideal interfaces for achieving improved performance of the devices. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) is a universal technique that can help to examine the charge behavior at the interfaces in an electrochemical or solid‐state multilayered device. Owing to its ability to elucidate the charge transfer, charge transport, and accumulation within the interfaces of electrochemical or multilayered devices with minimal effects to the devices themselves, the use of IS has increased vividly in the last decades. This review provides the basic principles of IS and its applications on solution‐processed optoelectronic devices.
Adaptive cooperative output regulation of nonlinear multiagent systems with arbitrarily large parametric uncertainties and an uncertain leader
Authors: Dong Yi , Xu Shengyuan
Published: January 2019

This paper extends the result for cooperative output regulation problem for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems in output feedback form in the sense that the exosystem generating leader's signal and disturbance is allowed to contain unknown parameter, and all parameters in the whole multiagent system can be arbitrarily large. Since only the information of itself and its neighbors is available, constructing a distributed control law is necessary for the asymptotic tracking of the uncertain leader's signal and the rejection of unknown external disturbances, which is also the main challenge here. A series of simulations are conducted to illustrate the efficiency and advantage of our designs together with the comparison of the design in the existing work.
An Efficient and Scalable Synthesis of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
Authors: Castaldi Michele , Baratella Marco , Gaboardi Mauro , Castaldi Graziano , Giovenzana Giovanni B.
Published: January 2019

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an important allergic inflammatory disease, affecting 30‐60 million people annually in the USA. The most important class of drug used in the treatment of AR is second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (highly selective and non‐sedating drugs) like levocetirizine, desloratadine and fexofenadine. Different synthetic strategies are reported for the preparation of fexofenadine hydrochloride, but these approaches involve the formation of byproducts, either toxic or difficult to remove. The aim of this work is to find a new, efficient and scalable synthetic approach for the preparation of fexofenadine hydrochloride. The final product was assembled from methyl 2‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2‐methylpropanoate, 3‐butyn‐1‐ol and azacyclonol, cheap and commercially available raw materials. A key step allows to build the central oxygenated‐C4‐moiety through a key 5‐membered intermediate, avoiding toxic or expensive reagents and catalysts. The 8‐step synthesis is competitive with existing protocols, leading to fexofenadine hydrochloride in 59% overall yield.
Synthesis, Characterization, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity Studies of Novel Isomeric 2,4‐Disubstituted Ureide Derivatives of Pyrimidinopiperidines
Authors: Bhavanam Lourdu Rani , Kotra Vijay , Mule Sivanagi Reddy , Krishna Khandapu Bala Murali , Bollikolla Hari Babu
Published: January 2019

A series of isomeric ureide derivatives of novel 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidinopiperidines were synthesized starting from 2,4‐dichloropyrimidine. All the final products were purified on silica and characterized by spectral analysis. Both the 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidinopiperidines were analyzed for their in vitro anticancer activity on the cell lines HCT116, MIA‐PaCa2 and MDA‐MB 231 by using MTT cell proliferation assay. Further, the antimicrobial studies were carried out against different bacterial and fungal strains by employing cup plate method. These compounds were showed significant anticancer activity on tested three cancer cell lines and exhibited potent antimicrobial activity in tested strains of bacteria and fungi.
Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mechanosensing at Fluid Interfaces by Tailored Self‐Assembled Protein Monolayers
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Minami Kosuke , Uto Koichiro , Chang Alice Chinghsuan , Hill Jonathan P. , Ueki Takeshi , Nakanishi Jun , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2019

Mechanical cues of cellular microenvironments can modulate cell functions including cell spreading and differentiation. Most studies of cellular functions are performed using a solid substrate, and it is thought that cells cannot spread on fluid substrates because of rapid relaxation, which cannot resist against actomyosin‐based cell contractility. Here, the spreading and growth of anchorage‐dependent cells such as human mesenchymal stem cells at the liquid interface between a perfluorocarbon fluid and the culture medium are observed. It is demonstrated that a monomolecular protein nanosheet self‐assembled at a fluid interface is sufficiently rigid to support cell spreading without additional treatment. Fine tuning of the packing of these proteins at the liquid interface permits tailoring of the mechanics of the protein layer, ultimately allowing for the regulation of cell spreading. The greater stiffness of the protein nanosheets triggers cell spreading, adhesion growth, and yes‐associated protein nuclear translocation. Cell behavior at the fluid interface is explained within the framework of the molecular clutch model. In addition, the freestanding ultrathin protein nanosheets are extremely flexible, easily deformed, and perceived by cells as being much softer. The findings are expected to provide a new perspective for insights into cell–material interactions.
Study on the reaction process of alkali‐activated carbonatite by means of polarizing microscope and digital holographic microscope technology
Authors: Li Jing , Yin Suhong , Lin Jianqin , Huang Haoliang , Yu Qijun
Published: January 2019

The reaction process of alkali‐activated carbonatite and the dissolution rate of carbonatite with different content of MgO in water glass solution were studied in this paper by means of in‐situ technologies, that is, polarizing microscope (PM) and digital holographic microscope (DHM). The volume change of carbonatite particles as a function of dissolution time was also quantified by using DHM. The results show that the dissolution rate of carbonatites decreases as the increase of Mg content (from 0 to 21.6 wt. %) in carbonatites. The average dissolution rate of carbonatite with a MgO content of 11.37 wt. % in water glass (M = 1.6, c = 35%) is 75.33 μm3/h within the first 12 hr of dissolution. Both dedolomitization and alkali‐silica reaction are present in the alkali‐activated carbonatite system. The Mg‐carbonatite tends to dedolomitize first before it reacts with silicate ions. It explains why the Mg‐rich carbonatite has a lower dissolution rate in water glass.
Experimentally and analytically study on eccentrically braced frame with vertical shear links
Authors: Vetr Mohamad G. , Ghamari Ali
Published: January 2019

The excellent hysteretic behavior of eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) using shear links have made these systems an effective alternative for both moment resisting frame as well as concentrically braced structures. Generally, horizontal shear links are located either at the middle or at the ends of the beam. However, large deformation of the shear links in those beam must be accepted under severe earthquakes. In those instance in which the beam have to remain elastic, vertical shear links should be designed underneath the beam thereby transferring the region of plastic deformation to location where they are tolerable and post‐earthquake repair or replacement of damaged parts is easier. In this paper, seismic behavior of vertical‐EBF (V‐EBF) have been considered experimentally and analytically. The required relation to design of the system have been proposed. In addition, to predict nonlinear behavior of V‐EBF systems, an analytical model including kinematic–isotropic strain hardening for shear, only kinematic strain hardening for moment, has been presented. Results showed a good convergence of the presented analytical model (with an upper bound for yielding surface to the V‐EBF) with experimental results.
A new active power‐decoupling topology and control mechanism to extend the lifespan and reduce the number of passive components
Authors: Hwang Soonhwan , Ogasawara Satoshi , Orikawa Koji , Takemoto Masatsugu
Published: January 2019

In this article, a new active power‐decoupling (APD) circuit without an additional discharging inductor is proposed for single‐phase power systems. In an APD circuit, a small film capacitor is used to extend the lifespan and remove ripple power derived from power systems. However, to manipulate power pulsation, additional circuits such as inductors, capacitors, and switches are required, which increase the manufacturing cost and parametric uncertainties. In the proposed circuit, rectification and a decoupling function are conducted on a coupled‐inductor at the same time to reduce the number of passive elements. Furthermore, a sliding mode control is used to ensure stable operation under parameter variation and disturbance. A design example is presented and the operation of the proposed topology is also verified with a simulation study and experimental results. The results show that the proposed APD method was able to remove passive components and reduce the withstand voltage of a buffer capacitor and insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) while ensuring that both the input current and output voltage of the converter were well regulated under load variation. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shame in English language teaching: Desirable Pedagogical Possibilities for Kiribati in Neoliberal Times
Authors: Liyanage Indika , Canagarajah Suresh
Published: January 2019

Inadequate attention paid to understanding the complex relations between personal drives and situated social constraints means affect remains the least understood of language learning variables (Scovel, 2001). At a time when English is uncritically and universally treated as desirable, it is significant that its learning and use evokes shame in some communities. In this study, the authors analyze how Kiribati nationals and international development workers demonstrate conflicting orientations to shame relating to learning and using English. They consider whether shame of this nature might have positive value for learning, communication, and identity. Theorizing the productive significance of shame also helps deconstruct dominant notions of language competence, motivation, and pedagogical practice based on desire. The authors articulate policy and pedagogical options sensitive to local values and interests that might help resolve tensions in the perspectives of the powerful outsiders and dependent locals that lead to confusions in educational priorities and prove somewhat debilitating for local English language teaching (ELT) pedagogies. The authors conclude that ELT researchers and practitioners must proceed to distinguish different motivations for shame in English language learning contexts and identify the shame emerging from local community norms as deserving more recognition.
A glimpse of things to come: OSHA's soon to be updated hazard communication standard
Authors: Bergeson Lynn L.
Published: January 2019

In the Trump Administration's Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Regulatory Agenda) issued on October 17, 2018, the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a Proposed Rule Stage item titled, “Update to the Hazard Communication Standard,” RIN 1218‐AC93 (OSHA, ), and scheduled the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to be issued by March 2019. This could be an important regulatory development for all entities subject to Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements, which is just about everyone. This column explains why this development is significant.
Inappropriate disposal of cellphones affect environmental quality—an analysis of Brazilian users
Authors: Damke Luana Inês , Arenhardt Daniel Luís , Dill Rafael Augusto , Rodrigues Luis Adriano , Trevisan Marcelo
Published: January 2019

This work aimed at identifying the behavior of consumers in a medium‐sized city in Brazil regarding their attitudes toward and willingness to pay for the recycling of cellphones. To support the analysis that we performed, literature on electronic wastes, disposal of cellphones, and the National Policy on Solid Wastes (PNRS) were examined in depth. A descriptive survey was carried out using the quantitative method by administering questionnaires to 430 consumers in the municipality. The results showed that 56.1% of the respondents replace their cellphones every 2 years, that only 7.0% returned the old devices to be recycled, and that 69.1% indicated that they were not willing to pay a portion of the phones’ recycling costs. The study also showed that most of the sample participants were unaware of the legislation that deals with electro‐electronic wastes management.
Minimally invasive perinatal and pediatric autopsy with laparoscopically assisted tissue sampling: feasibility and experience of the MinImAL procedure
Authors: Hutchinson J. C. , Shelmerdine S. C. , Lewis C. , Parmenter J. , Simcock I. C. , Ward L. , Ashworth M. T. , Chitty L. S. , Arthurs O. J. , Sebire N. J.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Less invasive autopsy techniques in cases of fetal or infant death have good acceptability among parents, but the published sampling adequacy in needle biopsy studies is generally poor. Minimally Invasive Autopsy with Laparoscopically assisted sampling (MinImAL) has the potential to increase the diagnostic yield of less invasive autopsy by improving the quality and quantity of tissue samples obtained, whilst permitting visualization, extraction and examination of internal organs through a small incision. The aim of this study was to present the findings of our experience with the MinImAL procedure in cases of fetal, neonatal and pediatric death.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 103 prospectively recruited unselected cases of fetal, neonatal or pediatric death that underwent the MinImAL procedure at a tertiary referral center over a 5‐year period. Following preprocedure 1.5‐T whole‐body postmortem magnetic resonance imaging, MinImAL autopsy was performed. Procedure duration, sampling adequacy and cause of death were assessed. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare the ‘unexplained’ rate of intrauterine deaths in the cohort with that in a previously published cohort of > 1000 cases of intrauterine death examined by standard autopsy.

Results

MinImAL autopsy was performed successfully in 97.8% (91/93) of the cases undergoing a complete procedure. There was a satisfactory rate of adequate histological sampling in most major organs; heart (100%, 91 cases), lung (100%, 91 cases), kidney (100%, 91 cases), liver (96.7%, 88 cases), spleen (94.5%, 86 cases), adrenal glands (89.0%, 81 cases), pancreas (82.4%, 75 cases) and thymus (56.0%, 51 cases). Procedure duration was similar to that of standard autopsy in a previously published cohort of intrauterine deaths. The unexplained rate in stillbirths and intrauterine fetal deaths that underwent MinImAL autopsy was not significantly different from that following standard autopsy.

Conclusions

The MinImAL procedure provides good histological yield from major organs with minimal cosmetic damage and can be learned by an autopsy practitioner. The MinImAL procedure is an appropriate minimally invasive alternative for the investigation of perinatal and pediatric deaths in which consent to full autopsy is withheld, and may have applications in both high‐ and low/middle‐income settings. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Global anomalies, discrete symmetries and hydrodynamic effective actions
Authors: Glorioso Paolo , Liu Hong , Rajagopal Srivatsan
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We derive effective actions for parity-violating fluids in both (3 + 1) and (2 + 1) dimensions, including those with anomalies. As a corollary we confirm the most general constitutive relations for such systems derived previously using other methods. We discuss in detail connections between parity-odd transport and underlying discrete symmetries. In (3+1) dimensions we elucidate connections between anomalous transport coefficients and global anomalies, and clarify a previous puzzle concerning transports and local gravitational anomalies.
Plasticity to daylength of Iris pumila leaf phenological traits
Authors: Tucić Branka , Pemac Danijela , Avramov Stevan
Published: January 2019

Plastic responses to photoperiod of Iris pumila leaf phenological traits were investigated in two populations experiencing contrasting light conditions in the dune system at Deliblato Sands (44°48′ N, 38°58′ E; Serbia, Yugoslavia). The population “Dune” occupied an exposed area at the top and slope of a relatively large dune, and the population “Woods” was situated in the understory of a Pinus nigra stand. Plants developed from rhizome segments of 15 and 12 clonal genotypes sampled individually in an exposed and a shaded site, respectively, were grown under alternating daylength conditions (long day, 16 h; short day, 8 h) in an environmentally controlled growth room, and scored for a number of leaf traits (live and senescent leaf number per ramet, leaf longevity, and phyllochron). The photoperiodic treatments used significantly affected the phenotypic values of all traits analyzed, regardless of the population origin. Leaf longevity decreased, whereas the proportion of senescent to live leaves increased under short as compared to long photoperiod. The amount of plasticity to daylength appeared to be strongly trait specific: senescent leaf number was the most plastic, and live leaf number per ramet the least plastic trait, in both populations. The factorial ANOVAs did not reveal a significant population effect on any of the leaf traits observed, except the phyllochron, indicating the presence of genetic variation between populations only for that particular trait. A statistically significant interaction term obtained in each of the ANOVAs provides the evidence of the existence of genetic variation for plasticity in all the leaf phenological traits studied. Genetic correlations among all trait pairs were close to zero and mostly statistically nonsignificant, indicating that the analyzed I. pumila leaf phenological traits are not genetically constrained to evolve by natural selection toward their optimal reaction norms within each light habitat.
Thermo-chemical Fluid Flow Simulation in Hot-Dip Galvanizing: The Evaluation of Dross Build-Up Formation
Authors: Reiss Georg , Ishmurzin Anton , Mugrauer Claudia , Eßl Werner , Ecker Werner , Strutzenberger Johann , Unger Harald , Angeli Gerhard
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a new computational framework to investigate the driving force for the formation of intermetallic dross particles in the zinc bath and dross build-up on the bath hardware. This is a major problem in continuous hot-dip galvanizing lines. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model calculates the turbulent thermo-chemical flow conditions within the liquid melt. A detailed modeling of the steel strip–liquid interface enhances this approach, by means of a conjugated heat transfer calculation and a spatially resolved, temperature- and concentration-dependent iron dissolution and aluminum uptake. The heart of the computational framework is a thermodynamic model, which assesses the driving force for the formation or dissolution of dross particles in the bath and dross build-up on stationary and rotating equipment. The simulation results are validated with temperature and species depth profile measurements. The applicability of the CFD model is shown by investigating the locally resolved aluminum uptake and iron dissolution at the steel-strip surface, and the multi-physics conditions in the region near the roll. The novel approach of evaluating the thermodynamic driving force enables the assessment of the formation of dross build-up at the roll surface.
Droplet levitation over a moving wall with a steady air film
Authors: Sawaguchi Erina , Matsuda Ayumi , Hama Kai , Saito Masafumi , Tagawa Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2019

In isothermal non-coalescence behaviours of a droplet against a wall, an air film of micrometre thickness plays a crucial role. We experimentally study this phenomenon by letting a droplet levitate over a moving glass wall. The three-dimensional shape of the air film is measured using an interferometric method. The mean curvature distribution of the deformed free surface and the distributions of the lubrication pressure are derived from the experimental measurements. We vary experimental parameters, namely wall velocity, droplet diameter and viscosity of the droplets, over a wide range; for example, the droplet viscosity is varied over two orders of magnitude. For the same wall velocity, the air film of low-viscosity droplets shows little shape oscillation with constant film thickness (defined as the steady state), while that of highly viscous droplets shows a significant shape oscillation with varying film thickness (defined as the unsteady state). The droplet viscosity also affects the surface velocity of a droplet. Under our experimental conditions, where the air film shape can be assumed to be steady, we present experimental evidence showing that the lift force generated inside the air film balances with the droplet’s weight. We also verify that the lubrication pressure locally balances with the surface tension and hydrostatic pressures. This indicates that lubrication pressure and the shape of the free surface are mutually determined. Based on the local pressure balance, we discuss a process of determining the steady shape of an air film that has two areas of minimum thickness in the vicinity of the downstream rim.
A simple system for moist convection: the Rainy–Bénard model
Authors: Vallis Geoffrey K. , Parker Douglas J. , Tobias Steven M.
Published: January 2019

Rayleigh–Bénard convection is one of the most well-studied models in fluid mechanics. Atmospheric convection, one of the most important components of the climate system, is by comparison complicated and poorly understood. A key attribute of atmospheric convection is the buoyancy source provided by the condensation of water vapour, but the presence of radiation, compressibility, liquid water and ice further complicate the system and our understanding of it. In this paper we present an idealized model of moist convection by taking the Boussinesq limit of the ideal-gas equations and adding a condensate that obeys a simplified Clausius–Clapeyron relation. The system allows moist convection to be explored at a fundamental level and reduces to the classical Rayleigh–Bénard model if the latent heat of condensation is taken to be zero. The model has an exact, Rayleigh-number-independent ‘drizzle’ solution in which the diffusion of water vapour from a saturated lower surface is balanced by condensation, with the temperature field (and so the saturation value of the moisture) determined self-consistently by the heat released in the condensation. This state is the moist analogue of the conductive solution in the classical problem. We numerically determine the linear stability properties of this solution as a function of Rayleigh number and a non-dimensional latent-heat parameter. We also present some two-dimensional, time-dependent, nonlinear solutions at various values of Rayleigh number and the non-dimensional condensational parameters. At sufficiently low Rayleigh number the system converges to the drizzle solution, and we find no evidence that two-dimensional self-sustained convection can occur when that solution is stable. The flow transitions from steady to turbulent as the Rayleigh number or the effects of condensation are increased, with plumes triggered by gravity waves emanating from other plumes. The interior dries as the level of turbulence increases, because the plumes entrain more dry air and because the saturated boundary layer at the top becomes thinner. The flow develops a broad relative humidity minimum in the domain interior, only weakly dependent on Rayleigh number when that is high.
Internationalism after Internationalism: Response to Aarthi Vadde, Chimeras of Form
Authors: Hart Matthew
Published: January 2019

Matthew Hart is an associate professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University. He is the author of Nations of Nothing but Poetry (Oxford University Press, 2010) and Extraterritorial: A Political Geography of Contemporary Fiction (forthcoming from Columbia University Press). A founding co-editor of the Columbia University Press book series Literature Now, Matt is a former president of A.S.A.P.: Association for the Study of the Arts of the Present and currently vice president of the Modernist Studies Association.
Altered global brain network topology as a trait marker in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Geisler Daniel , Borchardt Viola , Boehm Ilka , King Joseph A. , Tam Friederike I. , Marxen Michael , Biemann Ronald , Roessner Veit , Walter Martin , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: January 2019

Background

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have identified functional connectivity patterns associated with acute undernutrition in anorexia nervosa (AN), but few have investigated recovered patients. Thus, a trait connectivity profile characteristic of the disorder remains elusive. Using state-of-the-art graph–theoretic methods in acute AN, the authors previously found abnormal global brain network architecture, possibly driven by local network alterations. To disentangle trait from starvation effects, the present study examines network organization in recovered patients.

Methods

Graph–theoretic metrics were used to assess resting-state network properties in a large sample of female patients recovered from AN (recAN, n = 55) compared with pairwise age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 55).

Results

Indicative of an altered global network structure, recAN showed increased assortativity and reduced global clustering as well as small-worldness compared with HC, while no group differences at an intermediate or local network level were evident. However, using support-vector classifier on local metrics, recAN and HC could be separated with an accuracy of 70.4%.

Conclusions

This pattern of results suggests that long-term recovered patients have an aberrant global brain network configuration, similar to acutely underweight patients. While the finding of increased assortativity may represent a trait marker of AN, the remaining findings could be seen as a scar following prolonged undernutrition.