bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Separation of Elemental Species by Fast Multicapillary Gas Chromatography with Multichannel Optical Spectrometry Detection following Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction
Authors: Giersz Jacek , Jankowski Krzysztof , Truskolaska Monika
Published: May 2015

A method for conducting fast and efficient gas chromatography based on short multicapillaries in straight alignment combined with atomic emission detection was developed for field analysis. The strategy enables for speciation analysis of organometallic compounds. The analytes are simultaneously ethylated and preconcentrated on a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber placed in the headspace over the sample for 25 min. The ethylated species are then completely separated and selectively quantified within 25 s under isothermal conditions. A new miniaturized speciation analyzer has been constructed and evaluated. The system consists of a GC injection port and a lab-made miniaturized GC unit directly coupled with miniaturized plasma excitation source. The emitted light is transferred via optical fiber and registered with a miniaturized charged coupled device (CCD) based spectrometer. Working parameters for multicapillary column gas chromatography with atomic emission detector, including carrier gas flow rate, desorption temperature, and GC column temperature, were optimized to achieve good separation of analytes. Basic investigations of the fundamental properties of 5 cm-long multicapillary column, to evaluate its potential and limitations as a rapid separation unit, are presented. The adaptation of the technique for use with a SPME system and with a multichannel element-selective plasma-emission detector is highlighted.
Molecular and Isotopic Composition of Volatiles in Gas Hydrates and in Sediment from the Joetsu Basin, Eastern Margin of the Japan Sea
Authors: Hachikubo Akihiro , Yanagawa Katsunori , Tomaru Hitoshi , Lu Hailong , Matsumoto Ryo
Published: May 2015

Hydrate-bearing sediment cores were retrieved from the Joetsu Basin (off Joetsu city, Niigata Prefecture) at the eastern margin of the Japan Sea during the MD179 gas hydrates cruise onboard R/V Marion Dufresne in June 2010. We measured molecular and stable isotope compositions of volatiles bound in the gas hydrates and headspace gases obtained from sediments to clarify how the minor components of hydrocarbons affects to gas hydrate crystals. The hydrate-bound hydrocarbons at Umitaka Spur (southwestern Joetsu Basin) primarily consisted of thermogenic methane, whereas those at Joetsu Knoll (northwestern Joetsu Basin, about 15 km from Umitaka Spur) contained both thermogenic methane and a mixture of thermogenic and microbial methane. The depth concentration profiles of methane, ethane, propane, CO2, and H2S in the sediments from the Joetsu Basin area showed shallow sulfate–methane interface (SMI) and high microbial methane production beneath the SMI depth. Relatively high concentrations of propane and neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane) were detected in the headspace gases of the hydrate-bearing sediment cores obtained at Umitaka Spur and Joetsu Knoll. Propane and neopentane cannot be encaged in the structure I hydrate; therefore, they were probably excluded from the hydrate crystals during the structure I formation process and thus remained in the sediment and/or released from the small amounts of structure II hydrate that can host such large gas molecules. The lower concentrations of ethane and propane in the sediment, high δ13C of propane and isobutane, and below-detection normal butane and normal pentane at Umitaka Spur and Joetsu Knoll suggest biodegradation in the sediment layers.
Optimization and Analysis of a Hybrid Energy Storage System in a Small-Scale Standalone Microgrid for Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS)
Authors: Li Fengbing , Xie Kaigui , Yang Jiangping
Published: May 2015

The analysis and application of hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) in small-scale standalone microgrids for remote area power supply (RAPS) has received extensive attention. This application mode has its own characteristics which must be considered but have not been considered in the existing research. To reflect the common satisfaction of load demands and maximize the utilization of renewable energy in a standalone microgrid, a new index named effective rate of energy storage system (ESS) is proposed. To reflect the true work state of supercapacitor ESS (SC-ESS), the second-level data of field measurements is used in calculation and analysis. To further enhance the operational performance of the HESS, a coordinated control strategy based on state cooperation is adopted. To get a more reasonable and more credible HESS optimization model, the comparison of existing models and proposed model with different considerations on cost and life is provided. In addition, a comparative analysis of technical and economic characteristics improvements is presented for different ESS application schemes in practical projects.
Ash Content and Calorific Energy of Corn Stover Components in Eastern Canada
Authors: Lizotte Pierre-Luc , Savoie Philippe , De Champlain Alain
Published: May 2015

Corn stover is an abundant agricultural residue that could be used on the farm for heating and crop drying. Ash content and calorific energy of corn grain and six stover components were measured from standing plants during the grain maturing period, between mid-September and mid-November. Ash of stover in standing corn averaged 4.8% in a cool crop heat unit zone (2300–2500 crop heat units (CHU)) and 7.3% in a warmer zone (2900–3100 CHU). The corn cob had the lowest ash content (average of 2.2%) while leaves had the highest content (from 7.7% to 12.6%). In the fall, ash content of mowed and raked stover varied between 5.5% and 11.7%. In the following spring, ash content of stover mowed, raked and baled in May averaged 3.6%. The cob and stalk located below the first ear contained the highest calorific energy with 17.72 MJ·kg−1. Leaves and grain had the lowest energy with an average of 16.99 MJ·kg−1. The stover heat of combustion was estimated at 17.47 MJ·kg−1 in the cool zone and 17.26 MJ·kg−1 in the warm zone. Based on presented results, a partial “cob and husk” harvest system would collect less energy per unit area than total stover harvest (44 vs. 156 GJ·ha−1) and less biomass (2.51 vs. 9.13 t·dry matter (DM)·ha−1) but the fuel quality would be considerably higher with a low ash-to-energy ratio (1.45 vs. 4.27 g·MJ−1).
Protection Principle for a DC Distribution System with a Resistive Superconductive Fault Current Limiter
Authors: Xue Shimin , Gao Feng , Sun Wenpeng , Li Botong
Published: May 2015

A DC distribution system, which is suitable for access to distributed power generation and DC loads, is one of the development directions in power systems. Furthermore, it could greatly improve the energy efficiency and reduce the loss of power transportation. The huge short circuit current is always a great threat to the safety of the components, especially the capacitors and diodes. A resistive superconductive fault current limiter (SFCL), which could respond quickly once a fault happens and limit the fault current to a relatively low level, becomes a good solution to this problem. In this paper, the operational principle of the resistive SFCL is introduced first, and then, the DC short-circuit fault characteristic of the DC distribution system with the SFCL is analyzed and the effectiveness of the SFCL verified. In order to realize the selectivity of the protection in the DC distribution system with SFCL, a new transient current protection principle based on Ip (the peak value of the current) and tp (the transient time that the current takes to reach its peak value) is proposed. Finally, a model of a 10-kV DC distribution system with an SFCL is established and simulated in PSCAD/METDC. Simulation results have demonstrated the validity of the analysis and protection principle.
The Optimum PV Plant for a Given Solar DC/AC Converter
Authors: Faranda Roberto , Hafezi Hossein , Leva Sonia , Mussetta Marco , Ogliari Emanuele
Published: May 2015

In recent years, energy production by renewable sources is becoming very important, and photovoltaic (PV) energy has became one of the main renewable sources that is widely available and easily exploitable. In this context, it is necessary to find correct tools to optimize the energy production by PV plants. In this paper, by analyzing available solar irradiance data, an analytical expression for annual DC power production for some selected places is introduced. A general efficiency curve is extracted for different solar inverter types, and by applying approximated function, a new analytical method is proposed to estimate the optimal size of a grid-connected PV plant linked up to a specific inverter from the energetic point of view. An exploitable energy objective function is derived, and several simulations for different locations have been provided. The derived analytical expression contains only the available data of the inverter (such as efficiency, nominal power, etc.) and the PV plant characteristics (such as location and PV nominal power).
Survey on Addressing the Information and Support Needs of Jewish Women at Increased Risk for or Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: The Sharsheret Experience
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth , Silber Elana , Johnson Andrea , Fleischmann Adina , Murphy Sarah , Mays Darren , O’Neill Suzanne , Sharkey Christina , Shoretz Rochelle
Published: May 2015

Approximately 12% of women living in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes. While all women face formidable challenges posed by the threat of living with or at increased risk for breast cancer, those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent face additional challenges owing to higher BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence in this population. Amidst calls for population-based screening for hereditary breast cancer risk, much can be learned from the experiences of Jewish women about their needs. The present study is a secondary analysis of psychoeducational program satisfaction and evaluation data previously collected by a community organization dedicated to serving women of all Jewish backgrounds facing, or at risk for, breast cancer. Among respondents (n = 347), over one-third were referred to the organization by family or friends, most often after a cancer crisis. Of the information and support resources offered, the greatest level of engagement occurred with the one-on-one peer support and health care symposia resources. Respondents endorsed high levels of satisfaction with the programs and services, and a strong desire to give back to the community. These data suggest that culturally-relevant information and support services for Jewish women could be scaled-up for larger dissemination to meet the anticipated needs in this special population.
Estimation of Arsenic Intake from Drinking Water and Food (Raw and Cooked) in a Rural Village of Northern Chile. Urine as a Biomarker of Recent Exposure
Authors: Diaz Oscar , Arcos Rafael , Tapia Yasna , Pastene Rubén , Velez Dínoraz , Devesa Vicenta , Montoro Rosa , Aguilera Valeska , Becerra Miriam
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to estimate both the contribution of drinking water and food (raw and cooked) to the total (t-As) and inorganic (i-As) arsenic intake and the exposure of inhabitants of Socaire, a rural village in Chile´s Antofagasta Region, by using urine as biomarker. The i-As intake from food and water was estimated using samples collected between November 2008 and September 2009. A 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was given to 20 participants. Drinking water, food (raw and cooked) and urine samples were collected directly from the homes where the interviewees lived. The percentage of i-As/t-As in the drinking water that contributed to the total intake was variable (26.8–92.9). Cereals and vegetables are the food groups that contain higher concentrations of i-As. All of the participants interviewed exceeded the reference intake FAO/OMS (149.8 µg∙i-As·day−1) by approximately nine times. The concentration of t-As in urine in each individual ranged from 78 to 459 ng·mL−1. Estimated As intake from drinking water and food was not associated with total urinary As concentration. The results show that both drinking water and food substantially contribute to i-As intake and an increased exposure risk to adult residents in contaminated areas.
Development of an RF-EMF Exposure Surrogate for Epidemiologic Research
Authors: Roser Katharina , Schoeni Anna , Bürgi Alfred , Röösli Martin
Published: May 2015

Exposure assessment is a crucial part in studying potential effects of RF-EMF. Using data from the HERMES study on adolescents, we developed an integrative exposure surrogate combining near-field and far-field RF-EMF exposure in a single brain and whole-body exposure measure. Contributions from far-field sources were modelled by propagation modelling and multivariable regression modelling using personal measurements. Contributions from near-field sources were assessed from both, questionnaires and mobile phone operator records. Mean cumulative brain and whole-body doses were 1559.7 mJ/kg and 339.9 mJ/kg per day, respectively. 98.4% of the brain dose originated from near-field sources, mainly from GSM mobile phone calls (93.1%) and from DECT phone calls (4.8%). Main contributors to the whole-body dose were GSM mobile phone calls (69.0%), use of computer, laptop and tablet connected to WLAN (12.2%) and data traffic on the mobile phone via WLAN (6.5%). The exposure from mobile phone base stations contributed 1.8% to the whole-body dose, while uplink exposure from other people’s mobile phones contributed 3.6%. In conclusion, the proposed approach is considered useful to combine near-field and far-field exposure to an integrative exposure surrogate for exposure assessment in epidemiologic studies. However, substantial uncertainties remain about exposure contributions from various near-field and far-field sources.
Development of Primer Sets for Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification that Enables Rapid and Specific Detection of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Wang Deguo , Liu Yanhong
Published: May 2015

Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus agalactiae are the three main pathogens causing bovine mastitis, with great losses to the dairy industry. Rapid and specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification methods (LAMP) for identification and differentiation of these three pathogens are not available. With the 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacers as targets, four sets of LAMP primers were designed for identification and differentiation of S. dysgalactiae, S. uberis and S. agalactiae. The detection limit of all four LAMP primer sets were 0.1 pg DNA template per reaction, the LAMP method with 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacers as the targets can differentiate the three pathogens, which is potentially useful in epidemiological studies.
Evaluating Decision Making Capacity in Older Individuals: Does the Law Give a Clue?
Authors: Kapp Marshall
Published: May 2015

Adequate cognitive and emotional capacity is essential to autonomous decision making by adult medical patients. Society often attaches legal consequences to decisional capacity evaluations. Even when the legal system is not formally involved in the competency evaluation of a particular individual, clinical practice and ethical conduct occur within and are informed by legal parameters. Using relevant statutory, court rule, and judicial opinion examples from a representative jurisdiction within the United States, this article argues that the law seldom provides much meaningful guidance to health care and human services providers to assist them regarding the content of capacity evaluation. The article concludes by asking how society ought to respond to the paucity of helpful guidance provided by the law in the decisional capacity evaluation context.
Analysis of Magneto-Piezoelastic Anisotropic Materials
Authors: Kalamkarov Alexander , Pacheco Pedro , Savi Marcelo , Basu Animesh
Published: May 2015

The paper is concerned with the analysis of magneto-piezoelastic anistropic materials. Analytical modeling of magneto-piezoelastic materials is essential for the design and applications in the smart composite structures incorporating them as actuating and sensing constituents. It is shown that Green’s function method is applicable to time harmonic magneto-elastic-piezoelectricity problems using the boundary integral technique, and the exact analytical solutions are obtained. As an application, a two-dimensional static plane-strain problem is considered to investigate the effect of magnetic field on piezoelectric materials. The closed-form analytical solutions are obtained for a number of boundary conditions for all components of the magneto-piezoelectric field. As a special case, numerical results are presented for two-dimensional static magneto-electroelastic field of a piezoelectric solid subjected to a concentrated line load and an electric charge. The numerical solutions are obtained for three different piezoelectric materials and they demonstrate a substantial dependence of the stress and electric field distribution on the constitutive properties and magnetic flux.
Penetration and Toxicity of Nanomaterials in Higher Plants
Authors: Chichiriccò Giuseppe , Poma Anna
Published: May 2015

Nanomaterials (NMs) comprise either inorganic particles consisting of metals, oxides, and salts that exist in nature and may be also produced in the laboratory, or organic particles originating only from the laboratory, having at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm in size. According to shape, size, surface area, and charge, NMs have different mechanical, chemical, electrical, and optical properties that make them suitable for technological and biomedical applications and thus they are being increasingly produced and modified. Despite their beneficial potential, their use may be hazardous to health owing to the capacity to enter the animal and plant body and interact with cells. Studies on NMs involve technologists, biologists, physicists, chemists, and ecologists, so there are numerous reports that are significantly raising the level of knowledge, especially in the field of nanotechnology; however, many aspects concerning nanobiology remain undiscovered, including the interactions with plant biomolecules. In this review we examine current knowledge on the ways in which NMs penetrate plant organs and interact with cells, with the aim of shedding light on the reactivity of NMs and toxicity to plants. These points are discussed critically to adjust the balance with regard to the risk to the health of the plants as well as providing some suggestions for new studies on this topic.
Targeting of Apoptotic Cells Using Functionalized Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Mekawy Moataz , Saito Atsushi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Tominaga Teiji
Published: May 2015

Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized and functionalized with SiO2 and -NH2 group, respectively. Conjugation to fluorescently-labeled poly-caspase inhibitor (SR-FLIVO) has been carried out for better cellular uptake studies of apoptosis arising from brain focal cerebral ischemia. Highest conjugation affinity to SR-FLIVO was found to be ca. 80% for Fe2O3-SiO-NH2 functionalized nanoparticles (FNPs). Tracking of SR-FLIVO conjugated functionalized nanoparticles (SR-FLIVO-FNPs) in vivo and in vitro has been carried out and detected using microscopic techniques after histochemical staining methods. Experimental results revealed that SR-FLIVO-FNPs probe could passively cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and accumulated within the apoptotic cell. Optimization of SR-FLIVO-FNPs probe can effectively promise to open a new era for intracellular drug delivery and brain diagnosis.
Rapid Assessment of Crop Status: An Application of MODIS and SAR Data to Rice Areas in Leyte, Philippines Affected by Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Boschetti Mirco , Nelson Andrew , Nutini Francesco , Manfron Giacinto , Busetto Lorenzo , Barbieri Massimo , Laborte Alice , Raviz Jeny , Holecz Francesco , Mabalay Mary , Bacong Alfie , Quilang Eduardo
Published: May 2015

Asian countries strongly depend on rice production for food security. The major rice-growing season (June to October) is highly exposed to the risk of tropical storm related damage. Unbiased and transparent approaches to assess the risk of rice crop damage are essential to support mitigation and disaster response strategies in the region. This study describes and demonstrates a method for rapid, pre-event crop status assessment. The ex-post test case is Typhoon Haiyan and its impact on the rice crop in Leyte Province in the Philippines. A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) derived rice area map was used to delineate the area at risk while crop status at the moment of typhoon landfall was estimated from specific time series analysis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. A spatially explicit indicator of risk of standing crop loss was calculated as the time between estimated heading date and typhoon occurrence. Results of the analysis of pre- and post-event SAR images showed that 6500 ha were flooded in northeastern Leyte. This area was also the region most at risk to storm related crop damage due to late establishment of rice. Estimates highlight that about 700 ha of rice (71% of which was in northeastern Leyte) had not reached maturity at the time of the typhoon event and a further 8400 ha (84% of which was in northeastern Leyte) were likely to be not yet harvested. We demonstrated that the proposed approach can provide pre-event, in-season information on the status of rice and other field crops and the risk of damage posed by tropical storms.
Integration of UAV-Based Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning for the Three-Dimensional Mapping and Monitoring of Open-Pit Mine Areas
Authors: Tong Xiaohua , Liu Xiangfeng , Chen Peng , Liu Shijie , Luan Kuifeng , Li Lingyun , Liu Shuang , Liu Xianglei , Xie Huan , Jin Yanmin , Hong Zhonghua
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a practical framework for the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) with application to open-pit mine areas, which includes UAV image and TLS point cloud acquisition, image and cloud point processing and integration, object-oriented classification and three-dimensional (3D) mapping and monitoring of open-pit mine areas. The proposed framework was tested in three open-pit mine areas in southwestern China. (1) With respect to extracting the conjugate points of the stereo pair of UAV images and those points between TLS point clouds and UAV images, some feature points were first extracted by the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) operator and the outliers were identified and therefore eliminated by the RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) approach; (2) With respect to improving the accuracy of geo-positioning based on UAV imagery, the ground control points (GCPs) surveyed from global positioning systems (GPS) and the feature points extracted from TLS were integrated in the bundle adjustment, and three scenarios were designed and compared; (3) With respect to monitoring and mapping the mine areas for land reclamation, an object-based image analysis approach was used for the classification of the accuracy improved UAV ortho-image. The experimental results show that by introduction of TLS derived point clouds as GCPs, the accuracy of geo-positioning based on UAV imagery can be improved. At the same time, the accuracy of geo-positioning based on GCPs form the TLS derived point clouds is close to that based on GCPs from the GPS survey. The results also show that the TLS derived point clouds can be used as GCPs in areas such as in mountainous or high-risk environments where it is difficult to conduct a GPS survey. The proposed framework achieved a decimeter-level accuracy for the generated digital surface model (DSM) and digital orthophoto map (DOM), and an overall accuracy of 90.67% for classification of the land covers in the open-pit mine.
Revision of J3Gen and Validity of the Attacks by Peinado et al.
Authors: Peinado Alberto , Munilla Jorge , Fúster-Sabater Amparo
Published: May 2015

This letter is the reply to: Remarks on Peinado et al.’s Analysis of J3Gen by J. Garcia-Alfaro, J. Herrera-Joancomartí and J. Melià-Seguí published in Sensors 2015, 15, 6217–6220. Peinado et al. cryptanalyzed the pseudorandom number generator proposed by Melià-Seguí et al., describing two possible attacks. Later, Garcia-Alfaro claimed that one of this attack did not hold in practice because the assumptions made by Peinado et al. were not correct. This letter reviews those remarks, showing that J3Gen is anyway flawed and that, without further information, the interpretation made by Peinado et al. seems to be correct.
Survey of WBSNs for Pre-Hospital Assistance: Trends to Maximize the Network Lifetime and Video Transmission Techniques
Authors: Gonzalez Enrique , Peña Raul , Vargas-Rosales Cesar , Avila Alfonso , De Cerio David
Published: May 2015

This survey aims to encourage the multidisciplinary communities to join forces for innovation in the mobile health monitoring area. Specifically, multidisciplinary innovations in medical emergency scenarios can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and quality of the procedures and practices in the delivery of medical care. Wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) are a promising technology capable of improving the existing practices in condition assessment and care delivery for a patient in a medical emergency. This technology can also facilitate the early interventions of a specialist physician during the pre-hospital period. WBSNs make possible these early interventions by establishing remote communication links with video/audio support and by providing medical information such as vital signs, electrocardiograms, etc. in real time. This survey focuses on relevant issues needed to understand how to setup a WBSN for medical emergencies. These issues are: monitoring vital signs and video transmission, energy efficient protocols, scheduling, optimization and energy consumption on a WBSN.
Iterative Precise Conductivity Measurement with IDEs
Authors: Hubálek Jaromír
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a new approach in the field of precise electrolytic conductivity measurements with planar thin- and thick-film electrodes. This novel measuring method was developed for measurement with comb-like electrodes called interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). Correction characteristics over a wide range of specific conductivities were determined from an interface impedance characterization of the thick-film IDEs. The local maximum of the capacitive part of the interface impedance is used for corrections to get linear responses. The measuring frequency was determined at a wide range of measured conductivity. An iteration mode of measurements was suggested to precisely measure the conductivity at the right frequency in order to achieve a highly accurate response. The method takes precise conductivity measurements in concentration ranges from 10−6 to 1 M without electrode cell replacement.
Assessing and Correcting Topographic Effects on Forest Canopy Height Retrieval Using Airborne LiDAR Data
Authors: Duan Zhugeng , Zhao Dan , Zeng Yuan , Zhao Yujin , Wu Bingfang , Zhu Jianjun
Published: May 2015

Topography affects forest canopy height retrieval based on airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data a lot. This paper proposes a method for correcting deviations caused by topography based on individual tree crown segmentation. The point cloud of an individual tree was extracted according to crown boundaries of isolated individual trees from digital orthophoto maps (DOMs). Normalized canopy height was calculated by subtracting the elevation of centres of gravity from the elevation of point cloud. First, individual tree crown boundaries are obtained by carrying out segmentation on the DOM. Second, point clouds of the individual trees are extracted based on the boundaries. Third, precise DEM is derived from the point cloud which is classified by a multi-scale curvature classification algorithm. Finally, a height weighted correction method is applied to correct the topological effects. The method is applied to LiDAR data acquired in South China, and its effectiveness is tested using 41 field survey plots. The results show that the terrain impacts the canopy height of individual trees in that the downslope side of the tree trunk is elevated and the upslope side is depressed. This further affects the extraction of the location and crown of individual trees. A strong correlation was detected between the slope gradient and the proportions of returns with height differences more than 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 m in the total returns, with coefficient of determination R2 of 0.83, 0.76, and 0.60 (n = 41), respectively.
Optimization and Application of Reflective LSPR Optical Fiber Biosensors Based on Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Jiangping , Shi Se , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei , Huang Renliang , Wang Mengfan , Wang Libing , He Zhimin
Published: May 2015

In this study, we developed a reflective localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) optical fiber sensor, based on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). To enhance the sensitivity of the LSPR optical sensor, two key parameters were optimized, the length of the sensing area and the coating time of the Ag NPs. A sensing length of 1.5 cm and a 1-h coating time proved to be suitable conditions to produce highly sensitive sensors for biosensing. The optimized sensor has a high refractive index sensitivity of 387 nm/RIU, which is much higher than that of other reported individual silver nanoparticles in solutions. Moreover, the sensor was further modified with antigen to act as a biosensor. Distinctive wavelength shifts were found after each surface modification step. In addition, the reflective LSPR optical fiber sensor has high reproducibility and stability.
Managing Sustainability Aspects in Renovation Processes: Interview Study and Outline of a Process Model
Authors: Olsson Stefan , Malmqvist Tove , Glaumann Mauritz
Published: May 2015

In many European countries, there are building stocks in need of extensive renovation. This constitutes an important opportunity to perform energy-saving measures and improve indoor environmental quality aiming at a more sustainable built environment. In this paper, we report results from an interview study with the aim of obtaining an in-depth understanding of renovation processes and how sustainability aspects are handled by various Swedish property owners. Examples of important barriers revealed in the interviews are insufficient inspection of existing buildings, absence of both overarching and detailed sustainability targets and guidelines, and lack of knowledge about sustainability aspects. Based on the interview study, conclusions are drawn for the further development of a process model which aims at systematize integration and effectively address energy, environmental, and indoor environmental quality aspects throughout a renovation process; we refer to this as sustainable renovation. Some key starting points for the process model are to suggest routines, provide checklists and tools, and offer guidance for formulating sustainability targets. However, the interviews show that in order to reach a more sustainable built environment, there is a need for government subsidies, other incentives or new business models that value environmental aspects higher.
Influence of Honeybee Sting on Peptidome Profile in Human Serum
Authors: Matysiak Jan , Światły Agata , Hajduk Joanna , Matysiak Joanna , Kokot Zenon
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the serum peptide profiles from honeybee stung and non-stung individuals. Two groups of serum samples obtained from 27 beekeepers were included in our study. The first group of samples was collected within 3 h after a bee sting (stung beekeepers), and the samples were collected from the same person a second time after at least six weeks after the last bee sting (non-stung beekeepers). Peptide profile spectra were determined using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry combined with Omix, ZipTips and magnetic beads based on weak-cation exchange (MB-WCX) enrichment strategies in the mass range of 1–10 kDa. The samples were classified, and discriminative models were established by using the quick classifier, genetic algorithm and supervised neural network algorithms. All of the statistical algorithms used in this study allow distinguishing analyzed groups with high statistical significance, which confirms the influence of honeybee sting on the serum peptidome profile. The results of this study may broaden the understanding of the human organism’s response to honeybee venom. Due to the fact that our pilot study was carried out on relatively small datasets, it is necessary to conduct further proteomic research of the response to honeybee sting on a larger group of samples.
Aquifer Recharge Estimation through Atmospheric Chloride Mass Balance at Las Cañadas Caldera, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Marrero-Diaz Rayco , Alcalá Francisco , Pérez Nemesio , López Dina , Melián Gladys , Padrón Eleazar , Padilla Germán
Published: May 2015

The atmospheric chloride mass balance (CMB) method was used to estimate net aquifer recharge in Las Cañadas Caldera, an endorheic summit aquifer area about 2000 m a.s.l. with negligible surface runoff, which hosts the largest freshwater reserve in Tenerife Island, Canary Islands, Spain. The wet hydrological year 2005–2006 was selected to compare yearly atmospheric chloride bulk deposition and average chloride content in recharge water just above the water table, both deduced from periodical sampling. The potential contribution of chloride to groundwater from endogenous HCl gas may invalidate the CMB method. The chloride-to-bromide molar ratio was an efficient tracer used to select recharge water samples having atmospheric origin of chloride. Yearly net aquifer recharge was 631 mm year−1, i.e., 69% of yearly precipitation. This result is in agreement with potential aquifer recharge estimated through an independent lumped-parameter rainfall-runoff model operated by the Insular Water Council of Tenerife. This paper illustrates basic procedures and routines to use the CMB method for aquifer recharge in active volcanic oceanic islands having sparse-data coverage and groundwater receiving contribution of endogenous halides.
Les marges arides de la Syrie du Nord : prospection géo-archéologique (Arid margins of northern Syria : geo-archeological prospecting)
Authors: Geyer Bernard , Besançon Jacques , Calvet Yves , Debaine F.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - In the steppic zone located between the fertile Crescent and the Syro-Arabic Desert, sedentary occupation went more or less eastwards according to the different periods. Forward and backward movements are studied and explained.
Meditation for Older Adults: A New Look at an Ancient Intervention for Mental Health
Authors: Sorrell Jeanne M.
Published: May 2015

New research is providing health care professionals with evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as an intervention for older adults. Recent studies have provided evidence that meditation results in observable changes in brain structure related to memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress. Health care professionals should consider mindfulness training as a helpful intervention for older adults with problems such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, loneliness, and caregiver burden. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(5), 15–19.]
Image Quality Comparison of Two Multifocal IOLs: Influence of the Pupil
Authors: García-Domene Mari Carmen , Felipe Adelina , Peris-Martínez Cristina , Navea Amparo , Artigas Jose M. , Pons Álvaro M.
Published: May 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the effect of pupil size on image quality of a sectorial multifocal intraocular lens (IOL), the Lentis Mplus (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany), and the Acri.LISA IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany).

METHODS:

The authors measured the MTFs of the Lentis Mplus LS-312 IOL and the Acri.LISA 366D IOL with three different sizes of pupil diameters: 3, 4, and 5 mm. The MTF was calculated from the cross-line spread function recorded with the OPAL Vector System (Image Science Ltd., Oxford, UK) by using fast Fourier-transform techniques.

RESULTS:

In distance focus, the image quality provided by the Lentis Mplus IOL was better than that of the Acri. LISA IOL with all pupil diameters. In near focus, the MTF of the Acri.LISA IOL was better with a 3-mm pupil, but poor with larger pupils. The aberration effect was equal in both IOLs in distance focus, but in near focus and with a 3-mm pupil, the Acri.LISA IOL was less affected by the aberration than the Lentis Mplus IOL.

CONCLUSION:

The Lentis Mplus IOL provides better distance image quality than the Acri.LISA IOL, whereas the near image quality of the Acri.LISA IOL is better with small-pupil diameter. The sectorial design makes this IOL more suitable for patients with a pupil diameter greater than 3 mm.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2015;31(4):230–235.]
Molecular composition of fresh and aged secondary organic aerosol from a mixture of biogenic volatile compounds: a high-resolution mass spectrometry study
Authors: Kourtchev I. , Doussin J.-F. , Giorio C. , Mahon B. , Wilson E. M. , Maurin N. , Pangui E. , Venables D. S. , Wenger J. C. , Kalberer M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Field observations over the past decade indicate that a significant fraction of organic aerosol in remote areas may contain highly oxidized molecules. Aerosol processing or further oxidation (aging) of organic aerosol has been suggested to be responsible for their formation through heterogeneous reaction with oxidants and multigenerational oxidation of vapours by OH radicals. In this study we investigated the influence of several aging processes on the molecular composition of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) using direct infusion and liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. SOA was formed in simulation chamber experiments from ozonolysis of a mixture of four biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC): α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene and isoprene. The SOA was subsequently aged under three different sets of conditions: in the dark in the presence of residual ozone, with UV irradiation and OH radicals, and using UV light only. Among all studied conditions, only OH radical-initiated aging was found to influence the molecular composition of the aerosol and showed an increase in carbon oxidation state (OSC) and elemental O / C ratios of the SOA components. None of the aging processes produced an observable effect on the oligomers formed from ozonolysis of the BVOC mixture, which were found to be equally abundant in both "fresh" and "aged" SOA. Additional experiments using α-pinene as the sole precursor demonstrated that oligomers are an important group of compounds in SOA produced from both ozonolysis and OH radical-initiated oxidation processes; however, a completely different set of oligomers is formed under these two oxidation regimes. SOA from the OH-initiated oxidation of α-pinene had a significantly higher overall OSC and O / C compared to that from pure ozonolysis experiments confirming that the OH radical reaction is more likely to be responsible for the occurrence of highly oxidized species in ambient biogenic SOA.
Quantifying contributions to the recent temperature variability in the tropical tropopause layer
Authors: Wang W. , Matthes K. , Schmidt T.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The recently observed variability in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL), which features a warming of 0.9 K over the past decade (2001–2011), is investigated with a number of sensitivity experiments from simulations with NCAR's CESM-WACCM chemistry–climate model. The experiments have been designed to specifically quantify the contributions from natural as well as anthropogenic factors, such as solar variability (Solar), sea surface temperatures (SSTs), the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), stratospheric aerosols (Aerosol), greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the dependence on the vertical resolution in the model. The results show that, in the TTL from 2001 through 2011, a cooling in tropical SSTs leads to a weakening of tropical upwelling around the tropical tropopause and hence relative downwelling and adiabatic warming of 0.3 K decade-1; stronger QBO westerlies result in a 0.2 K decade-1 warming; increasing aerosols in the lower stratosphere lead to a 0.2 K decade-1 warming; a prolonged solar minimum contributes about 0.2 K decade-1 to a cooling; and increased GHGs have no significant influence. Considering all the factors mentioned above, we compute a net 0.5 K decade-1 warming, which is less than the observed 0.9 K decade-1 warming over the past decade in the TTL. Two simulations with different vertical resolution show that, with higher vertical resolution, an extra 0.8 K decade-1 warming can be simulated through the last decade compared with results from the "standard" low vertical resolution simulation. Model results indicate that the recent warming in the TTL is partly caused by stratospheric aerosols and mainly due to internal variability, i.e. the QBO and tropical SSTs. The vertical resolution can also strongly influence the TTL temperature response in addition to variability in the QBO and SSTs.
La música práctica en san Agustín: "vestigium" y "signum"
Authors: Prada Dussán Maximiliano
Published: May 2015

En distintos momentos de su producción intelectual, Agustín se refirió al asunto de la música. En este artículo mostraremos que Agustín uso dos esquemas conceptuales distintos para describir el fenómeno de la música práctica en su relación con el mundo espiritual, el esquema de las Artes Liberales y el de la teoría del signo, y que en virtud de ello la música sería concebida de dos modos diferentes: como vestigium y como signum del mundo espiritual, respectivamente. Al final del artículo analizaremos la diferencia entre las dos concepciones considerando tres elementos: la naturaleza de la relación entre mundo material y espiritual, el contenido espiritual al que remite y la noción de belleza que implica.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques del Baix Camp i del Priorat: des del Coll Roig de Pratdip, a Pratdip, Colldejou i a la Torre de la Fontaubella
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 6 d’abril de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà, en la seva major part pel Sistema Mediterrani (i més concretament per la seva subunitat més interna, la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana). Així, discorrerà pràcticament entre les immediacions de la localitat de Pratdip (Baix Camp) i les proximitats de la de la Torre de Fontaubella (Priorat).   Així doncs, el recorregut de l´itinerari s´iniciarà a la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana, per la qual es circularà, en tota la resta del recorregut, entre les immediacions de les dues localitats abans esmentades. Per altra banda el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre de la comarca del Baix Camp (a Pratdip), per a finalitzar a la comarca del Priorat (per les immediacions de Falset). Es passarà de la primera a la segona comarca al Coll Roig, entre Colldejou i la Torre de la Fontaubella.
Apunts per a un recorregut de recerca de geologia ambiental per les comarques de l´Urgell, Pla d´Urgell i Segrià: des de Bellpuig a Castellnou de Seana, Vila-Sana, Termens i a Vilanova de la Barca
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 15 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat pel Sistema Mediterrani, i més concretament per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (la seva unitat més externa). Així doncs, la quasi totalitat del recorregut per les vessants SE del Farell, per aquesta unitat geològica. Per altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà sols per la comarca del Vallès Occidental, pel terme de Sentmenat, en la seva totalitat, també.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Pallars Sobirà: des del Coll de Triador, a Entremonts, al Pas de Mainera, a la Portella i alColl d´Eixol
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 12 d'octubre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc. Això si, discorrerà sempre el seu recorregut per la Zona Axial Pirinenca (en concret per la denominada Unitat dels Apilaments de la Zona Axial).Així, tots els materials que anirem trobant en aquest recorregut seran paleozoics, fonamentalment de l´Ordovicià. Tot i això, molt sovint aquests materials els trobarem recoberts per sediments del Pleistocè i de l´Holocè, que molt sovint corresponen als sediments detrítics d´origen glacial: és a dir a les morrenes. També corresponen als sediments fluvials de la Noguera Pallaresa i dels seus diferents afluents.Per altra banda, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà íntegrament per una sola comarca, concretament per la del Pallars Sobirà, de la Regió de Tremp (o de Tremp-Seu d´Urgell). Al mateix temps, part del recorregut transitarà pel Parc Nacional d´Aigües Tortes, especialment pels voltants del Montsent de Pallars i del Montorroio.
Sampublisering mellom Det helsevitenskapelige fakultet ved UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge HF og Nordlandssykehuset HF 2012–2014
Authors: Frantsvåg Jan Erik
Published: May 2015

En analyse av sampublisering mellom store aktører i nord-norsk helseforskning
Effects of Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Spinal Pseudarthrosis Created by Nicotine Administration
Authors: Liao Jen-Chung , Chen Wen-Jer , Niu Chi-Chien , Chen Lih-Hui
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (US) can enhance spinal fusion and fracture healing; however, its effect on spinal pseudarthrosis has not been reported in the literature. We hypothesized that low‐intensity pulsed US could overcome spinal pseudarthrosis created by nicotine administration.

Methods

Thirty‐two rabbits underwent posterolateral fusion with an iliac bone graft and nicotine administration. At 5 weeks, the spines were examined by computed tomography (CT) to determine the presence of pseudarthrosis. All rabbits with pseudarthrosis were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D according to treatment: no second graft, iliac autograft only, low‐intensity pulsed US only, and iliac autograft and low‐intensity pulsed US, respectively. At 10 weeks, the rabbits were euthanized, and the specimens were assessed with radiography, CT, manual palpation, and histologic analysis.

Results

One rabbit was lost because of severe infection. Twenty‐seven (87%) had pseudarthrosis on CT at 5 weeks. On manual palpation at 10 weeks, the fusion rates were 0%, 29%, 0%, and 57% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Group D had highest radiographic scores (mean ± SD, 2.87 ± 0.92), and the difference was statistically significant compared to the other groups (P < .001). Computed tomography confirmed that group D had the most fused segments at 10 weeks. Histologic specimens from group D also showed the most mature bone formation inside the fusion mass.

Conclusions

Low‐intensity pulsed US can enhance spinal fusion but cannot overcome spinal pseudarthrosis created by nicotine administration. Stopping nicotine consumption or administering a more powerful bone substitute might be an alternative method for overcoming spinal pseudarthrosis.