bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetization of aminated lignin and characterization
Authors: Qiu Xueqing , Ma Yingzhi , Zheng Dafeng
Published: February 2019

A magnetic lignin-based nanomaterial (MLN) was prepared from alkaline lignin through an amination and precipitation strategy and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and vibrating sample magnetometer
(VSM). The results illustrated that MLN was thermostable and had an extensive degree of aminated lignin coating. The specific surface area of MLN was 65.43 m2/g, with the total pore volume of 0.311 cm3/g. The zeta potential of MLN was positive when pH was less than 2.9, and the saturation magnetization was 50.8 emu/g. The characterization data discovered that the physico-chemical properties of MLN were helpful for the adsorption application.
Structural analysis of poplar and Masson pine lignocresols and comparison of their bovine serum albumin adsorption characteristics
Authors: Zhu Lulu , Feng Zhang , Xu Dongliang , Fang Guigan , Ren Hao
Published: February 2019

In this study, poplar and Masson pine trees were used as raw materials to examine the structural characteristics of lignin that had been isolated with a phase separation system. Following phase separation, the structure of lignocresol (LC) was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-performance gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, and two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (2D HSQC NMR) spectroscopy. Phase separation made it possible to analyze the proportions and the differences between various structural units in the isolated lignin, as well as the types of linkages between them. In-situ and real-time monitoring of the adsorption and desorption properties of the LC membranes were conducted with a bovine serum albumin (BSA) assay and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D). Our findings revealed that the LC membrane of Masson pine adsorbed more BSA than that of poplar, indicating Masson pine LC molecules were more hydrophobic due to a higher proportion of guaiacyl (G)-type lignin units.
Synthesis and characterization of novel foams by pyrolysis of lignin
Authors: Gupta Surojit , Dey Maharshi , Matzke Caleb , Ellis Grant , Javaid Sabah , Hall Kathryn , Ji Yun , Payne Scott
Published: February 2019

We report the synthesis and characterization of lignin-based foams by pyrolyzing cold pressed lignin compacts at 300°C, 500°C, 700°C, and 900°C in an argon (Ar) atmosphere. Detailed thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and microstucture analysis was performed on these samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray tomography analysis showed that all the foams had cellular structure, and had a total porosity of 93.3%, 94.5%, 93.9%, and 93.4% after pyrolysis at 300°C, 500°C, 700°C, and 900°C, respectively. Comparatively, the fraction of open porosity of the total porosity increased from 89.7% at 300°C to 97.1% and 98.1% at 500°C and 700°C, respectively, and then decreased to 93.0 % at 900°C. The averaged ultimate compressive strength (UCS) of the foams fabricated at 300°C was ~0.77 MPa. It decreased to ~0.49 MPa at 500°C, after which it increased to ~0.95 MPa at 700°C and then retained similar strength at 900°C. Detailed FTIR analysis showed a decreased in intensity of peaks for all the samples fabricated at higher temperatures, which was further correlated with changes in lignin molecular structure. By analyzing TGA, TMA, FTIR, and microstructure, a novel mechanism for designing lignin-based cellular solids has been proposed in this work. The wettability study by sessile drop test showed that the foams are hydrophobic after pyrolyzing at 300°C and 500°C, after which the compacts became hydrophilic after pyrolyzing at 700°C and 900°C, respectively.
PENGARUH REWARD DAN KEPUASAN KERJA TERHADAP MOTIVASI DAN KINERJA PERAWAT
Authors: Isnainy Usastiawaty Cik Ayu Saadiah , Nugraha Andri
Published: February 2019

REWARD, JOB SATISFACTION, MOTIVATION AND JOB PERFORMANCE AMONG NURSING STAFF Background: Nurse performance is the activity of the nurses in implementing their authority, duties and responsibilities as well as possible. From the results of prasurvey, obtained the result of temporary analysis the low performance of nurses was suspected due to job satisfaction, reward system, motivation of the nurse.Purpose: These study to known the influence of Reward and Job Satisfaction To Motivation and Performance of Nurses at Pertamina Bintang Amin Hospital Bandar Lampung.Methods: This was quantitative study with analytical design and cross sectional approach. This research was conducted since February to March 2018. Data analysis was done trough path analysis (Path Analysis).Results: showed there is significant influence of reward (p-value:0.048), job satisfaction (p-value:0.001) and motivation (p-value:0.000) to nurse performance. Value of coefficient beta reward ( 0.105), nurse satisfaction (0.311) and motivation (0.609) to nurse performance.Conclusion: Hospital institutions need to increase nurses motivation, so nurses always have good performance by providing intensive to nurses who work overtime and have good performance, facilitating the need for nurses to create job satisfaction, as well as providing support to continue education.Pendahuluan: Kinerja perawat adalah aktivitas perawat dalam mengimplementasikan sebaik–baiknya suatu wewenang, tugas dan tanggung jawabnya. Dari hasil prasurvey didapatkan hasil  analisis sementara rendahnya kinerja perawat diduga  terletak pada kepuasan kerja, sistem penghargaan, motivasi kerja perawat tersebut. Tujuan: Diketahui pengaruh Reward dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Motivasi dan Kinerja Perawat di Rumah Sakit Pertamina Bintang  Amin Bandar Lampung.Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan rancangan analitik pendekatan cross sectional, dan telah dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari sampai Maret 2018. Analisa data menggunakanan alisis jalur (Path Analysis).Hasil: ada pengaruh signifikan antara Reward (p-value:0.048), Kepuasan Kerja (p-value:0.001), dan Motivasi (p-value:0.000) terhadap Kinerja perawat. Diketahui ada pengaruh positif antara Reward (beta:0.105), Kepuasan Kerja (beta:0.311) dan Motivasi (0.609) terhadap Kinerja.Kesimpulan: Institusi pelayanan keperawatan di Rumah Sakit melalui bidang keperawatan bekerjasama dengan pihak manajemen rumah sakit perlu meningkatkan motivasi kepada perawat, agar perawat selalu memiliki kinerja yang baik. Memfasilitasi kebutuhan perawat agar bisa menciptakan kepuasan kerja, serta mendukung perawat pelaksana melanjutkan pendidikan.
EFFECT OF LEVEL OF AMPUTATION ON POSTURAL STEADINESS AMONG LOWER EXTREMITY AMPUTEES
Authors: Medema Arianna , Henness Douglas , Steinhorst Kendra , Moauro Robert , Reuland Michael , Whelan Robert , Kester Shawna , Bateni Hamid
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Increased rate of fall, reduced balance confidence and increased fear of falling is reported for lower extremity amputees.1 Fall rate also increases at higher levels of amputation1. This study aims to compare postural steadiness of different levels of lower extremity amputees through comparison of time and frequency domain variables of postural sway.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32015/24434

How to cite:  Medema A, Henness D, Steinhorst K, Moauro R, Reuland M, Whelan R, Kester S, Bateni H. EFFECT OF LEVEL OF AMPUTATION ON POSTURAL STEADINESS AMONG LOWER EXTREMITY AMPUTEES. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32015

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
JAPANESE TRANSLATION OF THE PROSTHETIC LIMB USERS SURVEY OF MOBILITY
Authors: Balkman Geoffrey , Samejima Soshi , Aoki David , Hafner Brian J.
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used by prosthetists to assess and communicate effectiveness of prosthetic interventions. The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) is a PROM developed to evaluate lower limb prosthetic mobility.1 Valid and reliable translations of prosthetics-specific PROMs, like PLUS-M, do not exist for Japanese-speaking patients. The purpose of this research was to translate PLUS-M to Japanese using rigorous translation guidelines in order to maintain the meaning and applicability of items across both languages.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32017/24436

How to cite: Balkman G, Samejima S, Aoki D, Hafner B.J. JAPANESE TRANSLATION OF THE PROSTHETIC LIMB USERS SURVEY OF MOBILITY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32017

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
ESTABLISHING THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE COMPONENT TIMED-UP-AND-GO TEST TO DETERMINE BASIC PROSTHETIC MOBILITY IN PEOPLE WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION
Authors: Clemens Sheila , Gaunaurd Ignacio , Lucarevic Jennifer , Klute Glenn , Kirk-Sanchez Neva , Bennett Christopher , Gailey Robert
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Studies suggest that brief bouts of activity consisting of sit-to-stand transitions, gait initiation, turning and negotiation of obstacles, are essential tasks of daily mobility, as well as prosthetic mobility1,2. Using outcome measures deemed reliable for use in the amputee population is ideal3,4. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a component timed-up-and-go test (cTUG), using a mobile application (App), to evaluate basic prosthetic mobility tasks in people with lower limb amputation (LLA). The cTUG captures time required to perform the subtask components of sit to stand transitions, linear gait, and a 180˚ turn that are requisites of the standard TUG test. It was hypothesized that the cTUG would demonstrate test-retest reliability, differentiate between groups based on anatomical level of amputation, and exhibit convergent validity with other measures of prosthetic mobility and balance.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32036/24452

How to cite: Clemens S, Gaunaurd I, Lucarevic J, Klute G, Kirk-Sanchez N, Bennett C, Gailey R. ESTABLISHING THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE COMPONENT TIMED-UP-AND-GO TEST TO DETERMINE BASIC PROSTHETIC MOBILITY IN PEOPLE WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32036

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the AOPA 2018 National Assembly Scientific Committee.
WHAT IN THE “HEEL” DO THEY FEEL? 15303
Authors: Smith Megan
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

A typical gait pattern includes a heel strike, followed by a smooth transition to foot flat through loading response. Children with poor postural control and related gait deficits often present with anterior weight lines, which result in loss of first rocker and/or a fast transition from initial contact to footflat. The foot has many important jobs, including providing proprioceptive feedback. There are 104 cutaneous mechanoreceptors on the plantar surface of the foot.1 While most of the sensors are in the metatarsal/tarsal and toe regions, we cannot forget the role of the mechanoreceptors in the heel.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32044/24458

How to cite: Smith M.  WHAT IN THE “HEEL” DO THEY FEEL? 15303. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32044

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL CHOICE AND PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC
Authors: Sabeti Shadi , Raschke Silvia Ursula , Mattie Johanne
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

The most important aspect of a lower extremity prosthesis is the socket. The socket is the interface between the human and the mechanical support system1. There are different methods for producing prosthetic sockets. The traditional method requires a skilled prosthetist and is time consuming 2, 3. Using 3D printing technology for manufacturing prosthetic sockets promises to speed up the fabrication process and reduce materials and time cost significantly. 3D Printed prosthetic sockets have to potential to increase socket strength and durability. This paper investigates the effect of material choices and printing process parameters on the mechanical strength of 3D printed trans-tibial sockets.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32160/24510

How to cite: Sabeti S, Raschke S.U, Mattie J. THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL CHOICE AND PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32160

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
El derecho de separación por falta de distribución de dividendos en el derecho de sociedades español
Authors: Martínez Muñoz Miguel
Published: February 2019

Este trabajo pretende analizar el derecho de separación en el Derecho de Sociedades español, el cual se presenta en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico como el mecanismo de defensa natural que tienen los socios en las sociedades de capital frente a la opresión y al abuso de derecho ejercitado por los socios mayoritarios, así como la regulación establecida para el caso concreto de la falta de distribución de dividendos. La configuración actual del derecho de separación presenta ineficiencias en la medida en que las causas legales y estatutarias de separación no son suficientes para cubrir todos los supuestos que pueden presentarse, siendo necesario abordar esta problemática.
Hadron physics in magnetic fields
Authors: Andreichikov M A , Kerbikov B O , Simonov Yu A
Published: February 2019

We propose a new approach to exploring relativistic compound systems in an external magnetic field. A relativistic Hamiltonian that includes confinement, one-gluon exchange, and spin–spin interaction has been obtained applying the path integral formalism. The masses of the quark–antiquark states that correspond at zero magnetic field to the ρ- and π-meson and neutron mass have been calculated as a function of the magnetic field. The most interesting phenomena occur in superstrong magnetic fields on the order of 1018 − 1020 G that emerge for a short time in peripheral collisions of relativistic heavy ions.
Charge exchange injection into accelerators and storage rings
Authors: Dudnikov V G
Published: February 2019

The development of charge exchange injection technology at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, mastering charge exchange injection at research centers worldwide, and the experimental observation, explanation, and damping of electron–proton instability (electron cloud effect) are overviewed. Techniques for preparing a circulating proton beam whose intensity is an order of magnitude higher than the space-charge limit are considered. Problems with stripping-foil stability in the process of injection of intense beams and laser ionization of accelerated atoms are also discussed.
Peptide Mediated Antimicrobial Dental Adhesive System
Authors: Xie Sheng-Xue , Boone Kyle , VanOosten Sarah Kay , Yuca Esra , Song Linyong , Ge Xueping , Ye Qiang , Spencer Paulette , Tamerler Candan
Published: February 2019

The most common cause for dental composite failures is secondary caries due to invasive bacterial colonization of the adhesive/dentin (a/d) interface. Innate material weakness often lead to an insufficient seal between the adhesive and dentin. Consequently, bacterial by-products invade the porous a/d interface leading to material degradation and dental caries. Current approaches to achieve antibacterial properties in these materials continue to raise concerns regarding hypersensitivity and antibiotic resistance. Herein, we have developed a multi-faceted, bio-functionalized approach to overcome the vulnerability of such interfaces. An antimicrobial adhesive formulation was designed using a combination of antimicrobial peptide and a ε-polylysine resin system. Effector molecules boasting innate immunity are brought together with a biopolymer offering a two-fold biomimetic design approach. The selection of ε-polylysine was inspired due to its non-toxic nature and common use as food preservative. Biomolecular characterization and functional activity of our engineered dental adhesive formulation were assessed and the combinatorial formulation demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans. Our antimicrobial peptide-hydrophilic adhesive hybrid system design offers advanced, biofunctional properties at the critical a/d interface.
The Wettability and Numerical Model of Different Silicon Microstructural Surfaces
Authors: Han Shuang , Yang Runhua , Li Chaobo , Yang Lixin
Published: February 2019

Wettability is an important property of solid surfaces and is widely used in many industries. In this work, seven silicon microstructure surfaces were made by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) technology. The experimental contact angles and theoretical contact angles of various surfaces were compared, which indicated that the classical theory had great limitations in predicting the static contact angles of complex structures. A parameterized microstructure surface was established by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with a volume-of-fluid (VOF) model to analyze the reasons for the differences between experimental and theoretical contact angles. Comparing the results of experiments and simulations, it was found that the VOF model can simulate the contact angle of these surfaces very well. The geometrical models of the different microstructures were simplified, and waveforms of the surfaces were obtained.
Impact of Interactions between Ferulic and Chlorogenic Acids on Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Lipids Oxidation: An Example of Bread Enriched with Green Coffee Flour
Authors: Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Bryda Jarosław , Dziki Dariusz , Świeca Michał , Habza-Kowalska Ewa , Złotek Urszula
Published: February 2019

This study investigated the activity, mode of inhibition, and interactions between lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors and compounds able to inhibit lipids oxidation (LPO) derived from green coffee beans (GCBs), wholemeal wheat flour (WF), and bread enriched with GCB, in comparison with pure chemical standards of the main active components—ferulic (FA) and chlorogenic acids (CGA). Both GCB and WF contain potentially bioaccessible and bioavailable LPO inhibitors acting synergistically. Both FA and CGA presented nearly additive interaction. Potentially bioaccessible LOX inhibitors from GCB and WF acted synergistically, whereas moderate antagonism was found for potentially bioavailable compounds. The activity of CGA and FA was quite similar (EC50 = 18.56 and 22.36 μg DW/mL, respectively) and synergistic action between these components was found. The LPO activity of functional breads was positively correlated with the percentage of GCB (R2 = 0.98). Ferulic acid and CGA acted as competitive LOX inhibitors, whereas potentially bioaccessible compounds from bread enriched with GCB demonstrated an uncompetitive mode of action. Green coffee beans, WF, and the proposed functional product could be helpful in dietary therapy and prevention of so-called lifestyle disorders related with the lipid metabolism. Moreover, this paper highlights the need to study the interactions between the active ingredients of newly designed functional products.
Marginal Benefit to South Asian Economies from SO2 Emissions Mitigation and Subsequent Increase in Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Glensor Kain , Harris Neil R.P.
Published: February 2019

Sulphate aerosols are dominated by SO2 emissions from coal-burning for the Indian electricity sector and they are thought to have a short term but significant, negative impact on South Asian Summer Monsoon rainfall. This reduction in precipitation in turn can lead to reduced economic outputs, primarily through smaller agricultural yields. By bringing together estimates of (a) the impact of sulphate aerosols on precipitation and (b) the observed relationship between monsoon rainfall and GDP, we present a methodology to estimate the possible financial cost of this effect on the Indian economy and on its agricultural sector. Our preliminary estimate is that the derived benefits could be large enough that around 50% of India’s SO2 emissions could be economically mitigated at no cost or net benefit, although it should be noted that the large uncertainties in the underlying relationships mean that the overall uncertainty is also large. Comparison of the 1952–1981 and 1982–2011 periods indicates that the Indian economy may now be more resilient to variability of the monsoon rainfall. As such, a case could be made for action to reduce SO2 emissions, particularly in the crucial monsoon period. This would have a significant, positive effect on a crucial and large sector in India’s economy and the effects would be visible almost instantly. The recent growth in renewable energy sources in India and the consequent, reduced increase in coal burning means that further financial costs have already been avoided. This impact should be further investigated so that it can be included in cost-benefit analyses of different fuel types in the region. The significant uncertainties associated with these calculations are discussed.
HER2-Targeted Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Cause Therapy-Induced-Senescence in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: McDermott Martina S. J. , Conlon Neil , Browne Brigid C. , Szabo Adam , Synnott Naoise C. , O’Brien Neil A. , Duffy Michael J. , Crown John , O’Donovan Norma
Published: February 2019

Prolonged treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer cells with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) leads to the emergence of acquired resistance. However, the effects of continuous TKI exposure on cell fate, and the steps leading to the acquisition of a resistant phenotype are poorly understood. To explore this, we exposed five HER2 positive cells lines to HER2 targeted therapies for periods of up to 4 weeks and examined senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity together with additional markers of senescence. We found that lapatinib treatment resulted in phenotypic alterations consistent with a senescent phenotype and strong SA-β-gal activity in HER2-positive cell lines. Lapatinib-induced senescence was associated with elevated levels of p15 and p27 but was not dependent on the expression of p16 or p21. Restoring wild type p53 activity either by transfection or by treatment with APR-246, a molecule which reactivates mutant p53, blocked lapatinib-induced senescence and caused increased cell death. In contrast to lapatinib, SA-β-gal activity was not induced by exposing the cells to trastuzumab as a single agent but co-administration of lapatinib and trastuzumab induced senescence, as did treatment of the cells with the irreversible HER2 TKIs neratinib and afatinib. Neratinib- and afatinib-induced senescence was not reversed by removing the drug whereas lapatinib-induced senescence was reversible. In summary, therapy-induced senescence represents a novel mechanism of action of HER2 targeting agents and may be a potential pathway for the emergence of resistance.
Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of Ga Doped and Ag Doped ZnO Nanorods for Water Treatment
Authors: Cardoza-Contreras Marlene N. , Vásquez-Gallegos Adrián , Vidal-Limon Abraham , Romo-Herrera José M. , Águila Sergio , Contreras Oscar E.
Published: February 2019

Water contamination is a worldwide concerning problem. Emerging contaminants have made conventional water treatment processes ineffective. This makes the search for new materials with improved physical-chemical properties for water treatment an urgent necessity. Doping metal oxides nanostructures can improve the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants and the antimicrobial activity of the material. During this process, water treatment not only involves the degradation of toxic pollutants, but also the elimination of virus and bacteria. Then, it is important to study not only the effect of a dopant in a material as photocatalyst but also the effect in its antimicrobial properties. In this work ZnO nanorods, Ga doped ZnO nanorods and Ag doped ZnO nanorods are synthesized and supported in polyethylene by a fast-hydrothermal microwave heating synthesis. Their photocatalytic performance and antimicrobial properties for water treatment were evaluated. Experiments show that Ag and Ga can improve the photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of ZnO nanorods; the relationship between doping concentrations, with both the toxicity effect of the nanorods toward bacteria and the nanorods photocatalytic performance, is shown.
Accelerated H2 Evolution during Microbial Electrosynthesis with Sporomusa ovata
Authors: Tremblay Pier-Luc , Faraghiparapari Neda , Zhang Tian
Published: February 2019

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a process where bacteria acquire electrons from a cathode to convert CO2 into multicarbon compounds or methane. In MES with Sporomusa ovata as the microbial catalyst, cathode potential has often been used as a benchmark to determine whether electron uptake is hydrogen-dependent. In this study, H2 was detected by a microsensor in proximity to the cathode. With a sterile fresh medium, H2 was produced at a potential of −700 mV versus Ag/AgCl, whereas H2 was detected at −500 mV versus Ag/AgCl with cell-free spent medium from a S. ovata culture. Furthermore, H2 evolution rates were increased with potentials lower than −500 mV in the presence of cell-free spent medium in the cathode chamber. Nickel and cobalt were detected at the cathode surface after exposure to the spent medium, suggesting a possible participation of these catalytic metals in the observed faster hydrogen evolution. The results presented here show that S. ovata-induced alterations of the cathodic electrolytes of a MES reactor reduced the electrical energy required for hydrogen evolution. These observations also indicated that, even at higher cathode potentials, at least a part of the electrons coming from the electrode are transferred to S. ovata via H2 during MES.
Inorganic, Organic, and Perovskite Halides with Nanotechnology for High–Light Yield X- and γ-ray Scintillators
Authors: Maddalena Francesco , Tjahjana Liliana , Xie Aozhen , Arramel  , Zeng Shuwen , Wang Hong , Coquet Philippe , Drozdowski Winicjusz , Dujardin Christophe , Dang Cuong , Birowosuto Muhammad
Published: February 2019

Trends in scintillators that are used in many applications, such as medical imaging, security, oil-logging, high energy physics and non-destructive inspections are reviewed. First, we address traditional inorganic and organic scintillators with respect of limitation in the scintillation light yields and lifetimes. The combination of high–light yield and fast response can be found in Ce 3 + , Pr 3 + and Nd 3 + lanthanide-doped scintillators while the maximum light yield conversion of 100,000 photons/MeV can be found in Eu 3 + doped SrI 2 . However, the fabrication of those lanthanide-doped scintillators is inefficient and expensive as it requires high-temperature furnaces. A self-grown single crystal using solution processes is already introduced in perovskite photovoltaic technology and it can be the key for low-cost scintillators. A novel class of materials in scintillation includes lead halide perovskites. These materials were explored decades ago due to the large X-ray absorption cross section. However, lately lead halide perovskites have become a focus of interest due to recently reported very high photoluminescence quantum yield and light yield conversion at low temperatures. In principle, 150,000–300,000 photons/MeV light yields can be proportional to the small energy bandgap of these materials, which is below 2 eV. Finally, we discuss the extraction efficiency improvements through the fabrication of the nanostructure in scintillators, which can be implemented in perovskite materials. The recent technology involving quantum dots and nanocrystals may also improve light conversion in perovskite scintillators.
Pre- and Post-Processing Algorithms with Deep Learning Classifier for Wi-Fi Fingerprint-Based Indoor Positioning
Authors: Haider Amir , Wei Yiqiao , Liu Shuzhi , Hwang Seung-Hoon
Published: February 2019

To accommodate the rapidly increasing demand for connected infrastructure, automation for industrial sites and building smart cities, the development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions is considered one of the major trends in modern day industrial revolution. In particular, providing high precision indoor positioning services for such applications is a key challenge. Wi-Fi fingerprint-based indoor positioning systems have been adapted as promising candidates for such applications. The performance of such indoor positioning systems degrade drastically due to several impairments like noisy datasets, high variation in Wi-Fi signals over time, fading of Wi-Fi signals due to multipath propagation caused by hurdles, people walking in the area under consideration and the addition/removal of Wi-Fi access points (APs). In this paper, we propose data pre- and post-processing algorithms with deep learning classifiers for Wi-Fi fingerprint-based indoor positioning, in order to provide immunity against limitations in the database and the indoor environment. In addition, we investigate the performance of the proposed system through simulation as well as extensive experiments. The results demonstrate that the pre-processing algorithm can efficiently fill in the missing Wi-Fi received signal strength fingerprints in the database, resulting in a success rate of 88.96% in simulation and 86.61% in a real-time experiment. The post-processing algorithm can improve the results from 9.05–10.94% for the conducted experiments, providing the highest success rate of 95.94% with a precision of 4 m for Wi-Fi fingerprint-based indoor positioning.
Control Strategies of Mitigating Dead-time Effect on Power Converters: An Overview
Authors: Ji Yi , Yang Yong , Zhou Jiale , Ding Hao , Guo Xiaoqiang , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar
Published: February 2019

To prevent short-circuits between the upper and lower switches of power converters from over-current protection, the dead time is mandatory in the switching gating signal for voltage source converters. However, this results in many negative effects on system operations, such as output voltage and current distortions (e.g., increased level of fifth and seventh harmonics), zero-current-clamping phenomenon, and output fundamental-frequency voltage reduction. Many solutions have been presented to cope with this problem. First, the dead-time effect is analyzed by taking into account factors such as the zero-clamping phenomenon, voltage drops on diodes and transistors, and the parameters of inverter loads, as well as the parasitic nature of semiconductor switches. Second, the state-of-the-art dead-time compensation algorithms are presented in this paper. Third, the advantages and disadvantages of existing algorithms are discussed, together with the future trends of dead-time compensation algorithms. This article provides a complete scenario of dead-time compensation with control strategies for voltage source converters for researchers to identify suitable solutions based on demand and application.
Neptunium(V) and Uranium(VI) Reactions at the Magnetite (111) Surface
Authors: Bots Pieter , van Veelen Arjen , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Muryn Christopher , Wogelius Roy A. , Morris Katherine
Published: February 2019

Neptunium and uranium are important radionuclides in many aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle and are often present in radioactive wastes which require long term management. Understanding the environmental behaviour and mobility of these actinides is essential in underpinning remediation strategies and safety assessments for wastes containing these radionuclides. By combining state-of-the-art X-ray techniques (synchrotron-based Grazing Incidence XAS, and XPS) with wet chemistry techniques (ICP-MS, liquid scintillation counting and UV-Vis spectroscopy), we determined that contrary to uranium(VI), neptunium(V) interaction with magnetite is not significantly affected by the presence of bicarbonate. Uranium interactions with a magnetite surface resulted in XAS and XPS signals dominated by surface complexes of U(VI), while neptunium on the surface of magnetite was dominated by Np(IV) species. UV-Vis spectroscopy on the aqueous Np(V) species before and after interaction with magnetite showed different speciation due to the presence of carbonate. Interestingly, in the presence of bicarbonate after equilibration with magnetite, an unknown aqueous NpO2+ species was detected using UV-Vis spectroscopy, which we postulate is a ternary complex of Np(V) with carbonate and (likely) an iron species. Regardless, the Np speciation in the aqueous phase (Np(V)) and on the magnetite (111) surfaces (Np(IV)) indicate that with and without bicarbonate the interaction of Np(V) with magnetite proceeds via a surface mediated reduction mechanism. Overall, the results presented highlight the differences between uranium and neptunium interaction with magnetite, and reaffirm the potential importance of bicarbonate present in the aqueous phase.
Spirit-Quieting Traditional Chinese Medicine May Improve Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients with Depression
Authors: Lin Po-Hung , Lin Shun-Ku , Hsu Ren-Jun , Pang See-Tong , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Chang Ying-Hsu , Liu Jui-Ming
Published: February 2019

Depression is associated with higher mortality in prostate cancer. However, whether traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for depression improves outcomes in patients with prostate cancer is unclear. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between TCM for depression and mortality in patients with prostate cancer. During the period 1998–2012, a total of 248 prostate cancer patients in Taiwan with depression were enrolled and divided into three groups: TCM for depression (n = 81, 32.7%), TCM for other purposes (n = 53, 21.3%), and no TCM (n = 114, 46.0%). During a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 12 (14.8%), 13 (24.5%), and 36 (31.6%) deaths occurred in the TCM for depression, TCM for other purposes, and no TCM groups, respectively. After adjusting age at diagnosis, urbanization, insured amount, comorbidity disease, and prostate cancer type, TCM for depression was associated with a significantly lower risk of overall mortality based on a multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional-hazards model (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.85, p = 0.02) and Kaplan–Meier survival curve (log-rank test, p = 0.0055) compared to no TCM. In conclusion, TCM for depression may have a positive association with the survival of prostate cancer patients with depression.
Splenic Artery Aneurysms, a Rare Complication of Type 1 Gaucher Disease: Report of Five Cases
Authors: Serratrice Christine , Cox Timothy M. , Leguy-Seguin Vanessa , Morris Elizabeth , Yousfi Karima , Monnet Olivier , Sibert Annie , Allaham Wassim , Belmatoug Nadia
Published: February 2019

Type 1 Gaucher disease is a rare genetic lysosomal disorder due to acid betaglucosidase deficiency. The main features are thrombocytopenia, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly and complex skeletal disease. Complications include pulmonary hypertension, cirrhosis and splenic infarction; comorbidities, such as autoimmune phenomena, B-cell malignancies and Parkinson disease also occur. Visceral aneurysms have been only rarely noted in Gaucher disease. We report the retrospective data from patients with Gaucher disease type 1 and splenic arterial aneurysm. We describe the different outcomes of a giant splenic arterial aneurysm in five patients with type 1 Gaucher disease and discuss the main possible pathophysiological explanations. Aneurysms of the splenic artery are rare in Gaucher disease but are probably greatly under-reported.
Current Status and Changes in Pain and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Patients with Osteoarthritis Before and After Unilateral Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Lai Yen-Feng , Lin Pei-Chao , Chen Chung-Hwan , Chen Jyu-Lin , Hsu Hsin-Tien
Published: February 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease in the elderly, and total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is currently considered the most effective treatment. A prospective, observational, repeated measures study was performed to explore the current status and changes in pain and activities of daily living (ADL) in 58 OA elderly patients undergoing unilateral TKR. The Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBS) for pain and the self-reported Barthel Index for ADL were measured on the day before surgery, 48 hours after surgery, and the day before discharge. Moderate pain was reported before surgery. Pain significantly improved after surgery and before discharge. At all three time points, pain scores were significantly higher in patients who used assistive devices compared to those who did not. Partial independence in ADL was reported before surgery. The ADL scores reported were highest before surgery, and those reported after surgery were lowest. However, ADL scores gradually increased before discharge. ADL scores were higher in the subjects who lived in a detached, single-family homes compared to those who lived in bungalows at all three time points. The results could be used to screen for knee OA elderly patients at high-risk for pain or low ADL and to provide timely intervention strategies as soon as possible.
RETRACTED: SrFexNi1−xO3−δ Perovskites Coated on Ti Anodes and Their Electrocatalytic Properties for Cleaning Nitrogenous Wastewater
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Jin Zilu , Chen Lijun , Wang Jiaqi
Published: February 2019

Perovskites (ABO3), regarded as the antioxidative anode materials in electrocatalysis to clean nitrogenous wastewater, show limited oxygen vacancies and conductivity due to their traditional semiconductor characteristic. To further improve the conductivity and electrocatalytic activity, the ferrum (Fe) element was first doped into the SrNiO3 to fabricate the SrFexNi1−xO3−δ perovskites, and their optimum fabrication conditions were determined. SrFexNi1−xO3−δ perovskites were coated on a titanium (Ti) plate to prepare the SrFexNi1−xO3−δ/Ti electrodes. Afterward, one SrFexNi1−xO3−δ/Ti anode and two stainless steel cathodes were combined to assemble the electrocatalytic reactor (ECR) for cleaning simulated nitrogenous wastewater ((NH4)2SO4 solution, initial total nitrogen (TN) concentration of 150 mg L−1). Additionally, SrFexNi1−xO3−δ materials were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectra, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel curves, respectively. The results indicate that SrFexNi1−xO3−δ materials are featured with the perovskite crystal structure and Fe is appreciably doped into SrNiO3. Moreover, the optimum conditions for fabricating SrFexNi1−xO3−δ were the reaction time of 120 min for citrate sol-gel, a calcination temperature of 700 °C, and Fe doping content of x = 0.3. SrFe0.3Ni0.7O2.85, and perovskite performs attractive electrocatalytic activity (TN removal ratio of 91.33%) and ECR conductivity of 3.62 mS cm−1 under an electrocatalytic time of 150 min. Therefore, SrFexNi1−xO3−δ perovskites are desirable for cleaning nitrogenous wastewater in electrocatalysis.
Influence of Strain Rate and Waveshape on Environmentally-Assisted Cracking during Low-Cycle Fatigue of a 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel in a PWR Water Environment
Authors: Poulain Thibault , de Baglion Laurent , Mendez Jose , Hénaff Gilbert
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the low cycle fatigue resistance of a 304L austenitic stainless steel in a simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water environment has been investigated by paying a special attention to the interplay between environmentally-assisted cracking mechanisms, strain rate, and loading waveshape. More precisely, one of the prime interests of this research work is related to the consideration of complex waveshape signals that are more representative of solicitations encountered by real components. A detailed analysis of stress-strain relation, surface damage, and crack growth provides a preliminary ranking of the severity of complex, variable strain rate signals with respect to triangular, constant strain-rate signals associated with environmental effects in air or in PWR water. Furthermore, as the fatigue lives in PWR water environment are mainly controlled by crack propagation, the crack growth rates derived from striation spacing measurement and estimated from interrupted tests have been carefully examined and analyzed using the strain intensity factor range ΔKε. It is confirmed that the most severe signal with regards to fatigue life also induces the highest crack growth enhancement. Additionally two characteristic parameters, namely a threshold strain εth* and a time T*, corresponding to the duration of the effective exposure of the open cracks to PWR environment have been introduced. It is shown that the T* parameter properly accounts for the differences in environmentally-assisted growth rates as a function of waveshape.
4-Cyanoindole-2′-deoxyribonucleoside as a Dual Fluorescence and Infrared Probe of DNA Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Ahmed Ismail A. , Acharyya Arusha , Eng Christina M. , Rodgers Jeffrey M. , DeGrado William F. , Jo Hyunil , Gai Feng
Published: February 2019

Unnatural nucleosides possessing unique spectroscopic properties that mimic natural nucleobases in both size and chemical structure are ideally suited for spectroscopic measurements of DNA/RNA structure and dynamics in a site-specific manner. However, such unnatural nucleosides are scarce, which prompts us to explore the utility of a recently found unnatural nucleoside, 4-cyanoindole-2′-deoxyribonucleoside (4CNI-NS), as a site-specific spectroscopic probe of DNA. A recent study revealed that 4CNI-NS is a universal nucleobase that maintains the high fluorescence quantum yield of 4-cyanoindole and that among the four natural nucleobases, only guanine can significantly quench its fluorescence. Herein, we further show that the C≡N stretching frequency of 4CNI-NS is sensitive to the local environment, making it a useful site-specific infrared probe of oligonucleotides. In addition, we demonstrate that the fluorescence-quencher pair formed by 4CNI-NS and guanine can be used to quantitatively assess the binding affinity of a single-stranded DNA to the protein system of interest via fluorescence spectroscopy, among other applications. We believe that this fluorescence binding assay is especially useful as its potentiality allows high-throughput screening of DNA–protein interactions.
Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Cold Dilution of Microemulsions: Curcumin Loading, Preliminary In Vitro Studies, and Biodistribution
Authors: Chirio Daniela , Peira Elena , Dianzani Chiara , Muntoni Elisabetta , Gigliotti Casimiro , Ferrara Benedetta , Sapino Simona , Chindamo Giulia , Gallarate Marina
Published: February 2019

Background: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are attractive drug delivery systems for lipophilic molecules like curcumin (CURC) with low chemical stability. Methods: A simple, innovative, and cold-operating method, named “cold dilution of microemulsion” is developed by the authors to produce SLNs. An oil-in-water microemulsion (µE), whose disperse phase consisted of a solution of trilaurin in a partially water-miscible solvent, was prepared after mutually saturating solvent and water. Trilaurin SLNs precipitated following solvent removal upon water dilution of the µE. After SLN characterization (mean size, Zeta potential, CURC entrapment efficiency, and over time stability), they were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity studies on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines and for in vivo preliminary biodistribution studies in Wistar healthy rats. Results: CURC loaded SLNs (SLN-CURC) had mean diameters around 200 nm, were negatively charged, stable over time, and able to entrap CURC up to almost 90%, consequently improving its stability. SLN-CURC inhibited in vitro pancreatic carcinoma cell growth in concentration-dependent manner. Their in vivo intravenous administration suggested a possible long circulation. Conclusions: These results, according to a concomitant study on chitosan-coated SLNs, confirm the possibility to apply the developed SLN-based delivery systems as a means to entrap CURC, to improve both its water dispersibility and chemical stability, facilitating its application in therapy.
Micro- and Nanostructured Polyaniline for Instant Identification of Metal Ions in Solution
Authors: Michalska Agnieszka , Golczak Sebastian , Langer Krzysztof , Langer Jerzy J.
Published: February 2019

The unique properties of nanomaterials enable the creation new analytical devices. Polyaniline (PANI) micro- and nanofiber network, freestanding in the gap between two gold microelectrodes, has been used in a new nanodetector for metal ions in solutions. The gold electrodes were modified with the aid of alkanethiols, forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), which is able to block the ion current flow, but also to interact with metal ions when specific functional molecules are incorporated into the layer. The electric field of the trapped metal ions induces change of the electrical conductivity of polyaniline nanofibers in vicinity. A small injected sample (75 μL) of a solution of salt (about 0.5 μg of salt) was enough to induce a reproducible change in the electrical conductivity of polyaniline nano-network, which was registered as a function of time within 10–20 s. The response was proportional to the concentration of ions. It also depends on properties of ions, e.g., the ionic radius, which allows for identification of metal ions by analyzing the parameters of the signal: the retention time (RT), half width (HW), amplitude (A) and integral intensity (INT). The advantage of the new device is the instant responsiveness and easy operation, but also the simple construction based on organic (polymer) technology. The system is “open”—when learned and calibrated adequately, other metal ions can be analyzed. The nanodetector can be used in cases where monitoring of the presence and concentration of metal ions is important.