bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beckman Bucket Calms Flying Pigs
Authors: Beckman Kathryn
Published: June 2018

The Beckman Bucket is a large bucket with a mesh layer and open base that captures the “cornflakes” (dried layers of lime inside the hoses that deliver lime slurry to the softening basins) and pigs while the water passes through. It is placed close to a drain with the slurry lime inserted into the bucket through the lid. The screen retains the cornflakes and pigs and the water drains out the base of the bucket. The captured cornflakes can be easily disgarded, the pigs reused, and the bucket rinsed clean for future use. Drains remain free of debris.
How Can We Get Customers to Pay?
Authors: Stubbart John
Published: June 2018

This month's question is on collecting overdue water bills and fees. The article suggests operating the system like a business, being consistent about reading water meters each month, sending out bills on a regular schedule, using billing rates and tariffs that are fair and defensible, establishing rules and regulations that govern the water system and that detail what happens when an account is past due, bill collection, and service shutoff and restoration of service. A hypothetical case study is used as an example for establishing rules and regulations, educating the public, being fair and consistent, and collecting the money owed you.
Does Automation Help Operations?
Authors: Stubbart John
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns the benefits of using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and automatic meter reading (AMR) systems, especially for a small water system. The article suggests first deciding what the automation process needs to do, and then work with a designer to develop a SCADA or AMR system that suits your present needs and can also grow as your requirements change. Topics discussed include: regulatory and operational requirements; training; alarms and advantages; tracking data; collecting operational information; generating reports and graphs; security benefits; and, power savings.
Flow Conditioning Supports Accurate Water Measurement
Authors: Gallagher James E.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the benefits of flow conditioners including flowmeter selection, optimal design objectives for flow conditioners, flow conditioner classification, and defining precision.
Follow the Seven Rules of Taste‐and‐Odor Management
Authors:   AWWA Iowa Section
Published: June 2018

In this article, the AWWA Iowa Section discusses the seven rules of taste‐and‐odor management.
Spur Gear Valve Operator Finishes First
Authors: Huffman Marvin
Published: June 2018

This article describes the 2007 Opflow Gimmicks & Gadgets Contest First Place Winner, the Spur Gear Valve Operator. This device allows field crews to quickly operate defective valves to minimize service interruptions, extend valve life, and save time, labor, and money.
Foster a Team‐Based Safety Culture
Authors: Swift Jayne , Holloway William
Published: June 2018

This article discusses four safety practices that have fostered a culture of team spirit at the DeFuniak Springs, Florida, water and wastewater utility, including: the term “safety team” includes everyone at the utility; regularly rewarding individual performance; safety is everyone's responsibility; and, constant communication on daily tasks for each person, and weekly staff meeting safety topics.
Washing and Waxing Public Water Systems
Authors: Spon Robert
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the chemistry of polyphosphate and orthophosphate ingredients in order to establish an optimal range of dosage rates and expected performance. The article discusses the NSF/ANSI Standard 60 list for Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals – Health Effects, that provides definitions for vendor terminology. The article also provides a list of other sources to help identify unknown ingredients and determine whether those ingredients are compatible with your needs.
What Are You Telling Customers About Radiation?
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about radiation in drinking water. The article begins by defining radiation, and provides the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for radionuclides in drinking water such as: alpha particles; beta particles and photon emitters; radium 226 and radium 228; and, uranium. The source of radioactive materials in drinking water is discussed, along with treatment technologies for removing radioactive materials, a USEPA‐created easy‐to‐use real world decision‐tree, aid with Radionuclides Rule compliance, and USEPA‐developed software to help estimate radionuclide concentrations in treatment residuals called Software Program to Ascertain Residual Radionuclide Concentrations (SPARRC).
Reservoir Circulation Reduces Geosmin Production
Authors: Pesacreta George , Braun‐Howland Ellen , Amand Ann St.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an effort at Wake Forest Reservoir, North Carolina, to mitigate taste and odor issues caused by microorganisms. A new approach was used that consisted of releasing compressed air into the bottom of the reservoir through an air‐diffuser array. To study the link between water chemistry, stratification, and taste and odor production, limnocorrals – circular enclosures that isolate portions of the water column from the rest of the impoundment in which various treatments can be tested – were installed to test the potential effectiveness of artificial destratification and subsurface copper sulfate injection. Geosmin production was lower in the subsurface copper sulfate and aerated limnocorrals compared to the controls. Bolstered by reduced geosmin, manganese, and iron in the limnocorral treatments, the town of Wake Forest continued to apply copper sulfate to the surface waters of the impoundment and began to destratify the water column by centering a diffuser array on top of the deep basin. Information is presented from deep basin limnology studies that continued over a two year period, including the following: temperature variations; dissolved oxygen; copper sulfate application; and, taste‐ and odor‐producing microorganisms.
Chlorine Dioxide Requires Reliable Monitoring Protocols
Authors: Sadar Mike , Malkqv Vadim , Under Kevin , Dehmlow Greg
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how advanced reagentless monitoring technology, combined with key operations and maintenance (O&M) protocols, is helping water treatment facilities accurately detect and analyze chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as low as 0.01 mg/L, even in treatment stages with wide variances in pH, turbidity, flow, pressure, and temperature. The article discusses the importance of accurately monitoring and measuring ClO2, and examines how the reagentless electrochemical method uses a stable membrane that is resistant to most interference and is independent of changes in sample pH. This new technology incorporates temperature correction algorithms that are applied to the raw measurement value to produce an accurate ClO2 measurement in the sample stream. The technology can routinely deliver an accurate value in the μg/L range. Field use, monitoring requirements, and operation and maintenance protocols are all discussed.
Expansion Check Tool Keeps Tabs on Filter Media
Authors: Anderson Greg
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the mobile Expansion Check Tool for monitoring filter media expansion during backwash procedures developed at the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, water plant. Construction of the device is discussed, along with operation, benefits, and materials used to build it.
Meeting Chlorine Demand for Virgin Anthracite
Authors: Vogel Jack , Au Kwok‐Keung , Spatz John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a study at the Chicago Department of Water Management's South Water Purification Plant to examine why chlorinated water contained no chlorine after passing through new anthracite‐over‐sand, dual filter media. A bench‐scale test was conducted to: confirm anthracite has a considerable chlorine demand; quantify the demand; and, identify ways to satisfy the demand quickly. Test procedures are presented, along with mixing techniques, and a thorough discussion of test results. The study concluded that with time, anthracite no longer consumed chlorine because of the interaction between chlorine and anthracite's carbon that occurred on grain surfaces and solid carbon oxide being produced at the grain surfaces as a result of the interaction. It appears that carbon oxide coats the anthracite grains and prevents further interaction.
Engineers and Operators: All in the Family
Authors: Gipson Tyler
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the often troublesome relationship between water industry engineers and water treatment plant operators, and provides hints for improving the engineer‐operator relationship.
Seawater Desalination: New Challenges Mark a Changing Landscape
Authors: Alspach Brent
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the growing momentum of seawater desalination using reverse osmosis (SWRO) within the U.S. drinking water industry. Ongoing challenges continue to plague the industry and several are discussed in this article including: water quality, environmental concerns, intake and discharge alternatives, corrosion control, permeate distribution, and regulatory compliance.
Next‐Generation AMR Optimizes Operations and Educates Customers
Authors: Leung Eric , Rendon Abelardo , Hall Patrizia , Vega Carolina
Published: June 2018

This article begins with a listing of automated meter reading (AMR) benefits over traditional meter reading, and goes on to present the Long Beach Water Department's AMR program as an example of a successful automated meter reading program. The utility implemented a fixed‐network AMR system that operates as a mesh network, and includes a basic Web interface to view data in real‐time that allows the utility to set options for generating notifications and alerts.
Crews Gain Independence With Cost‐Effective Mapping System
Authors: Howell Scott
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a project to improve procedures by the city of Independence, Missouri, by implementing a computer‐aided design/geographic information system (CAD/GIS) program to streamline field operations. With the help of laptops mounted in trucks, comprehensive maps, a relational database management system, and a map analyst, each person in the field is more efficient in performing utility duties. Point‐and‐click technology allowed field personel to be trained in the mapping system in less than 2 hours.
AMR Technology Helps Utility Avert Water Shortage
Authors: Motz Tim , Butler Thomas
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), New York, used mobile automated meter reading (AMR) technology to establish a consumption benchmark among customers in a study area by monitoring consumption patterns. The collected data supported SCWA's theory by showing a morning and evening usage rate three times higher than during the day. Analysis also showed an interesting trend ‐ 3 percent of the homes consumed 25 percent of the 11 mil gal, and 12 percent of the homes used 50 percent of all water consumed. This information will help SCWA enhance its education and awareness program to help customers better understand their water consumption and adjust usage accordingly.
Discovering the Unexpected in Disinfection Applications
Authors: Malkov Vadim B. , Visser Gary R.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a finished drinking water disinfection field study at a large surface water treatment facility in South Carolina where an amperometric analyzer equipped with flow sensor and optional pH probe was installed side by side with a colorimetric process instrument to compare the two technologies. The demonstration test helped identify problems with finished water, and the amperometric analyzer performed well in applications in which the sample was consistent regarding pH and chlorine concentration.
Cmms Implementations: Why they Fail and How to Make Them Successful
Authors: Leckington Cal
Published: June 2018

This article recommends that, to attain computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) success, a utility should start with an evaluation of its maintenance work processes and prioritize them based on how important they are to the utility's goals or measures of success. The article discusses how to identify and measure each task by using a risk‐based auditing method that uses asset management protocols for measuring the consequence and likelihood of failure for each CMMS‐related work process. This method allows you to prioritize your CMMS efforts and apply resources only to the efforts that will lead to success.
Skeletal Consequences of Nephropathic Cystinosis
Authors: Florenzano Pablo , Ferreira Carlos , Nesterova Galina , Roberts Mary Scott , Tella Sri Harsha , de Castro Luis Fernandez , Brown Sydney M , Whitaker Adom , Pereira Renata C , Bulas Dorothy , Gafni Rachel I , Salusky Isidro B , Gahl William A , Collins Michael T
Published: June 2018

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder. Patients present in the first year of life with renal Fanconi syndrome that evolves to progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite the multiple risk factors for bone disease, the frequency and severity of skeletal disorders in nephropathic cystinosis have not been described. We performed systematic bone and mineral evaluations of subjects with cystinosis seen at the NIH (n = 30), including history and physical examination, serum and urine biochemistries, DXA, vertebral fracture assessment, skeletal radiographs, and renal ultrasound. Additionally, histomorphometric analyses are reported on six subjects seen at the UCLA Bone and Mineral Metabolism Clinic. In NIH subjects, mean age was 20 years (range, 5 to 44 years), 60% were CKD stages G1 to G4, and 40% had a renal transplant. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores were decreased in the femoral neck, total hip, and 1/3 radius (p < 0.05). Low bone mass at one or more sites was present in 46% of subjects. Twenty-seven percent of subjects reported one or more long bone fractures. Thirty-two percent of subjects had incidental vertebral fractures, which were unrelated to transplant status. Long-bone deformity/bowing was present in 64%; 50% had scoliosis. Diffuse osteosclerosis was present in 21% of evaluated subjects. Risk factors included CKD, phosphate wasting, hypercalciuria, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypovitaminosis D, male hypogonadism, metabolic acidosis, and glucocorticoid/immunosuppressive therapy. Sixty-one percent of the non-transplanted subjects had ultrasonographic evidence of nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis. Histomorphometric analyses showed impaired mineralization in four of six studied subjects. We conclude that skeletal deformities, decreased bone mass, and vertebral fractures are common and relevant complications of nephropathic cystinosis, even before renal transplantation. Efforts to minimize risk factors for skeletal disease include optimizing mineral metabolism and hormonal status, combined with monitoring for nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis. © 2018 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Changes in the expression of matrix extracellular genes and TGFB family members in rotator cuff tears
Authors: Santoro Belangero Paulo , Antônio Figueiredo Eduardo , Cohen Carina , de Seixas Alves Felipe , Hiromi Yanaguizawa Wânia , Cardoso Smith Marília , Vicente Andreoli Carlos , de Castro Pochini Alberto , Teresa de Seixas Alves Maria , Ejnisman Benno , Cohen Moises , Ferreira Leal Mariana
Published: June 2018

Lack of synthesis of extracellular matrix compounds may contribute to degeneration of the tendons. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix and TGFB family members in ruptured and non‐ruptured tendons of the rotator cuff, as well as the effect of clinical factors on gene expression in tendon samples, and the relationship between histological findings and altered gene expression. Injured and non‐injured supraspinatus tendon samples and subscapular non‐injured tendon samples were collected from 38 patients with rotator cuff tears. Non‐injured supraspinatus tendons were obtained from eight controls. Specimens were used for histological evaluation, quantification of collagen fibers, and mRNA and protein expression analyses. Increased COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, FN1, TNC, and TGFBR1 mRNA expression was observed in the tear samples (p < 0.05). Duration of symptoms was correlated with the levels of collagen type I/III fibers (p = 0.032; ρ = 0.0447) and FN1 immunostaining (p = 0.031; ρ = 0.417). Smoking was associated with increased frequency of microcysts, myxoid degeneration, and COL5A1, FN1, TNC, and TGFB1 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). FN1 immunostaining was correlated with the number of years of smoking (p = 0.048; ρ = 0.384). Lower levels of collagen type I/III fibers were detected in samples with fissures (0 = 0.046). High frequency of microcysts was associated with increased COL5A1, FN1, and TNC expression (p < 0.05, for all comparisons). Neovascularization was associated with reduced FN1 (p = 0.035) and TGFBR1 expression (p = 0.034). Our findings show differential expression of matrix extracellular genes and TGFB family members in the degeneration process involved in rotator cuff tears. These molecular alterations are influenced by clinical factors. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2542–2553, 2018.
Design considerations for a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA)‐based PET isotope generator
Authors: Westerly David C. , Behbahani Reza A. , Kavanagh Brian , Liu Arthur , Miften Moyed , Serkova Natalie J. , Diot Quentin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging remains limited due to the cost associated with on‐site production of short half‐life, positron‐emitting isotopes. In this work, we examine the use of a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA) to accelerate protons for single‐dose PET isotope production.

Methods

Time‐domain electromagnetic field and particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations were performed for a 1.5‐m PLIA structure modeled in CST Microwave Studio and Particle Studio software. Scaled measurements from a kV ramp‐pulse generator were incorporated into the simulations to accelerate a 1 A, 50 ns proton beam injected with initial kinetic energy of 100 keV. A uniform, 3 T, solenoidal magnetic field was used to provide external beam focusing. Electromagnetic fields and particle phase space were recorded with ns resolution for subsequent analysis.

Results

Applying a scaled 100 kV, 20 ns ramped voltage pulse to the PLIA input resulted in a travelling electric field wave inside the structure with accelerating gradient of 2.4 MV/m. The observed wave speed was 1.2 × 107 m/s and is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Phase space monitors showed both acceleration and bunching of the proton beam, with a maximum kinetic energy of 2.5 MeV, observed at the exit of the single PLIA stage. Evaluation of beam position monitors at different locations in the accelerator showed bunch compression and minimal beam divergence, illustrating that the 3 T field is adequate to contain the beam over the length of the PLIA structure.

Conclusion

Simulations performed in this work demonstrate the feasibility of using a PLIA structure to accelerate protons with MV/m level gradients. Combining several PLIA stages in series could allow for a low‐cost accelerator suitable for dose‐on‐demand PET isotope production.
An historical overview over Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Fornasier Giulia , Francescon Sara , Leone Roberto , Baldo Paolo
Published: June 2018

Pharmacovigilance started about 170 years ago, although it was not yet named as such at that time. It is structured activity in the professional health field, with important social and commercial implications aimed at monitoring the risk/benefit ratio of drugs, improving patient’s safety and the quality of life. In this commentary we report the milestones of pharmacovigilance up to the present day, in order to understand all the steps that have characterized the historical evolution; from the first reports, which were essentially letters or warnings sent by clinicians to publishers of important and famous scientific journals, up to today’s modern and ultra-structured electronic registries. The historical phases also help us to understand why pharmacovigilance helped us to achieve such important results for man’s health and for pharmacology itself, and to identify the challenges that await Pharmacovigilance in future years.
Early BCR-ABL1 decline in imatinib-treated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: results from a multicenter study of the Chinese CML alliance
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Wang Yingqiao , Wang Jianxiang , Hu Jianda , Chen Suning , Jin Jie , Liu Ting , Zhou Jianfeng , Hu Yu , Ma Daoxin , Huang Xiaojun , Ji Chunyan , Hou Ming
Published: June 2018

An early molecular response is spectacularly predictive of outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and early response landmarks may identify the high-risk patients likely to be benefit from an early therapy switch. In this study, we evaluated the most relevant cutoffs for early molecular response markers (BCR-ABL1 values at 3 months, log reduction and halving time between diagnosis and 3 months) in 476 first-line imatinib-treated Chinese patients with chronic phase CML. All outcomes were significantly superior for the 324 patients with 3-month BCR-ABL1 ≤10%, so did for the 270 patients with BCR-ABL1 >0.61 log reduction. BCR-ABL1 halving time ≤22 days was identified for patients with the most favorable outcome. Moreover, the prognosis was significantly poorest for patients with both halving time >44 days and BCR-ABL1 >10%. Importantly, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that a BCR-ABL1 log reduction calculated at 3 months of 0.61 was the only variable that significantly predicted for OS. Our results highlight the importance of rapid initial decline of BCR-ABL1 in predicting satisfactory outcome. Our data support the evidence that monitoring BCR-ABL1 values at an early time point could contribute to accurately assess response and ultimately guide clinical decisions regarding the timing of therapeutic intervention.
Mechanism of neuroprotection by trehalose: controversy surrounding autophagy induction
Authors: Lee He-Jin , Yoon Ye-Seul , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: June 2018

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide with two glucose molecules linked through an α, α-1,1-glucosidic bond. Trehalose has received attention for the past few decades for its role in neuroprotection especially in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson and Huntington diseases. The mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of trehalose remains elusive. The prevailing hypothesis is that trehalose protects neurons by inducing autophagy, thereby clearing protein aggregates. Some of the animal studies showed activation of autophagy and reduced protein aggregates after trehalose administration in neurodegenerative disease models, seemingly supporting the autophagy induction hypothesis. However, results from cell studies have been less certain; although many studies claim that trehalose induces autophagy and reduces protein aggregates, the studies have their weaknesses, failing to provide sufficient evidence for the autophagy induction theory. Furthermore, a recent study with a thorough examination of autophagy flux showed that trehalose interfered with the flux from autophagosome to autolysosome, raising controversy on the direct effects of trehalose on autophagy. This review summarizes the fundamental properties of trehalose and the studies on its effects on neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the controversy related to the autophagy induction theory and seek to explain how trehalose works in neuroprotection.
Predictive modeling of battery degradation and greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. state-level electric vehicle operation
Authors: Yang Fan , Xie Yuanyuan , Deng Yelin , Yuan Chris
Published: June 2018

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely promoted as clean alternatives to conventional vehicles for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ground transportation. However, the battery undergoes a sophisticated degradation process during EV operations and its effects on EV energy consumption and GHG emissions are unknown. Here we show on a typical 24 kWh lithium-manganese-oxide–graphite battery pack that the degradation of EV battery can be mathematically modeled to predict battery life and to study its effects on energy consumption and GHG emissions from EV operations. We found that under US state-level average driving conditions, the battery life is ranging between 5.2 years in Florida and 13.3 years in Alaska under 30% battery degradation limit. The battery degradation will cause a 11.5–16.2% increase in energy consumption and GHG emissions per km driven at 30% capacity loss. This study provides a robust analytical approach and results for supporting policy making in prioritizing EV deployment in the U.S.
High-veracity functional imaging in scanning probe microscopy via Graph-Bootstrapping
Authors: Li Xin , Collins Liam , Miyazawa Keisuke , Fukuma Takeshi , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: June 2018

The key objective of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques is the optimal representation of the nanoscale surface structure and functionality inferred from the dynamics of the cantilever. This is particularly pertinent today, as the SPM community has seen a rapidly growing trend towards simultaneous capture of multiple imaging channels and complex modes of operation involving high-dimensional information-rich datasets, bringing forward the challenges of visualization and analysis, particularly for cases where the underlying dynamic model is poorly understood. To meet this challenge, we present a data-driven approach, Graph-Bootstrapping, based on low-dimensional manifold learning of the full SPM spectra and demonstrate its successes for high-veracity mechanical mapping on a mixed polymer thin film and resolving irregular hydration structure of calcite at atomic resolution. Using the proposed methodology, we can efficiently reveal and hierarchically represent salient material features with rich local details, further enabling denoising, classification, and high-resolution functional imaging.
Wild Norway Rats Do Not Avoid Predator Scents When Collecting Food in a Familiar Habitat: A Field Study
Authors: Stryjek Rafał , Mioduszewska Berenika , Spaltabaka-Gędek Ewelina , Juszczak Grzegorz R.
Published: June 2018

The ability to avoid predators is crucial to wild prey animals’ survival. Potential danger is signalled, among others, by the presence of predator scents. These odors are used in research both to trigger and to study fear reactions in laboratory animals; they are also employed as repellents against pest rodent species. In our study, we assessed nine predator-derived odors for their effectiveness in eliciting avoidance responses in a free-living colony of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were studied in a field setting. Food was put in two compartments inside the experimental pen: in one of them, predator scent was introduced on experimental days. The rats did not avoid boxes with predator odor and did not display an increased latency of food-carrying behavior or any other fear-related behavior, such as freezing or increased grooming. The results confirm the hypothesis that the foraging of rodents in a well-known territory and in relative proximity to burrows and other shelters is not affected by indirect cues of predation risk, such as the presence of predator urine or feces. We have also concluded that in a well-established colony living in a familiar territory, predator scent holds little promise as rodent repellent.
(Fe0.2Ni0.8)0.96S tubular spheres supported on Ni foam as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Xu Peiman , Li Jingwei , Luo Jiaxian , Wei Licheng , Zhang Dawei , Zhou Dan , Xu Weiming , Yuan Dingsheng
Published: June 2018

Earth-abundant and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly significant for renewable energy systems. However, the performance of existing electrocatalysts is usually restricted by the low electroic conductivity and the limited amount of exposed active sites. In this work, (Fe0.2Ni0.8)0.96S tubular spheres supported on Ni foam have been prepared by a sulfuration of FeNi layered double hydroxide spheres grown on Ni foam. Benefiting from the unique tubular sphere architecture, the rich inner defects and the enhanced electron interactions between Fe, Ni and S, this electrocatalyst shows low overpotential of 48 mV for HER at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 mol L−1 KOH solution, which is one of the lowest value of non-previous electrocatalyts for HER in alkaline electrolyte. Furthermore, assembled this versatile electrode as an alkaline electrolyzer for overall water splitting, a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved at a low cell voltage of 1.56 V, and reach up to 30 mA cm−2 only at an operating cell voltage of 1.65 V.
Genetic and chemical differentiation characterizes top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas in the TCM herb rhubarb
Authors: Wang Xumei , Feng Li , Zhou Tao , Ruhsam Markus , Huang Lei , Hou Xiaoqi , Sun Xiaojie , Fan Kai , Huang Min , Zhou Yun , Song Jie
Published: June 2018

Medicinal herbs of high quality and with significant clinical effects have been designated as top-geoherbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the validity of this concept using genetic markers has not been widely tested. In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within theRheum palmatumcomplex (rhubarb), an important herbal remedy in TCM, using a phylogeographic (six chloroplast DNA regions, five nuclear DNA regions, and 14 nuclear microsatellite loci) and a chemical approach (anthraquinone content). Genetic and chemical data identified two distinct groups in the 38 analysed populations from theR.palmatumcomplex which geographically coincide with the traditional top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas of rhubarb. Molecular dating suggests that the two groups diverged in the Quaternaryc. 2.0 million years ago, a time of repeated climate changes and uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Our results show that the ancient TCM concept of top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas corresponds to genetically and chemically differentiated groups in rhubarb.
Variability in stroke motor outcome is explained by structural and functional integrity of the motor system
Authors: Lam Timothy K. , Binns Malcolm A. , Honjo Kie , Dawson Deirdre R. , Ross Bernhard , Stuss Donald T. , Black Sandra E. , Chen J. Jean , Fujioka Takako , Chen Joyce L.
Published: June 2018

Biomarkers that represent the structural and functional integrity of the motor system enable us to better assess motor outcome post-stroke. The degree of overlap between the stroke lesion and corticospinal tract (CST Injury) is a measure of the structural integrity of the motor system, whereas the left-to-right motor cortex resting state connectivity (LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity) is a measure of its functional integrity. CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity each individually correlate with motor outcome post-stroke, but less is understood about the relationship between these biomarkers. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity, individually and together, with motor outcome. Twenty-seven participants with upper limb motor deficits post-stroke completed motor assessments and underwent MRI at one time point. CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity were derived from T1-weighted and resting state functional MRI scans, respectively. We performed hierarchical multiple regression analyses to determine the contribution of each biomarker in explaining motor outcome. The interaction between CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity does not significantly contribute to the variability in motor outcome. However, inclusion of both CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity explains more variability in motor outcome, than either alone. We suggest both biomarkers provide distinct information about an individual’s motor outcome.
CXCL4/Platelet Factor 4 is an agonist of CCR1 and drives human monocyte migration
Authors: Fox James M. , Kausar Fahima , Day Amy , Osborne Michael , Hussain Khansa , Mueller Anja , Lin Jessica , Tsuchiya Tomoko , Kanegasaki Shiro , Pease James E.
Published: June 2018

Activated platelets release micromolar concentrations of the chemokine CXCL4/Platelet Factor-4. Deposition of CXCL4 onto the vascular endothelium is involved in atherosclerosis, facilitating monocyte arrest and recruitment by an as yet, unidentified receptor. Here, we demonstrate that CXCL4 drives chemotaxis of the monocytic cell line THP-1. Migration and intracellular calcium responses induced by CXCL4 werepertussistoxin-sensitive, implicating a GPCR in signal transduction. Cell treatment with chondroitinase ABC ablated migration, suggesting thatcispresentation of CXCL4 by cell surface glycosaminoglycans to a GPCR is required. Although CXCR3 has been previously described as a CXCL4 receptor, THP-1 cells were unresponsive to CXCR3 ligands and CXCL4-induced migration was insensitive to a CXCR3 antagonist, suggesting that an alternative receptor is involved. Interrogating CC-class chemokine receptor transfectants, we unexpectedly found that CXCL4 could induce the migration of CCR1-expressing cells and also induce CCR1 endocytosis. Extending our findings to primary human monocytes, we observed that CXCL4 induced CCR1 endocytosis and could induce monocyte chemotaxis in a CCR1 antagonist-sensitive manner. Collectively, our data identify CCR1 as a previously elusive monocyte CXCL4 receptor and suggest that CCR1 may play a role in inflammation where the release of CXCL4 is implicated.
Independent selection of eye and hand targets suggests effector-specific attentional mechanisms
Authors: Hanning Nina M. , Aagten-Murphy David , Deubel Heiner
Published: June 2018

Both eye and hand movements bind visual attention to their target locations during movement preparation. However, it remains contentious whether eye and hand targets are selected jointly by a single selection system, or individually by independent systems. To unravel the controversy, we investigated the deployment of visual attention – a proxy of motor target selection – in coordinated eye-hand movements. Results show that attention builds up in parallel both at the eye and the hand target. Importantly, the allocation of attention to one effector’s motor target was not affected by the concurrent preparation of the other effector’s movement at any time during movement preparation. This demonstrates that eye and hand targets are represented in separate, effector-specific maps of action-relevant locations. The eye-hand synchronisation that is frequently observed on the behavioral level must emerge from mutual influences of the two effector systems at later, post-attentional processing stages.
Deep-learned 3D black-blood imaging using automatic labelling technique and 3D convolutional neural networks for detecting metastatic brain tumors
Authors: Jun Yohan , Eo Taejoon , Kim Taeseong , Shin Hyungseob , Hwang Dosik , Bae So Hi , Park Yae Won , Lee Ho-Joon , Choi Byoung Wook , Ahn Sung Soo
Published: June 2018

Black-blood (BB) imaging is used to complement contrast-enhanced 3D gradient-echo (CE 3D-GRE) imaging for detecting brain metastases, requiring additional scan time. In this study, we proposed deep-learned 3D BB imaging with an auto-labelling technique and 3D convolutional neural networks for brain metastases detection without additional BB scan. Patients were randomly selected for training (29 sets) and testing (36 sets). Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated deep-learned and original BB images, assessing the degree of blood vessel suppression and lesion conspicuity. Vessel signals were effectively suppressed in all patients. The figure of merits, which indicate the diagnostic performance of radiologists, were 0.9708 with deep-learned BB and 0.9437 with original BB imaging, suggesting that the deep-learned BB imaging is highly comparable to the original BB imaging (difference was not significant; p = 0.2142). In per patient analysis, sensitivities were 100% for both deep-learned and original BB imaging; however, the original BB imaging indicated false positive results for two patients. In per lesion analysis, sensitivities were 90.3% for deep-learned and 100% for original BB images. There were eight false positive lesions on the original BB imaging but only one on the deep-learned BB imaging. Deep-learned 3D BB imaging can be effective for brain metastases detection.
Engineering of Hybrid Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Photonic Crystals by Heterogeneous Pulse Anodization
Authors: Lim Siew Yee , Law Cheryl Suwen , Marsal Lluís F. , Santos Abel
Published: June 2018

In this study, we present an advanced nanofabrication approach, so-called ‘heterogeneous pulse anodization’ (HPA), in which galvanostatic stepwise and apodized sinusoidal pulse anodizations are combined in a single process. This novel anodization method enables the precise optical engineering of the characteristic photonic stopbands (PSBs) of nanoporous anodic alumina photonic crystals (NAA-PCs). The resulting structures are hybrid PCs (Hy-NAA-PCs) composed of distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) and apodized gradient-index filters (APO-GIFs) embedded within the same PC structure. The modification of various anodization parameters such as anodization period, relative and total anodization time, structural arrangement of PCs within Hy-NAA-PCs, and pore widening time allows the fine-tuning of the PSBs’ features (i.e. number, position and bandwidth of central wavelength) across the spectral regions. The effects of these fabrication parameters are systematically assessed, revealing that the positions of the characteristic transmission bands of Hy-NAA-PCs are highly controllable. Our study provides a comprehensive rationale towards the development of unique Hy-NAA-PCs with controllable optical properties, which could open new opportunities for a plethora of applications.
Improved crop yield and reduced nitrate nitrogen leaching with straw return in a rice-wheat rotation of Ningxia irrigation district
Authors: Yang Shiqi , Wang Yongsheng , Liu Ruliang , Xing Lei , Yang Zhengli
Published: June 2018

Field experiments were conducted in rice-wheat rotation under conventional management to determine the effects of straw return ((half straw return, HS) and (total straw return, TS)) on crop yield, N uptake, soil properties and soil NO3−–N leaching. We found that straw return significantly increased crop yield and N uptake. TS significantly increased soil SOM at depths of 20 cm and 30 cm. Straw return had significantly increased soil NO3−–N leaching at a depth of 10 cm, whereas significantly decreased soil NO3−–N leaching at depths of 30 cm and 90 cm in the rice season. In wheat season, HS and TS performed better than conventional fertilization management without straw return in reducing soil NO3−–N leaching at depth of 90 cm. Soil NO3−–N leaching was significantly decreased through enhancing total N uptake, improving soil aggregation and decreasing soil NO3−–N concentration. Our results indicated that total straw return has the potential to increase crop yield, improve soil aggregation and decrease soil NO3−–N concentration, thus increasing total N uptake and reducing soil NO3−–N leaching in the rice-wheat rotation system of Ningxia Yellow river irrigation district. In the future, the long-term observation of crop yield and nitrate nitrogen leaching are necessary to identify the environmentally friendly straw return practices for rice-wheat rotation.
A conditional silencing suppression system for transient expression
Authors: Reis Rodrigo Siqueira , Litholdo Celso G. , Bally Julia , Roberts Thomas H. , Waterhouse Peter M.
Published: June 2018

RNA silencing is a powerful tool deployed by plants against viral infection and abnormal gene expression. Plant viruses have evolved a suite of silencing suppressors for counter-defense, which are also widely used to boost transcript and protein accumulation in transient assays. However, only wild type silencing suppressor proteins have been reported to date. Here we demonstrate that P0 of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), PLP0, can be split into two proteins that only show silencing suppression activity upon co-expression. We cloned each of these proteins in two different constructs and transiently co-infiltrated them in N. benthamiana leaves. We expressed a fluorescent protein from one of the vectors and observed that cells expressing both halves of PLP0 suppressed gene silencing. Further, we showed that Q system of Neurospora crassa, based on co-expression of a transcription activator and inhibitor, is functional in agroinfiltrated leaves of N. benthamiana. Q system combined with the split PLP0 system showed very tight co-expression of Q system’s transcriptional activator and inhibitor. Altogether, our experiments demonstrate a functioning conditional silencing suppressor system and its potential as a powerful tool for transient expression in N. benthamiana leaves, as well as the application of the Q system in plants.
Highly sensitive chemiluminescent aptasensor for detecting HBV infection based on rapid magnetic separation and double-functionalized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xi Zhijiang , Gong Quan , Wang Chao , Zheng Bing
Published: June 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health problem and one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. HBsAg is the first serological marker to appear in the blood and is the most important marker of HBV infection. Detection of HBsAg in serum samples is commonly carried out using an immunoassay such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which is complex to perform, time-consuming, and unsatisfactory for testing sensitivity. Therefore, new methods for highly sensitive detection of HBV infection are urgently needed. Aptamers are specific recognition molecules with high affinity and specificity toward their targets. Biosensors that employ aptamers as biorecognition elements are known as aptasensors. In this study, we select an HBsAg-specific aptamer and use it to develop a new chemiluminescent aptasensor based on rapid magnetic separation and double-functionalized gold nanoparticles. This sensor enables rapid magnetic separation and highly sensitive detection of HBsAg in HBV-positive serum. The detection limit of this HBsAg-detecting chemiluminescent aptasensor is as low as 0.05 ng/mL, which is much lower than the 0.5 ng/mL limit of a typical ELISA used in hospitals. Furthermore, this aptasensor works well and is highly specific to HBV infection.
A New biological proxy for deep-sea paleo-oxygen: Pores of epifaunal benthic foraminifera
Authors: Rathburn Anthony E. , Willingham Jake , Ziebis Wiebke , Burkett Ashley M. , Corliss Bruce H.
Published: June 2018

The negative consequences of fossil fuel burning for the oceans will likely include warming, acidification and deoxygenation, yet predicting future deoxygenation is difficult. Sensitive proxies for oxygen concentrations in ancient deep-ocean bottom-waters are needed to learn from patterns of marine deoxygenation during global warming conditions in the geological past. Understanding of past oxygenation effects related to climate change will better inform us about future patterns of deoxygenation. Here we describe a new, quantitative biological proxy for determining ocean paleo-oxygen concentrations: the surface area of pores (used for gas exchange) in the tests of deep-sea benthic foraminifera collected alive from 22 locations (water depths: 400 to 4100 m) at oxygen levels ranging from ~ 2 to ~ 277 μmol/l. This new proxy is based on species that are widely distributed geographically, bathymetrically and chronologically, and therefore should have broad applications. Our calibration demonstrates a strong, negative logarithmic correlation between bottom-water oxygen concentrations and pore surface area, indicating that pore surface area of fossil epifaunal benthic foraminifera can be used to reconstruct past changes in deep ocean oxygen and redox levels.
Honeybee rebel workers invest less in risky foraging than normal workers
Authors: Kuszewska Karolina , Miler Krzysztof , Woyciechowski Michal
Published: June 2018

In eusocial insect colonies, workers have individual preferences for performing particular tasks. Previous research suggests that these preferences might be associated with worker reproductive potential; however, different studies have yielded inconsistent results. This study constitutes the first comparison of foraging preferences between genetically similar normal and rebel honeybee workers, which present different reproductive potential. We found that rebels, which have a higher reproductive potential than normal workers, displayed a delayed onset of foraging and a stronger tendency to collect nectar compared with normal workers. These results support the hypothesis that workers with high reproductive potential invest more in their own egg laying and avoid risky tasks such as foraging. In contrast, the results do not support the hypothesis that reproductive workers initiate foraging earlier in life than normal workers and specialize in pollen foraging.
Geometric metasurface enabling polarization independent beam splitting
Authors: Yoon Gwanho , Lee Dasol , Nam Ki Tae , Rho Junsuk
Published: June 2018

A polarization independent holographic beam splitter that generates equal-intensity beams based on geometric metasurface is demonstrated. Although conventional geometric metasurfaces have the advantages of working over a broad frequency range and having intuitive design principles, geometric metasurfaces have the limitation that they only work for circular polarization. In this work, Fourier holography is used to overcome this limitation. A perfect overlap resulting from the origin-symmetry of the encoded image enables polarization independent operation of geometric metasurfaces. The designed metasurface beam splitter is experimentally demonstrated by using hydrogenated amorphous silicon, and the device performs consistent beam splitting regardless of incident polarizations as well as wavelengths. Our device can be applied to generate equal-intensity beams for entangled photon light sources in quantum optics, and the design approach provides a way to develop ultra-thin broadband polarization independent components for modern optics.